When Dreams Float: African American Romance / Black Love Series #1

by Dorothy Elizabeth Love

What if desire found you mid-flight and followed you straight into paradise? Winston Knight lives by facts, not fate, yet the moment he lays eyes on Melanie in Tahiti, reason dissolves into heat. Her touch lingers like silk, her kiss burns like the sun on bare skin, and every glance between them promises more than either dares to confess. In a place where nights stretch long and temptation dances with the tide, surrender becomes the only choice. When Dreams Float is a breathtakingly seductive island romance that will leave you aching for just one more page.

Time to cuddle up and enjoy!

Genres: Romance

227 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 11, 2025

About the author

I have this unyielding belief that love can conquer just about all. My goal is to provide a form of entertainment that allows readers to transcend their current situation if only for a moment, to be pleasantly entertained and emotionally moved.

My characters are flawed yet constantly strive to overcome as most of us do... their story, however, is enhanced with a dose of sexiness.

Reviews

[Lit_eraryqueen (Salena C.) · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was such a syrupy-sweet romance story between two strangers who met on a plane traveling to a cruise. I loved how open and free the exchange was between Winston and Melanie. The connection was instant and attraction was spicy! I'm always here for Black Love stories that challenge the characters to become the best versions of themselves.

Read this if you enjoy: Instalove, vacation romance, He falls first, witty best friend characters.

I enjoyed this book!

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Tina Bell · Rating 5 out of 5]

enjoyed

This book made you feel like you were on vacation with them. The descriptions were right out of a travel magazine. Just a beautiful love story of two people falling in love on vacation without all of the extra drama and baggage. Def would recommend

[The Bourbon-Sipping Bibliophile · Rating 4 out of 5]

🥃 ARC Review: When Dreams Float
By The Bourbon Sipping Bibliophile
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (4/5)
Spice Level: 🌶️🌶️🌶️ (Medium-High - Steamy and Sensuous)
Genre: Sensuous African American Romance • Contemporary Romance • Travel Romance
Pour Style: Exotic, Smooth, A Cocktail Served Beachside with a Strong Kick of Chemistry.

🥃 The Pour: A Journey of Passion and Discovery
When Dreams Float, the first installment in the Travel and Love Collection, is a vibrant and steamy romance that whisks the reader away on a journey of both physical exploration and emotional discovery. This book feels like the perfect vacation in liquid form—smooth, intoxicating, and guaranteed to leave you feeling warm and satisfied.

The author, Dorothy Elizabeth Love, masterfully uses the lush, exotic setting as a backdrop for intense chemistry and genuine connection. This isn't just a travelogue; it's an exploration of what happens when two people shed the baggage of their everyday lives and embrace the unexpected passion floating on the breeze. It's a quick, sensuous pour that hooks you from the first encounter.

💕 What Hit the Palate Nicely
✔ Sizzling Chemistry: The core strength of this book is the undeniable, immediate attraction between the main characters. The chemistry is electric, making the romantic progression thrilling and believable.

✔ Vivid Travel Setting: The backdrop feels tangible and immersive. It elevates the romance, adding an element of fantasy and escape that is crucial to the story's theme.

✔ Sensuous & Direct Tone: The romance is adult, sensual, and straightforward, promising exactly what the genre label suggests. It provides a confident, steamy read without unnecessary emotional drama.

✔ Strong Black Characters: The focus on strong Black characters navigating love and success is empowering and refreshing, rooting the story in authentic, modern experiences.

🥃 Where the Pour Lost a Little Proof
– Plot Relies on Location: The pacing sometimes relies heavily on the exotic setting and the continuous momentum of the "vacation romance," meaning some of the external conflicts felt less developed than the internal character desires.

– Pacing of Relationship: Due to the intensity of the initial chemistry, the emotional commitment occasionally seemed to follow the physical intimacy very rapidly, which might feel rushed to some readers looking for a slower burn.

🌶️ Spice Notes
Medium-High Heat; sensual, explicit, and confident.

Expect:
Frequent, detailed, and highly descriptive intimate scenes.
A strong focus on the physical attraction and sensual moments, integral to the character development.
Direct and passionate dialogue during moments of intimacy.

⚠️ Content Warnings
Explicit sexual content
Themes of professional success/travel
Minor workplace/ex-partner drama

🥃 Final Sip
When Dreams Float is the perfect choice for a reader looking for a steamy escape. It’s a smooth, highly sensual pour with a potent kick of romance and undeniable chemistry, making it a wonderful start to the Travel and Love Collection.

Final Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (4/5)

A potent, exotic, and steamy pour—highly recommended for your next beach read.

🥃 Drink Pairing: The Tropical Drift
This pairing is inspired by the book's exotic setting and sensuous, smooth delivery. The rum base provides the warmth, while the mix of tropical fruits adds the vibrancy and vacation-like escape.

The Tropical Drift - Sensuous Travel Edition
Ingredients
1.5 oz Aged Dark Rum (for the smooth warmth)
1 oz Fresh Pineapple Juice (for the tropical setting)
0.5 oz Passion Fruit Liqueur (for the passion and intrigue)
0.25 oz Lime Juice
1 dash Angostura Bitters
Garnish with an orchid or a sugar rim.

Tasting Notes
🍹 Aroma: Sweet, ripe pineapple and warm molasses.
🍸 Palate: Perfectly balanced between sweet tropical fruit and the deep, rich spice of the dark rum, mirroring the balance of light travel and deep connection.
✨ Finish: Smooth, satisfying, and reminiscent of a warm evening breeze.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Book Reviewer]

This book sweeps readers straight into the shimmering warmth of Tahiti, where love, lust, and self-discovery intertwine beneath the tropical sun. When Dreams Float tells the story of Winston Knight, a confident and rational doctor, and Melanie, a thoughtful, recently divorced woman searching for peace and renewal. What begins as a fleeting encounter in a jewelry store turns into a passionate and unexpected connection that follows them from the skies to the sea. Their chemistry ignites instantly, and the story sails between emotional tenderness and sensual intensity as both characters learn to navigate vulnerability, trust, and desire amid a stunning island backdrop.

The writing is lush and sensual, yet it carries an emotional honesty that surprised me. Author Dorothy Elizabeth Love has a way of describing intimacy that feels both raw and poetic, balancing physical heat with emotional truth. Sometimes the dialogue leaned toward melodrama, but I found myself forgiving it because it matched the heightened emotions of two people trying to mend their hearts. The pacing was unhurried, letting the tension simmer until every glance and touch felt earned. What struck me most was how real the characters’ hesitations felt. Winston’s logical mind warring with desire, and Melanie’s fear of being hurt again, those moments felt relatable, and I caught myself rooting for them to let go and just love.

There were moments when the steamy scenes took up so much space that I wanted more time to breathe with the characters outside of their passion. Still, the story had a rhythm to it that kept me turning pages. Love’s writing feels cinematic, with descriptions that glow; silk against skin, ocean breezes, and all the sensory details that make a setting come alive. It’s a romance that doesn’t shy away from fantasy or physicality, yet it carries a beating heart of forgiveness and self-rediscovery. I felt a genuine warmth at the idea that broken people can still float toward something beautiful.

I’d recommend When Dreams Float to readers who love sensual stories that mix emotional healing with tropical escapism. It’s for those who believe that second chances aren’t just possible, they’re necessary. If you like your romance lush, dramatic, and unapologetically passionate, this one will leave you smiling long after you finish the book.

[Literary Reviewer · Rating 4 out of 5]

When Dreams Float is a sensuous African American romance set against the lush backdrop of Tahiti and nearby islands. The story follows Melanie, a travel writer recovering from a painful divorce, and Winston, a charming and confident doctor she meets by chance at an airport jewelry counter. Their connection ignites quickly, deepening through a charged plane ride and growing even more complicated when they unexpectedly end up on the same cruise. The plot blends travel, emotional healing, flirtation, and slow-building intimacy, all framed within the warmth and escapism of the romance genre.

I found myself reacting to the writing the same way Melanie reacts to Winston’s presence. One moment I was caught up in the playfulness of their banter, and the next I was watching her pull back, unsure whether to trust what she felt. The author writes attraction through small gestures, glances, and touches that land with real weight. The scene on the plane where turbulence throws Melanie into Winston’s arms stands out. It isn’t just physical; it reveals her reluctance, her longing, and her fear all in one breath. The story knows how to stretch those moments without overdoing them, letting the tension rise naturally.

I also appreciated the author’s choices around character grounding. Melanie isn’t just a romantic lead; she’s a woman with a past, a career, and quiet internal battles she doesn’t always name out loud. Winston, for all his confidence, shows flashes of vulnerability that make him more interesting than the typical smooth-talking hero. Their dynamic feels honest. Sometimes messy. Sometimes sweet. There’s a little humor, a lot of heat, and just enough emotional complexity to make the story feel fuller than a simple getaway romance. And the travel writing details add texture. The descriptions of the islands, the cruise ship, and the small cultural observations make the setting feel like more than a backdrop.

This book would hit the spot for readers who love romance that’s sensual but also rooted in character healing and emotional discovery. If you enjoy stories where two people meet at the wrong time but can’t quite step away, you’ll connect with this one. And if you’re drawn to travel-inspired romance, tropical settings, or slow-burn chemistry that simmers before it boils over, When Dreams Float delivers exactly that.

[Tiffany P · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a well written romance with characters with substance. I loved the characters and Melanie and Winston were made for each other. They had a few issues of miscommunication, but nothing that they couldn’t conquer. The side characters were funny, and the dialogue throughout was funny with witty banter at times. The book focused on the love story between the main characters, but it also demonstrated the strong bonds of friendship and what that means. I have read another series from this author, and I love her style of writing and her concentration on realistic black love. This was a steamy love at first sight story about two people that met on an airplane, ended up on the same cruise, and found their other half.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Margret · Rating 5 out of 5]

There's a saying that says "don't judge a book by it's cover", but what attracted me to this book at first was it's cover!! This book has an amazing candle attractive cover and also it's full content!! I read it at a stretch. Ms. Love has a true gift for crafting escapism on the page. When Dreams Float is precisely the sort of novel you’d tuck into your suitcase for a sunny getaway, the kind you lose yourself in as Winston’s logical barriers begin to falter and Melanie’s subtle allure takes hold. The intimate scenes are handled with sophistication and just the right amount of heat, while the emotional depth ensures every kiss is well-deserved. If you're in the market for a sultry island romance with genuine heart, this one absolutely hits the mark.

[Buffet · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book will never be forgotten because of the contrast between Melanie's inner turmoil and Winston's calm demeanor. There was no denying their chemistry; every scene they shared was brimming with vitality. When feelings ran high, Sandra's sense of humor kept things lighthearted and enjoyable. Their journey was reflected in the islands' beauty, which was at one point peaceful and at another fiery. Their lighthearted taunting that gradually evolved into trust was my favorite aspect. I was reminded by When Dreams Float that love is more than just passion; it's also the serenity that comes from being with someone else. A tale of romance, calm, and the kind of love that seems both genuine and uncommon.

[Joy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved how this story brought travel and love together. Melanie reminded me of women I know—smart, cautious, protective of her heart. Her interactions with Winston made me laugh, blush, and sigh all at once. Winston had this charm that felt both frustrating and irresistible, which is exactly why Melanie couldn’t ignore him. Sandra added the spice—her carefree attitude balanced Melanie’s seriousness. The Tahitian setting was breathtaking, almost like another character. It taught me that sometimes love shows up in unexpected places, even when you’re running from it. This book reminded me why second chances are so beautiful.

[Desmond · Rating 5 out of 5]

What struck me most in this book was Melanie’s vulnerability. Her struggle with trust after Ronald’s betrayal hit home—I’ve seen friends go through that same wall-building process. Winston, on the other hand, was relentless in showing her he wasn’t just after casual fun. I loved how he balanced humor with sincerity. Sandra? She cracked me up every chapter, especially her wild comments about doctors on the cruise. I also loved the detailed descriptions of Raiatea and Bora Bora—it felt like a vacation through words. At its heart, this book shows how healing love can sneak in when least expected.

[Elizabeth · Rating 5 out of 5]

What I loved most about When Dreams Float is how layered the characters were. Winston wasn’t just the charming doctor—he had depth, patience, and sincerity. Melanie wasn’t just the cautious divorcée—she was strong, vulnerable, and deeply human. Sandra’s boldness added comic relief, but also wisdom in her own way. The tropical backdrop made every scene more romantic. My favorite moment was Melanie admitting she enjoyed Winston’s kiss despite her fears. That honesty felt so real. This book taught me that even when love feels risky, the chance to heal and connect can make it worth every heartbeat.

[Mercy Angela · Rating 4 out of 5]

I absolutely adored Melanie’s character—she’s strong, smart, and cautious, yet still vulnerable. Watching her wrestle with her feelings for Winston was emotional and inspiring. Winston brought charm and determination that made the romance believable. Sandra added spice and laughter at every turn. The cruise and Tahitian islands felt like a character in themselves, setting the stage for love to bloom. My favorite part was how Winston showed patience, proving he wanted more than casual fun. This book taught me that love after heartbreak is possible, and that the right person will make you feel safe enough to try again.

[Princess · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book had a gentle yet potent emotional flow, much like the tide. Winston's ability to make Melanie feel seen was what made him so endearing, not his appearance. I appreciated Melanie's bravery in relearning to trust, and her caution felt genuine. Sandra's sense of humor provided warmth and equilibrium. The story had a surreal feel to it because of the cruise setting. Winston's assurance that love doesn't require perfection was my favorite part. Dreams Float served as a reminder to me that quiet understanding, not extravagant displays, is what makes love so powerful. A tale of healing, grace, and the beauty of discovering inner peace in another person.

[Micheal John · Rating 5 out of 5]

Emotional Waves When Dreams Float captivated me from the very first page. Winston had a captivating charm, but what really won me over to his character was his depth of emotion. I could identify with Melanie's struggle to regain trust because her hesitancy felt genuine and honest. Every scene was given warmth and vitality by Sandra's lively humor. The tropical backdrop did more than serve as background; it carried the narrative like waves of hope. Winston's candor about wanting something genuine was my favorite part. I was reminded by this book that although feelings fluctuate like the tides, love always finds its way back to the coast.

[Hamzel · Rating 5 out of 5]

The ending left my heart full. The connection between Winston and Melanie felt eternal, like something written long before they met. Winston’s quiet strength balanced Melanie’s fears in such a touching way. Sandra’s fearless humor gave the story rhythm and charm. The ocean voyage created a stunning backdrop, where every wave seemed to mirror their emotions. My favorite scene was when Melanie finally let go of her doubts and embraced what her heart already knew. When Dreams Float reminded me that love, like the sea, has its tides—sometimes calm, sometimes wild—but when it calls your name, resistance fades.

[Jeremiah David · Rating 5 out of 5]

This novel reignited my affection for tender, slow-building love stories. Winston was everything—steady, grounded, and quietly confident. Melanie’s hesitation was so human, and when she finally opened her heart, it made the moment unforgettable. Sandra, with her playful sass, brought color and laughter to every page. The island scenery was described so vividly, I could almost feel the breeze and see the sunsets. My favorite part was when Winston finally earned that genuine smile from Melanie—it spoke volumes. This book reminded me that true love isn’t always quick, but every step toward it is beautifully worth it.

[Beauty · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story’s emotions rolled like tides—soft and soothing, yet powerful enough to stir the soul. Winston’s persistence radiated kindness, never force. Melanie’s guardedness made me ache for her, but watching her walls slowly fall was so rewarding. Sandra’s humor kept the story alive, full of light and laughter. The cruise setting was enchanting, wrapping every scene in a sense of wonder. My favorite part was seeing Winston and Melanie standing side by side, uncertain yet hopeful—it perfectly mirrored the essence of love. When Dreams Float reminded me that feelings, like the ocean, can be wild yet breathtaking if we dare to feel them.

[Emma · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dorothy Elizabeth Love has a true gift for crafting escapism on the page. When Dreams Float is precisely the sort of novel you’d tuck into your suitcase for a sunny getaway, the kind you lose yourself in as Winston’s logical barriers begin to falter and Melanie’s subtle allure takes hold. The intimate scenes are handled with sophistication and just the right amount of heat, while the emotional depth ensures every kiss is well-deserved. If you're in the market for a sultry island romance with genuine heart, this one absolutely hits the mark.

[Mary · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reading When Dreams Float felt like stepping into a tropical dream. Winston Knight grabbed me instantly—his mix of confidence and vulnerability made him more than just the “handsome doctor” archetype. Melanie, though, stole my heart. I understood her hesitation after her painful divorce, and her push-and-pull with Winston felt so real. Sandra was hilarious and bold, often saying what we’re too shy to admit. My favorite part was the way the islands reflected their emotions—calm, stormy, tempting. This isn’t just a romance; it’s a story about risking love after heartbreak.

[Edward · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book made me laugh, blush, and even reflect on my own fears about love. Melanie’s cautious heart reminded me of myself after heartbreak, and Winston’s charm made me think of the “what if” moments I let pass. Sandra kept things lively—her boldness was refreshing. My favorite moment was Winston and Melanie’s kiss on the plane. It was unexpected yet so electric! The island settings added magic, like love itself was woven into the scenery. I came away feeling like love is always worth a second chance, even if it’s scary. A beautiful story of passion and healing.

[Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

This novel was like stepping into a vacation for the soul. Winston had the perfect mix of charm and tenderness, making it clear he wanted more than just a fling. Melanie’s struggle was heartfelt—I admired her for protecting herself while still being brave enough to feel again. Sandra was my favorite sidekick; her humor and boldness kept me smiling. The cruise ship and islands were painted so vividly, it felt like the scenery carried the romance forward. The biggest lesson I walked away with: sometimes fate puts people in your path for a reason, and love is worth the risk.

[Billy Jonathan · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story pulled me in with its mix of fate and passion. Winston noticing Melanie in the jewelry store and then meeting her again on the plane felt magical. Melanie’s hesitation was so relatable—I admired how she protected her heart after divorce. Winston’s persistence made me swoon; he wasn’t just chasing a fling, he wanted something real. Sandra was hilarious, always keeping things light with her bold humor. The island cruise was described so beautifully that I felt like I was there. This book reminded me that sometimes love finds us exactly when we’ve stopped looking for it.

[Stephanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

When Dreams Float felt like a warm breeze carrying me away to paradise. Winston’s charisma was undeniable, but it was his sincerity that stood out most. Melanie’s journey touched me—I could feel her fear of getting hurt again. Sandra, with her unfiltered comments, was the perfect balance of humor. The descriptions of the islands made me dream of traveling there myself. My favorite moment was Winston kissing Melanie on the plane—it was romantic, electric, and set the tone for everything that followed. This book reminded me that second chances in love can be just as beautiful as first ones.

[Stephanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Winston's charm was magnetic, but it was his emotional depth that really drew me to him. Melanie's hesitation felt real and raw, and I could understand how hard it was for her to trust again. Sandra's lively sense of humor brought warmth and life to every scene. The tropical setting wasn't just a backdrop; it was the story itself, like waves carrying hope. I liked when Winston was honest about wanting something real the most. This book made me think that feelings can come and go, just like tides, but love will always come back to shore

[Danyelle Adams · Rating 1 out of 5]

This book was horrible. It was choppy and there was no character development. I was hoping for a pallet cleanser, but this didn’t do it. 50% in I realized it was going nowhere. Also the male main character came of extremely weird and controlling. It didn’t give ease and enjoyment but lets have sex. Nothing more nothing less. The love story did not connect as I wasn’t able to visualize the characters and the writing was so choppy. I’m surprised at the almost 5 star rating.

[Magret · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dorothy Elizabeth Love delivers a sultry, unforgettable escape in When Dreams Float. From the moment Winston and Melanie meet, the chemistry is electric—almost cinematic. The writing is lush, almost poetic, and the setting? Pure fantasy. Tahiti is painted with such vivid detail that you feel the heat of the sun and the pull of the tide. It’s more than just romance; it’s desire, fate, and emotional vulnerability all rolled into one. This book is a must-read for anyone who craves passion with depth.

[Sally Parker · Rating 5 out of 5]

Winston and Melanie’s first meeting was pure magic. The chemistry felt so real that I could almost feel the heat through the pages. Love how their connection started with curiosity and grew into something deeper. A sensual, emotional, and beautifully written romance that made me believe in fate again.

[Kimberly · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was definitely an unforgettable and steamy romance. Melanie and Winston have some off the chart's chemistry. I enjoyed reading the book from beginning to end. It was definitely worth reading and I can't wait to see what comes next.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Jeremiah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Though I’m not typically drawn to romance, Ms Love When Dreams Float caught me off guard. It’s fast-paced but emotionally resonant, and the tension between Winston and Melanie crackles with authenticity. Some lines read like poetry, and others like whispered confessions. While it leans into the classic "paradise romance" trope, the exploration of control vs. surrender adds real complexity. I docked one star only because I wanted more of Melanie’s backstory—but overall, a captivating read.

[Frida · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book sounds like a movie!! Wish there's a part 2!! Loved how grounded the romance was – steamy scenes were there, yeah, but not cringey. You actually care about them. Real soul behind the sizzle. Ms love crafted out this one well.