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Dream #4

Unexpected Dreams

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Divorce is a big change… But there are bigger ones…

A few months after his divorce and many failed blind dates, Greg Fairchild met Tanner Williams. What started out as a good friendship unexpectedly turned into something that Greg didn't know what to do with…attraction. Why would he be attracted to a man? He had been a ladies man back in the day. He was married for more than 20 years—to a woman… He fathered three children with that woman…. He was a Republican!

Was this unexpected development a mid-life crisis? Or had he been living a lie all these years?

WARNING: This book contains subject material of an adult nature intended for readers over the age of 18.

385 pages, ebook

First published November 13, 2014

11 people are currently reading
268 people want to read

About the author

Isabelle Peterson

18 books465 followers
Isabelle Peterson is the author of Intoxicating Romances weaving her love of wine and cocktails into steamy, swoonworthy love stories. She’s a Chicago suburban girl living in coastal Connecticut with her husband of more than thirty years. When she's not writing, Isabelle can be found creating a new cocktail or enjoying a favorite one, savoring a good glass of wine, cooking or baking. In fact, if she weren't a creative writer, she'd probably be a bartender or chef somewhere.

You can find Izzy at isabellepeterson.com and all of her links at linktr.ee/izzykpeterson

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 83 reviews
Profile Image for Kassandra.
146 reviews7 followers
February 24, 2017
Talk about a life makeover! As you may have figured out from the synopsis Greg might be gay... This book explores one man's quest to find himself. After a divorce he didn't understand and weeks of just getting by, Greg has an unexpected encounter with Tanner. What follows is a wonderful journey of exploration and understanding and finally acceptance. In this book you not only learn more about Greg and meet Tanner, but get snap shots of the rest of the family. This family is full of surprises and reinvention, four books in and I want more. Isabelle has created another realistic masterpiece.
Profile Image for Wendy.
19 reviews6 followers
April 16, 2016
WOW what is a book.. this one just blew me away... I've never read a M/M story before. Isabelle's first book Ditching the Dream, quickly became my favorite book. I also love the other 2 books in the series. But Greg's story is simply amazing. I didn't really care for Greg during the first book or much of what was seen of him in book 3. In the beginning of this book, he's just sulking throwing himself a pity party as to why his wife of 20+ years left him. He goes on several blind dates and just can't seem to get back into the swing of things. As the story develops and he learns more about himself he realizes exactly why his marriage didn't work. Tanner is just simply an amazing man. I never thought I would enjoy reading a story like this so much and just wanted more. Even as the book ended I was disappointed because I wanted it to continue on and wanted to read more of Tanner and Greg's life. Lots of surprises on every page something "unexpected" all throughout this book. There are so many aspects of this book that I absolutely love but I don't want to give away too many details... So, just buy this book already! Definitely a must read!
Profile Image for Christy Bravo.
139 reviews11 followers
November 6, 2014
Greg Fairchild has recently divorced and is having a difficult time processing the fact that his marriage really is over. He starts feeling down and can't find anything to help with his mood until he meets Tanner Williams, a professional soccer player. They become fast friends and Greg discovers why his marriage really failed. Isabelle is an amazing author and pulls you right into the story of her characters, that are genuine and so believable. Absolutely CANNOT wait for the next book!
Profile Image for Pauline (Passionate About Books).
809 reviews15 followers
November 9, 2014
Unexpected Dreams is a story of one man's self discovery.Greg thought that being married for over 20 years,having 3 wonderful children and working like a dog to support his family was what life was all about.He truely believed that THAT was happiness until his wife left him for another man.Floored and not knowing how to move on,he meets Tanner and his entire world is transformed!!!Raised to shun gays from his strict Catholic parents,Greg's view of relationships was totally clouded...but Tanner gave him a new outlook on what he had been missing all those years and brought something unbelievable out of him...the desire to possess...to want!!!Now that Pandora's box has finally opened he is no longer possessed by fear,rules and norms preached by others.Greg discovers the reasons for his unsatisfying marriage and his true self is finally freed, feeling exhilarated.A novel about coming out of the closet when you had no idea you were in it in the first place!!!Isabelle Peterson I bow down to you on this novel and the way you touched the subject of homosexuality.A book I recommend ALL to read.Oh yeah...it's worth evry star it's getting!!!It held my interest from page one until the very end!!!
Profile Image for Rady Reads.
824 reviews20 followers
November 17, 2014
WOW, just WOW! Freaking loved Greg´s and Tanner´s story!Isabelle Peterson is very talented brilliant writer and everytime, she releases another book amazes me a bit more. She clearly has ruined me to read another book at least for a while! I never expected to enjoy M/M romance, but she has done great job. Thank you Isabelle! <3
Profile Image for Crystal.
10 reviews5 followers
December 5, 2014
So Stupendous! While this is book #4 in a series, I started with gem and am now tempted to venture into foreign territory, m/f, to see where it all started. Haha! This is Greg's side of the story, he was the oblivious husband in book #1, Ditching the Dream, now we find out why!
This story was so real!! The men are gorgeous, sexy, masculine, funny and unafraid to share their deepest feelings. I need more like this NOW!
Profile Image for Debbora.
1,169 reviews25 followers
March 25, 2015
Wow, what an amazing hot sexy read. I loved Greg and his coming out,realizing he's gay at 45. Tanner and his hot sexy ways. The two of them together was really hot. I can't wait to see what book 5 has in store.
Profile Image for Mollien Fote Osterman.
722 reviews11 followers
May 29, 2016
Title: Unexpected Dreams
Author: Isabelle Peterson
Series: Dreams Series, Book #4
Publisher: Isabelle Peterson
Reviewer: Mollien
Release Date: November 15, 2014
Genre(s): M/M Romance
Page Count: 385
Heat Level: 3 flames out of 5
Rating: 5 stars out of 5
Blurb:

Divorce is a big change… But there are bigger ones…

A few months after his divorce and many failed blind dates, Greg Fairchild met Tanner Williams. What started out as a good friendship unexpectedly turned into something that Greg didn't know what to do with…attraction. Why would he be attracted to a man? He had been a ladies man back in the day. He was married for more than 20 years—to a woman… He fathered three children with that woman…. He was a Republican!

Was this unexpected development a mid-life crisis? Or had he been living a lie all these years?


Review:
I read the complete series of Isabelle Peterson Dream Series. This series has something for everyone. It follows the lives of the people that Elizabeth Fairchild loves. Starting with Elizabeth herself, a 43 year old wife and mother who is frustrated with her life. She wants her husband to “want her not just need her.” Running away to New York City, Elizabeth embarks on a road to self discovery. As the series unfolds each book brings us the stories of the different people that are in Elizabeth’s life. Each book takes place during the same time period from the point of view of the person that the book is about. There are flashbacks so you better understand how various characters got to where they are in the story.
The six stories are intertwined beautifully. Each book could be read as a stand alone and you will not have a problem figuring out what is going on, but I strongly recommend reading each book in order. All six books in one set lets you read the entire story without stopping.

Each book touches on a different subject of self discovery. The plot of the fourth book,revolves around Elizabeth’s Ex Husband. Trying to come to terms with being single, Greg Fairchild can’t seem to get back on track. After a string of bad blind dates, Greg finds himself at a bar where he meets a new friend, Tanner Williams. The strong pull towards Tanner has Greg confused about everything that he thought was right. How could he be attracted to another man? He was married, he has three children, All the time he spent with Elizabeth, it never felt as good as it does with Tanner. As I mentioned each book has something for everyone. This was one of the first Gay Male books that I read, and I have been reading them ever since. I really enjoyed Greg story. The chemistry between Gregg and Tanner was so much stronger than with Elizabeth. The pacing was steady and kept my interest. Another wonderful ending. Greg’s character does a complete change. I still love this series.
SCORES on a scale of 1-5 Stars rate each of the Following 5 Categories
PLOT: 5 Stars
CHEMISTRY: 5 Stars
PACING: 5 Stars
ENDING: 5 Stars
CHARACTER DEVELOPMENT: 5 Stars


Review Copy of Unexpected Dreams provided by the Author, Isabelle Peterson for an honest Review. Reviewed by Mollien from Alpha Book Club
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Profile Image for Jennifer.
331 reviews214 followers
December 30, 2014
3.5 Stars

I've been wanting to read this book since it released and very happily received it from my Secret Elf...woot woot!! I love the premise of Unexpected Dreams - a newly divorced, socially and politically conservative man suddenly has feelings for another man. Oh my! Let me start by saying this is book #4 in the Dream Series, but it can absolutely be read as a standalone. I have not read the previous books, although I will be now, and there were no plot points where I felt lost or confused. Anywho...

Greg is newly single and living in California. His ex-wife, Elizabeth, has moved to New York City and is in a relationship with another man. He also has three grown children, all out of state. Although he has a couple of good friends, he is not used to being on his own. One night drinking alone in a bar, he breaks up a fight between two men, one of whom is Tanner, a soccer player for a professional team in Chicago. He's in town, house hunting, as he'll be retiring soon and taking on a coaching position for a team in California.

The conversation between Greg and Tanner is comfortable and easy, and they spend hours hanging out. Greg is a financial analyst that owns his own company, and by the end of the night Tanner is a potential client. They meet up again soon afterwards, and after dinner head back to Tanner's for a drink. Tanner spills some wine on himself, rips off his shirt, and things suddenly go awry for Greg.

"Getting a boner from looking at a man? I combed through my brain to come up with any reason for that to have happened.

- It had been a while since I've had sex.

- Tanner's a jock.

- Tanner's not ugly. No, not ugly by a mile. And that body...

Shit!! Not only did my boner not go down, it was now beating at the front of my jeans like it used to when I was seventeen. My heart was pounding and filling my ears with a loud drumbeat"

There are parts like this that made me giggle, but then there were parts that made me uncomfortable. Greg's thoughts about homosexuals are very stereotypical and I think I was a bit put off by them. When people find out about his relationship, one friend is quite homophobic too. I always say that's the sign of a great author though, when they can make you have these intense feelings, good or bad.

Once Greg is finally able to come to terms with his feelings for Tanner, the relationship really heats up, and made my heart pitter patter. Oh boy, was the sexual relationship HAWT!

The difficult part for Greg is accepting who he is and then having the courage to tell his family and friends. His kids live in separate states and one even lives in Italy. He not only visits each child, but he also comes out to his ex-wife. What he finds out is that each of them have their own secrets to tell too. We find out about all of them, except for his son Carter. It looks like we'll be finding out about that in another book in the series.

I do have to take away a half star because the story does need a good dose of copy editing, but all in all this was an excellent M/M romance and on the top of my list of favorite M/M books. I was sad to see it end because I could have read about Greg and Tanner's relationship forever. I'm definitely going back to read the other books in the series and hope that we'll see them again in future books.
Profile Image for Sheri Bishop.
507 reviews7 followers
November 6, 2014
I have been a fan of Isabelle Peterson since I bought her very first book, Ditching the Dream, and Elizabeth & Jack have been my all time favorite book couple. I never thought I'd feel differently. But after reading this book, I can honestly say that is no longer true. Greg and Tanner, even being a gay couple, have officially dethroned them from the #1 position. I had never read a m/m love story and was very uncomfortable with this subject matter. But as I read, Isabelle wove the story, the characters, and the emotions so well that I could not help but fall in love with this couple and their journey.

This book tells us the story of Greg, a 40-something man, who was raised by strict religious parents and has just gone through a divorce that he did not want. He meets a man, Tanner, one night and starts to have, according to Greg, inappropriate reactions to him. Isabelle leads us from the first meeting, through the courtship, to the HEA so very well that if I didn't know better, I'd swear Izzy was a gay man in real life. She, so expertly, makes you feel all of Greg's feelings as he comes to terms with the fact that he is a gay man, has been a gay man all his life, his wife was correct in her reasoning behind the end of their marriage, and he loves another man. While Greg is the main character, Izzy doesn't ignore the other characters and their feelings. She weaves in Tanner's, Greg's ex-wife's, Greg's children, Greg's friends, Greg's family's feelings into the story at the most appropriate times.

I know I'm not doing this book justice in my review but that's the reason I'm not the author. I just want everyone to know what an INCREDIBLE book this book is. Buy it, I guarantee you won't regret it!
Profile Image for Lelyana's Reviews.
3,412 reviews399 followers
December 9, 2017
***DNF-ed at 55%***



"Boring"

This is an effeminate M/M story (I don't want to call it an M/M in a first place)it was so feminine, and soft and all that 'step by step manual' how to be a gay man from 22 years of marriage as straight man, and all the inner monologue, 'drove me freakin' nuts!'

I didn't like Greg at all. All the "My chest has nothing compares to yours", did a great job rolling my eyes a few times.
I think all he cares was about 'physical attraction' between he and Tanner. How beautiful Tanner was, how good he smell, how great his 'chest' were.
This chest thing, made me wanna hurt myself, seriously!



And what that was 'the flirting' with a woman (on his mind), after some dates and kissing with Tanner? Insecure much, Greg?

And by the way Greg, that is NOT how 'the gay things' work!!!!



What is the premise anyway?
Guess I'm reading the different book!
Arrgh...this is so frustrating!!!! And I was cranky all the time.



"Whatever"



Note to self: "I think I read the wrong copy. I mean , if everybody gave 5 stars and loved it, why didn't I? Right?
Definitely, WRONG copy! Nodnod.
Profile Image for Kathleen R..
1,407 reviews43 followers
September 7, 2015
Overall Stars: 4 STARS

Divorce
M/M


Can you handle the truth? Or the change after 20 years?

A few months after his divorce and many failed blind dates, Greg Fairchild met Tanner Williams. What started out as a good friendship unexpectedly turned into something that Greg didn't know what do with...attraction. Why would he be attracted to a man? He had been a ladies man back in the day. He was married for more than 20 years - to a woman... He fathered three children with that woman... He was a Republican! (Amazon Blurb)
Huh. Well, that was unexpected. I honestly have no idea what to say after that. What are you waiting for?? Seriously? Have you gone out and read the series yet? We are at book number four now and I have not failed to mention it since book number one and again, I will mention it again: it still gets better!! Who would have thought that marriage to a job would explain a failed marriage? Or maybe the fact that a hidden part of Chase’s sexuality was attracted to men pushed him to stay longer at work and ignore his marriage. Maybe I’m grasping at strays, but it still doesn’t change the fact that it was amazing! And so, the Dream series is fast becoming one of the ‘it’ series that should be read, even if it’s just once, because you never know, it just might open your eyes to one single thing that you never knew, and don’t take my word for it, but it really is quite worth the time to sit down and to take the time to read it.


**Received a copy in exchange for an honest review. Read and reviewed by Kathleen for Alpha Book Club**
Profile Image for Sharilyn Dickerson.
401 reviews22 followers
November 28, 2014
AMAZING!!!

First, let me start by saying that this was my very first M/M book to read and I am now wondering why I haven't read more like this before.

I wasn't sure Isabelle Peterson could top the first three books in this series... boy was I wrong! I also didn't think I could ever like or understand Greg and the way he treated Elizabeth during their marriage. Yep... wrong again!

Greg's story is truly amazing. I love the way his story was told. He feels lost and unsure after his divorce from Elizabeth. Friends try to help him move on by setting him up on dates. He just doesn't feel a connection with anyone. That is until he meets Tanner Williams. They hit it off and Greg is thankful to have made a new friend. A slight misunderstanding on Tanner's behalf and Greg's world is turned upside down.

This is a beautiful story of self-discovery and Greg learning that he is exactly who is meant to be. Tanner is absolutely swoon-worthy with how he handles everything and I absolutely love how it ended. I can't wait to read more about these two!
Profile Image for Ana Centeno.
1 review1 follower
November 16, 2014
Okay, I finished reading Unexpected Dreams from ‪#‎IsabellePeterson‬. It was interesting. Yet, I do not want to give a spoiler but I must say: The Fairchild Family is an unexpected surprise. Greg being gay is just the start of this saga. Phoebe being pregnant is a small feat, ‪#‎JackSteven‬ being a dominant alpha male is a plus; this book gives us what to expect next. I am talking about Elizabeth and Greg's children what an unexpected turn but to know what it is you must read the book. Unexpected? Sort of, the reaction of the people around Greg is what makes it uniquely unexpected. If you are interested in reading the book, you will notice that the gay sex really feels like heterosexual "normal" sex. It was no different than what I feel when reading erotica, it feels extraordinarily hot. The sex was not raunchy, actually it was hot and beautiful. I recommend it. You need to know more about the Dream series and the Fairchild family, it will blow your mind. I give it a big like-thumbs up! Go get it!
Profile Image for Raylene Green.
439 reviews11 followers
February 13, 2015
I've recently discovered M/M books a couple months ago by accident and was very hesitant about what I would think of reading them. I'm no prude---the opposite actually. Nothing surprises me, except my love for M/M books and I loved this one! I don't dive into the particulars of a gay relationship but I have plenty of gay friends and you can read this and even if the inside information wasn't true, you would still enjoy it. I've never read Isabelle before but I'll definitely be back again!
Profile Image for Jen.
234 reviews1 follower
March 12, 2015
4.5 stars! One of the best M/M books I've read. I enjoyed this one.
Profile Image for Anna Petrash.
2 reviews
November 18, 2014
I loved this book!!! I personally think the series keeps getting better!!! I can't wait for book #5!!!
Profile Image for Mary.
444 reviews43 followers
July 31, 2015
I loved it; never read anything by her but this book rocked for me.I was not aware this was part of a series; I didn't feel like I missed too much. I would recommend this for a good read.
Profile Image for Christine Lacombe.
292 reviews16 followers
July 7, 2019
I didn’t realize that I hadn’t left a review on this book. I absolutely love Isabelle’s books. And this series is super awesome!! I am a big fan of M/M romances and I really loved this book.
At the beginning of this series with Elizabeth’s story, I really was disliking Greg. I honestly thought I would hate him for how he was with Beth. And then Isabelle wrote this book and when I read it, I was like O. M. G. I fell in love with Greg and Tanner’s story.
Unexpected Dreams is the perfect title for this book since For over 20 years, Greg thought he was straight until Tanner walked into his life. It was so life altering for him, gave him a shock.
So many emotions with remorse, tears, laughter, romance, passion, and love are found in this book with some forgiveness also.
If you are a reader of M/M romance or have wanted to give it a try go ahead and read this book.
If you have been reading the Dream series, then this is a must read!!
Profile Image for Jenn of Rave and Rant about Raunch.
92 reviews6 followers
July 4, 2015
I am about to say a sentence I haven’t been able to honestly say in quite some time, I have recently lost my virginity. I gave it to Greg, Tanner, and Isabelle and it was amazing! Kinky of me, huh? Unexpected Dream was my first M/M romance novel. And let me tell you losing my M/M virginity was not like how most probably lose their real virginity, a clumsy quick regret in the backseat of a car, but this was a sexy, romantic, and wild ride I could never regret. I am a fan of the entire Dream Series, but Unexpected Dreams is by far, my favorite.

Greg is a man who was just existing in his marriage expecting his wife to be the perfect companion and housewife until his wife suddenly and without warning left him while he thought he was having a normal day at work. He seemed at a lost of how to survive living his new life and keeping his home. I was not very Team Greg for the first two books in the series, I believe I even badmouthed him in previous reviews, but now we get a look at what makes him tick and the conservative views his family imprinted on him. Unexpected Dreams is a novel about finding your self, breaking social stereotypes, family, love, and friendship. I mentioned that this books breaks down stereotypes and I love the way Izzy does it. She takes thoughts some conservatives may truly believe, and presents them in a manor that is ridiculous, yet serious since these are issues that real life people face once placed in these biased mass groupings.

Next, I’m going to learn that all male fashion models aren’t gay. Man- my world has been so rocked in the past couple of weeks that I couldn’t even begin to count the ways.

Greg is the leading man developed from the previous books in the series but in this novel we meet one of my favorite leading men I’ve met in the pages of a romance story; Tanner. Selfishly, in the back of my mind, I am totally thinking, “Damn it, all the good one’s really are gay,” because I love Tanner. He’s athletic, understanding, confident, and patient.

I had never had a kiss like this, and I was afraid. Not that I was kissing a man, but that I had missed out for so long. I was afraid I would never be able to make up for lost time.

Unexpected Dreams is very romantic with the way Greg finally realizes there is more to a partner than a warm body to sleep next to and someone to provide dinner and do laundry, and we see his thoughts drastically morph. He learns what loving, craving, needing, and wanting (As Elizabeth had previously described) another person is like.

The only thing I could come up with was that was the best non-sex f*** of my life, that I felt better whenever I was with Tanner than anyone else, and I was certain I was gay. But Tanner’s breathing and scent soothed me, and I wasn’t freaked out. And that freaked me out.

Not only was the book romantic but also the sex scenes were amazing. I wasn’t sure how much I would enjoy the sex scenes, considering I had no previous experience with M/M and I am a female. The only thing I could reference it to is watching M/M porn, which doesn’t do it for me. What I’m talking about here I’m not talking about tolerance, acceptance, or equality. I’m simply talking about what personally gets your motor going, what leaves you griping the sheets. We don’t read these books only for the sex scenes but hey, getting hot and bothered by our favorite leading men is definitely a factor and before reading I wondered if I would still have that factor. But each scene got hotter and hotter and Isabelle does a remarkable job at glorifying a blowjob. It didn’t matter what the sex of the people involved were, they were written beautifully and wonderfully steamy. Hot and bothered was definitely still a factor.

Unexpected Dreams is book 4 in a series but Isabelle works hard to make sure each book can be read as a stand alone, enlisting beta readers who have never read the previous books to make sure things are easily understood. But where’s the fun in just reading one? If your new to the whole series, start at book 1, Ditching the Dream and if you just haven’t gotten to Unexpected Dreams yet but have read books 1-3, well get on it! That’s my recommendation to you!
Profile Image for Jennifer Halloway ong.
646 reviews8 followers
April 14, 2022
AMAZING !!

Wow just wow , I was not expecting that from Greg but what an unbelievably amazing and incredible journey!! I never disliked Greg in the other installments I just didn’t understand him and now I know why . If you’re looking for a beautiful romance this is it honestly this whole Dream series is one of the best I’ve ever read . I can’t wait to read the next installment !!
Profile Image for Melissa Mendoza.
2,598 reviews54 followers
May 11, 2016
Title:Unexpected Dreams
Author:Isabelle Peterson
Series:Dreams Series, Book #4
Publisher:Isabelle Peterson
Reviewer:Melissa
Release Date:November 15, 2014
Genre(s):M/M Romance
Page Count:385
Heat Level: 3.5 flames out of 5
Rating: 4 stars out of 5
Blurb:

Divorce is a big change… But there are bigger ones…

A few months after his divorce and many failed blind dates, Greg Fairchild met Tanner Williams. What started out as a good friendship unexpectedly turned into something that Greg didn't know what to do with…attraction. Why would he be attracted to a man? He had been a ladies man back in the day. He was married for more than 20 years—to a woman… He fathered three children with that woman…. He was a Republican!

Was this unexpected development a mid-life crisis? Or had he been living a lie all these years?


Review:
“I opened the door and when my eyes quickly devoured the incredible man in front of me. I grabbed his hand, pulled him inside, and let the door close while I pressed him against the wall and kissed him. ‘Now that’s a hello I could get used to,’ he breathed when I pulled away for air.”

4 secretive stars! I’m in love!

Newly divorced father, Greg is still adjusting to his new single life. He’s dated his fair share of women since, but all of the blind dates were horrible. He meets Tanner and instantly they become friends. But after spending time with Tanner, Greg realizes he has different feelings for the man. Unsure of how to deal with these feelings, he questions himself… Is this who he really is??

I don’t think I can even begin to describe how much I loved this story!! I loved Greg and Tanner’s story. The way they come together and Greg’s struggle to come to terms with his sexuality. I am obsessed with this series!!

me alphabookclub
ARC provided by author in exchange for an honest review. Reviewed by Melissa from Alpha Book Club description
Profile Image for AussieMum.
1,393 reviews56 followers
March 6, 2017
3.5 stars
I haven't read any of the previous books in the series so I had no pre-conceived notions about Greg and thought this could easily standalone, even though there are a myriad of complicated relationships in Greg's family (which are other books)

Regarding the story- On the one hand this is about a 45 year old man who for his whole life has been opposed to homosexuality due to a religious upbringing and political beliefs, even going so far as voting for prop 8 to deny gay marriage. On the other hand, this is about a middle aged father of three and recent divorcee, who meets a man and realises something about himself he had repressed his whole life. Something that in turn makes him a better person, a better father, and makes him complete in a way he's never been before.

I don’t remember thinking this way about Elizabeth. That thought crushed me. It crushed me in two ways. One, I’d not thought of her that way. Two that I’d wasted decades possibly ‘barking up the wrong tree’.


I'll admit I read this because the POV of Greg intrigued me. How would he reconcile his feelings with his long held beliefs? I was eager to find out.

Gay was wrong. Right? My whole life I’d been opposed to gays and their lifestyle. I voted in favor of Prop 8 every time it hit a ballot. Gay was a choice. A perverted choice. Not natural.




Tanner was lovely. Kind and sweet and willing to give Greg time to sort through his feelings, but he is definitely not a doormat. And this was not instalove. Their relationship develops over the course of many months and with each interaction we see Greg learning, understanding and changing.

Overall this was an interesting romance, the sex was both sweet and hot and there's a HFN.
Profile Image for Brenda Mora.
8 reviews
May 28, 2015
Ok, I must say I was kinda scared of this book. Not because I'm a homophobic or anything, I just didn't know what to expect of it. I've always read F/M stories and knowing how Isabelle writes and how she makes me feel whenever I read one of her books... I didn't really know if I was going to read it, and if I did, if I'd like it. Turns out, I LOVED IT!

I've a lot of gay friends and I've never been close-minded about sexual preferences but I could never really get the struggle of coming out. I think Isabelle made a great job portraying the angst of telling everyone you know and love such a difficult truth, especially if you didn't know it or accepted it yourself.

It's one amazing story that actually changed my mind and feelings for Greg after spending three books thinking he was an absolute jerk. It explains why he was such an ass for the past three books and I actually felt sorry for him, for not knowing, for hiding... He had had a very tough life with that family of his and even if he knew when he was younger, I don't think he would have had the courage to tell his family. I honestly can’t get all those people who go judging other just because they’re out of the ordinary like it was a bad thing.

Aside from the story, I actually loved every character and every scene, it's so well written you actually get into the story and understand everything better. It's a book full of revelations and it is amazing. I can’t believe how much my feelings for Greg changed in just a book, demonstrating again that Izzy is such an amazing writer.

One thing I love about Izzy's books is how she links them so you can know what's been going with everyone on the Series even if he book is not about them. I love how she writes and even if it took me long to read this one out of hesitation, I can tell I really liked it. No, I loved it.
Profile Image for Brittany Alexander.
577 reviews21 followers
November 29, 2014
Book four in the Dream Series by Isabelle Peterson, we follow the story of Greg, Elizabeth’s ex-husband. This can be read as a standalone, but I recommend you read the first three beforehand.
Elizabeth Fairchild was married to Greg Fairchild for over twenty years. Tired of being ignored and unsatisfied, she leaves him and finds a new life in New York.
In Unexpected Dreams, we get to discover, along with Greg himself, why he was never a good husband.
Turns out, he’s gay.
Yep, that’s right. And famous Chicago Smoke soccer player Tanner Williams helps him realize that. After one kiss, Greg cannot ignore the feelings his body has for this sexy man.
I loved this book! I have always hated Greg. He was a terrible husband, but finding out that he couldn’t really help it, that his body wasn’t wired that way, I feel for him. I loved learning about Greg! I’ve found out that he’s an amazing, charming, smart, and good guy. When he falls, he falls hard and he only wants the best for those around him. Why do all the good ones have to be gay?
And Tanner! Wow, Tanner is sweet too! I’d love to be a fly on the wall watching those two interact!
The thing I really liked about this book, not just that it’s M/M, but Isabelle can write some pretty hot blow job scenes. I mean, probably some of the hottest oral I’ve ever read. Again, fly on the wall!!!
I also love how in this book, and every other book she’s written, most of the chapter is in Greg’s point of view, then in some chapters, the last few paragraphs switch to Tanner’s, or for one chapter, Elizabeth’s point of view. I hate reading dual points of view, especially if it’s repeating something that’s already happened, but Izzy does an amazing job with this!
Five stars! Can’t wait for Kevin’s book!
Profile Image for Behind Closed Doors Book Review.
1,243 reviews175 followers
August 3, 2016
Amount of sex - 4 / 5
How explicit - 4 / 5
Romance - 5 / 5 Overall: 5 / 5

Unexpected Dreams, the fourth book in the Dream series by Isabelle Peterson, is Greg and Tanner’s story. Greg is still feeling down about the divorce from Beth. He continues to drink after work nightly to numb his pain until one night he encounters Tanner Williams, a professional soccer player. He goes on a path of self discovery exploring his feeling for Tanner and try to understand them. Greg begins to experiment and discovers he was never truly happy. He learns to accept himself, be proud, and finally understanding the reason why his marriage failed.

As I read each book in this series, I feel like I am going on this journey with them. They are written so well and with so much emotions, I feel so connected to the whole family. I love how the characters from the first three books are woven in so smoothly, updating me on their progress. I absolutely adore this book and will be re-reading it again soon! <3

This novel can be read by itself, but I truly feel that you will get the best experience by reading the whole series in order. I would love to see these made into a movie! In my opinion, this is a must read series! 5+ kisses. For more info, links and more...
http://BehindClosedDoorsBookReview.co...
**ARC was received in exchange for an honest review**
Profile Image for Raj.
750 reviews64 followers
January 17, 2015
Not to take anything away from the story but 366 pages of self reflection was kind of excessive for me.Well excessive for a male character.It continued chapter after chapter.

Greg came across at times as being too insecure for a 45 year man,almost afraid of his own shadow & I wonder how the book would have been had Tanner been a feminine 'hair dresser' instead of a macho athlete which was mentioned ad nausea in every proceeding chapter.

The following utterance was echoed through out the book which enforced the notion it was acceptable to be gay provided you were a macho athlete.

And what’s this…Tanner? Tanner cannot be gay. He’s a professional athlete. He’s got tattoos. He doesn't talk with a lisp, or drink white wine.

The first half of the novel read almost like a manual on how to come out as gay with the actual story only kicking in after the second half.Almost half of the book was repetitive & could have done with some severe editing.The premise of the story was interesting enough for me to start the journey but I lost steam 30 % in & only continued because I aimed to finish what I had started.

I believe I liked Elizabeth's story much better.It was much smoother & sensual.Male to male erotica if done correctly is exhilarating & this attempt was just too stilted.
Profile Image for Carey.
640 reviews79 followers
August 25, 2020
I bow down to Queen Isabelle! If you read M/M Romance, you MUST read this book. When I first "met" Greg in Book One of the Dream series, I HATED him. Yes, that's right. The level of hate requires shouty caps. After reading Unexpected Dreams, I LOVE Greg. The fact that Isabelle's writing has caused this major shift in my emotions for this character is the reason for the bowing. The fact that her words can elicit so many diverse and extreme feelings for her characters is proof that her writing is top notch! I just love Isabelle's books!

Greg goes through the emotional gamut of coming to terms with the realization that he is gay. He went from denial to a very strong acceptance. I loved being taken on the journey with him both through the events/actions and the emotional roller coaster he took. He called himself out on what went wrong with his relationship with his wife Elizabeth. But he didn't stop there. Sure, he could have left it at "I'm gay" and moved on with his life. But he went what I consider the correct route and apologized to Elizabeth explaining all the reasons he now knew they weren't right for each other.

I was also happy that we experienced his discovery of being gay and coming out to his family, friends and everyone around him.

I can't give enough love to this book and Isabelle! READ IT!
Profile Image for Dana Busenbark.
2,801 reviews29 followers
August 23, 2015
Woah, this book kicks off with a bang that I never would have expected. However, just 12% into the book and I find myself saying, "Well, hell, that kind of makes sense why..." and filling in random bits about Greg and Elizabeth's married life. Why certain things happened the way they did. Why it doesn't surprise me at this turn of events with a new client for Greg. I am chuckling quite a bit at it. Poor obsessed man with a new client and a now ex-wife. Life seems to suck sometimes huh? What happens when he gets overly drunk and spills all sorts of things at the bar to his business partner? What happens the next day? What happens in NYC when he goes for his daughter's 20th birthday party and he has dinner with his ex-wife, her boyfriend, and several others. Who shows up at the same place they're eating? What happens when he rushes off to the bathroom and Elizabeth follows to make sure he's okay? So many intrigues, so little time. I cannot wait to see what the next installment of this series will be like. It was great to see the changes in Greg and to see he 'really got' what Elizabeth had been saying to him when she left him.

RECEIVED THIS BOOK AS A GIFT FOR A FAIR/HONEST REVIEW and REVIEWER FOR Bloggin' With M.Brennan.
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