My Wildest Dream

Whisper Lake #2

by Barbara Freethy

Brodie McGuire was a bold, fearless skier whose dreams of Olympic Gold vanished in one career-ending fall. Now, he's following in the footsteps of his father and grandfather as a cop in his hometown of Whisper Lake. Surrounded by the mountains he once conquered, Brodie is trying to find stability and purpose in his new future... when a case brings him together with a beautiful woman, whose cool reserve intrigues him more than he'd like.  

Chelsea Cole was a country music singer on her way to the top when her music inspired a tragedy. Unable to face her fans or the spotlight, she went into hiding, reinventing herself as a small-town music teacher. But Whisper Lake has its secrets, and a problem with one of Chelsea's students introduces her to a brash and altogether too sexy cop who wreaks havoc on her plans for a quiet, drama-free life.

As Chelsea and Brodie work together to solve a mystery, sparks fly between them. Brodie tempts Chelsea out of her safe cocoon, but will more pain be waiting? And when Brodie pushes Chelsea to find her voice again, will she be one more dream he has to give up?

Genres: Romance, Contemporary Romance, Contemporary, Chick Lit, Fiction, Music, Mystery Thriller

338 pages, Kindle Edition

First published September 3, 2019

About the author

Barbara's love of writing developed out of a love of reading. Growing up in an all-boy neighborhood, she spent quite a bit of time reading through her mother's large library, many of which were romantic novels. After graduating from the University of California at Santa Barbara, she went into Public Relations, but soon discovered that writing was her true passion.

Barbara was traditionally published for many years, then formed her own publishing company FOG CITY PUBLISHING in 2011 and has since sold over 10 million books! She has published 75 novels ranging from mystery thrillers to romantic suspense and contemporary romance.

Her book SUMMER SECRETS was a #1 New York Times bestseller! And twenty-five other novels have also appeared on the New York Times and USA Today Bestseller Lists. She is currently writing two ongoing series, a contemporary romance series set in Whisper Lake and a romantic suspense series: Off The Grid: FBI Series. She is also known for her bestselling Callaway Family Series, which offers up fourteen books and two novellas.

When Barbara isn't writing or publishing, which isn't very often these days, she is playing tennis, hanging out with friends and family in beautiful Lake Tahoe or reading books!

For a complete list of her books, visit her website!

Reviews

[Debbie Oliphant · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received an ARC for an honest review.

I was very happy to read a new book from one of my favorite contemporary romance authors. I love how the story unfolds at a pace that keeps you engaged.

This is the second installment of the Whisper Lake series and can be read as a standalone. If you read the first installment, you will recognize many of the characters in this story.

Brodie just moved into his home when he hears a commotion outside. He meets his new neighbor, Chelsea, who is trying to catch a cat that she is watching while there other neighbor is away. This is their first introduction and Brodie feels an attraction with Chelsea. Chelsea lets Brodie know immediately that she is not interested.

Brodie is a police officer currently working on a case involving fires set by a serial arsonist. Chelsea mentions to Brodie that she has an 8 year old student who is drawing the same picture of a house on fire, but each new picture has a new detail and she thinks he may know someting. Her student is autistic so is artwork has become his method of communication.

Brodie and Chelsea are finding themselves interacting more than Chelsea would like which is elevating the attraction that Brodie has for her, and slowly breaking down the walls that she has put up. Chelsea has a secret and she has not shared with her family or her close friends. As she gets to know Brodie a little better, she learns that there are some parallels in his life that mirror her own and she begins to trust him enough to share.

As Brodie begins to follow the clues leading to the arsonist, he discovers that Chelsea could be in danger. He puts his own life in danger to help her and it is at that moment that the two realize they need each other and have to find a way to save each other.

I loved this book and cannot wait for the next installment. This author has tee'd up some very interesting storylines for the residents of Whisper Lake.

[Jane · Rating 5 out of 5]

My Wildest Dream: Whisper Lake 2 will snag reader’s interest right from the start with a cleverly plotted story involving two former celebrities who only want to live normal low key lives, an arsonist, and an artistic boy with autism who keeps drawing pictures of a fire. Brodie is happy being a cop, but when his sports agent father approaches him with a good deal, will celebrity draw him back? Meanwhile, Chelsea is being harassed by her former partner to return to singing. Chelsea has secrets she doesn’t want to reveal about why she gave up her career, and an attraction to Brodie she doesn’t want to acknowledge. Ms. Freethy knows how to tantalize her readers! This book is filled with family, friends, intruders, and attraction all wrapped up in an exciting and engaging story. I voluntarily reviewed an advance copy of this book. Most highly recommend.

[Isha Coleman · Rating 4 out of 5]

Destiny was their greatest temptation. Who knew that heartache was on the horizon? What began as a chance encounter becomes a treacherous pathway to romance. Tragedy haunts her, regrets shadow him and passion lures them into a mystery as dangerous as their feelings for each other. Freethy captivates with a sensuous game of tainted hearts and tempting romance. My Wildest Dream is a hotbed of intriguing storytelling. Brodie and Chelsea are sure to get under your skin.

[Brandy · Rating 3 out of 5]

I love Barbara’s books but I had a really difficult time with how pushy Brodie was. Listen. When a woman says she isn’t interested, that’s not a cue for you to try harder to get her to bed. It felt really slimy. I liked Chelsea and her story, and the fires were an interesting backdrop for the whole thing. Overall I’m pretty conflicted.

[Judy Churchill · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed this story.

[Robin · Rating 5 out of 5]

A second chance at life and a first chance at true love. It does make for some wonderful music. I'm thrilled Chelsea found a way to heal her heart and Brody was there to help her along the way. ❤️

[ROBIN RUIZ · Rating 5 out of 5]

“We both know what it means to dream big, to put it all in the line, to rush everything ...and we both know what it feels like to fail “

Brodie is a cop at Whisper Lake. A former skier with an Olympic future
Chelsea is a famous singer , who walked away from her career, for personal reasons
Brodie sees the haunting in Chelsea’s eyes, will see let him into her life and her heart ?

Barbara Freethy has done It again with a great new series, that has the reader packing their bags to move to the town !

[Pam · Rating 5 out of 5]

My Wildest Dream : Whisper Lake Book 2 is by Barbara Freethy. This second book in the series helps set the series off to a fabulous start. The second book is probably better than the first one. The characters are realistic and close to life and her situations are believable.
Brodie McGuire woke up knowing someone was in his back yard. As a police officer in Whicper Lake, he had not been in bed long. Now, he quietly got out of bed to investigate. Someone had started burning empty houses and since he didn’t have furniture in his front rooms, it looked like his house was empty. Was it someone trying to burn it? When he got outside, he found it was his neighbor looking for a cat. He startled her as she had just caught the cat and caused her to drop it. She had to get the cat and take it indoors because he was her neighbor’s cat and she didn’t want to lose him.
After the cat was in the house, Brodie introduced himself to his neighbor. She knew that he was an ex-Olympian who had been going for the gold that year but was in an accident and could no longer ski. He didn’t like talking about it, so turned his attention to her. She was Christie Cole, a second grade teacher. She had come to Whisper Lake to get away from her music career. She didn’t want anyone to know who she had been nor to ask her anything about her past. Could she keep her secrets around Brodie when he was so interested in her?

[Colleen's Conclusions · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really like reading about the characters in the Whisper Lake setting so far. The first one was about Gia and Zack and the second one is about Chelsea and Brodie. I kept wanting to learn more about Chelsea and her past because she was so secretive and mysterious in the first book.

I was glad we got to learn more about her in the second book. Chelsea used to be a famous country singer and she did duets with Austin. Something happened though and she made herself quit music and she didn’t look back. She instead becomes a music teacher at Whisper Lake and she meets Brodie.

I really liked the story line between Chelsea and Brodie. They are actually some of my favorite characters now. Their characters were really well developed and I liked how the romance didn’t just automatically happen.

My Wildest Dreams by Barbara Freethy is a five out of five star rating. I received this book from the publisher but this has no impact on my thoughts. My thoughts are my own.

[Patti Lucas · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved My Wildest Dream by Barbara Freethy. It is the second book in the Whisper Lake series. Barbara Freethy has once again shown that she is an amazing storyteller. I could not put it down. I loved every page. I really enjoy how the book is told from the perspective of the main characters. I love getting the insight and feelings from the different characters. My Wildest Dream is the story of Brodie McGuire, former Olympic downhill skier turned Whisper Lake policeman and Chelsea Cole, former country singer/songwriter turned elementary music school teacher. Both Chelsea and Brodie had dream come true professions before life changing incidents occurred in their lives. Brodie’s career changed was forced upon him because of a career ending fall he took when he lost his concentration during the Olympic downhill trials. Chelsea chose to walk away from her singing career and has not told anyone of her reasoning behind her retirement. Chelsea and Brodie meet while Chelsea is searching around Brodie’s yard for the neighbor’s missing cat, Lady Jane, that she is cat sitting. Brodie helps Chelsea locate the cat and put her safely in the house. Chelsea and Brodie discuss the string of recent fires in empty homes around Whisper Lake. For Brodie it is love at first sight, but Chelsea fights her feelings. The following day Chelsea shows up to the police precinct to talk to her brother, Adam about one most recent arson and how it is impacting Travis a young student with autism in her summer school class. She runs into Brodies and discusses her concerns about Travis. Chelsea and Brodie agree to meet up at a local bar for wings later that night, Chelsea’s treat to show her appreciation to Brodie for helping with Lady Jane. While with Brodie, Chelsea’s ex-boyfriend and singing partner, Austin Boone, shows up. As Austin pursues Chelsea she hides out in Brodie’s house. Things begin to change between them. Paparazzi cause Chelsea and Brodie to leave a festival. Chelsea finds breaks down and tells Brodie the real reason why she gave up her singing career. He is the only person she has ever told she did not want to tell her family the reason because she did not want them to have to live for her. Chelsea gives into her feelings for Brodie, but has concerns since Brodie’s dad, Justin, has approached him able moving to L.A. to pursue an opportunity as a sports show TV host that he is developing for Brodie. Brodie chose to be a policeman because of his grandfather, but Justin has never approved of his career choice. I love the transformation that take place with Chelsea because of her relationship with Brodie. I love that Chelsea jotting down thoughts for songs and thinks about singing again. I love how once again, Barbara Freethy incorporates the title of the book in to the story. I love Brodie tells Chelsea that she is his “wildest dream”. I loved that My Wildest Dream is a more than just a romance, there are dilemmas that both Chelsea and Brodie are facing that need to be resolved. I love that there was the arson storyline, the Austin storyline, but most importantly Chelsea and Brodie’s story. I love all the descriptions of the Whisper Lake setting that Barbara Freethy detailed. My Wildest Dream is filled with the poignant and bittersweet moments in the story as well as the plot twists, that I have come to love and expect in Barbara Freethy's stories. I love the cast of characters in My Wildest Dream and I am looking forward to reading the other books in the series. Who doesn’t love family and friends that always have each other’s backs? Reading My Wildest Dream felt like a family reunion, because the reader was able to catch up with Gianna and Zach and the other characters in Always With Me. I was also happy that they found Chloe’s husband, Kevin, but it was sort of bittersweet, not sure what impact that will have with Adam. I was happy that Chelsea overcame her fears and was willing to sing again. I thoroughly enjoyed My Wildest Dream, who doesn’t love a love at first sight story.

[R J Mckay · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received a copy of this book from the Author in exchange for a review.

A champion skier who can’t ski; a professional singer who can’t sing…two people struggling to put their world to rights.
Brodie McGuire was on the way to Olympic gold when a tragic accident on the slopes took away any chance for glory. His decision to return to his hometown of Whisper Lake and become a cop just like his Grandfather before him seemed the right decision. He’s been on the job for 6 months and slowly getting his bearings. But now the whole town is antsy. There have been two recent arsons, so when Brodie hears someone in his back yard late at night, he grabs his gun and goes outside, expecting to confront the wrong-doer. Instead he finds a beautiful, slightly disheveled woman climbing through his bushes carrying a cat, or at least she was carrying a cat until it jumped out of her arms and escaped. Again. Something Chelsea was quick to blame Brodie for.
Chelsea Cole is a singer-song writer who can no longer face the spotlight, not after one of her songs is blamed for a suicide. So now she has fled to Whisper Lake to reinvent herself. She is a temp music teacher. And a temp cat sitter, which is how she met her new neighbor.
A young boy who lived next door to the most recent fire is one of Chelsea’s students. His drawings in class focus on the fire, causing Chelsea to have concerns for the young boy and exactly what he saw. Maybe he saw something that might help the investigation. So, working together, Brodie and Chelsea try to unravel the pictures the young boy draws in hopes of finding out who in their small town is behind this heinous crime. And as their trust in each other grows, they are also able to reveal to each other, their own fears. And maybe they can help each other overcome them.
A touch of love, a touch of mystery, and a full dose of Barbara Freethy’s wonderful talent, brings this story to life. Along the way, the readers get to re-visit the lovely town of Whisper Lake and re-acquaint themselves with its residents.

[Mindy · Rating 5 out of 5]

The story between Chelsea Cole and Brodie McGuire is filled with heartbreak, secrets, and suspense but also humor and love.

Brodie was a professional skier on his way to the Olympics when an accident on the slopes wrecked his body and any chance he had at qualifying. After recovering from his injuries, Brodie becomes a cop and moves to Whisper Lake where he’d lived with his grandfather who was an ex cop. Brodie just recently moved into his own place and hasn’t had an opportunity to meet any of his new neighbors.

Chelsea Cole was an up and coming country music artist, but one day on stage Chelsea freezes and can’t go on. No one understands why and she has no intention of sharing. Chelsea moves to Whisper Lake to be closer to her siblings and takes a job as a music teacher. She’s made the decision to never sing again.

Brodie knows that his one co-worker has a sister that lives across the street, but he’s never had the chance to meet her. Until late one night when he’s woken up by the sounds of someone outside his house. Jumping out of bed and grabbing his gun, Brodie goes outside to check it out only to come face to face with his beautiful neighbor. It turned out, she was cat sitting for his neighbors and she couldn’t get the cat. With Brodie’s help, they manage to get Lady Jane back inside.

Brodie is instantly attracted to Chelsea and charms his way into spending time with her. The more time they spend with each other, the more they come to rely on each other. Can Brodie help Chelsea let go of her inner demons and find her way back to music? Will Chelsea play a part in helping Brodie decide what to do with his life?

Barbara Freethy has written another amazing story filled with exciting characters you can really relate to and enough suspense to keep you turning the pages. Her words truly bring the story to life.

[Norma Jean · Rating 5 out of 5]

Chelsea Cole is trying to live a quiet life in the small town of Whisper Lake after giving up a successful country music career. She was at the height of her career when a tragedy made her give up her music career and begin a new career teaching music in an elementary school in Whisper Lake. She tells no one what made her give up her career, not even her family.

Brodie McGuire was living his dream. He was at the top of his career and was training for the Olympic Games when a devastating accident ended his chance to go for the gold. He is satisfied to be a cop in Whisper Lake.

Both Chelsea and Brodie are trying to reinvent themselves with new careers. When Brodie moves into a house across the street from Chelsea, they both feel an instant attraction.

Whisper Lake is being targeted by an arsonist. One of Chelsea’s students, a seven year old autistic boy, is drawing pictures of the fire that took place across the street from where he lives. ..a new picture every day, each one with more detail. Chelsea can’t help but think that the child saw something that night that might help solve the case.

Ms. Freethy has done it again. My Wildest Dream has just the right mix of romance and suspense to keep the reader interested from the first chapter to the final page. I found myself putting the book down because I didn’t want it to end, only to pick it back up because I had to know how it ended.

I loved everything about this book. I can’t wait to read the next book in this series. Visiting Whisper Lake is like coming home and reuniting with old friends. I recommend My Wildest Dream and also Book 1 of the series, Always With Me. You won’t be disappointed.

[Becky Claxon · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is another great book in this series. I felt bad that Chelsea had something bad that happened to her and she didn’t fell like she could sing anymore or tell her family what happened. Especially since she has been singing and writing songs since she was a child. When I found out the reason, it was even more heartbreaking. Chelsea’s boyfriend (Austin) at the time was not even there for her. As I found more out about Austin, I did not like him much. At least Chelsea felt safe at Whisper Lake around her sister and brother.

Brodie is a heart throb that you can’t help but love. He has had his troubles in the past with crashing skiing, hurting his knee, keeping him from getting his life dream of a gold medal in skiing, and then forced to quit competitive skiing. He decided to move to Whisper Lake and be a cop like his grandfather used to be. It helps that he is close to his grandfather and he is still living in Whisper Lake.

It was funny how Chelsea and Brodie first meet. I loved that Brodie felt something for Chelsea and didn’t give up on trying to get to know her even though she threw road blocks in his way. There is an arsonist in town that has a everyone on edge. There are a couple of people that the fires really affect and brings them into the police crosshairs. I was glad that Brodie is always there to help Chelsea when she needs it. This is a great story that I strongly encourage you to read. I was given a copy of this book, and I voluntarily wrote a review to hopefully help others.

[Cinthia · Rating 5 out of 5]

My Wildest Dream is about dreams... dreamed dreams, lived dreams, broken dreams and new dreams found. My wildest Dream is about pain, secrets and rediscovering, finding meaning in life, knowing who you are and what you want for your life. It is about the meeting of love, the real and inspiring love, the one who gives unintentionally exchange, the one who frees the soul to find the soul mate that eats you.

Chelsea Cole has been living or hiding in Whisper Lake for a year and a half, unwilling or even remembering how the song was her wildest Dream, how the song made her happy. Now she works as a music teacher and replacing an elementary school teacher on vacation... She hides a secret from everyone she loves, a secret that has taken her off the stage and makes her plunge into anxiety every time remember him.

Brodie McGuire is a former athlete, a speed skier who got injured during practice for his Olympic medal. Brodie has 'retired' and is now following in his grandfather's footsteps, he is now a Whisper Lake cop, working closely with Adam Cole, Chelsea's brother.

When Brodie moves into his new home he wakes up one night with a noise in the back of his house and discovers a beautiful woman looking for a stray cat.

The relationship between Chelsea and Brodie begins as a camaraderie between neighbors and becomes more and more important to each other. Brodie with her charm and empathy gets Chelsea to open to him and thereby frees her to seek his peace and happiness again.

[Karen · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved going back to Whisper Lake. The characters are so real and the stories an enjoyable read.

Brodie and Chelsea both have come to a crossroad in their careers and along the way they have found each other and love. However is their love enough to overcome the obstacles that stand in their way.

Chelsea was a famous singer and vanished off the music scene after a tragic accident with one of her fans that she took personally, even though it was never her fault. But she still blamed herself.

Brodie was a Olympic downhill skier but never got to see gold after his career ending injury. That was when he decided to become a police officer of the small town of Whisper Lake. However his father has other plans for him, he wants him to do this new show and be the face of this new production, but is that something he wants to do.

While Brodie and Chelsea are falling in love, there is an arsonist in Whisper Lake and somehow the both of them are connected...one of Chelsea's students sees something, but he is non verbal and Brodie just happens to see a fire right after it being set and possibly the suspect speeding away. But it is not whom anyone suspects it to be. It is a real shocker to the whole community.

Can Chelsea get over her panic attacks and return to her music? Will her love for Brodie heal her? Will Brodie take the new job in L.A. and walk away from the love of his life and his new life as a police officer?

Loved seeing these two fall in love and overcome their inhibitions. Will their paths join as one or forever be parallel?

[Gwen S. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Chelsea and Brodie Rebuild Their Lives and Loves! 3.5***** Spoiler Alert.

Chelsea Cole, former singer demoralized, burnt out, and guilty when she was implicated in a fan’s boyfriend suicide, returned to Whisper Lake to teach Art for the summer. There she met Brodie, an severely injured, Olympic downhill skier, now a cop in the WL Police Department, where her brother Adam Cole was also a detective. What started as a search for Lady Jane, the cat, in Brodie’s backyard late at night, turned into a cajoled date. However Chelsea’s reluctance to date had Brodie curious and he slowly broke down the guilty wall around her heart, while protecting her from her ex-beau, Austin.
The concurrent subplot involved an Autistic boy in her Art class who drew more disturbing pictures of a fire that was ignited by his pyromaniac grandfather; this solved a 16 year old arson/ murder cold case involving Brodie’s grandfather’s new love interest.

Great plots, however Brodie and Chelsea’s characters could’ve been more dynamic, as Chelsea’s reason for leaving her chosen career seemed wish-washy. However they both reclaimed their former careers in some capacity, and managed a HEA! The aspect of this novel that infuriated yet intrigued me, was the dual deployment of Austin’s parents by the US Military... this showed such concern for our military families!

[Trude · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fame and celebrity is fickle. Brodie and Chelsea have both had fame and exciting careers that ended too soon. Brodie was a talented downhill skier aiming for the Olympics when a training accident cruelly upended his plans. Now he's a cop in Whisper Lake following in his grandfather's footsteps. He meets Chelsea when he moves into her neighborhood. Chelsea was a country music superstar when something happened that broke her and took away her music. Something she hasn't been able to share with anyone until Brodie gets past her defenses. Brodie and Chelsea have obvious chemistry between them and Barbara Freethy gives us another beautiful love story. There is also a mystery about a string of arsons that lend an air of mystery and danger. In the end both Chelsea and Brodie each must make a crucial decision about their love and their futures.
My Wildest Dream is the 2nd book in the Whisper Lake series and we get a lot of hints as to future characters in this series. It looks like readers are in for alot of fun!
My thanks to Barbara Freethy for the opportunity to read an advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

[Kelly Mentzer · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love Barbara Freethy's work and this book was no different. This story is about Brodie McGuire and Chelsea Cole. Both of these individuals have reached stardom and have seen that taken away. Chelsea was a country singer and at the top of the charts, but she left it all behind for a specific reason/secret. She decided to return back home to heal and has taken another career path and became the music teacher at a school in her small town.

Brodie was an Olympic skier, but a horrible accident lead to him retiring from the sport. He decided to find a new career and heads to the small town where his grandfather lives and he gets hired as a policeman.

Chelsea crosses paths with Brodie after a student in her class might have clues to a unsolved case in town. They decide to work together to get more clues to the suspicious fires that are being set. However, fire isn't the only thing that is getting hot.....

Chelsea and Brodie have their past thrown in their faces and they must figure out where their future is going as individuals and as a possible couple. I loved the suspense in this book and the HEA. Another great story by Barbara Freethy.....grab it today and enjoy

[Perrin Larton · Rating 4 out of 5]

From Olympic contender to small town cop, from Country music fame to substitute teacher, Barbara Freethy’s newest in the Whisper Lake series, My Wildest Dream, tells us how quickly our dreams of greatness can be lost.

Brodie, professional skier on his way to possible Olympic Gold, falls and his dreams go down with him. Now he’s taken up law enforcement in Whisper Lake, the same town his grandfather once patrolled. Is he settled or just settling?

Chelsea, with her sweet voice, makes country music fans believe the words she sings, but is that beneficial or can it be harmful? Now she is substitute teaching in Whisper Lake, after a heartbreaking secret makes her run to family and leave her music career behind.

Now they’re working together to find an arsonist and to figure out if their dreams are behind them or if they’re just beginning to realize new dreams. Arson, mystery, an old boyfriend, a well-loved mentor, and parental interference all come into play!

I enjoyed Brodie and Chelsea’s journey, and we were introduced to many new players in what I hope will be another long running series! I can’t wait to read the next book set in Whisper Lake!

[Kathy · Rating 5 out of 5]

My Wildest Dream is the second book in the Whisper Lake series by Barbara Freethy. Brodie McGuire is a former famous skier who has become a policemen due to a career- ending fall. He has returned to Whisper Lake to begin his new career. Chelsea Cole came to Whisper Lake after a tragedy occurred in her life as a country singer. Brodie meets Chelsea while she is desperately trying to get the cat she is pet sitting back into the house. Both are looking to start their lives over.
Whisper Lake has had two fires set in empty houses. Clues have been hard to come by but a young student of Chelsea’s might be able to shed some light on who could be setting the fire. Chelsea and Brodie work together to solve the mystery while both must make decisions about their new career choices.
The story line pulled me into the story - I had a hard time putting the book down. Whisper Lake is soon becoming a very favorite town that I would love to visit. Looking forward to reading more Whisper Lake adventures.

[Mary Wells · Rating 5 out of 5]

Barbara Freethy is a must read for me....romance, suspense, great stories & characters you want to meet & have a few drinks with. My Wildest Dream is the second book in her Whisper Lake series - about a small town in the Colorado Mountains & some of the residents who live there. This is Brodie & Chelsea’s Story, two people who have come to Whisper Lake to heal & reinvent themselves. Brodie was a world champion skier, taken out in a training run just before realizing his dream of Olympic Gold. His second career brings him to Whisper Lake as a cop, in the town where his grandfather was once on the force. Chelsea is a rising country singer-songwriter in Nashville who runs from the bright lights & music after her songs are blamed for a tragedy. She finds a new life teaching music in an elementary school, hiding in the town where her sister & brother live. These two definitely have known the highs & lows of fame and fortune. How they learn to trust each other & open up their hearts to the possibility of love makes for a great read.

[Stacey · Rating 4 out of 5]

A tragic event has singer Chelsea hiding in Whisper Lake, avoiding the career that had always made her happy. An accident on the slopes has former skier and Olympic hopeful Brodie McGuire in Whisper Lake working as a police officer, following in his grandfather’s footsteps.

I liked how both Chelsea and Brodie had been in the spotlight, so not only did they know how things worked in regards to being celebrities, but they can relate to what one another had been through. Neither one could really confide in anyone about what they had experienced because no one would understand, yet they were finally able to confide in each other.

There’s some mystery as Brodie and Chelsea’s brother, Adam, investigate a series of arsons in town. It throws some drama into the story, and I enjoyed it. I didn’t expect the arsonist to be who it turned out to be, which was an interesting twist.

My Wildest Dream is a great addition to the Whisper Lake series, and I’m looking forward to seeing what happens next.

**I voluntarily read and reviewed an ARC**

[Debbie · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fantastic second chance story with interesting twists and a mystery to solve.
Brodie was a champion skier until an accident just before the olympics forces his retirement, so he has returned to Whisper Lake to become a police officer and enjoying the quiet life.
Chelsea returned to Whisper Lake after a devastating event made her end her singing career to become a teacher.
One night Brodie finds Chelsea under the bushes of his house looking for a cat she was minding but had escaped. As they get to know each other and find they have many things in common challenges are put in their way like a former flame perusing Chelsea to write and sing with him and Brodie’s father offering him a deal to host a sports show in Hollywood. Will their feelings be stronger than than the lure of returning to their former lives or will Whisper Lake weave its magic into their hearts?
Loved this book and would recommend.

[Pam · Rating 5 out of 5]

Barbara Freethy has written another wonderful romantic suspense that is sure to please. Take a country music star that has turned her back on her career because of an unfortunate incident. Plus a world class skier that has had to switch careers due to a career ending injury. An autistic student with a secret he can’t get out. A series of crimes in the picturesque town of Whisper Lake. How will it all be resolved?

I really enjoyed the journey that Ms. Freethy took us on in this story. Brodie realizes what’s important to him & what he needs to be happy. Chelsea realizes that while her music can change lives, it’s only if the basics are in place beforehand. Her voice has the ability to make people happy, not force them to do anything they weren’t going to do first. As they continue to track down the criminal setting fires, their attraction gains its own energy. They grow closer but they don’t share everything about their past. When their pasts come calling, what will they choose?

[Mommysmoose · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's really no wonder why, I anxiously await every book that Barbara writes. They never disappoint me. This new series has a cast of amazing characters that you can't help but fall in love with. A town that is quaint and beautiful, that leads to stories that keep you captivated from page one. In this second book Chelsea and Brodie are thrown together in a great mystery with tons of suspense. Chelsea just wants to lead a quiet life after running away from her superstar life as a country music star. But, her past comes rushing back. Brodie's dreams are dashed as a result of a horrific crash on a snowy mountain. But, together they find a different path in life that fulfills their "Wildest Dream". A beautiful story of love and second chances to make their dreams come true. Dreams can change but, they can get better too. I also loved visiting with the other characters from the last book. Great mystery and suspense.

[Patricia Cosgrove · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the story of Brodie McGuire and Chelsea Cole. Chelsea is Adam Coles sister and Brodie is a retired top skier who was injured and now is a cop. It is also Whisper Lake #2 and not only are you going to fall in love with them you will be reunited with some of the characters from book 1.
Chelsea is a retired singer who harbors a secret that in her mind forced her to retire from her music. Brodie starts falling for her but can see that she must come to terms with her past in her own way. He doesn't push her in any way and because of this, she starts to slowly open up to him about her past. Chelsea likes that she can talk as little as she wants and Brodie really gets her. When they finally realize that they love each other they are both faced with a decision to go their own ways or decide if they stay together.
Barbara Freethy has mastered not only writing stories about families, love, and mystery but keeping her readers always waiting for the next book.

[Linda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Do I get to say over and over again how much I enjoy Barbara Freethy’s books. She is a true romantic deep in her heart and she write about real people who could be your neighbors or someone in your town. This is the second book about Whisper Lake and a group of friends who live and work here. Brodie McGuire was a policeman in the same town where his grandfather had been a cop. He was a well known as a skier who was headed to the Olympics until a very bad accident made him review his life and change careers. Brodie had found his true calling helping others and when he met Chelsea Cole, he wanted to help her too. Chelsea had left a promising singing career a year and a half ago without a word to anyone about why she quit. These two people were both on a tract that paralleled each other but could they make that tract cross each other’s? Great and heartwarming story. Lots of side stories that give you an insight into the people who live in Whisper Lake.

[J Stryker · Rating 5 out of 5]

My Wildest Dream is the newest book in the Whisper Lake series. I always enjoy Barbara Freethy books because they have interesting plot lines and great love stories. This particular book has at least three different plots going on. Of course there is a wonderful love story between Chelsea, a country western singer and Brodie, a cop. But why did Chelsea give up a successful singing career. What is she hiding? And will Brodie, injured while training for Olympic ski gold, stay in Whisper Lake or go back to his first love, skiing? Then there is the problem of an arsonist setting houses on fire around Whisper Lake. All will be revealed in time. This was a very exciting book with lots of interesting storylines to follow. I really enjoyed it and felt like I knew the people described in the book.

[Cindy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Two people, each immensely talented, change their paths and meet in the bushes while chasing Lady Jane. Chelsea is content in her new career teaching music, and Brodie enjoys being a cop. Will arson, an autistic little boy, and some wild offers change their paths? Will Chelsea find her voice? Will Brodie return to his father’s world? Author Barbara Freethy answers these questions and more in this engaging story set in Whisper Lake. I enjoyed the romance and the clues regarding the arsons. So much happens in just a couple of weeks! Good as a stand-alone, better as the second book in Author Freethy’s new series, My Wildest Dream is an enjoyable read.

I enjoyed a pre-publication opportunity to read this story, with no compensation and no expectations. The words above are my voice and were optional and unforced.