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Just Like a Dream
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20 copies available
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A small-town Dream Creator finds that working with her high school rival could be the recipe for a sweet dream—or a less-than-beautiful nightmare—in this charming contemporary romance from the author of Casket Case.
Olivia’s life is exactly how she wants it. She lives in the house she's always loved, she’s close to her family, and her childhood best friend lives down the street. And to top it all off, she loves her job at the World Dream Center, where she designs and implements dreams.
As the invisible strings in the giant web that connects everyone, dreams subconsciously influence people to make decisions—move, change jobs, write a book—that move the plot of the world forward.
Olivia is great at her job. Stellar, even. But when she's assigned to create a dream for one of her friends, things start to unravel. Olivia has followed the Dream Playbook to the letter, suggesting that her friend date a certain coworker. But her friend isn't taking the hint, and it's holding up other Dream Workers who can't move forward until this relationship causes its intended ripples.
Enter Connor, who's an expert at handling difficult dreams with unorthodox methods—the same unorthodox methods that drove Olivia crazy when they went to high school together, making her less than enthused when he's partnered with her to deliver results. Everyone thinks he's a genius at his job, but to Olivia, he's just another handsome face skating through life.
The more they work together, the more sparks fly between them. But the harder Olivia tries to change someone else's course in life, the less sure she becomes of her own. With her job on the line, she has to work fast—and if she's not careful, this assignment could turn into a nightmare.
Olivia’s life is exactly how she wants it. She lives in the house she's always loved, she’s close to her family, and her childhood best friend lives down the street. And to top it all off, she loves her job at the World Dream Center, where she designs and implements dreams.
As the invisible strings in the giant web that connects everyone, dreams subconsciously influence people to make decisions—move, change jobs, write a book—that move the plot of the world forward.
Olivia is great at her job. Stellar, even. But when she's assigned to create a dream for one of her friends, things start to unravel. Olivia has followed the Dream Playbook to the letter, suggesting that her friend date a certain coworker. But her friend isn't taking the hint, and it's holding up other Dream Workers who can't move forward until this relationship causes its intended ripples.
Enter Connor, who's an expert at handling difficult dreams with unorthodox methods—the same unorthodox methods that drove Olivia crazy when they went to high school together, making her less than enthused when he's partnered with her to deliver results. Everyone thinks he's a genius at his job, but to Olivia, he's just another handsome face skating through life.
The more they work together, the more sparks fly between them. But the harder Olivia tries to change someone else's course in life, the less sure she becomes of her own. With her job on the line, she has to work fast—and if she's not careful, this assignment could turn into a nightmare.
- GenresRomance
368 pages, Paperback
Expected publication November 3, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 53 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Author
So so original and creative, I mean, they're both dream designers?! Lauren's brain, man. One of my favorite parts is the Dream Hall of Fame entries. I will not spoil, but they're so clever and funny. Truly enjoyed this - a very welcome reminder of the world's interconnectedness - how every little interaction we have with one another sends off a domino effect into the universe.
May 21, 2026
TL;DR: A slow-burn workplace fantasy romance about a rigid “responsible eldest daughter” FMC and her chaotic childhood nemesis turned consultant who helps her rediscover her softer side. Strong character work, slightly slow start.
Olivia works for the World Dream Center, a top-secret organization that helps shape people’s futures by prescribing curated dreams. When a case receives multiple unsuccessful dream submissions, a consultant is brought in to help. Enter Connor—Olivia’s childhood nemesis and someone who operates in a way that pushes every one of her carefully maintained boundaries.
I was surprised to see the average rating so low for this one. A major point of criticism seems to be the FMC, and yes—Olivia is difficult. But she also felt very real to me. She’s the eldest daughter of emotionally immature parents and has been pushed into a caregiver role she never chose.
She was never really allowed to be carefree or messy or young. Instead, she became the person everyone relies on—the one who always shows up. And while people around her do love her, they also take her for granted in a way that quietly hurts.
Connor’s arrival shifts that dynamic. He genuinely sees and appreciates Olivia for who she is, which feels refreshing rather than idealized. I loved watching how he slowly brings out her lighter, more playful side.
I think a lot of readers can relate to either taking life too seriously or feeling unintentionally cast into the “responsible one” role. Olivia’s rigidity can come off as judgmental, but at her core she’s driven by care and a desire for things to be done “right”—which isn’t something you can say about every carefree character.
Overall, I really enjoyed this one and especially Olivia as a character.
My only complaint is pacing—the beginning felt a bit slow, and I would have preferred to meet the love interest sooner.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the eARC in exchange for an honest review.
Olivia works for the World Dream Center, a top-secret organization that helps shape people’s futures by prescribing curated dreams. When a case receives multiple unsuccessful dream submissions, a consultant is brought in to help. Enter Connor—Olivia’s childhood nemesis and someone who operates in a way that pushes every one of her carefully maintained boundaries.
I was surprised to see the average rating so low for this one. A major point of criticism seems to be the FMC, and yes—Olivia is difficult. But she also felt very real to me. She’s the eldest daughter of emotionally immature parents and has been pushed into a caregiver role she never chose.
She was never really allowed to be carefree or messy or young. Instead, she became the person everyone relies on—the one who always shows up. And while people around her do love her, they also take her for granted in a way that quietly hurts.
Connor’s arrival shifts that dynamic. He genuinely sees and appreciates Olivia for who she is, which feels refreshing rather than idealized. I loved watching how he slowly brings out her lighter, more playful side.
I think a lot of readers can relate to either taking life too seriously or feeling unintentionally cast into the “responsible one” role. Olivia’s rigidity can come off as judgmental, but at her core she’s driven by care and a desire for things to be done “right”—which isn’t something you can say about every carefree character.
Overall, I really enjoyed this one and especially Olivia as a character.
My only complaint is pacing—the beginning felt a bit slow, and I would have preferred to meet the love interest sooner.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the eARC in exchange for an honest review.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I am uncertain how to write this review. Throughout my reading, I went back and forth between being intrigued enough to keep reading and wanting to put the book down for good. In the end, I finished the book with plenty of eye rolls and a bit of skimming. After saying all that, I cannot, in good conscience, say the book was bad. However, I cannot say it was good either. Maybe the correct verbiage is...it simply was not my cup of tea.
When I first saw the title and synopsis, I was interested in seeing how Lauren Evans would execute such an interesting premise. Unfortunately, the direction she chose to take the story did not quite land for me. If the story were a puzzle, I felt like some of the pieces were missing, which made it difficult for me to put everything together and appreciate the picture as a whole.
For example, I think the author should have leaned into that instead of going against the grain and presenting it as "ethical." I am not sure I am explaining myself well here, but I am hoping another reader understands what I am trying to say.
Another piece that did not fit for me was the point-of-view writing style. The consistent switching between first- and third-person perspectives did not work for me. It was like going for a run, finally finding a good stride, and then suddenly being stopped by a stop sign. I have to stop, look, cross, and then start building that good stride all over again. I am learning that I prefer stories that flow effortlessly, and the constant shifts made it difficult for me to maintain that rhythm.
Lastly, I had to skim the scene where I know those two things are not mutually exclusive, but my mind went there, and once it went there, I could not stop it. Freight train on the loose.
I did not hate the characters, and I did not hate the story. I think I am simply not the right audience to appreciate what the book was trying to do. I am also not sure how I would go about recommending it to others.
Not a very helpful review, I know...but keep in mind, the best part of reading is hearing other people's interpretations and different takes on a story. Pick up the book, read it yourself, and let me know what you take away from it. Your experience may be completely different from mine.
What is the worst that could happen? Or better yet, what is the best thing that could happen?
Answer: You have another great book to add to your reading collection.
Thank you Ballantine/Dell via NetGalley for the ARC. All opinions are my own.
When I first saw the title and synopsis, I was interested in seeing how Lauren Evans would execute such an interesting premise. Unfortunately, the direction she chose to take the story did not quite land for me. If the story were a puzzle, I felt like some of the pieces were missing, which made it difficult for me to put everything together and appreciate the picture as a whole.
For example, I think the author should have leaned into that instead of going against the grain and presenting it as "ethical." I am not sure I am explaining myself well here, but I am hoping another reader understands what I am trying to say.
Another piece that did not fit for me was the point-of-view writing style. The consistent switching between first- and third-person perspectives did not work for me. It was like going for a run, finally finding a good stride, and then suddenly being stopped by a stop sign. I have to stop, look, cross, and then start building that good stride all over again. I am learning that I prefer stories that flow effortlessly, and the constant shifts made it difficult for me to maintain that rhythm.
Lastly, I had to skim the scene where I know those two things are not mutually exclusive, but my mind went there, and once it went there, I could not stop it. Freight train on the loose.
I did not hate the characters, and I did not hate the story. I think I am simply not the right audience to appreciate what the book was trying to do. I am also not sure how I would go about recommending it to others.
Not a very helpful review, I know...but keep in mind, the best part of reading is hearing other people's interpretations and different takes on a story. Pick up the book, read it yourself, and let me know what you take away from it. Your experience may be completely different from mine.
What is the worst that could happen? Or better yet, what is the best thing that could happen?
Answer: You have another great book to add to your reading collection.
Thank you Ballantine/Dell via NetGalley for the ARC. All opinions are my own.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Maybe it was me. Something felt 'off' while reading this book. I alternated between being fascinated by the concepts that are explored within the pages, being bored out of my mind, and being frustrated with some decisions that I feel were intentional and just didn't vibe with me.
Let's start with the good. I love the concept of dream architects. The idea that people can and do use dreams to nudge the world in the right directions. That this is done without most of the world really knowing about it and the idea that the dreams can be very simple (there are some beautiful examples from the 'Dream Hall of Fame' throughout the book that really really work well) and still have effect. That you can use templates because the dreamer will supply their own information to make it relevant to themselves. I liked Olivia and her friend group and even if her 'feud' with Connor was entirely one-sided, I liked the aspect that the novel tried to explore where women are held to a different (impossible) standard than men are. All of that worked. Like I said - there are large portions of the book where I was captivated. The story idea is interesting. The universe is interesting. The characters were interesting.
But there are also large stretches where I was bored. There's a bunch of high concepts in this book that aren't really explored all that deeply or at all. Olivia and Connor have a discussion on the ethics of what they're doing and what the 'World Dream Center' is doing by meddling. But it is only on the surface level. When Connor or Olivia decide to do something outside the lines, it is labeled (without question) as unethical...when nobody really questions whether the WDC has any right to be doing what it is doing at all. I would have loved an exploration on whether or not ANY of what the WDC and it's employees are doing is ethical, right, etc. Who exactly gave the WDC the powers of God? Who is to say what the right version of the future is? But that's sorta left on the table.
Likewise, there's a portion where both are punished for their actions. But the punishment for Olivia is ten times worse than what it is for Connor and there's never really an explanation of it other than...those are the rules. Moreover, there is a baffling decision here to constantly switch between perspectives and first/third person that felt like something where the author was trying to mimic a dream state maybe. It might really work for some people, but I found it distracting and frustrating.
This is a better, more solid and skillful written novel than Casket Case, which I had some significant issues with. I can see the author's improvement and I'm genuinely very interested in seeing what she does next. But the issues I had with this novel couldn't get out of my way. I wonder if it is just me - if my own baggage and preferences get in the way. This isn't a bad book. In a lot of ways, it is a good to great book. But I just wanted something else. And that's on me. 3.5 stars.
Thank you to NetGalley and Ballantine for an opportunity to read an advance copy for review. All opinions are my own and were not compensated.
Let's start with the good. I love the concept of dream architects. The idea that people can and do use dreams to nudge the world in the right directions. That this is done without most of the world really knowing about it and the idea that the dreams can be very simple (there are some beautiful examples from the 'Dream Hall of Fame' throughout the book that really really work well) and still have effect. That you can use templates because the dreamer will supply their own information to make it relevant to themselves. I liked Olivia and her friend group and even if her 'feud' with Connor was entirely one-sided, I liked the aspect that the novel tried to explore where women are held to a different (impossible) standard than men are. All of that worked. Like I said - there are large portions of the book where I was captivated. The story idea is interesting. The universe is interesting. The characters were interesting.
But there are also large stretches where I was bored. There's a bunch of high concepts in this book that aren't really explored all that deeply or at all. Olivia and Connor have a discussion on the ethics of what they're doing and what the 'World Dream Center' is doing by meddling. But it is only on the surface level. When Connor or Olivia decide to do something outside the lines, it is labeled (without question) as unethical...when nobody really questions whether the WDC has any right to be doing what it is doing at all. I would have loved an exploration on whether or not ANY of what the WDC and it's employees are doing is ethical, right, etc. Who exactly gave the WDC the powers of God? Who is to say what the right version of the future is? But that's sorta left on the table.
Likewise, there's a portion where both are punished for their actions. But the punishment for Olivia is ten times worse than what it is for Connor and there's never really an explanation of it other than...those are the rules. Moreover, there is a baffling decision here to constantly switch between perspectives and first/third person that felt like something where the author was trying to mimic a dream state maybe. It might really work for some people, but I found it distracting and frustrating.
This is a better, more solid and skillful written novel than Casket Case, which I had some significant issues with. I can see the author's improvement and I'm genuinely very interested in seeing what she does next. But the issues I had with this novel couldn't get out of my way. I wonder if it is just me - if my own baggage and preferences get in the way. This isn't a bad book. In a lot of ways, it is a good to great book. But I just wanted something else. And that's on me. 3.5 stars.
Thank you to NetGalley and Ballantine for an opportunity to read an advance copy for review. All opinions are my own and were not compensated.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I struggled to love this, the first book I’ve ever read by Lauren Evans, and the first reason is that I’m not a huge fan of the third-person perspective. I really wanted to give this five stars because the description struck me as one of the first truly original concepts I’d stumbled on in a long time. I was excited to read something so different from many contemporary romances: two people working in the dream department of an otherwise normal world, creating and manipulating dreams for people they actually knew, who may fall in love while doing so!
However, I really struggled to connect with Olivia, the FMC, who I want to assume is on the spectrum (?) and therefore deserves extra grace. But I struggled to do that with her. Olivia actually reminded me of the main character, Susan Green, in The Cactus by Sarah Haywood. Both of these FMCs are people I want to identify with, being somewhere on the spectrum myself. And yet it was overly difficult for me in both instances. A problem that kept pulling me out of the book when really I wanted to be completely absorbed into the world of Just Like a Dream.
I did like Connor, the MMC, and I felt let down in a way that I found it so easy to connect with him, but not with Olivia, because in a typical romance, for me, I want to absolutely fall in love with both main characters and be rooting for their happiness. I just didn’t really feel through most of the book, and it wasn’t until the very end that, of course, I was glad for the nature and course of the HEA!
I did enjoy the cast of characters that revolved around Olivia and Connor. I thought Bruce was intriguing. And I really liked Olivia‘s friends. I can almost see this being a series starter because I’d like to learn more about people like Jenna and Brooke. But I also understand how their storylines were resolved enough to make this a one-off.
It was terrific being let in on the future that would happen, and that needed to happen, for Jenna! It made all the conflict around the dream worth it to have to read about.
And having finished the book, I still feel that this is one of the most original storylines I’ve come across in a long time. For that alone, I’d recommend it to readers who never struggle with third-person perspective or connecting to characters who might be on the spectrum. I think this is absolutely a book that some people will love!
And therefore I still recommend it. I just wish I had been able to connect more with Olivia and root for her happiness from an earlier point in the story.
Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC, I'm leaving this review voluntarily.
However, I really struggled to connect with Olivia, the FMC, who I want to assume is on the spectrum (?) and therefore deserves extra grace. But I struggled to do that with her. Olivia actually reminded me of the main character, Susan Green, in The Cactus by Sarah Haywood. Both of these FMCs are people I want to identify with, being somewhere on the spectrum myself. And yet it was overly difficult for me in both instances. A problem that kept pulling me out of the book when really I wanted to be completely absorbed into the world of Just Like a Dream.
I did like Connor, the MMC, and I felt let down in a way that I found it so easy to connect with him, but not with Olivia, because in a typical romance, for me, I want to absolutely fall in love with both main characters and be rooting for their happiness. I just didn’t really feel through most of the book, and it wasn’t until the very end that, of course, I was glad for the nature and course of the HEA!
I did enjoy the cast of characters that revolved around Olivia and Connor. I thought Bruce was intriguing. And I really liked Olivia‘s friends. I can almost see this being a series starter because I’d like to learn more about people like Jenna and Brooke. But I also understand how their storylines were resolved enough to make this a one-off.
It was terrific being let in on the future that would happen, and that needed to happen, for Jenna! It made all the conflict around the dream worth it to have to read about.
And having finished the book, I still feel that this is one of the most original storylines I’ve come across in a long time. For that alone, I’d recommend it to readers who never struggle with third-person perspective or connecting to characters who might be on the spectrum. I think this is absolutely a book that some people will love!
And therefore I still recommend it. I just wish I had been able to connect more with Olivia and root for her happiness from an earlier point in the story.
Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC, I'm leaving this review voluntarily.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
The premise is incredibly creative: a workplace where dreams are curated and nudged to influence people's lives? That's such a fun concept. The opening throws a lot at you: acronyms, job jargon, and an enormous cast of characters, and I spent the first few chapters feeling like I'd been dropped into someone else's Sims game with no tutorial. Once I finally understood how the Dream Hall of Fame and the job worked, I started having a lot more fun with the story.
What surprised me most, though, was Olivia. At first I honestly didn't like her very much. She felt rigid, judgmental, and exhausting. Then, little by little, I realized I wasn't frustrated because she was unrealistic. I was frustrated because she reminded me of myself. As an eldest daughter who's spent far too much time feeling responsible for everyone else, some of those scenes hit way too close to home. The Hobby Lobby fairy village? The craft closet? The constant pressure to be the responsible one? I felt personally attacked in the funniest way.
Connor ended up being my favorite part of the book. He's sunshine without being shallow, and I loved how he challenged Olivia's belief that her worth came from taking care of everyone else. Their parking lot burger date was sweeter to me than some romances' grand gestures, and his description of her as someone who pretends she's above kindness while quietly caring for everyone around her completely melted me.
I did think the ending wrapped everything up a little too neatly. Olivia's growth felt a bit rushed, and I wished we'd gotten more resolution with Connor's sister and a little more insight into why Connor fell for Olivia so completely. I also think this story would make an incredible TV series: the dream sequences and behind-the-scenes world would be so much fun to watch (to read about was just a bit...dull and very confusing to me.) There seemed to be a lot of "in" jokes too that went right over my head, unfortunately.
Overall, this is a quirky, imaginative story with a unique premise and some genuinely touching moments. It didn't completely work for me, but I appreciated what it was trying to say about success, responsibility, and learning that your job isn't your identity. And putting recipes at the end of the book? Such an Oldest Daughter move. Game respects game. 👊🏼
3.75stars.
Thanks to NetGalley for a free ebook in return for an honest review.
What surprised me most, though, was Olivia. At first I honestly didn't like her very much. She felt rigid, judgmental, and exhausting. Then, little by little, I realized I wasn't frustrated because she was unrealistic. I was frustrated because she reminded me of myself. As an eldest daughter who's spent far too much time feeling responsible for everyone else, some of those scenes hit way too close to home. The Hobby Lobby fairy village? The craft closet? The constant pressure to be the responsible one? I felt personally attacked in the funniest way.
Connor ended up being my favorite part of the book. He's sunshine without being shallow, and I loved how he challenged Olivia's belief that her worth came from taking care of everyone else. Their parking lot burger date was sweeter to me than some romances' grand gestures, and his description of her as someone who pretends she's above kindness while quietly caring for everyone around her completely melted me.
I did think the ending wrapped everything up a little too neatly. Olivia's growth felt a bit rushed, and I wished we'd gotten more resolution with Connor's sister and a little more insight into why Connor fell for Olivia so completely. I also think this story would make an incredible TV series: the dream sequences and behind-the-scenes world would be so much fun to watch (to read about was just a bit...dull and very confusing to me.) There seemed to be a lot of "in" jokes too that went right over my head, unfortunately.
Overall, this is a quirky, imaginative story with a unique premise and some genuinely touching moments. It didn't completely work for me, but I appreciated what it was trying to say about success, responsibility, and learning that your job isn't your identity. And putting recipes at the end of the book? Such an Oldest Daughter move. Game respects game. 👊🏼
3.75stars.
Thanks to NetGalley for a free ebook in return for an honest review.
September 19, 2026
What would it be like to work at a place where your literal job is to manufacture dreams and put them into people’s minds?
That’s the reality for Olivia Reynolds, a team lead at the World Dream Center and the eldest of four daughters, which basically means she’s spent her entire life being the responsible one. She’s strong-willed, a helper to a fault, and very committed to following the rules—except when it comes to signing herself up to work on a dream for her best friend.
After more than a dozen failed attempts, WDC brings in an outside consultant to finally make the dream a success. Enter Connor Reed. Connor has recently moved back to his hometown to support his sister through chemotherapy, and he is pretty much the definition of a golden retriever: happy-go-lucky, optimistic, and always down for a good time.
His assignment in Birmingham should have been pretty straightforward, except for one small problem: he and Olivia went to high school together.
Olivia remembers Connor as the popular kid who never seemed to have to try very hard and somehow always came out on top of her. Connor, on the other hand, remembers Olivia as the girl he always wanted to make laugh. Needless to say, working together again brings up a lot of old feelings—and maybe some new ones, too.
I’ll admit, I was a little hesitant about the setup at first, but I was quickly pulled into the story. I thought the whole World Dream Center concept was really interesting and different, and the romance had plenty of moments that worked for me.
That said, I struggled a bit with Olivia. I understood where a lot of her personality came from, especially being the oldest daughter and carrying the weight of everyone’s expectations, but I still had a hard time connecting with her. There were times when being in her POV felt more frustrating than enjoyable.
Even with that, I absolutely flew through this book. Evans does a great job reminding us that being the person everyone relies on doesn’t mean you have to carry everything alone, and that sometimes letting people in can be just as important as being the strong one.
Overall, this was a fun, heartfelt read with an interesting premise, a lovable golden-retriever hero, and enough emotional depth to balance out the romance. I’d recommend it to anyone who is even remotely intrigued by the premise.
Thank you to Random House for the opportunity to read this book on NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
That’s the reality for Olivia Reynolds, a team lead at the World Dream Center and the eldest of four daughters, which basically means she’s spent her entire life being the responsible one. She’s strong-willed, a helper to a fault, and very committed to following the rules—except when it comes to signing herself up to work on a dream for her best friend.
After more than a dozen failed attempts, WDC brings in an outside consultant to finally make the dream a success. Enter Connor Reed. Connor has recently moved back to his hometown to support his sister through chemotherapy, and he is pretty much the definition of a golden retriever: happy-go-lucky, optimistic, and always down for a good time.
His assignment in Birmingham should have been pretty straightforward, except for one small problem: he and Olivia went to high school together.
Olivia remembers Connor as the popular kid who never seemed to have to try very hard and somehow always came out on top of her. Connor, on the other hand, remembers Olivia as the girl he always wanted to make laugh. Needless to say, working together again brings up a lot of old feelings—and maybe some new ones, too.
I’ll admit, I was a little hesitant about the setup at first, but I was quickly pulled into the story. I thought the whole World Dream Center concept was really interesting and different, and the romance had plenty of moments that worked for me.
That said, I struggled a bit with Olivia. I understood where a lot of her personality came from, especially being the oldest daughter and carrying the weight of everyone’s expectations, but I still had a hard time connecting with her. There were times when being in her POV felt more frustrating than enjoyable.
Even with that, I absolutely flew through this book. Evans does a great job reminding us that being the person everyone relies on doesn’t mean you have to carry everything alone, and that sometimes letting people in can be just as important as being the strong one.
Overall, this was a fun, heartfelt read with an interesting premise, a lovable golden-retriever hero, and enough emotional depth to balance out the romance. I’d recommend it to anyone who is even remotely intrigued by the premise.
Thank you to Random House for the opportunity to read this book on NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thank you to Ballantine, Lauren Evans, and NetGalley for an eARC of this title in exchange for an honest review.
I give this book a 3.5 stars that I'll round down to 3.
The premise of the book is so fresh and unique. It gave me major "The Good Place" vibes, in that there is a central office controlling parts of our lives (in this case, dreams), which in turn affects everything and everyone around us. I think the author did a great job creating intrigue into the premise and I enjoyed the chapters throughout that were like work documents - the dream reports and the dream Hall of Fame. I also think it is really fun that Lauren Evans ended the book with recipes, playlists, and more dream Hall of Fame highlights. They are a perfect addition that really tie everything together and make the book that much more fun. Just Like a Dream also feels like an ode to all of the millennials who are in their 30's living life -- some of the pop culture references made me laugh or nod in agreement, as I am also a millennial in my 30's.
The downside of this book is that it is slow paced. The slow burn between the female and male main characters took a majority of the book. I rooted for them and wanted to see them together, but their chemistry felt a little forced. There also does not feel like a pinnacle or a rewarding moment of resolution for the main characters necessarily as most of the resolution seemingly happens off page. There is plenty of tension and conflict and you wait for the pivotal moment when everything changes, but it happens so suddenly and is talked about rather than shown with little detail thrown in to tie it together for the reader. The female main character, Olivia, is also SUCH an eldest daughter it almost hurts to read about her position in her family and the role she places herself in. She can be an inaccessible character at times due to her attitude. (As an eldest daughter, I understood her, but seriously. Sometimes I wanted to tell her to get a grip.)
Overall, this book is a fun romp with such an intriguing premise. For people who enjoy the "what ifs" in life and who enjoyed "The Good Place," where a major component of our life and experiences are analyzed by regular people, then this book is for you.
I give this book a 3.5 stars that I'll round down to 3.
The premise of the book is so fresh and unique. It gave me major "The Good Place" vibes, in that there is a central office controlling parts of our lives (in this case, dreams), which in turn affects everything and everyone around us. I think the author did a great job creating intrigue into the premise and I enjoyed the chapters throughout that were like work documents - the dream reports and the dream Hall of Fame. I also think it is really fun that Lauren Evans ended the book with recipes, playlists, and more dream Hall of Fame highlights. They are a perfect addition that really tie everything together and make the book that much more fun. Just Like a Dream also feels like an ode to all of the millennials who are in their 30's living life -- some of the pop culture references made me laugh or nod in agreement, as I am also a millennial in my 30's.
The downside of this book is that it is slow paced. The slow burn between the female and male main characters took a majority of the book. I rooted for them and wanted to see them together, but their chemistry felt a little forced. There also does not feel like a pinnacle or a rewarding moment of resolution for the main characters necessarily as most of the resolution seemingly happens off page. There is plenty of tension and conflict and you wait for the pivotal moment when everything changes, but it happens so suddenly and is talked about rather than shown with little detail thrown in to tie it together for the reader. The female main character, Olivia, is also SUCH an eldest daughter it almost hurts to read about her position in her family and the role she places herself in. She can be an inaccessible character at times due to her attitude. (As an eldest daughter, I understood her, but seriously. Sometimes I wanted to tell her to get a grip.)
Overall, this book is a fun romp with such an intriguing premise. For people who enjoy the "what ifs" in life and who enjoyed "The Good Place," where a major component of our life and experiences are analyzed by regular people, then this book is for you.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I’m sorry. I tried. I really did. I can’t finish this book, but I feel like I read enough to leave some feedback. I got about a third of the way through.
Concept? SO cute and interesting. I love the idea that our dreams are all made in some corporate building in Alabama by people like you and me. It was such a funny concept. Olivia is a workaholic who designs dreams. She’s just like you and me, except her job is totally magical and unhinged. The immediate corporate office humor pulled me in.
Olivia can’t seem to get this one dream quite right. She’s on attempt 13 of designing her friend’s dream (which totally isn’t the problem). Enter: Connor. Dream consultant. Not dreamy consultant, but a consultant for dream design. He’s there to clear up Olivia’s team’s version of writer’s block. She hates him immediately because she doesn’t want any help, and they went to high school together. This is about as far as I got.
Things were going okay with this story until we meet Olivia’s friends and family. Holy way-too-many-characters, Batman. Suddenly I felt bombarded with side characters.
The writing? Gosh, I feel so bad saying this. It just felt very flat to me, and I couldn’t get into it. It leaned heavily toward telling rather than showing. I felt like the characters were frequently explaining themselves, and there wasn’t much room for the reader to interpret anything. It somehow felt both one-dimensional and overly detailed at the same time.
Because the sentence structure felt so repetitive, I couldn’t connect with what was happening in the story. I was too distracted by the writing itself. I just don’t think this author’s style is for me.
If you don’t mind that very narrative style, the concept of this book is really cute. This is also an enemies-to-lovers story (though Connor doesn’t know they’re enemies), and the magical realism aspect is actually quite well done.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with an advance copy in exchange for an honest review.
Concept? SO cute and interesting. I love the idea that our dreams are all made in some corporate building in Alabama by people like you and me. It was such a funny concept. Olivia is a workaholic who designs dreams. She’s just like you and me, except her job is totally magical and unhinged. The immediate corporate office humor pulled me in.
Olivia can’t seem to get this one dream quite right. She’s on attempt 13 of designing her friend’s dream (which totally isn’t the problem). Enter: Connor. Dream consultant. Not dreamy consultant, but a consultant for dream design. He’s there to clear up Olivia’s team’s version of writer’s block. She hates him immediately because she doesn’t want any help, and they went to high school together. This is about as far as I got.
Things were going okay with this story until we meet Olivia’s friends and family. Holy way-too-many-characters, Batman. Suddenly I felt bombarded with side characters.
The writing? Gosh, I feel so bad saying this. It just felt very flat to me, and I couldn’t get into it. It leaned heavily toward telling rather than showing. I felt like the characters were frequently explaining themselves, and there wasn’t much room for the reader to interpret anything. It somehow felt both one-dimensional and overly detailed at the same time.
Because the sentence structure felt so repetitive, I couldn’t connect with what was happening in the story. I was too distracted by the writing itself. I just don’t think this author’s style is for me.
If you don’t mind that very narrative style, the concept of this book is really cute. This is also an enemies-to-lovers story (though Connor doesn’t know they’re enemies), and the magical realism aspect is actually quite well done.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with an advance copy in exchange for an honest review.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for providing an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
okay so the CONCEPT here? genuinely unhinged in the best way. a world where people literally design and implement your dreams, and those dreams are the invisible puppet strings nudging humanity forward? a sickeningly good concept and original idea.
the premise alone earns this book a lot of goodwill from me because i am so tired of picking up contemporaries where the hook is "they're roommates" or "there's one bed." this is fresh. this is weird (complementary). this is the kind of worldbuilding i want to see more of in romance.
where it lost me a little: i could not fully click with olivia. and i want to be clear—that's a me thing, not a writing thing. sometimes you and an fmc just don't vibe and that's okay. i think she's well-drawn on the page, i just couldn't get all the way inside her head, which the third-person pov didn't help with. i tend to connect deeper with first person in romance, and the slight distance of third kept me at arm's length right when i wanted to be fully locked in.
the romance itself was fine! it was cute! connor is charming and the rivals-to-lovers tension is there. but i wanted it to hit harder than it did. i kept waiting for that moment where my stomach drops and i have to put the book down and stare at the ceiling, and it never quite arrived. the sparks were more of a slow simmer that never fully reached a rolling boil for me.
that said—if you're someone who loves a truly original concept, small-town charm, and a workplace rivals dynamic with a fantastical twist, this is absolutely worth picking up. the creativity on display here is no joke.
3/5 stars — the dream was sweet, just didn't fully lull me to sleep.
okay so the CONCEPT here? genuinely unhinged in the best way. a world where people literally design and implement your dreams, and those dreams are the invisible puppet strings nudging humanity forward? a sickeningly good concept and original idea.
the premise alone earns this book a lot of goodwill from me because i am so tired of picking up contemporaries where the hook is "they're roommates" or "there's one bed." this is fresh. this is weird (complementary). this is the kind of worldbuilding i want to see more of in romance.
where it lost me a little: i could not fully click with olivia. and i want to be clear—that's a me thing, not a writing thing. sometimes you and an fmc just don't vibe and that's okay. i think she's well-drawn on the page, i just couldn't get all the way inside her head, which the third-person pov didn't help with. i tend to connect deeper with first person in romance, and the slight distance of third kept me at arm's length right when i wanted to be fully locked in.
the romance itself was fine! it was cute! connor is charming and the rivals-to-lovers tension is there. but i wanted it to hit harder than it did. i kept waiting for that moment where my stomach drops and i have to put the book down and stare at the ceiling, and it never quite arrived. the sparks were more of a slow simmer that never fully reached a rolling boil for me.
that said—if you're someone who loves a truly original concept, small-town charm, and a workplace rivals dynamic with a fantastical twist, this is absolutely worth picking up. the creativity on display here is no joke.
3/5 stars — the dream was sweet, just didn't fully lull me to sleep.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Convinced the reason there was no sex scene was because we all know Olivia can’t finish and that’s not fun to read about. This was an introspective experience for me because as an eldest daughter Virgo with control issues I was getting dragged through the mud. I suddenly feel like I should apologize for being such a cunt to everyone all the time, I won’t because I think it’s actually really endearing when I do it. Every time Olivia did something that bothered me I unfortunately had to admit I have likely said or done the exact same thing. It’s unfortunate that her best traits of being organized and clean is where I have my faults because I can’t even walk away from this thinking well at least I’m not messy because I am. About the book though, I think the third person pov really kept me from getting to know the characters, I am in a unique situation in which I am living in Olivia’s brain so I actually wanted less of that, however, for any other reader it would be difficult. I don’t know anything about Connor at all for instance he is simply a man that is there. It read mostly like a report of people’s actions and how they influenced the follow-up actions which was maybe a stylistic choice based on the plot and the dreams influencing their lives. However, I didn’t feel any more connected to the actual story than I did the wall of fame dream scenario status reports at the end of some chapters. The idea is creative but I think could have been executed better, it felt a bit impersonal. I do love my girl Olivia she just like me for real (can’t believe I’m publicly admitting that).
Thank you to NetGalley and Ballantine for this advanced copy
Thank you to NetGalley and Ballantine for this advanced copy
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
ARC Review
Just Like a Dream by Lauren Evans
I really loved the concept behind this one, a group of people dedicated to helping others achieve their dreams and, in doing so, making the world a little brighter. It’s such a sweet and imaginative idea, and I wanted to love the story.
Unfortunately, the pacing made it difficult for me to stay fully invested. There were some slower stretches, and the story just never quite took off the way I hoped it would.
Olivia was also a tough character for me to connect with. Her perfectionism, need for control, and tendency to be judgmental made it difficult to fully empathize with her.
That said, I really enjoyed the witty banter between Olivia and Connor, and the Dream Center was such a fun and imaginative setting. The “Hall of Fame” was particularly intriguing and easily one of my favorite aspects of the book.
I also appreciated that this is a romance without spice. Sometimes it’s refreshing to switch things up! But even without spice, I still want that emotional pull between the characters, and unfortunately, I didn’t quite feel the depth or connection I was hoping for.
A cute concept with some genuinely fun moments, but ultimately, this one just didn’t quite hit the mark for me.
Available on November 3, 2026. A huge thank you to NetGalley and Ballantine | Dell for providing this advanced readers copy in exchange for my honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Just Like a Dream by Lauren Evans
I really loved the concept behind this one, a group of people dedicated to helping others achieve their dreams and, in doing so, making the world a little brighter. It’s such a sweet and imaginative idea, and I wanted to love the story.
Unfortunately, the pacing made it difficult for me to stay fully invested. There were some slower stretches, and the story just never quite took off the way I hoped it would.
Olivia was also a tough character for me to connect with. Her perfectionism, need for control, and tendency to be judgmental made it difficult to fully empathize with her.
That said, I really enjoyed the witty banter between Olivia and Connor, and the Dream Center was such a fun and imaginative setting. The “Hall of Fame” was particularly intriguing and easily one of my favorite aspects of the book.
I also appreciated that this is a romance without spice. Sometimes it’s refreshing to switch things up! But even without spice, I still want that emotional pull between the characters, and unfortunately, I didn’t quite feel the depth or connection I was hoping for.
A cute concept with some genuinely fun moments, but ultimately, this one just didn’t quite hit the mark for me.
Available on November 3, 2026. A huge thank you to NetGalley and Ballantine | Dell for providing this advanced readers copy in exchange for my honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thank you Net Galley for this ARC. Olivia works for World Dream Center and helps design dreams for people. She has always succeeded and done her best at work, until she is trying to design a dream for her friend, Jenna. After multiple unsuccessful tries, her boss brings in Connor, who Olivia went to high school with and had a competitive rivalry, to help her out. As Oliva is a type A, classic oldest daughter, she has trouble asking for and accepting help. Connor and Olivia begin to work together in hopes of planning a successful dream for Jenna. Connor slowly breaks down Olivia's walls and she begins to accept his help, have fun, and feelings begin to blossom. However after a work dilemma, Olivia has to decide if she is willing to compromise for a chance to be happy and be loved. This was an easy and fun read. I really enjoyed Olivia and Connor's banter and their slow burn romance. The author built the tension up nicely so that when they finally got together it made it even more satisfying. I also enjoyed seeing Olivia grow as a character. It was nice seeing her relinquish scheduling/control, build a better relationship with her family, and do things to make herself happy. I would rate this 3.5 stars. I am rounding up as I enjoyed how the story wrapped up and was entertained while reading this. If you are looking for a light hearted workplace read, this is a good choice for you.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thank you NetGalley and Dell for an advanced reader copy in exchange for an honest review.
I was so intrigued by this plot, but unfortunately most of it didn't live up to my expectation. I loved the idea of people working at the 'World Dream Center' as Dream Creators who manipulate and design dreams for the good of the world where just one dream can spark a ripple effect for so many people. That was so creative and I wish we focused a bit more on the actual dream creating/work of it because the rest didn't seem very cohesive.
The romance is built on twenty years of a one-sided rivalry. The FMC is carrying all this pent-up frustration about a guy who seemingly breezed through every milestone while her life was 'so tough'. That tension had real potential, but when it finally comes to a head there wasn't a resolution. It felt like a shrug of a moment when it could've led to a deeper understanding of the other person. (And it would've been nice to hear about the MMC's life and background more than just his sister currently having cancer.)
The pacing also felt off. We learned about characters in depth at odd times and maybe there were too many characters at times- it just didn't seem to flow the way it should. It has good bones, but the way it was put together just wasn't working for me.
I was so intrigued by this plot, but unfortunately most of it didn't live up to my expectation. I loved the idea of people working at the 'World Dream Center' as Dream Creators who manipulate and design dreams for the good of the world where just one dream can spark a ripple effect for so many people. That was so creative and I wish we focused a bit more on the actual dream creating/work of it because the rest didn't seem very cohesive.
The romance is built on twenty years of a one-sided rivalry. The FMC is carrying all this pent-up frustration about a guy who seemingly breezed through every milestone while her life was 'so tough'. That tension had real potential, but when it finally comes to a head there wasn't a resolution. It felt like a shrug of a moment when it could've led to a deeper understanding of the other person. (And it would've been nice to hear about the MMC's life and background more than just his sister currently having cancer.)
The pacing also felt off. We learned about characters in depth at odd times and maybe there were too many characters at times- it just didn't seem to flow the way it should. It has good bones, but the way it was put together just wasn't working for me.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
3.5 Stars- I thought the premise of this romance was interesting. Imagine a team of people working to give you just the right dream to motivate you to take the next important step in your life.
Olivia has always been super competitive and goal driven. Her entire life she has tried to be perfect. When she is assigned to do a dream for one of her friends it doesn't go well. Her old rival, Connor steps in to help as this is an important dream that needs to go right. Old resentments spring up for Olivia but there is also attraction there. Connor and Olivia must figure out how to work together to get this dream right before everything falls apart.
The romance between Connor and Olivia wa a slow burn but once it got going I did enjoy their relationship. I did feel for Olivia, and I thought she made great growth throughout the novel. I just felt that overall the pacing of this novel needed a little pick me up. There also was a lot of coroporate jargin that I didn't really enjoy. I think I wanted more of a fantasy element since they were working with dreams but that was not the case and thiat is more of a me problem then anything on the part of the author. I do think this was a decent romance with an unusual premise. I just wanted more to happen at a quicker pace.
Thank you to Dell Publishing and NetGalley for this ARC.
Olivia has always been super competitive and goal driven. Her entire life she has tried to be perfect. When she is assigned to do a dream for one of her friends it doesn't go well. Her old rival, Connor steps in to help as this is an important dream that needs to go right. Old resentments spring up for Olivia but there is also attraction there. Connor and Olivia must figure out how to work together to get this dream right before everything falls apart.
The romance between Connor and Olivia wa a slow burn but once it got going I did enjoy their relationship. I did feel for Olivia, and I thought she made great growth throughout the novel. I just felt that overall the pacing of this novel needed a little pick me up. There also was a lot of coroporate jargin that I didn't really enjoy. I think I wanted more of a fantasy element since they were working with dreams but that was not the case and thiat is more of a me problem then anything on the part of the author. I do think this was a decent romance with an unusual premise. I just wanted more to happen at a quicker pace.
Thank you to Dell Publishing and NetGalley for this ARC.
September 19, 2026
I received an eARC of this book from NetGalley and the publisher, for which I thank them.
“Just Like a Dream” is by Lauren Evans. I found the premise of this book to be fascinating. I also liked the idea of former high school students (apparently in a competition that one didn’t know about) reuniting and having to get past old feelings. However, I never quite felt like I warmed up to the MFC, Olivia. She has issues - she’s a perfectionist, she hates asking for help, she’s particular, she likes her routine - but it also felt like she couldn’t deal with ever breaking the rules. There were a number of side characters who, I’ll admit, to getting a bit confused keeping track of who was who. Overall, I found the book to book okay. There was a scene where Olivia basically dumps years of pent up anger to the MMC, which felt a bit … odd. I cannot say that I honestly believed the romance (I understood it, but I am not sure I believed it). However, I did read the entire book, though I’ll admit to feeling at times like I wanted to DNF it - but I cannot actually say why I felt like doing that (maybe it was taking its sweet time getting to the point in places?). However, I'll admit to being in a reading slump, so that might account for part of my rating.
“Just Like a Dream” is by Lauren Evans. I found the premise of this book to be fascinating. I also liked the idea of former high school students (apparently in a competition that one didn’t know about) reuniting and having to get past old feelings. However, I never quite felt like I warmed up to the MFC, Olivia. She has issues - she’s a perfectionist, she hates asking for help, she’s particular, she likes her routine - but it also felt like she couldn’t deal with ever breaking the rules. There were a number of side characters who, I’ll admit, to getting a bit confused keeping track of who was who. Overall, I found the book to book okay. There was a scene where Olivia basically dumps years of pent up anger to the MMC, which felt a bit … odd. I cannot say that I honestly believed the romance (I understood it, but I am not sure I believed it). However, I did read the entire book, though I’ll admit to feeling at times like I wanted to DNF it - but I cannot actually say why I felt like doing that (maybe it was taking its sweet time getting to the point in places?). However, I'll admit to being in a reading slump, so that might account for part of my rating.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
This is a book which such an original idea and premise: a story of people whose entire job is to design and plant dreams into humans in order to quietly nudge the world in the right direction.
I was very excited to read it but struggled a bit to go through it. The FMC really annoyed me as I felt she was really judgmental of everyone on top of being a perfectionist and control freak. Parts of it genuinely delivered though. The banter between Olivia and Connor has some real zip to it, and the world-building around the Dream Center is creative and charming in a way that feels fresh. The “hall of fame” of the dream web made things so cool and interesting and were honestly my entire favorite part of this story, it was so well done!
Going back to the plot, it isn’t doing anything particularly surprising and book lost me a little in the middle as the pacing drags a bit once the initial setup is established. Plus, this shows that third person POV makes me struggle to connect overall. But I liked how the story ended and wrapped up showing the consequences of the dream web and how it feels to sort of manipulate peoples emotions through their dreams to go your own way, which not always can be the best way as you don’t know it all.
Still a fun read, especially for a rainy afternoon when you want something light with a bit of imagination sprinkled in. That said, if you’re looking for something that feels genuinely different from the standard contemporary romance and something with a little whimsy and magic woven into a romantic vibe — this scratches that itch pretty well.
Thank you NetGalley, the publisher and the author for providing me this ARC in exchange for an honest review!
I was very excited to read it but struggled a bit to go through it. The FMC really annoyed me as I felt she was really judgmental of everyone on top of being a perfectionist and control freak. Parts of it genuinely delivered though. The banter between Olivia and Connor has some real zip to it, and the world-building around the Dream Center is creative and charming in a way that feels fresh. The “hall of fame” of the dream web made things so cool and interesting and were honestly my entire favorite part of this story, it was so well done!
Going back to the plot, it isn’t doing anything particularly surprising and book lost me a little in the middle as the pacing drags a bit once the initial setup is established. Plus, this shows that third person POV makes me struggle to connect overall. But I liked how the story ended and wrapped up showing the consequences of the dream web and how it feels to sort of manipulate peoples emotions through their dreams to go your own way, which not always can be the best way as you don’t know it all.
Still a fun read, especially for a rainy afternoon when you want something light with a bit of imagination sprinkled in. That said, if you’re looking for something that feels genuinely different from the standard contemporary romance and something with a little whimsy and magic woven into a romantic vibe — this scratches that itch pretty well.
Thank you NetGalley, the publisher and the author for providing me this ARC in exchange for an honest review!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Olivia has run into problems with a project at work (she writes dreams for the World Dream Center and her current project is writing a dream for a close friend), and her bosses decide her team needs a bit of extra help. They bring in Connor, her high school nemesis. Olivia feels like she’s always had to work so hard and stick to a rigid plan; Connor seems to have things just work out for him without trying.
Olivia stressed me out! She held her need to control her family and friends in an iron grip, like something bad would happen if she didn’t give them her opinion on everything that was wrong with their choices. GIRL. Go to therapy! Do something fun! I’m so glad that her friends finally realized that they had to be the ones to push Olivia into taking time for herself, though it took them way too damn long. None of the characters seemed particularly self-aware.
I enjoyed watching the relationship between Olivia and Connor develop, and the friends absolutely knowing that they were into each other since forever. The burn is SLOW, and they made it way harder than it had to be.
Thanks to NetGalley and Ballantine/Dell for an advance copy of this book!
Olivia stressed me out! She held her need to control her family and friends in an iron grip, like something bad would happen if she didn’t give them her opinion on everything that was wrong with their choices. GIRL. Go to therapy! Do something fun! I’m so glad that her friends finally realized that they had to be the ones to push Olivia into taking time for herself, though it took them way too damn long. None of the characters seemed particularly self-aware.
I enjoyed watching the relationship between Olivia and Connor develop, and the friends absolutely knowing that they were into each other since forever. The burn is SLOW, and they made it way harder than it had to be.
Thanks to NetGalley and Ballantine/Dell for an advance copy of this book!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Magical realism, how I love thee!!!! There's just nothing like it. A dash of magic + real world = one of my love languages. Let me just start by saying, the concept I loved. The idea that there's this whole behind-the-scenes of dreams, which sounds incredible, but actually is the same minutia and politicking of every other corporate job in the world was so fun. I loved Connor, and despite Olivia being kind of annoying, I found her relatable as well. What eldest daughter wouldn't? She's doing all of these things that she believes are required, getting no appreciation, and then they're roasting her for caring. Relatable queen!!! I enjoyed the progression of Connor and Olivia's relationship, but I do wish that she had been a bit more likeable. I understood the why behind how she was behaving, but I wanted her to maybe realize things faster?
Overall, this was a super cute read and very fast to get through. I liked the idea of the webs of dreams – the dream stuff was probably the best part IMO.
*Thanks to Ballantine – Dell and NetGalley for the ARC!*
Overall, this was a super cute read and very fast to get through. I liked the idea of the webs of dreams – the dream stuff was probably the best part IMO.
*Thanks to Ballantine – Dell and NetGalley for the ARC!*
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I was immediately drawn to this book by the cover and the synopsis. A super original concept that I give kudos to the author for. I was very interested in the dream factory and wish we got to see a bit more of it.
I thought that I would really connect with Olivia because I am a type A, workaholic, control freak. However, I didn’t. She had absolutely no give, and I didn’t find her compelling or interesting. Connor was nice, but lacking in personality outside of “golden retriever.”
Something I loved about this book is that the main characters actually fought. Like yelled at each other in a bar parking lot, fought. I feel like in so much contemporary romance, you get a third act breakup that’s calm and teary. Realistically, most couples fight! They felt like real people having a real conflict.
Bruce was super compelling, but none of the other side characters intrigued me much. I really appreciated the writing, which I felt was really good for a contemporary romance. I didn’t find it cringy or dumbed down at any point.
I thought that I would really connect with Olivia because I am a type A, workaholic, control freak. However, I didn’t. She had absolutely no give, and I didn’t find her compelling or interesting. Connor was nice, but lacking in personality outside of “golden retriever.”
Something I loved about this book is that the main characters actually fought. Like yelled at each other in a bar parking lot, fought. I feel like in so much contemporary romance, you get a third act breakup that’s calm and teary. Realistically, most couples fight! They felt like real people having a real conflict.
Bruce was super compelling, but none of the other side characters intrigued me much. I really appreciated the writing, which I felt was really good for a contemporary romance. I didn’t find it cringy or dumbed down at any point.
August 29, 2026
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️My review: Olivia is pretty happy with her life. It is very under control. She loves her job at World Dream Center where she designs and implements dreams for people. It's a job that has to be kept secret but she is moving up the ladder.
When she gets a dream that involves someone she knows though, it stumps her and she can't make things work. WDC calls in a specialist to help her (Olivia NEVER needs help!). The specialist is Connor, the person she competed with for everything in high school. He just floats through life with no plan, and everything always works out perfectly for him.
When they have to put their heads together sparks fly, the bad kind and the good kind. Having a set plan and being spontaneous are two different things and. They are two different people. But they have to complete the same goal. Somehow.
Fun concept. I liked Connor a lot, he was a fun guy! Olivia was stubborn and regimented. Opposites attract though.
Thank you to Netgalley and Ballantine Books for an advance digital copy to review. These opinions are my own.
When she gets a dream that involves someone she knows though, it stumps her and she can't make things work. WDC calls in a specialist to help her (Olivia NEVER needs help!). The specialist is Connor, the person she competed with for everything in high school. He just floats through life with no plan, and everything always works out perfectly for him.
When they have to put their heads together sparks fly, the bad kind and the good kind. Having a set plan and being spontaneous are two different things and. They are two different people. But they have to complete the same goal. Somehow.
Fun concept. I liked Connor a lot, he was a fun guy! Olivia was stubborn and regimented. Opposites attract though.
Thank you to Netgalley and Ballantine Books for an advance digital copy to review. These opinions are my own.
June 15, 2026
The premise was really interesting and unlike anything I’ve read, which is what carried me through. But the characters fell flat for me. Olivia’s whole personality is built around being an eldest daughter, which made her feel one-dimensional. The MMC also felt a bit like a golden retriever, and I never had a good reason to swoon for him. For these reasons, I struggled to get on board with the romance, which didn’t build in a way that had me rooting for them to get together.
There’s zero spice in this, which a lot of readers will genuinely appreciate. But even spice-free romances can deliver exceptional emotional tenderness between the leads, and this one didn’t.
Ultimately, this was a really interesting premise (hence the three stars) that might have worked better outside the romance frame or for readers looking for zero spice.
Thank you to NetGalley, the author, and Ballantine for the ARC.
There’s zero spice in this, which a lot of readers will genuinely appreciate. But even spice-free romances can deliver exceptional emotional tenderness between the leads, and this one didn’t.
Ultimately, this was a really interesting premise (hence the three stars) that might have worked better outside the romance frame or for readers looking for zero spice.
Thank you to NetGalley, the author, and Ballantine for the ARC.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Olivia tiene un trabajo que nadie más puede contar, pasa sus días creando sueños para otras personas con la idea de empujar sus vidas en cierta dirección. Todo está medido, hay reglas y aun así las cosas no siempre salen como deberían. Ella quiere hacerlo perfecto, quiere subir de puesto, pero hay un caso que simplemente no logra resolver y empieza a frustrarse más de lo que quisiera admitir.
Mientras intenta arreglar ese problema en el trabajo, su vida fuera de la oficina tampoco es tan sencilla. Sus relaciones, su familia y sus propias dudas comienzan a pesarle, y poco a poco se da cuenta de que no todo se puede controlar como en los sueños que diseña. Cuando las decisiones empiezan a importar de verdad, Olivia tendrá que cuestionarse si seguir las reglas es suficiente o si necesita hacer algo diferente para cambiar su propia historia.
Gracias Netgalley por el ARC.
Mientras intenta arreglar ese problema en el trabajo, su vida fuera de la oficina tampoco es tan sencilla. Sus relaciones, su familia y sus propias dudas comienzan a pesarle, y poco a poco se da cuenta de que no todo se puede controlar como en los sueños que diseña. Cuando las decisiones empiezan a importar de verdad, Olivia tendrá que cuestionarse si seguir las reglas es suficiente o si necesita hacer algo diferente para cambiar su propia historia.
Gracias Netgalley por el ARC.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thank you NetGalley for the e-ARC!! What if your dreams had an impact on the path your life takes? That’s the theory Lauren Evans plays with in Just Like a Dream. Olivia works as a Dream Creator, working to make dreams that nudge their dreamers down a certain path in life. Olivia is amazing at her job, until she hits a snag with her recent assignment and reinforcements are called in. Enter Connor, her high school rival who decides to take some unorthodox paths to help complete the assignment.
As expected, working this close together allows Olivia and Connor to reexamine who they thought they were, and fall for each other.
This is a super interesting premise and such a cute story, I found myself not wanting to put it down! If you loved Casket Case you will love this newest work from Lauren Evans.
As expected, working this close together allows Olivia and Connor to reexamine who they thought they were, and fall for each other.
This is a super interesting premise and such a cute story, I found myself not wanting to put it down! If you loved Casket Case you will love this newest work from Lauren Evans.
September 21, 2026
While this was an interesting and bold concept, it didn’t feel completely fleshed out. We don’t understand why this role exists and what the larger need for the dream team is - they also don’t even complete their goal and we get little to no resolution to what happens next career wise for either of them. You build up such a huge plot point and let it fall, a bit underwhelming. Olivia as a character was just very unlikeable. She nitpicks everyone around her, we get no real reason why she dislikes Connor and while I can’t say I was a fan of her mom, she acted pretty shitty to her for seemingly no reason. I don’t feel we get any real growth or redemption aside from one weekend she “takes it easy.” This was quick but I didn’t finish it feeling satisfied.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
May 1, 2026
ARC from NetGalley
2.5 rounded to 3
The concept of this book was unique for me and somewhat more like a movie theme. It was a little hard for me to connect with the characters and I don’t know why because they are my usual suspects when it comes to my favorite types of main characters. The other part of this is I feel like the end wrapped up before the story finished, even with having an epilogue. The whole story was wrapped around the idea of making a dream happen, and then the main characters fell in love and done. Could have added just a little more for the perfect wrapped in a bow ending. It was also mentioned in the ending notes it is supposed to be a rom-com and I just did not notice much humor.
2.5 rounded to 3
The concept of this book was unique for me and somewhat more like a movie theme. It was a little hard for me to connect with the characters and I don’t know why because they are my usual suspects when it comes to my favorite types of main characters. The other part of this is I feel like the end wrapped up before the story finished, even with having an epilogue. The whole story was wrapped around the idea of making a dream happen, and then the main characters fell in love and done. Could have added just a little more for the perfect wrapped in a bow ending. It was also mentioned in the ending notes it is supposed to be a rom-com and I just did not notice much humor.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 12, 2026
in “just like a dream,” olivia’s job at the world dream center comes under fire when her high school nemesis, connor, is sent to help her team with an assignment. the more time they spend together, the more things start to unravel. olivia has to choose between taking control and letting go.
while the premise of this book sounded interesting, i was sooooo bored. to me, olivia was pretty unlikable and connor didn’t give me enough to carry the story or the romance. there was overall way too much filler and build up. by the time we got to the climax, i couldn’t care less; i just wanted it to end.
i wish i had a better review to give, but this one just wasn’t for me.
thank you to ballantine for the eARC via netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
while the premise of this book sounded interesting, i was sooooo bored. to me, olivia was pretty unlikable and connor didn’t give me enough to carry the story or the romance. there was overall way too much filler and build up. by the time we got to the climax, i couldn’t care less; i just wanted it to end.
i wish i had a better review to give, but this one just wasn’t for me.
thank you to ballantine for the eARC via netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thank you to NetGalley, the author, and publisher Ballantine for this two-star eARC.
Olivia is unlikable, it's that simple. I understand the grumpy/sunshine trope and that Olivia was meant to be the grumpy one, but she was beyond grumpy for me. The scene where she was nagging and trying to control her mother's home had me thinking, "Leave your mother alone!" It made it difficult to connect with her throughout the story.
I loved the idea of having a job where you create dreams, it was very original. Unfortunately, there were too many unnecessary details that slowed the story down and had me skimming at times. I liked the idea behind this book, but the execution fell flat, making this a two-star read for me.
Olivia is unlikable, it's that simple. I understand the grumpy/sunshine trope and that Olivia was meant to be the grumpy one, but she was beyond grumpy for me. The scene where she was nagging and trying to control her mother's home had me thinking, "Leave your mother alone!" It made it difficult to connect with her throughout the story.
I loved the idea of having a job where you create dreams, it was very original. Unfortunately, there were too many unnecessary details that slowed the story down and had me skimming at times. I liked the idea behind this book, but the execution fell flat, making this a two-star read for me.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I received a copy of this book on NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for this opportunity!
This book was a solid 5⭐ for me until the very end!!! It was SO rushed compared to how the rest of the story unfolded!!
I have to especially highlight how much I loved the eldest daughter vibes from Olivia. Being the oldest girl in my family, it resonated with me so much and I found it really relatable!!
Overall I really enjoyed the book though and thought the concept behind creating dreams was really different and it captured my attention for sure!
This book was a solid 5⭐ for me until the very end!!! It was SO rushed compared to how the rest of the story unfolded!!
I have to especially highlight how much I loved the eldest daughter vibes from Olivia. Being the oldest girl in my family, it resonated with me so much and I found it really relatable!!
Overall I really enjoyed the book though and thought the concept behind creating dreams was really different and it captured my attention for sure!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I really enjoyed this book because it was an emotional and engaging story that kept me invested in the characters from beginning to end. I liked how the relationships developed naturally, and the mix of heartfelt moments, personal growth, and unexpected twists made the story memorable. The writing was easy to follow, and the pacing kept me interested throughout. Overall, I would recommend this book to readers who enjoy emotional contemporary fiction with relatable characters and meaningful themes. Thank you to NetGalley for providing me with an advance copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
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