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Dream

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Older, wiser and a li’l more heartless India Black is existing, but she isn’t living. After the tragic death of her first love, she’s been financially cut off by her mother and making it on her own in Philly. Full-time college student by day and bottle girl at a popular strip club by night, India is trying her best to make ends meet but barely getting by. After the day from hell, her life is turned upside down when she meets the elusive, menacing, cocky as hell, king of Philly, Dream. Filthy rich and fine as hell, Keanu Dessalines Baptiste aka Dream, runs the streets of Philly with an iron fist. All he knows is money, madness and murder. With a snap of his fingers, he can turn his enemies into a mere memory. Born with the weight of being next in line to run the Baptiste crime family, he wants to live life on his own terms but being a Don comes with rules and allegiances he can’t forsake. For India, Dream is everything she’s been trying to avoid but the one man she can’t get out of her system. From the moment they meet, their undeniable chemistry takes over and all they can see is each other, but their past traumas, dysfunctional families and callous ways threaten to end them before they even begin. What will happen when these two broken hearts collide? Will they let go and let love in or will their pride and outside forces shatter their cracked hearts to pieces?

301 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 20, 2019

124 people are currently reading
427 people want to read

About the author

Keisha Ervin

59 books757 followers
Hailing from St. Louis, Missouri, Keisha Ervin is a prolific writer and devoted mother. Her success has drawn much deserved attention to herself and her hometown.
She is the author of the National Best-Sellers Chyna Black, Me & My Boyfriend, Mina's Joint and Hold U Down, as well as the novel Torn and the short story After the Storm, featured in the Street Love anthology.

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5 stars
455 (75%)
4 stars
105 (17%)
3 stars
24 (4%)
2 stars
10 (1%)
1 star
6 (1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 104 reviews
Profile Image for Lady Raven RAVE!.
1,824 reviews1,506 followers
May 17, 2021
4⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Style: African American Street Urban Romance
Story: 3.5/5
Enjoyment: 4/5
Dark Level: 2/5
Sexual Level: GOOD
Triggers: Yes
Violence: Yes
Male: Crime Boss & Stoic
Series: Book 1
Pages: 301
Audio: GOOD
Kindle Unlimited: No


STORY:
Ok, this story started dark and Intense. There was a violent killing and rape scene and this is just the prologue. This scene is the scene that will shape Dream aka Keanu into the man he is; a ruthless, I don’t give a f¥£k crime boss. He is cold and yet interesting. The journey the author took us on between Dream and India was so up and down and crazy. It feels intense at times, but you can’t help but want to finish the story. India, smh, that girl needs to know when to shut the hell up. Her mouth gets her in the worst situations.

While I found myself loving this story, is there a part 2? Will there even be a part 2? I find that there are issues not resolved. Dream’s mother, I wanted to know who, but I have an idea who did it. Also, with an epilogue like that, clearly there is supposed to be a second book.



CHEMISTRY:
Once Dream and India actually start seeing each other as more, I liked their sexual chemistry. The built-up tension exploded so well for me.


SECONDARY CHARACTERS:
I love the way the author incorporated secondary characters. So in the story you are getting a little of everyone with the main focus still being Dream and India.


OVERALL, love the story, but confused on if there will be a book 2.


✰✰TRIGGERS: rape, violence and vulgar language that can be offense.

****I don’t equate these stories to real life. It’s about personal taste and what you would or want to tolerate with the books you read. I know we all have different opinions and preferences with what we read. I based my book reviews on my preferences and what I like, and while these preferences may not be the same for others, I hope this review was still helpful.

Profile Image for Genel F.
159 reviews6 followers
September 3, 2020
What a Dream!

Let me start by saying this is my first novel by Keisha Ervin and I was NOT disappointed. From the very beginning, Dream was an actual Nightmare. I was so shocked and sickened by Dream’s abrasive and curtness behavior. He was just mean as hell and of course poor India became a recipient of his foul attitude. India should be the billboard for Murphy’s Law, I mean things were unraveling quickly for her. She’s offered some what of an olive branch but none other than Mr.Nightmare himself. As India begins to navigate through Dream’s world, she also begins to break that Ice box around his heart. Don’t ask me how, because I didn’t think it was possible. I admire India’s perseverance from beginning to end. Baby girl was in a bind, but she was determined to figure it out. As Dream watched her work her way through all the obstacles she was simultaneously chiseling about at that ice box. He begin to show glimpses of vulnerability and human decency, and even though it took a while, I understand how he became a “Dream” for India. His thoughtfulness was such a beautiful thing to see and him showing his soft side was exactly what India needed. I am extremely grateful that this wasn’t a rich guy saves broke weak girl novel. By the end of this book, Dream had grown a lot, i just hope all the hard work India put in to change him doesn’t go To waste.
Profile Image for Talisha Lowe.
45 reviews4 followers
November 8, 2019
Hmmm

Kinda bummed that the book is more focused on Dream than India. Reminds me of Cam and Gray how they fall so hard and barely know each other. Interested in seeing where this goes. The “love story” part was hard to connect to. They definitely have an attraction for each other but seems like lust. Its been drama since day one and by the way it ended that aint stopping no time soon. It was kinda unrealistic how he changed from so heartless to romantic so fast. They both need lots of therapy.
Profile Image for Stacy Boddie.
121 reviews3 followers
June 5, 2020
This book was a page turner from the beginning to the end. A must read
Profile Image for Jordyn.
142 reviews60 followers
June 11, 2020
Ok so this was my first book I read by Keisha and I loved it. Its a lot I can say about Mr. Dream but all I know I don't want to end up on his bad side. This book was action packed, funny and very entertaining. Dream is so sexy you don't wanna hate him but he is the biggest ass I've read about in a long time. I really want to make him a book boyfriend but im scared of him Lol. This book end so good like I want part two like yesterday.
Profile Image for Jessica French.
86 reviews3 followers
November 3, 2020
Really good book. Keisha Ervin is one of my favorite authors however, the older I get the more I feel like a lot of her books have immature characters. Her characters and their decisions are becoming cliché. I like that this book gives you a glimpse into Chyna Black’s story, her story is unfinished, and I can’t wait until the next book is released. I know Dam was out of the game, but India was living poor. She was letting her pride get in her way of succeeding. Dream was a beast in this book, but I liked him despite some of his actions. I enjoyed reading India and Dream’s love and hate relationship. I was excited about were the book lead them but disappointed about Dream’s actions. Sometimes people do stupid things instead of communicating. I believe that being open, honest, and communicating will save a lot of people from heartache and deceit. Looking forward to the next book, I am scared that the next book will have more disappointment and will be like her other books. The characters love stories always have back and forth in them and ain’t nobody got time for that.
Profile Image for Ta'Quanna.
89 reviews1 follower
October 29, 2019
She did it again!!!

she did it again!!!
 
So I just finished DREAM for the 3rd time. (Don't judge me) When I tell you Keisha you wrote the paper out of this book!!! Girl I can't wait to see what going to happen with Dream & India. I will be patiently waiting with which ever character you will be writing next. Cam & Grey, India & Dream, Chyna & Dame. (Hint,Hint). No, but take all the time you need, because as an avid reader, it's clear to me that you research the hell out of what your writing about and I love that about you. Your character development is top notch. This Fan will be patiently waiting. Keep being the bomb writer you are!
 
Profile Image for Shay Babb.
156 reviews5 followers
July 29, 2020
Whew!

I almost put this down! Dream was way too much for me in the beginning. That mean, gruesome, demonic man almost made me stop reading but Fatback kept me reading... him and India’s banter had me cracking up!
This story is a beautiful disaster waiting to happen.. I’m sad for them already...can’t wait for the next book.
Profile Image for TR.
119 reviews1 follower
February 28, 2021
I LOVE the banter between India and Fatback. Just when I get all worked up, in my feelings, they started with the insults and I was so tickled. But when Chyna and Dream had their first encounter, I had to waive my hand in the air and say, "Preach, Chyna!"
Profile Image for K2.
637 reviews14 followers
July 3, 2021
I actually enjoyed this story but just did not care for Dream himself
Profile Image for Lindaisa.
544 reviews61 followers
January 29, 2023
Amazon claims it takes 6h 40m to finish this book. I finished in 7h. The only reason I didn't finish in one session is that I started late and needed to sleep. But let me tell you! Dream and India had my ass in a CHOKEHOLD from the moment I picked this book up, to the very last page.

Toxic as fuck, these two are. But they are also complex, emotional, brutally honest, intense, and most of all, endearing. I enjoyed getting to know them both. I loved getting bits and pieces of the background that shaped them into the people we see on the page while watching their care and interest in each other build and grow in an authentic way.

It's been a long time since I've read a Keisha Ervin book... there was still a "teen" at the end of my age. I'm 31 now, so to have a throwback author be the first to provoke a one-sitting read for me in a REALLY long time, feels a bit poetic.

I will definitely be picking up the sequel immediately to see what happens next. But I can already tell these people are about to have me all the way stressed...and I can't wait.
Profile Image for Kat.
229 reviews17 followers
May 6, 2020
This was okay with the potential to be great but not worth $9.99. There’s more telling from the author and not enough is heard from the H and H
Profile Image for Storm.
68 reviews
October 18, 2020
Wow 😯

I remember reading Keisha Ervin books back when I was teen. It’s been some years and I know I’ve read Chyna’s story before but just don’t remember it lol. Anyway! I loved this book. At first I didn’t like Dream! I wanted to punch him in his damn throat! But as I read on, I knew the why behind his anger. That damn daddy! Omg! India and Dream’s relationship ain’t leaving her damn bedroom.🤦🏾‍♀️Looking forward to part 2! I hope we don’t have to wait long!☺️
99 reviews3 followers
December 19, 2019
OMG Keisha

This book was beyond good 10 Stars baby for real. Keisha has always been one of my favorite Authors but she took the whole PARK with this ONE. India was was a good girl who went through something tragic and was just trying to find her self again and then her comes Dream. They didn't start out the best way but the ended up falling for each other. Dream isn't your average dude and he didn't take nothing off of nobody but but India had slowly became his weak spot. The connection that they have is out of this world, but you always that those people that do not want to see you happy and that's definitely about to happen to him and India. Jackson need to sit his old a** down he should know how it's feels to have that connection and to be falling In love with somebody. Nina is Definitely going to be a big problem she obsessed with dream and will stop at nothing to have him. I just pray that they can make it through. Good Job Keisha you killed it Baby🥰
Profile Image for Deandra McCants.
24 reviews
October 23, 2019
Great read

Wow this story is unlike anything I’ve ever read from Keisha and I’m here for it. I love reading about the mafia and this did not disappoint. India is so cool and different from any other female character I’ve read she’s smart and her vibe is everything. Dream was cunning and alluring. As a philly girl I normally don’t like authors that right about the city that aren’t from here but Keisha got the essence of the city. From the locations to the proper use of our slang( yes jawn is a noun people lol ) I was beyond pleased. I want to know what’s next for India and Dream . Also, wth is going on with Chyna! Lol

As a long tome reader I like this change of pace and I’m ready for me.

Btw Ryan who?
Profile Image for KaTina J.
74 reviews
March 26, 2025
I’ll admit, third-person POV isn’t my usual vibe, and it took me a minute to settle in. But once I did, I found myself caught up in the hidden hurt and yearning for love behind Dream. The way Keisha Ervin collides his trauma with India’s, forcing them to push past their emotional barriers, made for a raw and emotional ride.

🔥 Turning Point:
The moment Dream finally lets his guard down, revealing the weight of his pain and vulnerability, completely shifted the dynamic. It was no longer just lust and protection—it became two broken souls fighting for a chance at love, no matter how messy or dangerous.

Tropes you’ll love:

🖤 Bad Boy Romance – Dream is the definition of dangerous and alluring.
💥 Trauma Bonding – Their shared pain becomes the bridge to their connection.
🛡️ Protector/Protegee Vibes – Dream’s fierce protectiveness over India adds heat and tension.
🔥 Forbidden Love – Because loving a crime boss comes with consequences.
💀 Touch Her and Die – Dream’s ruthless devotion makes it clear: mess with India, and you’re done.
☀️🌑 Grumpy/Sunshine – Dream’s cold, brooding nature clashes perfectly with India’s warmth and light, creating an electric contrast
196 reviews
September 15, 2020
Dream from Bad to Good

I think a lot of us that have read this book can say they disliked Dream in the beginning of this read BUT by the end he grew on us (some not all). Man the way Dream did India in the beginning made me want to give him a peace of my mind (but at a distance...LOL). I was like if you like the girl just say it because at this point you’re doing TOO MUCH. But at the same time I could understand why he was like he was because of the horrible way his mother died. I really feel like it’s Dream’s step-mother that had his mother killed. Anyways India is strong because I think I would have folded and just went right back to my hometown after being robbed of everything in my home. She toughed it out gracefully! I loved that she spoke what was on her mind especially to Dream even if consequences came from it. I’m loving that I’m finding authors I’ve never read from and Keisha Ervin being one of them. So I can’t wait for Pt.2 of this book to see if Dream and India relationship stands through the test of times.
874 reviews5 followers
November 1, 2019
Dream

OH MY GOODNESS!!!! Like I haven't read a book from Keisha Ervin in such a long time. One of my all time favorite books is Mina's Joint but Dream is definitely close in the running. I loved the flow of this and how detailed the characters were with there feelings. Not just emotional but thru everything they were feeling. I don't know why but I always liked Dream as well because the pain from his mother's death, he has never healed from. I loved them together because she is him and he is her. They connect on such a crazy level but you can see that no one will understand but them. Now that ending really got me, I honestly don't know how to feel about Jackson's deal. I can see the reason but I just don't know because both India and Dream deserves the love they can create with each other. Part 2 will be crazy so hope the wait isn't that long!!!
Profile Image for Kashima Riley-Smith.
7 reviews
October 25, 2019
Keisha snapped on this one

I’ve written this review about a hundred times each time scraping it and starting over because I feel their are no words to convey how much of a literary BEAST Keisha Ervin is. This book from the opening page grabs your ass by the throat and body slams your ass into a wall. The mastery of this woman’s pen game is out of this world. The way she gets you to fall in love with the characters got you out here laughing crying cussing dying all in one book. India and Dream laaaawd if these two ain’t my next favorite couple. Keisha put her motherf***in foot on our throats with this one. Yaaaaaaas Queen
Profile Image for Porsha.
356 reviews20 followers
December 29, 2019
My 6 word review: philly edition of beauty and the beast
Round of applause!!!!
This book gave me all of the feels! I truly enjoyed the book. This is the first book that I have read in a long time that was a perfect blend of street lit and chick lit! Omg from the beginning we get action so brutal and gory that you think you watching a Saw movie. But the romance is peppered throughout the book. In the past, Keisha’s books have been too much of a make up to break up that it becomes tiring for the reader but this was perfect! It wasn’t too much breaking up or too much making up. I have so much more I could say but I don’t want to run out of characters....impatiently waiting for Book 2!
20 reviews1 follower
October 22, 2019
Dream😍😍😍

Man keisha you write the hell out of this book. I Love the fact that you didn't rush for dream and India's characters to fall in love right away you took your time, the build up was everywhere!!! Thank you for not rushing this book , it was everything that I anticipated and more!!! Dream character was just some a hole for nothing he had a reason but thing was hurting. I never want to characters to get their happy ending more that I want dream and india!!! Sidebar I love how she always bring comedy to her books🤣🤣❤❤
Profile Image for Brandy Rodriguez.
34 reviews4 followers
July 30, 2021
This book started off intriguing, but unfortunately it just didn't work for me. The number of song lyrics written in the story is mind numbing. I understand that it's a huge thing in urban fiction, but at this point it's lazy writing. Dream and India's relationship is bizarre and not at all believable. The authors writing was so repetitive that I just found myself disconnected from the plot. If you're going to have a songstress as the heroine for your book then maybe you should write the songs yourself and that way your book isn't filled up with the work of others due to your lack of ideas.
Profile Image for Reading with Tara.
412 reviews7 followers
August 30, 2021
Been a while since I had a hood drama (urban fiction) novel in my life. Ba-BAAYYY this book was GOOODDD! Nonstop - I listened to this one in one sitting!

Dream is a young Asian / Haitian (descent), fine, and ruthless as hell man set to become the next in line to run his father's cartel. Into his life walks the young, slick mouthed beauty India and both of their worlds collide into something unexpected.

That's all I will say - you will have to read it for yourself... and please do! It's so good!
Profile Image for jeelissa.
8 reviews
January 5, 2020
Great Read

It’s been a very long time since I picked up a Keshia Ervin book and she didn’t disappoint. Mrs. Coleman better watch out! In the beginning, I was ready to call up my “Dream” and give him the middle finger, but I kept reading and ended up texting him “Pull up.”

I’m rooting for Dream and India but would’ve loved to see and read more from Atyala and Kree. Their story could only add to the height of the book. Can’t wait for what’s next!
Profile Image for Deeva05.
101 reviews11 followers
January 8, 2020
No happily ever after here

I typically like my books nice and neat. A series should be finished before I dive in.... this was none of that. Dream was not nice, India was not neat... she’s messy as shit, but I loved them both. Hate the hanger we’re left with at the end and if it’s going to mirror the rollercoaster cluster fuck Jackson’s relationship was ill happily pass. Glad I read it.
208 reviews2 followers
January 14, 2021
OMG, this book was so good. I listened to this book on Audible traveling back from Tennessee to North Carolina. When I tell you this book made my drive a breeze. Nicole Small brought life to Keisha's words. I felt like I was in the room with Dream's evil behind (but I LOVE him). Fatback and Natalia was hilarious as well. This book was good that I may have to listen to it again. I can’t wait for part two. Keisha Ervin, YOU 👏 did 👏 that! ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Profile Image for Samantha Taylor.
126 reviews
October 12, 2021
Wow…Keisha Ervin took her writing to a whole nother level with this book. Her writing skills have developed more and more. I ain’t gonna lie, the beginning is detailed and gruesome. Dream Baptiste is a brash, disrespectful, cold hearted dude. India Black is independent, funny, petty, and wants to be loved. Their chemistry is weird in the beginning. But towards the end you get to see Dream let her into his heart. Can’t wait for the sequel!
Profile Image for Shadress Denise.
Author 14 books7 followers
November 9, 2019
I Gotta Stop Falling In Love...

First it was ETHIC, now it’s DREAM. I gotta stop falling in love with these characters, or pray I get a real one in real life...LOL!! This book was engaging from the start and though I wasn’t a fan of Dream’s at first, he won me over. Can’t wait to see how this love story unfolds♥️
449 reviews2 followers
November 24, 2019
YES!!!

Where is the next book! I love where this story is going. Dream and India really got be ready feigning for more. All the characters were believable and extremely interesting, including the evil step mother and sisters. I still have a lot of questions that I hope book two clears up. Keisha Ervin, my new favorite author!
Profile Image for Shahtia Gay-hairston.
3,443 reviews26 followers
November 30, 2019
Dream♥️

First off I love the women India Black has come to be. Dream is going to break her heart. It’s unfortunate that his father is setting him up for the same loveless marriage path he was on. But then there is Papa! There are so many directions this tale can go. I’m excited for the next part!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 104 reviews

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