He’s the current bane of my existence…and the hot monster haunting my dreams.
Maybe if he weren’t also the single father of one of my students, I’d be okay with the evening jaunts into the skankier parts of my subconscious, even though nothing ever goes anywhere.
I mean, a private elementary school teacher has to relieve stress somehow, right?
Unfortunately, the growly, grumpy man isn’t just a parent my brain reimagines with fangs and claws; he’s also possibly abusing his daughter.
Falling in Love with the Man of My Nightmares is a laugh-out-loud romantic comedy with light fantasy elements, neurodivergent characters, and plenty of closed-door sizzle.
Camilla Evergreen is an alias of USA Today bestselling author Anne Stryker. Originally intended as a dumping ground for all things lacking fantasy, Camilla/Anne came to the shocking discovery that writing sarcastic, chaotic romcoms full of quippy heroines and adoring heroes has a kick to it.
Camilla/Anne’s neurodivergent tendencies leave her hyperfocused on writing sweet and sassy romances from dawn till dusk and lending whatever her current creative obsessions are to her characters. From arranged marriages to falling for the boss, there’s lots of love to go around.
I'm so excited that everyone gets to read Falling in Love with the Man of My Nightmares! I am obsessed with this book! I am pretty sure I broke a rib from laughing and crying so hard. The emotions that Pollux and Kass brought out in my should be illegal, but alas, this book was therapy. The road to self-discovery is a hard one. The real fear of the unknown and the expectations of others that mold us. This book addressed many issues that I know I and others struggle with daily.
The way Camilla writes is so realistic and awe-inspiring. It is like I am the FMC, and I am having these thoughts and struggles. It is poetic in a way honestly. I have never opened a Camilla book and not been right there with everything happening. I ha e never once not felt so many emotions that I can out whole. I don't know how to explain it, but Camilla sucks you in with her stories and the personal trials they go through. I don't know if that means I have a lot of issues to work on as I relate to most of her characters or if she is just magic! Magic sounds good, yeah, let's go with magic.
Kass and Pollux have chemistry for sure, but they start off with a little miscommunication, which goes for a good chunk of the book and just keeps getting funnier. This book is hilarious!! I absolutely loved it! With that, I must end my review because the temptation to drop spoilers is so real! Here is a quote, though!
“I think timeout is an excellent choice.” His eyes narrow. “Timeout?” “Telling her to sit until she calms down. Timeout. It’s a good punishment.” He scrubs a hand down his mouth. “Dearest… that’s not discipline.” “Of course it is.” “Surely not.” “Surely yes.” He stabs a finger against the table and leans forward. “Do you know what Andromeda is doing right now?” “Sitting and calming down. Letting her emotions and her thoughts find a place where they can meet rationally. As you asked her to.” “Plotting revenge.”
A closed door monster romcom? YES PLEASE! With a found family cast of characters I already adore, a strong teacher FMC and a gushy centered single adopted father MMC, Camilla Evergreen has done it again with this massive book drop. Exploring real topics in a serious way, interspersed with her witty sense of humor, loveable main and side characters, and a whole lot of sass, this book takes you on a journey. I found myself crying along with characters, laughing out loud (oops, I might have disrupted my husband's sleep), and staying up way past my bedtime to finish this in one day. Kassandra's journey to self understanding, Pollux's fall hard and fall fast devotion + sweetest father figure EVER, Andromeda's devious little plots to "help" her found parents... this book is everything I had hoped it would be and more. Additionally, I loved watching how previous leads from the series have grown into themselves in this book. While technically you do not need to have read any of the previous books to understand and love this book, the others are equally fantastic and make it worth the read. This book gives us a beautiful glimpse into the characters for book 5 in the series and I truly CAN NOT wait for Tiny Bat and Gamer Girl to get their happily ever afters! I received an early version of the book, serving my impatience very well.
I just have so much love for Pollux and this series in general. He is the best, giant cinnamon roll wrapped up in a death eater package. The imagery in this story is so fantastic and Ms Evergreen gets to explore some fabulous scenery in the dream realm. Andromeda wins my heart for being the most adorable little monster a single dream eater daddy could have for a daughter. I still very much appreciate the idea that those of us that are neuro atypical are, in fact, fae just trying to fit into a realm that was never meant for our own brand of fabulousness. The combination of fantasy, comedy, romance, and therapy is absolutely perfect!
Loved this one! Truly-so good! I actually teared up a few times from the sheer sweetness & caring that was in it🥹. Love Pollux-grumpy but secretly such a softie who cares about those he takes in. Loved him & Kass together. Meda is hilarious and feisty! Highly recommend this series-acceptance and love & caring 💛🐝
Pollux Strahk, the man that you are. Wow okay. So this was a silly little romcom. Or at least it was supposed to be? Turns out Kass and I are the same person. I cried way too much. I also was pmsing so that may have something to do with it, but there were too many tears for them to be disregarded. I mean we all know Camilla can write incredibly well. She's funny, clean, and real. It was a fun book, it was romantic, but it was also so real. Like she finds out she has this soulmate and instead of jumping into his arms and riding off into the sunset, she takes a step back and gets familiar with the idea before she even decides to date him. She also has so much self discovery happening and he is so respectful of that and supports her through it. He's not rushing her into anything, he's just incredibly joyful that she's there. If anyone wants to know who I am as a person; see Kass. If anyone wants to know what kind of man I want(need); see Pollux. Oooooooh man. He's everything. New book boyfriend. Which says a lot because that only makes him the second one. Thank you Miss Camilla for reminding me of how hot ~massive~ men are. Also I am just as in love with Andromeda as everyone else in this series seems to be.
P.S. I am still waiting for my boy Castor's story. (I am thrilled to report that it is, in fact, coming!!)
This book was so sweet. I loved getting to see more of Meda, as well as Alexios.
Romance: Clean. There are no explicit scenes, but there are a few curse words, such as p*ss. No f- or s-bombs. Childhood trauma is mentioned, as well as child abuse (although it's mistaken).
I am once again in awe of the incredible and detailed world created in this series. It somehow straddles the human world and this fantasy world with a unique balance of humour, romance, cuteness, tenderness, care, challenge, and paranormal. The creativity, frankly, astounds me. The romance is so adorable. As usual for these books (and this author in general, I think), he falls first and he falls hard. There may be a little healthy obsession involved. “She was his antithesis. His cure. His soul’s mate.” This book also spends a significant amount of time in the dreaded miscommunication trope. “This tapestry of red flags just keeps getting bigger.” BUT, hear me out, it is in the best way. It’s silly but not stupid. Of course a nonhuman and a human would not understand each other or the customs and expectations of each other’s worlds. “‘Consider the possibility that everything you believe…might be wrong.’” It was very amusing. The kitten, for instance. IYKYK.
The characters were wonderful. Pollux was so sweet. You know, for a dream eater. Kassandra was entertaining and a good representation of the struggles faced by anyone who feels like they have to conform and give up part of themselves. “It feels like I’ve spent too long embedding a list of other people’s rules in my skin. I’m a collection of scar tissue. It hurts just to breathe.” Meda was a cutie pie. And let’s talk about Kassandra’s parents: talk about #parentinggoals. They weren’t perfect and they made mistakes, but they were also pretty darn great. A fun difference from other parents in the series. I adored the Kasserole nickname and the backstory for it was perfection. It was so fun to revisit all the other characters from the series. I’m looking forward to the upcoming stories too.
As this book is part of a series with a well developed nonhuman world, there is quite a bit of carryover, not to mention the character carryover, however details are well explained so this book could be read as a standalone. I do recommend reading the entire series in order though. All the books are excellent. The author provides detailed reader expectations at the beginning of the book. In brief, this story includes elements that involve some references to religion, depression, anxiety, references to violence, substance abuse, and child protection concerns. This is a closed door romance with undetailed discussion of intimacy, light innuendo, and no harsh language, but mentions of cursing.
What will she write next?? Camilla is the queen of creating niche sub-genres that we didn’t deserve but absolutely needed. When she wrote her decidedly darker-themed romances, “How to Destroy Your Lifelong Bully” and, “My Best Friend and I Need Therapy” I marveled at her ability to write love stories for the (slightly) villainous AND keep it clean—all without sacrificing the tension and angst.
WELL, she’s done it again, folks!
While I’m a huge romantasy fan, I’ve never quite wandered into the paranormal side of romance genres (before this series) because they tend to cater to a certain 🌶️ level that isn’t really my comfort level. There are plenty of stereotypes about monster romances (IYKYK 👀) and she breaks all of them in the best way possible! This book was clean without being squeaky, sensual without being sexual, and just enough awkward to endear you to the characters. 🫶🏻
Doting dad? Reluctant therapist? Spoopy pharmacist? Adorably socially inept? Pollux checks all the boxes. And Andromeda 😍😍😍
I love the balance of the relationship between him and Kass—neither one is the “savior” of the other. They both have big issues, and they both have beautiful strengths that complement and support each other. They are perfectly imperfect for each other! I mean, soulmates and all that. 💁🏻♀️
As per this series’ usual, this book is a bit whacky, a little unhinged, and a lot heartwarming.
I’m very sparing about who I recommend this particular series to among my IRL friends, because they definitely aren’t for everyone, but chances are if this shows up on your online recommendations then you are the target audience and I truly believe you’re meant to be here!
Even if you aren’t the target audience, maybe give it a chance because there are SO many hidden gems throughout this book that made me giggle or gasp or get teary-eyed. Camilla writes with her heart & soul and it shows! (I may have called her books my secondhand therapy sessions before lol) I’ve highlighted, screenshot and forwarded so many quotes to friends and family because they’re THAT GOOD.
I can easily say that “Falling in Love With The Man of My Nightmares” was my new favorite addition to the It’s (Para)normal series!
(I was lucky enough to be given an ARC copy of this book for my honest review.)
This is the type of book that makes me want to live in faerie and savor each moment forever!
Kassandra Role loves her littles and will do anything to keep her private elementary school class safe, loved, and happy. When she suspects that her student Andromeda is being abused, is being forced into a cult, or that something sinister is going on, she sets out to undercover the truth from Andromeda’s father, Pollux Strakh, but instead of answers, she finds more questions. And more questions. And maybe attraction? But that can’t happen with her student Andromeda’s sweet but awkward and probably in a cult dad. Soon Kassandra learns that all she has molded herself to be has left her with only a shell of herself, and the pieces of her life start to feel like sand and glitter glue. No, seriously, they do and it’s not a great situation to be in if you don’t know what to do with it. With the help of Andromeda, Pollux, and her best friend Zahra, Kassandra finds her truest self and the power she holds. She discovers that she is loved for simply being alive. For simply being her.
This story made me feel seen in so many ways! For one, I also stress crochet and I teach littles, not school but ballet. So the fierce love Kassandra has for her littles is something I can completely relate to! As well as the need to crochet something and keep my hands moving. I felt myself unravel right there with Kassandra as everything she has built herself up to be in society is washed out from under her like the sand on the shore. And what is left there afterwards is even more beautiful and true! Absolutely loved Pollux and Kassandra’s dynamic and the level of understanding they had for each other. Seeing Pollux completely enamored with Kassandra from the get go was so heartwarming. Also seeing our found family together, with a new character in the dynamic-this was so special. I cannot wait to dive into the next book in the series!
P.S. Alexios is that emo teenager that is wise beyond his years but is too sarcastic for his own good. I love him.
P.S.S. Castor needs to stop kidnapping people AKA the wrong people 😂 He needs a hug.
Romantic Content: Closed Door, Physical Attraction A Bit More Descriptive
TW: Depression, Anxiety, Nightmares, Dreams, Kidnapping, Discussions About Abuse, Past Trauma
Falling In Love With The Man Of My Nightmares by Camilla Evergreen
•Read if you like: -a protective single dad/daughter -a strong and caring teacher -grumpy/sunshine -monster romcom -enemies to lovers -touch her and die
•Book Blurb: Pollux, is the current bane of Kassandra’s existence...and the hot monster haunting her dreams. Maybe if he weren’t also the single father of one of Kass’s students, she’s be okay with the evening jaunts into parts of her subconscious. Unfortunately, the growly, grumpy man isn’t just a parent her brain reimagines with fangs and claws; he’s also possibly abusing his daughter. Or part of a cult. Or something more. Maybe all is not as it seems…
“I’m real, and I’m yours, and I want to make your every dream a reality.”
Dear @authorannemilla it is both impressive and refreshing, how you creatively and precisely weave your stories combining fantasy, comedy, romance, and therapy within. There is endless possibility to, and within each story you write. You continue to unexpectedly surprise me with each story’s fresh plot twist and turn. This is a laugh-out-loud romantic comedy with light fantasy elements, neurodivergent and endearing characters, and plenty of closed-door sizzle. I felt drawn to this unique story and to dear Kass, with our teaching backgrounds at heart.
“Madame, I will fight at your side to the ends of the earth in an effort to secure whatever it is your heart desires. You can count on me.”
•Content: Fade-to-black, innuendos, no cursing, magic, fantasy violence, incomprehensible horrors, skanky talk/behavior, discussion of child abuse (signs and speculations, side character who mentions history of abuse), cult assumptions, depression, anxiety, kidnapping.
“What I’ve wanted for centuries, dear one, is a place to call home and a family to fill it.”
#wordsholdpower
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the author. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.
"Part of having a soulmate was understanding that while soulmates were impeccably crafted for one another, they also served as a means to better each other. Assumption was selfish. And selfishness was the opposite of love."
"Being mine means you must undoubtedly be a terror to behold, a strength unlike any other, a majestic, untamed creature of unfathomable beauty." "Modest aren't you?" "Quite. The Fae cannot lie. To be mine, you must match me in equally opposite pieces. Our shapes must pair and fill one another perfectly. We are what one another needs, desires, and wants. You are everything I lack and a better imagining of everything I am."
Read if you like: * Grumpy/Sunshine * Protective Single Dad * Monster RomCom * Enemies to Lovers
This is the first book I've read by Camilla Evergreen and while I thoroughly enjoyed it, I did feel a bit lost at first. This is book 4 in a series and I would recommend reading the series from the beginning. That being said, I will most certainly be going back to read the first three books in this series, while anxiously awaiting the release of book 5. I love the heart in this book. The characters have depth and the author has such a beautiful way with words. I found myself constantly re-reading paragraphs just to absorb the beauty. I also loved how each character had a distinct voice. Pollux was a stand out for me. He has definitely joined the ranks of my favorite MMCs.
Favorites: * Emotional support extrovert * Marriage kitten * Meda's school lunch * "Show me your friends, I'll show you your character." * Code of care * "Ah, grammatical comfort. My single solace." * Faerie built playground * "Hugs are science." * Zahra's movie summaries * The "pamphlet" * "I am distracting you from the fact you're being pick-pocketed." * 87% * "Would you like to have three more Zahra's?" * "Burn your flirting book."
Falling in Love with the Man of My Nightmares is the fourth book in the That's (Para)Normal series. Could it be enjoyed as a standalone? Maybe... but I wouldn't recommend it. With each consecutive book in the series, we get to know the world of Faerie more and more. While there is recap given, I personally think it would be difficult to dive in at this point and fully understand and appreciate what's going on. As such, it's definitely best read from the beginning.
Pollux's character has fascinated me throughout the series, so I was definitely excited to get to his story and it did not disappoint. I honestly wasn't sure how I was going to feel about him based on the previous books, but he very quickly won me over. He's so super caring and tender... and I love that Kass quite literally balances him out... even if her first impressions of him were truly the worst! Theirs was a really sweet romance and one that I absolutely adored... but whew, the miscommunication was strong... in the most endearing and hilarious ways possible. The kitten? Oh my goodness. While I know many absolutely despise miscommunication in a romance, I definitely feel like THIS is how it's done right... and it might just change minds! Camilla's books always have a way of making me both laugh out loud at the humor, while also bringing me to tears... and while this one still did both, I definitely felt like I was laughing out loud more with this one than the others! With each book in this series, I find myself really wishing this world where everyone was just free to be 100% themselves as they are existed...but since it doesn't, I'm at least happy to be able to read about it.
Falling in Love with the Man of My Nightmares is a closed-door romance with kisses only. There is a slight bit of language and some innuendo as well.
**ARC received for consideration. All opinions are my own.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review. This is book 4 in the That's [Para]Normal Series and will be enjoyed better if you've read the previous books. The blurb and author's note give you an idea of what to expect. Falling in Love With the Man of My Nightmares is told through Kassandra and Pollux's pov and is a great romance about accepting love and one's true self.
As a teacher, Kassandra genuinely wants the best for her students and cares for them. When Meda, one of her students, displays worrying signs Kassandra's protective side comes out strong and she doesn't trust Pollux, Meda's father. Yet, the more time she spends with the both of them the more she begins to realize that things aren't quite what she thought they were. Given what Kassandra was seeing and hearing, her worries were understandable and will endear her to readers because of how much she cares. She had hid certain parts of herself to fit a certain standard and wanted to create a positive environment for her students and I liked seeing her slowly be completely herself and feel accepted as she was.
Throughout his existence, Pollux had resigned himself to a life alone and keeping even the small circle of friends that he had at a distance. Though he embodied fear, that didn't stop him from experience the pains of wanting a partner. Meeting Kassandra lit that tiny spark of hope that he had but it also made him feel fear. Pollux had a scary appearance but inside he was vulnerable and extremely protective of his loved ones, though he wouldn't call them that out loud. He was always thinking of others and helping them in his own ways. I liked seeing that side of him become stronger as he got closer to Kassandra. But, the best part was him realizing that he could be loved too.
Because of the misconceptions that Kassandra had, their romance was a one sided enemies to lovers. I know readers aren't fans of misunderstandings but I know they will find the ones in this story hilarious. It kept things interesting wondering how Kassandra would react to certain things. And I liked seeing how her opinions of Pollux changed as she truly got to know him. Their romance was a closed door one consisting of descriptive, but not steamy, kisses, and innuendo. Aside from the romance, I enjoyed seeing more of Pollux's friends and how Kassandra found her own group of people with them. I liked the glimpses that we got for the next book and can't wait to read it too.
Great googly moogly, Camilla did it again! This book has it all; Single dad? Check. Monster romance? Check, check. Enough emotional intimacy to make a whale swoon? Check, check, check!
When I received this book as an ARC I eagerly dug right in… And oh (dream)boy, did it ever exceed my expectations! Every chapter is filled with self-acceptance, growth, patience, and so much love that it just oozes off the pages.
Fair warning; While reading this book you may find yourself crocheting while simultaneously attempting to pursue self-growth / acceptance. This light hearted book truly runs deep, it has as many layers as a decadent chocolate cake and the sweetness will have you savouring every bite. I must have annotated / highlighted 80% of the book while reading and I now have a comforting quote in my arsenal for every occasion. At this point I am fully convinced that Camilla is just a wise owl in an author’s trench coat.
I don’t have the words to properly express how this book has taken up permanent residency in my brain. This series feels so personal, it’s as if a piece of my soul is hiding in every character written. Her words are like a bear hug to the heart that lasts for just the right amount of time and always knows when you’re due for more. 10/10… I’d give it more stars if I could! Time for me to start the count down to the next book!
Never in my life would I have thought I'd be reading a monster romance...but here we are. I liked this one a lot! From the first three book in the series, we got glimpses of Pollux. While he is a dream eater and is literally made of fear, he's really a softie! He's the best "single dad" to Andromeda. I related to Kassandra so much. She was so protective of her littles in her class and I loved how she was ready to go to bat for them, and specifically Andromeda. I also felt like her reaction to learning about the world of the fae would match mine...like "no, sweetie, that's not real." Pollux was really patient with Kass as she came around to realize that she really was part fae and that it wasn't just fantasy.
We also got to know more about Alexios and Zahra in this book and I was glad that the next book in the series was already available so I could jump right into it.
Favorite Quotes: 🌵“I’m spooky?” “Yes.” “Are you sure? Because when I’m stressed, I crochet succulents. And that feels like very unspooky behavior.”
❤️“My love is not a conditional sort you will ever need to concern yourself with losing as you adapt and find the person you want to be.”
‼️ “Sometimes growing isn’t comfortable. That’s why it is a word often paired with pains.”
😂“So. I may have gotten the magic from the tear you cried the day you came home with Meda and had dinner with us.” Magic tears. I’m a Disney princess.
Kassandra was made of dreams. Hope. Beauty. Belief. Innocence. Seduction.
I'm saddened by the knowledge that the book is over, but happy to know that I will get to glimpse into their lives once more in the next book, like visiting an old friend. I don’t know what I’m going to read once this series is over.
As always Camillia has written a nice YA book, that is humorous, loveable, and romantic. Well as romantic as a nonhuman male could be with limited knowledge of the human race. Watching Pollux try and win over Kassandra was the highlight of the book, he was adorable: Here I got you this kitten, it’s a marriage kitten. We are now married. He was a great father: here daughter, use this to give you a glamour, let's go out and hunt together, let's regulate your emotions together, hugs and cuddles. I can go on and on about him, but I’ll let the book do the rest of the work. Above all, he is protective over what he considers his.
Kassandra, on the other hand, had no idea what was going on, who these people were and why they were causing her to stress crocheting pretty succulents, or why the man of her dreams was in her dreams. She was just a confused bee.
5/5 loved the book, I can’t wait for the next book to come out!
Okay, Kassandra and Pollux are my new favorite couple! Our author still uses serious issues to frame her characters, but the humor more than balances it out, and both mains here are deliciously deep and engaging. I just may want to steal Pollux away if Kassandra wasn’t so dang lovable.
This novel does, however, deal with child abuse- mistaken, unintentional and (in a surprise twist at the end) with a kidnapping.
It’s okay. Just breathe. The responses are appropriate, and the novel does a beautiful job maintaining a tightrope walk between its serious and light-hearted points. Seeing Pollux’s reaction once he sees himself through Kassandra’s viewpoint is priceless. Who knew that big bad boy could be more than just pure nightmare fuel?
As usual for these darkish paranormal romances, the author gives a PSA at the start to give readers a heads up to what to expect and excellent information on the signs to watch for in real life. Don’t skip over it… it just may save a person in peril one day.
Unfortunately, now that I’ve finished book four this means I only have one book to go. I really hope more eventually make it out into the world, but the ride has been rewarding all the same. I’ve been charmed and invested since the beginning and the books have just gotten better as they go.
Another beautiful masterpiece. If you didn’t give personalities to your silverware (or in my case, colors and cups) what kind of sad childhood did you have? And that’s saying something considering I shed a lot of tears for some very adult hard things at the young ages of 4,5,6+ years.
Anyhoooooo…dreams, imagination, picturing palaces and pretty princess dresses to play pretend, then it all goes crashing down when “maturity” is expected of you minus the vibrancy of your mind’s creativity. Despite the fact that you were goodest girl ever and played at maturity to appease the not so mature adults in your habitat.
I’m stating things from my experience that won’t specifically spoil this book’s heroine, but in ways that if that sounds intriguing or at all relatable, then you should be made aware that you will love this book and it’s heroine.
There. Now that you have been made aware- What are you waiting for? If the answer isn’t “for the paperback to release” then what are you even still doing here reading my silly little/not so little and rather long review?
It’s literally happiness and healing in words and story.
Kass is an elementary school teacher who's violently (in her mind) protective of her littles. When she first meets the father of adorable Meda, she's convinced he's abusive. Later, she thinks he must be in a cult. It's not until she accepts he's a particular type of fae that his strange behavior makes sense. Pollux is enamored with her from the start - he has the advantage of recognizing his soulmate, his mirror image. He's the epitome of the cinnamon roll MMC - no really, he's literally the scariest guy you'll meet since he's a dream eater. But with Kass, he's so awkwardly swoony. I never need an excuse to pick up a Camilla Evergreen book, but if I did, I'd be sold after hearing these two words...marriage kitten. That's all I'll tell you, you'll have to read to figure out what the heck is going on there. Camilla Evergreen is the master of writing neurodivergent characters in a way that makes sense. Her (Para)Normal series is incredible, fully of quirky characters you'll find yourself completely attached to. Thanks to Milla for sharing an early copy. I can't wait for my signed chonk to arrive!
I am sorry but I have no idea what type of neurodivergence wrote this. I did enjoy the beginning, where the couple first met, however, the story is jumping all over the place and leaves me with so many questions. I felt confused as to what I was reading in the beginning and thought the story will build to a grand reveal. I had to stop because I could not enjoy it. We largely get the h's POV and she jumps around with so many thoughts at once it is mentally excruciating. The way this reads is how I would imagine someone with ADHD functions. It's like the person can't keep a thought straight for 2 paragraphs. I'm writing this review a few days after reading but this is simply how I remember the story.
I gave it a 3 star because it has potential to be a sexy, slightly angsty storyline.
I ended up using my imagination for some of the paragraphs while the heroine repeated the same thoughts in her head, over and over and OVER AGAIN!!!
I am terribly sad that I couldn't enjoy it like all those 5 star readers, but this is just weird. Really really weird formatting of a story and really not enjoyable.
I received an advanced copy of this book definitely read this in one sitting until 2 am 🙈 I’ve said it before but I’ll say it again, I LOVE how the author develops the side characters in the books that lead to having their own book. She does it in such a way that you’re invested in their storylines but it isn’t completely obvious until the end which book will be next. She also does a great job of interweaving real life problems/situations in a way that feels authentic.
I really enjoyed Kass and Pollux’s story and growth as they each learned there was more beneath the surface of one another. Also seeing Kass become a part of a loving and accepting community was so sweet 🥰.
This is a great choice if you’re looking for closed door, paranormal romance. While the books interweave with each other they can be read as a standalone without confusion.
P.S. I’m gonna to need someone to make some character or fan art for Pollux and Chai 🤩
Even though I have loved every book she has written, it still surprises me when I start a new book of hers, how much I love the story and characters.
There was no way I could anticipate just how much I would love Pollux. From the first one of the books in this series he has always been an interesting character that was just so ✨enticing✨, but here, where his character actually fully emerges and takes shape, he was so good . *chef’s kiss*
Kass. She’s so ✨sparkly✨ and nice. Her care for others was so uplifting and sweet. Her caring spirit that she developed over time, even through surviving her own trauma, was still so celebrated that it made my heart happy. In a darker sense, I love how she feels a lil stabby at times. 🔪
This was the first book that had the dual POV, and it was enjoyable and easy to follow. It enhanced the experience of reading the book and entering into the dream realm in which this book takes place.
This book is delightful. I loved it. I would rate it as clean, but moderate. There is sexual innuendo, kissing, but no on page scenes or actual swearing ("he swears", "she swears beneath her breath", etc.). I enjoyed it a lot. There was little drama and a lot of learning and growing. It is beautiful. Meda (the daughter) is a menace and adorable. Pollux (the dad) is hilarious in his attempting to communicate and not doing a great job. Kassandra is wonderful, angry, and light. I love how she opens and grows. These books have beautifully nuerodivergent characters and it is a joy to read. I love the characters from other books you get to see around and the interactions with those for future books. It's awesome. Even the crazy kidnapper ones that definitely are not super sane. Please read the content warnings at the beginning of the book as it's beat to understand that red flags in fantasy novels can be pretty, but are not okay in real life.
Cute, cozy paranormal romance. Super PG rating..no spice at all, and all swear words have been replaced with the word "swear." Even though I didn't read the three previous books in the series, I found I could still follow the story, though maybe not fully appreciate some of the obvious inside jokes and references. I was a bit confused by her school. Is there only one grade? Is she the ONLY teacher? Surely she should have coworkers and other kids besides her class at the school, but it didn't seem like this was the case. Also super identified with the masking tendencies of the FMC. I'm pretty sure her "symptoms" have a real life diagnosis, though I'm not sure what it is. But everything she described doing as a child to fit in; studying how the other kids talked, making tv/movie characters her personality, confused over what she did wrong when she tries copying phrases/mannerisms of those around her, etc...I vividly remember doing ALL of these things growing up.
Can you say adorable? Pollux & Kass have the monopoly on paranormal fluffy cuteness. 🤭 I read this chonk in 2 days, and would have done it in 1, but you know, life happens.
And the found family vibes keep getting stronger! Like… aghhhhhh! How am I supposed to function normally after reading the sheer amount of “I have your back no matter what, and if you mess with one of us you mess with all of us, and we will always love you, and there is always a place for you here” feelings that make my heart grow 3x the size?! 😭 Yeah, I love this chaotic friend group. So much.
I laughed. I teared up. I grinned like a maniac and highlighted galore.
Camilla constantly delivers stories with sweet romance but even more so, real life dynamics & relationships that say the things out loud I find myself afraid to give voice to. I feel seen and less alone and little braver because of it. 💛
This book is wildly original! While in a series, it can definitely be read as a stand alone. It’s single adoptive dad vibes while he falls first for an elementary teacher. He just also happens to be the boogey man. She eats tofurkey, he eats fear. What could go wrong?
On the surface, it sounds scary, but it’s not! He is never mean, and has an affinity for kittens. I love this world that the author built and we all know I’m a sucker for found family tropes.
Things to love: 🐝 Cute Kiddo 🐝 Adoptive Family 🐝 He Falls First 🐝 FMC ready to go to jail for her students 🐝 Dreamscapes
Content warning: Camilla Evergreen ALWAYS gives an extensive Author’s Note at the beginning of each title. I recommend reading it. The premise of this particular book does not shy away from difficult themes of abuse/neglect.
🥰❤️Oh this glorious book ❤️🥰📚 Where do I even begin to tell you of the beauty, chaos and FEELINGS 🥹🫠this book evoked within my cracked heart cage? I loved this book. Straightforward, loved it. This book gave me a place to rest and be. A place I didn’t have to pretend that I wasn’t tired, that my heart didn’t hurt and that the impending loss of my father wasn’t tearing out my soul (sorry Meda, no promises were made here just gratitude). The beauty in @authorannemilla ‘s characters is their depth and breadth of human emotion, life’s experiences and the graceful and at times chaotically messy way they handle them. It is evocative, thought provoking, insightful, witty, funny and emotional. You will laugh, cry, rage, gasp and cry some more as you follow the character arcs and try not to fall in any plot holes (only the intentional ones! You know…for humor). Five thousand stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I got an ARC of this novel! (I love saying I got an ARC it's like, 'haha I read this before you' but anyway...)
I loved this book! Kass was unique and I could relate to her! But enough about the sassy and relatable Kass, let's talk about my beloved Pollux.
This is definitely a book where the guy has a tough outside with a soft gooey center! (Like a marshmallow, I don't know what's wrong with me today, sorry) He was such an amazing dad and great guy in general. He had his fair share of a rough past and insecurities. But so did Kass. I think they were so perfect together! This book is laugh-out-loud funny but it's also sweet and they had amazing chemistry!
I would definitely reread and recommend to others!!
This book was sunshine! Not only do I love the main characters, but the cast of friends and family really made the story shine. If you’ve read other books by Camilla Evergreen, you know you can generally expect the following:
He falls first, and hard
Excellent friend group
Great humor
Different than all the other books you've read, in the best way
Warm, happy, low stress goodness
Some other things I enjoyed specific to this book were Kassandra's parents, the image of super tall and scary Pollux hugging a stuffed bee, marriage of misunderstanding, and the last couple spoilery chapters that have me very much excited for the next books in the series. I just really loved this book and hope everyone reads it and loves it too.