Dreaming of You

by Ethan Day

Genre: LGBT Erotic Contemporary

Restaurateur Aden Ingle has been in love with the perfect man since his fourteenth birthday. Unfortunately, his perfect boyfriend only exists in his dreams. But Aden’s always believed it was his destiny to meet his dream man, and he's perfectly content to wait around for him to walk into his real life.

When he meets Logan Price at a Hotel/Restaurant Trade Show, he finds himself drawn to this man who shakes him out of his dream world. Pretty soon, the flesh and blood reality is becoming more appealing than the fantasy. The only problem is Logan lives half way across the country in California.

Aden's going to have to choose whether to give up everything he’s built for himself professionally and uproot his whole life for Logan, or wait for the man from his dreams to become a reality.

Publisher’s Note: This book contains explicit sexual content, graphic language, and situations some readers may find objectionable: Anal play/intercourse, male/male sexual practices.

Genres: M M Romance, Contemporary, Romance, Erotica, Humor, Gay, Contemporary Romance

193 pages, Kindle Edition

First published May 12, 2009

About the author

Welcome to Ethan Day's Goodreads Profile. I write mainly contemporary GLBT Romance Novels, but who knows what the future might bring and what other genres I may dive into.

Hopefully, you’ll find my books to be sexy as well as fun. Sex and romance, should be fun! If it isn’t, then perhaps you’re not doing it right.

I hope you love my characters as much as I do. With any luck they’ll inspire you the way they do me.

For a full Bio & more insight into my zany little mind, please visit my website listed above.

- I can also be found on Facebook @
https://www.facebook.com/ethandayonline

Reviews

[Vivian · Rating 2 out of 5]

Logan Price and Aden Ingle sitting in a tree...

Aden's friends and colleagues, Finn and Hunter are loud and crass. Unrepentantly so. Finn has moments that I'd drop kick her ass, but Aden seems to put up with. Why, I don't know. There is a bit of shock jock to their behavior which is OTT, but as a group makes sense for interactions. Nonetheless, there was a casual crudity to the characters behaviors and language that seemed very nighttime drama television, staged. To be fair this is not unusual in the Day stories that I've read, but the humor usually alleviates it. Here, it was too brittle, strained, and fell flat.

Now and then format, which I'm not terribly fond of in principle, here it works well, but still. And the dream sequences, again not my favorite, but an integral part of the story, thus I accepted it. The first person narrative I like, definitely keeps you wondering with the close perspective and singular view of events what is going on at times.

Aden was a bit of a born again virgin before Logan appeared on the scene living in a magical world where every guy we meet is gay and every woman has a gay family member or friend. Again, very Day, but seemed more obtrusive. I don't know if it was that I wasn't connecting with the characters or what.

Logan seems too good to be real, knight in shining armor good, and Aden seems confused and absent-minded and then sharp and on point. He really is the daydreaming sort of personality. And the last 25% of the story is a big WTH?! Aden veers abruptly off course tying in a story element, but just left me feeling uneasy.

2.5 Stars

Overall, I failed to make a love connection.

Favorite quote:

Logan was a like a drug created solely to cure what ailed me, and cure me he did.

~~A copy was provided to me for a No Glitter Blown review~~
~~~Reviewed for Hearts On Fire Reviews~~~~

[Sun · Rating 2 out of 5]

I’m gonna keep this brief.

I love Ethan Day. His writing cracks me up. I am a fan.

However, I just could NOT stomach this book. It wasn’t the writing. It wasn’t the story, per se (the premise is awesome!). It’s not that it lacked sexy bits. It didn’t bore me.

But it was the characters…all of whom I disliked to some degree (a couple of whom I actually despised).

Aden, the MC, was whiny and weird and SELFISH and ENRAGED me by the end. Idiot.
Logan, the love interest, was too perfect and too much a pushover.
Nathan, the business partner, put me to sleep.
Finn, the best friend, was just a flat out biznatch…sorry.

And dream man…honestly, in Ethan Day’s head, as a tiny spark of an idea? I bet he was AWESOME. But on paper, he annoyed me too.

So yeah…sorry. The more I think about this book, the more irritated I get. I’ll stop here…

[Emanuela ~plastic duck~ · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.5 stars.

Mmmmmh, I'm a bit disappointed. I think I got to read Ethan Day's books from the newest to the oldest and that's why the first books I read sounded fresher.

This book has an odd structure that in my opinion didn't help the narration. The story goes back and forth from the present to the past with a few dream sequences added in. And you know what? I think it ended where the interesting part began. As it is, there is no conflict between the main characters, the conflict comes all from Aden's confusion and his fabulous dream man, and it happens at the 75% mark of the book. All that comes before is more or less funny, but it seems a long introduction for a book whose end would be in a sequel.

I am afraid I can't give more than 2.5 stars, because the main character was a mess of confusion, the romantic interest was hot, but insubstantial, the best friends only sketched and clichéd. It didn't work at all for me, and Aden's last decisions made me roll my eyes, also because there's no point in having a character behave like a jerk and not make him face the consequences. That's where the meat of the story was, in my opinion.

[A.K.M. Miles · Rating 5 out of 5]

Totally loved this book. Laughed out loud several times and that makes me happy. If a book can make me laugh or cry, it's a keeper. This guy is good. I'm reading Self Preservation now and waiting for more.AKM

[Ethan Day · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 Stars from Reviews by Jessewave -
"Well-written and plotted with smart, snappy, witty dialog, it reminded me in some ways of a romantic screwball comedy from the 30s and 40s"
- http://reviewsbyjessewave.blogspot.co...

The fabulous Elisa Rolle says -
"Dreaming of You, even from the title, is the perfect example of a romantic comedy."
- http://elisa-rolle.livejournal.com/65...

5 Lips from Two Lips Reviews -
"Ethan Day has given us a comedic tale with unforgettable characters in Dreaming of You"
- http://www.twolipsreviews.com/content...

Rainbow Reviews gave it 4.5 Stars -
“Dreaming of You is a delightful romance - While this is my first Ethan Day story, it won’t be my last.”
- http://rainbow-reviews.com/?p=1392

The Book Wenches give it 4.25 Stars, saying -
“This story is whimsical and well-written, with characters who will capture your affection while at the same time spurring your laughter.”
- http://www.bookwenches.com/may09revie...

The Literary Nypmhs gave it 4 Stars -
"The plot of this contemporary M/M romance is well-written and fast paced, with snappy dialogue that had me chuckling."
- http://literarynymphsreviewsonly.blog...

[Debra ~~ seriously slacking on her reviews ~~ · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars

I enjoyed Ethan Day's writing style and had fun reading this rom-com, but the ending left me feeling a little off and not really happy with a character I had come to really like. Overall, it was a funny, light read and I will definitely be reading more of Ethan Day's books in the future.

[Elisa Rolle]

This is the second book I read by Ethan Day, and as before, it left me with the idea that probably, a) Ethan Day is a young guy with a positive and friendly attitude b) he likes very much the romantic comedy (both books but above all movies). In this new book he winks the eye to "Only You" a 1994 movie with Marisa Tomei: in the movie Faith was getting married with the perfect boyfriend, but she has only a regret, she has never met her "dream man", a man who frequents her night and day dreams since she was a teenager.

Same here, Aden is a nice young man, he co-owns a restaurant in Missouri and he has a quite happy life, if not for the thing that he has not a boyfriend. But Aden manages well all the same, he is a friendly guy and he has no problem to get laid, if he wants, and when he has no real man with him, he has his dream man, the perfect fantasy he built when he was a lonely teenager. In the last 15 years he married, built an house, adopted a son, went on holiday, all the time with his dream man.

Then to a convention in Atlanta he meets Logan, a restaurant owner from Los Angeles. Logan is not exactly his dream man (Adan has clear in mind how his dream man looks), but he is not far from the perfect boyfriend material: Logan is sexy, funny, friendly. Maybe he is a bit too much on the playboy side, but it's not that Aden is a virgin maid waiting for the knight in shining armor... so what is Aden waiting? probably the trouble is that, even if near perfect, Logan is not 100% perfect as Aden imagined his dream man, to build something with Logan, Aden has to compromise, maybe even move and change his life (Missouri is not exactly near to California). And it would mean take a risk, since even if Logan behaves like a man in love, from what Aden understood, Logan is not exactly a celibate man, and instead Aden, even if sometime he enjoys himself, is more the commitment and exclusive type.

And then there is the big open point: Aden knows, deep inside, that his dream man is out there waiting for him... what will happen if he commits with Logan to then find his dream man?

I like the feeling of the book, since it's very romantic without forgetting that we are speaking of men; an example? first date between Aden and Logan, Aden is in his room waiting for the night and the dinner with Logan; what would a woman do? take care of herself, maybe go to an hairdress, at least spend hour in front of the closet choosing the perfect dress... what does Aden do? he masturbates! and then, after taking care of himself in his own way, he spends some minute in front of the closet choosing the perfect dress... this is the difference between a "female perspective" on romantic comedy and "male perspective". But this is also the reason why I like it, since, even if obviously a pink glass perspective on love and life, I felt like the characters were real, with all their quirks and faults, and perfect shiny life.

The world where Logan and Aden live and love is an upper-class privileged world; Aden's trouble is to decide or not to move to Los Angeles to live in a poshy apartment with his new boyfriend Logan... all right, the poshy apartment is a bit too "anal" and Logan maybe is a playboy, and his dream man is somewhere in the world waiting for him, but Aden has not to worry about rent or bills or money... and THIS is what makes great a romantic comedy, the light and easy feeling that permeate all the story, we read and see a romantic comedy to dream not to think. Dreaming of You, even from the title, is the perfect example of a romantic comedy.

http://www.amazon.com/dp/1607374161/?...

[Nichole (DirrtyH) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Note: This review contiains two mild spoilers. I put alerts before each of them so you can skip them if you want.

This was a really fun, sweet romance full of humor. I'll definitely be looking for more stuff from Ethan Day, I loved his personality. With just a tad more conflict, this would have made a really great low budget rom com. (Hint hint, gay movie producers!)
However, it was a little flawed, which is why the four stars and not five.

I had two main problems. The first being that it was a little too visual. This is what would make it a great movie, but sort of gummed up the book a little. Day spent a little too much time describing his settings. In the case of Aden's house and Logan's condo I saw the purpose for this because it illustrated the differences between the two men. But the lengthy descriptions of all the hotels, bars and restaurants that they went to throughout the book were unnecessary and tripped things up. This book is in my head, I don't need that much detail! Also, there was a lot of physical, slapstick comedy that again works well on screen but not so much in print. And when Aden (spoiler alert!) sees the guy from his dreams, this would have worked better if I could see him. It was difficult for me to get that for Aden this was the same person.

The second problem was that while I really enjoyed Day's humor, there were a few parts where it felt like he was trying a little too hard. Most of the time it was great, but at times it started to border on obnoxious, particularly with the character of Finn. She was a bit overboard as the "bitchin' fag hag". I liked her at first but by the end I kinda wanted to smack her.

Oh, and (second spoiler alert!) the end kind of sucked. It ended before you got to see how everything worked out! I felt totally cheated.

Looks like this is only Day's second or third book, so hopefully as he continues to write things will get more polished. He definitely has a lot of talent and great potential. I recommend this book, it was fun!

[L-D · Rating 3 out of 5]

About 2.5 stars.

Aden is a partner of a successful restaurant. Aden and his business partner and friend, Nathan, travel to a restaurant conference in Atlanta where Aden meets Logan Price. The two hit it off immediately and their whirlwind romance escalates quickly into much more than a vacation tryst.

This book had the classic Ethan Day humor:

"Versatile," Sam said, laughing as he turned the car around, "otherwise known as big bottom boy."
"Jesus." I folded my arms. "You say it like it's a bad thing. I think of it as obtaining maximum pleasure for minimal exertion."

I really liked Aden and his best friend Finn (female) and their relationship.
"Hmm," Logan said, "you sound like a woman that's had to fake a few."
"Yes, well, I'm done with all that," Finn said, "Now I just tell them, I'm sorry, it's not working for me...just take your penis and go."

I also really liked Logan. He made a real effort at making the relationship work, and he did not play games.

What I didn't like was the usage of flashbacks. They made the flow of the story feel choppy. There were really too many of them and we kept bouncing back and forth from the present day at a party, to Aden's memories of Logan. I also did not like the dream sequences AT ALL. These were scenes where Aden would dream about this dream man that he has been obsessed with since he was 14. The whole book I was wondering what the point of the dream man was. It was also confusing because the dream scape would occur and I wouldn't realize that it's the dream person and not Aden with someone else. Then finally when the purpose of all the dream man scenes came to light, I was twice as irritated. I instantly went from liking Aden, to thinking he was TSTL. The book just took a tremendous nosedive from that point.

The ending totally ruined this book for me. Thanks to my Nook friend for lending this to me. I'm glad I read it, but even more glad that I didn't have to pay for it.

[Joanna · Rating 2 out of 5]

Probably more like 2.5 stars. To be fair to the book, I'm not a regular reader of romance novels. But someone recommended this one to me, then someone else sent me a copy, so I read it.

The characters in the book are realistic and amusing, even if the trope about the clumsiness of the lead character becomes a bit tired by the end of the book. Aden, the reasonably thoughtful lead character, is always falling down, tripping, falling off stools, and otherwise adding a bit of physical comedy. Certain scenes were realistically funny (e.g., running into someone near the elevator) and one or two were just good physical comedy (e.g., crashing into a flight attendant).

The book suffered from a major structural problem that I mostly associate with inexperienced or new authors. Rather than just leap in and tell the story that's the heart of the book, the author feels compelled to build a framework around the story. In this book, most of the central romantic relationship is told through flashbacks/relivings/memories rather than in the present tense. The present of the book is actually Aden's going away party. While the idea here is to build suspense related to the Dream Man, the book would have been substantially improved by focusing on the developing relationship in the present tense.

Also, ultimately, the Dream Man fantasy and its related plotline never rang true enough to hold my attention. Rather than posing a real dilemma or deep thinking, it served only as a brief, mostly boring, foil toward the end of the book.

Maybe I just want more from my books than romance novels by there very nature provide.

[Vanessa theJeepDiva · Rating 3 out of 5]

Anyone who has ever spent any amount of time with Aden Ingle knows he’s a dreamer. It’s no surprise that he has a dream man that he has been having a relationship with for sixteen years. The problem with Dreamy is that he lives only in Aden’s dreams. Aden is realistic enough that he knows he needs companionship with a fleshy man during waking hours. This is why he has no problem spending time with the very sexy and perfect for him Logan Price. Everything about Logan draws Aden in. They’re more than compatible for each other. The only flaw that Aden can find is that he is not Dreamy.

Dreaming of You is written in first person point of view, Aden’s point of view. There were times that some of this got confusing. Readers are in Aden’s life at the present time of his going away party, meeting and building a relationship with Logan, and dreams with Aden and Dreamy. There were a few instances where I had to figure out if Aden was with Logan or Dreamy.

Let’s talk about the ending. I was not pleased with it at all. Perhaps my feelings and reactions (married heterosexual woman) about what Aden did in St Louis are irrational and nothing like what two gay men (written by a gay man) would feel about the events that happened. The unknown element did not sit well with me. Although maybe that little bit of unknown was put there to add small piece of speculation into the new era of Adan’s life. It most certainly is an unknown though.

[Don Bradshaw · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a sweet, silly, sappy romantic comedy that was a nice change of pace. The characters were all quirky from the karma counting Aden to the slutty Nathan to the outrageous Finn, my favorite. Aden had it all back in Missouri except for love. He and Nathan had a successful restaurant and a great friendship that weathered an affair together. Then Aden met Logan at a trade show and a relationship grew. The only problem was that Aden thought that he was in love with this perfect man that lived only in Aden's mind.
I enjoyed Aden's back and forth personality and was a little surprised at the was Mr. Day put him on the plane. The characters were well developed and interesting. The romance itself flowed well. The thing that turned me off about the story aside from the sugary sweetness was the back and forth time jumping. I don't mind some flash backs but I felt it was over done and took a lot away from the story for me. The twist with Rufus was perfectly done as a lead in to the HEA ending.

[Kathy · Rating 5 out of 5]

DREAMING OF YOU is Ethan Day's second book and the promise shown in his first book ~ SELF PRESERVATION ~ is wonderfully kept. There's something about Ethan's characters to which I really respond; they're so very real and likable, even when they're being bitchy. They've got their flaws, foibles and fantasies but they've got heart, loyalty and a genuineness that makes them someone(s) that I'd love to know. The friendship between Aden, Nathan and Finn ~ superb... and hilarious, always a giggle or three; Aden and Logan ~ sizzle & burn! but also romantic... very, very romantic. I'd love to insinuate myself into Aden's circle of friends 'cause there's something about Aden that gets to me, way down deep. Of course, I felt exactly the same way about Davis in SELF PRESERVATION.

To be honest I get the same feeling reading anything by Ethan Day; his sense of humour is a delight and a riot and you never know what he's going to say next!

[Yvonne · Rating 3 out of 5]

I wasn't that fond of the way this story was written because it went back & forth in flashbacks & I started to lose track of what was happening in the present vs in the past. In addition there were many long dream lover dream sex sequence which I'm never that fond of. Still I was expecting more & the dream seemed to be leading somewhere. But it didn't happen until late in the book & Aden just turned into this thoughtless person, forgetting completely about how much he loved Logan. Then it ends with a guilty Aden & we never gets to see how Logan reacts.

I didn't like the ending which didn't include Logan. We needed scenes of Logan finding out what Aden did & perhaps leaving Aden temporarily & dating his best friend Sam or showing Logan forgiving Aden. I like a book that ends as strong as possible. This one wimped out at the end with no closure for the reader. Very unsatisfying

[Gwengwel · Rating 2 out of 5]

Did not finish.
I vote 2 stars because I feel guilty to vote 1 stars when the book's not a failure but just fail to please me. (People see 1star and assume: bad book, when in reality a 1star is: didn't like it.)

I can see that a lot of people liked this book, in my case I found it boring. The continuous change between pass-present with the addition of the sex dream was annoying and ruin the flow of the story. I was not sure sometimes when we were in time. It seems a pattern in Ethan Day's book and one I have problem with. Andy's personality clash with mine, an other bad point to help continue the book.

[Lily · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very entertaining story although I was a bit disappointed with the last couple of chapters. Aden and Logan are sexy and slightly over-the-top characters and their relationship, which reads like a fun quirky romantic comedy, was quite enjoyable to read. I'm a big fan of the author's writing which features fun plots, witty dialogue and interesting protags.

[Firenz · Rating 3 out of 5]

a Feel like there should be a sequel, there are a few things left unanswered. I really enjoyed the first part of the story! Wish we could see the conclusion. I know a lot of people will disagree with me here, but I feel kissing someone other than your boyfriend still counts as cheating!

I love Ethan Day but this one just didn't work for me, it felt incomplete.

[Erica Pike · Rating 5 out of 5]

What can I say? I love Ethan Day's books. They're funny, realistic, easy going, and Ethan has no qualms tossing his main character into embarrassing situations and a whole lot of mess. Dreaming of You is no exception. The characters are SO real and the situations and interaction, too.

[Heather C · Rating 4 out of 5]

review to follow

ETA: I never could figure out what to say about this one other than "E, you better write the sequel!"

[Shannon · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really loved this book...until the end. It felt really abrupt and unsatisfying. Not bad, just not finished!

[Deirdre · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was my first paperback by this author. Back at the end of November 2009 I enjoyed this book all the way up to what should have been the end. Then it just got stupid. There were parts of the MC's personality and insecurities that were endearing, but other idiosyncrasies - man, Logan must have really loved him. And yet he was willing to risk that for some fantasy feel he'd played in his head for years. The author's technique of going back and forth each chapter section was new and not to long to become annoying. It was just disappointing after enjoying so much how it ended. If it just would've ended with him going to Los Angeles - it would have been just fine.

[Kayleigh Garner · Rating 2 out of 5]

This story was a frustrating read, possibly because the main character was annoying? I also found it a little difficult at first to determine between "now" and "then" sections which further added to the annoyance. I was determined to read through to the end, and in the last chapter I could have screamed and yelled at the main character and then the story just ENDS.

[Jes Jester · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ethan Day is a fantastic author of the genre. While 'Sno Ho' will always be my favorite of his, I can't deny that each book I've read since has filled me with happiness. This is a great author that I think fans of the M/M ROM genre should really get up close and personal with.

[Kassa · Rating 3 out of 5]

This fun, exaggerated comedy is meant to be read in a light hearted manner. The characters and situations are over the top, creating outlandish personalities that clash and pop in a comic setting that is just as outrageous as the people. If you can get into the characters and zany antics, this is a breezy summer read with a lot of humor thrown in. The actual personalities are certifiable and can’t possibly exist without medicated help but the book is very much a nod to pop culture, romantic comedies. If you enjoy those sorts of movies, you’ll want to go along on Aden’s ride.

Aden is a total klutz and has such an exaggerated personality - I wouldn’t be surprised if this was a caricature of the author or a close friend. Aden is described as incredibly hot and good looking but his odd quirks and weird habits tend to cause some problems for his relationships. He has a tendency to shout out loud in response to his inner conscience, keep a detailed karma point balance, and can’t manage to walk and chew gum without getting a concussion. He manages to turn every possible smooth move into an ad for medicated help. However, despite all his problems and quirks, he has a charm that draws men and women alike to his inherently good nature.

Throughout his life Aden has always had dreams of one man. These dreams are different and complex ranging from new meetings to honeymoons and vacations. These dreams created a fantasy world for Aden to slip into and escape the stress and loneliness in his life. Aden’s fantasy world is challenged when he meets the all too real Logan. Logan is also in the restaurant business but is a chef and for some reason, all those quirks and odd behaviors of Aden’s that drive his friends insane, Logan loves that about Aden. Their whirlwind romance becomes a long distance relationship and just when things start to get serious, Aden’s dream man may just be real. Aden must make some tough choices and risks to find happiness.

The characters are all as over the top as their antics. Fag hag and physically abusive Finn is a fun character even though her friendship is a bit suspect. Nathan is a good support and perhaps the only normal one of the entire group and thus gets little to no real depth and action in the storyline. Logan is sympathetic and a strong support for Aden, though he is often very one note. The development of his character starts well and hits some bumps, mostly because the story revolves around Aden to the point that there is less development for others than how Aden reacts to those around him. Since the narrative is in first person for Aden, he is the only fully realized character. The actions of everyone around him range from thinking he’s incredibly weird to being charmed by his oddball behavior. Aden has his own set of insecurity and fears and reactions, which move the story along at a quick, comic pace but allow for little real progress.

This is a fun, light story that is weak on the angst and emotional maturity and long on the quirky, romantic comedy actions with numerous nods to pop culture. The story line is light and moves incredibly fast with engaging, witty dialogue. The ridiculous characters add many elements of fun if the reader can laugh along with their humor. I wasn’t fully invested in the story and thus had some “is he crazy or just psycho” moments, however, it’s worth going along for the ride in the light hearted manner it’s intended. There are a lot of classic stereotypes and tropes thrown in but nothing overwhelms the story and Aden is a charming narrator with all his weirdness. This isn’t one I’d re-read but for a summer story to laugh with, it accomplished that goal.

[JJ · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was provided free in exchange for a fair and honest review for Love Bytes.

Dreaming of you begins with an introduction to Aden and the man of his dreams who he’s never really met. Aden seems almost content with the idea that he’ll never meet his dream man, but when he goes to a conference and meets Logan, he forgets about the perfect man he’s always imagined. Though Logan owns a restaurant in another state, this doesn’t stop them from seeing one another. Logan makes his feelings clear for Aden upfront, but it takes Aden some time to actually believe that it’s real. When it comes to the point when Aden has to make a choice about where his life will lead him, something unexpected happens that threatens to ruin everything.

This book was extremely cute and romantic. Though some of the situations were a bit unbelievable, there was so much that was extremely realistic and great entertainment. I thought it was interesting how Aden had an imaginary dream guy, but he ends up meeting Logan who seemed more like a dream guy more than anything. He was perfect all around. In addition to loving the characters, the erotic scenes were hot. The only thing that bothered me in the least was the direction things were going toward the end. I was really worried about how the book would end, but I was more than happy with how things wrapped up. I recommend this book to anyone who loved sweet M/M romance.

[Angel Martinez · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a lot of fun, in several veins. The first is the story itself, in the tradition of old Hollywood comedies (though I never saw one with a gay couple, more's the pity.) Plenty of awkward moments and physical comedy, lots of good repartee between characters, and an improbable conflict involving a man who doesn't exist outside of Aden's head. Second is the quirky characters - Aden with his karma points and his inability to find a mean bone in his body, his harridan friend Finn, and even Logan, whose view of life as intrinsically funny is contagious. Third is the growth of the writer himself. This isn't my first Ethan Day, but I started much farther on in his lexicon and find it marvelous to see the difference in how he handles pacing and structure.

There are some issues with this story, partly in the back and forth narrative (I don't need a linear plot, but it didn't seem to be necessary dramatically) and partly in the odd disintegration of Aden's character towards the end. While it was successful from a comedic standpoint, I found it hard to swallow that he would actually go through with, as far as it goes, his bizarre pursuit at the end of the story. Honestly, I wanted to slap him, and it just didn't feel like him suddenly, as if someone else had taken possession of the character.

All that said - I loved the premise and did enjoy the story. I smiled a lot and snickered a bit, too. A read recommended for one of those days that leaves you feeling like you've been run over by a road paver. Without a doubt, a good pick-my-up.

[Joyfully Jay · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Joyfully Jay review.

3.75 stars

There is just something about Ethan Day’s writing that just reaches out and grabs me from the first words and holds tight until the last sentence. For me, Day’s books have always been an auto-buy and many of them are on my read-over-and-over list for those times when I need a bit of humor. So, needless to say, I’ve been anxiously awaiting this book. So, let’s get on with the review.

Aden and his best friend Nathan are business partners who own a restaurant together. Aden working the front end of the business, while Nathan handles the back end. Though they once dated and slept together, they realized fairly quickly that they make better friends than lovers. His other best friend, Finn, is their best “girl friend.” As the story is told through Aden, we get an inside look into the nonsense Aden has running through his head. I burst out laughing more than a few times.
This story is told in the present day starting with Aden and his best friends heading to their restaurant for Aden’s “Going Away party,” interspersed with flashback of Aden’s and Logan’s relationship. While, ordinarily I’m not a fan of flashback-told stories, for this story it worked.

Read Wendy’s review in its entirety here.

[H Beeyit · Rating 3 out of 5]

Fun, sweet story, and I didn't mind the open ending (I've been rewriting the endings of books and movies and shows inside my head all my life, so giving them a happy ending is not a problem for me,) but the author's writing style is just very rough. It's particularly obvious during descriptive passages, where he just keeps tossing more and more details at the reader, in a way that doesn't flow at all. A writer needs to know when to be precise and when to just shade things in and leave the reader with an impression of a setting or a character.

[Warning: Nitpicking ahead. Because I need to get it out, and I know that there are other nitpickers in the world who might want to know before they buy.]

Plus, it's "discernible"! No a, please. Do not believe Merriam-Webster EVER because it is full of lies. And, er, "cum" and "precum" should only be used in porn, and bad porn, at that. Nothing yanks me out of a love story faster than that.

[/end nitpicking:]

Bottom line, the story had good bones, and the author has promise, but I would be extremely reluctant to buy more of his books in the future. His writing really needs a lot of work, and some good betas to get him pointed in the right direction.

[BookAddict ✒ La Crimson Femme · Rating 3 out of 5]

I have an issue with this one. About 4/5 of the way through, I'm horrified and going, WTF?!?! You cheating bastard! Aden is a little shit. He doesn't deserve Logan. I get Aden; I really do. He's not the only one who's had a dream lover haunt him for years. Mine left me when I was around 25. I remember the dream pretty clearly too. Anyway, if I met my dream lover and I was single, I might have done something. As I have never met him and I'm happily married, I guess it will never be.

Once again Mr. Day pulled me into his story quickly. I liked Logan from the very beginning. I enjoyed this flashing back and forth to tell the story of how Aden and Logan move forward as a couple. It's great that Nathan and Finn can support Aden. I'm still thinking that since Sam's unrequited love for Logan exists, Logan should take him up on that for a little bit, to even out Aden's betrayal. Was it a betrayal. HELL.YES. Asshole.

I rated this one a 3 because I don't like stories with cheating in it.

[UnusualChild{beppy} · Rating 1 out of 5]

synopsis:
aden meets logan at a conference in atlanta and is istantly smitten. they have a great connection and lots in common, as they both work in restaurants. even though they don't live in the same area, they manage to visit and get to know one another over several months. aden agrees to move to california to live with logan. there is one catch, though: ever since he was 14, aden has had a dream lover. he doesn't know his name, but he knows what he looks like and his personality.

what i liked: logan. and, up until about 89%, aden.

what i didn't like: i was actually really enjoying this story until aden went off the rails and followed his dream man from the airport AS HE WAS SUPPOSED TO BE LEAVING TO GO MOVE IN WITH LOGAN!!!!! what the hell?! aden loved logan. logan appreciated him for who he was, and thought his quirks were an amazing part of him. then, at the end, he doesn't even get to logan, he's just heading in that direction. seriously. i was so not impressed.