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Dramatic Hearts Club #2
If My Wishes Came True
FROM IPPY AWARD-WINNING AUTHOR NATHALIE THEODORE
LOVE IS SCARY WHEN YOU'RE HELLBENT ON OUTRUNNING YOUR PAST...
Jenna Andersen is the type of woman you might feel threatened by—if you didn’t know all her secrets. She’s gorgeous, charismatic, and a successful entrepreneur. But her polished exterior hides a lifetime of self-doubt. Jenna’s haunted by dyslexia she’s been told makes her “less than,” a family that never understood her, and dreams of becoming an artist she buried long ago. As for love, that’s reserved for the characters in her favorite rom-coms. She thought she’d found it once, but she was wrong.
Why face your troubles, though, when you can flee from them? She’s earned the nickname “Runaway Jenna” for a reason. Launching an interior design business in Chicago should be her fresh start, but the success she’s worked so hard for feels superficial. Then a whim leads her back to her love of painting—and into a friendship with warm, insightful Vanessa, who sees Jenna’s true worth. And when sparks fly the moment she locks eyes with her charming new neighbor, Charlie, she wonders whether she’s finally ready to open her heart.
But love demands courage, and Jenna’s spent years avoiding her pain. Faced with a city that feels like home, a career crossroads, and the guy who’s literally the man of her dreams, she must decide: play it safe, or risk everything for the chance at a happy ending.
LOVE IS SCARY WHEN YOU'RE HELLBENT ON OUTRUNNING YOUR PAST...
Jenna Andersen is the type of woman you might feel threatened by—if you didn’t know all her secrets. She’s gorgeous, charismatic, and a successful entrepreneur. But her polished exterior hides a lifetime of self-doubt. Jenna’s haunted by dyslexia she’s been told makes her “less than,” a family that never understood her, and dreams of becoming an artist she buried long ago. As for love, that’s reserved for the characters in her favorite rom-coms. She thought she’d found it once, but she was wrong.
Why face your troubles, though, when you can flee from them? She’s earned the nickname “Runaway Jenna” for a reason. Launching an interior design business in Chicago should be her fresh start, but the success she’s worked so hard for feels superficial. Then a whim leads her back to her love of painting—and into a friendship with warm, insightful Vanessa, who sees Jenna’s true worth. And when sparks fly the moment she locks eyes with her charming new neighbor, Charlie, she wonders whether she’s finally ready to open her heart.
But love demands courage, and Jenna’s spent years avoiding her pain. Faced with a city that feels like home, a career crossroads, and the guy who’s literally the man of her dreams, she must decide: play it safe, or risk everything for the chance at a happy ending.
378 pages, ebook
First published August 1, 2025
18 people are currently reading
1819 people want to read
About the author
Nathalie Theodore
3 books56 followersNathalie Theodore is the Amazon bestselling, IPPY award-winning author of If the Stars Align and If My Wishes Came True, Books One and Two in the Dramatic Hearts Club series. A lawyer-turned-therapist and novelist, she writes love stories that dive deep into the psychology of her characters, using her background in mental health to create beautifully flawed, true-to-life protagonists. In addition to writing, she enjoys spending time with her family in their hometown of Chicago; catching up on sleep; and when the latter invariably fails, caffeinating. Follow her on Instagram (@nathalietheodorewrites) for the latest updates.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews
July 24, 2025
3.5 ⭐
What do you do when you have come to terms with the fact that true love will never cross the threshold of your broken heart until one meeting, no–one person flips the script with one single look? Some would call it destiny, or fate, or the stars are finally aligning. But Jenna Andersen won’t let one momentous meet-cute with the man of her dreams shake her that easily. She is known as “Runaway Jenna,” after all. The bubbly, talented, and gorgeous Jenna that everyone knows has secrets–secrets she wants to run from to preserve her already shattered heart. But when Charlie Sutton bumps into her and sparks instantly fly between them, is Jenna ready to stop running from her past and allow love into her life, a life she is unfulfilled with?
I am going to be completely honest with you–I wanted to read this book because of the cute cover. I know, I know. You think I would at least consider what the story is about. But, lucky me, the story was as good as the cover.
Although I didn’t fall in love with the romance (ba-humbug me is at it again), I did enjoy the journey Jenna and Charlie endured, not only for each other, but for themselves. There was great character development, but I did wish I had Charlie’s point of view. He had a lot going on in his own life and was a complex character, but I guess if the twist at the end was going to shock me, it had to catch me totally off guard. But still, it would have been nice to have his perspective.
The plot kept me invested, but as I mentioned before, I wasn’t feeling the romance. I think it’s because I’m not a fan of the insta-love trope, so that affected my enjoyment of the story. However, I did appreciate how real the author kept the relationship and the struggles Jenna and Charlie had to overcome, taking it seriously and having them work it out. This isn’t like most romance books I’ve read, and I can’t compare it to other stories, but this is more of a romantic drama than a rom-com. (And yes, there is spice, so you have been forewarned. 😉)
The writing was entertaining, and it kept me engaged the entire time I was reading. If there are going to be more books in this series, you can bet your bottom dollar I’m going to read them because Nathalie Theodore is a great writer and I want to know what happens among their circle of friends.
I recommend this book if you like some realism (but not too much of it) in your romances and perhaps a happy ending? I don’t know. You’re going to have to read the book to find out if Jenna’s and Charlie’s relationship was meant to be. 😉
Thank you to Written in the Stars Press and NetGalley for the arc! All opinions and statements are my own.
#IfMyWishesCameTrue #NetGalley
What do you do when you have come to terms with the fact that true love will never cross the threshold of your broken heart until one meeting, no–one person flips the script with one single look? Some would call it destiny, or fate, or the stars are finally aligning. But Jenna Andersen won’t let one momentous meet-cute with the man of her dreams shake her that easily. She is known as “Runaway Jenna,” after all. The bubbly, talented, and gorgeous Jenna that everyone knows has secrets–secrets she wants to run from to preserve her already shattered heart. But when Charlie Sutton bumps into her and sparks instantly fly between them, is Jenna ready to stop running from her past and allow love into her life, a life she is unfulfilled with?
I am going to be completely honest with you–I wanted to read this book because of the cute cover. I know, I know. You think I would at least consider what the story is about. But, lucky me, the story was as good as the cover.
Although I didn’t fall in love with the romance (ba-humbug me is at it again), I did enjoy the journey Jenna and Charlie endured, not only for each other, but for themselves. There was great character development, but I did wish I had Charlie’s point of view. He had a lot going on in his own life and was a complex character, but I guess if the twist at the end was going to shock me, it had to catch me totally off guard. But still, it would have been nice to have his perspective.
The plot kept me invested, but as I mentioned before, I wasn’t feeling the romance. I think it’s because I’m not a fan of the insta-love trope, so that affected my enjoyment of the story. However, I did appreciate how real the author kept the relationship and the struggles Jenna and Charlie had to overcome, taking it seriously and having them work it out. This isn’t like most romance books I’ve read, and I can’t compare it to other stories, but this is more of a romantic drama than a rom-com. (And yes, there is spice, so you have been forewarned. 😉)
The writing was entertaining, and it kept me engaged the entire time I was reading. If there are going to be more books in this series, you can bet your bottom dollar I’m going to read them because Nathalie Theodore is a great writer and I want to know what happens among their circle of friends.
I recommend this book if you like some realism (but not too much of it) in your romances and perhaps a happy ending? I don’t know. You’re going to have to read the book to find out if Jenna’s and Charlie’s relationship was meant to be. 😉
Thank you to Written in the Stars Press and NetGalley for the arc! All opinions and statements are my own.
#IfMyWishesCameTrue #NetGalley
July 3, 2025
Like Jenna and Charlie, I fell in love with If My Wishes Came True by Nathalie Theodore at first sight.
This captivating follow-up to If the Stars Align is beautifully written and emotionally resonant. Theodore's characters are authentic and deeply relatable - especially for someone like me, who also experienced love at first sight. Jenna and Charlie’s romance brought back the butterflies I felt in the early days of my relationship with my husband.
I loved getting to peek back into the lives of the characters from If the Stars Align and seeing how the original couple has grown. Theodore does a wonderful job of weaving together friendships (and romances!) and allowing even the minor characters meaningful development, which makes the story world feel rich and lived-in. While you can read this without having read If the Stars Align, I definitely recommend starting there - it makes the emotional payoffs even sweeter.
One thing I especially admired is how Theodore continues to explore themes of mental health and therapy with care and authenticity. It adds so much emotional depth to the characters and their relationships, and it’s refreshing to see it handled so thoughtfully in a romance. As someone who understands the pull of people-pleasing, I really connected with Charlie’s struggle to balance his own needs with others’ expectations - and how that can complicate even the most genuine love story.
In Jenna's words, "I’ve just always been a sucker for a happy ending" - and this one delivers in the most satisfying way. I can’t praise Theodore’s writing enough. I deeply appreciate the ARC (I needed to read If My Wishes Came True after devouring If the Stars Align!). I’ll absolutely be keeping an eye out for anything she writes next!
This captivating follow-up to If the Stars Align is beautifully written and emotionally resonant. Theodore's characters are authentic and deeply relatable - especially for someone like me, who also experienced love at first sight. Jenna and Charlie’s romance brought back the butterflies I felt in the early days of my relationship with my husband.
I loved getting to peek back into the lives of the characters from If the Stars Align and seeing how the original couple has grown. Theodore does a wonderful job of weaving together friendships (and romances!) and allowing even the minor characters meaningful development, which makes the story world feel rich and lived-in. While you can read this without having read If the Stars Align, I definitely recommend starting there - it makes the emotional payoffs even sweeter.
One thing I especially admired is how Theodore continues to explore themes of mental health and therapy with care and authenticity. It adds so much emotional depth to the characters and their relationships, and it’s refreshing to see it handled so thoughtfully in a romance. As someone who understands the pull of people-pleasing, I really connected with Charlie’s struggle to balance his own needs with others’ expectations - and how that can complicate even the most genuine love story.
In Jenna's words, "I’ve just always been a sucker for a happy ending" - and this one delivers in the most satisfying way. I can’t praise Theodore’s writing enough. I deeply appreciate the ARC (I needed to read If My Wishes Came True after devouring If the Stars Align!). I’ll absolutely be keeping an eye out for anything she writes next!
August 4, 2025
Nathalie Theodore’s second novel If My Wishes Came True exceeded all expectations in bringing Jenna’s love story to fruition. She seamlessly integrates the beloved characters from her successful debut novel with newcomers that quickly became some of my favorites. A beautiful story about unexpected love connections and friendships that can withstand anything. A must read!
August 12, 2025
Dnf at 3%
Fmc has spent the entire first few pages talking about how hot she is, how young she looks, how often married men hit on her, and how she is such a talented artist and the art in her clients home is awful and she could do better. Now she has a group of frat boys inviting her to the beach. Nah girl, you are not all that.
Arc
Fmc has spent the entire first few pages talking about how hot she is, how young she looks, how often married men hit on her, and how she is such a talented artist and the art in her clients home is awful and she could do better. Now she has a group of frat boys inviting her to the beach. Nah girl, you are not all that.
Arc
July 22, 2025
If My Wishes Came True is the second book in the Dramatic Hearts Club series by Nathalie Theodore. Nathalie’s debut novel, If The Stars Align was one of the first ARCs I had the opportunity to review and I loved it so much!
This sequel focuses in on Dex and Sunny’s friend Jenna Andersen, who was referenced in the first novel. Jenna has everything going for her — she’s hardworking, creative and beautiful with a burgeoning career in interior design — but she can’t stop running from her past.
Jenna has to learn to face her fears and feelings before she can let love back into her life. With the help of friends, family and a very handsome stranger across the hall, she is able to prioritize her needs and find her own happy ending.
Some tropes you’ll love:
💗 Artist
💗 Strangers to Lovers
💗 Mental health rep
💗 Set in Chicago
💗 Jenna’s POV
Nathalie is an amazing writer and includes breathtaking twists and turns I never see coming! Her characters have so much depth and feel like real people you could know. I hope you check out this book when it releases on August 1st!
Thank you to NetGalley and Nathalie Theodore for this ARC in exchange for my honest review.
#ifmywishescametrue #chicago #romcom #indieauthor #kindleunlimited #arcreview #netgalley #bookblog #bookish #indiebook #romanceisrebellious #populargirl
This sequel focuses in on Dex and Sunny’s friend Jenna Andersen, who was referenced in the first novel. Jenna has everything going for her — she’s hardworking, creative and beautiful with a burgeoning career in interior design — but she can’t stop running from her past.
Jenna has to learn to face her fears and feelings before she can let love back into her life. With the help of friends, family and a very handsome stranger across the hall, she is able to prioritize her needs and find her own happy ending.
Some tropes you’ll love:
💗 Artist
💗 Strangers to Lovers
💗 Mental health rep
💗 Set in Chicago
💗 Jenna’s POV
Nathalie is an amazing writer and includes breathtaking twists and turns I never see coming! Her characters have so much depth and feel like real people you could know. I hope you check out this book when it releases on August 1st!
Thank you to NetGalley and Nathalie Theodore for this ARC in exchange for my honest review.
#ifmywishescametrue #chicago #romcom #indieauthor #kindleunlimited #arcreview #netgalley #bookblog #bookish #indiebook #romanceisrebellious #populargirl
June 24, 2025
If My Wishes Came True is a love letter to women who have reinvented themselves many times and still feel like they are not “enough.” It is raw, hopeful, and incredibly real.
Jenna Andersen is the kind of character you instantly support. She appears confident on the outside, but beneath her success and charm, she struggles with old wounds. Dyslexia has shaped her self-worth, her family never truly saw her, and she locked away her dreams just to survive. Her nickname might be “Runaway Jenna,” but this time, she is finally choosing to stay.
Her journey back to painting is tender, and the way art serves as a form of healing made me emotional. The friendship with Vanessa is one of the most genuine female friendships I have read in a while. Her slow-burn chemistry with Charlie is swoony yet grounded. They are not perfect people trying to fix each other; they are messy humans learning how to accept love while figuring things out.
Nathalie Theodore creates characters that feel like friends. This is not some idealized fairytale; it’s about choosing courage, choosing kindness, and choosing yourself. And isn’t that what romance is really about? I absolutely, DEVOURED this and finished it in a day.
Overall this book was a 4 stars. Highly recommend!
Jenna Andersen is the kind of character you instantly support. She appears confident on the outside, but beneath her success and charm, she struggles with old wounds. Dyslexia has shaped her self-worth, her family never truly saw her, and she locked away her dreams just to survive. Her nickname might be “Runaway Jenna,” but this time, she is finally choosing to stay.
Her journey back to painting is tender, and the way art serves as a form of healing made me emotional. The friendship with Vanessa is one of the most genuine female friendships I have read in a while. Her slow-burn chemistry with Charlie is swoony yet grounded. They are not perfect people trying to fix each other; they are messy humans learning how to accept love while figuring things out.
Nathalie Theodore creates characters that feel like friends. This is not some idealized fairytale; it’s about choosing courage, choosing kindness, and choosing yourself. And isn’t that what romance is really about? I absolutely, DEVOURED this and finished it in a day.
Overall this book was a 4 stars. Highly recommend!
August 6, 2025
Nathalie Theodore crafts a heartfelt and emotionally resonant novel in If My Wishes Came True, blending love, personal struggle, and unexpected twists into a story that feels both unique and deeply relatable. From the first page, the narrative pulls you in with its compelling characters—each layered, flawed, and undeniably human.
The story explores the complexities of relationships and the quiet battles we often fight within ourselves. Theodore captures these emotional currents with honesty and grace, weaving a plot that feels intimate yet filled with moments of real surprise. The twist, when it arrives, is both shocking and organic, changing the trajectory of the story in a way that lingers long after the final page.
What truly elevates this novel is its originality. Theodore doesn’t follow a formula—she allows the characters to grow and shift naturally, making their journeys feel authentic. The emotional depth and personal stakes are powerful, and it’s nearly impossible not to become invested in the lives on the page.
If My Wishes Came True is a beautifully written, standout novel about love, resilience, and the unpredictable turns life can take. It’s the kind of story that stays with you—and one that reminds readers of the power of hope, even when things seem lost.
The story explores the complexities of relationships and the quiet battles we often fight within ourselves. Theodore captures these emotional currents with honesty and grace, weaving a plot that feels intimate yet filled with moments of real surprise. The twist, when it arrives, is both shocking and organic, changing the trajectory of the story in a way that lingers long after the final page.
What truly elevates this novel is its originality. Theodore doesn’t follow a formula—she allows the characters to grow and shift naturally, making their journeys feel authentic. The emotional depth and personal stakes are powerful, and it’s nearly impossible not to become invested in the lives on the page.
If My Wishes Came True is a beautifully written, standout novel about love, resilience, and the unpredictable turns life can take. It’s the kind of story that stays with you—and one that reminds readers of the power of hope, even when things seem lost.
June 26, 2025
If My Wishes Came True is a fabulous follow-up to Nathalie Theodore’s terrific first novel If the Stars Align. What strikes me the most about Theodore’s work is her ability to craft a fast-paced, exciting plot, that had me speeding through the novel, without sacrificing character development in any way. These characters leap off the page and you feel as if you know them intimately and care about them passionately. No character is too minor; there is no caricature here. How does she do this without dragging out the story? It is quite astonishing. We meet characters from her first novel and new characters we are dying to get to know. All this while she writes about painting and photography, Italy, Haitian cooking, and much much more. I have come to realize that there’s nothing Theodore can’t bring to life. I am in the best of company when I read her novels and I cannot wait for the next one!
July 6, 2025
Jenna is such a delight to read — from the outside, she looks like she has it all together: bubbly, beautiful, successful. But inside? She’s struggling with some big emotional weight, including dyslexia, unresolved guilt, and fear of vulnerability. Her growth throughout the story felt real and tender.
The romance with Charlie is adorable. Total golden retriever energy. Their meet-cute melted me instantly, and I really appreciated that even their “curveball moment” didn’t rely on unnecessary drama. The complications in their lives felt authentic — from an awkward shared connection neither of them knew about, to complicated parental dynamics, to rediscovering passion through art.
This was a cozy, emotional romance with depth and charm. I especially loved the theme of self-acceptance and the quiet encouragement to stop running from pain. If you love heartfelt, character-driven love stories with just a hint of whimsy, this one’s worth the read.
The romance with Charlie is adorable. Total golden retriever energy. Their meet-cute melted me instantly, and I really appreciated that even their “curveball moment” didn’t rely on unnecessary drama. The complications in their lives felt authentic — from an awkward shared connection neither of them knew about, to complicated parental dynamics, to rediscovering passion through art.
This was a cozy, emotional romance with depth and charm. I especially loved the theme of self-acceptance and the quiet encouragement to stop running from pain. If you love heartfelt, character-driven love stories with just a hint of whimsy, this one’s worth the read.
June 28, 2025
Nathalie Theodore’s latest novel, If My Wishes Came True, is a highly anticipated follow-up to her debut, If The Stars Align. If My Wishes Came True delivers everything I could hope for and more. Once I picked it up, I could not put it down! This is THE ultimate easy-to-read romance novel that I could read over and over again. In this novel, the focus shifts to Jenna, whose quiet charm made a lasting impression in the first book. Her journey is both relatable and aspirational, as she stumbles through her past, uncertainty, hope, and the exhilarating, and (sometimes) messy process of falling in love. I was delighted to reunite with familiar faces from the first novel, and see Jenna step in the spotlight to find the happiness she so deserves. Nathalie Theodore has done it again and written another hit!
June 24, 2025
If My Wishes Came True is a wonderful follow up to Theodore's If the Stars Align. Once again, Theodore creates complex and deep characters within the context of a romance story. Throughout the book, I couldn't help but notice that 2nd chances were a reoccurring element not only for the main character, Jenna, but for the other characters as well. Even some more minor characters recognized the changes they wanted to create for themselves and found they had a chance at transformation. Sometimes the 2nd chances were the characters learning to accept each other even through complicated situations or just getting past who they thought someone was before getting the chance to know them. You can't help but become smitten with Charlie and Theodore keeps the steam going strong throughout the book.
August 4, 2025
"I want this to be love at first sight. I want Charlie Sutton to be my last first kiss. I want him to be my soulmate."
Thank you, Nathalie Theodore, for the ARC of If My Wishes Came True!
This was such a sweet book, and I loved the amount of "fate" in it.
All of the characters were wonderful, and I love that Vanessa and Tati Marie became like family to Jenna.
I loved that Jenna was able to move beyond some things in her past and reconcile some of her strained relationships.
My favorite part of the book was when Jenna and Charlie were talking about his dream and her journal! 😍
I also loved Nathalie's story about her parents!
If you're looking for a sweet romance book, If My Wishes Came True is available in paperback and on Kindle Unlimited.
Thank you, Nathalie Theodore, for the ARC of If My Wishes Came True!
This was such a sweet book, and I loved the amount of "fate" in it.
All of the characters were wonderful, and I love that Vanessa and Tati Marie became like family to Jenna.
I loved that Jenna was able to move beyond some things in her past and reconcile some of her strained relationships.
My favorite part of the book was when Jenna and Charlie were talking about his dream and her journal! 😍
I also loved Nathalie's story about her parents!
If you're looking for a sweet romance book, If My Wishes Came True is available in paperback and on Kindle Unlimited.
June 26, 2025
4.5 stars
Thank you so much to the author and NetGalley for letting me read this masterpiece of a book in exchange for an honest review.
This book was SO good!! I loved the characters, the plot, the love story. It was everything I could have asked for in a book and more.
The message of following your dreams was very prevalent throughout the book. It was very inspirational and gave me a lot to think about in my own life.
Overall, I would recommend this to anybody looking for a romance with good characters, plot, and an inspirational message.
Thank you so much to the author and NetGalley for letting me read this masterpiece of a book in exchange for an honest review.
This book was SO good!! I loved the characters, the plot, the love story. It was everything I could have asked for in a book and more.
The message of following your dreams was very prevalent throughout the book. It was very inspirational and gave me a lot to think about in my own life.
Overall, I would recommend this to anybody looking for a romance with good characters, plot, and an inspirational message.
June 28, 2025
Absolutely loved Jenna and Charlie's story! Love at first site by a mere run in with each other. I was fully invested into their relationship even in their hard times. Their romance was very relatable I think. Loved how raw and open they were with each other even in their flawed moments. Highly recommend!!!
July 5, 2025
Love at first sight. I love Jenna and Charlie's story. It reminded me of my love story with my husband of 23 years.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 1, 2025
Nathalie strikes gold again! I devoured this book in one day, it was such a great read I couldn't put it down. I loved getting to know past characters in a new light and meet new ones in If My Wishes Came True. Nathalie writes characters who are human and relatable, which I love and while I never considered myself a romance fan, Nathalie's books have certainly made me a new fan of the genre. I can't wait for future releases. Grab this book the next time you're lounging by the pool or have your feet in the sand (or it's rainy or snowy), you will love it as much as I did.
July 29, 2025
ARC Review
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🗓️ Coming August 1st, 2025
If My Wishes Came True was such a tender and moving read. I really connected with Jenna as a character.
The way she heals and finds her voice again felt so real and relatable. I loved watching her slowly open up, not just to love but to herself and her own dreams.
The romance with Charlie was sweet, patient, and genuine. Jenna and Charlie inspired each other to grow and to chase a life that felt most authentic to each of them. I loved that Charlie saw her for who she truly was, including her struggles, and loved her for all of it.
What I appreciated most was the mental health representation and how the book handled mental health and family dynamics with care. A gentle reminder that healing and second chances are possible, and that you are still worthy of being loved through your struggles.
I really enjoyed how this story showed the courage it takes to let yourself be fully seen, especially when you’ve felt that no one has taken the time to truly discover you or your heart. It’s a reminder that the right love doesn’t just notice you, it truly sees you.
Thank you to NetGalley, Nathalie Theodore, and Written in The Stars Press for this ARC in exchange for my honest review!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🗓️ Coming August 1st, 2025
If My Wishes Came True was such a tender and moving read. I really connected with Jenna as a character.
The way she heals and finds her voice again felt so real and relatable. I loved watching her slowly open up, not just to love but to herself and her own dreams.
The romance with Charlie was sweet, patient, and genuine. Jenna and Charlie inspired each other to grow and to chase a life that felt most authentic to each of them. I loved that Charlie saw her for who she truly was, including her struggles, and loved her for all of it.
What I appreciated most was the mental health representation and how the book handled mental health and family dynamics with care. A gentle reminder that healing and second chances are possible, and that you are still worthy of being loved through your struggles.
I really enjoyed how this story showed the courage it takes to let yourself be fully seen, especially when you’ve felt that no one has taken the time to truly discover you or your heart. It’s a reminder that the right love doesn’t just notice you, it truly sees you.
Thank you to NetGalley, Nathalie Theodore, and Written in The Stars Press for this ARC in exchange for my honest review!
June 30, 2025
Nathalie Theodore’s If My Wishes Came True is the perfect second act for the Dramatic Hearts Club. We’re back with Jenna from If the Stars Align, and let me tell you, this book brought the romance, the spice, and the kind of page-turning obsession that had me ignoring responsibilities like a true literary fugitive. Laundry? Who’s she?
The return of familiar faces from book one was like a surprise high school reunion—except fun, and with less awkward small talk. These continuing relationships add so much depth, it’s like Theodore handed us the director’s cut of the characters’ emotional lives, and I was here for every juicy moment.
On top of the swoon-worthy romance and witty banter, Nathalie does what she does best: she tackles real issues without turning the story into a TED Talk. This time, it’s depression and dyslexia—portrayed with such honesty and empathy that it doesn’t just tug at your heartstrings, it full-on yanks them like your cat trying to destroy your blinds. The result? Characters who are complex, relatable, and totally root-worthy (is that a word? It is now).
The family dynamics? Oh boy. If you’ve ever looked at your parents and thought, Wow, that’s a whole mess I did NOT order, this book gets you. The journey of self-discovery, resilience, and untangling generational baggage is both raw and oddly comforting—kind of like therapy, but with hotter people and more dramatic declarations of love.
Bottom line: I devoured this book like it was a tray of warm cookies and now I need more. Nathalie Theodore, I’m ready for book three. No pressure… but seriously, hurry!
The return of familiar faces from book one was like a surprise high school reunion—except fun, and with less awkward small talk. These continuing relationships add so much depth, it’s like Theodore handed us the director’s cut of the characters’ emotional lives, and I was here for every juicy moment.
On top of the swoon-worthy romance and witty banter, Nathalie does what she does best: she tackles real issues without turning the story into a TED Talk. This time, it’s depression and dyslexia—portrayed with such honesty and empathy that it doesn’t just tug at your heartstrings, it full-on yanks them like your cat trying to destroy your blinds. The result? Characters who are complex, relatable, and totally root-worthy (is that a word? It is now).
The family dynamics? Oh boy. If you’ve ever looked at your parents and thought, Wow, that’s a whole mess I did NOT order, this book gets you. The journey of self-discovery, resilience, and untangling generational baggage is both raw and oddly comforting—kind of like therapy, but with hotter people and more dramatic declarations of love.
Bottom line: I devoured this book like it was a tray of warm cookies and now I need more. Nathalie Theodore, I’m ready for book three. No pressure… but seriously, hurry!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 1, 2025
I received a review copy. These are my thoughts:
Natalie is back with her second novel and boy does she deliver!
Jenna is a beautiful and successful woman who’s long given up on finding love, but still yearns for it. One day, as she’s leaving her building’s elevator towards her apartment, she walks into one of her neighbours. She was already upset but now she’s also embarrassed, but as her eyes meet those of the stranger she collided with, sparks fly and Jenna might just have to believe that her wish for true love might just come true.
Of course it won’t be that easy. Theodore hits her readers with one heck of a plot twist. Readers will swoon with how perfect Jenna and Charlie are but hearts will ache for them as well. If my wishes come true is a beautiful mixture of an idyllic love story, character growth, found family and the ultimate happily ever after. All the heartache is well worth it in the end. The mental health and dyslexia rep and complicated family dynamics are handled with care. I very much appreciated the “therapy positivity” in this book. Needing therapy does not make you weak. It makes you brave and you can clearly see how it helps Jenna face her issues and grow into a better, more authentic version of herself. This story also gives readers hope that making a bold career or life change can lead to success and that the pursuit of happiness should start with finding what makes you happy, and not focused solely on others or their opinions of you.
I enjoyed the tidbits of the Hatian culture that we got through Tati Marie and Vanessa. Their friendship with Jenna was also heartwarming, as was the way Jenna and her sister rediscovered their sisterly bond and built on it.
Jenna and Charlie were written in the stars (or elsewhere - you’ll see) and you will fall in love with love.
I would recommend reading If the stars align first, since many characters from book 1 make an appearance, but it isn’t necessary.
Natalie is back with her second novel and boy does she deliver!
Jenna is a beautiful and successful woman who’s long given up on finding love, but still yearns for it. One day, as she’s leaving her building’s elevator towards her apartment, she walks into one of her neighbours. She was already upset but now she’s also embarrassed, but as her eyes meet those of the stranger she collided with, sparks fly and Jenna might just have to believe that her wish for true love might just come true.
Of course it won’t be that easy. Theodore hits her readers with one heck of a plot twist. Readers will swoon with how perfect Jenna and Charlie are but hearts will ache for them as well. If my wishes come true is a beautiful mixture of an idyllic love story, character growth, found family and the ultimate happily ever after. All the heartache is well worth it in the end. The mental health and dyslexia rep and complicated family dynamics are handled with care. I very much appreciated the “therapy positivity” in this book. Needing therapy does not make you weak. It makes you brave and you can clearly see how it helps Jenna face her issues and grow into a better, more authentic version of herself. This story also gives readers hope that making a bold career or life change can lead to success and that the pursuit of happiness should start with finding what makes you happy, and not focused solely on others or their opinions of you.
I enjoyed the tidbits of the Hatian culture that we got through Tati Marie and Vanessa. Their friendship with Jenna was also heartwarming, as was the way Jenna and her sister rediscovered their sisterly bond and built on it.
Jenna and Charlie were written in the stars (or elsewhere - you’ll see) and you will fall in love with love.
I would recommend reading If the stars align first, since many characters from book 1 make an appearance, but it isn’t necessary.
July 30, 2025
This was such a great story and I love how Nathalie interweaves mental health in her stories. This story was more lighthearted than If The Stars Align, but it was so fun seeing Jenna get her happily ever after. There were a few cameos from If The Stars Align that added such a fun little twist to this story. I love that Jenna was sure that she was giving up on love until she had her rom-com moment with Charlie. These two really were perfect for each other and I loved watching them interact. One thing I appreciated about Jenna was that she got the help she needed during this story. She had put it off for many years, but when she wanted to be a better woman for Charlie’s sake, she put in the work to help herself get to a better mental state. I also like that she told Charlie how she felt when she thought he needed his own help to better his mental health. It took Charlie a little more time to realize that he needed it, but I loved that he also did the work on his mental health to be better for Jenna. These two worked on their mental health alone and together, not only to better themselves, but to make sure that they were their best selves going into a relationship. They were so clearly soulmates and I loved watching them come together and fall in love. This was a great story about love, grieving, mental health, and soulmates, and I loved having the opportunity to read this story!
Thank you, Nathalie, Victory Editing for providing me with an ARC!
Thank you, Nathalie, Victory Editing for providing me with an ARC!
July 16, 2025
Jenna and Charlie must face their fears (and trauma) in order to make their dreams and wishes come true, both in life and in love. (TW: death, grief)
This is a very cute cozy read! I loved the character of Jenna and her depth/development. Her trauma and fears were so valid. At halfway I was so anxious about what was going to happen next I almost had to put the book down for a day or two and come back. Nathalie’s writing is so raw and vivid that I have had visceral reactions to all her books! 🫣
“If stifling feelings were an Olympic sport, I’d be a gold medalist.”
Loved the characters from book 1 making cameos! The plot conflict at 75% was not what I was expecting but I liked it and the pacing seemed to pick up a bit at that point. I liked how quickly that conflict resolved but wow, Jenna was a little harsh. 😮💨 She wasn’t wrong but her delivery was harsh.
Release date 8/1/25. Thank you to the author for the ARC. I can’t wait to read more of this series.
Absolutely cackled at the midnight pumpkin line. My main two complaints were the pacing was really on the slower side and the capitalization of a word repeatedly used that was distracting to me personally.
“On the bright side though, at least I’m not a 🌽 star.”
This is a very cute cozy read! I loved the character of Jenna and her depth/development. Her trauma and fears were so valid. At halfway I was so anxious about what was going to happen next I almost had to put the book down for a day or two and come back. Nathalie’s writing is so raw and vivid that I have had visceral reactions to all her books! 🫣
“If stifling feelings were an Olympic sport, I’d be a gold medalist.”
Loved the characters from book 1 making cameos! The plot conflict at 75% was not what I was expecting but I liked it and the pacing seemed to pick up a bit at that point. I liked how quickly that conflict resolved but wow, Jenna was a little harsh. 😮💨 She wasn’t wrong but her delivery was harsh.
Release date 8/1/25. Thank you to the author for the ARC. I can’t wait to read more of this series.
Absolutely cackled at the midnight pumpkin line. My main two complaints were the pacing was really on the slower side and the capitalization of a word repeatedly used that was distracting to me personally.
“On the bright side though, at least I’m not a 🌽 star.”
July 30, 2025
Jenna Andersen seems to have it all, but behind her polished image is a woman still haunted by past wounds, self-doubt, and buried dreams. Known as “Runaway Jenna” for a reason, she’s built her life around starting over. When a return to painting reconnects her with a long-lost passion and introduces her to the quietly supportive Vanessa and the magnetic Charlie next door, Jenna is forced to confront everything she’s been avoiding.
Jenna’s return to painting is quite emotional, and I found that her artwork was beautifully interwoven into the story as a means of healing for her. Her friendship with Vanessa feels refreshingly real, and the slow-burn romance with Charlie is also very authentic. These are not perfect characters, but people are easy to relate to, particularly as they struggle to overcome their past. I found the secondary character development well described and part of this story. Overall, this book highlights the ability to rediscover yourself through what you love and, in doing so, open yourself up to finding love.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book from NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Jenna’s return to painting is quite emotional, and I found that her artwork was beautifully interwoven into the story as a means of healing for her. Her friendship with Vanessa feels refreshingly real, and the slow-burn romance with Charlie is also very authentic. These are not perfect characters, but people are easy to relate to, particularly as they struggle to overcome their past. I found the secondary character development well described and part of this story. Overall, this book highlights the ability to rediscover yourself through what you love and, in doing so, open yourself up to finding love.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book from NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
August 3, 2025
This was absolute perfection. Nathalie Theodore has such a gift for capturing the complexities of love, hope, and second chances in a way that feels so relatable and genuine. The mental health representation throughout is such a welcome addition to this genre, and it’s clear the author is attuned to how impactful it can be to one’s choices and outcomes. I think a lot of readers can relate to the paralysis of self-doubt that has plagued Jenna throughout her life, among other struggles highlighted in the story.
Could not put this down, once I started reading! I felt like Jenna’s hype girl, and was rooting so hard for her to find happiness, especially after everything she’s been through. And just like the first novel in this series, this was a story that stayed with me long after I finished it. You can’t help but reflect on your own life…it’s an inspiring reminder that we all have the ability to redirect our path, and that’s it’s never too late to find the courage to ditch our safety nets and explore what truly makes us feel alive and fulfilled.
Could not put this down, once I started reading! I felt like Jenna’s hype girl, and was rooting so hard for her to find happiness, especially after everything she’s been through. And just like the first novel in this series, this was a story that stayed with me long after I finished it. You can’t help but reflect on your own life…it’s an inspiring reminder that we all have the ability to redirect our path, and that’s it’s never too late to find the courage to ditch our safety nets and explore what truly makes us feel alive and fulfilled.
June 30, 2025
I loved If the Stars Align, so I was excited to dive into If My Wishes Came True, and it didn’t disappoint. Nathalie Theodore has a gift for writing stories that are warm, relatable, sweet, and quietly wise. This novel is another easy, enjoyable read, but it’s also layered with meaning and emotional honesty.
The characters are lovely, complex without being overly complicated, and their journey to self-discovery and deeper connection feels authentic. I appreciated how the story touched on identity, purpose, and what it really means to be happy, all without feeling heavy-handed. There’s always more going on beneath the surface in Nathalie’s books, and this one is no exception.
It was also fun to see a few familiar faces from her previous novel. They’re woven in just enough to feel like a nod to loyal readers, without taking away from the story’s fresh focus.
If you enjoy character-driven stories with heart, and a satisfying, hopeful ending, this is one to add to your list.
The characters are lovely, complex without being overly complicated, and their journey to self-discovery and deeper connection feels authentic. I appreciated how the story touched on identity, purpose, and what it really means to be happy, all without feeling heavy-handed. There’s always more going on beneath the surface in Nathalie’s books, and this one is no exception.
It was also fun to see a few familiar faces from her previous novel. They’re woven in just enough to feel like a nod to loyal readers, without taking away from the story’s fresh focus.
If you enjoy character-driven stories with heart, and a satisfying, hopeful ending, this is one to add to your list.
June 18, 2025
If My Wishes Came True is a brilliant second book in Theodore’s romance series. I feel a little disloyal saying this, but I may have even loved this book more than the first—which I thought was phenomenal! The story immediately draws you into Jenna’s life as you experience her ups and downs in love, career, and relationships. In this book, Theodore effortlessly weaves together relationship trauma, mental health, the power of friendships, and complicated family relations. Jenna and Charlie are loveable characters with powerful and heartwarming stories that will leave you rooting for them to find their happy ending. This book will not disappoint romance fans!
— Emily Giger, Goodreads Reviewer
— Emily Giger, Goodreads Reviewer
June 30, 2025
I just finished reading Nathalie Theodore's second book "If my wishes came true" from the Dramatic Hearts Club series. Another great book from this new author.
The heroine is Jenna, whom you might remember from If the stars align. Jenna is a beautiful woman that anyone would envy, but in real life she is trying to cope with dyslexia, a job she does not like so much, and issues with her love life. When she meets her handsome new neighbor, Charlie, she must deal with her past before all her wishes can come true. Jenna's journey is full of twists and turns, love, and healing. You will enjoy going along with her on her journey, meet new friends along the way and some familiar ones from If the stars align. Highly recommend this book.
The heroine is Jenna, whom you might remember from If the stars align. Jenna is a beautiful woman that anyone would envy, but in real life she is trying to cope with dyslexia, a job she does not like so much, and issues with her love life. When she meets her handsome new neighbor, Charlie, she must deal with her past before all her wishes can come true. Jenna's journey is full of twists and turns, love, and healing. You will enjoy going along with her on her journey, meet new friends along the way and some familiar ones from If the stars align. Highly recommend this book.
July 4, 2025
4 ⭐️ 1 🌶️
Charlie and Jenna’s story was wholesome and their meet-cute was expected but adorable nonetheless. This story really does tug on your heartstrings and showcases some family dynamics that may not be an easy topic to talk about. I did struggle a bit in the middle of the story to keep engaged when the storyline slowed a bit but it was absolutely worth it in the end to keep reading!
Charlie and Jenna run into each other for their first meeting and spark an instant connection that plays into the storyline later on in the book. Jenna is running from a past that seems overwhelming while Charlie is trying to figure out what his present and future are going to look like. I absolutely loved this book and look forward to more from Nathalie Theodore!
Charlie and Jenna’s story was wholesome and their meet-cute was expected but adorable nonetheless. This story really does tug on your heartstrings and showcases some family dynamics that may not be an easy topic to talk about. I did struggle a bit in the middle of the story to keep engaged when the storyline slowed a bit but it was absolutely worth it in the end to keep reading!
Charlie and Jenna run into each other for their first meeting and spark an instant connection that plays into the storyline later on in the book. Jenna is running from a past that seems overwhelming while Charlie is trying to figure out what his present and future are going to look like. I absolutely loved this book and look forward to more from Nathalie Theodore!
July 12, 2025
If My Wishes Came True is your next must-read. This delightful novel is everything chicklit should be—witty, warm, and utterly impossible to put down and I absolutely love that the story is set in Chicago!
Jenna is the kind of character you immediately feel connected to—sharp and deeply human. She’s juggling the craziness of work, friendship, and old heartbreaks, all while trying to figure out what she really wants out of life. It’s a joy to watch her evolve, stumble, and eventually find her footing—not in a fairytale way, but in a real, earned way.
If you enjoy strong characters, believable romance, and a chicklit with substance, this one’s well worth your time. Jenna and Charlie are more than a couple you root for—they're a pair you believe in.
Jenna is the kind of character you immediately feel connected to—sharp and deeply human. She’s juggling the craziness of work, friendship, and old heartbreaks, all while trying to figure out what she really wants out of life. It’s a joy to watch her evolve, stumble, and eventually find her footing—not in a fairytale way, but in a real, earned way.
If you enjoy strong characters, believable romance, and a chicklit with substance, this one’s well worth your time. Jenna and Charlie are more than a couple you root for—they're a pair you believe in.
July 25, 2025
If My Wishes Came True is a beautifully written romance novel. Nathalie Theodore’s second book delivers everything I want in a love story—authentic characters, emotional depth, and just the right dose of unexpected twists.
The relationship between Jenna and Charlie felt incredibly real and relatable, filled with the kind of nuance and chemistry that makes you root for them throughout the entire story. The writing flows effortlessly, making it nearly impossible to put the book down!
This book is a true page-turner, and I found myself completely immersed in Jenna's journey and her love story. Whether you're a longtime romance reader or looking for a heartfelt, well-paced love story, this one absolutely deserves a spot on your shelf!
The relationship between Jenna and Charlie felt incredibly real and relatable, filled with the kind of nuance and chemistry that makes you root for them throughout the entire story. The writing flows effortlessly, making it nearly impossible to put the book down!
This book is a true page-turner, and I found myself completely immersed in Jenna's journey and her love story. Whether you're a longtime romance reader or looking for a heartfelt, well-paced love story, this one absolutely deserves a spot on your shelf!
December 5, 2025
Jenna and Charlie’s love story gives you all the butterflies a love-at-first-sight novel should. The way Nathalie Theodore writes their happily ever after kept me up well past my bedtime wanting more. From the initial meet-cute to the grand gesture, I knew that these two were soulmates. There were several moments in the middle that felt a tad long as Jenna battled with her internal self-doubt and monologue, but Nathalie handled Jenna’s battles with grace and tact. The mental health representation was top-notch and executed so well! Charlie was a phenomenal balance to Jenna. I only wish I had gotten a glimpse inside his head, too! The supporting cast were all so fleshed out, it really made the found family aspect of the book shine so much brighter! Great quick read! 3.5 Stars!
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