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Man of My Dreams
A romance author is shocked when one of her characters-in-progress seemingly comes to life… but is he too good to be true, in this dramatic and twisty thriller perfect for fans of Ashley Winstead and Kate Alice Marshall, where the truth really is stranger than fiction.
Read this if you
*Meet cutes gone wrong (like, really, really wrong).
*Your boyfriends as unreliable as your narrators.
*Bringing him to meet your family, Murder Edition.
Bestselling romance author Ivy Harcourt has been as unlucky in love as she’s been successful in writing—as her sad relationship track attests, there are no good dating options left in New York . . . Until she rescues an escaped dog in the park, and runs into Liam. Charming, British, hot architect Liam. The exact description of the love interest in her next book.
When an instant connection leads to a whirlwind relationship, Ivy is convinced she’s found the dream man. Except he may be too perfect. He may be hiding something.
And Ivy may have secrets of her own.
Read this if you
*Meet cutes gone wrong (like, really, really wrong).
*Your boyfriends as unreliable as your narrators.
*Bringing him to meet your family, Murder Edition.
Bestselling romance author Ivy Harcourt has been as unlucky in love as she’s been successful in writing—as her sad relationship track attests, there are no good dating options left in New York . . . Until she rescues an escaped dog in the park, and runs into Liam. Charming, British, hot architect Liam. The exact description of the love interest in her next book.
When an instant connection leads to a whirlwind relationship, Ivy is convinced she’s found the dream man. Except he may be too perfect. He may be hiding something.
And Ivy may have secrets of her own.
311 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 2, 2026
About the author
Olivia Worley
9 books628 followersOlivia Worley is an author born and raised in New Orleans. A graduate of Northwestern University, she now lives in NYC, where she spends her time writing thrillers, over-analyzing episodes of The Bachelor, and hoping someone will romanticize her for reading on the subway.
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Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Man of My Dreams by Olivia Worley
This story had me questioning everything. Sometimes I thought I knew what was going on and I was correct, other times I was wrong. In the end, at the end, there was just no way I could have figured everything out because it was all very complex and twisted in so many knots that I had to sit back and think about what I had just read. Maybe a whiteboard would have helped me so I could write down names and draw lines between the characters.
The story had me hooked. Ivy Harcourt had written a hit book but now she's experiencing writers block on the second story and she's feeling the pressure. She had a bad breakup not that long ago and feels like she'll never get to be in love again. Then she has a meet cute with Brit Liam and his dog and sparks fly. But not only that, Liam is almost the perfect match for the male lead in the romcom she is attempting to write. What is going on? Is this a trick? Is she going mad?
The relationship moves forward quickly and Ivy is all in yet also wondering if she is having the wool pulled over her eyes. Because, someone started stalking her, sending threatening messages to her, and letting her know they are always watching. Someone knows about her past and is threatening to reveal that past. Ivy will be ruined if her past is revealed, it will all be over for her and she isn't sure that the person sending the messages isn't Liam.
The story is seen from two POVs and soon we learn more about Ivy's past. Things seem off in the present and the past and this is a story that was hard to put down. Who can I trust in this story, can I even trust Ivy, can she even trust herself? No wonder she stopped drinking alcohol! I read this story with Jayme and DeAnn so be sure to check out their reviews.
Pub June 2, 2026
Thank you to St. Martin's Press | Minotaur Books, SMP Early Readers, and NetGalley for this ARC
This story had me questioning everything. Sometimes I thought I knew what was going on and I was correct, other times I was wrong. In the end, at the end, there was just no way I could have figured everything out because it was all very complex and twisted in so many knots that I had to sit back and think about what I had just read. Maybe a whiteboard would have helped me so I could write down names and draw lines between the characters.
The story had me hooked. Ivy Harcourt had written a hit book but now she's experiencing writers block on the second story and she's feeling the pressure. She had a bad breakup not that long ago and feels like she'll never get to be in love again. Then she has a meet cute with Brit Liam and his dog and sparks fly. But not only that, Liam is almost the perfect match for the male lead in the romcom she is attempting to write. What is going on? Is this a trick? Is she going mad?
The relationship moves forward quickly and Ivy is all in yet also wondering if she is having the wool pulled over her eyes. Because, someone started stalking her, sending threatening messages to her, and letting her know they are always watching. Someone knows about her past and is threatening to reveal that past. Ivy will be ruined if her past is revealed, it will all be over for her and she isn't sure that the person sending the messages isn't Liam.
The story is seen from two POVs and soon we learn more about Ivy's past. Things seem off in the present and the past and this is a story that was hard to put down. Who can I trust in this story, can I even trust Ivy, can she even trust herself? No wonder she stopped drinking alcohol! I read this story with Jayme and DeAnn so be sure to check out their reviews.
Pub June 2, 2026
Thank you to St. Martin's Press | Minotaur Books, SMP Early Readers, and NetGalley for this ARC
June 4, 2026
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⭐⭐⭐
Man of My Dreams
Olivia Worley
Publication Date: June 2nd, 2026
St. Martin's Press | Minotaur Books
320 Pages
Amazon | Bookshop.org
Genre: General Fiction | Mystery & Thrillers
This is my first book by this author, and I sorta liked what she did here. The book is a twisty psychological thriller that mixes a romance with dark suspense. Our main character is Ivy; she’s a popular romance writer but has no romance in her own life. Then she meets Liam in the park, a British architect. Ivy realizes that Liam is the spitting image of the fictional character in the book she is currently writing. Of course, the two fall in love instantly and everything is going swell. Then, as the relationship goes along, Ivy starts to get suspicious and wonders if Liam isn’t so perfect after all. (There’s always a but!)
I really liked the idea of this one. Using a romance author as the protagonist was great, and I liked how the author poked fun at herself. She also takes aim at romances and how happily-ever-afters aren’t realistic, and she balances it well with the dread of a failed relationship. I liked how seamlessly she went from a lighthearted romance to a paranoid psychological thriller—it kept me questioning Liam right along with Ivy.
While the execution and the writing were well done, the psychological thriller aspect was very predictable. The twists were seen fairly early on, so the impact of the final reveal wasn’t that big to me. Throughout the book you’re taken on an "is he or isn’t he" ride, and it got kinda repetitive after a while. I also didn't fully understand why they had such a whirlwind romance in the first place.
Still, it was entertaining enough and fast-paced, which are both pluses in my books. I would recommend this as a weekend beach read or something for an airplane ride. It’s fun, but you don’t have to think too much. I would read this author again, so that’s saying something.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC.
The Book Review Crew Blog
⭐⭐⭐
Man of My Dreams
Olivia Worley
Publication Date: June 2nd, 2026
St. Martin's Press | Minotaur Books
320 Pages
Amazon | Bookshop.org
Genre: General Fiction | Mystery & Thrillers
This is my first book by this author, and I sorta liked what she did here. The book is a twisty psychological thriller that mixes a romance with dark suspense. Our main character is Ivy; she’s a popular romance writer but has no romance in her own life. Then she meets Liam in the park, a British architect. Ivy realizes that Liam is the spitting image of the fictional character in the book she is currently writing. Of course, the two fall in love instantly and everything is going swell. Then, as the relationship goes along, Ivy starts to get suspicious and wonders if Liam isn’t so perfect after all. (There’s always a but!)
I really liked the idea of this one. Using a romance author as the protagonist was great, and I liked how the author poked fun at herself. She also takes aim at romances and how happily-ever-afters aren’t realistic, and she balances it well with the dread of a failed relationship. I liked how seamlessly she went from a lighthearted romance to a paranoid psychological thriller—it kept me questioning Liam right along with Ivy.
While the execution and the writing were well done, the psychological thriller aspect was very predictable. The twists were seen fairly early on, so the impact of the final reveal wasn’t that big to me. Throughout the book you’re taken on an "is he or isn’t he" ride, and it got kinda repetitive after a while. I also didn't fully understand why they had such a whirlwind romance in the first place.
Still, it was entertaining enough and fast-paced, which are both pluses in my books. I would recommend this as a weekend beach read or something for an airplane ride. It’s fun, but you don’t have to think too much. I would read this author again, so that’s saying something.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Man of my Dreams…
or is he the “Man of her Nightmares”?
Romance writer Ivy Harcourt is now a bestselling author who is about to turn in her second novel. But, she hasn’t been as lucky in love…
Until she rescues an escaped dog in the park, which leads to her own “Meet Cute” with the dog’s owner.
Liam is a British, charming and very good-looking- and as they get to know each other, he seems to be “too good to be true”. It’s like the character in her book has come to life.
So, when Ivy gets a “one star review” on her book, a troll on her social media account, and a threatening package delivered to her home, she has to wonder if Liam is “gaslighting” her.
Or, if she is sabotaging her own life when she sleepwalks or blacks out after drinking?
A SURPRISING detour to the PAST (11 years earlier) about halfway through the book, will eventually circle back around to the PRESENT and lead to answers.
The official Publisher synopsis made this seem like this could be Magical Realism, with the “character come to life” trope, but make no mistake-this leans more into PSYCHOLOGICAL THRILLER territory.
And, unfortunately, it relied on too many coincidences and a convoluted ending to be satisfying for me.
No book is for every reader, so do check out additional reviews to decide if this one may be for you! Proof of that is that this time buddy readers MarilynW and DeAnn enjoyed this one much more than I did!
Perhaps I will be sitting alone on Outlier Island?🏝️
AVAILABLE NOW
Thank You to Minotaur books for the gifted ARC provided through NetGalley! As always, these are my candid thoughts
or is he the “Man of her Nightmares”?
Romance writer Ivy Harcourt is now a bestselling author who is about to turn in her second novel. But, she hasn’t been as lucky in love…
Until she rescues an escaped dog in the park, which leads to her own “Meet Cute” with the dog’s owner.
Liam is a British, charming and very good-looking- and as they get to know each other, he seems to be “too good to be true”. It’s like the character in her book has come to life.
So, when Ivy gets a “one star review” on her book, a troll on her social media account, and a threatening package delivered to her home, she has to wonder if Liam is “gaslighting” her.
Or, if she is sabotaging her own life when she sleepwalks or blacks out after drinking?
A SURPRISING detour to the PAST (11 years earlier) about halfway through the book, will eventually circle back around to the PRESENT and lead to answers.
The official Publisher synopsis made this seem like this could be Magical Realism, with the “character come to life” trope, but make no mistake-this leans more into PSYCHOLOGICAL THRILLER territory.
And, unfortunately, it relied on too many coincidences and a convoluted ending to be satisfying for me.
No book is for every reader, so do check out additional reviews to decide if this one may be for you! Proof of that is that this time buddy readers MarilynW and DeAnn enjoyed this one much more than I did!
Perhaps I will be sitting alone on Outlier Island?🏝️
AVAILABLE NOW
Thank You to Minotaur books for the gifted ARC provided through NetGalley! As always, these are my candid thoughts
June 19, 2026
Ivy is a romance author who has a meet cute with Liam, and both the meet cute and the man are too good to be true. The first part of the book is a thriller with a hint of romance, and the second half was more psychological thriller/suspense. I thoroughly enjoyed both parts. The twists were incredibly twisty, and I was hooked the entire read. I think there are enough elements in this book to make the story memorable, and it had vibes of other favorites in the thriller genre...I'd like to tell you what those are, but it would be a spoiler! You'll have to read for yourself. 😁🔪🙊🔥
Many thanks to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press/Minotaur Books for the ARC in exchange for my honest review!
Many thanks to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press/Minotaur Books for the ARC in exchange for my honest review!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
This book blended two genres and had me literally wondering what would happen next! This novel is about a successful author named Ivy and a guy named Liam, a character Ivy is currently writing about. Liam seems almost too perfect for her. As the story goes on, we find out Liam may not be the perfect person he claims to be. The romance takes a twist and turns into a thriller. Continuing to read this, I had no idea who to trust and what was real and what wasn’t!
This book made me feel confused, shocked, and emotional. This definitely had mysterious and psychological elements. It is overall an unhinged novel, in the best way possible. I haven’t read anything quite like it, making this extremely unique. The characters felt real and were very multilayered. The pacing started slow but quickly built to a fast-paced read. It is full of twists I did not see coming, with unreliable characters and an unreliable narrator. I enjoyed the suspense and found the novel’s plot well written and executed! I give this book a 3.5 out of 5 stars rating!
If you enjoy reading a fantasy romantic novel that turns into a complete psychological thriller, you will love this! It is unpredictable and terrifying. Thank you to NetGalley, author Olivia Worley, and St. Martin's Press for this eARC in exchange for my honest review. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.
This book is expected to be published on June 2nd, 2026!
This book made me feel confused, shocked, and emotional. This definitely had mysterious and psychological elements. It is overall an unhinged novel, in the best way possible. I haven’t read anything quite like it, making this extremely unique. The characters felt real and were very multilayered. The pacing started slow but quickly built to a fast-paced read. It is full of twists I did not see coming, with unreliable characters and an unreliable narrator. I enjoyed the suspense and found the novel’s plot well written and executed! I give this book a 3.5 out of 5 stars rating!
If you enjoy reading a fantasy romantic novel that turns into a complete psychological thriller, you will love this! It is unpredictable and terrifying. Thank you to NetGalley, author Olivia Worley, and St. Martin's Press for this eARC in exchange for my honest review. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.
This book is expected to be published on June 2nd, 2026!
July 2, 2026
Ivy is a newly successful romance author that hasn't had much luck in love so when she has a meet-cute with a handsome British man, Liam, she's stunned. He's exactly like the main character she's writing about. Same name, same career, heck, they even look the same. Is he too good to be true?
That sums up what the synopsis tells you this story is about but if we're really being honest that has very little to do with this book. This is the classic bait and switch. Liam is nothing but a side character to what this story IS actually about and I was underwhelmed to say the least.
I disliked Ivy as a character. I disliked the plot twists. I disliked the ending. 1 star!
Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for my complimentary copy.
That sums up what the synopsis tells you this story is about but if we're really being honest that has very little to do with this book. This is the classic bait and switch. Liam is nothing but a side character to what this story IS actually about and I was underwhelmed to say the least.
I disliked Ivy as a character. I disliked the plot twists. I disliked the ending. 1 star!
Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for my complimentary copy.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
”The truth is, you couldn’t stop me if you tried. The pen is in my hand, now. It’s finally my turn to tell our story— and im only just beginning.”
i have mixed feelings on this, i feel like it was falsely advertised. i do like when there’s dual timelines and you slowly discover what’s going on through switching from past and present. i’d say the mc Ivy is an unreliable narrator, i was unsure that this “book character turned real” mmc Liam was who she’d painted him out to be.
around 40% of the book actually focuses on the storyline from the synopsis, while the rest of it turns straight psychological thriller. it was very fast paced in the later half, with enough twists to keep you turning the page.. they just weren’t necessarily the twists i wanted from this book. i think it led to a lot of conveniences and it almost felt convoluted in certain areas. i do think this is a fun, digestible thriller for the most part though.
➳ many thanks to NetGalley, the author and St. Martin’s Press for the arc, all opinions are my own.
i have mixed feelings on this, i feel like it was falsely advertised. i do like when there’s dual timelines and you slowly discover what’s going on through switching from past and present. i’d say the mc Ivy is an unreliable narrator, i was unsure that this “book character turned real” mmc Liam was who she’d painted him out to be.
around 40% of the book actually focuses on the storyline from the synopsis, while the rest of it turns straight psychological thriller. it was very fast paced in the later half, with enough twists to keep you turning the page.. they just weren’t necessarily the twists i wanted from this book. i think it led to a lot of conveniences and it almost felt convoluted in certain areas. i do think this is a fun, digestible thriller for the most part though.
➳ many thanks to NetGalley, the author and St. Martin’s Press for the arc, all opinions are my own.
June 21, 2026
3.5 stars, some really good twists, but also sometimes very predictable. This is the fourth book I've read by this author, and while I generally enjoy them, there are just some very convenient things that happen that make me not fully embrace the stories.
Ivy Harcourt is a best selling romance author, but she is sorely lacking in the romance department personally. Then she has a meet cute with Liam and his dog in the park and is shocked--he is her latest book character come to life. But then strange things begin to happen--is Liam who he says he is?
This book is kind of mesh of romance and psychological suspense. I liked the romance portion more than the suspense portion, however there are a couple of decent twists that keep things fresh and interesting. I think this is a very cinematic book, I can see it on a screen and the plot is inventive enough to keep viewers engaged.
I'll keep reading this author's books because I do like her writing. This book just needed a bit more balance.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book, all opinions are my own.
Ivy Harcourt is a best selling romance author, but she is sorely lacking in the romance department personally. Then she has a meet cute with Liam and his dog in the park and is shocked--he is her latest book character come to life. But then strange things begin to happen--is Liam who he says he is?
This book is kind of mesh of romance and psychological suspense. I liked the romance portion more than the suspense portion, however there are a couple of decent twists that keep things fresh and interesting. I think this is a very cinematic book, I can see it on a screen and the plot is inventive enough to keep viewers engaged.
I'll keep reading this author's books because I do like her writing. This book just needed a bit more balance.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book, all opinions are my own.
April 26, 2026
✨📖 Man of My Dreams 📖✨
Hot damn 😭 the ending!!
I genuinely had no idea where this book was going, but it wrapped up so well. The twists were twisting!!
I both loved and hated that ending in the best way.
One thing is very clear though… Olivia Worley is officially an auto buy author for me. She really knows how to deliver a thriller.
💫What to Expect
• Thriller
• Author FMC
• Dream man x real life
• Unreliable boyfriend
• Family secrets
_ _ _ _
⭐ Final Score: 5 Stars
📅 Pub Date: June 2, 2026
Thank you to St. Martin’s Press, Minotaur Books, and NetGalley for the advanced copy. All thoughts are my own.
Hot damn 😭 the ending!!
I genuinely had no idea where this book was going, but it wrapped up so well. The twists were twisting!!
I both loved and hated that ending in the best way.
One thing is very clear though… Olivia Worley is officially an auto buy author for me. She really knows how to deliver a thriller.
💫What to Expect
• Thriller
• Author FMC
• Dream man x real life
• Unreliable boyfriend
• Family secrets
_ _ _ _
⭐ Final Score: 5 Stars
📅 Pub Date: June 2, 2026
Thank you to St. Martin’s Press, Minotaur Books, and NetGalley for the advanced copy. All thoughts are my own.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
⭐️⭐️⭐️ (3★)
I absolutely devoured the first part of this book… but I’m not entirely sure what happened after that.
The premise alone hooked me: a romance author meets the literal embodiment of her fictional book boyfriend in real life. Coincidence? Fate? Or something much darker? (YOU vibes!!!)
Ivy, a bestselling romance author, meets Liam; a very charming, British, hot architect ... who is basically the exact description of the love interest in the book she’s currently writing. From there, things spiral. We get twists, stalking vibes, murder situations, secrets on both sides… and in the beginning, I genuinely could not put it down.
But somewhere around the halfway mark (maybe closer to 60%) I started feeling like I was reading 2 different books (same characters around) at the same time (does this makes any sense?anyway...). It’s like the blurb set up one direction and then the story quietly pivoted into another plot entirely. It wasn’t bad, just… different from what I thought I had signed up for.
The pacing stayed steady though and I was still curious enough to keep reading. Some twists worked, some were predictable and overall it remained entertaining. But that strong, thriller vibe from the beginning slowly faded for me.
Now for the ending... while everything technically wraps up, I felt like I might've needed just a little more. One or two extra chapters to really wrap it up with a red bow.
Overall, it was interesting and definitely readable, just maybe not what I hoped it will be.
Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for the ARC.
https://turnthepagewithana.blogspot.c...
I absolutely devoured the first part of this book… but I’m not entirely sure what happened after that.
The premise alone hooked me: a romance author meets the literal embodiment of her fictional book boyfriend in real life. Coincidence? Fate? Or something much darker? (YOU vibes!!!)
Ivy, a bestselling romance author, meets Liam; a very charming, British, hot architect ... who is basically the exact description of the love interest in the book she’s currently writing. From there, things spiral. We get twists, stalking vibes, murder situations, secrets on both sides… and in the beginning, I genuinely could not put it down.
But somewhere around the halfway mark (maybe closer to 60%) I started feeling like I was reading 2 different books (same characters around) at the same time (does this makes any sense?anyway...). It’s like the blurb set up one direction and then the story quietly pivoted into another plot entirely. It wasn’t bad, just… different from what I thought I had signed up for.
The pacing stayed steady though and I was still curious enough to keep reading. Some twists worked, some were predictable and overall it remained entertaining. But that strong, thriller vibe from the beginning slowly faded for me.
Now for the ending... while everything technically wraps up, I felt like I might've needed just a little more. One or two extra chapters to really wrap it up with a red bow.
Overall, it was interesting and definitely readable, just maybe not what I hoped it will be.
Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for the ARC.
https://turnthepagewithana.blogspot.c...
March 17, 2026
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with an ARC of this novel. All my thoughts and opinions are my own.
I feel tricked.
And not in a “oh, this is a thriller. You got me!” I feel tricked, like this is not the book I signed up for.
The synopsis of this story has literally nothing to do with what this book is about. If the intention of it was to act as a smoke screen, it fell very flat. So flat, in fact, I’m actually almost irritated.
By page 86, the whole Liam storyline was laid on so thick, that it was very obvious nothing was happening on that front. Which then raised the question in my head: What on earth are the other 240-something pages about?
About 30 pages later, it hit me then that this was a mystery within a mystery. Or, more accurately, this was a “mystery” and a mystery.
Let me just say right now, and this is an entirely personal preference, I cannot stand that. I don’t mind multilayered mysteries. I don’t mind one door leading the reader down another rabbit hole. My issue is this: Smoke screens, especially when they are not well-done, can only be interpreted as a waste of time. As I’m sitting here now, all I’m thinking about is that Liam didn’t even need to exist. At all. Once I realized what the story was actually about and where it was going, I was irritated that I spent hours of my time reading a story that ultimately didn’t matter at all.
These are two different books smashed into one. None of which were concluded. If it’s meant to open the door for a sequel, I promise it can stay in the drafts.
The plot that we were fed, that made me want to read the book in the first place, was entirely abandoned for another plot so predictable and simultaneously ridiculous that the only real thing that shocked me was the fact that I finished the book at all.
I feel tricked.
And not in a “oh, this is a thriller. You got me!” I feel tricked, like this is not the book I signed up for.
The synopsis of this story has literally nothing to do with what this book is about. If the intention of it was to act as a smoke screen, it fell very flat. So flat, in fact, I’m actually almost irritated.
By page 86, the whole Liam storyline was laid on so thick, that it was very obvious nothing was happening on that front. Which then raised the question in my head: What on earth are the other 240-something pages about?
About 30 pages later, it hit me then that this was a mystery within a mystery. Or, more accurately, this was a “mystery” and a mystery.
Let me just say right now, and this is an entirely personal preference, I cannot stand that. I don’t mind multilayered mysteries. I don’t mind one door leading the reader down another rabbit hole. My issue is this: Smoke screens, especially when they are not well-done, can only be interpreted as a waste of time. As I’m sitting here now, all I’m thinking about is that Liam didn’t even need to exist. At all. Once I realized what the story was actually about and where it was going, I was irritated that I spent hours of my time reading a story that ultimately didn’t matter at all.
These are two different books smashed into one. None of which were concluded. If it’s meant to open the door for a sequel, I promise it can stay in the drafts.
The plot that we were fed, that made me want to read the book in the first place, was entirely abandoned for another plot so predictable and simultaneously ridiculous that the only real thing that shocked me was the fact that I finished the book at all.
May 23, 2026
✨ Rating: 4⭐️
🫧 Vibes: deciphering the truth
🎶 Song: all the good girls go to hell - billie eilish
📚 Would I recommend? yes!
💬 tldr thoughts: not entirely where I thought the story was going but I still loved it!
In the package:
📦 family secrets
📦 twisty twists
📦 romantic thriller
📦 dual timeline
Plot: Ivy is currently writing her next novel and ends up in a meet-cute with Liam, who appears to be the exact description of the love interest in her book. They form an instant connection but Liam seems to perfect as strange things start occurring around Ivy.
Thoughts: my flabbers were gasted with this one!! I was fully convinced I had it figured out but I did not until I was about 90% through 🥲 I will say that the title and synopsis of the book don't really match what the book is really about which I find really strange. I'm not upset about it because I ended up loving it but some people might end up feeling tricked. About halfway-ish, the story takes a turn and the story barely revolves around her love interest, and the plot shifts almost entirely. I still had a great time reading this one and it is a page turner that kept me engaged throughout. Short chapters and dual timelines that will keep you guessing until the end 👀
Thank you Minotaur Books for the gifted physical ARC!
✩⁺₊✩☽⋆ follow me on tiktok and instagram⋆☾✩⁺₊✩
🫧 Vibes: deciphering the truth
🎶 Song: all the good girls go to hell - billie eilish
📚 Would I recommend? yes!
💬 tldr thoughts: not entirely where I thought the story was going but I still loved it!
In the package:
📦 family secrets
📦 twisty twists
📦 romantic thriller
📦 dual timeline
Plot: Ivy is currently writing her next novel and ends up in a meet-cute with Liam, who appears to be the exact description of the love interest in her book. They form an instant connection but Liam seems to perfect as strange things start occurring around Ivy.
Thoughts: my flabbers were gasted with this one!! I was fully convinced I had it figured out but I did not until I was about 90% through 🥲 I will say that the title and synopsis of the book don't really match what the book is really about which I find really strange. I'm not upset about it because I ended up loving it but some people might end up feeling tricked. About halfway-ish, the story takes a turn and the story barely revolves around her love interest, and the plot shifts almost entirely. I still had a great time reading this one and it is a page turner that kept me engaged throughout. Short chapters and dual timelines that will keep you guessing until the end 👀
Thank you Minotaur Books for the gifted physical ARC!
✩⁺₊✩☽⋆ follow me on tiktok and instagram⋆☾✩⁺₊✩
June 5, 2026
Going into this, I wasn't expecting to come away feeling like I had read two completely different stories.
I really went back and forth on how to rate this book. Half of me was completely invested and couldn't stop reading. The other half was confused about where the story was actually headed.
At first, it seems like the story revolves around Ivy and Liam, a man who is essentially a carbon copy of the love interest in the book she's currently writing. But as Ivy's secrets slowly begin to unravel, that storyline ends up feeling much smaller and almost irrelevant compared to everything else that's happening. It genuinely felt like I had started reading a completely different book.
The book definitely kept me intrigued and constantly wanting answers, but the ending fell flat for me. After being so invested in finding out how everything would come together, the payoff just didn't hit the way I hoped it would.
Honestly, I still don't know exactly how I feel about it. There were things I enjoyed and moments that completely pulled me in, but by the end I was left more confused than satisfied.
I want to thank Netgalley, St. Martin's Press | Minotaur Books, and Olivia Worley for the ARC. All opinions expressed in this review are my own.
I really went back and forth on how to rate this book. Half of me was completely invested and couldn't stop reading. The other half was confused about where the story was actually headed.
At first, it seems like the story revolves around Ivy and Liam, a man who is essentially a carbon copy of the love interest in the book she's currently writing. But as Ivy's secrets slowly begin to unravel, that storyline ends up feeling much smaller and almost irrelevant compared to everything else that's happening. It genuinely felt like I had started reading a completely different book.
The book definitely kept me intrigued and constantly wanting answers, but the ending fell flat for me. After being so invested in finding out how everything would come together, the payoff just didn't hit the way I hoped it would.
Honestly, I still don't know exactly how I feel about it. There were things I enjoyed and moments that completely pulled me in, but by the end I was left more confused than satisfied.
I want to thank Netgalley, St. Martin's Press | Minotaur Books, and Olivia Worley for the ARC. All opinions expressed in this review are my own.
July 5, 2026
i'm finally freeeeee 🙂↕️
Read
April 30, 2026i was super excited for this book but it was unfortunately a massive let down for me. the most glaring issue here is the fact this book is completely different from the blurb given. liam feels like an afterthought and when he is there its like a total fever dream because ivy is nothing but erratic. this book felt like complete chaos in the worst way while simultaneously dragging and boring.
i truly dont know what this book was trying to accomplish but whatever it was was just not for me and i could not care less about how it ends
i truly dont know what this book was trying to accomplish but whatever it was was just not for me and i could not care less about how it ends
August 22, 2026
Thank you NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for granting me access to this book in exchange for an honest review.
A romance author meets the exact man she's been writing about. What could possibly go wrong?👀
Man of My Dreams hooked me from the start!! What begins as a fun, almost too-good-to-be-true romance quickly takes a much darker turn. Shifting into a twisty psychological thriller filled with mystery, suspense, family secrets, buried trauma, lies, and deception.
I loved the short chapters, dual timelines, and fast pace. I was constantly second guessing what was real and who could be trusted. Just when I thought I had figured something out the story would shift and make me question everything again. Some twists I saw coming but others definitely surprised me.
The first half was my favorite! I was completely invested in the romance and the mystery surrounding Ivy and Liam and I loved that feeling of something isn't quite right here. As the story progressed the romance took a backseat to psychological suspense, and honestly, it felt a little like I was reading two different books.
The ending was twist after twist after twist and absolutely became a little absurd and over the top. You have to suspend disbelief a bit but by that point I was so invested that I just went along for the ride. 😂 And when I finished, I was basically sitting there thinking, "Wait..what just happened?"
Overall, this was a gripping, messy, addictive popcorn thriller with romance. If you enjoy twisty, fast paced and impossible to put down psychological suspense then this is a book worth reading.⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
A romance author meets the exact man she's been writing about. What could possibly go wrong?👀
Man of My Dreams hooked me from the start!! What begins as a fun, almost too-good-to-be-true romance quickly takes a much darker turn. Shifting into a twisty psychological thriller filled with mystery, suspense, family secrets, buried trauma, lies, and deception.
I loved the short chapters, dual timelines, and fast pace. I was constantly second guessing what was real and who could be trusted. Just when I thought I had figured something out the story would shift and make me question everything again. Some twists I saw coming but others definitely surprised me.
The first half was my favorite! I was completely invested in the romance and the mystery surrounding Ivy and Liam and I loved that feeling of something isn't quite right here. As the story progressed the romance took a backseat to psychological suspense, and honestly, it felt a little like I was reading two different books.
The ending was twist after twist after twist and absolutely became a little absurd and over the top. You have to suspend disbelief a bit but by that point I was so invested that I just went along for the ride. 😂 And when I finished, I was basically sitting there thinking, "Wait..what just happened?"
Overall, this was a gripping, messy, addictive popcorn thriller with romance. If you enjoy twisty, fast paced and impossible to put down psychological suspense then this is a book worth reading.⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Did Not Finish
June 17, 2026dnf • 42%
This sounded like it could be anything from thriller to magical realism, but it was just bad. I genuinely tried, but the second I started skimming, I knew I was done.
The story is completely unengaging, the MC painfully unlikable, and the writing utterly uninspired.
This sounded like it could be anything from thriller to magical realism, but it was just bad. I genuinely tried, but the second I started skimming, I knew I was done.
The story is completely unengaging, the MC painfully unlikable, and the writing utterly uninspired.
June 9, 2026
Man of My Dream is a twisty, addictive ride that blends romance, suspense, and just the right amount of “wait… what?” energy.
Ivy Harcourt, a bestselling author with a messy past meets Liam, a man who feels like he’s stepped straight out of her manuscript. He’s charming, attentive, and maybe a little too perfect.
I loved how the story kept me guessing. Ivy’s unreliable memories make every chapter feel unstable, and the second‑half twists come hard and fast. I thought I had the plot figured out, but the ending still surprised me.
A quick, addictive read.
🎙Narrator Spotlight🎙
It was fun to read along while Gail Shalan's voice brought a gorgeous emotional clarity to this audiobook which makes every chapter feel a little more intimate. Her performance added layers to Ivy’s character, especially the uncertainty, the self‑doubt, and those moments where you’re not sure what’s real. Shalan leaned into Ivy’s vulnerability without ever making her feel weak, and that balance keeps the tension humming.
Shalan gives Liam just the right amount of charm and mystery, making his “too perfect” energy feel both irresistible and unsettling. The shifts in tone, the subtle pauses, the way she lets silence do some of the storytelling, those choices elevate the twists and make the reveals hit harder. It’s one of those narrations that adds depth to the story.
Ivy Harcourt, a bestselling author with a messy past meets Liam, a man who feels like he’s stepped straight out of her manuscript. He’s charming, attentive, and maybe a little too perfect.
I loved how the story kept me guessing. Ivy’s unreliable memories make every chapter feel unstable, and the second‑half twists come hard and fast. I thought I had the plot figured out, but the ending still surprised me.
A quick, addictive read.
🎙Narrator Spotlight🎙
It was fun to read along while Gail Shalan's voice brought a gorgeous emotional clarity to this audiobook which makes every chapter feel a little more intimate. Her performance added layers to Ivy’s character, especially the uncertainty, the self‑doubt, and those moments where you’re not sure what’s real. Shalan leaned into Ivy’s vulnerability without ever making her feel weak, and that balance keeps the tension humming.
Shalan gives Liam just the right amount of charm and mystery, making his “too perfect” energy feel both irresistible and unsettling. The shifts in tone, the subtle pauses, the way she lets silence do some of the storytelling, those choices elevate the twists and make the reveals hit harder. It’s one of those narrations that adds depth to the story.
July 26, 2026
God! I love a deranged Thriller.
This is my second Olivia Worley novel. I read So Happy Together last year and it was deranged too. I read this book in one day and it was so much fun.
Im reading everything this woman writes going forward.
This is my second Olivia Worley novel. I read So Happy Together last year and it was deranged too. I read this book in one day and it was so much fun.
Im reading everything this woman writes going forward.
May 27, 2026
Man of My Dreams is such a fun and addictive read that completely pulls you in from the start. The story follows Ivy, a bestselling author whose life takes a surreal turn when she meets Liam — a character she created — in real life. Watching their relationship unfold is both exciting and emotional, especially as Ivy begins to fall deeply for him.
The plot moves at a fast pace, making it hard to put the book down. Just when you think you know where things are going, the story shifts, keeping you hooked until the very end. The added mystery of Ivy’s stalker brings an extra layer of tension, and trying to figure out who it is keeps you guessing throughout.
One of the best parts of this book is how unpredictable it is — the ending is not something you’ll see coming. Overall, I really enjoyed this unique and engaging story. It’s a perfect mix of romance, mystery, and a touch of the unexpected.
Definitely a great read for anyone looking for something different and fast-paced!
The plot moves at a fast pace, making it hard to put the book down. Just when you think you know where things are going, the story shifts, keeping you hooked until the very end. The added mystery of Ivy’s stalker brings an extra layer of tension, and trying to figure out who it is keeps you guessing throughout.
One of the best parts of this book is how unpredictable it is — the ending is not something you’ll see coming. Overall, I really enjoyed this unique and engaging story. It’s a perfect mix of romance, mystery, and a touch of the unexpected.
Definitely a great read for anyone looking for something different and fast-paced!
June 19, 2026
•My Rating: 3.5/5•
Try this if you like:
• psychological thriller
• a chaotic mystery
• atypical romance vibes
• it all starts with a meet-cute
• MC is an author
• stalker issues
• single POV
Notes: An interesting premise, that’s not without its problems, but not so much that I wouldn’t recommend giving it a try. I truly didn’t see this going in the direction it did.
Narration: I’m not a fan of Gail Shalan, especially if she narrates the entire book. She tends to pull me out of the story, which, in this case, left me confused about some of the events.
Try this if you like:
• psychological thriller
• a chaotic mystery
• atypical romance vibes
• it all starts with a meet-cute
• MC is an author
• stalker issues
• single POV
Notes: An interesting premise, that’s not without its problems, but not so much that I wouldn’t recommend giving it a try. I truly didn’t see this going in the direction it did.
Narration: I’m not a fan of Gail Shalan, especially if she narrates the entire book. She tends to pull me out of the story, which, in this case, left me confused about some of the events.
October 2, 2026
The ending was different. And honestly weird and confusing like wtf. Still entertain tho
October 21, 2026
this book pissed me off
July 29, 2026
3.25. A romance author is having a hard time with dating in New York City and is about to give up altogether when she meets Liam. He seems perfect, too perfect because he’s the latest male main character she’s written. Despite the red flags of this being too good to be true, she’s swept off her feet into a whirlwind romance. But they both have secrets.
I am a sucker for author focused fiction! And I freaking loved this concept. Writing your own MMC to be the perfect boyfriend sounds like a dream but I had never thought about a creepy suspenseful side to that. I did find myself a bit confused at times, I was struggling to keep the story straight, but once it clicked I had so much fun.
Thank you so much to Netgalley, Olivia Worley, and St. Martin’s Press for providing this free E-ARC. This published on June 2nd. This is my honest review.
I am a sucker for author focused fiction! And I freaking loved this concept. Writing your own MMC to be the perfect boyfriend sounds like a dream but I had never thought about a creepy suspenseful side to that. I did find myself a bit confused at times, I was struggling to keep the story straight, but once it clicked I had so much fun.
Thank you so much to Netgalley, Olivia Worley, and St. Martin’s Press for providing this free E-ARC. This published on June 2nd. This is my honest review.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
The perfect Valentine's Day thriller! Olivia previously wrote an absolutely unhinged FMC in So Happy Together and she's back with another banger of a thriller that also revolves around love and an unreliable leading lady with questionable choices.
We follow romance author, Ivy, who meets the "man of her dreams" by chance. The more she learns about him, she realizes she's already met him, as the main character of the book she's currently writing. 😳 The coincidences pile up and secrets from her past come bubbling to the surface. Who is this man and what secrets from her past is she hiding from?!
What I loved about the story: fast paced and stacked with twists you won't see coming. I was immediately hooked and loved the past vs present timelines as you try to decipher the twisted past she's running from. Pub day: 6/2/26
We follow romance author, Ivy, who meets the "man of her dreams" by chance. The more she learns about him, she realizes she's already met him, as the main character of the book she's currently writing. 😳 The coincidences pile up and secrets from her past come bubbling to the surface. Who is this man and what secrets from her past is she hiding from?!
What I loved about the story: fast paced and stacked with twists you won't see coming. I was immediately hooked and loved the past vs present timelines as you try to decipher the twisted past she's running from. Pub day: 6/2/26
February 28, 2026
Twists and turns galore, this was a guessing game until the end. I loved the timelines and switch ups for this story. I really didn’t know where it was going, or which characters to trust, and that’s the best part of a thriller. I would’ve liked a bit more info at the end, but regardless it was a fun read.
Thank you to the publisher for the gifted arc
Thank you to the publisher for the gifted arc
October 31, 2026
I received this book for free, this does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review
Maybe it should unsettle me that this man appeared out of nowhere with my character’s exact name and appearance—with my book in his bag—but isn’t this exactly the sort of thing that would happen in a rom-com? As soon as I’ve had the thought, though, another, darker one swallows it: It’s also the sort of thing that happens at the beginning of a horror movie.
Man of My Dreams was a mystery thriller that at first had the reader thinking they could be witnessing a stalking story only to be thrown into the wilding out for wilding sake end of the pool. Ivy's a new successful debut author who's struggling to finish her second book and getting stressed about the deadline. She had an almost meet-cute in a bookstore, only to get a real one outside, with a man who turns out to have the exact name, occupation, and London birthplace as the character in her new book she's writing. After each encounter with Liam, he's seeming more and more perfect, except she's also started to get threatening notes from someone claiming she's a fraud the exact time she started a relationship with him. Is he the one trying to out Ivy's carefully guarded secret, or is her guilt driving her paranoia? Strap in because you may guess one or even two reveals but you'll never guess the craziness avalanche that hits at the end.
With every passing breath, I am more certain of two things: I am falling in love with Liam, and I don’t know if I can trust him.
Told mostly from Ivy's point-of-view, the reader is lead by, not fully an unreliable narrator, but one that purposefully holds onto her secrets for the sake of mystery until the end. I was willing to go along with this, as it does work to deliver an intriguing mystery aspect but, the aforementioned wildness, got way too sensational and unbelievable at the end. With Ivy's povs, we also get flashbacks, to eleven years ago, from Ivy's older sister Cora. Cora is severely immune compromised and can't leave the house. As Ivy is dealing with Liam and a potential danger in the present timeline we get Cora dealing with loneliness and her own potential budding romance in the past povs. Cora's povs give a background on the familial dynamics and why Ivy may be so paranoid in the present.
I freed us both.
It's when things start coming to a head in the present that the story started to unravel, not a good way, at the end. With Ivy and her budding romance possible danger from Liam, we also get some secondary character relationships with her Aunt and a friend about to get married, both characters were not developed enough and, especially the friend, felt kind of what is the point of them. A couple reveals we get from Cora's past povs were sensational and good for shock values but it's when we get the reveals in the present pov that sent this story into wilding for me. So many connections and tie-ins get thrown at the reader in the end that I almost started laughing, not in a good way. You'll definitely have more than one “Oh come on!” moments as reveal after reveal gets thrown out. The ending gives a One Month Later update that delivers the cherry on this wilding sundae. The beginning had me locked in wondering what was happening but this ultimately fell apart for me and lost good entertainment value when the story and some characters lost it's way to building substance and most of the reveals were too wild to enjoyably go along with. If you're looking for truly wild though, the later part of this would deliver that in spades.
Maybe it should unsettle me that this man appeared out of nowhere with my character’s exact name and appearance—with my book in his bag—but isn’t this exactly the sort of thing that would happen in a rom-com? As soon as I’ve had the thought, though, another, darker one swallows it: It’s also the sort of thing that happens at the beginning of a horror movie.
Man of My Dreams was a mystery thriller that at first had the reader thinking they could be witnessing a stalking story only to be thrown into the wilding out for wilding sake end of the pool. Ivy's a new successful debut author who's struggling to finish her second book and getting stressed about the deadline. She had an almost meet-cute in a bookstore, only to get a real one outside, with a man who turns out to have the exact name, occupation, and London birthplace as the character in her new book she's writing. After each encounter with Liam, he's seeming more and more perfect, except she's also started to get threatening notes from someone claiming she's a fraud the exact time she started a relationship with him. Is he the one trying to out Ivy's carefully guarded secret, or is her guilt driving her paranoia? Strap in because you may guess one or even two reveals but you'll never guess the craziness avalanche that hits at the end.
With every passing breath, I am more certain of two things: I am falling in love with Liam, and I don’t know if I can trust him.
Told mostly from Ivy's point-of-view, the reader is lead by, not fully an unreliable narrator, but one that purposefully holds onto her secrets for the sake of mystery until the end. I was willing to go along with this, as it does work to deliver an intriguing mystery aspect but, the aforementioned wildness, got way too sensational and unbelievable at the end. With Ivy's povs, we also get flashbacks, to eleven years ago, from Ivy's older sister Cora. Cora is severely immune compromised and can't leave the house. As Ivy is dealing with Liam and a potential danger in the present timeline we get Cora dealing with loneliness and her own potential budding romance in the past povs. Cora's povs give a background on the familial dynamics and why Ivy may be so paranoid in the present.
I freed us both.
It's when things start coming to a head in the present that the story started to unravel, not a good way, at the end. With Ivy and her budding romance possible danger from Liam, we also get some secondary character relationships with her Aunt and a friend about to get married, both characters were not developed enough and, especially the friend, felt kind of what is the point of them. A couple reveals we get from Cora's past povs were sensational and good for shock values but it's when we get the reveals in the present pov that sent this story into wilding for me. So many connections and tie-ins get thrown at the reader in the end that I almost started laughing, not in a good way. You'll definitely have more than one “Oh come on!” moments as reveal after reveal gets thrown out. The ending gives a One Month Later update that delivers the cherry on this wilding sundae. The beginning had me locked in wondering what was happening but this ultimately fell apart for me and lost good entertainment value when the story and some characters lost it's way to building substance and most of the reveals were too wild to enjoyably go along with. If you're looking for truly wild though, the later part of this would deliver that in spades.
June 4, 2026
Man of My Dreams starts off as a romance with a shocking, and eerie, meet cute. The story then turns into a perfect summer thriller. It had some good twists, great character backstories and was captivating start to finish.
July 9, 2026
Rating: 4.5⭐️
I found this super addictive, it was easy to read and felt unique. I read it in one sitting, I just couldn’t put it down. I would absolutely recommend, especially if you’re in a slump or looking for a great thriller with short chapters and good twists.
I found this super addictive, it was easy to read and felt unique. I read it in one sitting, I just couldn’t put it down. I would absolutely recommend, especially if you’re in a slump or looking for a great thriller with short chapters and good twists.
July 12, 2026
I couldn’t wait to get into this one! It starts off feeling like a rom-com… then BAM—it turns into a twisty psychological suspense. 🤯 I really enjoyed it and definitely recommend it! I did have to pay close attention at the end to keep track of who was who, but it was worth it.
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