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Casting Dreams
Some dreams are meant to be… Parents murdered, her home burned, Mirela Rawlings fled to Kenmare for sanctuary. It was there she overcame a childhood of pain with a fiery spirit, unruly determination, and an extraordinary gift. With legends and lore of gypsies running through Mirela’s blood, she always knew her dreams were more than smoke and fantasy. Conner Delany arrives in Kenmare—a land of dazzling lakes and lush forest—a place where his ancestry began and his destiny awakes. The last thing he expected to find was Mirela. Conner has a dark past and a secret to protect, but he is unable to resist the gypsy with a body of a goddess and eyes of a sorceress. Since Conner’s arrival, Mirela’s dreams have become relentless. Darkness swirls in the mist, threatening all that Mirela cares about. Ancient curses, undying passion, and the shadow of an abiding evil haunt her every step. Mirela must find the power to save them both, for some dreams are meant to be... This is a New Adult Paranormal Romance standalone short novel.
152 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 1, 2017
56 people are currently reading
250 people want to read
About the author
J.L. Weil
100 books1,712 followersUSA TODAY Bestselling author J.L. Weil lives in Illinois where she writes Teen & New Adult Paranormal Romances about spunky, smart mouth girls who always wind up in dire situations. For every sassy girl, there is an equally mouthwatering, overprotective guy. Of course, there is lots of kissing. And stuff.
An admitted addict to Love Pink clothes, raspberry mochas from Starbucks, and Jensen Ackles. She loves gushing about books and Supernatural with her readers.
She is the author of the International Bestselling Raven & Divisa series.
www.jlweil.com
An admitted addict to Love Pink clothes, raspberry mochas from Starbucks, and Jensen Ackles. She loves gushing about books and Supernatural with her readers.
She is the author of the International Bestselling Raven & Divisa series.
www.jlweil.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews
October 5, 2017
Casting Dreams by J L Well.
Mirela is a gypsy who is clairvoyant. She has been having strange dreams of the same man. She doesn't know why? Until she bumps into him.
I really enjoyed this book. A lovely and magical read with great characters. I really felt like I was there. 5*. red coat pr.
Mirela is a gypsy who is clairvoyant. She has been having strange dreams of the same man. She doesn't know why? Until she bumps into him.
I really enjoyed this book. A lovely and magical read with great characters. I really felt like I was there. 5*. red coat pr.
April 21, 2020
I received this ARC from Red Coat Publishing and the author in exchange for an honest review.
What did I do on the weekend? Why, thanks for asking. I read a novella about a young woman, who is a tough cookie, a special snowflake, “a rare diamond” (her words, not mine). I'm apologizing in advance for any sarcasm that seeps through in this review. It may also contain elements of ranting and venting as I try to make sense of the purpose of this relatively short story.
The characters had one task and one task only: repetition.
The main character kept repeating her thoughts throughout the entire narration; hammering into the reader’s mind the perceived turmoil of her existence. She was conceded, selfish, and self-centred with a splash of narcissism. Her main squeeze was pretty much just a typical male character, someone the main character needed to drool and lust over. His personality was far from consistent, although one could argue that was part of the plot. Personally, I didn’t agree with his treatment of women.
The plot was thin at best. A few scenes of smooching and canoodling is flanked by many words that do not say much to enrich the story.
The writing was tiresome. I found spelling mistakes throughout the entire novella. Commonly used phrases seemed to have been purposely changed to appear clever and creative, only to come across as awkward. The constant repetition of the main character’s inner feelings conveyed through the first-person narration done by her made it feel like the story “progressed” at snail speed.
Another thing that had me not rolling my eyes in this case, but flinging my head back in sheer frustration, was her constant self-aggrandizing.
Overall, I was greatly disappointed by this novella. The preview promised a story of folklore, gypsies and magic. All I got out of it were a few lukewarm passion scenes and illusions of depth. I would not recommend it.
What did I do on the weekend? Why, thanks for asking. I read a novella about a young woman, who is a tough cookie, a special snowflake, “a rare diamond” (her words, not mine). I'm apologizing in advance for any sarcasm that seeps through in this review. It may also contain elements of ranting and venting as I try to make sense of the purpose of this relatively short story.
The characters had one task and one task only: repetition.
The main character kept repeating her thoughts throughout the entire narration; hammering into the reader’s mind the perceived turmoil of her existence. She was conceded, selfish, and self-centred with a splash of narcissism. Her main squeeze was pretty much just a typical male character, someone the main character needed to drool and lust over. His personality was far from consistent, although one could argue that was part of the plot. Personally, I didn’t agree with his treatment of women.
The plot was thin at best. A few scenes of smooching and canoodling is flanked by many words that do not say much to enrich the story.
The writing was tiresome. I found spelling mistakes throughout the entire novella. Commonly used phrases seemed to have been purposely changed to appear clever and creative, only to come across as awkward. The constant repetition of the main character’s inner feelings conveyed through the first-person narration done by her made it feel like the story “progressed” at snail speed.
Another thing that had me not rolling my eyes in this case, but flinging my head back in sheer frustration, was her constant self-aggrandizing.
Overall, I was greatly disappointed by this novella. The preview promised a story of folklore, gypsies and magic. All I got out of it were a few lukewarm passion scenes and illusions of depth. I would not recommend it.
October 5, 2017
3.5ish stars. This book was more heavy on the romance and less on the paranormal side. Don't get me wrong there is paranormal but just not as much as I would have anticipated. It was a quick easy read. Nothing to write home about, but definitely good for a one day read.
**I got this for free in exchange for an honest and unbiased review**
**I got this for free in exchange for an honest and unbiased review**
September 23, 2017
Casting Dreams by J.L. Weil is a paranormal romance novel about a young woman by the name of Mirela. Mirela is a white gypsy. She is a clairvoyant who has the gift of seeing in her dreams. Since she was a little girl she has dreamed of a man that she has never met before. Over the years she has come to care for him but more than that she wishes to save him. Every night she dreams of him going up against a wolf and dying at its fangs. Mirela’s clairvoyance is a gift but she views it as a burden because it is never clear enough to help her. As the dreams begin to come more frequently she comes to believe that time is ticking down. Her beliefs are confirmed when she bumps into, literally, the very man that she has been dreaming about. Conner Delaney is in town and their paths have finally crossed. Mirela and Conner both feel the connection between them, but things go deeper than they appear. Conner has many secrets that he chooses to keep from Mirela as she strives to try and help save him from the fate that awaits him.
Casting Dreams by J.L. Weil is an engaging paranormal romance. Mirela has been through somethings at her young age due to her gift. With the loss of her family at such a young age she has mixed feelings concerning her gift. She uses it well though and utilizes it to help her pay the bills. She’s a strong independent young woman who has kept her distance when it comes to relationships. Her Gran wishes for her to meet someone and give her grandkids but she understands the dynamics of Mirela’s life. I love that the setting is Ireland. While we don’t get a lot of description of the surrounding area you still get a touch of Ireland itself. With Mirela living in a small town the author does a good job staying true to that with how neighbors are always watching you and gossiping.
You definitely get the sense of chemistry between Mirela and Conner when they cross paths. I love how even he recognizes the connection but there is more to it but the author does a good job at stretching it out so that you don’t see it coming. There are some twists and surprises that you just don’t see coming but it makes the story even more engaging.
For me, I would have liked a bit more danger from another outside source but overall I think this story is really well done. While I enjoyed this story I think that some editing is in order. One error that really sticks out is this sentence – “But that been before I’d fallen head over heels in love with the jerk.” I had to reread the sentence a couple times to make sure that 1) I was reading it right and 2) that it was what it said. There are a couple other minor spelling errors but this one really stood out for me.
All in all this is a beautifully done story that I enjoyed reading. I wanted to know what was going to happen next with Mirela and Conner. I so badly wanted her to be able to save him and rescue him from his fate. I like the surprise elements and how well they are written in. I am rating this book 5 out of 5 stars. I really enjoyed it and look forward to reading more from this author in the near future.
I received a copy for review.
Casting Dreams by J.L. Weil is an engaging paranormal romance. Mirela has been through somethings at her young age due to her gift. With the loss of her family at such a young age she has mixed feelings concerning her gift. She uses it well though and utilizes it to help her pay the bills. She’s a strong independent young woman who has kept her distance when it comes to relationships. Her Gran wishes for her to meet someone and give her grandkids but she understands the dynamics of Mirela’s life. I love that the setting is Ireland. While we don’t get a lot of description of the surrounding area you still get a touch of Ireland itself. With Mirela living in a small town the author does a good job staying true to that with how neighbors are always watching you and gossiping.
You definitely get the sense of chemistry between Mirela and Conner when they cross paths. I love how even he recognizes the connection but there is more to it but the author does a good job at stretching it out so that you don’t see it coming. There are some twists and surprises that you just don’t see coming but it makes the story even more engaging.
For me, I would have liked a bit more danger from another outside source but overall I think this story is really well done. While I enjoyed this story I think that some editing is in order. One error that really sticks out is this sentence – “But that been before I’d fallen head over heels in love with the jerk.” I had to reread the sentence a couple times to make sure that 1) I was reading it right and 2) that it was what it said. There are a couple other minor spelling errors but this one really stood out for me.
All in all this is a beautifully done story that I enjoyed reading. I wanted to know what was going to happen next with Mirela and Conner. I so badly wanted her to be able to save him and rescue him from his fate. I like the surprise elements and how well they are written in. I am rating this book 5 out of 5 stars. I really enjoyed it and look forward to reading more from this author in the near future.
I received a copy for review.
October 5, 2017
No surprise that I absolutely loved this book! If Weil wrote it, I'm going to love it.
Mirela Rawlings, orphaned at a young age, she fled to Kenmare for protection. For as long as she can remember, she's dreamed of a man, well of his death. She knows its a vision and one day will come to pass. With gypsy blood in her veins, Mirela has some gifts. Fortune telling, visions and a touch of magic.
She's grew into a beautiful women, with the eyes of a gypsy! She has her own shop and her life is somewhat normal until the man from her dreams bumps into her on the street.
Conner Delaney, black hair, and aqua eyes...its definitely the man from her dreams. With the appearance of dream guy, Mirela's life rushes forward and things get complicated quickly. Mirela knows Conner isn't telling her everything and she had to to everything in her power to save him from the fate she has dreamed of everynight. But to be saved you have to want it, and it seems conner has given in to his destiny.
The characters were amazing, I loved Mirela's strong personality and Conners Stubborn arrogance. True love is of the purest magic!
Mirela Rawlings, orphaned at a young age, she fled to Kenmare for protection. For as long as she can remember, she's dreamed of a man, well of his death. She knows its a vision and one day will come to pass. With gypsy blood in her veins, Mirela has some gifts. Fortune telling, visions and a touch of magic.
She's grew into a beautiful women, with the eyes of a gypsy! She has her own shop and her life is somewhat normal until the man from her dreams bumps into her on the street.
Conner Delaney, black hair, and aqua eyes...its definitely the man from her dreams. With the appearance of dream guy, Mirela's life rushes forward and things get complicated quickly. Mirela knows Conner isn't telling her everything and she had to to everything in her power to save him from the fate she has dreamed of everynight. But to be saved you have to want it, and it seems conner has given in to his destiny.
The characters were amazing, I loved Mirela's strong personality and Conners Stubborn arrogance. True love is of the purest magic!
September 9, 2017
Casting Dreams is a paranormal romance featuring magic, gypsies, and ancient folklore. Mirela is a young woman looking for a new start after a horrifying ordeal which left her parents dead and her homeless. Throughout her life, she has experienced a recurring dream involving a mysterious stranger and a wolf who appear to be in some kind of struggle with each other. Little does Mirela know, her dreams are about to become reality. Enter Conner, a young man on a journey of his own to face his ancestral fate, who looks remarkably like the man from Mirela's dream. The two characters meet, fall in insta-love, and together face their destiny. It was just an okay, quick read for me. From the blurb, I got the sense that both the characters had magic, but I didn't quite feel like I got a good feel for the extent of this power with either one of them. Was looking for a bit more character development. Ending seemed a bit rushed.
I received an advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
I received an advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
September 26, 2017
This story introduces us to Mirela, who is a white gypsy. Her parents were killed when she was young and she was taken care of by her Gran. This book centers around the phenomenon that since Mirela was six years old she has had reoccurring dreams of a specific man and event. This seemed a tad creepy to me that such a little girl would dream of a man's demise over and over. It turns out Mirela never really has gotten close with a boyfriend because of the preoccupation with the dream guy. Excitement comes when Mirela actually ends up bumping into the very man that she has been dreaming of for all these past years. This story is very well thought out and kept my attention. I would have loved for the book to have been longer so that details could have been added and back stories somewhat told. I was really interested in finding out more about some of the sub-characters. I will definitely read the next book in this series.
September 20, 2017
I enjoyed this book, it pulled me in & kept my interest & it was a fast read. I felt it was a bit light on the paranormal side & had sort of a gothic feel to it at times. I felt there were a few places in the plot that were a bit confusing to me, & though it's supposed to take place in Ireland, I never really felt I was reading something that took place in Ireland. I think that the character of Mirela was better developed than Conner's. I can't put my finger on why but his character came across a bit off putting to me, maybe it was his split personality? I did like Mirela as the heroine, she really drove the story. The flow was pretty good thru the story, except the ending felt a bit abrupt. The world building was pretty good with just a few places that could have used more details or background to help out.
October 3, 2017
Mirela fled to Kenmare for sanctuary after her home was burned down and her parents killed. She is a white gypsy who has dreams that are more than mere images. For years she has been dreaming of a man and his death. The day comes when she meets the man, Conner. He has a past full of secrets and knows to stay away from Mirela, but he simply can't stay away. She is determined to save him.
This is a short novella, but it's quite detailed with nice world-building and an elaborate back-story. It's a captivating story of magic and mystery. The characters are likable, but I would have liked more heat between them. At times it was repetitve, but overall promising. I hope for more folklore and gypsy magic in the future. More pretty much sums up this review. I want more story, more action, more romance, more magic. More!
This is a short novella, but it's quite detailed with nice world-building and an elaborate back-story. It's a captivating story of magic and mystery. The characters are likable, but I would have liked more heat between them. At times it was repetitve, but overall promising. I hope for more folklore and gypsy magic in the future. More pretty much sums up this review. I want more story, more action, more romance, more magic. More!
September 28, 2017
I enjoyed this book. I will admit I didn’t connect with these characters as much as I have with this author’s other characters/books. However, this book is still quite good. It follows the story of a young woman who has had a fairly rough time of it so far but she is strong and perseveres. She has dreamed of Conner and his death since she was 6. She meets him in her small town and the pieces begin to slowly come together. This becomes a story of how far would you go to be with the one you love? As always with this author, the female character is strong and I like to think I caught at least one reference to the most awesome tv show Supernatural!! I would definitely recommend this book.
September 29, 2017
I was really suprised by this book, I went into it not knowing anything and was happy I was given a copy!
Getting a taste of Druid and gypsy magic made me wish this was more then a novella, I love the main character of Mirela, she was easy to relate to and had so much sass that she could easily hold her own. I had mixed feelings about he leading man, he intrigued me but wasn't too sure about him as a character and wish the book was longer so we could get more of his story.
Though it had hold of me through the whole story, with lots of action and a lot of information even in how small of a book it was I do wish that some areas could have been more indepth but definately an enjoyable read.
Getting a taste of Druid and gypsy magic made me wish this was more then a novella, I love the main character of Mirela, she was easy to relate to and had so much sass that she could easily hold her own. I had mixed feelings about he leading man, he intrigued me but wasn't too sure about him as a character and wish the book was longer so we could get more of his story.
Though it had hold of me through the whole story, with lots of action and a lot of information even in how small of a book it was I do wish that some areas could have been more indepth but definately an enjoyable read.
December 11, 2017
Fun and entertaining
I give four stars because it is a short story and there were some grammatical errors and words left out. As for the story, fun and entertaining. This book could be for teens on up. Sex scenes weren't over the top. Stories taking place in Ireland have always been my favorite. Hoke to legends and folklore. This is where this story takes place. A young gypsy has had dreams of a young man all her life. In these dreams, he is always evading a black wolf. She has yet to understand how her life is linked to this man. Everything changes when she bumps into him one day. No spoiler alerts here. Read it!
I give four stars because it is a short story and there were some grammatical errors and words left out. As for the story, fun and entertaining. This book could be for teens on up. Sex scenes weren't over the top. Stories taking place in Ireland have always been my favorite. Hoke to legends and folklore. This is where this story takes place. A young gypsy has had dreams of a young man all her life. In these dreams, he is always evading a black wolf. She has yet to understand how her life is linked to this man. Everything changes when she bumps into him one day. No spoiler alerts here. Read it!
September 18, 2017
~~I received this in exchange for my honest opinion~~
I love it when I can dive into a book and get captured by the subject! The only thing that I wish that this book has was more background and more magick. I really enjoyed reading this book. I just wish there was more!
To have to choose between what you want, and what is expected of you is hard. But in the end everything works out for the best. J.L Weil is an author that I have never read before. I can tell you right now that I am going to continue to read J.L.'s work.
I love it when I can dive into a book and get captured by the subject! The only thing that I wish that this book has was more background and more magick. I really enjoyed reading this book. I just wish there was more!
To have to choose between what you want, and what is expected of you is hard. But in the end everything works out for the best. J.L Weil is an author that I have never read before. I can tell you right now that I am going to continue to read J.L.'s work.
July 26, 2018
Sweet and comfortably predictable
I enjoy this author and read many of her books. Her story lines are original and vary from books to books. She has a true grasp of romance and her characters never fail to delight.
The only issue I have is her lousy editing. Misspelling is annoying and for me it interrupts the flow of the story. She really needs to either become better at spelling or hire an editor. I find this problem with all of her stories that I have read.
Yet I continue to read her novels.......they just would be more enjoyable without the errors.
I enjoy this author and read many of her books. Her story lines are original and vary from books to books. She has a true grasp of romance and her characters never fail to delight.
The only issue I have is her lousy editing. Misspelling is annoying and for me it interrupts the flow of the story. She really needs to either become better at spelling or hire an editor. I find this problem with all of her stories that I have read.
Yet I continue to read her novels.......they just would be more enjoyable without the errors.
September 17, 2017
This book was enjoyable, a gypsy dreaming of a man over and over again then she meets him. There's a reason she dreams of him, and her life is about to be changed forever. This is a short read with some paranormal I think it leans more towards the romance side than the para side. The characters and world are well written and enjoyable. If there was a bit more para envolvement I would of given 5 stars but that's just me. I would recommend this to my friends
October 4, 2017
A delightful enchanting short read. I loved the premise of the story, but I definitely would have liked the story to be a bit longer to give the characters a bit more development. But, it's still an engagingly good fantasy read that has a touch of flair to the writing, then add in romance and a bit of magic then you have a story that's sure to capture and hold you from the first word to the last.
September 6, 2017
I enjoyed reading this book. Be warned for me it was a very quick read. The story was well written and I loved the setting. My only drawback was I felt it was a little to short and many ideas could have been better developed. The ending although an HEA was kinda abrupt. Overall though it was a good story.
September 7, 2017
There's not many books that can keep an exhausted pregnant lady up at night because she just HAS to read it! This was definitely one of those! I loved it! It could easily be a stand alone but I'm hoping for more!! I'd love to hear about their lives as wolves and their children! Does that make me selfish? Maybe. But who cares! Gimme more!!!
September 7, 2017
oh man this is one of the good ones! I really liked each character and nan. I would love to hear more about the other characters in this book too. It wasnt to crazy paranormal and it was more real to me. The love in this was perfect and the mystery behind the black wolf was on point. I had so many thoughts as to who he was and loved how it turned out!
September 24, 2017
Utterly breathtaking! Right from the start J.L. Weil pulls you in and surrounds you with magic and mystery. The chemistry between Conner and Mirella is simmering hotness and of course magical. This book was so good. although it's a fast read it is jam packed. My only complaint is I want more of it.
July 31, 2023
A dreamy read!
Some dreams are meant to be…
An enjoyable and magical read that was short, sweet and to the point.
I absolutely adored the ending - it was just the perfect ending to this story - a fitting ending.
Full of magic, visions, attraction, wolves, darkness and love.
Perfect for readers of paranormal romances.
Some dreams are meant to be…
An enjoyable and magical read that was short, sweet and to the point.
I absolutely adored the ending - it was just the perfect ending to this story - a fitting ending.
Full of magic, visions, attraction, wolves, darkness and love.
Perfect for readers of paranormal romances.
September 11, 2017
this book flowed well, was a bit washy in places but once it got going it was a lovely story, looking forward to seeing the relationship between Mirela and Connor develop and change now that their circumstances have changed
September 13, 2017
I enjoyed this book and hope there is more to come with the characters. I love the paranormal and it would be great to see where Mirela and Conner go from here. I would like to learn more about each of their powers/gifts.
September 14, 2017
I love J.L. Weirs books and was super excited to read this one. It left me wanting more from the characters and book. it took me a while to get into it because it seemed slow moving. When it did pick up there was more romance than paranormal which was fine but not what I was expecting.
September 14, 2017
Really enjoyed this book. Mirela and Conner were just great characters. JL Weil developed a plot that kept me interested and was not completely predictable. The characters were well developed. As far as supernatural plots, this one developed in a way that kept me guessing. Recommend!
October 4, 2017
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It was a nice story with humor, magic, love & fun. It was nice to see the characters develop. I do think it could've had a little more paranormal content, but I am definitely hooked & ready for more.
October 4, 2017
Good
I enjoyed the book and was surprised by some so of the twist and turns it took. I liked that the main characters were a little older than in most books. I you like magic and werewolves this is a book for you.
I enjoyed the book and was surprised by some so of the twist and turns it took. I liked that the main characters were a little older than in most books. I you like magic and werewolves this is a book for you.
April 25, 2020
Reading it is almost like dreaming a whole story. It doesn’t have all adventure that we are so used to Paranormal stories and, for this reason, some readers wouldn’t like it. It doesn’t explain everything, but it brings an aura of the unknown that we must face sometimes.
September 12, 2017
I like my books heavier on the paranormal side. While this did have a large paranormal theme, it was really a romance book. Very well written though with an interesting twist.
September 13, 2017
This a very nice book. Worth the read
Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews