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Lucid Longing Duet #1
In Somnis
Falling in love and losing your mind are basically the same thing.
I should know. I’m doing both.
My mother is gone. My boyfriend is gone. My life in Boston is packed into two suitcases in the back of my car.
And my best friend, who hasn’t been awake in twelve years, keeps finding me in my dreams, leaving me a message.
Come to me.
Three thousand miles later, I’m rolling into a town I haven’t seen in over a decade. I wasn’t supposed to stay, and I wasn’t supposed to get tangled up in three very different, very complicated men.
A sharp-tongued writer who walks into my dreams without knocking, challenging my worldview.
A psychologist who looks at me like he’s both dreaded and yearned for me his entire life.
The freckled innkeeper with paint-stained hands who makes me feel seen and cherished in a way I didn’t know existed.
While three men orbit my waking life, I explore a dream world where rules don’t apply, and nothing is a coincidence.
But the dreams are getting stranger, the line between sleep and waking is getting thinner, and the man who has been keeping my best friend hostage is starting to notice me.
I should know. I’m doing both.
My mother is gone. My boyfriend is gone. My life in Boston is packed into two suitcases in the back of my car.
And my best friend, who hasn’t been awake in twelve years, keeps finding me in my dreams, leaving me a message.
Come to me.
Three thousand miles later, I’m rolling into a town I haven’t seen in over a decade. I wasn’t supposed to stay, and I wasn’t supposed to get tangled up in three very different, very complicated men.
A sharp-tongued writer who walks into my dreams without knocking, challenging my worldview.
A psychologist who looks at me like he’s both dreaded and yearned for me his entire life.
The freckled innkeeper with paint-stained hands who makes me feel seen and cherished in a way I didn’t know existed.
While three men orbit my waking life, I explore a dream world where rules don’t apply, and nothing is a coincidence.
But the dreams are getting stranger, the line between sleep and waking is getting thinner, and the man who has been keeping my best friend hostage is starting to notice me.
540 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 9, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 122 reviews
September 30, 2026
I think with the possible exception of the Soulful Seas Duet (which is my favorite), this is probably Blake Black’s best book to date. The conceit of the book is a really intriguing premise and as with the Soulful Seas Duet, this book is set in the contemporary world but there is a speculative element. The book focuses on lucid dreaming and how characters may be able to share dream states.
I absolutely loved our FMC, Lennon, who is practically on the verge of a total meltdown when the book starts. Her mother passed away, she had an ugly breakup, and she’s on the verge of falling apart. She encounters three very different men, who she is drawn to and who each complement her. She really pulled at my heartstrings, as did each of our MMC’s – Paul, Ridge and Nevan. They each have their own narrative threads which are compelling in their own right and the reader comes to care about their own storylines, independently of Lennon.
I really dug the speculative concept and thought it was a truly novel way for an author to approach a whychoose relationship. I’m going to leap into book 2!
I absolutely loved our FMC, Lennon, who is practically on the verge of a total meltdown when the book starts. Her mother passed away, she had an ugly breakup, and she’s on the verge of falling apart. She encounters three very different men, who she is drawn to and who each complement her. She really pulled at my heartstrings, as did each of our MMC’s – Paul, Ridge and Nevan. They each have their own narrative threads which are compelling in their own right and the reader comes to care about their own storylines, independently of Lennon.
I really dug the speculative concept and thought it was a truly novel way for an author to approach a whychoose relationship. I’m going to leap into book 2!
September 15, 2026
5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
i don't even know where to begin or how to feel, but 5 freaking stars. blake black did it AGAIN.
lennon is the plus-size sunshine-in-a-bottle fmc who travels across states after losing everything when she has a dream of her best friend telling her to come to her. freaking HOOK ME IN, why don't you 😭 she gets there and apparently ain't nobody got a normal sleeping habit. which... mood, honestly.
: ̗̀➛ "𝚂𝚑𝚎’𝚜 𝚕𝚒𝚔𝚎 𝚝𝚑𝚎 𝚑𝚞𝚖𝚊𝚗 𝚟𝚎𝚛𝚜𝚒𝚘𝚗 𝚘𝚏 𝚝𝚑𝚎 𝚜𝚞𝚗, 𝚊𝚗𝚍 𝚎𝚟𝚎𝚛𝚢 𝚝𝚒𝚖𝚎 𝙸’𝚖 𝚠𝚒𝚝𝚑 𝚑𝚎𝚛, 𝚒𝚝 𝚏𝚎𝚎𝚕𝚜 𝚜𝚘 𝚠𝚊𝚛𝚖."
the mmcs, i swear i can't pick a favorite, don't ask me.
ridge is all hard edges with a horrifying dreamscape he masks with asshole tendencies and sarcasm. paul is guarded, held together by routines and trauma. and nevan is the goofy, broken boy i would personally fight anyone over. actually, scratch that, i'd fight for all of them 😩
: ̗̀➛ "𝙸 𝚝𝚑𝚒𝚗𝚔 𝚊𝚋𝚘𝚞𝚝 𝙽𝚎𝚟𝚊𝚗, 𝚠𝚑𝚘 𝚖𝚊𝚔𝚎𝚜 𝚝𝚑𝚎 𝚠𝚘𝚛𝚕𝚍 𝚏𝚎𝚎𝚕 𝚚𝚞𝚒𝚎𝚝 𝚠𝚑𝚎𝚗 𝙸 𝚜𝚝𝚊𝚗𝚍 𝚗𝚎𝚡𝚝 𝚝𝚘 𝚑𝚒𝚖."
: ̗̀➛ "𝙸 𝚝𝚑𝚒𝚗𝚔 𝚊𝚋𝚘𝚞𝚝 𝙿𝚊𝚞𝚕, 𝚠𝚑𝚘 𝚕𝚘𝚘𝚔𝚜 𝚊𝚝 𝚖𝚎 𝚊𝚜 𝚒𝚏 𝚖𝚎𝚎𝚝𝚒𝚗𝚐 𝚖𝚎 𝚠𝚊𝚜 𝚗𝚎𝚟𝚎𝚛 𝚊𝚗 𝚊𝚌𝚌𝚒𝚍𝚎𝚗𝚝."
: ̗̀➛ "𝙸 𝚝𝚑𝚒𝚗𝚔 𝚊𝚋𝚘𝚞𝚝 𝚁𝚒𝚍𝚐𝚎, 𝚠𝚑𝚘 𝚏𝚒𝚐𝚑𝚝𝚜 𝚖𝚎 𝚕𝚒𝚔𝚎 𝚠𝚎’𝚛𝚎 𝚘𝚗 𝚝𝚑𝚎 𝚜𝚊𝚖𝚎 𝚜𝚒𝚍𝚎."
what i loved most is how different each of lennon's relationships with them felt. none of the guys blurred together or felt interchangeable. every connection grew completely separately, and she had NO IDEA how connected these men actually were until the very end 😭
the thriller/suspense aspect was done so well, especially with the man literally called "The Man." 👀 every time he showed up, i had more questions. who is he? why is he there? what does he want?? WHAT IS HAPPENING. every appearance just gave me ten more questions and approximately zero answers. i need to know what the hell is happening.
and that ending?? I KNEW IT WAS COMING. somehow that did absolutely nothing to prepare me for it 😭 i am RUNNING to book 2 because i need to know how all of this comes together immediately.
i don't even know where to begin or how to feel, but 5 freaking stars. blake black did it AGAIN.
lennon is the plus-size sunshine-in-a-bottle fmc who travels across states after losing everything when she has a dream of her best friend telling her to come to her. freaking HOOK ME IN, why don't you 😭 she gets there and apparently ain't nobody got a normal sleeping habit. which... mood, honestly.
: ̗̀➛ "𝚂𝚑𝚎’𝚜 𝚕𝚒𝚔𝚎 𝚝𝚑𝚎 𝚑𝚞𝚖𝚊𝚗 𝚟𝚎𝚛𝚜𝚒𝚘𝚗 𝚘𝚏 𝚝𝚑𝚎 𝚜𝚞𝚗, 𝚊𝚗𝚍 𝚎𝚟𝚎𝚛𝚢 𝚝𝚒𝚖𝚎 𝙸’𝚖 𝚠𝚒𝚝𝚑 𝚑𝚎𝚛, 𝚒𝚝 𝚏𝚎𝚎𝚕𝚜 𝚜𝚘 𝚠𝚊𝚛𝚖."
the mmcs, i swear i can't pick a favorite, don't ask me.
ridge is all hard edges with a horrifying dreamscape he masks with asshole tendencies and sarcasm. paul is guarded, held together by routines and trauma. and nevan is the goofy, broken boy i would personally fight anyone over. actually, scratch that, i'd fight for all of them 😩
: ̗̀➛ "𝙸 𝚝𝚑𝚒𝚗𝚔 𝚊𝚋𝚘𝚞𝚝 𝙽𝚎𝚟𝚊𝚗, 𝚠𝚑𝚘 𝚖𝚊𝚔𝚎𝚜 𝚝𝚑𝚎 𝚠𝚘𝚛𝚕𝚍 𝚏𝚎𝚎𝚕 𝚚𝚞𝚒𝚎𝚝 𝚠𝚑𝚎𝚗 𝙸 𝚜𝚝𝚊𝚗𝚍 𝚗𝚎𝚡𝚝 𝚝𝚘 𝚑𝚒𝚖."
: ̗̀➛ "𝙸 𝚝𝚑𝚒𝚗𝚔 𝚊𝚋𝚘𝚞𝚝 𝙿𝚊𝚞𝚕, 𝚠𝚑𝚘 𝚕𝚘𝚘𝚔𝚜 𝚊𝚝 𝚖𝚎 𝚊𝚜 𝚒𝚏 𝚖𝚎𝚎𝚝𝚒𝚗𝚐 𝚖𝚎 𝚠𝚊𝚜 𝚗𝚎𝚟𝚎𝚛 𝚊𝚗 𝚊𝚌𝚌𝚒𝚍𝚎𝚗𝚝."
: ̗̀➛ "𝙸 𝚝𝚑𝚒𝚗𝚔 𝚊𝚋𝚘𝚞𝚝 𝚁𝚒𝚍𝚐𝚎, 𝚠𝚑𝚘 𝚏𝚒𝚐𝚑𝚝𝚜 𝚖𝚎 𝚕𝚒𝚔𝚎 𝚠𝚎’𝚛𝚎 𝚘𝚗 𝚝𝚑𝚎 𝚜𝚊𝚖𝚎 𝚜𝚒𝚍𝚎."
what i loved most is how different each of lennon's relationships with them felt. none of the guys blurred together or felt interchangeable. every connection grew completely separately, and she had NO IDEA how connected these men actually were until the very end 😭
the thriller/suspense aspect was done so well, especially with the man literally called "The Man." 👀 every time he showed up, i had more questions. who is he? why is he there? what does he want?? WHAT IS HAPPENING. every appearance just gave me ten more questions and approximately zero answers. i need to know what the hell is happening.
and that ending?? I KNEW IT WAS COMING. somehow that did absolutely nothing to prepare me for it 😭 i am RUNNING to book 2 because i need to know how all of this comes together immediately.
September 20, 2026
Pros:
- the premise was very unique and interesting
- some of the dream descriptions were pretty cool
- there were some laugh out loud moments
- Nevan was adorable, and his brother was an excellent side character
Cons:
- I really don't understand the 4D 5D concepts with the dreamwalking. I'm not sure if it wasn't explained well enough or if it was just a me thing.
- Paul rubbed me the wrong way.
- Ridge being Maybe I missed something.
- the pacing felt very slow to me
- the premise was very unique and interesting
- some of the dream descriptions were pretty cool
- there were some laugh out loud moments
- Nevan was adorable, and his brother was an excellent side character
Cons:
- I really don't understand the 4D 5D concepts with the dreamwalking. I'm not sure if it wasn't explained well enough or if it was just a me thing.
- Paul rubbed me the wrong way.
- Ridge being Maybe I missed something.
- the pacing felt very slow to me
September 12, 2026
Blake's books are a hit or miss for me. Unfortunately, this one's a miss. It was an interesting idea but I don't know what it was that I didn't like. Super slow writing and Nevan was pretty much in love with someone else for most of the book. Doesn't matter that it wasn't actually love and misplaced affection.
October 2, 2026
he did what with the lollipop? in the shared lucid dream scape?
October 11, 2026
Interesting concept, boring execution.
I didn't like Lennon. She was overly emotional, on the verge of tears every five minutes, irrational and, if I'm being honest, plain dumb. And call me a killjoy but a 35 year old woman who loves plushies gives me the ick. And of course like every romance FMCs nowadays, especially in RH, she's deeply submissive toward her love interests. Also please for the love of my sanity, can the guys stop grabbing her chin? I'll never understand women finding this move attractive, but then again, I don't find men who act domineering attractive either and yet this is all the romance genre offers...
Speaking of, Paul is way too controlling. Showing up at someone's place with new furniture without asking is wild. What if she had ordered furniture already? What if she didn't like the ones he chose? She's a grown adult... well, she's supposed to be, but she likes to be treated like a child by the men around her so whatever. Ridge was unlikeable as well, he might have been more likeable opposite a strong-willed, capable and intelligent FMC who would actually push back and challenge him, put him in his place a little. Alas, we got Lennon.
I liked Nevan from what I read (I couldn't finish the book) and his brother, though Jasper felt a bit too over-the-top cliché.
I stopped about 2/3rd of the way through. The dream plot hadn't progressed enough by then even though that's what I was interested in, and I didn't like the characters enough to continue.
I didn't like Lennon. She was overly emotional, on the verge of tears every five minutes, irrational and, if I'm being honest, plain dumb. And call me a killjoy but a 35 year old woman who loves plushies gives me the ick. And of course like every romance FMCs nowadays, especially in RH, she's deeply submissive toward her love interests. Also please for the love of my sanity, can the guys stop grabbing her chin? I'll never understand women finding this move attractive, but then again, I don't find men who act domineering attractive either and yet this is all the romance genre offers...
Speaking of, Paul is way too controlling. Showing up at someone's place with new furniture without asking is wild. What if she had ordered furniture already? What if she didn't like the ones he chose? She's a grown adult... well, she's supposed to be, but she likes to be treated like a child by the men around her so whatever. Ridge was unlikeable as well, he might have been more likeable opposite a strong-willed, capable and intelligent FMC who would actually push back and challenge him, put him in his place a little. Alas, we got Lennon.
I liked Nevan from what I read (I couldn't finish the book) and his brother, though Jasper felt a bit too over-the-top cliché.
I stopped about 2/3rd of the way through. The dream plot hadn't progressed enough by then even though that's what I was interested in, and I didn't like the characters enough to continue.
September 20, 2026
DNF 47%
This put me in a reading slump...
I was just bored out of my mind. I did not care for any of these characters. The premise was promising but I felt let down. It felt plain and tasteless. Which is ironic considering the FMC is a chef.
This put me in a reading slump...
I was just bored out of my mind. I did not care for any of these characters. The premise was promising but I felt let down. It felt plain and tasteless. Which is ironic considering the FMC is a chef.
September 11, 2026
While I loved the idea of the plot for this book, lucid dreaming, I thought the book dragged on a lot and was pretty boring. I didn’t really connect with any of the main characters either. I felt like they all lacked depth. Not a series I’ll be continuing.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Blake is one of those authors that will break you and put you back together again and make you ask for more. I cried my way through this book, and laughed, and felt my pulse racing at the suspenseful parts… it has it all!
I loooooooved it!
In Somnis by Blake Black is book one of a brand-new hurt/comfort, dream sharing, why choose romance duet now on kindle unlimited. But SURPRISE! Book 2 also dropped! I am diving straight into book 2!
You can expect:
☁️ dream sharing
☁️ why choose (MFMM)
☁️ Inception and Sleeping Beauty vibes
☁️ she’s a newly single chef
☁️ she’s also new to town
☁️ hurt/comfort
☁️ contemporary soulmates
☁️ Dreams? Terrifying. Spicy. Magical. Lucid.
☁️ HEA? Guaranteed (but whewww, is it a journey).
I loooooooved it!
In Somnis by Blake Black is book one of a brand-new hurt/comfort, dream sharing, why choose romance duet now on kindle unlimited. But SURPRISE! Book 2 also dropped! I am diving straight into book 2!
You can expect:
☁️ dream sharing
☁️ why choose (MFMM)
☁️ Inception and Sleeping Beauty vibes
☁️ she’s a newly single chef
☁️ she’s also new to town
☁️ hurt/comfort
☁️ contemporary soulmates
☁️ Dreams? Terrifying. Spicy. Magical. Lucid.
☁️ HEA? Guaranteed (but whewww, is it a journey).
September 14, 2026
Okay, I’ll be honest. The only reason I made it through the first 40% is because I usually love this author and kept waiting for it to pick up. Well, my perseverance pay off and it did get better.
Summary:
Did I like the characters? Not a fan of Ridge, like at all! Loved everyone else though. Especially Jasper ❤️, such a great side character.
Did I like the plot? Hmm… on the fence. I hadn’t realised how in your face this dream world would be. Not really sure i’m sold on the concept yet.
Would I recommend it? Pains me to say this, probably not. HOWEVER…
Am I going to read the next one? Yeh, i’ll probably give it a go.
So, make of that what you will!!
3 ⭐️
Happy ready 📚
Summary:
Did I like the characters? Not a fan of Ridge, like at all! Loved everyone else though. Especially Jasper ❤️, such a great side character.
Did I like the plot? Hmm… on the fence. I hadn’t realised how in your face this dream world would be. Not really sure i’m sold on the concept yet.
Would I recommend it? Pains me to say this, probably not. HOWEVER…
Am I going to read the next one? Yeh, i’ll probably give it a go.
So, make of that what you will!!
3 ⭐️
Happy ready 📚
September 17, 2026
Omg
OMG OMG OMG, like I said, OMG OMG OH MY GOD! nope, I have to say it again, OH MY GOD! Mrs Black, you are... wow... OMG! I can't even form words... IF YOU'RE READING REVIEWS, JUST EFFING READ THIS! WORSHIP THIS BOOK! OMG....
OMG OMG OMG, like I said, OMG OMG OH MY GOD! nope, I have to say it again, OH MY GOD! Mrs Black, you are... wow... OMG! I can't even form words... IF YOU'RE READING REVIEWS, JUST EFFING READ THIS! WORSHIP THIS BOOK! OMG....
October 3, 2026
DNF. I just couldn’t get into this story at all. I even put it down, read something else, and came back to it—still couldn’t do it. I used to really enjoy this author’s work, but this felt very pump-and-dump, and by far the most insufferable FMC I’ve read from Blake Black. I don’t think I’ll be revisiting their books anytime soon.
Did Not Finish
October 31, 2026Eh not feeling it
September 15, 2026
DNF @ 10%. This was too out there for me. And I’m personally not a fan of the weak, woe-is-me, everything is bringing me down FMC. I prefer my FMCs to be strong and persistent in the face of challenges. This girl was giving up already at 10% in.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Synopsis
Falling in love and losing your mind are basically the same thing. I should know. I’m doing both.
My mother is gone. My boyfriend is gone. My life in Boston is packed into two suitcases in the back of my car.
And my best friend, who hasn’t been awake in twelve years, keeps finding me in my dreams, leaving me a message.
Come to me.
Three thousand miles later, I’m rolling into a town I haven’t seen in over a decade. I wasn’t supposed to stay, and I wasn’t supposed to get tangled up in three very different, very complicated men.
A sharp-tongued writer who walks into my dreams without knocking, challenging my worldview.
A psychologist who looks at me like he’s both dreaded and yearned for me his entire life.
The freckled innkeeper with paint-stained hands who makes me feel seen and cherished in a way I didn’t know existed.
While three men orbit my waking life, I explore a dream world where rules don’t apply, and nothing is a coincidence.
But the dreams are getting stranger, the line between sleep and waking is getting thinner, and the man who has been keeping my best friend hostage is starting to notice me.
Some things you can’t pull someone back from. Some things pull back.
Tropes
💕 Mid-size FMC
🍋 "Sleeping Beauty" x "Inception" vibes
💕 Slow burn
🍋 Instant spark
💕 Spicy (incl dream spice)
🍋 Hurt/ comfort
💕 MFMM romance
🍋 Reverse harem/ why choose romance
💕 Lucid dreaming & dream-sharing
My thoughts
“In Somnis” (IS) by Blake Black was one of my most anticipated reads of 2026. Once I became aware it existed, that is! 🤣
First of all, I can confirm that the Sleeping Beauty x Inception comp is completely accurate. However, it does have more of a cutesy contemporary, small-town romance vibe (which was very comforting) than those movies do.
One of the highlights of "IS" is how Blake uses the lucid dreaming and dream-sharing format to meticulously communicate the characters' personalities, desires, insecurities and traumas. While I normally hate dream sequences in books and want to skim past them, I found Nevan's dream and Ridge's logging accident dream quite sad, confronting and immersive. I also loved how the dream spaces provided a safe forum for Lennon and the MMCs to explore their developing feelings (*wink, wink*).
From these dream sequences (among other scenes), we learn that Lennon is considerate; bubbly but empathetic; grieving; and she is chatty but overanalytical, because someone made Lennon feel like she had to make herself smaller. She loves to cook but had to give it up. It was such a joy to see Lennon rekindle her love for cooking and baking.
Paul is the "soft boy" of the three MMCs. The way he and Lennon met was honestly the most perfect meet-cute ever! I loved their instant spark and how they made each other feel safe to talk about their physical and mental health. Paul was so soft, caring and reverent towards Lennon. My favourite kind of MMC.
Meanwhile, Ridge is a little rougher around the edges. He has a sarcastic sense of humour and a blasé attitude that could rub Lennon the wrong way. But Ridge was only that way because he shields his hurt and vulnerability behind a joke or blunt remark. He's kind of like Damon Salvatore from "The Vampire Diaries" if he became paraplegic instead of a vampire. Ridge shows us that he means well, deep down, when he puts aside his comfort to help Lennon after a particularly disturbing dream. I am really excited to see their relationship blossom in book 2.
Our final MMC, Nevan, gives off very golden retriever-esque, supportive best friend vibes. He's like the Matt Donovan of the why choose situationship (can you tell I've been re-watching "The Vampire Diaries? 🤣). Even though Nevan's the youngest of the guys, he has this "work until you drop" philosophy which I think stems from the desire to forget his problems and prove he's smarter than he seems. You can't help but feel for him. And he is so good to Lennon, too.
There were a few things I didn't like about "IS", too, even though they weren't bad enough to ruin the whole of "In Somnis". These were:
🍋 The character names for the MMCs. Paul, Nevan, and Ridge felt too strange, bland or ill-suited to the personalities they were matched with.
💕 It took too long for Lennon to meet the guys - especially Paul, who Lennon met at around the 40% mark.
🍋 I didn't find Ridge's perpetual lollipop-sucking to be very appealing, even if using it for sexy reasons was a fun touch 🤣
💕 I found it hard to believe that Lennon and Ridge didn't have a proper conversation in real life until near the end of the book. Their dream-sharing became very intense as time went on and being neighbours was the perfect set-up for a confrontation. I can understand why Ridge would be hesitant to make the first move. But why would Lennon not make more of an effort to pound down his door?
Regardless, Blake's why choose books are always a darn good treat. The way "IS" ended has me so excited for the resolution in "Ex Somnis"!!! October can't come fast enough 😭
✨ 4/5
🌶️ 2.5/5
Falling in love and losing your mind are basically the same thing. I should know. I’m doing both.
My mother is gone. My boyfriend is gone. My life in Boston is packed into two suitcases in the back of my car.
And my best friend, who hasn’t been awake in twelve years, keeps finding me in my dreams, leaving me a message.
Come to me.
Three thousand miles later, I’m rolling into a town I haven’t seen in over a decade. I wasn’t supposed to stay, and I wasn’t supposed to get tangled up in three very different, very complicated men.
A sharp-tongued writer who walks into my dreams without knocking, challenging my worldview.
A psychologist who looks at me like he’s both dreaded and yearned for me his entire life.
The freckled innkeeper with paint-stained hands who makes me feel seen and cherished in a way I didn’t know existed.
While three men orbit my waking life, I explore a dream world where rules don’t apply, and nothing is a coincidence.
But the dreams are getting stranger, the line between sleep and waking is getting thinner, and the man who has been keeping my best friend hostage is starting to notice me.
Some things you can’t pull someone back from. Some things pull back.
Tropes
💕 Mid-size FMC
🍋 "Sleeping Beauty" x "Inception" vibes
💕 Slow burn
🍋 Instant spark
💕 Spicy (incl dream spice)
🍋 Hurt/ comfort
💕 MFMM romance
🍋 Reverse harem/ why choose romance
💕 Lucid dreaming & dream-sharing
My thoughts
“In Somnis” (IS) by Blake Black was one of my most anticipated reads of 2026. Once I became aware it existed, that is! 🤣
First of all, I can confirm that the Sleeping Beauty x Inception comp is completely accurate. However, it does have more of a cutesy contemporary, small-town romance vibe (which was very comforting) than those movies do.
One of the highlights of "IS" is how Blake uses the lucid dreaming and dream-sharing format to meticulously communicate the characters' personalities, desires, insecurities and traumas. While I normally hate dream sequences in books and want to skim past them, I found Nevan's dream and Ridge's logging accident dream quite sad, confronting and immersive. I also loved how the dream spaces provided a safe forum for Lennon and the MMCs to explore their developing feelings (*wink, wink*).
From these dream sequences (among other scenes), we learn that Lennon is considerate; bubbly but empathetic; grieving; and she is chatty but overanalytical, because someone made Lennon feel like she had to make herself smaller. She loves to cook but had to give it up. It was such a joy to see Lennon rekindle her love for cooking and baking.
Paul is the "soft boy" of the three MMCs. The way he and Lennon met was honestly the most perfect meet-cute ever! I loved their instant spark and how they made each other feel safe to talk about their physical and mental health. Paul was so soft, caring and reverent towards Lennon. My favourite kind of MMC.
Meanwhile, Ridge is a little rougher around the edges. He has a sarcastic sense of humour and a blasé attitude that could rub Lennon the wrong way. But Ridge was only that way because he shields his hurt and vulnerability behind a joke or blunt remark. He's kind of like Damon Salvatore from "The Vampire Diaries" if he became paraplegic instead of a vampire. Ridge shows us that he means well, deep down, when he puts aside his comfort to help Lennon after a particularly disturbing dream. I am really excited to see their relationship blossom in book 2.
Our final MMC, Nevan, gives off very golden retriever-esque, supportive best friend vibes. He's like the Matt Donovan of the why choose situationship (can you tell I've been re-watching "The Vampire Diaries? 🤣). Even though Nevan's the youngest of the guys, he has this "work until you drop" philosophy which I think stems from the desire to forget his problems and prove he's smarter than he seems. You can't help but feel for him. And he is so good to Lennon, too.
There were a few things I didn't like about "IS", too, even though they weren't bad enough to ruin the whole of "In Somnis". These were:
🍋 The character names for the MMCs. Paul, Nevan, and Ridge felt too strange, bland or ill-suited to the personalities they were matched with.
💕 It took too long for Lennon to meet the guys - especially Paul, who Lennon met at around the 40% mark.
🍋 I didn't find Ridge's perpetual lollipop-sucking to be very appealing, even if using it for sexy reasons was a fun touch 🤣
💕 I found it hard to believe that Lennon and Ridge didn't have a proper conversation in real life until near the end of the book. Their dream-sharing became very intense as time went on and being neighbours was the perfect set-up for a confrontation. I can understand why Ridge would be hesitant to make the first move. But why would Lennon not make more of an effort to pound down his door?
Regardless, Blake's why choose books are always a darn good treat. The way "IS" ended has me so excited for the resolution in "Ex Somnis"!!! October can't come fast enough 😭
✨ 4/5
🌶️ 2.5/5
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Blake Black is quickly cementing herself as an author whose books I will immediately auto-buy/read. As soon as she announced a new duet, I was intrigued, but when she revealed the covers, synopsis, tropes, and character art, I was practically salivating and eager to get my hands on it. Then, when the opportunity arose to secure an ARC, I might have literally squealed and done a little dance. Even so, the following review is honest and all mine.
In Somnis was unlike anything I think I've read before. Black marketing it as Inception and Sleeping Beauty vibes meets Small Town works really well for this book. She does an incredible job of blending the often-tough reality of our main characters with the lucid dream world they learn to shape for themselves and sometimes share together. It's hard to describe in a review without spoiling much of the plot, but just know that those dreamscapes can be just as fantastical, or sometimes hilarious, maybe a little creepy, and often spicy as you can imagine. A lot of mystery surrounds what has kept Lennon's best friend trapped in a comatose state for over a decade, This Man, why she's calling Lennon to her now, what connects these three men, and so much more. It felt like every clue we uncovered in this book just left a bigger question to be answered in the next installment.
But to me, this author always shines brightest in her characters and the depth of personalization she gives them, and this book is no exception. Our main and secondary characters are just as vibrant and fully realized as you've probably come to expect from BB, but I'd have to say that my favorite is actually one of the MMC's little brother, Jasper, and I need him to be a real person and to let me adopt him immediately because everyone needs a tarot-reading, crystal-carrying, punk fairy in their life. That said, I can't wait to see more of the undeniable chemistry between Lennon and her guys- Paul, Ridge, and Nevan more fully explored in book two.
I went back and forth with myself between a 4- and 5-star rating for a while, and finally landed on a 4-star rating. Ultimately, I think that came down to how long it took for Lennon and our guys to actually get page time together. I know she met Nevan earlier on, but he still had his head wrapped up in someone else, and they were more friends at first (though I really did like the pacing of their friends-to-more relationship, so this isn't a knock at that). Paul and Ridge came much later in the book, so the romance felt secondary to the plot in the story for me, which is fine if that's your jam, but I'm definitely more of a mid-to-fast burn girlie, unless there's some serious tension in the game in the slow-burn rollout, and so for them not to really have much interaction besides a friendship with one, a tense dream slowburn with another, and then a nice meet-cute with another at around 40% with the last felt like torture for me, haha. But I just know that all of this is going to roll around in some amazing feels and epic spice in book two, and I'm going to have to deliver one hell of an apology tour to Blake Black with my 5-star rating for book two coming next month. I have that much faith.
Even if I had wanted a tad more from the romance, the ending was a mad dash of Kindle page swipes and muttered "oh shit! oh shit! oh shit!" as I raced through that last chapter. Blake Black left us dangling on a bit of a cliffhanger, and I'm super eager to get my hands on the next book to find out what happens next for this crew because there's so many ways Blake can take these characters and the reality and dream world they live in.
🖤 A very special thanks to the author for providing a digital ARC copy for review. There were no stipulations set for the exchanged ARC. All thoughts in this review were given freely and are my own.
In Somnis was unlike anything I think I've read before. Black marketing it as Inception and Sleeping Beauty vibes meets Small Town works really well for this book. She does an incredible job of blending the often-tough reality of our main characters with the lucid dream world they learn to shape for themselves and sometimes share together. It's hard to describe in a review without spoiling much of the plot, but just know that those dreamscapes can be just as fantastical, or sometimes hilarious, maybe a little creepy, and often spicy as you can imagine. A lot of mystery surrounds what has kept Lennon's best friend trapped in a comatose state for over a decade, This Man, why she's calling Lennon to her now, what connects these three men, and so much more. It felt like every clue we uncovered in this book just left a bigger question to be answered in the next installment.
But to me, this author always shines brightest in her characters and the depth of personalization she gives them, and this book is no exception. Our main and secondary characters are just as vibrant and fully realized as you've probably come to expect from BB, but I'd have to say that my favorite is actually one of the MMC's little brother, Jasper, and I need him to be a real person and to let me adopt him immediately because everyone needs a tarot-reading, crystal-carrying, punk fairy in their life. That said, I can't wait to see more of the undeniable chemistry between Lennon and her guys- Paul, Ridge, and Nevan more fully explored in book two.
I went back and forth with myself between a 4- and 5-star rating for a while, and finally landed on a 4-star rating. Ultimately, I think that came down to how long it took for Lennon and our guys to actually get page time together. I know she met Nevan earlier on, but he still had his head wrapped up in someone else, and they were more friends at first (though I really did like the pacing of their friends-to-more relationship, so this isn't a knock at that). Paul and Ridge came much later in the book, so the romance felt secondary to the plot in the story for me, which is fine if that's your jam, but I'm definitely more of a mid-to-fast burn girlie, unless there's some serious tension in the game in the slow-burn rollout, and so for them not to really have much interaction besides a friendship with one, a tense dream slowburn with another, and then a nice meet-cute with another at around 40% with the last felt like torture for me, haha. But I just know that all of this is going to roll around in some amazing feels and epic spice in book two, and I'm going to have to deliver one hell of an apology tour to Blake Black with my 5-star rating for book two coming next month. I have that much faith.
Even if I had wanted a tad more from the romance, the ending was a mad dash of Kindle page swipes and muttered "oh shit! oh shit! oh shit!" as I raced through that last chapter. Blake Black left us dangling on a bit of a cliffhanger, and I'm super eager to get my hands on the next book to find out what happens next for this crew because there's so many ways Blake can take these characters and the reality and dream world they live in.
🖤 A very special thanks to the author for providing a digital ARC copy for review. There were no stipulations set for the exchanged ARC. All thoughts in this review were given freely and are my own.
September 18, 2026
Received an advanced reading copy from the author
✨There are two things Blake does extremely well and she has done it again!✨
1. Creating characters that are flawed, a varied and unique cast with a broad spectrum of diagnosis that she has researched and represented with respect, factuality, and appropriate influence on a character's life and mindset.
2. A overall topic that is well researched, interesting and relevant/currently heavily debated the field, and written with no clear bias.
In Somnis explores insomnia, REM sleep, the subconscious, lucid dreaming, and how these can affect a person if there is an imbalance or something is being abused (like lucid dreaming). As a nerd who loves all things psychology and the psyke this was something that kept me reading! All of the MCs are dealing with various issues with sleep and lack of proper sleep.
And, like I mentioned, there is also a variety of representation: PCOS, ARFID, dyslexia, paralysis, low self-esteem, autism (not outspoken but alluded to).
The harem itself with Lennon, Paul, Nevan, and Ridge is slow. It's a slow burn with some very interesting use of dreams.
Lennon is complex and is working with finding her way back to who she is after her ex made her bury it all. Her only true confidence lies in her cooking and it always wonderful to see. I do find it odd how her interactions with the men varies so much that sometimes she is very confident and other times extremely self-conscious.
Nevan is so sweet and young (the youngest at 25). He starts up a friendship with Lennon, and it is a good friendship. Not romantically (slow burn) but how they build each other up, care for each other.
Paul is my favourite. He has his issues and being a psychologist makes his overanalyze sometimes and read everything through that lense. Also he has a hard time not seeming like a serial killer. But he is attentative, passionate about her, good at communicating (learning to be better), has been dreaming about her for years and thinks they're soulmates ❤️
Ridge really is an asshole and I don't like him. I also don't care for his relationship with Lennon and the way they interact. He has major issues and lashes out, something he is aware of. I want Lennon to set boundaries with him and let Ridge work for it. Right now he just gets to take.
Jasper really takes the prize and he is 20/10, perfection! Amazing side character and we all need a Jasper in our lives ❤️
I do recommend this book, but not for the romance or harem. There isn't a lot of it in here right now. But for the overall plot of Lennon coming to town for her long-lost friend. For lucid dreaming. For a villain that is unique. For the representation. For Jasper ❤️
Plot 📝📝📝📝📝/5 was amazing, the dreams is 10/10
Characters 👥👥👥👥👥/5
Romance ❤️/5 slowest burn
Harem 0/5 don't see it at all
Spice 🌶️/5
✨There are two things Blake does extremely well and she has done it again!✨
1. Creating characters that are flawed, a varied and unique cast with a broad spectrum of diagnosis that she has researched and represented with respect, factuality, and appropriate influence on a character's life and mindset.
2. A overall topic that is well researched, interesting and relevant/currently heavily debated the field, and written with no clear bias.
In Somnis explores insomnia, REM sleep, the subconscious, lucid dreaming, and how these can affect a person if there is an imbalance or something is being abused (like lucid dreaming). As a nerd who loves all things psychology and the psyke this was something that kept me reading! All of the MCs are dealing with various issues with sleep and lack of proper sleep.
And, like I mentioned, there is also a variety of representation: PCOS, ARFID, dyslexia, paralysis, low self-esteem, autism (not outspoken but alluded to).
The harem itself with Lennon, Paul, Nevan, and Ridge is slow. It's a slow burn with some very interesting use of dreams.
Lennon is complex and is working with finding her way back to who she is after her ex made her bury it all. Her only true confidence lies in her cooking and it always wonderful to see. I do find it odd how her interactions with the men varies so much that sometimes she is very confident and other times extremely self-conscious.
Nevan is so sweet and young (the youngest at 25). He starts up a friendship with Lennon, and it is a good friendship. Not romantically (slow burn) but how they build each other up, care for each other.
Paul is my favourite. He has his issues and being a psychologist makes his overanalyze sometimes and read everything through that lense. Also he has a hard time not seeming like a serial killer. But he is attentative, passionate about her, good at communicating (learning to be better), has been dreaming about her for years and thinks they're soulmates ❤️
Ridge really is an asshole and I don't like him. I also don't care for his relationship with Lennon and the way they interact. He has major issues and lashes out, something he is aware of. I want Lennon to set boundaries with him and let Ridge work for it. Right now he just gets to take.
Jasper really takes the prize and he is 20/10, perfection! Amazing side character and we all need a Jasper in our lives ❤️
I do recommend this book, but not for the romance or harem. There isn't a lot of it in here right now. But for the overall plot of Lennon coming to town for her long-lost friend. For lucid dreaming. For a villain that is unique. For the representation. For Jasper ❤️
Plot 📝📝📝📝📝/5 was amazing, the dreams is 10/10
Characters 👥👥👥👥👥/5
Romance ❤️/5 slowest burn
Harem 0/5 don't see it at all
Spice 🌶️/5
Review of advance copy received from Author
Could this be BB's best book duet yet??
That would be high praise, considering most of her duets (if not all) have been absolutely fantastic. It's hard to pick a number one favourite duet that she's written, in my books, there's a tie for a few (Soulful Seas, Memento Vivre, and maybe Burning Bridges?), but this one is absolutely up there so far with the other greats!
"In Somnis" is a contemporary, with a hint of paranormal, reverse harem genre. Reading the notes by the author before the book begins is interesting, and I suggest doing it before you jump in to the story, as it goes over all the research Blake Black did regarding dreams, sleep paralysis, lucid dreaming, etc. The reason the book has a hint of paranormal is because while a few of the characters have more or less got lucid dreaming down, they're also able to dream share; They can travel to other people's dreams and be lucid in the same dreams as each other. This is an important subject matter in the story. I'd describe the story more, but you can read the blurb for that!
Now, let's touch on the characters quickly!
Lennon has been dealt a somewhat crappy hand, especially as of late. Her father died suddenly at home while cooking, her mom gets cancer and passes away. Meanwhile, Lennon has been busy taking care of her, reducing time she's able to spend with friends and her boyfriend. She learns after her mother dies just what her supposed friends and boyfriend think of her, so she decides to up and leave without a word. She heard her best friend, Tessa's voice in a dream tell her to come to her, so that's exactly what she decides to do. Her best friend? Not in a lucid state, seemingly. She's awake, but unaware of the world around her, mostly.
While in the small town where Tessa lives, Lennon meets a few other guys:
Ridge, who she only sees in the dream world,
Nevan, who is running an inn in town and is practically running it all by himself, and
Paul, a psychologist who is trying to treat Tessa (though he nor Lennon know of this connection at first).
All three of these men have their own troubles with sleep. Ridge and Paul both know about lucid dreaming and are usually able to do it, though something blocks Ridge from being able to anymore.
The three all have connections to each other that, for a short while, I needed red string and a 'murder board' to keep track of! It makes things that much more interesting, though!
I also had an "Oooooh!" moment about 93% in the book that I was happy to have. I like unexpected things!
I am trying to avoid talking much about the story because I don't want to spoil anything. I loved it, I already recommend it, and I am SO excited for when book two releases! Don't question anything, just click it and read it!
That would be high praise, considering most of her duets (if not all) have been absolutely fantastic. It's hard to pick a number one favourite duet that she's written, in my books, there's a tie for a few (Soulful Seas, Memento Vivre, and maybe Burning Bridges?), but this one is absolutely up there so far with the other greats!
"In Somnis" is a contemporary, with a hint of paranormal, reverse harem genre. Reading the notes by the author before the book begins is interesting, and I suggest doing it before you jump in to the story, as it goes over all the research Blake Black did regarding dreams, sleep paralysis, lucid dreaming, etc. The reason the book has a hint of paranormal is because while a few of the characters have more or less got lucid dreaming down, they're also able to dream share; They can travel to other people's dreams and be lucid in the same dreams as each other. This is an important subject matter in the story. I'd describe the story more, but you can read the blurb for that!
Now, let's touch on the characters quickly!
Lennon has been dealt a somewhat crappy hand, especially as of late. Her father died suddenly at home while cooking, her mom gets cancer and passes away. Meanwhile, Lennon has been busy taking care of her, reducing time she's able to spend with friends and her boyfriend. She learns after her mother dies just what her supposed friends and boyfriend think of her, so she decides to up and leave without a word. She heard her best friend, Tessa's voice in a dream tell her to come to her, so that's exactly what she decides to do. Her best friend? Not in a lucid state, seemingly. She's awake, but unaware of the world around her, mostly.
While in the small town where Tessa lives, Lennon meets a few other guys:
Ridge, who she only sees in the dream world,
Nevan, who is running an inn in town and is practically running it all by himself, and
Paul, a psychologist who is trying to treat Tessa (though he nor Lennon know of this connection at first).
All three of these men have their own troubles with sleep. Ridge and Paul both know about lucid dreaming and are usually able to do it, though something blocks Ridge from being able to anymore.
The three all have connections to each other that, for a short while, I needed red string and a 'murder board' to keep track of! It makes things that much more interesting, though!
I also had an "Oooooh!" moment about 93% in the book that I was happy to have. I like unexpected things!
I am trying to avoid talking much about the story because I don't want to spoil anything. I loved it, I already recommend it, and I am SO excited for when book two releases! Don't question anything, just click it and read it!
August 30, 2026
Thank you so much Blake Black for the Advanced Reader Copy! I’ve been following Black's books for a while now, and she has easily become one of those auto-buy authors for me — as soon as she announces a new book, I just need to read it!
I’ve always loved anything related to dreams, lucid dreaming, and the like, so seeing this explored in fiction made the reading experience extra special. On one hand, there's this paranormal vibe surrounding the dreams, while on the other, it’s a delightful contemporary read with multifaceted and engaging characters.
I especially loved Lennon, the main narrator who guides us not only through the dream universe but through the whole story. From the very first moment, I wanted to jump into the book and give her a huge hug because the people in her life up to that point simply didn’t deserve the incredible, radiant person she is! Seriously, I wanted to punch her 'friends' and her ex-boyfriend when we find out what happened right before the story kicks off, with her traveling to her best friend Tessa's town after Tessa asks her to come in a dream.
Why is this so important to the plot? Well, besides Lennon actually listening to a request made in such a peculiar way, we discover that Tessa has been in a sort of coma for years and has been talking to Lennon through dreams for a long time. We know from the synopsis that the book involves lucid dreaming, so there is definitely something behind this request and even behind Tessa’s condition. As everything begins to unfold, it gets really interesting and even a bit creepy...
In Somnis is also a reverse harem and is told from the POV of Lennon (the main narrator) and her love interests, whom she meets upon arriving in the new town:
Ridge, her neighbor, whom she briefly meets at her new building but only interacts with through dreams;
Nevan, the guy everyone in town turns their back on, calling him dumb and problematic, when in reality he’s nothing like that—no one truly sees him, yet he takes care of his mother with Alzheimer’s, his younger brother, and is the handyman at one of the local inns (though he’s actually the one running the whole place); and
Paul, a psychologist who is afraid of the dark for good reason (which has everything to do with lucid dreaming), who is not only the therapist trying to cure Tessa but has also been having nightmares about Lennon for a very long time.
I don’t like writing reviews with spoilers, after all, I want to talk about the book for those who are interested in reading it without ruining the surprises, plot twists, and discoveries along the way. That's why I'll avoid going into too many details so anyone curious can read this review without fear. I won’t deep dive into the MMCs, but we do get all of their POVs, and I can already tell you they are perfect for Lennon (they just need to deal with their own baggage first—both dream-related and internal, haha).
In Somnis ends on a breathtaking cliffhanger, and I can’t wait for the next book! Not just because I'm dying to know what happens next, but also because I grew so attached to these characters and this story!
A quick tip for anyone who decides to pick this up: it’s really interesting to read the author’s notes before starting the book, as she explains her research on dreams and their context in the story.
I’ve always loved anything related to dreams, lucid dreaming, and the like, so seeing this explored in fiction made the reading experience extra special. On one hand, there's this paranormal vibe surrounding the dreams, while on the other, it’s a delightful contemporary read with multifaceted and engaging characters.
I especially loved Lennon, the main narrator who guides us not only through the dream universe but through the whole story. From the very first moment, I wanted to jump into the book and give her a huge hug because the people in her life up to that point simply didn’t deserve the incredible, radiant person she is! Seriously, I wanted to punch her 'friends' and her ex-boyfriend when we find out what happened right before the story kicks off, with her traveling to her best friend Tessa's town after Tessa asks her to come in a dream.
Why is this so important to the plot? Well, besides Lennon actually listening to a request made in such a peculiar way, we discover that Tessa has been in a sort of coma for years and has been talking to Lennon through dreams for a long time. We know from the synopsis that the book involves lucid dreaming, so there is definitely something behind this request and even behind Tessa’s condition. As everything begins to unfold, it gets really interesting and even a bit creepy...
In Somnis is also a reverse harem and is told from the POV of Lennon (the main narrator) and her love interests, whom she meets upon arriving in the new town:
Ridge, her neighbor, whom she briefly meets at her new building but only interacts with through dreams;
Nevan, the guy everyone in town turns their back on, calling him dumb and problematic, when in reality he’s nothing like that—no one truly sees him, yet he takes care of his mother with Alzheimer’s, his younger brother, and is the handyman at one of the local inns (though he’s actually the one running the whole place); and
Paul, a psychologist who is afraid of the dark for good reason (which has everything to do with lucid dreaming), who is not only the therapist trying to cure Tessa but has also been having nightmares about Lennon for a very long time.
I don’t like writing reviews with spoilers, after all, I want to talk about the book for those who are interested in reading it without ruining the surprises, plot twists, and discoveries along the way. That's why I'll avoid going into too many details so anyone curious can read this review without fear. I won’t deep dive into the MMCs, but we do get all of their POVs, and I can already tell you they are perfect for Lennon (they just need to deal with their own baggage first—both dream-related and internal, haha).
In Somnis ends on a breathtaking cliffhanger, and I can’t wait for the next book! Not just because I'm dying to know what happens next, but also because I grew so attached to these characters and this story!
A quick tip for anyone who decides to pick this up: it’s really interesting to read the author’s notes before starting the book, as she explains her research on dreams and their context in the story.
September 12, 2026
☁️ In Somnis by Blake Black ☁️
Book one of the complete Lucid Longing duet!
Overall rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice rating: 🌶️,5
If you are usually into more spicy Why Choose, please do not let the low spice rating deter you. In Somnis is a beautiful book, about people dreaming that there could be more.
Our FMC, Lennon, decides to remove herself from a relationship that was not a great love story. Her ex Spencer never really saw how amazing she was and she was constantly making herself smaller and less vibrant to match his expectations.
She feels called in dreams to visit her old best friend Tessa, and while accepting a three month lease on an apartment in Tessa home town, she finds herself among three very different men, who all have a strong connection with her.
Nevan, Inn-keeper and absolute golden hearted beautiful person, hires her as a chef at his inn. Nevan is younger than her, so a little reverse age gap, and is far too much on his shoulders for far too long. Lemon, aka Lennon, makes everything a little easier to carry. ❤️
Paul, the psychologist, already knows she is his soulmate, and ends up meeting her in a pretty dramatic way. They have a really hot spark from the beginning and I can’t wait to where they go from this book.
Ridge, her grumpy, strong, yet vulnerable neighbor finds her in her dreams and makes quite the impression! 🔥 He has been hurt, literally, in his past and is pretty much a hermit in his apartment, but Lennon nudged him out of his shell. Their relationship has so much potential and I think book two is going to be amazing.
In Somnis felt like Black Black managed to write two books in one, since we are constant following all four main characters from four POVs, but also seeing the plot unfold in both the real world and their dreams.
The book has some wonderful characters, and Jasper, Nevan’s little brother, is the most wonderful little punk fairy ever and has this amazing friendship/little brother/big sister relationship with Lennon! 🧚🏼♂️
The book is quite beautifully written and the dreamscape aspect adds such a unique layer to what is already an amazing romance book! 📕
Straight on to book two, Ex Somnis, I go! ❤️
Book one of the complete Lucid Longing duet!
Overall rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice rating: 🌶️,5
If you are usually into more spicy Why Choose, please do not let the low spice rating deter you. In Somnis is a beautiful book, about people dreaming that there could be more.
Our FMC, Lennon, decides to remove herself from a relationship that was not a great love story. Her ex Spencer never really saw how amazing she was and she was constantly making herself smaller and less vibrant to match his expectations.
She feels called in dreams to visit her old best friend Tessa, and while accepting a three month lease on an apartment in Tessa home town, she finds herself among three very different men, who all have a strong connection with her.
Nevan, Inn-keeper and absolute golden hearted beautiful person, hires her as a chef at his inn. Nevan is younger than her, so a little reverse age gap, and is far too much on his shoulders for far too long. Lemon, aka Lennon, makes everything a little easier to carry. ❤️
Paul, the psychologist, already knows she is his soulmate, and ends up meeting her in a pretty dramatic way. They have a really hot spark from the beginning and I can’t wait to where they go from this book.
Ridge, her grumpy, strong, yet vulnerable neighbor finds her in her dreams and makes quite the impression! 🔥 He has been hurt, literally, in his past and is pretty much a hermit in his apartment, but Lennon nudged him out of his shell. Their relationship has so much potential and I think book two is going to be amazing.
In Somnis felt like Black Black managed to write two books in one, since we are constant following all four main characters from four POVs, but also seeing the plot unfold in both the real world and their dreams.
The book has some wonderful characters, and Jasper, Nevan’s little brother, is the most wonderful little punk fairy ever and has this amazing friendship/little brother/big sister relationship with Lennon! 🧚🏼♂️
The book is quite beautifully written and the dreamscape aspect adds such a unique layer to what is already an amazing romance book! 📕
Straight on to book two, Ex Somnis, I go! ❤️
September 10, 2026
In Somnis, book one of the Lucid Longing Duet, is a slow-burn contemporary reverse harem with a twist of paranormal, and I was completely intrigued by the concept!
Lennon is a 30-something chef whose mother has recently passed away. Newly single and trying to figure out where she belongs in life, Lennon leaves Boston on a whim after her best friend Tessa comes to her in a dream with a simple message: “Come to me.”
Tessa has been in a trance-like state for 12 years, and the outlook is looking grim. Lennon soon realises that her purpose is to move to Vernonia and try to save her friend.
In a short time in this small town, Lennon manages to meet three amazingly complex men, each one bringing something completely different to her life.
There’s Nevan, the young innkeeper with the weight of the world on his shoulders; Ridge, the horror-writing recluse who Lennon only meets in her dreams; and Paul, the psychologist with food aversions and night terrors.
Lennon is also dealing with her own struggles, including body image issues and PCOS, which made her feel like an even more relatable and realistic character.
Blake Black has a way of taking her characters off the pages and breathing life into them. These are flawed characters with real-life problems, and I loved how easy it was to connect with them and become invested in their stories.
As Lennon builds her connections with these three men, she also begins delving deeper into lucid dreaming as she discovers that this may be the key to saving Tessa. I found the whole concept of lucid dreaming so creative and fascinating, especially the idea of a 5D and people wanting to escape into this mysterious place known as “Elsewhere.”
There was so much mystery surrounding the dreams, the characters and exactly what was happening, and I definitely found myself wanting to know more!
Of course, the story ends on a cliffhanger… BUT Blake Black has been kind to us readers and released both book one and two on the same day!
So, naturally, I’m off to read book two immediately!
Lennon is a 30-something chef whose mother has recently passed away. Newly single and trying to figure out where she belongs in life, Lennon leaves Boston on a whim after her best friend Tessa comes to her in a dream with a simple message: “Come to me.”
Tessa has been in a trance-like state for 12 years, and the outlook is looking grim. Lennon soon realises that her purpose is to move to Vernonia and try to save her friend.
In a short time in this small town, Lennon manages to meet three amazingly complex men, each one bringing something completely different to her life.
There’s Nevan, the young innkeeper with the weight of the world on his shoulders; Ridge, the horror-writing recluse who Lennon only meets in her dreams; and Paul, the psychologist with food aversions and night terrors.
Lennon is also dealing with her own struggles, including body image issues and PCOS, which made her feel like an even more relatable and realistic character.
Blake Black has a way of taking her characters off the pages and breathing life into them. These are flawed characters with real-life problems, and I loved how easy it was to connect with them and become invested in their stories.
As Lennon builds her connections with these three men, she also begins delving deeper into lucid dreaming as she discovers that this may be the key to saving Tessa. I found the whole concept of lucid dreaming so creative and fascinating, especially the idea of a 5D and people wanting to escape into this mysterious place known as “Elsewhere.”
There was so much mystery surrounding the dreams, the characters and exactly what was happening, and I definitely found myself wanting to know more!
Of course, the story ends on a cliffhanger… BUT Blake Black has been kind to us readers and released both book one and two on the same day!
So, naturally, I’m off to read book two immediately!
Review of advance copy received from Author
TL:DR, this was amazing! Absolutely loved it. This might be my favourite read of 2026 so far! If you're on the fence about reading this, I'm here to say DO IT!!
❧𝐓𝐫𝐨𝐩𝐞𝐬/𝐕𝐢𝐛𝐞𝐬☙
➳ Contemporary*
➳ Reverse Harem Why Choose (MFMM)
➳ Lucid dreaming + dream sharing
➳ Dream spice
➳ Smalltown Romance
➳ Hurt/Comfort
❧𝐎𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐚𝐥𝐥 𝐓𝐡𝐨𝐮𝐠𝐡𝐭𝐬☙
Here's the thing about every single book Blake Black has ever written: she has this uncanny ability to make you connect personally with at least one character in each book. Whether that's a main character, a secondary character, or heck even a background character.
For Alaine in Rogue Riders (being the most recent example) I connected with her because I also suffer from chronic pain. One of the many medications I take is the same as she did in the book. So, it was easy for me to see myself in her shows, to feel her pain.
Now, I really didn't think that was going to happen in a book regarding lucid dreaming and dream sharing. Yet, I did within the first few pages. Reading Lennon come to the realisation that she has no one in her contacts list she could call in a time of need and who would drop everything and be there for her...learning that she is friends with so many people and yet not one of them are friends with her...Yeah, I've been there. Then couple that with grieving the fresh loss of the only person who did? Was not expecting tears before page 10.
My heart really broke for Nevan. That poor baby boy. I just wanted to force the 6 foot 7 giant into the little spoon and protect him from the world.
❧𝐅𝐚𝐯 𝐐𝐮𝐨𝐭𝐞𝐬☙
✦ "𝘍𝘳𝘪𝘦𝘯𝘥𝘭𝘺 𝘥𝘰𝘦𝘴𝘯'𝘵 𝘮𝘦𝘢𝘯 𝘭𝘰𝘺𝘢𝘭, 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘱𝘳𝘰𝘹𝘪𝘮𝘪𝘵𝘺 𝘥𝘰𝘦𝘴𝘯'𝘵 𝘮𝘦𝘢𝘯 𝘭𝘰𝘷𝘦, 𝘣𝘶𝘵 𝘐 𝘥𝘪𝘥𝘯'𝘵 𝘭𝘦𝘢𝘳𝘯 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘶𝘯𝘵𝘪𝘭 𝘷𝘦𝘳𝘺 𝘳𝘦𝘤𝘦𝘯𝘵𝘭𝘺."
✦ "𝘑𝘦𝘴𝘶𝘴, 𝘸𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘧𝘶𝘤𝘬 𝘪𝘴 𝘸𝘳𝘰𝘯𝘨 𝘸𝘪𝘵𝘩 𝘩𝘦𝘳? 𝘐 𝘬𝘯𝘰𝘸 𝘢 𝘧𝘶𝘤𝘬𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘭𝘰𝘵 𝘪𝘴 𝘸𝘳𝘰𝘯𝘨 𝘸𝘪𝘵𝘩 𝘮𝘦, 𝘣𝘶𝘵 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘴𝘩𝘪𝘵 𝘯𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘳 𝘩𝘢𝘱𝘱𝘦𝘯𝘦𝘥 𝘣𝘦𝘧𝘰𝘳𝘦 𝘴𝘩𝘦 𝘤𝘢𝘮𝘦 𝘢𝘳𝘰𝘶𝘯𝘥."
✦ "𝘔𝘺 𝘴𝘰𝘶𝘭𝘮𝘢𝘵𝘦 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘬𝘴 𝘐'𝘮 𝘢 𝘨𝘢𝘺 𝘴𝘦𝘳𝘪𝘢𝘭 𝘬𝘪𝘭𝘭𝘦𝘳. 𝘎𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘵."
✦ "𝘓𝘰𝘯𝘦𝘭𝘺 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘨𝘴 𝘤𝘢𝘯 𝘴𝘵𝘪𝘭𝘭 𝘣𝘦 𝘥𝘢𝘯𝘨𝘦𝘳𝘰𝘶𝘴 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘨𝘴. 𝘔𝘰𝘳𝘦 𝘥𝘢𝘯𝘨𝘦𝘳𝘰𝘶𝘴, 𝘮𝘢𝘺𝘣𝘦."
✦ "𝘚𝘰𝘮𝘦𝘵𝘪𝘮𝘦𝘴 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘱𝘦𝘰𝘱𝘭𝘦 𝘸𝘩𝘰 𝘭𝘰𝘷𝘦 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘤𝘢𝘯 𝘴𝘵𝘪𝘭𝘭 𝘭𝘦𝘢𝘷𝘦 𝘨𝘢𝘱𝘴 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘴𝘱𝘦𝘯𝘥 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘳𝘦𝘴𝘵 𝘰𝘧 𝘺𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘭𝘪𝘧𝘦 𝘵𝘳𝘺𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘵𝘰 𝘧𝘪𝘭𝘭."
❧𝐓𝐫𝐨𝐩𝐞𝐬/𝐕𝐢𝐛𝐞𝐬☙
➳ Contemporary*
➳ Reverse Harem Why Choose (MFMM)
➳ Lucid dreaming + dream sharing
➳ Dream spice
➳ Smalltown Romance
➳ Hurt/Comfort
❧𝐎𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐚𝐥𝐥 𝐓𝐡𝐨𝐮𝐠𝐡𝐭𝐬☙
Here's the thing about every single book Blake Black has ever written: she has this uncanny ability to make you connect personally with at least one character in each book. Whether that's a main character, a secondary character, or heck even a background character.
For Alaine in Rogue Riders (being the most recent example) I connected with her because I also suffer from chronic pain. One of the many medications I take is the same as she did in the book. So, it was easy for me to see myself in her shows, to feel her pain.
Now, I really didn't think that was going to happen in a book regarding lucid dreaming and dream sharing. Yet, I did within the first few pages. Reading Lennon come to the realisation that she has no one in her contacts list she could call in a time of need and who would drop everything and be there for her...learning that she is friends with so many people and yet not one of them are friends with her...Yeah, I've been there. Then couple that with grieving the fresh loss of the only person who did? Was not expecting tears before page 10.
My heart really broke for Nevan. That poor baby boy. I just wanted to force the 6 foot 7 giant into the little spoon and protect him from the world.
❧𝐅𝐚𝐯 𝐐𝐮𝐨𝐭𝐞𝐬☙
✦ "𝘍𝘳𝘪𝘦𝘯𝘥𝘭𝘺 𝘥𝘰𝘦𝘴𝘯'𝘵 𝘮𝘦𝘢𝘯 𝘭𝘰𝘺𝘢𝘭, 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘱𝘳𝘰𝘹𝘪𝘮𝘪𝘵𝘺 𝘥𝘰𝘦𝘴𝘯'𝘵 𝘮𝘦𝘢𝘯 𝘭𝘰𝘷𝘦, 𝘣𝘶𝘵 𝘐 𝘥𝘪𝘥𝘯'𝘵 𝘭𝘦𝘢𝘳𝘯 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘶𝘯𝘵𝘪𝘭 𝘷𝘦𝘳𝘺 𝘳𝘦𝘤𝘦𝘯𝘵𝘭𝘺."
✦ "𝘑𝘦𝘴𝘶𝘴, 𝘸𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘧𝘶𝘤𝘬 𝘪𝘴 𝘸𝘳𝘰𝘯𝘨 𝘸𝘪𝘵𝘩 𝘩𝘦𝘳? 𝘐 𝘬𝘯𝘰𝘸 𝘢 𝘧𝘶𝘤𝘬𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘭𝘰𝘵 𝘪𝘴 𝘸𝘳𝘰𝘯𝘨 𝘸𝘪𝘵𝘩 𝘮𝘦, 𝘣𝘶𝘵 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘴𝘩𝘪𝘵 𝘯𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘳 𝘩𝘢𝘱𝘱𝘦𝘯𝘦𝘥 𝘣𝘦𝘧𝘰𝘳𝘦 𝘴𝘩𝘦 𝘤𝘢𝘮𝘦 𝘢𝘳𝘰𝘶𝘯𝘥."
✦ "𝘔𝘺 𝘴𝘰𝘶𝘭𝘮𝘢𝘵𝘦 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘬𝘴 𝘐'𝘮 𝘢 𝘨𝘢𝘺 𝘴𝘦𝘳𝘪𝘢𝘭 𝘬𝘪𝘭𝘭𝘦𝘳. 𝘎𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘵."
✦ "𝘓𝘰𝘯𝘦𝘭𝘺 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘨𝘴 𝘤𝘢𝘯 𝘴𝘵𝘪𝘭𝘭 𝘣𝘦 𝘥𝘢𝘯𝘨𝘦𝘳𝘰𝘶𝘴 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘨𝘴. 𝘔𝘰𝘳𝘦 𝘥𝘢𝘯𝘨𝘦𝘳𝘰𝘶𝘴, 𝘮𝘢𝘺𝘣𝘦."
✦ "𝘚𝘰𝘮𝘦𝘵𝘪𝘮𝘦𝘴 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘱𝘦𝘰𝘱𝘭𝘦 𝘸𝘩𝘰 𝘭𝘰𝘷𝘦 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘤𝘢𝘯 𝘴𝘵𝘪𝘭𝘭 𝘭𝘦𝘢𝘷𝘦 𝘨𝘢𝘱𝘴 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘴𝘱𝘦𝘯𝘥 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘳𝘦𝘴𝘵 𝘰𝘧 𝘺𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘭𝘪𝘧𝘦 𝘵𝘳𝘺𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘵𝘰 𝘧𝘪𝘭𝘭."
Review of advance copy received from Author
Okay…I’m ready for Part 2
I signed up for this ARC because I was looking for a different pace from my normal reads. I wasn’t really sure how I was going to like it, but the storyline had me interested, and I’m so glad I was picked to be a reader for it. It definitely didn’t disappoint.
Each character is struggling with their own demons, and they’re brought together through a pull in the ether that they don’t quite understand. As the story unfolds, though, the pieces start coming together in a really interesting way.
While there are a lot of serious elements to this story, it’s also really sweet, fun, and well put together. The characters each have their own personalities that shine through, and I really enjoyed getting to know them and seeing how their individual stories connected.
I will say, while this does have adult themes, it’s definitely a SLOW burn. I’m not familiar enough with this author’s writing style to know if that’s typical, so I just wanted to mention it. It wasn’t unwelcome for me at all, but it’s something I’d keep in mind going in if you prefer more…content…though there is some interesting lollipop usage. 🍭
I’d also recommend checking the warnings if you have specific triggers or things you prefer to avoid.
There were a few areas that felt a little slower for me, especially as the story builds out the workings of the lucid state and the overall storyline. It wasn’t much, though, and the payoff of the overall story was absolutely worth it.
I loved getting to step outside of my comfort zone and discover a new-to-me author. I can’t wait to see where the story goes next, and I’m that ending definitely has me ready to read Part 2!
Thank you to the author for the opportunity to receive an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.
I signed up for this ARC because I was looking for a different pace from my normal reads. I wasn’t really sure how I was going to like it, but the storyline had me interested, and I’m so glad I was picked to be a reader for it. It definitely didn’t disappoint.
Each character is struggling with their own demons, and they’re brought together through a pull in the ether that they don’t quite understand. As the story unfolds, though, the pieces start coming together in a really interesting way.
While there are a lot of serious elements to this story, it’s also really sweet, fun, and well put together. The characters each have their own personalities that shine through, and I really enjoyed getting to know them and seeing how their individual stories connected.
I will say, while this does have adult themes, it’s definitely a SLOW burn. I’m not familiar enough with this author’s writing style to know if that’s typical, so I just wanted to mention it. It wasn’t unwelcome for me at all, but it’s something I’d keep in mind going in if you prefer more…content…though there is some interesting lollipop usage. 🍭
I’d also recommend checking the warnings if you have specific triggers or things you prefer to avoid.
There were a few areas that felt a little slower for me, especially as the story builds out the workings of the lucid state and the overall storyline. It wasn’t much, though, and the payoff of the overall story was absolutely worth it.
I loved getting to step outside of my comfort zone and discover a new-to-me author. I can’t wait to see where the story goes next, and I’m that ending definitely has me ready to read Part 2!
Thank you to the author for the opportunity to receive an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Thank you so much Blake for the Advanced Reader Copy! I am in love with Lennon and her world!
Gah! I love Blake's work! I swear if you want something light but also dark, a sprinkle of whimsy, and characters that make you want to step into their world and give them a hug, then you should read her book. Oh you also have to like Why-Choose.
Lennon is amazing and so carefully thought out. She has been through so much (like all of Blake's characters) but she is still so strong and cares for everyone she meets. She is a rambler, a happy chef, loves yellow, and bright things. I only hope that where she is going she will be able to keep that light.
The guys, they better get their acts together and pull for Lennon. I like how they all seem to know each other and it's a small town so it makes sense. But will they work together? Can they keep Lennon happy and not doubting herself? Paul, man that guy, when he is in he is all on and I loved his lines to her or in his head. "You will stay. You’ll decide the second I get my hands on you properly, and if you decide to leave anyway, that’s fine. I’ll simply follow you." I mean he really shouldn't have kept that thought inside but I bet it would have scared her. Ridge, he's a tricky one, seems to be a total asshole but I know he has it bad for her. And Nevan, sweet Nevan, he tries so hard in everything. They (him and Lennon) are the same side of the same coin. They both know the other is struggling and they each recognize how much they each need.
I love all the side characters and can't wait to see where the next book goes.
Gah! I love Blake's work! I swear if you want something light but also dark, a sprinkle of whimsy, and characters that make you want to step into their world and give them a hug, then you should read her book. Oh you also have to like Why-Choose.
Lennon is amazing and so carefully thought out. She has been through so much (like all of Blake's characters) but she is still so strong and cares for everyone she meets. She is a rambler, a happy chef, loves yellow, and bright things. I only hope that where she is going she will be able to keep that light.
The guys, they better get their acts together and pull for Lennon. I like how they all seem to know each other and it's a small town so it makes sense. But will they work together? Can they keep Lennon happy and not doubting herself? Paul, man that guy, when he is in he is all on and I loved his lines to her or in his head. "You will stay. You’ll decide the second I get my hands on you properly, and if you decide to leave anyway, that’s fine. I’ll simply follow you." I mean he really shouldn't have kept that thought inside but I bet it would have scared her. Ridge, he's a tricky one, seems to be a total asshole but I know he has it bad for her. And Nevan, sweet Nevan, he tries so hard in everything. They (him and Lennon) are the same side of the same coin. They both know the other is struggling and they each recognize how much they each need.
I love all the side characters and can't wait to see where the next book goes.
Review of advance copy received from Author
5 ⭐ 2 🌶️
Ho. Lee. Shiitake mushrooms. That was epic. AND IT ISN'T EVEN OVER I DIEEEEE. When I heard Blake was writing a story surrounding dreaming I was giddy as heck. But this exceeded every already insanely high expectation I had going in. These four are everything. This plot is everything. I just know this series is going to be E V E R Y T H I N G. I need Ex Somnis like I need air.
Want more than dramatics? 😂 Lennon is our broken FMC who just had a breakup with a TERRIBLE boyfriend and is missing her bestie something fierce. When she gets to her bestie's hometown we meet Derek, and his daughter Melanie, who is not in the why choose but omgggg I need his happy ever after too pleasefortheloveofallthatisholy. Her new neighbor Ridge—he's our resident grump and possibly my favorite of her three guys. This man is broken with a capital B and I'm so excited to watch his soul mend. Nevan who doesn't realize how hot he is but has been shut down for being "stupid" at every turn... Did I mention he's got the sweetest little brother and a train wreck for a mom? And then the Dr. Oooh boy. This man looks put together but he's just as broken as the rest of them and I can't wait for more of him. He's swoony as heck too.
But then there's the suspense. The man who seems to be haunting everyone... He's creepy and scary and I am both nervous and excited to see what he has in store for our friends in part two...
Anywhoooo I'll be salivating for the finale for a month or so. Wish me luck.
Thank you so much to Blake for the advanced copy, I freaking loved it!
Ho. Lee. Shiitake mushrooms. That was epic. AND IT ISN'T EVEN OVER I DIEEEEE. When I heard Blake was writing a story surrounding dreaming I was giddy as heck. But this exceeded every already insanely high expectation I had going in. These four are everything. This plot is everything. I just know this series is going to be E V E R Y T H I N G. I need Ex Somnis like I need air.
Want more than dramatics? 😂 Lennon is our broken FMC who just had a breakup with a TERRIBLE boyfriend and is missing her bestie something fierce. When she gets to her bestie's hometown we meet Derek, and his daughter Melanie, who is not in the why choose but omgggg I need his happy ever after too pleasefortheloveofallthatisholy. Her new neighbor Ridge—he's our resident grump and possibly my favorite of her three guys. This man is broken with a capital B and I'm so excited to watch his soul mend. Nevan who doesn't realize how hot he is but has been shut down for being "stupid" at every turn... Did I mention he's got the sweetest little brother and a train wreck for a mom? And then the Dr. Oooh boy. This man looks put together but he's just as broken as the rest of them and I can't wait for more of him. He's swoony as heck too.
But then there's the suspense. The man who seems to be haunting everyone... He's creepy and scary and I am both nervous and excited to see what he has in store for our friends in part two...
Anywhoooo I'll be salivating for the finale for a month or so. Wish me luck.
Thank you so much to Blake for the advanced copy, I freaking loved it!
Review of advance copy received from Author
I don’t even know what to say about this book. It took me some time to get into it but when I did, I didn’t want to leave it. Blake Black has this way of immersing a reader into a world they didn’t know they wanted to be in. We’ve been tech geniuses, played with magic and illusion, competed in mountain bike racing and so much more. Now we are literally in a dream world. Or many worlds. I am not a person that dreams a lot (or if I do, I don’t remember them) so dreams, what they mean, how they work, etc has never been on my radar for wanting to learn about. But this story, these characters, the complications are all so fascinating and the dream element is interwoven, it’s almost a separate character. I love Lennon, I want to give her a hug and tell her how awesome she is until she believes it. I think I want to give everyone a hug: Nevan for carrying so much and having no one to see it, Ridge for thinking his only worth is as an author because his legs don’t work, Paul for the ARFID and never ending control that he has to have over everything, Tessa because real life will always end up better than dream life, Jasper for his witchy cuteness. I have some theories on who the bad guy might be. I absolutely cannot WAIT until book 2! This is one that will stay with me for quite a while. 100000% recommend! (I was given an ARC of this book but no requirement to rate it - my thoughts are completely unbiased)
Review of advance copy received from Author
Advance Copy Received by author
Every time I pick up one of Blake’s new releases I say to myself “This is her best one yet..” and here we are again! Ugh the vibes are immaculate. Small town, paranormal, and lucid dreaming thrown in the mix.
One thing about this author that I love is the research she does. The lucid dreaming aspect was such a unique and interesting concept. I loved every second of it. Especially with my favorite MMC (insert Ridge and his sour suckers).
The characters are chefs kiss. Lennon are FMC is sunshine and lemons. She’s running from grief and a shit relationship. She heads to her best friend, who is across the country after a dream. I related so hard to her character. I just wanted to hug her. Being told you’re too much or to make yourself smaller in an aspect. Man I can relate. I just love how Blake brings us a real woman on page.
Our MMCs made it hard to choose a favorite but to know one’s surprise I’m in love with the grumpy one. Ridge is the grumpy next door neighbor who writes horror novels. Paul who has been dreaming about his soulmate and him k*king her. Oh and he’s a plant daddy! Nevan is 6’7, takes care of everyone and is way too hard on himself.
If you loved Soulfuls Seas you’re going to eat this up! How the characters tie together, the mystery of what’s really going on, the history of it all. I can’t wait for book 2!!
Every time I pick up one of Blake’s new releases I say to myself “This is her best one yet..” and here we are again! Ugh the vibes are immaculate. Small town, paranormal, and lucid dreaming thrown in the mix.
One thing about this author that I love is the research she does. The lucid dreaming aspect was such a unique and interesting concept. I loved every second of it. Especially with my favorite MMC (insert Ridge and his sour suckers).
The characters are chefs kiss. Lennon are FMC is sunshine and lemons. She’s running from grief and a shit relationship. She heads to her best friend, who is across the country after a dream. I related so hard to her character. I just wanted to hug her. Being told you’re too much or to make yourself smaller in an aspect. Man I can relate. I just love how Blake brings us a real woman on page.
Our MMCs made it hard to choose a favorite but to know one’s surprise I’m in love with the grumpy one. Ridge is the grumpy next door neighbor who writes horror novels. Paul who has been dreaming about his soulmate and him k*king her. Oh and he’s a plant daddy! Nevan is 6’7, takes care of everyone and is way too hard on himself.
If you loved Soulfuls Seas you’re going to eat this up! How the characters tie together, the mystery of what’s really going on, the history of it all. I can’t wait for book 2!!
Review of advance copy received from Author
Lennon has lost everything - everything that matters. She just lost her mom and her boyfriend broke her heart by not being there for her in any way, shape, form or fashion. So when her friend, stuck between two worlds, called for her in a dream… She listened. She packed up her little car, headed from Boston to Oregon, having no idea what she would encounter.
What she found was comfort, honesty, and compassion. Three men are drawn to her and she to them, caring for her all in different ways. Paul, Ridge, and Nevan are each complex in their own ways. They are each hurting and Lennon helps comfort them and they do the same for her.
The intertwining of the characters is lovely. Lennon is strong, yet vulnerable. She is kind and caring. I want to crawl into the book (or her dreams) and hug her tight.
What makes this so unique is her journey into lucid dreaming. Her encounters with some of the characters happen in dreaming and in lucidity. It’s absolutely wild and fascinating and I am just in awe of the author’s imagination.
Please, dear ones, you read the content warnings, as your mental health matters.
I’m a big time Blake Black fan and I think she just keeps getting better and better. This is by far my favorite book of hers! I cannot wait for the completion of the ‘Lucid Longing’ duet!
What she found was comfort, honesty, and compassion. Three men are drawn to her and she to them, caring for her all in different ways. Paul, Ridge, and Nevan are each complex in their own ways. They are each hurting and Lennon helps comfort them and they do the same for her.
The intertwining of the characters is lovely. Lennon is strong, yet vulnerable. She is kind and caring. I want to crawl into the book (or her dreams) and hug her tight.
What makes this so unique is her journey into lucid dreaming. Her encounters with some of the characters happen in dreaming and in lucidity. It’s absolutely wild and fascinating and I am just in awe of the author’s imagination.
Please, dear ones, you read the content warnings, as your mental health matters.
I’m a big time Blake Black fan and I think she just keeps getting better and better. This is by far my favorite book of hers! I cannot wait for the completion of the ‘Lucid Longing’ duet!
September 28, 2026
Like nothing you have read before…
Well that was an unexpected read! I have never come across anything like this. The thought of being lucid within your dreams where you can take control of what was happening was beyond my wildest thoughts. I can see how someone could easily get sucked in and enticed by it all. I will admit at first I thought how in such a small town could so many people be able to do the same conceptual thing? Seems odd and concentrated. Frankly it still seems odd. I am a huge fan of Blake Black’s books and I hate to say this was more of a 3 1/2 stars for me just because I, personally, was left with questions. The FMC grows throughout the duet. Becomes a stronger person after the loss of so many people in her life. Those same losses almost make her throw everything away to recover them. The MMCs you may love to hate them and hate to love them. Nevan you will just adore from the start. I would say they are kindred spirits. The villain of the story is “This Man” and as the story went along it took one mention, one clue to determine who that was. By the end of the book you too will know. That is where I start questioning so very much and unfortunately got no answers. Does it take away from the book? No, but it does make you wonder. In the end all are left to recover their lives, learn to live again, have hopes and dreams instead of nightmares.
Well that was an unexpected read! I have never come across anything like this. The thought of being lucid within your dreams where you can take control of what was happening was beyond my wildest thoughts. I can see how someone could easily get sucked in and enticed by it all. I will admit at first I thought how in such a small town could so many people be able to do the same conceptual thing? Seems odd and concentrated. Frankly it still seems odd. I am a huge fan of Blake Black’s books and I hate to say this was more of a 3 1/2 stars for me just because I, personally, was left with questions. The FMC grows throughout the duet. Becomes a stronger person after the loss of so many people in her life. Those same losses almost make her throw everything away to recover them. The MMCs you may love to hate them and hate to love them. Nevan you will just adore from the start. I would say they are kindred spirits. The villain of the story is “This Man” and as the story went along it took one mention, one clue to determine who that was. By the end of the book you too will know. That is where I start questioning so very much and unfortunately got no answers. Does it take away from the book? No, but it does make you wonder. In the end all are left to recover their lives, learn to live again, have hopes and dreams instead of nightmares.
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