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Beautiful Dreamer
Who says you can’t go home again?
Philadelphia real estate broker Devyn Winters is at the peak of her career, closing multimillion-dollar deals and relishing it. She’s pretty much blocked out her formative years in Dreamer’s Bay, where the most exciting thing to happen was the twice a year bake sale. Unfortunately, a distress call hauls her back home and away from the life she’s constructed. Now the question is just how long until she can leave again? And when did boring Elizabeth Draper get so beautiful?
Elizabeth Draper loves people, free time, and a good cup of coffee in the warm sunlight. In the quaint town of Dreamer’s Bay, she’s the only employee of On the Spot, an odd jobs company. She remembers Devyn Winters as shallow in high school, but now everything about Devyn makes her lose focus. Though her brain knows Devyn is only home temporarily, her heart didn’t seem to get the memo.
Cover Artist: Jeanine Henning
Genres: Contemporary / Romance
Tags: Homecoming, Small Town Romances
Words: 95,000
Philadelphia real estate broker Devyn Winters is at the peak of her career, closing multimillion-dollar deals and relishing it. She’s pretty much blocked out her formative years in Dreamer’s Bay, where the most exciting thing to happen was the twice a year bake sale. Unfortunately, a distress call hauls her back home and away from the life she’s constructed. Now the question is just how long until she can leave again? And when did boring Elizabeth Draper get so beautiful?
Elizabeth Draper loves people, free time, and a good cup of coffee in the warm sunlight. In the quaint town of Dreamer’s Bay, she’s the only employee of On the Spot, an odd jobs company. She remembers Devyn Winters as shallow in high school, but now everything about Devyn makes her lose focus. Though her brain knows Devyn is only home temporarily, her heart didn’t seem to get the memo.
Cover Artist: Jeanine Henning
Genres: Contemporary / Romance
Tags: Homecoming, Small Town Romances
Words: 95,000
264 pages, Paperback
First published July 1, 2019
157 people are currently reading
1665 people want to read
About the author
Melissa Brayden
32 books2,758 followersMelissa Brayden is the multi-award winning author of more than twenty-five sapphic romance novels and is hard at work on more. She is a wine enthusiast, a fan of all donuts, and is probably staring off into space as you're reading this. You can find her at www.melissabrayden.com and on most social media sites.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 264 reviews
June 21, 2019
I loved this! Those who know me know I don’t give out full 5 star ratings too often, but I had to with this book. Yes, I’m in an extra good mood because the US Women defeated Sweden today 2-0 (a team the US normally loses to), but my good mood is not why I loved this book. I loved this book because it is everything I look for when I pick up a romance. We all know Brayden is one of the Queens of lesfic romance, but I have to admit some of her Seven Shores books didn’t wow me. I’m so happy to say that this to me was classic Brayden and a big reminder why she’s one of my favorite authors.
This book hooked me instantly. It actually started off with a bit of excitement and got my heart pounding a little. Then we get to enjoy this perfect small beach town setting. It was the best setting for a romance and I loved every secondary character and even appreciated the ones we are not supposed to like. I actually thought the setting was better than Seven Shores and wish there was more books to come from this place.
Besides the secondary characters, which were all well done with unique voices, the two mains were wonderful. I loved both of them but thought Elizabeth was extra special. She really felt like an original character to me. While Brayden has written upbeat and kind characters before, Elizabeth had this depth to her that I wasn’t expecting and I just thought she was so damn likeable.
Of course where this book really shined was the romance. This was such a sweet slow-burn romance. I dislike insta-love and I was so happy not to get it here. The romance was believable and you could see the characters just building and building their connection and it completely worked for me. The dialogue between the mains was really well written and besides the one drama part, the characters actually communicated. It was much more communication than we see in most romances which was another big plus for me. And while you could see the relationship drama part coming a mile away, it still had me grabbing for the tissues because I cared so much.
I don’t have any complaints. I enjoyed every single thing about this book. It’s actually on the longer side but it never dragged once. Every interaction between the characters was important; there was no boring filler and the whole book just worked for me. If you are a romance fan I absolutely recommend this one. I feel Brayden is really back on track with this book and I can’t wait to see what she comes out with next.
An ARC was given to me for a honest review.
This book hooked me instantly. It actually started off with a bit of excitement and got my heart pounding a little. Then we get to enjoy this perfect small beach town setting. It was the best setting for a romance and I loved every secondary character and even appreciated the ones we are not supposed to like. I actually thought the setting was better than Seven Shores and wish there was more books to come from this place.
Besides the secondary characters, which were all well done with unique voices, the two mains were wonderful. I loved both of them but thought Elizabeth was extra special. She really felt like an original character to me. While Brayden has written upbeat and kind characters before, Elizabeth had this depth to her that I wasn’t expecting and I just thought she was so damn likeable.
Of course where this book really shined was the romance. This was such a sweet slow-burn romance. I dislike insta-love and I was so happy not to get it here. The romance was believable and you could see the characters just building and building their connection and it completely worked for me. The dialogue between the mains was really well written and besides the one drama part, the characters actually communicated. It was much more communication than we see in most romances which was another big plus for me. And while you could see the relationship drama part coming a mile away, it still had me grabbing for the tissues because I cared so much.
I don’t have any complaints. I enjoyed every single thing about this book. It’s actually on the longer side but it never dragged once. Every interaction between the characters was important; there was no boring filler and the whole book just worked for me. If you are a romance fan I absolutely recommend this one. I feel Brayden is really back on track with this book and I can’t wait to see what she comes out with next.
An ARC was given to me for a honest review.
October 17, 2019
'ARC provided by both NetGalley and The Publisher in exchange for a honest review'
**'The principle of true storytelling is not to portray but to evoke..I have found that a really good story leaves a deeper impression when it is impossible to tell which side the writer is on..'
'BEAUTIFUL DREAMER' is a romantic love story with the dynamics of family, friendship and a neighborhood -- offering both a penetrating and exquisite portrayal of authentic intimacy,physical & emotional longings,angst,heartache and the solvable or unresolvable issues surrounding a relationship that might end up being a threat to destroy or saving it.
Readers will come to discover on these pages that true Love is found in an unexpected place between a number of unmindful individuals. They will also encounter a slowly developing romance that might persevere through distance, status, patience and family trauma etc.
For the two leading characters, carrying us the overzealous readers on their roller coaster beginning from being standoffish, excited, engaging and then that anticipation of courtship to that deep connection of genuine commitment.
This storyline also did reveal the fractious and remarkable journey that their relationship took even with an enrichment of chemistry and that drive of soul searching on what or who was the most important to either.
With all that other reviewers have said and will say I will add that Melissa Brayden has written a long list of exceptional books so for all interested readers, 'BEAUTIFUL DREAMER' is just another one of her masterpiece.
**'The principle of true storytelling is not to portray but to evoke..I have found that a really good story leaves a deeper impression when it is impossible to tell which side the writer is on..'
'BEAUTIFUL DREAMER' is a romantic love story with the dynamics of family, friendship and a neighborhood -- offering both a penetrating and exquisite portrayal of authentic intimacy,physical & emotional longings,angst,heartache and the solvable or unresolvable issues surrounding a relationship that might end up being a threat to destroy or saving it.
Readers will come to discover on these pages that true Love is found in an unexpected place between a number of unmindful individuals. They will also encounter a slowly developing romance that might persevere through distance, status, patience and family trauma etc.
For the two leading characters, carrying us the overzealous readers on their roller coaster beginning from being standoffish, excited, engaging and then that anticipation of courtship to that deep connection of genuine commitment.
This storyline also did reveal the fractious and remarkable journey that their relationship took even with an enrichment of chemistry and that drive of soul searching on what or who was the most important to either.
With all that other reviewers have said and will say I will add that Melissa Brayden has written a long list of exceptional books so for all interested readers, 'BEAUTIFUL DREAMER' is just another one of her masterpiece.
June 14, 2019
Absolutely freaking adorable! While reading Melissa Brayden's newest novel, Beautiful Dreamer, I kept thinking are there little red hearts circling me? If not there should be! This book is sexy as hell, sweet as can be and makes you smile the whole way through. Beautiful Dreamer is a direct reflection of why Brayden is the very best at romance.
There is no doubt you should read this book. Brayden is at her very best with this one. Her characters are dynamic, multi-faceted and just so darn likable. The dialogue is rich and quirky, and best of all it sounds and feels real. When you read Beautiful Dreamer you are right there in the moment with our leading ladies. An absolutely stunning 5-star romance. This one I know I will read again and again and my heart is just still so delighted.
There is no doubt you should read this book. Brayden is at her very best with this one. Her characters are dynamic, multi-faceted and just so darn likable. The dialogue is rich and quirky, and best of all it sounds and feels real. When you read Beautiful Dreamer you are right there in the moment with our leading ladies. An absolutely stunning 5-star romance. This one I know I will read again and again and my heart is just still so delighted.
June 25, 2019
Hey Melissa: What is up with you NAILING almost every single book you put out there ?? Woman, do you ever disappoint??
Now my review :) ok so this one was UNBELIEVABLY good! What a BRILLIANT, WONDERFUL, ROMANTIC book!
The 2 MCs were so adorable together.. Elizabeth is a ray of sunshine while Devyn is so badass .. this combination worked for me and I fell in love with their chemistry and how their relationship developed throughout the story.
This book I think is one of the longest I’ve read by this author, and the most interesting part is that I didn’t even want it to end.
There’s actually not a single thing that I disliked about this book. It’s full of love and just the right amount of angst. Even that town where the MCs lived, I want to visit it one day and attend their festivals and eat the fried Twinkie’s :)
Melissa Brayden has a talent, she makes you connect so much with the characters and the setting that you actually end up even having a connection with Scout the dog!
This is a very solid 5 for me and I highly recommend it ! Thank you miss Brayden for putting a smile on my face :)
“I received an ARC for an honest review.”
Now my review :) ok so this one was UNBELIEVABLY good! What a BRILLIANT, WONDERFUL, ROMANTIC book!
The 2 MCs were so adorable together.. Elizabeth is a ray of sunshine while Devyn is so badass .. this combination worked for me and I fell in love with their chemistry and how their relationship developed throughout the story.
This book I think is one of the longest I’ve read by this author, and the most interesting part is that I didn’t even want it to end.
There’s actually not a single thing that I disliked about this book. It’s full of love and just the right amount of angst. Even that town where the MCs lived, I want to visit it one day and attend their festivals and eat the fried Twinkie’s :)
Melissa Brayden has a talent, she makes you connect so much with the characters and the setting that you actually end up even having a connection with Scout the dog!
This is a very solid 5 for me and I highly recommend it ! Thank you miss Brayden for putting a smile on my face :)
“I received an ARC for an honest review.”
July 11, 2019
Important: I really enjoyed the romance in Beautiful Dreamer, but I must say: You cannot have a story based in South Carolina without a single 'y'all'. For shame, Melissa Brayden. ;)
No matter one's accent, age, or education level, y'all is a staple. Dreamer's Bay is fictional, but I'm very familiar with the area around where it's based, so I was very sensitive to certain aspects of the world built. However, it's a pleasant change to have a setting in a small town. Nicely done.
This has some spoilers. Also, a weather forecast, haha. Beware!
The stars of this tale are Devyn, a big-shot broker living in Philly, and Elizabeth, a human ball of sunshine loaded with down-home charm. The pairing of these two really worked for me, despite their immense differences. I had a big, goofy grin on my face for the first eighty percent of this story. I welcomed the slow burn allowed to us. The flirting, the looks, the time spent together--yeeeeee I was enamored! Brayden really knows how to weave a girl-meets-girl.
The beginning was a scary, yet thrilling way to bring Devyn into Dreamer's Bay. I drowned in the progression of Devyn and Elizabeth seeing past their issues to realize how hot each other was. I highlighted so many romantic lines. My guilty pleasure was also Devyn pulling away from her old cheerleader buddies who've never grown up. I think we all have experiences with old classmates who should stay in the past. That felt pretty realistic.
I get the impression that Brayden has spent some vacation time in this SC. Though, there seems to be a misunderstanding about weather. Not a single mention about the humidity there (it's heavy), which I would've expected complaints from Devyn since she'd spent so many years in the north. They should've worn more shorts! At one point, someone was wearing a sweater in the early fall. Uhhhh it's still in the seventies around that time. In one scene, (in the spring or summer) the weather was supposedly 76 degrees and I gasped. Also, not a single thunderstorm, but this place is idyllic and I'll let that one go.
I actually love how Devyn integrated her expertise into moving to Dreamer's Bay the proper way. I got the impression that while others were impressed with her job, they didn't take it as seriously. They expected Devyn to drop her entire life and all her responsibilities without even a hint of returning to Philly. I mean, she had a whole home back there. For this, and the absolutely hideous trick Jill and Charlie played on Devyn to get her to return, it loses a star. I don't think they apologized enough because they surely used her trauma against her. I was over Jill after that. A shame, because I enjoyed her until then. Besides the guilting, that is.
Oh, and yum! Those love scenes. Devyn and Elizabeth had chemistry and it translated well in their sex lives. That kitchen scene is seared in my brain and it's a really, really good thing.
Reading this just makes me want the next Brayden book immediately. It's not fair. I want more!
☆ This copy was provided by NetGalley and Bold Strokes Books Inc. in exchange for an honest review. ☆
No matter one's accent, age, or education level, y'all is a staple. Dreamer's Bay is fictional, but I'm very familiar with the area around where it's based, so I was very sensitive to certain aspects of the world built. However, it's a pleasant change to have a setting in a small town. Nicely done.
This has some spoilers. Also, a weather forecast, haha. Beware!
The stars of this tale are Devyn, a big-shot broker living in Philly, and Elizabeth, a human ball of sunshine loaded with down-home charm. The pairing of these two really worked for me, despite their immense differences. I had a big, goofy grin on my face for the first eighty percent of this story. I welcomed the slow burn allowed to us. The flirting, the looks, the time spent together--yeeeeee I was enamored! Brayden really knows how to weave a girl-meets-girl.
The beginning was a scary, yet thrilling way to bring Devyn into Dreamer's Bay. I drowned in the progression of Devyn and Elizabeth seeing past their issues to realize how hot each other was. I highlighted so many romantic lines. My guilty pleasure was also Devyn pulling away from her old cheerleader buddies who've never grown up. I think we all have experiences with old classmates who should stay in the past. That felt pretty realistic.
I get the impression that Brayden has spent some vacation time in this SC. Though, there seems to be a misunderstanding about weather. Not a single mention about the humidity there (it's heavy), which I would've expected complaints from Devyn since she'd spent so many years in the north. They should've worn more shorts! At one point, someone was wearing a sweater in the early fall. Uhhhh it's still in the seventies around that time. In one scene, (in the spring or summer) the weather was supposedly 76 degrees and I gasped. Also, not a single thunderstorm, but this place is idyllic and I'll let that one go.
I actually love how Devyn integrated her expertise into moving to Dreamer's Bay the proper way. I got the impression that while others were impressed with her job, they didn't take it as seriously. They expected Devyn to drop her entire life and all her responsibilities without even a hint of returning to Philly. I mean, she had a whole home back there. For this, and the absolutely hideous trick Jill and Charlie played on Devyn to get her to return, it loses a star. I don't think they apologized enough because they surely used her trauma against her. I was over Jill after that. A shame, because I enjoyed her until then. Besides the guilting, that is.
Oh, and yum! Those love scenes. Devyn and Elizabeth had chemistry and it translated well in their sex lives. That kitchen scene is seared in my brain and it's a really, really good thing.
Reading this just makes me want the next Brayden book immediately. It's not fair. I want more!
☆ This copy was provided by NetGalley and Bold Strokes Books Inc. in exchange for an honest review. ☆
June 18, 2019
This is another lovely, mostly slow-burn, romance with characters that are easy to become invested in. Devyn Winters returns to the small town she grew up in when her sister needs her. She’s a high flying property broker on the verge of a huge deal but her sister comes first. Elizabeth Draper was in her year at school but not somebody she ever really go to know because they didn’t run in the same circles. As adults though, Elizabeth’s irrepressible cheerfulness is hard to resist.
I loved both of the characters in this novel and especially how they developed. The way they see each other is continuously shifting and the first impressions they had of each other bear little resemblance to who they are in the end. It is not an uncommon trope but its difference is brought out in the depth and characterisation of Devyn and Elizabeth.
Brayden’s writing style really appeals to me and I haven’t been disappointed yet.
Book received from Netgalley and Bold Strokes Books for an honest review.
I loved both of the characters in this novel and especially how they developed. The way they see each other is continuously shifting and the first impressions they had of each other bear little resemblance to who they are in the end. It is not an uncommon trope but its difference is brought out in the depth and characterisation of Devyn and Elizabeth.
Brayden’s writing style really appeals to me and I haven’t been disappointed yet.
Book received from Netgalley and Bold Strokes Books for an honest review.
September 13, 2019
Born, raised and living in the suburbs, the rural areas always fascinates me and one of our favorite places to spend the holidays. The last time we did that was at my mother in law's hometown, everyone was excited as the king of all fruits was in season, the kids enjoyed running around the fenceless land with the chickens - pity the hens, taking on the extra kids.
Even though I don't eat the fruit, the excitement of others, roped me in as I helped to pick the fruits off the ground - worrying about my safety as they will just drop when they're ripe + the trees are pretty tall and I had Final Destinations playing in my head, imagining the heavy/spikey fruit falling onto my defenseless head..not a pretty picture. The fruit is also a favorite among the animals so looking out for tigers/wild boars was kind of adventurous too.
Beautiful Dreamer failed to recruit me as a Brayden fan, there were plenty of things that I liked but there were some major red flags that made me want to strap Brayden to a chair and feed her all the fried food from the fair for taking such approach. Yea, call me whatever names you can think of - anti-romance, anti-love, Hitler, shorty, but I am sticking to my opinions.
1. Devyn made the story great for me
2. What her so-called blood did was one of the worst things E.V.E.R. and she got away with it, WTELF???
3. Devyn was never unhappy in the first place, I watched too many Hallmark's telemovies featuring such plot and those leads were usually miserable and heartless too, but Devyn never fit such profile.
Read this if you want to experience the unselfishness of Devyn and the dates/outings that the leads went to, complemented with the gorgeous small-town background. Too bad, they would have rocked Philadelphia or anywhere else, but never given the chance.
Thank you, PL for the book:)
To those who are curious, WTELF = What The Ever Loving Fcuk.
Even though I don't eat the fruit, the excitement of others, roped me in as I helped to pick the fruits off the ground - worrying about my safety as they will just drop when they're ripe + the trees are pretty tall and I had Final Destinations playing in my head, imagining the heavy/spikey fruit falling onto my defenseless head..not a pretty picture. The fruit is also a favorite among the animals so looking out for tigers/wild boars was kind of adventurous too.
Beautiful Dreamer failed to recruit me as a Brayden fan, there were plenty of things that I liked but there were some major red flags that made me want to strap Brayden to a chair and feed her all the fried food from the fair for taking such approach. Yea, call me whatever names you can think of - anti-romance, anti-love, Hitler, shorty, but I am sticking to my opinions.
1. Devyn made the story great for me
2. What her so-called blood did was one of the worst things E.V.E.R. and she got away with it, WTELF???
3. Devyn was never unhappy in the first place, I watched too many Hallmark's telemovies featuring such plot and those leads were usually miserable and heartless too, but Devyn never fit such profile.
Read this if you want to experience the unselfishness of Devyn and the dates/outings that the leads went to, complemented with the gorgeous small-town background. Too bad, they would have rocked Philadelphia or anywhere else, but never given the chance.
Thank you, PL for the book:)
To those who are curious, WTELF = What The Ever Loving Fcuk.
June 14, 2019
Damn you Melissa Brayden for making me feel so much each and every time.
This is a reunion / friends to lovers romance. Elizabeth and Devyn went to school together. After graduation, Elizabeth stayed in their small town while Devyn left as soon as she could. Years later, an accident brings them back in the same place. Elizabeth is a whirlwind of nice and quirky. She’s the town sweetheart, helping everyone out, because it’s her job but also because that’s the way she is. Also, anyone who measures hotness in jalapeños is on my team. Devyn, on the other hand, is not a people person. Once upon a time, she was the captain of the cheerleader team but, as popular as she was then, she definitely wasn’t happy. All she cares about now is her very successful career as a real estate broker. Back in her hometown to help her sister Jill, she ends up liking her former schoolmate a lot more than she thought possible.
One of the things I like most in Melissa Brayden’s novels is the way the places she sets her stories in become characters themselves, whether it’s big cities, as in the Soho Loft series (still one of my faves ever) or small towns, as in this book. She pays attention to details, which also makes her secondary characters as real as the MCs.
There’s a lot of cuteness in this novel (Scout stole my heart), along with the usual sexiness and fun which are Brayden’s trademarks. Yet another win (I might have said that before about some of her previous novels, but it’s true once more).
I received an ARC from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
This is a reunion / friends to lovers romance. Elizabeth and Devyn went to school together. After graduation, Elizabeth stayed in their small town while Devyn left as soon as she could. Years later, an accident brings them back in the same place. Elizabeth is a whirlwind of nice and quirky. She’s the town sweetheart, helping everyone out, because it’s her job but also because that’s the way she is. Also, anyone who measures hotness in jalapeños is on my team. Devyn, on the other hand, is not a people person. Once upon a time, she was the captain of the cheerleader team but, as popular as she was then, she definitely wasn’t happy. All she cares about now is her very successful career as a real estate broker. Back in her hometown to help her sister Jill, she ends up liking her former schoolmate a lot more than she thought possible.
One of the things I like most in Melissa Brayden’s novels is the way the places she sets her stories in become characters themselves, whether it’s big cities, as in the Soho Loft series (still one of my faves ever) or small towns, as in this book. She pays attention to details, which also makes her secondary characters as real as the MCs.
There’s a lot of cuteness in this novel (Scout stole my heart), along with the usual sexiness and fun which are Brayden’s trademarks. Yet another win (I might have said that before about some of her previous novels, but it’s true once more).
I received an ARC from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
June 23, 2019
Falling in love in a small town.
Devyn is a work-a-holic real estate broker in Philadelphia. She left Dreamer's Bay behind for bigger and better things. Elizabeth is Dreamer's Bay's sweetest resident. She couldn't imagine anyone not loving it in the small town. An incident requires Devyn to return, and the two women end up spending time together. As they become closer, Elizabeth will have to deal with her growing feelings when she knows that Devyn is not there to stay.
This starts off exciting as we are taken on a bit of a mystery and grass roots investigation. It's not for long, but it certainly made a great way to begin the story. From this incident, we get a glimpse of who the main characters are in this story. Devyn is uptight and a bit snobby. Elizabeth is down to earth and a bit quirky.
Brayden sure knows how to build a relationship from 'no way' to 'meant to be.' She takes the time with lots of interactions and cute moments that literally light the characters up on page. Plus, she writes adorable leading ladies. Who could not have a big old crush on Elizabeth Draper? Ever the positive, kind, and dorky woman of Dreamer's Bay. Sigh.
But this was not just a light and breezy romance. There was quite a bit of depth as it dealt with abandonment and being closed off to love. There was a bit of family drama and facing lightweight bullies. The growth of both Devyn and Elizabeth was an awesome journey to go on with them.
The best part of this book was the angst and having to overcome mistakes. I had watery eyes for the last 20% of the book, I believe. This was unique in that there isn't just a speedy happy ending. And it was really satisfying to see some work toward happily ever after. Especially when it was called for.
Overall, this was a great love story. Cute and likable characters. Fun outings. Swoon worthy flirty banter.
I recommend this to everyone. Friends with benefits, romance, abandonment, bullies, priorities, small towns, second chances, courting, and corn hole.
I received an ARC from the publisher for an honest review.
Devyn is a work-a-holic real estate broker in Philadelphia. She left Dreamer's Bay behind for bigger and better things. Elizabeth is Dreamer's Bay's sweetest resident. She couldn't imagine anyone not loving it in the small town. An incident requires Devyn to return, and the two women end up spending time together. As they become closer, Elizabeth will have to deal with her growing feelings when she knows that Devyn is not there to stay.
This starts off exciting as we are taken on a bit of a mystery and grass roots investigation. It's not for long, but it certainly made a great way to begin the story. From this incident, we get a glimpse of who the main characters are in this story. Devyn is uptight and a bit snobby. Elizabeth is down to earth and a bit quirky.
Brayden sure knows how to build a relationship from 'no way' to 'meant to be.' She takes the time with lots of interactions and cute moments that literally light the characters up on page. Plus, she writes adorable leading ladies. Who could not have a big old crush on Elizabeth Draper? Ever the positive, kind, and dorky woman of Dreamer's Bay. Sigh.
But this was not just a light and breezy romance. There was quite a bit of depth as it dealt with abandonment and being closed off to love. There was a bit of family drama and facing lightweight bullies. The growth of both Devyn and Elizabeth was an awesome journey to go on with them.
The best part of this book was the angst and having to overcome mistakes. I had watery eyes for the last 20% of the book, I believe. This was unique in that there isn't just a speedy happy ending. And it was really satisfying to see some work toward happily ever after. Especially when it was called for.
Overall, this was a great love story. Cute and likable characters. Fun outings. Swoon worthy flirty banter.
I recommend this to everyone. Friends with benefits, romance, abandonment, bullies, priorities, small towns, second chances, courting, and corn hole.
I received an ARC from the publisher for an honest review.
July 31, 2019
Melissa Brayden is probably the most reliable author in LesFic.
You get it all: characters you can root for, a great setting, and a heart-warming romance with some steamy scenes.
Highly recommended.
You get it all: characters you can root for, a great setting, and a heart-warming romance with some steamy scenes.
Highly recommended.
June 27, 2019
WOW!!! That is really how I feel about this book. It was...WOW. I haven't read all of Brayden's books but I have read a few and I do love her writings but this one is hands down my new favorite from her (that says a lot because I absolutely love Ready or Not and that series).
The story takes place in small town Dreamers Bay somewere in North Carolina. I loved how Brayden described the town without bogging down the story. It was a part of the character development, how they say it. The secondary characters were done in the same fashion. Instead of bogging the story down with countless small town people, each character had a role (though some smaller than others) in the development of Lizzie and Devyn's world and romance. Although I do wish Scout has a bigger role...I mean the dog was hero.
Anyway, Lizzie and Devyn are great characters. Though the story was about the two of them, it was more about Devyn and how she came "home" in more than one way. It's a slow burn romance in a way. Definitely not instalove. And I do love how the story didn't just end with Devyn's return and everything being okay. Also great was that there was no unnecessary drama or angst. Everything felt realistic, purposeful.
Can't say enough about this book expect read it. Enjoy it. I certainly did!
***ARC provided by Netgalley for honest review provided by me :) ***
The story takes place in small town Dreamers Bay somewere in North Carolina. I loved how Brayden described the town without bogging down the story. It was a part of the character development, how they say it. The secondary characters were done in the same fashion. Instead of bogging the story down with countless small town people, each character had a role (though some smaller than others) in the development of Lizzie and Devyn's world and romance. Although I do wish Scout has a bigger role...I mean the dog was hero.
Anyway, Lizzie and Devyn are great characters. Though the story was about the two of them, it was more about Devyn and how she came "home" in more than one way. It's a slow burn romance in a way. Definitely not instalove. And I do love how the story didn't just end with Devyn's return and everything being okay. Also great was that there was no unnecessary drama or angst. Everything felt realistic, purposeful.
Can't say enough about this book expect read it. Enjoy it. I certainly did!
***ARC provided by Netgalley for honest review provided by me :) ***
May 2, 2020
Who wants to make a “TEAM ELIZABETH” shirt? Because I would wear it! Elizabeth is such a beautiful, layered person. She’s strong in who she is and I love that when Devyn says she’s a little weird and perky, but a good person, Elizabeth responds with “Weird, perky, and good sounds like a balanced combo I can live with. I like me.” As confident as Elizabeth is, I also love that she has a relatable thread of insecurity going. She is exactly the kind of person I love to be friends with and I’d hang out with her at Amazin’ Glazin’, eating ridiculously good donuts, any day of the week.
Devyn is a little less easy to connect with at first because she’s a workaholic. I wouldn’t call her an ice queen, per se, because she’s more driven than icy/prickly. Even so, it made me all warm and happy to see her relax and enjoy life as she gets to know Elizabeth better, and I’m so happy with who she is by the end of the book.
Full review (TLR): https://www.thelesbianreview.com/beau...
Full review (SBTB): https://smartbitchestrashybooks.com/r...
Devyn is a little less easy to connect with at first because she’s a workaholic. I wouldn’t call her an ice queen, per se, because she’s more driven than icy/prickly. Even so, it made me all warm and happy to see her relax and enjoy life as she gets to know Elizabeth better, and I’m so happy with who she is by the end of the book.
Full review (TLR): https://www.thelesbianreview.com/beau...
Full review (SBTB): https://smartbitchestrashybooks.com/r...
July 16, 2019
🏳️🌈👭📚⚢👩❤️👩🏳️🌈
That’s in exchange of an honest review that I received (via NetGalley) an ARC of « Beautiful Dreamer » from BSB (Thank you so much for that) … So, here it is !!
My rating for this beautiful story : 4.5⭐.
The story takes place in coastal town Dreamer’s Bay in South Carolina and focuses on :
° Elizabeth Draper, the only employee of « On the Spot », an odd jobs company she created in the small town …
&
° Devyn Winters, a Philadelphia real estate broker who’s pretty much blocked out her formative years in Dreamer’s Bay because of her fellings of not belonging there.
Devyn is a workaholic at the peak of her career, closing multimillion-dollar deals and relishing it while Elizabeth loves her town, people, free time, and a good cup of coffee in the warm sunlight … They were longtime classmates when they were in highschool but never navigated in the same circles. Devyn was very popular & the co-captain of the cheerleaders while Elizabeth mainly existed under the radar (even if she was involved in school committees). Both of them left their small town for college after graduation. Devyn stayed in Philadelphia while Elizabeth came back to her beloved hometown. A distress call regarding her older sister’s disappearance hauls Devyn back home and away from the lucrative life she’s constructed, allowing her to meet Elizabeth. They’re both gay & all grown-up now and since their paths crossed again, they seem to make each other lose their focus. Devyn has no desire to stay in town more longer than necessary but spending time with Elizabeth will help her to evolve, discover the true meaning of Life and … Love.
The Pros :
° the author’s great style, her good wording and … her smart-ass humor.
° the quite interesting character development
° the good chemistery between the MCs and their great banters …
° the slow-burn romance is very much appreciated since I’m not into « insta-Love »…
° Good secondary characters, including Scout, the « rescue / rescued » dog …
The (not really ) Cons (but ….) :
° Since it appears that Jill’s accident was exceptionally brutal it would have been interesting to know more about its circumptances … ‘cause, for now, being in such a car accident when the driver is not drunk and known to be a calm person doesn’t make a lot of sense to me.
° Since there are not a lot of them it’s sometimes difficult to know how much time passed. So … Adding a couple of time markers would have been better.
° Since it’s a small town, it seems surprising that Devyn didn’t bump into her former gang more often … From my POV, a lil bit more of interaction with the mean ex-cheerleaders (who still think they are better than everyone else) would have been great, it would have created a higher level of drama, challenged Devyn even more and given a lot of more sense to her departure. OK she had to leave to go back to work, no big deal if you ask me, but like the story is told right now it lowers the impact and Elizabeth’s raction seems quite overdramatic …With a touch of bullying in the middle it would have increased both Elizabeth and Devyn’s insecurities and would have made the « break-up » more credible.
° There’s a repetition of a couple of expressions => using synonyms would have been better.
If I had to make a very short and quite different version of my review it’d be something like this :
Did I enjoy this book? => Definitely …Yes !!!
Did I find the characters believable? => Totally and touching on plenty of levels …
Is this book now included in my « must be re-read »-list? => Yes, absolutely …
Will I purchase the paperback? => Yes … ASAP … I really want this one on my bookshelves !!
Would I read another book by this author? => Yes … that’s for sure !
Would I recommend this book => Yes, to everyone but mainly to slow-burn romance lovers and love in small town fans.
Hey guys and gals, you know that now it’s your turn to taste the slow pace of a life in a small town … So … Grab your own copy and make your own opinion …
Enjoy (or not) your reading …
🏳️🌈👭📚⚢👩❤️👩🏳️🌈
That’s in exchange of an honest review that I received (via NetGalley) an ARC of « Beautiful Dreamer » from BSB (Thank you so much for that) … So, here it is !!
My rating for this beautiful story : 4.5⭐.
The story takes place in coastal town Dreamer’s Bay in South Carolina and focuses on :
° Elizabeth Draper, the only employee of « On the Spot », an odd jobs company she created in the small town …
&
° Devyn Winters, a Philadelphia real estate broker who’s pretty much blocked out her formative years in Dreamer’s Bay because of her fellings of not belonging there.
Devyn is a workaholic at the peak of her career, closing multimillion-dollar deals and relishing it while Elizabeth loves her town, people, free time, and a good cup of coffee in the warm sunlight … They were longtime classmates when they were in highschool but never navigated in the same circles. Devyn was very popular & the co-captain of the cheerleaders while Elizabeth mainly existed under the radar (even if she was involved in school committees). Both of them left their small town for college after graduation. Devyn stayed in Philadelphia while Elizabeth came back to her beloved hometown. A distress call regarding her older sister’s disappearance hauls Devyn back home and away from the lucrative life she’s constructed, allowing her to meet Elizabeth. They’re both gay & all grown-up now and since their paths crossed again, they seem to make each other lose their focus. Devyn has no desire to stay in town more longer than necessary but spending time with Elizabeth will help her to evolve, discover the true meaning of Life and … Love.
The Pros :
° the author’s great style, her good wording and … her smart-ass humor.
° the quite interesting character development
° the good chemistery between the MCs and their great banters …
° the slow-burn romance is very much appreciated since I’m not into « insta-Love »…
° Good secondary characters, including Scout, the « rescue / rescued » dog …
The (not really ) Cons (but ….) :
° Since it appears that Jill’s accident was exceptionally brutal it would have been interesting to know more about its circumptances … ‘cause, for now, being in such a car accident when the driver is not drunk and known to be a calm person doesn’t make a lot of sense to me.
° Since there are not a lot of them it’s sometimes difficult to know how much time passed. So … Adding a couple of time markers would have been better.
° Since it’s a small town, it seems surprising that Devyn didn’t bump into her former gang more often … From my POV, a lil bit more of interaction with the mean ex-cheerleaders (who still think they are better than everyone else) would have been great, it would have created a higher level of drama, challenged Devyn even more and given a lot of more sense to her departure. OK she had to leave to go back to work, no big deal if you ask me, but like the story is told right now it lowers the impact and Elizabeth’s raction seems quite overdramatic …With a touch of bullying in the middle it would have increased both Elizabeth and Devyn’s insecurities and would have made the « break-up » more credible.
° There’s a repetition of a couple of expressions => using synonyms would have been better.
If I had to make a very short and quite different version of my review it’d be something like this :
Did I enjoy this book? => Definitely …Yes !!!
Did I find the characters believable? => Totally and touching on plenty of levels …
Is this book now included in my « must be re-read »-list? => Yes, absolutely …
Will I purchase the paperback? => Yes … ASAP … I really want this one on my bookshelves !!
Would I read another book by this author? => Yes … that’s for sure !
Would I recommend this book => Yes, to everyone but mainly to slow-burn romance lovers and love in small town fans.
Hey guys and gals, you know that now it’s your turn to taste the slow pace of a life in a small town … So … Grab your own copy and make your own opinion …
Enjoy (or not) your reading …
🏳️🌈👭📚⚢👩❤️👩🏳️🌈
June 18, 2019
I have known for a while that Melissa Brayden is the queen of contemporary lesbian romance. All of her books have beautiful stories with characters you fall in love with and settings that you wish you could live in. Her latest novel, Beautiful Dreamer, is just more proof of her expertize at writing wonderful romance stories.
Set in a small fictional town called Dreamer’s Bay, along the southern coastline of South Carolina, this book tells the story of two women who grew up in this idyllic setting. Devyn Winters, now an extremely successful real estate agent in Philadelphia, rushes back to her childhood home when she receives a distress call about her sister. While in Dreamer’s Bay she receives help from Elizabeth Draper, a woman she knew from her time in high school even though the two never ran in the same social circle. The two become friends and more while they both work to help Devyn’s sister, but Devyn’s life and work is in Philadelphia, and Elizabeth has a life and work in Dreamer’s Bay. This may be a problem that destroys their budding relationship.
Ms. Brayden chose the perfect spot for this small town. This real life area would make a beautiful beach town for those who would like a less commercial and more scenic vacation experience than places like Myrtle Beach or Hilton Head. Both main characters are well-drawn; likeable, beautiful, but with flaws and insecurities that make them more human. The story is sweet and lovely with just the right amount of angst.
I see this as a perfect summer romance, the kind you want to take to the beach to enjoy as you soak up the sun and sea breeze. I would pack this book into my beach bag right alongside my beach towel, sunscreen, sun glasses, floppy hat and flip flops. Beautiful Dreamer would make that a perfect day.
I received an ARC from NetGalley and Bold Strokes Books for an honest review.
Rainbow Reflections:
https://rainbowreflections.home.blog/
Set in a small fictional town called Dreamer’s Bay, along the southern coastline of South Carolina, this book tells the story of two women who grew up in this idyllic setting. Devyn Winters, now an extremely successful real estate agent in Philadelphia, rushes back to her childhood home when she receives a distress call about her sister. While in Dreamer’s Bay she receives help from Elizabeth Draper, a woman she knew from her time in high school even though the two never ran in the same social circle. The two become friends and more while they both work to help Devyn’s sister, but Devyn’s life and work is in Philadelphia, and Elizabeth has a life and work in Dreamer’s Bay. This may be a problem that destroys their budding relationship.
Ms. Brayden chose the perfect spot for this small town. This real life area would make a beautiful beach town for those who would like a less commercial and more scenic vacation experience than places like Myrtle Beach or Hilton Head. Both main characters are well-drawn; likeable, beautiful, but with flaws and insecurities that make them more human. The story is sweet and lovely with just the right amount of angst.
I see this as a perfect summer romance, the kind you want to take to the beach to enjoy as you soak up the sun and sea breeze. I would pack this book into my beach bag right alongside my beach towel, sunscreen, sun glasses, floppy hat and flip flops. Beautiful Dreamer would make that a perfect day.
I received an ARC from NetGalley and Bold Strokes Books for an honest review.
Rainbow Reflections:
https://rainbowreflections.home.blog/
June 19, 2019
If you're ever in the mood for a feel-good romance, you can't go wrong by picking up a book by Melissa Brayden.
Whoever said angst is necessary to drive a plot was wrong. Melissa has such a way of making you fall for her characters, drama for the sake of drama isn't needed.
With that said, these two did have to work for their happy ever after.
Loved the setting, loved the characters, and loved Devyn's big sis. Oh, and the chemistry between the two leads was delicious.
Copy provided by the publishers, Bold Strokes Books, via NetGalley.
Whoever said angst is necessary to drive a plot was wrong. Melissa has such a way of making you fall for her characters, drama for the sake of drama isn't needed.
With that said, these two did have to work for their happy ever after.
Loved the setting, loved the characters, and loved Devyn's big sis. Oh, and the chemistry between the two leads was delicious.
Copy provided by the publishers, Bold Strokes Books, via NetGalley.
July 15, 2019
This book was just all heart!
Devyn is the top real estate broker in Philadelphia. She’s at the top of her game and always looking for the next selling high. Life is fast-paced and she loves it. That is until she has to rush back to her hometown, Dreamer’s Bay to check on her sister after she gets a worrying call.
Elizabeth loves living in a small town where life is good and stress is low. She has fantastic friends and loves her new business, that is all based around helping people. She’s a good person and deserves to meet her soul mate.
When Elizabeth and Devyn start to build a friendship that develops into more, they know they are meant for one another. But how can they make it work when Devyn’s life is in Philly, and Elizabeth’s is in Dreamers Bay?
Fantastic novel. I was glued to the pages from the first chapter of the book and finished it in one sitting. One minute it was 9 pm and the next I was sobbing at the beautiful ending, and it was 3 am. Completely worth it. This book is 100% the best book yet from Melissa Brayden. I’m already working out a time I can start rereading it.
Elizabeth and Devyn were meant for each other. When it comes to soul mates, these two have it picked. Their slow-burn romance wasn’t too slow that I was bored but just right, enough that it stoked the fire.
The other chemistry in the book, but not of a romantic kind was Devyn and her sister, Jill. I loved the scenes where they spent time together. Their closeness was so lovely and it was obvious how much Jill cared about her. I expected Devyn to be an Ice Queen with her image and career, but she was so sweet and loving to Jill and Elizabeth in so many simple ways. Devyn was definitely my favourite character. While she was complex, she was also loving, warm, caring and genuine in every way. She is such a great character and one I won’t forget easily.
An exceptional story that has stayed with me weeks after I read it. I truly loved Beautiful Dreamer and can’t wait to reread it soon.
Star Rating: 5 Stars
Devyn is the top real estate broker in Philadelphia. She’s at the top of her game and always looking for the next selling high. Life is fast-paced and she loves it. That is until she has to rush back to her hometown, Dreamer’s Bay to check on her sister after she gets a worrying call.
Elizabeth loves living in a small town where life is good and stress is low. She has fantastic friends and loves her new business, that is all based around helping people. She’s a good person and deserves to meet her soul mate.
When Elizabeth and Devyn start to build a friendship that develops into more, they know they are meant for one another. But how can they make it work when Devyn’s life is in Philly, and Elizabeth’s is in Dreamers Bay?
Fantastic novel. I was glued to the pages from the first chapter of the book and finished it in one sitting. One minute it was 9 pm and the next I was sobbing at the beautiful ending, and it was 3 am. Completely worth it. This book is 100% the best book yet from Melissa Brayden. I’m already working out a time I can start rereading it.
Elizabeth and Devyn were meant for each other. When it comes to soul mates, these two have it picked. Their slow-burn romance wasn’t too slow that I was bored but just right, enough that it stoked the fire.
The other chemistry in the book, but not of a romantic kind was Devyn and her sister, Jill. I loved the scenes where they spent time together. Their closeness was so lovely and it was obvious how much Jill cared about her. I expected Devyn to be an Ice Queen with her image and career, but she was so sweet and loving to Jill and Elizabeth in so many simple ways. Devyn was definitely my favourite character. While she was complex, she was also loving, warm, caring and genuine in every way. She is such a great character and one I won’t forget easily.
An exceptional story that has stayed with me weeks after I read it. I truly loved Beautiful Dreamer and can’t wait to reread it soon.
Star Rating: 5 Stars
July 15, 2019
It’s the little things, the attention to detail which plants Brayden at the front of the romance genre.
Like forcing the sophisticated Devyn to drive around in a Spark...her own personal clown car.
Like pointing out high school cliques and how people change and move on, and sometimes they don’t in both attitude and maturity.
Like creating a character who is sweet to the core, almost to a parody level. When pushed to the wall this too good to be true woman proves she has the strength and self confidence to stand for what she knows to be in her best interests. What a pleasant surprise for the romance genre.
Brayden knows how to create a place like Dreamer’s Bay and fill it with people you want to meet and know, a community you want to visit and enjoy.
Best of all, Brayden knows how much pleasure there is in a slow burn romance. We readers spend enough time with her characters to empathize, cheer them on and hope for their HEA.
Excellent read.
ARC received with thanks from publisher via NetGalley for review.
Like forcing the sophisticated Devyn to drive around in a Spark...her own personal clown car.
Like pointing out high school cliques and how people change and move on, and sometimes they don’t in both attitude and maturity.
Like creating a character who is sweet to the core, almost to a parody level. When pushed to the wall this too good to be true woman proves she has the strength and self confidence to stand for what she knows to be in her best interests. What a pleasant surprise for the romance genre.
Brayden knows how to create a place like Dreamer’s Bay and fill it with people you want to meet and know, a community you want to visit and enjoy.
Best of all, Brayden knows how much pleasure there is in a slow burn romance. We readers spend enough time with her characters to empathize, cheer them on and hope for their HEA.
Excellent read.
ARC received with thanks from publisher via NetGalley for review.
June 21, 2019
Philadelphia real state broker Devyn Winters left her small hometown of Dreamers Bay a few years ago. She likes the fast pace of a big city and works hard in her successful career. When she comes back to Dreamers Bay due to a family emergency, she meets again with former high school classmate Elizabeth Draper. Unlike Devyn, Elizabeth likes the slow pace and small-town dynamics. They couldn’t be more different from one another, but their attraction is undeniable. They both know that any relationship will be temporary. How are they going to avoid heartbreak?
This is a return to hometown lesbian romance book between two former high school classmates who didn’t share the same social circles in the past and seem to have opposite personalities. Elizabeth lives in Dreamers Bay and is the sole owner of a small company that does odd jobs, she’s sociable, perky and cute. Devyn is a go-getter, successful real state broker who only socialises for work purposes and has no friends. Do opposites attract?
Even though ‘Beautiful Dreamer’ started with a bit of a fast-moving mystery, quite unusual for this author, it felt as if the book dragged a bit in the first half and I couldn’t feel that sizzling chemistry and tension between the mains that Ms. Brayden is so well known for. However, in the second half, the book picked up the pace and the romance developed beautifully.
As usual, Ms. Brayden’s writing is superbly filled with witty dialogues, a sweet romance, and a well-devised plot. Her depiction of the beautiful landscape and the small town dynamics is perfect. It’s enriched with a few multilayered and funny secondary characters, including a cute dog.
I liked that the main conflict develops naturally, feels realistic, heartbreaking but not overly dramatic, and the resolution takes its time without rushing to the end. In that sense, Ms. Brayden is great at writing almost cinematographical happy ending scenes. The pent-up tension, the strong feelings, and the feel-good finale leave the reader happy and satisfied. It definitely won’t disappoint lesbian romance fans.
Overall, a well-written and entertaining romance in a small town setting. 4.5 stars.
ARC provided by the publisher and Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
See all my reviews at www.lezreviewbooks.com
This is a return to hometown lesbian romance book between two former high school classmates who didn’t share the same social circles in the past and seem to have opposite personalities. Elizabeth lives in Dreamers Bay and is the sole owner of a small company that does odd jobs, she’s sociable, perky and cute. Devyn is a go-getter, successful real state broker who only socialises for work purposes and has no friends. Do opposites attract?
Even though ‘Beautiful Dreamer’ started with a bit of a fast-moving mystery, quite unusual for this author, it felt as if the book dragged a bit in the first half and I couldn’t feel that sizzling chemistry and tension between the mains that Ms. Brayden is so well known for. However, in the second half, the book picked up the pace and the romance developed beautifully.
As usual, Ms. Brayden’s writing is superbly filled with witty dialogues, a sweet romance, and a well-devised plot. Her depiction of the beautiful landscape and the small town dynamics is perfect. It’s enriched with a few multilayered and funny secondary characters, including a cute dog.
I liked that the main conflict develops naturally, feels realistic, heartbreaking but not overly dramatic, and the resolution takes its time without rushing to the end. In that sense, Ms. Brayden is great at writing almost cinematographical happy ending scenes. The pent-up tension, the strong feelings, and the feel-good finale leave the reader happy and satisfied. It definitely won’t disappoint lesbian romance fans.
Overall, a well-written and entertaining romance in a small town setting. 4.5 stars.
ARC provided by the publisher and Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
See all my reviews at www.lezreviewbooks.com
August 7, 2019
Melissa Brayden you are the romance queen, you’ve created another perfect and sweet romance surrounded by family and friends. I’m always making a happy dance when a new book from you is coming.
Sometimes you find love with the woman you’ve never dreamed of, hence, back during school you hardly knew that she even existed. But when Devyn returned to her small hometown Dreamer’s Bay, because of a family emergency, for the first time she really sees Elizabeth. The woman which is such a sweet and lovely person, she helps where she can, not only because of her job, and is the sunshine of the small-town community. Elizabeth finds the beauty in small things and cherishes her life in Dreamer’s Bay. The only thing missing is the woman to share life with her.
On the other side badass Devyn, the real estate broker who gets done multimillion-dollar deals in Philadelphia. She never dreamt about living a life in her boring, small hometown, where everybody knows everything about everybody. No way, she will be out again as soon as possible.
The slow-burn romance fits perfectly for this love-story. The setting is wonderfully drawn and all the characters are well developed and give the story some depth and credibility. And as always, Brayden’s writing style is impeccable. And she always adds some fun, like to rank the hotness of women with jalapeños, the more the hotter.
An easy and exciting romance recommended to everybody.
My rating 5 stars.
Sometimes you find love with the woman you’ve never dreamed of, hence, back during school you hardly knew that she even existed. But when Devyn returned to her small hometown Dreamer’s Bay, because of a family emergency, for the first time she really sees Elizabeth. The woman which is such a sweet and lovely person, she helps where she can, not only because of her job, and is the sunshine of the small-town community. Elizabeth finds the beauty in small things and cherishes her life in Dreamer’s Bay. The only thing missing is the woman to share life with her.
On the other side badass Devyn, the real estate broker who gets done multimillion-dollar deals in Philadelphia. She never dreamt about living a life in her boring, small hometown, where everybody knows everything about everybody. No way, she will be out again as soon as possible.
The slow-burn romance fits perfectly for this love-story. The setting is wonderfully drawn and all the characters are well developed and give the story some depth and credibility. And as always, Brayden’s writing style is impeccable. And she always adds some fun, like to rank the hotness of women with jalapeños, the more the hotter.
An easy and exciting romance recommended to everybody.
My rating 5 stars.
July 11, 2019
Not sure I can say anything that hasn't already been said. But, this book was really great. It was a beautiful, funny, sexy slow burn. The MCs are incredible together and the chemistry was hot, but also sweet. I swear not many authors can write convincing chemistry like Brayden can.
You should have zero concerns about reading this book!!
I received an ARC from the publisher via netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
You should have zero concerns about reading this book!!
I received an ARC from the publisher via netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
February 3, 2021
A new Melissa Brayden is like a celebration for us. We look forward to tingles, romance, a few tears, adorable characters, great dialogue, awesome sexy times, so much love…and a world made up of support, encouragement, acceptance and all things good. This book checks all the boxes.
Read the full review @ https://bestlesficreviews.blogspot.co...
Read the full review @ https://bestlesficreviews.blogspot.co...
July 20, 2019
(I was given an ARC of the book from Netgalley and Bold Publishing for an honest review)
I'm a huge Melissa Brayden fan and have read pretty much all her books so was really looking forward to reading this one.
Beautiful Dreamer is a slow burn romance that takes place in a small seaside town. Devyn is a former cheerleader captain who left Dreamer's Bay after high school, became a successful real estate broker in fast paced Philly, and never looked back or wanted anything to do with her hometown. Elizabeth is the sweetheart of Dreamer's Bay, loves her small town community, and never wants to leave. The two were never friends during their adolescent years but years later, family circumstances bring Devyn back to town and the slow burn between Devyn and Elizabeth begins.
While I'm used to Brayden's somewhat formulaic falling in love, breakup, reconciliation and HEA, it took me a while to get into the story. Devyn is very career/success driven and is depicted as an ice queen, cautious about relationships or displaying emotions/vulnerability. She comes across as quite arrogant and judgmental toward small town life.
I should confess that I don't like ice queen trope in general and had a difficult time liking Devyn. Throughout the book, I couldn't exactly cheer the two on, thinking Elizabeth deserved much better. I kept wondering how the story would end and didn't expect or want to believe Devyn would just drop her current life to settle back to small town life which she seemed to despise. I also didn’t think it was fair or reasonable for Elizabeth to expect Devyn to do that either. That's just selfish and short sighted. I'm also reluctant to believe that people (esp ice queens) can change all that much in a short time. Many romance novels seem to suggest people experience total transformation when they fall in love but I feel like that kind of change is more lust-driven and short lived. Sure, people CAN change but there's not much depth you can develop in a 200-300 page book without feeling contrived and few authors have managed to pull that off or convince me. That's why I generally don't like ice queen, insta-love, or insta-changeofheart books. I like slow burn.
That said, I was pleasantly surprised to read how Brayden took slow burn to a whole new level and really allowed the romance and character development to burn and grow at a snail pace until the HEA. It is my opinion that inner work/transformation is needed for individuals to truly find/discover themselves, not cheat the process and allow/expect others to make them whole. Brayden delivered us just that and I finished the book smiling and satisfied. I really thought I was going to be disappointed and rolling my eyes which is surprising because I love all her other books/characters but this one was the first that gave me a character I didn't like in the beginning.
Side note: My favorites of Brayden are Strawberry Summer and Waiting in the Wings. These two I can read again and again, but I'm not sure I will be rereading Beautiful Dreamer again. It is well written though and I would still recommend reading.
I'm a huge Melissa Brayden fan and have read pretty much all her books so was really looking forward to reading this one.
Beautiful Dreamer is a slow burn romance that takes place in a small seaside town. Devyn is a former cheerleader captain who left Dreamer's Bay after high school, became a successful real estate broker in fast paced Philly, and never looked back or wanted anything to do with her hometown. Elizabeth is the sweetheart of Dreamer's Bay, loves her small town community, and never wants to leave. The two were never friends during their adolescent years but years later, family circumstances bring Devyn back to town and the slow burn between Devyn and Elizabeth begins.
While I'm used to Brayden's somewhat formulaic falling in love, breakup, reconciliation and HEA, it took me a while to get into the story. Devyn is very career/success driven and is depicted as an ice queen, cautious about relationships or displaying emotions/vulnerability. She comes across as quite arrogant and judgmental toward small town life.
I should confess that I don't like ice queen trope in general and had a difficult time liking Devyn. Throughout the book, I couldn't exactly cheer the two on, thinking Elizabeth deserved much better. I kept wondering how the story would end and didn't expect or want to believe Devyn would just drop her current life to settle back to small town life which she seemed to despise. I also didn’t think it was fair or reasonable for Elizabeth to expect Devyn to do that either. That's just selfish and short sighted. I'm also reluctant to believe that people (esp ice queens) can change all that much in a short time. Many romance novels seem to suggest people experience total transformation when they fall in love but I feel like that kind of change is more lust-driven and short lived. Sure, people CAN change but there's not much depth you can develop in a 200-300 page book without feeling contrived and few authors have managed to pull that off or convince me. That's why I generally don't like ice queen, insta-love, or insta-changeofheart books. I like slow burn.
That said, I was pleasantly surprised to read how Brayden took slow burn to a whole new level and really allowed the romance and character development to burn and grow at a snail pace until the HEA. It is my opinion that inner work/transformation is needed for individuals to truly find/discover themselves, not cheat the process and allow/expect others to make them whole. Brayden delivered us just that and I finished the book smiling and satisfied. I really thought I was going to be disappointed and rolling my eyes which is surprising because I love all her other books/characters but this one was the first that gave me a character I didn't like in the beginning.
Side note: My favorites of Brayden are Strawberry Summer and Waiting in the Wings. These two I can read again and again, but I'm not sure I will be rereading Beautiful Dreamer again. It is well written though and I would still recommend reading.
July 9, 2019
So... I had really high expectations for this book. Umm... I wouldn't say I was let down per se, because it was a decent read... I just... I wanted it to be more than it was.
I didnt relate much to elizabeth as a person - devyn, on the other hand, I wish I'd seen more of her and gor more insight into her character.
Melissa brayden has this way of writing stuff which is really cute and dorky at times - and that was there in this book too. I just didnt enjoy it because I couldn't bring myself to care much for Elizabeth's character. And I didnt understand the chemistry between the two MCs. I also didn't understand why devyn was so smitten.
For some reason I got the same feel/vibe from this book as "poppy jenkins" by clare ashton, except that was just a whole other level
So yeah... while not one of my favourite works by brayden, I can see people liking it.
I didnt relate much to elizabeth as a person - devyn, on the other hand, I wish I'd seen more of her and gor more insight into her character.
Melissa brayden has this way of writing stuff which is really cute and dorky at times - and that was there in this book too. I just didnt enjoy it because I couldn't bring myself to care much for Elizabeth's character. And I didnt understand the chemistry between the two MCs. I also didn't understand why devyn was so smitten.
For some reason I got the same feel/vibe from this book as "poppy jenkins" by clare ashton, except that was just a whole other level
So yeah... while not one of my favourite works by brayden, I can see people liking it.
July 12, 2019
4.5 stars - Beautiful Dreamer by Melissa Brayden is one of the sweetest romances I’ve read in a while!
There’s something I really like about small-town romances and this one does not disappoint. Devyn left Dreamer’s Bay after high school and became a successful real estate broker in Philadelphia. When she has to come back to the Bay to help her sister, she befriends Elizabeth Draper, the town sweetheart who she went to high school with. From there, their relationship slowly develops into something more and meaningful that has Devyn reconsider some of her life choices.
What’s really refreshing about Brayden’s Beautiful Dreamer is that there isn’t unnecessary drama just for the sake of drama or to further the plot. Elizabeth and Devyn communicate and are (mostly) honest about their feelings and issues, and they try working through them.
I fell in love with both main characters; how could I not? Elizabeth and Devyn have wildly different personalities, and I think that’s what makes the chemistry between them so darn delicious. This romance is not only sweet but really fun and sexy.
I really love the setting and how Brayden describes Dreamer's Bay, with all its festivals and quirky inhabitants. My only negative point is that I wish Scout had been more involved through the story… That dog deserved more page time!
I highly recommend this book! It’s a great summer/vacation read.
Thank you to Bold Strokes Books for providing me with a free copy of this title via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
There’s something I really like about small-town romances and this one does not disappoint. Devyn left Dreamer’s Bay after high school and became a successful real estate broker in Philadelphia. When she has to come back to the Bay to help her sister, she befriends Elizabeth Draper, the town sweetheart who she went to high school with. From there, their relationship slowly develops into something more and meaningful that has Devyn reconsider some of her life choices.
What’s really refreshing about Brayden’s Beautiful Dreamer is that there isn’t unnecessary drama just for the sake of drama or to further the plot. Elizabeth and Devyn communicate and are (mostly) honest about their feelings and issues, and they try working through them.
I fell in love with both main characters; how could I not? Elizabeth and Devyn have wildly different personalities, and I think that’s what makes the chemistry between them so darn delicious. This romance is not only sweet but really fun and sexy.
I really love the setting and how Brayden describes Dreamer's Bay, with all its festivals and quirky inhabitants. My only negative point is that I wish Scout had been more involved through the story… That dog deserved more page time!
I highly recommend this book! It’s a great summer/vacation read.
Thank you to Bold Strokes Books for providing me with a free copy of this title via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
July 29, 2019
This book was going the direction of a 5, possibly 5+ stars. Then the events that occurred around the 86% mark occurred and I kind of died inside. Book continued after that point roughly on the same path I thought it was already going and did go.
I could have lived with the lack of communication from Devyn to Elizabeth - the rest of the book fixed that. But what Jill did to Devyn, her own sister? (And, to a lessor extent what Jill did to Elizabeth). That was unforgivable. To a certain extent, more what the author had Jill do. I mean, it was even emphasized that Jill took on both the mother and sister role. And the book opens showing what Devyn would do, how she'd react to Jill being in trouble. Hell, she put her own job on the line to: immediately go back home, spend two months helping, spend a third because Jill looked sad when Devyn was going to leave.
I was hesitant to read this book anyway because I could see it'd be another in that 'high flying successful powerful woman needs to be taught a lesson for enjoying her job so much and being so successful at it.' Then Devyn dropped everything for Jill so .....
Rating: fuck Jill
July 29 2019
I could have lived with the lack of communication from Devyn to Elizabeth - the rest of the book fixed that. But what Jill did to Devyn, her own sister? (And, to a lessor extent what Jill did to Elizabeth). That was unforgivable. To a certain extent, more what the author had Jill do. I mean, it was even emphasized that Jill took on both the mother and sister role. And the book opens showing what Devyn would do, how she'd react to Jill being in trouble. Hell, she put her own job on the line to: immediately go back home, spend two months helping, spend a third because Jill looked sad when Devyn was going to leave.
I was hesitant to read this book anyway because I could see it'd be another in that 'high flying successful powerful woman needs to be taught a lesson for enjoying her job so much and being so successful at it.' Then Devyn dropped everything for Jill so .....
Rating: fuck Jill
July 29 2019
October 30, 2019
Can't believe this is the 14th MB book I've now read. There are a ton of fantastic reviews out there already so let's keep this simple again shall we?
+ Liz is a straight shooter.
+ No room for miscommunication.
+ Dev is career driven. So what?
+ Good character development for both MC's.
+ Kristine's character redemption arc.
+ No insta make up/forgiving scene.
+ Dev learns that trust has to be earned.
+ Scout :)
- Liz is a little too good to be true.
- Jill will not be winning sister of the year.
- Not enough sexual tension build up.
- How dare Liz diss a dirty martini like that.
- No real reason for Dev to revert to being an ass.
- That epilogue made me cringe. Hard.
- Fried Coca Cola? Don't flirt with diabetes kids!
Finally, was I the only one who in the beginning thought Jill had been kidnapped by her abusive ex husband and was lying battered and bruised in the trunk of his car somewhere? I thought Brayden decided to go in a whole new thriller/crime direction for a while.
Overall rating is a 3,75.
+ Liz is a straight shooter.
+ No room for miscommunication.
+ Dev is career driven. So what?
+ Good character development for both MC's.
+ Kristine's character redemption arc.
+ No insta make up/forgiving scene.
+ Dev learns that trust has to be earned.
+ Scout :)
- Liz is a little too good to be true.
- Jill will not be winning sister of the year.
- Not enough sexual tension build up.
- How dare Liz diss a dirty martini like that.
- No real reason for Dev to revert to being an ass.
- That epilogue made me cringe. Hard.
- Fried Coca Cola? Don't flirt with diabetes kids!
Finally, was I the only one who in the beginning thought Jill had been kidnapped by her abusive ex husband and was lying battered and bruised in the trunk of his car somewhere? I thought Brayden decided to go in a whole new thriller/crime direction for a while.
Overall rating is a 3,75.
July 4, 2019
The newest novel from Ms. Brayden had me cautiously optimistic, and overall the writing was strong, detailed and had great witticisms and quirks abound. it also had the obligatory Henley included. While it did have some strong points, it also had some holes that I couldn't ignore. I realize I am an abnormality here compared to other reviews.
The story revolves around Devyn, a high-powered and successful realtor in Philadelphia who is excellent at her job, raking in the millions, but has to return to her small town to care for her sister Jill after an unexpected accident. Through this process, she is re-introduced to Elizabeth, the town's super duper nice girl who is all things fresh and fun and cheery and optimistic. They went to high school together, but the head cheerleader did not mingle with the nerdy overachiever, though no angst was delved into on this aspect, except to mention Devyn's shallow cheer leading friends, who were instantly forgettable.
I didn't fully buy into the two MCs coupling, to be honest. I didn't feel their heat, and I reaaalllly needed the slow burn this time around to be convinced. Though Elizabeth had many pros, she was lovely, and I liked that she refused to give into small town gossip (been a recipient of that a time or two in my life), she also ended up irritating me. She was... too perfect... too nice... too naive. Everyone and their dog loved this girl as she rode through the streets on her longboard (though, points for that, love me a longboard), high fiving every person and tree and mailbox in her path. It was just a bit much. I had a lot of respect for how she tried to protect her heart near the end though, her assertiveness was most welcome and she gained more favour with me. The added side story of her mother was intriguing as well, not overdone, but it tugged at my heartstrings in different ways.
I was more interested in Devyn throughout, and would have liked more detail into just why she was so closed off emotionally besides her hiding her sexuality growing up. I liked how driven she was in her career and had aspirations for going bigger. She was mature and focused and acted like a 30+ year old, that is, until her abhorrent behaviour when she went back to Philly. WHHHYYY?! Oh yeah, because every lesfic has to have that same ol' drama.
Was I the only one who was utterly horrified that Elizabeth organized Jill's surprise homecoming to include 25 4th graders at their teacher's HOUSE??! My mind couldn't help but be shocked into the realization that now, 25 children now know where their teacher lives. 25!!! Would this not be any other teacher's nightmare?! I died a little inside. Maybe I am a cold-hearted asshole, and I shall reflect on this.
I also had trouble with Devyn's sister, who sulked and pouted that she only wanted Devyn to care for her when she clearly had other options. What 35+ year old professional does that to her family, when she knows how busy Devyn is? Guilt trip galore. Also, what she pulled near the end to get Devyn back was beyond reprehensible. Maybe I just really like stories with confident, high powered professional women and don't want to see them repressed, haha.
Dreamer's Bay is the town and in parts I could really feel the laid back vibe, the evening parking lot games, the fresh air, the friendliness. It reminded me of my town growing up in a sense, which was nice to revisit. Do I want to go back though? Hell no, leave this city girl be.
Overall this fun and light beach read gets a 3.5/5 from moi.
The story revolves around Devyn, a high-powered and successful realtor in Philadelphia who is excellent at her job, raking in the millions, but has to return to her small town to care for her sister Jill after an unexpected accident. Through this process, she is re-introduced to Elizabeth, the town's super duper nice girl who is all things fresh and fun and cheery and optimistic. They went to high school together, but the head cheerleader did not mingle with the nerdy overachiever, though no angst was delved into on this aspect, except to mention Devyn's shallow cheer leading friends, who were instantly forgettable.
I didn't fully buy into the two MCs coupling, to be honest. I didn't feel their heat, and I reaaalllly needed the slow burn this time around to be convinced. Though Elizabeth had many pros, she was lovely, and I liked that she refused to give into small town gossip (been a recipient of that a time or two in my life), she also ended up irritating me. She was... too perfect... too nice... too naive. Everyone and their dog loved this girl as she rode through the streets on her longboard (though, points for that, love me a longboard), high fiving every person and tree and mailbox in her path. It was just a bit much. I had a lot of respect for how she tried to protect her heart near the end though, her assertiveness was most welcome and she gained more favour with me. The added side story of her mother was intriguing as well, not overdone, but it tugged at my heartstrings in different ways.
I was more interested in Devyn throughout, and would have liked more detail into just why she was so closed off emotionally besides her hiding her sexuality growing up. I liked how driven she was in her career and had aspirations for going bigger. She was mature and focused and acted like a 30+ year old, that is, until her abhorrent behaviour when she went back to Philly. WHHHYYY?! Oh yeah, because every lesfic has to have that same ol' drama.
Was I the only one who was utterly horrified that Elizabeth organized Jill's surprise homecoming to include 25 4th graders at their teacher's HOUSE??! My mind couldn't help but be shocked into the realization that now, 25 children now know where their teacher lives. 25!!! Would this not be any other teacher's nightmare?! I died a little inside. Maybe I am a cold-hearted asshole, and I shall reflect on this.
I also had trouble with Devyn's sister, who sulked and pouted that she only wanted Devyn to care for her when she clearly had other options. What 35+ year old professional does that to her family, when she knows how busy Devyn is? Guilt trip galore. Also, what she pulled near the end to get Devyn back was beyond reprehensible. Maybe I just really like stories with confident, high powered professional women and don't want to see them repressed, haha.
Dreamer's Bay is the town and in parts I could really feel the laid back vibe, the evening parking lot games, the fresh air, the friendliness. It reminded me of my town growing up in a sense, which was nice to revisit. Do I want to go back though? Hell no, leave this city girl be.
Overall this fun and light beach read gets a 3.5/5 from moi.
July 1, 2019
I will pretty much read anything that Melissa Brayden writes. This was a solid book. It won't become my favorite by her, but it was well written and sweet.
Every book doesn't need to have crazy conflicts or coincidences. Everything about the story made sense and progressed normally. I could actually see this happening in real life. Sometimes I have a hard time picturing a story playing out in real life, but this wasn't one of them.
Both of the mains were enjoyable and they worked well together. Another plus was that the secondary characters were well written.
I do wish that communication issues (or no communication) weren't conflicts at the end. For someone who is so assertive I didn't necessarily feel like Dev would ghost Liz even if she was feeling overwhelmed. Some of the ending was a little predictable but compared to the rest of the book I can't gripe too much.
This is a sweet, feel-good read.
(A copy was provided by the publisher through NetGalley)
Every book doesn't need to have crazy conflicts or coincidences. Everything about the story made sense and progressed normally. I could actually see this happening in real life. Sometimes I have a hard time picturing a story playing out in real life, but this wasn't one of them.
Both of the mains were enjoyable and they worked well together. Another plus was that the secondary characters were well written.
I do wish that communication issues (or no communication) weren't conflicts at the end. For someone who is so assertive I didn't necessarily feel like Dev would ghost Liz even if she was feeling overwhelmed. Some of the ending was a little predictable but compared to the rest of the book I can't gripe too much.
This is a sweet, feel-good read.
(A copy was provided by the publisher through NetGalley)
May 4, 2025
This is Melissa Brayden at her best. I loved this book so much. It was so realistic in the setting and the characters. Both Devyn the hot shot realtor and Elizabeth the home town sweetheart are very well developed characters. The dialogue was great and some very fun banter too.
This will be an all time favorite for me. 😍
This will be an all time favorite for me. 😍
September 15, 2019
3.7
Took me a while to get into this story, but once I did, I enjoyed it. Enjoyed the storyline and the MC's had some chemistry.
Took me a while to get into this story, but once I did, I enjoyed it. Enjoyed the storyline and the MC's had some chemistry.
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