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Astrid Scott #3

Busted Dreams

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Small town. Broken homes. Big dreams.

Finally. Finally, life seems like it’s on the track I want it to be on. I had good friends that really care about me as a person, not me the pastor’s daughter. Good memories of senior year, maybe even good enough to overcloud Mother Dearest. There are even some new experiences that I blush just thinking about.

But the guys? They want to get out too. My new goal in life is helping them achieve their dreams.

They need a photographer? Perfect.

Study buddy? No problem.

Motivational speaker? I’ll do my best, but words aren’t really my strong suit.

I got my dream, now it’s time for them to get theirs. But like always in the small town of Silver Ranch, nothing is ever easy. Betrayal, drama, and freaking elephant sized obstacles are thrown in our path and… I don’t know if we’re going to all make it out.

The world always seems to break us apart at the worst times, in the worst ways. I was learning very quickly that…

fears will bust dreams to pieces every time.

288 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 9, 2020

70 people are currently reading
256 people want to read

About the author

Blake Blessing

41 books502 followers
Blake Blessing is just a working mom that loves art in all forms, and all genres of romance. Although she enjoys writing romance of the steamier variety.

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5 stars
146 (47%)
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48 (15%)
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14 (4%)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews
Profile Image for Jane Catherine.
308 reviews35 followers
September 7, 2020
I am continually surprised by how much I love these characters! I never think I can love them more but I do. The growth of each character and also their acceptance of each other in Astrids life is just amazing. I love that these guys have really formed an unlikely but so amazingly close friendship. Each one has their own demons and they seem like such an unlikely crew but they all fit together perfectly.

Rhys, Beck, Jonah, Thatcher and Astrid couldn’t be anymore perfect! I think what I loved most about this part of their story...It wasn’t all about Astrid. She was there to support and show her love for each one but it was time for each of the guys to shine. This book had my emotions pretty charged at the end and I’m still a little in shock since the last two to three chapters had me freaking out a little but it ended in the perfect way. Even if I’m now worried about Beck (cliffhanger anyone?!?). I need the next book ASAP.
Profile Image for Kasumatata.
1,140 reviews22 followers
September 9, 2020
Compelling read

Before I started this, a reread of the previous books was planned, to freshen up my memory and pick up with Busted dreams where the previous book left off.
I love this series, the characters, the pace,... Even the angst.

The cliffhanger?! Dude! That was brutal! I need more!!!
Profile Image for Kristy G.
404 reviews
October 22, 2020
DNF. Stopped at 48%...

I just can’t get into this shit. I don’t understand what’s happened, that authors are encouraging this on young impressionable women—still in their teens!

And I quote, “there were many firsts, and with so many guys in my life, I had plenty to go around...” what the hell....what happened to the sanctity of enjoying all your firsts with one special person?

The girl is 18, barely. She’s had a terribly abusive upbringing and has only one friend when the series opens up in book one. She befriends 5 guys—one who will remain gay and platonic. The other 4 are slowly turning into her sex toys/boyfriends. Gag!!! The author makes the actions of all involved seem proper because they discuss it openly, lay out their intentions. After she gives her virginity to one of the guys, he reports back to the other 3, look hey, I took her virginity. Don’t make her feel ashamed because she wants you guys, too, so just be patient and your turns will come....(paraphrasing.....)

Did I mention she’s 18!?! This isn’t a woman who has had a world of life experience....I’m not saying I condone having multiple sexual partners at a time but some adults will opt to date several people at once. Generally those people don’t all hang out together like brothers and sisters. I mean, we just won’t go there.!!!

But these reverse harem books, as I’ve discovered they are called.....no more. I’m disgusted these are so highly esteemed when it’s a bunch of garbage. Sorry girls in years 10-12, you are NOT going to make friends with 4 hotties who all become best friends and don’t mind sharing you until you make up your pretty little mind who you love most. That’s not real life. you’re going to get your head and hearts all mixed up if you think this is the love we were designed to experience.....
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Amanda Gard.
496 reviews15 followers
May 25, 2021
So. Much. Drama.

This series has started vacillating between boring and roll-your-eyes drama. It's exhausting and not believable. All of the guys are perfectly perfect in their chosen field/hobby, but apparently they all have the worst luck, but come through with too-easy fixes. This is book 3 and we're barely progressed the relationships. Is this a romance or a drama?? I honestly can't take anymore.
Profile Image for Lozz’s Random Reads  McKenzie - Lee.
951 reviews18 followers
November 30, 2021
Astrid has Another Book to Mother ‘Her Guys’ through Drama

At the end of this story Blake Blessing
Says “
I hope you enjoyed Astrid and her guys as much as I did! “

Enjoy Astrid….No I didn’t.

Of all the main female lead characters I’ve ever read, she annoyed me the most.

She is pushy, needy, DEMANDING and the moment she got all “her guys” she became a helicopter girlfriend.
(Kinda like the hovering parent, but a GF)

So this book opens with with Beck.

He has finally got that date with Astrid he’s been itching for.

This is a big deal where he’s going to win her over, stake his claim.

But, as the two sit down to eat, a nervous Beck encounters a pushy, opinionated Astrid.

Before they get to their main meal she’s already buttering him up with a statement like this-

“Beck, the world isn’t quite as beautiful as it could be if you aren’t sharing your art.”
( heart eyes)
Now she got him wrapped around her little finger.

Then , she continues to tell him how she’s going to get more recognition for his music -

“I think you should make a TikTok account.” She just blurts out.
There is no ‘think’ about it because Astrid is doing this. She TELLS him this is how it’s going to be.

I mean WTF!

But Wait! She not done -

“All the recent musicians who have gone viral have been from this app. I’ll manage it for you. -
She’s TELLING him not ASKING, TELLING !!!

I was ALREADY to ditch this third book as Astrid’s personality was already starting to grind my gears.

She hovered over all guys, immersing, and inserting herself completely into their lives, and her demanding attitude to know Every. Tiny. Detail. Of information about them became an obsession with her.

She slotted herself in the role as the best ( and only) person that could help them pursue their further their caterers/ lives.

She has a MAJOR saviour complex.

And I found the guys complete compliance to submit to her every demand for the sake of a little touchy feelings action very odd.
But hey at least she was honest with herself -

“Attention from Beck, or any of my guys, was the type of attention I could soon find myself craving with an addiction”

AND there it is.
She desperately NEEDED the attention that she hade been starved of but now had in abundance.

And then we gat to the part where I was like…Oh No!
She got a Jonah too???
Jesus, if Ryan hadn’t been gay, and Angel hadn’t been already taken, she would have been adding THEM to her harem.

She was insatiable in her quest to procure broken guys and fix them with her theology based wisdom.

But her finally nabbing Jonah annoyed me the most, he was the youngest, and so vulnerable to her feminine charms. I had such a soft spot for him.
I so hoped he was smart enough not to worship at the church of ‘Astrid’

(Side note: Question? How can someone (Jonah) afford to get a tattoo when he has no money?
Those things don’t run cheap.)

Aargh!.. Astrid and her spidery senses when something is wrong.
And she Knows to make those phone calls, ..calls to demanding to know ‘what’s wrong’
Let Mumma, fix it for you all.

So, she’s got them all fawning over her, and in true RH fashion, all the guys were sooo understanding of each other feelings and Astrid, they all decided to SHARE
They were now a group of survivors, brothers in arms, ..a…Family Aww

Rhys and Beck-

“look at our friend group. You, me, Jonah, Thatcher, and Astrid? We drew the fucking short straws when God assigned families.
Just the way she likes them.

KILL. ME. NOW!
We got the standard RH fair.

What WOULDN’T be standard fair would have been Beck losing his S…!

But, No…Rhys had to put his bit in, explaining the rules of a Poly, relationships
Which is…Keeping Astrid happy and not upsetting her, and never EVER get Jealous…..(Groan again)

THIS RIGHT HERE IS why I have issues with RH.

The way they were all so smug about their new situation
F the society norms! We don’t care if people don’t get it.
We will all be F,ing her, and having our kumbiya moments regardless.

There was one point in the book where Astrid admits -

I’d forced my company on him,

Him, being Jonah, and I couldn’t help chuckling to myself because that basically sums up Astrid’s personality throughout the whole story.

With ALL the guys. She just wouldn’t go away.
As for the guys, even though the major threat to Astrid was no more, they all STILL felt the need to protect her, from what now, I don’t know,

So, thing end with a Beck drama.

I am predicting that a this drama isn’t his or isn’t there a all, and will be resolve probably by Astrid.

Hopefully in this next book we have a problem for the group with them all graduating and being forced to separate.
Go off and do their own things INDIVIDUALLY.
BECAUSE, this will screw with Astrid’s need to keep them all close.
I also feel Beck’s success will be a double edged sword.

The author has hinted that Astrid will probably end up with only one guy towards the end anyway, with them all remaining friends.
I mean people grow, and move.
But!
Will it be friends with benefits… Hummm
Profile Image for Simone Stephanie.
228 reviews10 followers
September 9, 2020
Astrid and her guys are finally back! In the second book the guys started a beautiful friendship with each other, which is still growing in the third book, all the while their individual relationships with Astrid are growing too. But like the synopsis says, all these five characters have big dreams. But these dreams will take them farther away from each other geographically, so will their relationships and friendships survive and stay strong?

The characters are definitely growing in this book, but they also all face a lot of challenges with some challenges being tougher than others. Thatcher is most certainly the one who has the most challenges having to take care of his sister Trinity after their father died in the second book, and it do create some problems not only for him, but also for the others especially Jonah and Astrid.

I have always like Astrid and I still do as she is very relatable to me. I love how her character is so down to earth and normal with regular worries and that she isn’t the most popular girl or the girl with most friends. She’s just Astrid. I love the guys too obviously.

The book does end with a cliffhanger concerning one of the guys and I was like; can’t these characters (and Astrid because this is going to affect her too) catch a break? My one big complain is that I do think with this being the third book that the pace in the second and third have been very slow, but maybe it’s just me.

These characters have big dreams, but messy regular lives like any normal person and I can’t wait to see what their future will bring in the next book.
Profile Image for Mimi.Reads.Smut.
608 reviews63 followers
July 8, 2022
Another angsty addition to Astrid’s story! Everyone, except Astrid, seemed to struggle with big decisions, let-downs, and shocks in this book. Astrid’s role was more of a support to each of the guys as they needed it. Normally, I would be upset at the FMC being relegated to the nurturing role this far into a series, but each of the guys acted in support of the others as well, so it wasn’t just Astrid offering comfort to everyone else.

There are some definite surprises in this one! Some situations crop up that have been hinted at in previous books, but some really pop up out of nowhere, which adds some intriguing drama! One benefit to Astrid being around to listen and comfort each guy as they struggle with something, is that she gets to know them better. Their individual relationships grow as the trust does. Astrid’s policy of blunt honesty helps with that as well.

The spice level rocks up a notch in this one. It follows the pacing set by the previous books, which works for the characters. It would be too much to go from virgin experiencing her first kiss, to group scenes within three books at the pace that they’ve already been at. I expect that the spice will increase more in future books.

There’s a pretty shocking cliffhanger at the end of this one, so definitely make sure you have the next book ready to read (it’s already out!) as soon as you finish this one!
557 reviews1 follower
September 22, 2020
Love these characters

I’ll admit I’m not usually a fan of the more slow burn/YA-ish RH books, but I’ve loved this author’s other work, so when she first announced this series, I decided to give it a go. So. Glad. I. Did! Blessing roped me in from the start with these characters, and each subsequent book has just made me love these characters more and more. Picking up basically a week after the end of the previous installment, this book delves deeper into the development of Astrid’s guys, giving us what felt like more chapters from each of their POVs - which I loved. This motley crew’s relationships continue to strengthen and develop, each of them finally acknowledging what’s brewing between them, allowing for a little advancement on the steamy side of things as well. The focus of this book was what each of the guys wanted moving forward, and Astrid’s determination to help them achieve those dreams, alongside how to bounce back from hiccups in the best laid plans. There were plenty of feels sprinkled in with excellent plot advancement, character development, a few giggles, and overall great storytelling. Definitely recommend and will be anxiously awaiting the next release.
Profile Image for Kelly Taylor.
Author 6 books4 followers
September 11, 2020
This is the third book in Blake Blessing's Astrid Scott Series and I gotta say this story just keeps getting better and better as the next book releases. The entire series creates such a strong emotional connection with the characters as they face challenge after challenge. The comradely they share and the support they show each other is heart-warming.
I've always felt a connection to Astrid as I was the same - minus the camera, but that didn't mean I didn't want to pick one up the second I finished reading book one. Her perspective of life through images made me ponder what she would see if she shot an image of me. I've always loved how Blake captured emotion through Astrids pictures that tell a completely different story from what we present on the outside.
The group finally finds some happiness with their life and plans until one after another, obstacles arise to tear them down. With Astrid at the helm, she makes sure each and every one of her men take each obstacle in stride allowing them to deal, but never give up. Just as they would do for her.
Ups, downs, bedtime and heartbreak - this book has it all! Pick it up now!! Seriously, you won't regret it!!
Profile Image for Angela.
125 reviews
September 9, 2020
The best one yet!!!

The best one yet!!! This series is amazing and book 3 is definitely my favorite so far. The characters are growing and the relationships are progressing (steam level is rising, oh yeah!). Astrid has collected a diverse group of guys and I love watching their unlikely friendships form and become stronger. They all face some tough challenges in this one and it was really interesting to see how they work through the problems and help each other along the way. They all care about Astrid so much and there were several swoon worthy moments that made me say awwwww! I've been reading a lot of bully romance lately and this was such a refreshing and welcome change. There was a bombshell dropped at the very end and now I'm dying to know what's going to happen next! Cannot wait for more, bring on book 4!!!
Profile Image for Shoni Wake.
371 reviews18 followers
September 10, 2020
Finally, the last published book. What can I say? It did went down, yet again. POV's are still stale, dialogues boring and climaxes very...short and unsatisfactory (giggles in Astrid). Astrid definitely had more fun than I did, but I don't hate this book. I simply see the potential it had and am very disappointed by the turn of events and unpolished writing. I enjoyed my time with the book, especially the fluffy times, lemons are the best thing about this book. How perfectly paced they are. And still I see a lot of issues that stop this book from being memorable. Still, I am glad I've stumbled upon it.

Truthfully, I doubt I will wait for continuation what with predictable cliff hanger and the habitual ways of solving all the climaxes.






138 reviews
August 2, 2021
Super slow burn

Even with how slow the relationships are forming, I love how in depth the character profiles go. Their lives, stories, hopes, dreams, and how it has built and changed them, even in the last few months. I just wish it was written somewhere that the series isn't complete, and probably will have another few books out before it is. That cliffhanger though. Ouch, my stomach dropped and I just hope they're able to figure it all out. Astrid has been through so much and I do wish she had more friends in her corner, not just the guy. But it makes sense in the plots and storyline.

All in all, great start to an RH series. Can't wait to read more as the series continues (please continue ASAP because I'm hooked).
Profile Image for Charlotte.
4,034 reviews63 followers
September 9, 2020
Im loving that Astrid (FMC) and the guys are feeling more like a family in this book. Even though more feelings and their relationship with Astrid come to light. Book 3 in this series and Thatcher, Beck, Rhys & Jonah have more focus on them. I loved that we seem to be finding out more about them here but it was also great to see that there was more of a friendship brewing to. A big frustration was Trinity (Thatchers sister). When she kept being a brat and calling Astrid names i just wanted to slap her silly! I was a bit shocked by some of what happened in this book especially towards the end & that ending was just knockout! This book was bloody brilliant and im dying for the next book now
Profile Image for Cass Rod.
75 reviews2 followers
September 11, 2020
Wow! You want story, this is a story!

This is the 3rd book in this series and it doesn't disappoint!

You are still following Astrid in this book but I would have to say about 80% of the book was about the guys and what's going on in their lives both the ups and the downs. This book solidifys some of the guys and this journey has made it more believable as a contemp RH.

This book is really about life and maybe the road you wanted or thought was for you wasent. So, so, so many things happen in each of their lives that could easily make them tailspin but Astrid (the glue) keeps them going.

Trust me you need this book NOW! 😉
Profile Image for Catherine Leigh.
1,538 reviews7 followers
September 25, 2020
Love this series

This is a really great slow burn RH series, with in-depth well thought out characters.
It’s so well written, with such detail you honestly just fall into the book.
It’s got a quirky main character that hasn’t had the best upbringing along with her 4 guys that are all so very different from each other that it just works so very well. It’s got drugs, religion, bikie gangs, high school drama, parental drama, rich and poor - so much stuff that makes it a really fantastic series.
I read all 3 books from this series within 48 hours, I couldn’t get enough and will find it difficult to wait patiently for the 4th book.
Profile Image for Secretly Adorkable Readers.
1,413 reviews27 followers
June 25, 2021
I came across this series looking to try out another author. This series was recommended thru Facebook advertisement. So I downloaded the first book through KU and read all three in the last week.

"The school nerd, the star hockey player, the moody college art student, the heartthrob musician. And then me, the weird boho chick who had a penchant for documenting people’s stupidity."

I fell in love with all the characters and cannot wait to get my hands on the next two books of this series! What a cliffy! If you love RH or Poly Romance, give this series a try! Besides romance, there is suspense as well that ties in through he characters with some major unexpected surprises.
Profile Image for Samantha Hickey.
1,993 reviews48 followers
July 9, 2022
I think this is my favorite of the series!!

Busted Dreams is book #3 in the Astrid Scott series. It's a slow burn, high school reverse harem romance.

Astrid and her guys have me hooked!!!

Astrids relationships with each of the guys grows and the friendships between the guys continue to strengthen, they all have to make some decisions and get thru some challenges, and deal with some problems and drama.

I love Astrid, she is such a regular girl and i am here for it!!! I love every single one of her guys, I just love everything about this series!!!

I am OBSESSED with this series!!! If you haven't read it yet, go do it now!
Profile Image for Jodi.
353 reviews1 follower
September 9, 2020
This book was so worth the wait. I mean, it’s called Busted Dreams. I don’t know why I’m so shocked that all MY dreams were blown apart during it. But having said that, BB, I cannot wait for book 4. Please don’t leave me hanging too long. I will not live through an Astrid drought. I adore her. And the guys, sigh, they’re literally imperfectly perfect. I love them all. That cliffy though...😭
Yes. Ok, I’m suffering all the feelings when I’m given a glimpse into perfection among the pages of literature. Sue me. ❤️
Profile Image for Nicole .
518 reviews7 followers
September 16, 2020
This series makes me smile

I am obsessed. I adore Astrid and love that she does not second guess herself with what she wants out of the guys. She goes for it and tells them up front what she wants and makes her intentions clear. Lol. Go girl!

All the guys have great personalities and have been all about Astrid from the get go. They are fast falling and I can't blame them. With all of their and Astrid's backgrounds, they found a family in each other and they all fit so well. I love all their heart touching moments.
158 reviews1 follower
September 17, 2020
Blake has done it again! Each book just gets better and better. I loved this newest book I thought there was great growth not only with Astrid but also within the group of guys. One of the things I enjoy most about these books is that the guys aren't all best friends from the start. They are all different but come together to form a friendship and they all band together when needed. We get to dive deeper into each relationship and also get some steam! I can't wait to see what is going to happen next I want to know more and continue to see these relationships grow!
Profile Image for Teresa Juckett (Love Dark Reads) .
2,529 reviews44 followers
July 12, 2022
This is the third book in the Astrid Scott Series and I gotta say this series just keeps getting better and better as the next book releases. What I loved most about this part of their story...It wasn’t all about Astrid. She was there to support and show her love for each one but this time it was for each of the guy's to grow and shine. I’m still a little bit in shock, since the last two or three chapters had me a lil bit worried, but it ended the way it needed to😏. Now I just need the next in the series and find out what happens next.
Profile Image for Kaylee.
433 reviews6 followers
July 12, 2022
I was on the fence for this series after the last book but this addition definitely brought me around.

I love that the story doesn’t only center on Astrid but each of her individual relationships with her guys. Most rh books choose each book in a series to focus on one man and while that’s great, I feel the others are neglected but that doesn’t happen here!

The guys are finally working as a cohesive unit and things may finally start looking up for this band of misfits! I love this series and cannot wait for the next installment.
96 reviews1 follower
September 9, 2020
I Love This Series!

Wow, the story with Astrid and he guys gets better with every book. I love that the author has them banding together to make a strong unit. No bullying or walking on egg shells with the harem. That alone makes this series a breath of fresh air. Hopefully the next book makes its way out later this year. Rapid release is my favorite!
Profile Image for Dee . .
128 reviews12 followers
September 10, 2020
My favorite in the series thus far because slow burn kills my soul. Seriously, slow clap for the burn getting turned up. This harem has a wonderful dynamic in that they care so much for Astrid. The ending was a bit of a cliffhanger, and I need answers. Looking forward to the next in series for sure.
28 reviews
September 20, 2020
Once again a Hit!

I nearly cried when I realized I’d finished the book. I wasn’t ready to have to wait for more of Astrid and the boys! Again the story pulled me right back I. And it felt like it was just yesterday that I’d read the first and second in the series because it pulls you in so throughly it’s nearly sensory. Highly Recommend!
Profile Image for catherine lawrence(Nerd_who_reads).
1,150 reviews16 followers
October 23, 2020
Astrid!!!

Astrid is one of my favorite female characters and this book made me love her more. She is just so her herself, even though she's socially awkward and clumsy. She's relatable. We got so much more connection with the guys and I can't wait for more, especially after the bomb drop.
Profile Image for Elena.
461 reviews2 followers
July 12, 2022
This book was so good! I love how Astrid and her men are growing and supporting one another in this book. Astrid treats them all special in their own way and makes each one of them feel special and loved. I really enjoyed how Astrid is fighting for everyone to live out their dreams. I need the next book immediately because that cliffhanger left me needing to know what happens next.
Profile Image for Morgan.
102 reviews
July 12, 2022
Great to see the relationships progress and the friendly competition of the guys to each have their first with her. I also love that they are starting to build the family they want verse dealing with the family they were stuck with. Still twist and turns more for the guys in this book and does leave on a cliffhanger.
Profile Image for Vallene Boddington.
824 reviews35 followers
August 8, 2022
A wonderful read

An excellent heartwarming YA/NA Reverse harem series. Book 3 pulled at my heart as Astrid and her heroes face the impossible and unknown. They find companionship and acceptance in each other. Ends on a cliffhanger with a lot of OMG and some tears.
A fantastic read. Definitely reading book 4.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews

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