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Forbidden Love #2
Wildest Dreams
He’ll protect his best friend’s baby sister from anything…other than himself.
Rhyland
Dylan Casablancas is a forbidden fruit, undeniably delicious, but one bite just might kill you.
She’s my best friend’s baby sister, a single mom, and a royal pain in the ass.
When Little Miss Baggage moves downstairs to house-sit her brother’s Manhattan apartment, my potential business partner mistakes us as a couple.
He wants a family guy. I want access to his billions.
And Dylan? She needs a big, burly guy to scare off her loser ex.
Pretending to be engaged to the feisty girl next door gets messy when I take a bite of the illicit apple.
What can I say? I’m an instant gratification kind of guy.
We made a deal to walk out of each other’s lives once my contract is signed.
The only problem? She might take my heart with her when she leaves.
Dylan
Rhyland Coltridge is out of the question.
Unless the answer “Who’s the biggest man-whore you’ve ever met?”
Hedonistic. Wild card. Utterly corrupt. And those are just the traits the jerk prides himself on.
My life is too messy for a boyfriend. Even if it wasn’t, Rhyland would be the last man I’d consider.
He is supposed to be my ticket out of this nightmare.
But he’s fast becoming my wildest, most dangerous dream.
Rhyland
Dylan Casablancas is a forbidden fruit, undeniably delicious, but one bite just might kill you.
She’s my best friend’s baby sister, a single mom, and a royal pain in the ass.
When Little Miss Baggage moves downstairs to house-sit her brother’s Manhattan apartment, my potential business partner mistakes us as a couple.
He wants a family guy. I want access to his billions.
And Dylan? She needs a big, burly guy to scare off her loser ex.
Pretending to be engaged to the feisty girl next door gets messy when I take a bite of the illicit apple.
What can I say? I’m an instant gratification kind of guy.
We made a deal to walk out of each other’s lives once my contract is signed.
The only problem? She might take my heart with her when she leaves.
Dylan
Rhyland Coltridge is out of the question.
Unless the answer “Who’s the biggest man-whore you’ve ever met?”
Hedonistic. Wild card. Utterly corrupt. And those are just the traits the jerk prides himself on.
My life is too messy for a boyfriend. Even if it wasn’t, Rhyland would be the last man I’d consider.
He is supposed to be my ticket out of this nightmare.
But he’s fast becoming my wildest, most dangerous dream.
432 pages, Paperback
First published April 8, 2025
6786 people are currently reading
40654 people want to read
About the author
L.J. Shen
81 books56.4k followersL.J. Shen is a New York Times, USA Today, WSJ, Washington Post and #1 Amazon Kindle Store bestselling author of contemporary romance books.
She writes angsty books, unredeemable anti-heroes who are in Bill Gates's tax bracket, and sassy heroines who bring them to their knees (for more reasons than one).
Keep up with L.J. on all platforms:
Newsletter Sign up ➜ https://bit.ly/3LhsIrb
Instagram➜ shorturl.at/cDJRZ
TikTok ➜ shorturl.at/frw59
Facebook➜ https://goo.gl/fKCSo4
Website ➜ www.authorljshen.com
She writes angsty books, unredeemable anti-heroes who are in Bill Gates's tax bracket, and sassy heroines who bring them to their knees (for more reasons than one).
Keep up with L.J. on all platforms:
Newsletter Sign up ➜ https://bit.ly/3LhsIrb
Instagram➜ shorturl.at/cDJRZ
TikTok ➜ shorturl.at/frw59
Facebook➜ https://goo.gl/fKCSo4
Website ➜ www.authorljshen.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 2,254 reviews
April 11, 2025
What is L.J. Shen’s obsession with dangling potential couples and then SWITCHING THEM UP last minute like it’s some kinda game show?!
Like…
HELLO???
First, we had Oliver and Frankie, but PLOT TWIST — Frankie gets benched and Briar takes her spot, and honestly?? That twist ate. So I was like fine, fine, I trust her. BUT THEN… DYLAN AND KIERAN??? JUST KIDDING, IT’S RHYLAND.
And to the agent who said “Where’s the tension in Kieran and Dylan?”
BE SO SERIOUS. Because this book had negative tension and a WHOLE lotta cringe. You gave us a setup and then threw it out like last season’s TikTok trend. I’m TIRED.
Now, onto the book… or whatever this fever dream was.
Let me start with Dylan. I don’t even know what to say. She's just kinda there, giving confused energy with a sprinkle of sass and a pinch of “why are you making these choices??”
But Rhyland? ABSOLUTELY NOT.
Like the first 50 pages were basically just him throwing degrading, obnoxious, sexist trash lines like it’s his job. Bro, if I wanted to read about a man constantly insulting a woman while imagining undressing her every 4.5 seconds, I’d go reread a Wattpad fic from 2013. Where is the growth? Where is the depth? WHERE IS THE BARE MINIMUM??
Also, I’m sorry but the POP CULTURE REFERENCES??? NO. NO NO NO. I can handle a lil Taylor Swift lyric here and there but NARA SMITH??? TikTok trends??? Bro Code??? SIX FIVE BLUE EYES??? It felt like the book was screaming "I’M HIP AND RELATABLE!” every three paragraphs. STOP. IT.
This was my 6th book by LJ Shen and it’s been a wild rollercoaster —
Hated 2
Liked 1
Mixed feelings about 2
And this one? It BROKE ME.
I swear the highlight of the entire book was Mr. Mushroom. And maybe Gravity, even though I still don’t like that name.
Some moments? Okay-ish. A tiny spark here and there. A few banter lines that didn’t make me want to DNF on the spot. But overall? A HOT MESS.
Tropes that were SUPPOSED to be there but flopped:
🌸 Enemies to lovers
💍 Fake engagement
🌸 Forbidden romance
💍 Best friend’s sister
🌸 Forced proximity
💍 Alpha hero
🌸 Single mom
But none of it HITS like it should. The tension? Flat. The spice? Meh. The emotions? Missing.
TL;DR:
It’s not me, it’s you.
No, actually — it IS you, Rhyland.
Dear L.J. Shen, I still love you, but this ain’t it. Please stop with the couple baiting. Please chill on the TikTok lingo. And PLEASE give us heroes that are love interests, not insults in human form.
And to the agent who said “Where’s the tension in Kieran and Dylan?”
BE SO SERIOUS. Because this book had negative tension and a WHOLE lotta cringe. You gave us a setup and then threw it out like last season’s TikTok trend. I’m TIRED.
Now, onto the book… or whatever this fever dream was.
Let me start with Dylan. I don’t even know what to say. She's just kinda there, giving confused energy with a sprinkle of sass and a pinch of “why are you making these choices??”
But Rhyland? ABSOLUTELY NOT.
Like the first 50 pages were basically just him throwing degrading, obnoxious, sexist trash lines like it’s his job. Bro, if I wanted to read about a man constantly insulting a woman while imagining undressing her every 4.5 seconds, I’d go reread a Wattpad fic from 2013. Where is the growth? Where is the depth? WHERE IS THE BARE MINIMUM??
Also, I’m sorry but the POP CULTURE REFERENCES??? NO. NO NO NO. I can handle a lil Taylor Swift lyric here and there but NARA SMITH??? TikTok trends??? Bro Code??? SIX FIVE BLUE EYES??? It felt like the book was screaming "I’M HIP AND RELATABLE!” every three paragraphs. STOP. IT.
This was my 6th book by LJ Shen and it’s been a wild rollercoaster —
Hated 2
Liked 1
Mixed feelings about 2
And this one? It BROKE ME.
I swear the highlight of the entire book was Mr. Mushroom. And maybe Gravity, even though I still don’t like that name.
Some moments? Okay-ish. A tiny spark here and there. A few banter lines that didn’t make me want to DNF on the spot. But overall? A HOT MESS.
Tropes that were SUPPOSED to be there but flopped:
🌸 Enemies to lovers
💍 Fake engagement
🌸 Forbidden romance
💍 Best friend’s sister
🌸 Forced proximity
💍 Alpha hero
🌸 Single mom
But none of it HITS like it should. The tension? Flat. The spice? Meh. The emotions? Missing.
TL;DR:
It’s not me, it’s you.
No, actually — it IS you, Rhyland.
Dear L.J. Shen, I still love you, but this ain’t it. Please stop with the couple baiting. Please chill on the TikTok lingo. And PLEASE give us heroes that are love interests, not insults in human form.
April 3, 2025
It’s official I’m an absolute SUCKER for brother’s best friend, especially when it’s SPICY. And he’s been totally obsessed with her for a long time. GIMME 14 OF THEM RIGHT NOW.
thank you the author for an early copy of Wildest Dreams!
thank you the author for an early copy of Wildest Dreams!
April 8, 2025
📚'𝙼𝚈 𝚁𝙴𝚅𝙸𝙴𝚆 𝙰𝙽𝙳 𝙾𝚃𝙷𝙴𝚁𝚂'📚 can also be found on my blog: ╰┈➤KITTY KATS CRAZY ABOUT BOOKS
'𝐖I𝐋D𝐄S𝐓 𝐃R𝐄A𝐌S'Is the second full length enemies to lovers romance book within the (Forbidden Love) series by author L.J. Shen.
I was going to jump into this one tonight in bed, but alas, crappy weather, my comfy chair and one chapter after another and the rest is history as I devoured this.
Why you need to #ONECLICK this book…
♡ Angst
♡ Best Friend’s little sister
♡ Billionaire
♡ Enemies to Lovers
♡ Fake Engagement
♡ Reformed Playboy
♡ Single Mom
♡ Spicy Romance
♡ Touch Her and
In the beginning I wasn’t that sure about Ryland, a man whore womaniser with a red flag checkered past, so I was in two minds about his character but his past certainly didn’t define who he became. Chapter after chapter he blew my inhibitions away and as we delved through all the layers which made the man, I grew to love him. My hat goes off to Leah for bringing this man to life. From making me dislike him to loving him and that showcases her penmanship skills.
..."𝚁𝚑𝚢𝚕𝚊𝚗𝚍 𝚙𝚞𝚝 𝚝𝚑𝚎 "𝚑𝚎𝚊𝚝" 𝚒𝚗 "𝚑𝚎𝚊𝚝𝚑𝚎𝚗."
𝚃𝚑𝚎 𝚖𝚊𝚗 𝚠𝚊𝚜 𝚜𝚞𝚌𝚑 𝚊 𝚜𝚒𝚗𝚗𝚎𝚛 𝙸 𝚠𝚊𝚜 𝚙𝚛𝚎𝚝𝚝𝚢 𝚜𝚞𝚛𝚎 𝚑𝚎'𝚍 𝚋𝚞𝚛𝚜𝚝
𝚒𝚗𝚝𝚘 𝚏𝚕𝚊𝚖𝚎𝚜 𝚒𝚏 𝚑𝚎 𝚎𝚟𝚎𝚛 𝚐𝚘𝚝 𝚕𝚎𝚜𝚜 𝚝𝚑𝚊𝚗 𝚝𝚑𝚛𝚎𝚎 𝚖𝚒𝚕𝚎𝚜 𝚊𝚠𝚊𝚢 𝚏𝚛𝚘𝚖 𝚊 𝚌𝚑𝚞𝚛𝚌𝚑.
𝙷𝚒𝚜 𝚍𝚊𝚢 𝚓𝚘𝚋 𝚠𝚊𝚜 𝚕𝚒𝚝𝚎𝚛𝚊𝚕𝚕𝚢 𝚍𝚊𝚝𝚒𝚗𝚐 𝚊𝚗𝚍 𝚜𝚌𝚛𝚎𝚠𝚒𝚗𝚐 𝚠𝚘𝚖𝚎𝚗 𝚏𝚘𝚛 𝚖𝚘𝚗𝚎𝚢.
𝙰𝚗𝚍 𝚑𝚎 𝚍𝚒𝚍 𝚝𝚑𝚊𝚝 𝚠𝚒𝚝𝚑 𝚐𝚞𝚜𝚝𝚘."
He was pretty adamant in the beginning that he didn’t like kids, but Dylan’s daughter Gravity made him eat his words, he became a marshmallow of a man around her and it was so precious to read, these two were meant to be in each others lives in whatever capacity.
Dylan was a hot mess, raising her daughter by herself from scratch, working in a dead end job in a coffee shop until her brother came to the rescue and offered his place in New York on a silver platter.
These two were in and out of each others lives as young as six years old, which in turn grew into a small town crush on her brothers best friend, to outright enemies. Now living in the same apartment block was bound to make things interesting, and interesting it gets, he needs her help with nabbing a contract and standing in as his fake fiance, I had my doubts with this mutual arrangement because these two couldn't help cutting each other down when in each others orbit, the too and fro was like watching a tennis match, but in her times of need and no-one else she was able to lean on, Ryland became her pillar of strength.
The chemistry sizzled between these two, when the lines between hate and more became blurred was chefs kiss.
April 6, 2025
Please tell me it’s tate and gia story 😭😍
April 16, 2025
Would love it to be Tate and Gia, but they are as obvious of a choice as Dylan and Kieran. So I was thinking what if it’s Taylor and Rhyland? It was weird for Rhy to visit Row’s new restaurant and not even say hi to him so I was thinking, what if he was there for Taylor? Idk I need to know NOW
UPDATE after reading
I love Shen’s writing, I do, I just keep getting… bored now because it feels like the plot and characters have been one and the same in her recent books. It was funny-ish, cute, mostly when Grav was involved, and I guess a decent read, but it wasn’t original or memorable. I will forget it pretty soon, unlike her other novels, such as Vicious and Angry God. It was very mundane. A dating app? A doctor that has never shown interest in medicine? I don’t know, it was very unoriginal and simple.
UPDATE after reading
I love Shen’s writing, I do, I just keep getting… bored now because it feels like the plot and characters have been one and the same in her recent books. It was funny-ish, cute, mostly when Grav was involved, and I guess a decent read, but it wasn’t original or memorable. I will forget it pretty soon, unlike her other novels, such as Vicious and Angry God. It was very mundane. A dating app? A doctor that has never shown interest in medicine? I don’t know, it was very unoriginal and simple.
June 22, 2025
Dylan is trying to keep her ex at bay; Rhyland needs to land a deal worth millions. When the two form a fake engagement arrangement to achieve their goals, it seems all their problems are solved. But as they grow closer than their contract allows for, both will have to decide where the fake ends and the real begins.
Forbidden love is one of those tropes that seems to be a magnet for me. So needless to say, this brother’s best friend, forbidden love story was love at first sight. I mean, just look at this gorgeous cover! 😍 And yet, like the first book in the series, Shen turns a typically angsty trope on its head and makes it a whole lot of fun. From the steamy LOL beginning, straight through to the end, and all the swoony moments between our MCs in between, this was exactly the type of fun summer romance I was looking for.
Read if you like:
▪️forbidden love
▪️brother’s best friend
▪️reformed playboy
▪️fake engagement
▪️forced proximity
▪️single parent
▪️interconnected standalones
Check out my Bookstagram post here ♥
Thank you Bloom Books for the advanced copy.
Forbidden love is one of those tropes that seems to be a magnet for me. So needless to say, this brother’s best friend, forbidden love story was love at first sight. I mean, just look at this gorgeous cover! 😍 And yet, like the first book in the series, Shen turns a typically angsty trope on its head and makes it a whole lot of fun. From the steamy LOL beginning, straight through to the end, and all the swoony moments between our MCs in between, this was exactly the type of fun summer romance I was looking for.
Read if you like:
▪️forbidden love
▪️brother’s best friend
▪️reformed playboy
▪️fake engagement
▪️forced proximity
▪️single parent
▪️interconnected standalones
Check out my Bookstagram post here ♥
Thank you Bloom Books for the advanced copy.
May 8, 2025
The obvious choice is Kieran and Dylan. So I think it’ll be Tate and Gia 😌 I don’t even care though because I’m here for any of them.
*Update after blurb dropped* or it’s Rhyland and Dylan 😅 I don’t even care. Let’s go!
*Update after blurb dropped* or it’s Rhyland and Dylan 😅 I don’t even care. Let’s go!
October 13, 2025
⋆˚࿔ Review 𝜗𝜚˚⋆
3.5⭐️
Better than the first, but still not exactly a favorite.
First of all, Dylan. My girl. My comedic relief. She absolutely carried this book on her back like a pro. Every time she appeared, I perked up, her humor, her vibe, everything about her was just top tier. I could read an entire book just about her being chaotic and hilarious.
Now… him. I was judging the entire time 😔 I really can’t help it, man-whores exhaust me. I’ve read too many of them and at this point I’m just tired. He had some cute moments, sure, but he wasn’t giving book-boyfriend material, let’s be real.
Their chemistry was definitely there like, off the charts lusty 🔥 but that’s exactly the problem. It was lust, not love. They were hot together but emotionally? Not that deep. That’s why I couldn’t go higher than 3.5.
Also… this author and plot twists? A complicated relationship. She sets up so many opportunities for juicy, shocking, make-me-gasp moments… and then somehow picks the most random, unnecessary ones. Like ma’am, that’s what you decided to go with? 🙁 The plot twist in this book felt like it came from the garbage bin, so out of left field and honestly a little lazy. She had gold right there and picked sand.
The baby daddy though. A massive cunt. Like every time he appeared, my blood pressure spiked. Truly the most infuriating character.
Overall, I’d say this book was an improvement from the first, mostly because Dylan existed and the chemistry worked. But between the weird plot choices and my general dislike for man-whores, it didn’t completely win me over.
⋆. 𐙚 ˚ pre read ⋆. 𐙚 ˚
I was praying she was lying, but nope, she really doesn’t end up with him. I’m already side-eyeing this book before I’ve even opened it.
3.5⭐️
Better than the first, but still not exactly a favorite.
First of all, Dylan. My girl. My comedic relief. She absolutely carried this book on her back like a pro. Every time she appeared, I perked up, her humor, her vibe, everything about her was just top tier. I could read an entire book just about her being chaotic and hilarious.
Now… him. I was judging the entire time 😔 I really can’t help it, man-whores exhaust me. I’ve read too many of them and at this point I’m just tired. He had some cute moments, sure, but he wasn’t giving book-boyfriend material, let’s be real.
Their chemistry was definitely there like, off the charts lusty 🔥 but that’s exactly the problem. It was lust, not love. They were hot together but emotionally? Not that deep. That’s why I couldn’t go higher than 3.5.
Also… this author and plot twists? A complicated relationship. She sets up so many opportunities for juicy, shocking, make-me-gasp moments… and then somehow picks the most random, unnecessary ones. Like ma’am, that’s what you decided to go with? 🙁 The plot twist in this book felt like it came from the garbage bin, so out of left field and honestly a little lazy. She had gold right there and picked sand.
The baby daddy though. A massive cunt. Like every time he appeared, my blood pressure spiked. Truly the most infuriating character.
Overall, I’d say this book was an improvement from the first, mostly because Dylan existed and the chemistry worked. But between the weird plot choices and my general dislike for man-whores, it didn’t completely win me over.
⋆. 𐙚 ˚ pre read ⋆. 𐙚 ˚
I was praying she was lying, but nope, she really doesn’t end up with him. I’m already side-eyeing this book before I’ve even opened it.
August 25, 2025
who names their kid Gravity? instant DNF, I couldn't move past it. sorry.
April 27, 2025
* 3.75⭐️ 5🌶️
* Dylan and rhyland. Rhyland is a reformed Gigilo and is trying to launch a dating app but needs capitol and the one who can give it to him is a traditional cowboy family man. Dylan needs some help since being in NYC so they agree to a fake marriage to look good in front of cowboy bruce and get that investment money. They also have a back history that they each have a different version in their memory.
* It was nice to get a peek back into Cal and Row from the first book.
* You get a nice peak in on the MMC in book three Handsome Devil - Tate coming out 8/12. But Tate really seems like someone you want in your corner but not as a friend. Interested to see his POV in book 3
* Their banter was sometimes too much.
* The bond to see form with Ehyland and gravity was just so sweet. Both rhyland and Dylan come from flawed parental households both for different reasons and it is so hard to open up and love again. Their feelings get tested and in the end love conquers all!
* Epilogue was good.
* Read if you like: single mom, marriage of convenience, brothers best friend, grade A banter, enemies to lovers, he takes care of her, he falls first
* Dylan and rhyland. Rhyland is a reformed Gigilo and is trying to launch a dating app but needs capitol and the one who can give it to him is a traditional cowboy family man. Dylan needs some help since being in NYC so they agree to a fake marriage to look good in front of cowboy bruce and get that investment money. They also have a back history that they each have a different version in their memory.
* It was nice to get a peek back into Cal and Row from the first book.
* You get a nice peak in on the MMC in book three Handsome Devil - Tate coming out 8/12. But Tate really seems like someone you want in your corner but not as a friend. Interested to see his POV in book 3
* Their banter was sometimes too much.
* The bond to see form with Ehyland and gravity was just so sweet. Both rhyland and Dylan come from flawed parental households both for different reasons and it is so hard to open up and love again. Their feelings get tested and in the end love conquers all!
* Epilogue was good.
* Read if you like: single mom, marriage of convenience, brothers best friend, grade A banter, enemies to lovers, he takes care of her, he falls first
Read
April 14, 2025full rtc
I'm not sure what to rate this one right now. maybe a 3? 3.5? I wish I loved this one more but every man, including Row, came off rather toxic and douchey.
I did enjoy all the other parts. Iwas extremely invested in the book though, despite liking it. The real star of this book? It's Gravity.
I'm not sure what to rate this one right now. maybe a 3? 3.5? I wish I loved this one more but every man, including Row, came off rather toxic and douchey.
I did enjoy all the other parts. Iwas extremely invested in the book though, despite liking it. The real star of this book? It's Gravity.
Want to read
October 15, 2024🕊TAYLOR SWIFT CODED 🕊
April 9, 2025
⭐️ Insufferable writing and characters! The first 50 pages were filled with one degrading comment after the other. Why would I root for an asshole man-whore MMC who loves to degrade and put down the FMC? No thanks!
And good god, please stop it with the TikTok-trend and Taylor Swift references!
And good god, please stop it with the TikTok-trend and Taylor Swift references!
no-ty-ill-hate-it
April 9, 2025Also, I'm already judging a little because, what do you mean, RHYLAND? (Yes, I shouldn't judge, I know it exists, I looked it up, it's just so weird choice because of the popularity of the Rhysand name)🤔
nvm, i had time to do some research ☺️☺️
April 6, 2025
One thing I always look forward to with a L.J. Shen book is banter, and this had some absolutely amazing and hilarious banter. Dylan and Rhyland’s chemistry was off the charts. The way they were able to just bounce off of each other with the quick whips. They truly fit perfectly together.
I loved how Dylan was unapologetically herself. Her quick barbs and comebacks, and her love and adoration of her daughter made me like her even more. Along with her tenacity. Being a single mother, while rewarding in the form of her amazing daughter, isn’t easy, and Dylan showed that beautifully. All the highs and the lows.
Rhyland truly surprised me. I liked him in TMD, but I completely adored and loved him by the end of this. All the hidden layers of him that were peeled back has me down bad for this man.
Gravity was beyond adorable. I loved every scene she was in and the bright, innocent energy she brought. Her interactions with Rhyland were hilarious, wholesome, and so cute. The slow formation of their bond was everything.
Expect lots of laughter, some tears shed, some anger, fantastic banter as usual, and some spice that spices.
I received an advanced copy and this is my voluntary review.
I loved how Dylan was unapologetically herself. Her quick barbs and comebacks, and her love and adoration of her daughter made me like her even more. Along with her tenacity. Being a single mother, while rewarding in the form of her amazing daughter, isn’t easy, and Dylan showed that beautifully. All the highs and the lows.
Rhyland truly surprised me. I liked him in TMD, but I completely adored and loved him by the end of this. All the hidden layers of him that were peeled back has me down bad for this man.
Gravity was beyond adorable. I loved every scene she was in and the bright, innocent energy she brought. Her interactions with Rhyland were hilarious, wholesome, and so cute. The slow formation of their bond was everything.
Expect lots of laughter, some tears shed, some anger, fantastic banter as usual, and some spice that spices.
I received an advanced copy and this is my voluntary review.
Want to read
January 4, 2025Did she spell Kieran’s name wrong because why is the blurb about Dylan and Rhyland??????
May 12, 2025
4.5 Stars, almost perfect
KU Read
450 Pages
Forbidden Romance (Best friends Sister)
Enemies to lovers
Single Mum
Reformed Playboy
He Falls Hard
Dylan has moved to New York for a better life, she staying in her brothers apartment while he works abroad but has to suffer the company of the man upstairs, her brothers best friend and her childhood crush, the I insufferable Ryhland. He broke her heart when she was 18 and she swore to loathe him ever since.
He however needs a fake fiance to help him secure a deal with an investor who wants a settled version of Rhy not the playboy one. He recruits Dylan into his scheme and in turn helps watch her daughter, who inevitably works her way into his heart, just like her mother. The woman he had waned for years but refused to cross that line with or else he would risk losing his only friend, her big brother.
Feelings get caught, drama crashes into their bubble by way of Dylan's ex and promises are broken... But can love really be a thing for two people who have sworn never to live let alone each other...?
KU Read
450 Pages
Forbidden Romance (Best friends Sister)
Enemies to lovers
Single Mum
Reformed Playboy
He Falls Hard
Dylan has moved to New York for a better life, she staying in her brothers apartment while he works abroad but has to suffer the company of the man upstairs, her brothers best friend and her childhood crush, the I insufferable Ryhland. He broke her heart when she was 18 and she swore to loathe him ever since.
He however needs a fake fiance to help him secure a deal with an investor who wants a settled version of Rhy not the playboy one. He recruits Dylan into his scheme and in turn helps watch her daughter, who inevitably works her way into his heart, just like her mother. The woman he had waned for years but refused to cross that line with or else he would risk losing his only friend, her big brother.
Feelings get caught, drama crashes into their bubble by way of Dylan's ex and promises are broken... But can love really be a thing for two people who have sworn never to live let alone each other...?
April 7, 2025
Rhy and Dylan had me hooked from the very beginning! I was beyond surprised this book was even going to be about these two and not Dylan and Kieran.. BUT THANK YOU LJ FOR GIVING US THESE TWO TOGETHER!
-Enemies To Lovers
-Small Age Gap (4 years)
-Brother’s Best Friend
-Single Mom
-Fake Engagement
-Touch Her And Die Vibes
-Reformed Playboy
I loved the way motherhood is portrayed in this story. It’s hard, and L.J. makes it clear how hard it is for a single mother. The love Dylan has for her daughter is absolutely heartwarming.. even more so when Rhy becomes a complete softy for her after claiming he wants nothing to do with children. It was easily one of my favorite parts of this story.. especially the “words of affirmation” scenes with Grav and Rhy.
The tension between Rhy & Dylan is piping hot and starts very early in the book and the slow burn is absolutely perfect.. because when they finally break the tension and give in.. it’s a 10/10. Rhy is a little freak and I LOVE IT!
*thank you to The Author Agency for my eARC*
-Enemies To Lovers
-Small Age Gap (4 years)
-Brother’s Best Friend
-Single Mom
-Fake Engagement
-Touch Her And Die Vibes
-Reformed Playboy
I loved the way motherhood is portrayed in this story. It’s hard, and L.J. makes it clear how hard it is for a single mother. The love Dylan has for her daughter is absolutely heartwarming.. even more so when Rhy becomes a complete softy for her after claiming he wants nothing to do with children. It was easily one of my favorite parts of this story.. especially the “words of affirmation” scenes with Grav and Rhy.
The tension between Rhy & Dylan is piping hot and starts very early in the book and the slow burn is absolutely perfect.. because when they finally break the tension and give in.. it’s a 10/10. Rhy is a little freak and I LOVE IT!
*thank you to The Author Agency for my eARC*
October 25, 2025
From the get-go I was hooked by Dylan — a single mum, keeping her guard up, trying to do right by her daughter while not waiting around for the hero-rescue. Then there’s Rhyland. He’s the classic “I don’t do relationships” type, wealthy, charming, bit messy — and watching him soften (especially around Dylan’s daughter) made me root for him harder than I expected.
The fake-engagement setup isn’t new, but it’s carried off with enough sharp banter, emotional undercurrents, and genuine stakes that it doesn’t feel flat. I laughed at their sass, I cringed at their mistakes, and I more than once paused and thought: “Oh wow, this might mean something real.” The daughter subplot? It’s sweet and adds a layer of heart that elevates the story beyond just two adults falling in love.
That said — the pace of them getting from “deal” to “real feelings” was slightly quicker than I’d have liked. At times I was ready for a bit more inner-process, more “why him now?” or “how did I get here?” moments. Also, the familiar tropes (single mom, billionaire playboy, fake fiancé) were used nicely, but if you’ve read a lot of similar stories you might see where the plot is headed early.
The fake-engagement setup isn’t new, but it’s carried off with enough sharp banter, emotional undercurrents, and genuine stakes that it doesn’t feel flat. I laughed at their sass, I cringed at their mistakes, and I more than once paused and thought: “Oh wow, this might mean something real.” The daughter subplot? It’s sweet and adds a layer of heart that elevates the story beyond just two adults falling in love.
That said — the pace of them getting from “deal” to “real feelings” was slightly quicker than I’d have liked. At times I was ready for a bit more inner-process, more “why him now?” or “how did I get here?” moments. Also, the familiar tropes (single mom, billionaire playboy, fake fiancé) were used nicely, but if you’ve read a lot of similar stories you might see where the plot is headed early.
September 21, 2025
Ok for Dylan’s story this was a twist! Single momma trying to be independent and was with Tucker because she was hurting from Rhysand’s denial & then getting pregnant. But wow everything Rhysand went through. It was interesting, there’s one thing though that just didn’t make sense in a kind of why? Why was Gravity kidnapped? What was the end game? Tucker wasn’t attached unless planning to ransom??? Only thing that didn’t connect, but otherwise great!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 10, 2025
2.5 unromantic ⭐️
I have a long history, of loving LJ Shen’s stories. I however did not love My dark Romeo (1⭐️) or Truly, madly, deeply (3⭐️) and unfortunately I am going for 3 for 3, with Wildest dreams.
The disappointment is real, and I was on the struggle bus with this one, I was actually driving the struggle bus to finish it.
It is long and kind of boring. What I have loved from LJ Shen’s previous books is the level of feels, I usually get, ups and downs and I am right there on the page with the characters.
The last few books has been shallow on the feelings end, and this book is removing her from my auto buy list. I am very sad about the downgrade.
Do publishers push authors to mass produce under time pressure? It could certainly feels like it as a reader.
The main characters are kind of shallow and the banter bordering on dumb. At chapter 20 I was still trying hard to be emotionally involved. This does get better, but not enough to have any feels.
I did have a little difficulty with Rhyland having been a male prostitute, and Dylan offering to sleep with him for money. That will have to be handled delicately, in order for me to love or even like them. But it’s like it’s just out there, and not even that important to the story. It’s too big of a deal for it not to be handled. It’s not worth it as a “shock effect “.
Dylan is rude most of the time, and I don’t really like her. She is making bad decisions and honestly she is not really a great mom. Gravity is taking up too much space in the story, and hence the romance is suffering. The friendships between Ro, Tate and Cal are all toxic under a disguise of friendships, and I did not fully understand the dynamics.
Honestly this isn’t a bad story but it’s not a good one either. It definitely is not a romance. More of a “the everyday life in a single mom.”
Angst: 0/10
Romance 1/10
Conflict/tension in 0/10
MMC 3/10
FMC 2/10
Banter 2/10
Steam 4/10
Story 3/10
Should you read it? Sure if you are bored, but I would not tell me friends proactively to read it.
P.s. The banter, why do authors think obnoxious is the same as fun? oks has been shallow, on the feelings end, and this book is removing LJ Shen, from my auto buy list. I am very sad about the downgrade. It’s like breaking up with an old friend.
Do publishers push authors to mass produce under time pressure? It could certainly feel like it, as a reader.
The main characters are kind of superficial and the banter bordering on dumb. At chapter 20 I was still trying hard to be emotionally involved. This does get better, but not enough to have any feels.
I did have a little difficulty with Rhyland having been a male prostitute, and Dylan offering to sleep with him for money. That will have to be handled delicately, in order for me to love or even like them. But it’s like it’s just out there, and not even that important to the story. It’s too big of a deal for it not to be handled. It’s not worth it as a “shock effect “.
Dylan is rude most of the time, and I don’t really like her. She is making bad decisions and honestly she is not really a great mom. Gravity is taking up too much space in the story, and hence the romance is suffering. The friendships between Ro, Tate and Cal are all toxic under a disguise of friendships, and I did not fully understand the dynamics.
Honestly this isn’t a bad story but it’s not a good one either. It definitely is not a romance. More of a “the everyday life in a single mom.”
What I did enjoy was the wedding from her childhood mood board. The first smile I concurred upon during my read.
Angst: 0/10
Romance 1/10
Conflict/tension in 0/10
MMC 3/10
FMC 2/10
Banter 2/10
Steam 4/10
Story 3/10
Should you read it? Sure if you are bored, but I would not tell my friends proactively to read it.
P.s. The banter, why do authors think obnoxious is the same as fun?
I have a long history, of loving LJ Shen’s stories. I however did not love My dark Romeo (1⭐️) or Truly, madly, deeply (3⭐️) and unfortunately I am going for 3 for 3, with Wildest dreams.
The disappointment is real, and I was on the struggle bus with this one, I was actually driving the struggle bus to finish it.
It is long and kind of boring. What I have loved from LJ Shen’s previous books is the level of feels, I usually get, ups and downs and I am right there on the page with the characters.
The last few books has been shallow on the feelings end, and this book is removing her from my auto buy list. I am very sad about the downgrade.
Do publishers push authors to mass produce under time pressure? It could certainly feels like it as a reader.
The main characters are kind of shallow and the banter bordering on dumb. At chapter 20 I was still trying hard to be emotionally involved. This does get better, but not enough to have any feels.
I did have a little difficulty with Rhyland having been a male prostitute, and Dylan offering to sleep with him for money. That will have to be handled delicately, in order for me to love or even like them. But it’s like it’s just out there, and not even that important to the story. It’s too big of a deal for it not to be handled. It’s not worth it as a “shock effect “.
Dylan is rude most of the time, and I don’t really like her. She is making bad decisions and honestly she is not really a great mom. Gravity is taking up too much space in the story, and hence the romance is suffering. The friendships between Ro, Tate and Cal are all toxic under a disguise of friendships, and I did not fully understand the dynamics.
Honestly this isn’t a bad story but it’s not a good one either. It definitely is not a romance. More of a “the everyday life in a single mom.”
Angst: 0/10
Romance 1/10
Conflict/tension in 0/10
MMC 3/10
FMC 2/10
Banter 2/10
Steam 4/10
Story 3/10
Should you read it? Sure if you are bored, but I would not tell me friends proactively to read it.
P.s. The banter, why do authors think obnoxious is the same as fun? oks has been shallow, on the feelings end, and this book is removing LJ Shen, from my auto buy list. I am very sad about the downgrade. It’s like breaking up with an old friend.
Do publishers push authors to mass produce under time pressure? It could certainly feel like it, as a reader.
The main characters are kind of superficial and the banter bordering on dumb. At chapter 20 I was still trying hard to be emotionally involved. This does get better, but not enough to have any feels.
I did have a little difficulty with Rhyland having been a male prostitute, and Dylan offering to sleep with him for money. That will have to be handled delicately, in order for me to love or even like them. But it’s like it’s just out there, and not even that important to the story. It’s too big of a deal for it not to be handled. It’s not worth it as a “shock effect “.
Dylan is rude most of the time, and I don’t really like her. She is making bad decisions and honestly she is not really a great mom. Gravity is taking up too much space in the story, and hence the romance is suffering. The friendships between Ro, Tate and Cal are all toxic under a disguise of friendships, and I did not fully understand the dynamics.
Honestly this isn’t a bad story but it’s not a good one either. It definitely is not a romance. More of a “the everyday life in a single mom.”
What I did enjoy was the wedding from her childhood mood board. The first smile I concurred upon during my read.
Angst: 0/10
Romance 1/10
Conflict/tension in 0/10
MMC 3/10
FMC 2/10
Banter 2/10
Steam 4/10
Story 3/10
Should you read it? Sure if you are bored, but I would not tell my friends proactively to read it.
P.s. The banter, why do authors think obnoxious is the same as fun?
November 16, 2025
I wanted to give it 3.5 stars, butthe spice was good and (god forgive me) the model on the cover is hawt.
⭐4/5
🌶️5/5
I decided to read this book even though I made a poll asking what book I should read next and this was the one with the least votes, though I started truly madly deeply so why not finish the whole series then ???
I was actually really shocked that Dylan and Kieran didn't end up together because their chemistry was good in the first book and making it look as if Dylan's hormones had to do with the attraction to Kieran was...well I don't know :(
Though I am not quite disappointed because Rhyland is a good choice.
I didn't quite like Dylan in the first book but in this one, LJ Shen really showed her strength, whether it's her not crying or tolerating this Tucker or raising her only child alone.
She's so strong but the end felt a little...I don't know. It could've been written better let's say it that way.
So the story starts with Dylan not knowing what to do with her life, she also had dreams but it all crashed when Gravity her and Tucker's daughter was born. She worked as a waitress in Maine to take care of her mother after she suffered from her abusive ex-husband who died.
Row, her brother and Cal her bff , offer her to come to NY and take care of their apartment. In the beginning she disagrees but then realises that she wants a better life for her daughter and agrees.
Being there eith her old car, she gets stuck in traffic and Rhyland is there to help her.
turns out they're neighbours and just when they get up to the apartment, Bruce, a huge sponsor for Ryland's app sees them and thinks they're family. This gives Rhyland the Idea to make them pretend to be an engaged couple to trick Bruce.
Rhyland is actually really nice to dylan's daughter even though he loathes children. His parents never took care of him or even looked his way :(
Anyways, the more they got to spend more time together, the more they see that they really like eachother and the spice between them is also good.
One of the days, Dylan gets to a bar to release her mind thanks to/because of Kieran and starts working there. At the end of the shift she sees Tucker, who wants to get to know his daughter.
She refuses but he blackmails her with lawyers and so on so she just says ok for this time.
Things get really good between dylan and Rhyland ,(now I've come to realise that there isn't much to talk about what heppened between them you just have to read it I guess?) and he flies to texas for a meeting of Bruce .ahh , forgot to mention that Bruce signed the contract with Rhyland.
Because of the weather in Dallas, he couldn't fly back in time to babysit Gravity aka Grav, and Dylan went to the taylor swift concert alone, though we see there also Gia with her friends and I can ALREADY FEEL the jealousy of Tate .
yeha so coming back to the couple in THIS book, when Cal took care of Grav and Rhyland was on his way to the apartment, Tucker came and kidnapped Grav. What a dumb person, I swear
Rhyland came just in time to find him and grav in I think a homeless place??? lucky because he inserted a GPS to Grav's mushroom plush toy or smth like that.
But dylan still couldn't be with dylan cuz she was too scared he'd break her (more than tucker ever would)
And omggg I just remembered the scene where tucker called Dylan to ask when he can meet grav again when Ryhland told her to pick it up while they were ........doing it
Let's get back, so yeah Dylan didn't want to get her heart broken so she went back to Maine but it didn't feel like home anymore and she realised she'd made a mistake so she flew back. Hahaha and Rhyland flew to Maine to find Dylan. Turns out Bruce knew all along that he and Dylan weren't really engaged but he saw light in Rhy's eyes...yeah yeah I don't buy that shit, that was really unnecessary.
And how do we say in German - Ende gut, alles gut.
On to handsome devil :)
⭐4/5
🌶️5/5
I decided to read this book even though I made a poll asking what book I should read next and this was the one with the least votes, though I started truly madly deeply so why not finish the whole series then ???
I was actually really shocked that Dylan and Kieran didn't end up together because their chemistry was good in the first book and making it look as if Dylan's hormones had to do with the attraction to Kieran was...well I don't know :(
Though I am not quite disappointed because Rhyland is a good choice.
I didn't quite like Dylan in the first book but in this one, LJ Shen really showed her strength, whether it's her not crying or tolerating this Tucker or raising her only child alone.
She's so strong but the end felt a little...I don't know. It could've been written better let's say it that way.
So the story starts with Dylan not knowing what to do with her life, she also had dreams but it all crashed when Gravity her and Tucker's daughter was born. She worked as a waitress in Maine to take care of her mother after she suffered from her abusive ex-husband who died.
Row, her brother and Cal her bff , offer her to come to NY and take care of their apartment. In the beginning she disagrees but then realises that she wants a better life for her daughter and agrees.
Being there eith her old car, she gets stuck in traffic and Rhyland is there to help her.
turns out they're neighbours and just when they get up to the apartment, Bruce, a huge sponsor for Ryland's app sees them and thinks they're family. This gives Rhyland the Idea to make them pretend to be an engaged couple to trick Bruce.
Rhyland is actually really nice to dylan's daughter even though he loathes children. His parents never took care of him or even looked his way :(
Anyways, the more they got to spend more time together, the more they see that they really like eachother and the spice between them is also good.
One of the days, Dylan gets to a bar to release her mind thanks to/because of Kieran and starts working there. At the end of the shift she sees Tucker, who wants to get to know his daughter.
She refuses but he blackmails her with lawyers and so on so she just says ok for this time.
Things get really good between dylan and Rhyland ,(now I've come to realise that there isn't much to talk about what heppened between them you just have to read it I guess?) and he flies to texas for a meeting of Bruce .ahh , forgot to mention that Bruce signed the contract with Rhyland.
Because of the weather in Dallas, he couldn't fly back in time to babysit Gravity aka Grav, and Dylan went to the taylor swift concert alone, though we see there also Gia with her friends and I can ALREADY FEEL the jealousy of Tate .
yeha so coming back to the couple in THIS book, when Cal took care of Grav and Rhyland was on his way to the apartment, Tucker came and kidnapped Grav. What a dumb person, I swear
Rhyland came just in time to find him and grav in I think a homeless place??? lucky because he inserted a GPS to Grav's mushroom plush toy or smth like that.
But dylan still couldn't be with dylan cuz she was too scared he'd break her (more than tucker ever would)
And omggg I just remembered the scene where tucker called Dylan to ask when he can meet grav again when Ryhland told her to pick it up while they were ........doing it
Let's get back, so yeah Dylan didn't want to get her heart broken so she went back to Maine but it didn't feel like home anymore and she realised she'd made a mistake so she flew back. Hahaha and Rhyland flew to Maine to find Dylan. Turns out Bruce knew all along that he and Dylan weren't really engaged but he saw light in Rhy's eyes...yeah yeah I don't buy that shit, that was really unnecessary.
And how do we say in German - Ende gut, alles gut.
On to handsome devil :)
April 17, 2025
Better than the first one 😌🙌✨
Единственото, което не ми хареса беше начина, по който беше замислена и изпълнена раздялата в третото действие. Не ми хареса и това, че Дилън мина метър в последствие. Трябваше да се моли за прошка и да стои в кучешката колиба известно време след тъпотията, която натвори буквално от нищото. А накрая Рейлънт беше този, който пак тича по нея.
НО като изключим това, книгата е първата от мнооооооого време насам, която ме увлече и прочетох на един дъх без да усетя отегчение, досада, да въртя очи на малоумни сюжетни решения или да предизвиква позиви за повръщане заради претруфен изказ. Смях се като кретен, проблемите имаха основателен корен, мотивите зад поведението на героите бяха добре артикулирани и правдоподобни, самото то беше съответстващо на миналото им и последователно в стечение на историята. Диалозите бяха to die for, смъта беше OMFG hot, историята се лееше без проблеми. Хуморът и драмата бяха добре балансирани. Темите бяха релевантни и уважително представени. Дори хлапето не ме дразнеше, което за мен е цяло чудо. Имаше тук-там още едно-две неща, които бяха out of nowhere, но съм склонна да простя. Бели кахъри в сравнение с всичко останало хубаво, което се случваше в Wildest Dreams.
✍️Финална оценка: 4,5⭐
Единственото, което не ми хареса беше начина, по който беше замислена и изпълнена раздялата в третото действие. Не ми хареса и това, че Дилън мина метър в последствие. Трябваше да се моли за прошка и да стои в кучешката колиба известно време след тъпотията, която натвори буквално от нищото. А накрая Рейлънт беше този, който пак тича по нея.
НО като изключим това, книгата е първата от мнооооооого време насам, която ме увлече и прочетох на един дъх без да усетя отегчение, досада, да въртя очи на малоумни сюжетни решения или да предизвиква позиви за повръщане заради претруфен изказ. Смях се като кретен, проблемите имаха основателен корен, мотивите зад поведението на героите бяха добре артикулирани и правдоподобни, самото то беше съответстващо на миналото им и последователно в стечение на историята. Диалозите бяха to die for, смъта беше OMFG hot, историята се лееше без проблеми. Хуморът и драмата бяха добре балансирани. Темите бяха релевантни и уважително представени. Дори хлапето не ме дразнеше, което за мен е цяло чудо. Имаше тук-там още едно-две неща, които бяха out of nowhere, но съм склонна да простя. Бели кахъри в сравнение с всичко останало хубаво, което се случваше в Wildest Dreams.
✍️Финална оценка: 4,5⭐
September 6, 2025
4.5⭐️
"All your wildest dreams, baby."
Even better than the first one. Rhyland’s development was great, and I loved his storyline. I also lived for the Tate Blackthorn moments in this book. He’s so mean, but in an intriguing way.
I loved that Cal and Row appeared so often, too.💗
"You're still a dreamer. You've always been a dreamer... You've never stopped dreaming, and that's why staying away from you has been so goddamn hard."
tropes:
~> forbidden
~> best friends little sister
~> single mom
~> fake engagement
~> reformed playboy
~> forced proximity
"All your wildest dreams, baby."
Even better than the first one. Rhyland’s development was great, and I loved his storyline. I also lived for the Tate Blackthorn moments in this book. He’s so mean, but in an intriguing way.
I loved that Cal and Row appeared so often, too.💗
"You're still a dreamer. You've always been a dreamer... You've never stopped dreaming, and that's why staying away from you has been so goddamn hard."
tropes:
~> forbidden
~> best friends little sister
~> single mom
~> fake engagement
~> reformed playboy
~> forced proximity
Want to read
January 3, 2025Dylan and RHYLAND?! RHYLAND?!???!!!!
April 9, 2025
I loved this book so much i finished it in a week. I’m excited for the next book.
Stars: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice:🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
Stars: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice:🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
April 10, 2025
200 pages too long and the FMC was insufferable
April 8, 2025
This was my first LJ Shen book and now I am going to go read all her backlist! When I say I like enemies to lovers this is what I’m talking about! Dylan and Rhyland hate each other and it leads to the funniest banter. I couldn’t stop laughing throughout this book! It’s probably one of the top books for banter I’ve ever read.
Rhyland is Dylan’s brother’s best friend. They have never gotten along but Dylan is moving to NY with her daughter and guess who her new neighbor is 😅 A misunderstanding between a potential investor for Rhyland leads to a fake engagement to Dylan. How are two people that hate each other supposed to act in love? Lines become blurred and it’s hard to tell what’s fake and what’s real.
The chemistry between Rhyland and Dylan was so electric. There was so much angst and this was a slow burn but once they gave into their feelings it was so beautiful! I also loved how Rhyland took care of Dylan’s daughter, Gravity. They had such a beautiful connection all on their own.
Wildest Dreams | LJ Shen | Forbidden Love series book 2 | 4•8•25
✨best friend’s little sister
✨enemies to lovers
✨single mom
✨fake engagement
✨billionaire
Thank you The Author Agency & LJ Shen for the arc!
Rhyland is Dylan’s brother’s best friend. They have never gotten along but Dylan is moving to NY with her daughter and guess who her new neighbor is 😅 A misunderstanding between a potential investor for Rhyland leads to a fake engagement to Dylan. How are two people that hate each other supposed to act in love? Lines become blurred and it’s hard to tell what’s fake and what’s real.
The chemistry between Rhyland and Dylan was so electric. There was so much angst and this was a slow burn but once they gave into their feelings it was so beautiful! I also loved how Rhyland took care of Dylan’s daughter, Gravity. They had such a beautiful connection all on their own.
Wildest Dreams | LJ Shen | Forbidden Love series book 2 | 4•8•25
✨best friend’s little sister
✨enemies to lovers
✨single mom
✨fake engagement
✨billionaire
Thank you The Author Agency & LJ Shen for the arc!
August 12, 2025
Wildest Dreams ⭐️⭐️
Bad. Quite bad. How are we going to have Dylan having an awesome funny personality and intriguing character in the first book and then having absolutely no personality and boring boring af. Rhy had so much potential but then he was almost as boring. There was absolutely not yearning. There was lust and mid list and smut at that. Below average smut. How is this man supposed to be a sex god and the best flirt but flirted better with Cal in her book then he did with the woman he apparently loved. This was incredible simple was a bad rushed plot. The tropes were not troping at all and everything was forced. There was no emotion behind anything and the whole Tucker storyline was stupid and added no allure. The love confessions were terrible. The miscommunication was terrible. There was just nothing good about this besides Row and Cal moments. Dylan seemed like a bland ass friend in this book and we didn’t get even remotely enough Dylan and cal or Dylan and Kieran moments. Should’ve been Kieran and Dylan. But he prob deserves better than her because I have read math books more enticing. I was so excited about this and it was just bad. I’m for sure going to read the next one cause Tate is interesting to me but I am bummed. Thank god gravity at least had a sense of humor. Loved my snips or row and cal tho 💖💖💖💖. And when her mom said she had loved him since she was sick I actually almost threw the whole book away what a joke. ALSO GIVE US MORE BACKGROUND AND TUCK AND HER RELATIONSHIP IF YOU WANT US TO BELIEVE WHAT ENDED UP OCCURING. The wildest dreams references were also dumb and sane with the cosmos nickname. Anyways please be good next one 😍
Bad. Quite bad. How are we going to have Dylan having an awesome funny personality and intriguing character in the first book and then having absolutely no personality and boring boring af. Rhy had so much potential but then he was almost as boring. There was absolutely not yearning. There was lust and mid list and smut at that. Below average smut. How is this man supposed to be a sex god and the best flirt but flirted better with Cal in her book then he did with the woman he apparently loved. This was incredible simple was a bad rushed plot. The tropes were not troping at all and everything was forced. There was no emotion behind anything and the whole Tucker storyline was stupid and added no allure. The love confessions were terrible. The miscommunication was terrible. There was just nothing good about this besides Row and Cal moments. Dylan seemed like a bland ass friend in this book and we didn’t get even remotely enough Dylan and cal or Dylan and Kieran moments. Should’ve been Kieran and Dylan. But he prob deserves better than her because I have read math books more enticing. I was so excited about this and it was just bad. I’m for sure going to read the next one cause Tate is interesting to me but I am bummed. Thank god gravity at least had a sense of humor. Loved my snips or row and cal tho 💖💖💖💖. And when her mom said she had loved him since she was sick I actually almost threw the whole book away what a joke. ALSO GIVE US MORE BACKGROUND AND TUCK AND HER RELATIONSHIP IF YOU WANT US TO BELIEVE WHAT ENDED UP OCCURING. The wildest dreams references were also dumb and sane with the cosmos nickname. Anyways please be good next one 😍
April 24, 2025
L.J. Shen's Forbidden Love series is going down as one of my favorites of all time.
I thought it couldn't get better, sweet, sexier and FUNNIER than Cal and Row, but I was wrong.
Rhyland and Dylan are perfectly un-perfect in this sequel.
Dylan, young mom, waitress and comfortably numb in her existence, heads to watch Cal and Row's place in NYC. With her daughter in tow, she needs a reset. She needs time away from the small Maine town where her baby daddy left her years ago.
Rhyland, Row's best friend, self proclaimed man whore is the downstairs neighbor. He's grumpy, selfish, and on the brink of a multimillion dollar deal with a tech investor. One problem- said tech investor is a family man, and has no interest in backing a selfish man whore.
And so, a little fake dating trope is born. But one with so much heart, many laughs and plenty of spice. L.J. Shen knows exactly how to keep you interested, I loved curling up with this book every night.
I thought it would be a duology, and was pretty excited to see a teaser for another book in this world...YES!
I thought it couldn't get better, sweet, sexier and FUNNIER than Cal and Row, but I was wrong.
Rhyland and Dylan are perfectly un-perfect in this sequel.
Dylan, young mom, waitress and comfortably numb in her existence, heads to watch Cal and Row's place in NYC. With her daughter in tow, she needs a reset. She needs time away from the small Maine town where her baby daddy left her years ago.
Rhyland, Row's best friend, self proclaimed man whore is the downstairs neighbor. He's grumpy, selfish, and on the brink of a multimillion dollar deal with a tech investor. One problem- said tech investor is a family man, and has no interest in backing a selfish man whore.
And so, a little fake dating trope is born. But one with so much heart, many laughs and plenty of spice. L.J. Shen knows exactly how to keep you interested, I loved curling up with this book every night.
I thought it would be a duology, and was pretty excited to see a teaser for another book in this world...YES!
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