Stolen Dreams

by Persephone Autumn

A single dad, age gap romantic suspense from USA Today Bestselling author, Persephone Autumn.

If anyone’s going to make me break my own rules, I’m glad it’s him.

For years, I’ve had a clear picture of my life. College. Career. And eventually, love.

My family insists on playing matchmaker. My best friend says to have more fun before settling down. All I want is to focus on work, help my students, and make a difference in the community.

But a night out to celebrate the end of the school year rewrites my entire future.

When Ray Calhoun III sidles up to my table, I recognize him immediately. Gourmet restaurant chef. Online celebrity known for his titillating cooking videos. Single dad to one of my students.

And when his dark eyes lock with mine, I forget how to speak, how to breathe.

With a little persuasion, Ray convinces me to help him with a summer cooking program for kids. Six weeks of food, fun… and stolen glances. The more time I spend with Ray and his son, the more smitten I am. And when he asks me on a date, I take a leap and say yes.

As our relationship turns serious, Ray’s dark past rears its ugly head.

Determined to keep his son safe, Ray goes into protector mode and limits activities outside the house. But as days turn into weeks, as his son grows more miserable, Ray must make a choice. Be defined by the past and live in fear or let go and move forward.

And with one decision, our world flips on its axis.

379 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 1, 2024

About the author

USA Today Bestselling Author Persephone Autumn lives in Florida with her wife, crazy dog, and two lover-boy cats. A proud mom with a cuckoo grandpup. An ethnic food enthusiast who has fun discovering ways to veganize her favorite non-vegan foods. If given the opportunity, she would intentionally get lost in nature.

For years, Persephone did some form of writing; mostly journaling or poetry. After pairing her poetry with images and posting them online, she began the journey of writing her first novel.

She mainly writes romance and poetry, but on occasion dips her toes in other works. Look for her non-romance publications under P. Autumn.

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Reviews

[Catarina Águas · Rating 4 out of 5]

Super late ARC review

I liked the book, it was very good. It had emotion and really pulled you in.
Kaya was a woman who wasn't looking for relationships until she met Ray. The same for Ray, his only focus was his son.
Neither of them was expecting the other but they couldn't fight the pull between them.
Tucker was the cutest and bravest kid, loved him.

[Laura Gerez · Rating 5 out of 5]

ARC Review of Stolen Dreams by Persephone Autumn 🍂 👨🏻‍🍳🔪🍳👦🏻💘💸

I genuinely thought Ollie and Levi were my absolute favorites until I met Ray and Kaya (and obviously Tucker).💘

This book had me on a chokehold, the mystery, the love, the foodporn, the teasing, the cooking classes and private lessons with Kaya, obsessed. The love that I have for my now favorite characters of the series, was absolutely amazing.

I loved Kaya and Ray, but most importantly, I love that Tucker shares such a deep bond with her, one where he truly feels safe and at ease, and I absolutely love their connection. Watching their relationship grow is heartwarming. I was captivated by the plot and suspense, but it was the family dynamics with Kaya, her loved ones, and the richness of their culture that made this beautiful book unforgettable.

Absolutely grateful to Persephone and The Author Agency for the ARC. So excited for everyone to love this little family as much as I did.

✨Tropes✨

👦🏻 Single dad
💚 Age gap
🚫 Forbidden
👩🏽‍❤️‍👨🏻 Interracial (Indigenous heroine)
🤤 Food porn
🔥 Cooking lessons
👨🏻‍🍳 Gourmet chef
🏫 School counselor
📱 SM celebrity
⛰️ Small town
👀 Only sees her
🔍 Romantic suspense

🩵My Favorite Quotes🩵

“To live is to feel, to experience, to hope. I’d rather feel all those things than nothing at all.” Yep. It’s official. I’m done for.”

“I love you, Kaya. More than I’ve loved anyone.” He pulls back then kisses my forehead. “It scares me to death, but that’s how I know it’s real.”

Life may not be perfect, but this is as close as it gets. All I need is right here. So long as I have Tucker and Kaya, I have everything.

‼️Book is out today and available on Amazon and Kindle Unlimited, and I'm already so excited for everyone to read it and love it as much as I did‼️

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5/5
🌶️🌶️/5

@ReadingLaurasLibrary
#Happyreading

[Erin Collins · Rating 5 out of 5]

✨🔮🌞🌕🍄🌕🌞🔮✨
ARC REVIEW

Stolen Dreams - Persephone Autumn

5/5⭐️
3.5/5🌶️

📚📚📚
The beginning of this book!! OMG! Way to hook me right away while making my heart drop! Ray is an MMC that my heart broke for but absolutely fell in love with too! Ray is Tucker’s dad and they both have a lot of past trauma to work through. Ray works at a restaurant and is also a food porn influencer and when he’s told he needs to spend more time with his son, Ray comes up with a plan. Cooking lessons for kids and that’s when Kaya and Rays relationship starts!! Ray has all the trust issues getting close to women but Kaya will make it hard. The chemistry and tension between the two was holy hot 🔥🔥 The way Tucker felt safe with Kaya definitely melted my heart! He needed her too💗 Overall I lovedddd this one and definitely recommend! I definitely need to back now and read the other books now too!

📚📚📚
If you like to read:
- Single Dad
- Age Gap
- Forbidden
- Interracial
- Cooking lessons
- Spicy SM influencer
- Small town
- Suspense
- Steamy
… You should definitely check this out

📚📚📚

Thank you so much for sending me a copy for an honest review in my own words.

✨What’s a book that surprised you recently?

#books #booklover #smut #booknerd #bookfriend #bookish #booklovers #bookishcommunity #bookloversunite #instabook #bookporn #bookphotography #reviews #igbooks #ilovereading #smutty #bookaddiction #bookhoader #hotnsexy #fortheloveofbooks #bookrecs #yummy #givemeallthebooks #readingthepainaway #booktok #arc

[Nikenya Rodney · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a fabulous book. Ray is a single
father of Tucker. He meets Kaya and has a profound connection with her. He tries to ignore the pull to Kaya because he is afraid to love after his horrible relationship and history with Tucker’s mom. The pull to Kaya cannot be ignored and they embark on a beautiful
relationship which is challenged when Tucker’s mom shows up causing problems.

[Valeen Robertson (Live Thru Books Blog) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Amazon



Kaya loves her job as a child/student behavior specialist, especially when she's able to help children like Tucker, an adorable boy who is so obviously crying out for some help. Then she meets his father, Ray, and she knows she'll never be the same again.



When his ex took off with his son, Ray vowed to get him back. And though he did indeed, get Tucker back, the years away left both of them with baggage. Then his mother tells him he's working too much and not spending enough time with Tucker. Thus the idea is born for him to use his culinary skills to teach Tucker and other kids during the summer. He needs someone to help him with those kids - enter Kaya, the beautiful woman he meets at his restaurant. Their feelings quickly intensify, but there's a giant obstacle, Ray's inherent distrust of relationships and commitment. If he can get past his demons though, they might have a chance of something beautiful.



I love being back in Stone Bay again. There's so much here in Kaya and Ray's story to love besides its setting, though. Kaya is amazing - an indigenous child behavior specialist with a huge, tender heart, she's the perfect addition to Tucker and Ray's lives, the needed partner to make them complete. Ray needed someone who could not only strongly connect and bond with his son, he needed someone who could bring his own heart back to life. There's a suspense element too that weaves perfectly with all the relationships, and it rounded out the story in a very satisfying way. Kaya, Tucker and Ray are such a great family unit, and they have me very impatient for the next Stone Bay story, Raptured Souls.



ARC provided by The Author Agency for an honest review.

Review / Release Blitz: Live Through Books Blog.

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[Books, Booze & Bon Voyage (Krista Webster) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Stolen Dreams is book four in Persephone Autumn’s Stone Bay series. An age gap romance
between single dad Ray Calhoun and school counsellor Kaya Imala. This can be read as a standalone as the previous characters aren’t directly involved in this storyline. An emotional tale about surviving traumatic experiences, living with the consequences of someone else’s actions and the mental struggle of learning to trust and love again. An interesting look at different family dynamics plus some suspense because the past won’t leave them alone.

“To live is to feel, to experience, to hope. I’d rather feel all those things than nothing at all.”

The start of the book is a shocking and heartbreaking account of what Ray went through with the mother of his son. If you don’t fall for Ray after that, then I promise you soon will. Ray is now a single dad to nine year old Tucker. He loves his job as a Chef at Calhoun’s Bistro and is also an online star with his raunchy food videos. His schedule is hectic but he’s attempting to spend as much time with his son as possible after spending six years searching for him. He hates he’s missed so much so is determined to show Tucker how much he is loved after all he went through.

Kaya is a school behavioural specialist and helps the students with their struggles. She has a knack at helping people find peace when upset. She meets Tucker when he acts out in class because he’s angry after being bullied. She tells him about her experiences of being different due to her Native American heritage. He opens up about life with his mother and a connection between them is quickly made. Kaya’s best friend shows her Ray’s videos and then takes her to his restaurant.

Ray is absolutely captivated by Kaya and when he comes up with plan for summer cooking lessons for kids, he uses it to asks her to help him. They both feel the undeniable chemistry so this is the start of their relationship. However, there are challenges for them both to overcome. Ray is still dealing with the demons of his past, he has severe trust issues and struggles to open up in case he is hurt again. Kaya is captivated by the sexy and charming chef and enjoys their time together but she is currently concentrating on work and family so hasn’t anytime to date.

It was fascinating how Kaya helps both Ray and Tucker to heal by showing them kindness and understanding. How she connects with Tucker right from the start will pull on your heartstrings. I loved her idea of the fire truck and how she always included Tucker . I was really pleased when she stood up for herself and made Ray work hard for their relationship. I found all the recipes and food ideas really interesting and liked learning about her family traditions. Has Ray the courage to date her and will she put her five year plan aside for him?

Tucker aka T-Man undoubtably steals the show. He is such a sweet kid who has gone though so much. It was great how he loves helping his dad cook and I was so pleased every time he smiled.
I didn’t think this author could make me love one of her characters more than I adore Devlyn Templar from Blank Canvas but Ray does give him a run for his money, especially with Tucker by his side. It was fun being back in Stone Bay and it looks like more town skeletons will be revealed and secrets exposed in the next book, Raptured Souls.

[Mars Rads · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.25 stars

I can’t help but love a story with a single dad that will do anything for his child. When I started to read this book, part of me just didn’t want to believe what was happening. The prologue ripped my heart out. The way that it set up the tone of the rest of the book was done so well. This is a romance. But I loved how even more so, the MCs cared so much for Tucker. When Kaya first met him it made me smile so much. This book made me smile, made me tear up, made me angry, made me excited, and just made me feel all of the emotions. That is exactly what I look for when I read a contemporary romance. The more it makes me feel, the more invested in the story I am. And when I’m invested, I don’t want to put it down. I was definitely invested in this story and, from start to finish, enjoyed it immensely.

My heart broke for Tucker and for Ray. When I read how long they were apart after the prologue ended, I wanted to cry. I couldn’t believe that a mother would do that to their child, even though I have witnessed it before. It just made me hurt so much for the time that they lost and for everything that Tucker had to go through. Reading about how the small boy had to do everything for himself broke me. I could not think of someone I despised more than Brianna. To treat a child like an object that you use for your own benefit made me hurt so bad. I wanted to cry for the time that Ray lost with his child. Unfortunately, you see things like this happen all the time and my heart aches for the innocent parties. I loved Kaya and how she fit in this family unit. From the moment she met Tucker, she could see how special he was. And I just couldn’t help but smile during the moments with her and Ray.

This author did a really great job with this story. The emotions that it caused had me reading this in almost no time. The spicy times between Ray and Kaya were wonderful and just the love they had for Tucker, who deserved so much love for everything he had been through, was perfect. I also really appreciated that the author did everything that they could to ensure that they portrayed the FMC as a North American Indigenous person with all the respect that they could. I appreciated the research and care that was put into that character. This author did an amazing job and created a story that was a joy to read.

[Lindsay Williams · Rating 4 out of 5]

The is the 1st book I’ve read by Persephone Autumn. This book is 4th book in the series but it can be read as a stand alone. I really liked this book. The MMC (Ray) is a single father with a 10 year old son, whose walls & trust issues are massive as his son was taken by his mother and kept away from his dad for 6 years. He had only had his son for a little over a year since the boy’s mom had signed away parental rights and returned the boy to his dad. Tucker is a sweet & inquisitive young boy, but he hasn’t found a healthy coping mechanism with all that he went through for those 6 years occasionally acts out at school. His teacher decides it’s time for him to see the behavioral specialist (Kaya) the MFC. She talks to Tucker realizing he needed an outlet (a toy fire truck) to talk to when he feels like it’s too much to talk about with an adult. She gives him this a few days before summer break. Kaya & her friend Clarissa decide to go out for dinner to a popular restaurant in town. Ray is the head chef at this restaurant and because they ask to speak to the chef he goes to their table and is absolutely blown away by Kaya and he explains that he is going to run cooking classes for kids over the summer & her friend explains that Kaya could really help out with the kids. After the first class Ray asks her on a date. She joins him & his son for a home cooked meal and a superhero movie, their chemistry is electric but their date doesn’t exactly end on a good note due to all the trauma Ray has endured when he gets nervous he tends to push people away. This book had a lot of twists and turns along with suspense it definitely kept me guessing. I definitely recommend this book.
Overall Rating-⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
Spice Rating- 🌶️🌶️.75/5
I received this book as an ARC & and was asked to give an honest review of the book. Thank you to @persephoneautumn & @theauthor.agency for the opportunity.

[Theresa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ray is a single dad to Tucker who is nine years old and a chef at Calhoun Bistro and is also a food p0rn blogger. Both Ray and Tucker have a lot of emotional distress to last them a lifetime after Ray’s girlfriend kidnapped Tucker when he was almost two years old and living on the run for five years. This book takes place almost two years since Ray has had his son back in his life.
Kaya is the behavioral specialist for Stone Bay’s elementary, middle, and high school, where she meets Tucker after he was bullied by a classmate.

After being told by his mom that he needs to spend more time with Tucker, Ray goes to his boss, and they come up with a plan for cooking lessons for school aged kids during the summer. After meeting Kaya at the restaurant one night, he asks her to help him wrangle the kids and she accepts, thus forming their relationship.

Ray has trust issues, is emotionally closed off, and is scared to fall for another woman after such a devastating betrayal, but with Kaya everything is different. Kaya is focused on her career, but with meeting Ray her focus isn’t solely on her job and her love of caring for kids, she finds love within Ray that is discombobulating. There is an age gap between Ray and Kaya, but Kaya comes off more mature than what her age actually is because of her career, and she’s able to handle both Ray and Tucker’s mental issue with grace. Holy smokes with all of the sexual tension between Ray and Kaya!! 🔥🔥There’s so much chemistry between the two of them. Ray is so possessive and obsessive with Kaya and I loved it!! 🥵😮‍💨After meeting Kaya, Tucker has a strong connection with her and feels safe with her, and I love their relationship. I enjoyed the plot, suspense and the family dynamics with Kaya and her family and their culture.

[Ehva · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hooked from page one! I devoured this book in one sitting, and I'm not even kidding 🥹😂 Couldn't stop reading them. This is my first book by Persephone, and it certainly won't be my last! 🥹 Thank you so much for the ARC opportunity, ma'am! ❤️

Ray Calhoun 🥵 Hot diggity Dawg! This man had my ovaries in a twist 😏 I couldn't get enough of him, and I didn't want this to end! Tall, handsome, a single dad, older, rich, successful, kinky, a dom, protective, possessive, knows how to work it out in the sheets 😏 *cough cough*, obsessed and fiercely in love with Kaya and protective of his son. I can't lie this man made me almost slap him a few times, but he definitely groveled enough to make me say okay, Daddy 😏🥵

Kaya Imala 🥹 I loved her so much, everything about her! Persephone, I believe you've done a brilliant job at representing Kaya 😍 I adored her character, strength, and the way she held onto her heritage and history. Beautiful, successful, shy, feisty, a bit of a brat 😏, kind, compassionate, protective, possessive, adores Tucker, and is fiercely in love with Ray! I loved her for standing her ground, especially when Ray messed up. She made this man grovel 😌 The way she almost had this man crawling to her on his knees to have her back 🤭

The storyline, the writing, and the characters were absolutely phenomenal. I couldn't get enough of them. The angst, spice, and kinkyness were out of this world. I need my own Ray Calhoun 🥵 The bonus scene was everything I needed and was the perfect bonus for their story! If you haven't picked this book up yet, you need to do it asap! You won't regret it!

[Jo-Ann Pryce · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ok Stolen Dreams by Persephone Autumn was a great read. To be fair the blurb had me at “food corn” so I was all in at that point.

Stolen Dreams follows Ray Calhoun and Kaya Imala as they navigate their relationship while juggling career goals, family, trauma and just basically trying not to lose their minds. I absolutely loved how Ray wanted to have Kaya all for himself even though he was struggling with the trauma of being betrayed by the last person he was in a relationship with and trusted.

I admired the way Kaya was portrayed because she knew what she wanted from life but wasn’t so rigid about her goals that she lacked any flexibility when it came to letting Ray be a part of her life. I also liked that even though she forgave Ray, she didn’t just run back into his arms forgetting the fact that he was careless with his words. Good for her for standing her ground!!!

I loved Stolen Dreams and I thoroughly enjoyed reading it and you will too!!!

[Lauren (laurenreads_7) · Rating 4 out of 5]

I don’t even know where to start!! I loveeee a good single Dad romance and this did not disappoint!

Ray & Tucker have experienced so much trauma together in Tucker’s 9 years on Earth. Ray works full time as the chef of Calhoun Bistro, while trying his best to balance time with his son.

Kaya is a behavioral therapist for their school system and meets Tucker after a run in with bullies in his class. Kaya’s family is part of the Seven and well respected within their town. She works hard at her job and focuses on honoring her family’s Indigenous heritage!

I am struggling to really write my review simply because I don’t want to spoil anything for future readers!!

So I will say this: just. do. it. Ray and Kaya have an instant connection and my gosh do I love their relationship! Beyond that, the relationship she forms with Tucker is heartwarming.

I reached roughly 65% and thought hello HEA only to realize something had to be coming and BOY DID IT!!!

This was my first book from this author and certainly won’t be my last. Equal parts story line, spice, and plot twists!

[Emily Johnston (Booked.Up.With.Emily) · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have been so excited for this one ever since it was announced?! A hot chef who does food thirst traps online? I’m sold!

🤍Single dad
🤍Age gap
🤍Forbidden
🤍Cooking lessons
🤍Small town romance

Ray and Kaya are two people who couldn’t be more different - Ray is a single dad who has lived more life than any person ever needs to and Kaya is only 25 and has the world ahead of her.

Kaya and Tucker, Ray’s son, form a bond quickly in this book and that made my heart swell a million sizes. The way Kaya brings Tucker, and Ray for that matter, to life was so special to see.

There are things and events that happen in this book that were hard to digest. That such evil lives in this world and that these characters have to endure it.

I enjoyed seeing some of Persephone’s other couples from previous books making an appearance!

[Lilian · Rating 3 out of 5]

Ray is a brilliant chef and also a single dad to Tucker. One day, he meets Kaya when she visits his restaurant for a meal. Kaya ends up assisting Ray during the summer holidays when he starts a cooking school for kids at the restaurant.

His “cooking lessons” with her individually were blazing hot. 🥵 I will never think of #foodporn in the same way again. As time goes by, Kaya bonds with both Ray and Tucker. Unfortunately, Ray’s past threatens to come back to haunt them all.

I liked the focus on ensuring that traditions are kept and history is not forgotten. So much has already disappeared over the years, and we need more to protect the heritage of every culture.

The caring attitude which Kaya shows to Tucker is also so lovely. He is so young and deserves to enjoy his childhood. I loved those moments where they had fun as a family.

[Carmela Dimattia · Rating 5 out of 5]

A beautiful read by one of my favourite authors. I fell in love with Ray, Tucker and Kaya and their story was one of betrayal, abandonment and most importantly learning to trust again. My heart broke for Tucker and Ray because they lost so much time together due to Ray’s ex who did not want to be a mother but felt the need to take Tucker away for years thus cutting off all contact with Ray. Now that they have a wonderful relationship and Kaya is included in their lives, Ray’s ex returns to cause havoc once again. Every word that I read just increased my anguish for them all and the anticipation was building. This was a great single dad romance with a little angst added in the mix and the characters were all wonderful and I loved reading all the traditions that Kaya's family upheld.

I received an arc copy from the author and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.

[Burgundy Hare · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️

🧑🏼‍🍳Single Dad
💗School guidance counselor
🧑🏼‍🍳Chef/social media star/spicy food content
💗Romantic suspense
🧑🏼‍🍳Interracial relationship
💗Small Town
🧑🏼‍🍳Cooking Lessons
💗Age gap

“To live is to feel, to experience, to hope. I’d rather feel all those things than nothing at all.”

This story is full of suspense, love, heartbreak, and hope. Kaya comes into Ray and his son Tucker’s lives at the perfect moment and holds space for both of them to grow and heal in their own unique ways. I enjoyed the way Kaya and Ray’s relationship blossomed, and loved the special bond Tucker created with Kaya, especially after being through so much trauma! The suspense was done well and is definitely intense if you’re someone who does not often read that genre.

Thank you to Persephone Autumn and The Author Agency for the ARC. I apologize for the late review! It’s been chaos here.

[Kaytlyn Haney · Rating 4 out of 5]

✨ARC REVIEW✨

4/5⭐️
3/4 🌶️

I have to say this is my first book by Persephone & I have to say I really enjoyed it and I’m excited to read more!!

Ray is top tier to start off, he’s been through hell and back and treated awfully. He is the definition of a great dad and person, though his heart and trust has been broken by the one person it shouldn’t have. Tucker, sweet Tucker. He has lived through some awful stuff that most people never encounter. He’s such a sweet and caring kid, and loves so big. Kaya is a beautiful person. Her job makes her even more so. Her connection with Tucker pulled at every heart string I had. Watching the three of them and their relationship bloom and blossom was something special. I can’t wait to read more about the 7 founding families.

[Maurisa Risareads221 · Rating 4 out of 5]

STOLEN DREAMS
by Persephone Autumn

Available November 1!

Rating ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice 🌶️🌶️🌶️

Ray is a single dad that has been through the wringer with his ex. Kaya comes to his restaurant and asks to speak to chef and he is mesmerized. It makes him want to try again.

Then finding out she is a counselor at his son’s school; and his son loves her!! But their relationship has many complications for Ray’s ex to Kaya’s parents setting her up on dates. Can they survive all the pressures they face?

I am sucker for a single dad with age gap! This was a cute one with some suspense added in!

 #persephoneautumn #kindleunlimited #bookish #bookworm #booklover #agegap #bookstagram #booktok #romancebooks @theauthor.agency

[Lake B · Rating 4 out of 5]

Kaya is a counselor at Ray’s son’s school, and she and Ray decide to partner for the summer at the restaurant Ray works at helping kids learn kitchen skills- he has previously been helping people learn about it through videos. While spending time together, the two grow closer, and Kaya gets to spend more time with his son. She is such a positive role model for Tucker and gave him a voice that was previously taken. When people from the past make their presence known, she is there to help Ray and Tucker through it. Ray kept putting his foot in his mouth, but thankfully Kaya is full of forgiveness. I am glad Tucker got to say his peace. It will be interesting to see what happens next for the members of the Seven.

[Nikki · Rating 5 out of 5]

Stolen Dreams had me from the start. When Tucker's mother disappeared with him at such a young age, my heart broke because I could relate to the trauma all of that evokes. Ray Calhoun III has been single since that moment his son disappeared. Six years later, he's adjusting to being a single dad with the help of his family. Without knowing, he also has the help of the school behavioral specialist, Kaya. Tucker and Kaya meet at school.
I absolutely loved their story and how each of them got their own closure and happy ending. I can't wait to devour the rest of the series.

💖 Single Dad
💖 Age Gap
💖 Forbidden
💖Interracial (Indigenous heroine)
💖 Food Porn
💖 Cooking lessons
💖 Gourmet chef
💖 School Counselor
⛰️ Small Town
💖 Only sees her
💖 Romantic Suspense (check CWs)

[Laura · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book has a way of burrowing itself under your skin and into a great, memorable read of the year. I truly enjoyed Kaya and Ray’s story - add together the suspense/mystery, adorable single dad making food porn, a loving school counselor, and a little forbidden action; you have this gem of a book. There was just enough tension that held me through this book and begging for the release!
I will definitely be returning to this series and reading the other books. I am hooked by Persephone Autumn’s writing!

⭐️Single dad
⭐️Age gap
⭐️Forbidden romance
⭐️Gourmet chef & social media influencer
⭐Interracial & Multicultural

Thank you to Persephone Autumn and The Author Agency for providing me with an ARC in exchange for my honest review!

[Dee Mac · Rating 4 out of 5]

Growth and connection
This is actually my first novel by Ms Autumn and I’m amazed by the emotional depth and the character development she delivers.
It’s an age age romance with some intense, emotional issues which may be triggering for some, please check the warnings.
The trauma experienced by Ray, and his son Tucker is heartbreaking but I loved how Kaya became the glue that held everything together and the family these three became.
With loads of chemistry, steam, family dynamics, suspense, drama and romance, I was captivated from start to finish.
This is book 4 in a series but can be read as a stand-alone.

[Persephone]

𝑯𝒐𝒕 𝒔𝒊𝒏𝒈𝒍𝒆 𝒅𝒂𝒅 𝒘𝒉𝒐 𝒍𝒐𝒗𝒆𝒔 𝒕𝒐 𝒄𝒐𝒐𝒌...
𝒚𝒆𝒔, 𝒑𝒍𝒆𝒂𝒔𝒆!

Stolen Dreams is live and available to read in KU!
𝑹𝒆𝒂𝒅 𝒏𝒐𝒘 → https://books2read.com/StolenDreams-SB4

👦🏻 Single dad
💚 Age gap
🚫 Forbidden
👩🏽‍❤️‍👨🏻 Interracial
🤤 Food p*rn
🔥 Cooking lessons
👨🏻‍🍳 Gourmet chef
🏫 School counselor
📱 SM celebrity
⛰️ Small town
👀 Only sees her
🔍 Romantic suspense (check CWs)

[Monal (Reading.Wth.Monal) · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really liked this book. Romantic suspenses are my jam. They literally combine my two fave genres, Romance + Suspense/Mystery. Who doesn't love that?

This was also the second book I've read where the MMC was a chef (the first one being It Ends With Us). Anyway, I liked everything about this book. The small town vibes, the single parent trope, everything. The chemistry between Kaya and Ray was on point! Fire! I loved watching them be around each other and every interaction between Kaya and Ray's son, Tucker. Tucker is the sweetest, cutest kid.

[Jen Reads Smut Pen · Rating 4 out of 5]

This has some triggers please be mindful, author did a great job of being sensitive to it, as well as in this humble readers opinion to the Native Americans that she wrote about. I did like the Behavioral Health representation, this is pretty of a series and although you can read as a standalone, as any good series, you should read the rest. As much as I understood where Ray was coming from, at times, madam I wanted to punch him in the face! Kaya is such a beautiful person, I really felt that if she and I met in the streets we could be friends, she was so understanding, so much more than I thought at times she could be, and having given up her planned path in life, I sure do think she made a right choice, but I wish we could have seen some grauveling on page. Now who truly has stolen the story is the sweet little body and how his friendship and love blossoms with Kaya. This was not a found family story per say, but more of a extending found family/known family. I was very glad to see that Kayas family wanted her to be happy no matter what, even when she was afraid of what they might think, they had her in the forefront of their thoughts and hearts

[K Webz · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is my first book by this author and all I can say is I am so impressed with this story. The characters and the storyline just pulled you in.

Ray and his son, Tucker, have been through so much. It is heartbreaking and the way it was written, it made it understandable as to why Ray was so closed off.

Kaya, in her position at the school, came to form such an amazing bond with Tucker. Theresa way she is with him is outstanding.

Kaya and Ray together though, they have this undeniable attraction and the connection from the first meeting is amazing.

[Emily pistel · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 ⭐️
This had me really emotional, I love the books that strike something in me and I can’t stop reading especially towards the end it’s like a race for me to finish fast because I gotta find out what happens and that is exactly how this was for me! I love how much of a good dad ray is & how good Kaya is for & with them, her & Tucker 🩷 🥺 I also love the suspense aspect of this book, and it kept me on my toes. The chemistry between them is great. I really love the cooking lessons. & i Also just adore Tucker 🥺

[Daisy Nijs · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ray is a single dad to Tucker, and together they have already had quite the drama and trauma.
From the beginning, he feels this pull towards Kaya, but he’s afraid after what he went through with Tucker’s mom. The band that forms between Kaya and Tucker is wonderful to see and they become closer and closer. That’s something that Ray can’t ignore, and maybe he can finally start to see a future with her.
This book starts out as a heartbreaking story, but how these characters seem to heal and learn to trust and love again, I loved it.

[Shelby (BookLoversHaveMoreFun) · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5✨️

"Falling in love is the easy part. Falling for someone who accepts you after you’ve been emotionally wrecked is tricky."⁣⁣
⁣⁣
I loved Stolen Dreams SO much. It had me feeling allll the things. The book gripped me from the start with a prologue I didn't see coming. I really loved the cast of characters. I wanted to huge Tucker with all my might and make sure nothing bad ever happened to him. The relationship between him and Kaya was very sweet. Last but certainly not least, Daddy Ray. The way he was with Kaya made me go gaga 🤩 Definitely top book boyfriend material!!⁣⁣

[Julie dyntu · Rating 4 out of 5]

4⭐️

Stolen dreams was such a good read! I loved the cooking lessons with the kids and the mc love story!

Loved Kaya and ray. The chemistry and tension between the two was hot! importantly, I love that Tucker shares such a deep bond with Kaya , one where he truly feels safe and at ease, and I absolutely love their connection.

I am sucker for a single dad with age gap! This was a cute one🥰

Thank you Persephone and The Author Agency for the ARC.