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Daydreamer
Libby Foster is 28 years old and never been kissed. Nor has she ever… well, you know. But so what? She has a job, a cat, and an active imagination. And in Libby’s Fantasy World, her love life is perfect.
Enter Jude Weatherington, fresh off the plane from England. While Libby would never dream of talking to him, she does dream of him. Fantasy Jude is refined, romantic, and completely wrapped up in Libby. There’s just one problem: he’s not real.
Real Jude's no slouch, either. He's quirky and clever, and easy to talk to. His strange vocabulary and sexy accent keep things interesting, too. There’s just one problem: he’s not a fantasy.
The more Libby gets to know Real Jude, the more he starts to pull ahead of the fantasy version. But Jude hates secrets. And if he knew the truth about her, it would no longer be a mystery to him—or anyone—why she's still single. He'd run away as fast as he could.
Or maybe not.
A girl can dream, right?
Enter Jude Weatherington, fresh off the plane from England. While Libby would never dream of talking to him, she does dream of him. Fantasy Jude is refined, romantic, and completely wrapped up in Libby. There’s just one problem: he’s not real.
Real Jude's no slouch, either. He's quirky and clever, and easy to talk to. His strange vocabulary and sexy accent keep things interesting, too. There’s just one problem: he’s not a fantasy.
The more Libby gets to know Real Jude, the more he starts to pull ahead of the fantasy version. But Jude hates secrets. And if he knew the truth about her, it would no longer be a mystery to him—or anyone—why she's still single. He'd run away as fast as he could.
Or maybe not.
A girl can dream, right?
310 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 1, 2010
35 people are currently reading
199 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
August 4, 2013
I’ve been waxing rhapsodic about this book to friends since I finished it a week ago and now I’m bringing the love-fest to a more public forum because I want everyone to know what a wonderfully unique, charming, and memorable read Daydreamer is. I instantly connected with Libby, the fantasy-prone heroine, and appreciated that the author gave her such a rich and complex backstory. She wasn’t just some immature flibbertigibbet who didn’t have a handle on reality; she was working through some major issues and escaped into her fantasies to find the companionship and happiness she craved. When Libby gets a shot at real-life romance with the hot, new architect in her office, Jude Weatherington (Yes, he’s British and did I mention, HOT?), things start to get really interesting.
Kudos to author Brea Brown for developing the romance between Libby and Jude in such a realistic and compelling way. I felt like I went through all the important stages of their relationship with them, the fun flirting, the getting-to-know-you dates, the fights, the secrets they shared and held back. It was a roller coaster ride that I didn’t want to get off! I was SO invested in these characters and wanted them to triumph over all the obstacles (both internal and external) and end up together.
Daydreamer is one of those books that you hate to finish because it’s so amazing and you don’t want to let the characters go. I’ve actually been in a reading funk for the last week because I know it’s going to be difficult to find another read that will capture my imagination and heart the way Daydreamer did. It’s such a pleasure when you find a new author whose work is a revelation to you. And that’s exactly what this funny, romantic, intelligent, emotionally profound book was to me – a revelation. I encourage anyone who loves Chick Lit, Romance, Women’s Fic, or just a darn good story to read Daydreamer. You will not be disappointed.
Kudos to author Brea Brown for developing the romance between Libby and Jude in such a realistic and compelling way. I felt like I went through all the important stages of their relationship with them, the fun flirting, the getting-to-know-you dates, the fights, the secrets they shared and held back. It was a roller coaster ride that I didn’t want to get off! I was SO invested in these characters and wanted them to triumph over all the obstacles (both internal and external) and end up together.
Daydreamer is one of those books that you hate to finish because it’s so amazing and you don’t want to let the characters go. I’ve actually been in a reading funk for the last week because I know it’s going to be difficult to find another read that will capture my imagination and heart the way Daydreamer did. It’s such a pleasure when you find a new author whose work is a revelation to you. And that’s exactly what this funny, romantic, intelligent, emotionally profound book was to me – a revelation. I encourage anyone who loves Chick Lit, Romance, Women’s Fic, or just a darn good story to read Daydreamer. You will not be disappointed.
January 9, 2020
I may have read this whole book in one sitting. It's that good.
February 23, 2020
I didn't connect to this one at all and skipped pages to get to the end.
The biggest issue for me was that Libby wasn't likeable. Yes she had some issues but she wasn't kind to anyone. So prickly and defensive all the time. And so many lies. I get that characters having secrets is a common plot device; but I don't think it works when the readers are kept in the dark too. It means that all we see is a strange prickly woman with no insight or reason to care why she is that way. Although even once her history was revealed it still didn't seem to justify her behaviour. But at least she was in therapy and was working on herself.
Jude didn't really seem like a fully formed character. He was just a mouth piece for ridiculous English slang.
The biggest issue for me was that Libby wasn't likeable. Yes she had some issues but she wasn't kind to anyone. So prickly and defensive all the time. And so many lies. I get that characters having secrets is a common plot device; but I don't think it works when the readers are kept in the dark too. It means that all we see is a strange prickly woman with no insight or reason to care why she is that way. Although even once her history was revealed it still didn't seem to justify her behaviour. But at least she was in therapy and was working on herself.
Jude didn't really seem like a fully formed character. He was just a mouth piece for ridiculous English slang.
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July 8, 2015I was pretty sure I'd like Daydreamer since I had already read The Secret Keeper and The Secret Keeper Confined. I was not expecting to fall in love with Libby and Jude- I laughed out loud, I cried silent tears, and I sat on the edge wondering about their future together. Brea Brown writes with such a natural style and her characters are so well developed and human. You can't help but to be pulled into their lives and start fantasizing where you fit in this story. I'm rereading my favorite parts, that's how much I like it!
July 14, 2013
Oh, how I loved this book!
I've just finished reading DAYDREAMER and I'm a bit sad because I'm going to miss Libby and Jude. This story made me laugh, it made me tear up and it made me fall in love with these two characters. Being a fan of everything British, I loved Jude's colorful expressions and his occasional use of Cockney Rhyming Slang. And with Libby, Brea Brown creates a flawed yet lovable character who you can't help but root for. I loved this quirky and adorable story from beginning to end.
This was my first Brea Brown book and it will definitely NOT be my last.
I've just finished reading DAYDREAMER and I'm a bit sad because I'm going to miss Libby and Jude. This story made me laugh, it made me tear up and it made me fall in love with these two characters. Being a fan of everything British, I loved Jude's colorful expressions and his occasional use of Cockney Rhyming Slang. And with Libby, Brea Brown creates a flawed yet lovable character who you can't help but root for. I loved this quirky and adorable story from beginning to end.
This was my first Brea Brown book and it will definitely NOT be my last.
January 14, 2020
If anyone ever asks me why I don't like romance/chick lit novels very much, I hope I remember the title of this otherwise forgettable book.
August 4, 2013
A young woman overcomes some serious issues as she pursues a relationship with a serious cutie in Brea Brown's Daydreamer.
Libby Foster prefers living in a fanciful world filled with mad, torrid affairs with the likes of Colin Firth and Robert Pattinson rather than focusing on her rather droll life. Until a hunky architect -- and a British import -- enters the scene. Libby's real and imaginary worlds are a war as she battles past demons to find a happily ever after.
This book was a complete win from start to finish for me. Fifteen minutes in, my face hurt from smiling and there were countless laugh out loud moments. At the same time, it evoked other emotions ranging from sadness, sympathy, embarrassment, anger and total happiness. I'm channeling my inner Chris Traeger (that's a "Parks and Recreation" reference for those of you who don't know, which makes me sad) when I say I literally laughed and cried as I devoured this book. I was so completely caught up in the story, I snuck moments with it in a crowded bar on a Friday night, during a chill Saturday morning brunch and every other second I could find.
Everything from the character development to the pacing worked in this book worked. I was in awe of how spectacular this read turned out to be, and can recall few times I've been this gripped with a story. My only regret at the end of this story was that it was over. This is quite possibly one of the best books I've read this year, and I can't recommend it enough. (Just ask my friends who had to hear me talk about it on repeat at brunch.)
Libby Foster prefers living in a fanciful world filled with mad, torrid affairs with the likes of Colin Firth and Robert Pattinson rather than focusing on her rather droll life. Until a hunky architect -- and a British import -- enters the scene. Libby's real and imaginary worlds are a war as she battles past demons to find a happily ever after.
This book was a complete win from start to finish for me. Fifteen minutes in, my face hurt from smiling and there were countless laugh out loud moments. At the same time, it evoked other emotions ranging from sadness, sympathy, embarrassment, anger and total happiness. I'm channeling my inner Chris Traeger (that's a "Parks and Recreation" reference for those of you who don't know, which makes me sad) when I say I literally laughed and cried as I devoured this book. I was so completely caught up in the story, I snuck moments with it in a crowded bar on a Friday night, during a chill Saturday morning brunch and every other second I could find.
Everything from the character development to the pacing worked in this book worked. I was in awe of how spectacular this read turned out to be, and can recall few times I've been this gripped with a story. My only regret at the end of this story was that it was over. This is quite possibly one of the best books I've read this year, and I can't recommend it enough. (Just ask my friends who had to hear me talk about it on repeat at brunch.)
November 1, 2012
4.5 stars
Due to a complicated and tragic past, Libby Foster feels much safer hiding behind daydreams than living her life in real time. When, despite her best intentions, a fantasy life with a sexy British co-worker becomes all too real, Libby discovers that she prefers the real person over the fantasy she created in her mind and begins to open up and explore living in ways she never thought possible. But even as she falls in love, she questions whether she deserves to be truly loved back.
I was hooked on this book from page one and I loved the way the author's writing style immediately drew me in. The main characters were quirky and loveable and it was impossible not to root for them even when they did stupid things. The secondary characters, most notably Libby's co-workers, were also a lot of fun. I loved Zoe and Lisa and hated wretched Leslie! The writing was great, the humor was witty and often laugh-out-loud and the chemistry between Libby and Jude was definitely believable. I will admit to being surprised at the extent of Libby's inexperience since I thought it was a result of the tragic experience in her life but she was already in her twenties at that time. Nevertheless, the reading experience was an overwhelmingly positive one - I truly enjoyed this book! Although the ending left me satisfied, if the comments from other reviewers that a sequel is in the works are true, I will definitely read it.
Due to a complicated and tragic past, Libby Foster feels much safer hiding behind daydreams than living her life in real time. When, despite her best intentions, a fantasy life with a sexy British co-worker becomes all too real, Libby discovers that she prefers the real person over the fantasy she created in her mind and begins to open up and explore living in ways she never thought possible. But even as she falls in love, she questions whether she deserves to be truly loved back.
I was hooked on this book from page one and I loved the way the author's writing style immediately drew me in. The main characters were quirky and loveable and it was impossible not to root for them even when they did stupid things. The secondary characters, most notably Libby's co-workers, were also a lot of fun. I loved Zoe and Lisa and hated wretched Leslie! The writing was great, the humor was witty and often laugh-out-loud and the chemistry between Libby and Jude was definitely believable. I will admit to being surprised at the extent of Libby's inexperience since I thought it was a result of the tragic experience in her life but she was already in her twenties at that time. Nevertheless, the reading experience was an overwhelmingly positive one - I truly enjoyed this book! Although the ending left me satisfied, if the comments from other reviewers that a sequel is in the works are true, I will definitely read it.
July 16, 2013
Daydreamer is classified (by the author) as "chick lit". As a representation and example of that genre, I rate this book five stars. I only qualify my rating because the reader should understand that you are not getting a five hundred page, five years of research by Jane Smiley literary novel when you get this book. What you are getting is a great, make that GREAT little escapist girlie story. (I am not demeaning the story at all. I don't mean "little" in the sense that the book (or story) is trifling. It isn't. The writing is crisp and clean, and the reading experience is to be treasured, and even though the story is "chick-lit" for sure, this book rises above the fray to be reminiscent of Bridget Jones Diary and any book you can name by Jennifer Warren. Entertaining with a capital E. This is Brown's first novel. I will be reading everything this writer puts out.
September 13, 2013
I was really caught off guard by this book! I read it in one day - but that's not to say it was a light, fluffy, quick read. For one thing, I read it while on vacation, so I had lots of time to sink into it, and it was so delightful I just didn't want to put it down until I finished. I admit... I kinda thought it was going to be sort of a typical 29-yr-old looking for love sort of book with the usual plucky main character, but I really fell in love with Libby - flaws and all. You know from early on that this girl's got issues, but the reasons why are revealed with a master hand over the course of the book. I laughed. I cried. I will definitely read more by Brea Brown! And you should too if you like a book that is fun while still having some depth!
July 2, 2013
I took Libby and Jude on holiday with me and we spent an entire day together by the pool. First of all, I haven't ever identified with a character as much as I did Libby, her idiosyncracies are so like my own and the overactive imagination too! The story of Libby and Jude is so true to life and realistic, that I couldn't help falling in love with it and rooting for them. I don't like to give away stories in reviews, just to let people know if I loved a book. Well I loved this book and recommend it massively!!
April 18, 2020
Maybe actually talking to british folx would help with some of the obvious bollocks in this book, but for its faults it had promise, and I liked the basic build of the characters, if not the follow-through.
Someone ought to inform the editor and author to get rid of the use of “spaz” and “‘tard” as jokey-insults - surely, surely they know those are horrific and insulting? Even ten years ago (when the book was first published) that was not ok.
Also...not. all. british. folx. use. rhyming. slang. in. everyday. conversation.
Someone ought to inform the editor and author to get rid of the use of “spaz” and “‘tard” as jokey-insults - surely, surely they know those are horrific and insulting? Even ten years ago (when the book was first published) that was not ok.
Also...not. all. british. folx. use. rhyming. slang. in. everyday. conversation.
June 21, 2013
I don't think I've ever loved a main character as much as Libby in "Daydreamer." Quirky, adorable and incredibly funny, this story made me want to read every single one of Brea Brown's books. And I will! The relationship between Libby and Jude, both fantasy and real, had me laughing and crying. An excellent story that I definitely recommend.
January 17, 2020
Pretty run of the mill, formulaic but cute story. 2.5 stars.
As a Chicagoan, I'm also annoyed at all the mistakes. As in, it's the Art Institute (not the Art Museum); and Lake Shore Drive is not a highway (so you can't turn off the highway to get to Soldier Field). There were quite a few of these really obvious things that kept nagging at me.
As a Chicagoan, I'm also annoyed at all the mistakes. As in, it's the Art Institute (not the Art Museum); and Lake Shore Drive is not a highway (so you can't turn off the highway to get to Soldier Field). There were quite a few of these really obvious things that kept nagging at me.
December 10, 2013
I couldn't put this book down. I fell in love with the characters and couldn't wait to see what happened next. I love reading a book that makes me LOL and cry. I also enjoy books that I can relate to. Brea Brown has won me over again!
July 6, 2012
Really hoping for a sequel on this one! Or a new book to come out from this Author! Wonderful writer!
June 22, 2012
I'm looking forward to the sequel to this one too.. really, really love this author!
August 14, 2012
Completely adorable! Libby, while neurotic is also endearing. Jude, a hot Englishmen is every girl's dream. I'd love to see a follow up with them.
February 2, 2020
Two things made this book essentially unreadable for me:
1) Libby is... really unlikable? To me, she read as prickly, defensive, and unkind. I get that she came with baggage, but some of the things she would say to her coworkers/love interest gave me second-hand embarrassment, so much so that I found I was ambivalent about any supposed happy ending in the works.
2) Speaking of the love interest, did anyone else find it extremely frustrating that all he did was speak in stereotypical British slang? Like he was less of a character and more a walking talking "Oi guv, wots all dis den"? Like the author googled British slang and made a checklist to work down. Early on, Jude says something like "you're pulling my plonker" and I had to close my app and reevaluate what I was doing with my free time. Then I made the correct self-care decision and removed this book from my library.
1) Libby is... really unlikable? To me, she read as prickly, defensive, and unkind. I get that she came with baggage, but some of the things she would say to her coworkers/love interest gave me second-hand embarrassment, so much so that I found I was ambivalent about any supposed happy ending in the works.
2) Speaking of the love interest, did anyone else find it extremely frustrating that all he did was speak in stereotypical British slang? Like he was less of a character and more a walking talking "Oi guv, wots all dis den"? Like the author googled British slang and made a checklist to work down. Early on, Jude says something like "you're pulling my plonker" and I had to close my app and reevaluate what I was doing with my free time. Then I made the correct self-care decision and removed this book from my library.
August 23, 2024
I took Libby and Jude on holiday with me and we spent an entire day together by the pool. First of all, I haven't ever identified with a character as much as I did Libby, her idiosyncracies are so like my own and the overactive imagination too! The story of Libby and Jude is so true to life and realistic, that I couldn't help falling in love with it and rooting for them. I don't like to give away stories in reviews, just to let people know if I loved a book. Well I loved this book and recommend it massively!!
February 20, 2020
I will pretty much read anything just to read. Cereal boxes, instructions for something I don’t even own etc. I couldn’t even finish the first chapter of this book. Didn’t like any of the characters at all.
January 8, 2020
I’ve been in a reading slump and this was exactly the book I needed to read to get me out of it. It was funny and quirky and light-hearted and I enjoyed it.
February 29, 2020
A fun read.
May 7, 2020
Loved it.
Unique heroine who took almost a bit too long to get a handle on her hang ups but a very sweet read.
Unique heroine who took almost a bit too long to get a handle on her hang ups but a very sweet read.
July 10, 2020
The premise was great and for the most part the story was tooth-achingly sweet. I loved Libby’s emotional journey but in other aspects, the book did disappoint somewhat: Jude’s vernacular read like a weird parody, the slut shaming was inappropriate, and the jet lag scene just felt gimmicky.
August 20, 2013
2.5-3 stars.
June 9, 2015
Eh, I didn't love this one. I couldn't really connect with Libby.
Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews