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Beach Squad #1

Sweet Dreams

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A sweet, but focused woman. A stalker out to bring the woman down. A man willing to swoop in and save the damsel. And a ride or die best friend. All the right ingredients for a comical romance with heart.

After college, I vowed to focus all my energy on fulfilling my promise to my mom: to open up the hot chocolate store we’d always dreamed of running together. No distractions. My plans are set.

But things heat up faster than I can handle when a bronzed lifeguard pursues me in the most delicious of ways. Mix in a stalker determined to throw me off my game, and a comical, ass-kicking Squad of friends…well, then you have a situation that requires time I don’t have.

I may appear to be a damsel in distress, but I can save my own damn self, thank you very much. And I might just keep that hottie lifeguard as the whipped cream on top of my sweet dreams.

Sweet Dreams is the first book in a series of comedic contemporary romance novels. If you like strong, sassy heroines, witty bantering, and happily ever afters, then you’ll love the first book in Marika Ray’s Beach Squad series.

210 pages, Kindle Edition

First published February 15, 2018

490 people are currently reading
906 people want to read

About the author

Marika Ray

89 books1,426 followers
Marika is a USA Today bestselling author writing steamy RomComs to make your heart explode and bring a smile to your face. She lives by the beach and posts a delightful number of hot lifeguard pictures.

Drop your email to be notified when each book releases: http://bit.ly/MarikaRayNews

Be sure to add my new releases to your TBR Today!

Hellman Brothers Series

Grumpy As Hell (Hellman Brothers #1) by Marika Ray Bro Code Hell (Hellman Brothers #2) by Marika Ray Friend Zone Hell (Hellman Brothers #3) by Marika Ray Cougar From Hell (Hellman Brothers #4) by Marika Ray Falling First Hell (Hellman Brothers Book 5) by Marika Ray

Sisters From Hell Series

Ridin' Solo by Marika Ray One Night Bride (Sisters From Hell Book 2) by Marika Ray Smarty Pants (Sisters From Hell Book 3) by Marika Ray
Ex Best Thing (Sisters From Hell, #4) by Marika Ray

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5 stars
253 (39%)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 123 reviews
Profile Image for Molly O'Hare.
Author 13 books666 followers
July 5, 2018
What a fun beach read! You instantly fall in love with both characters in this story, and it is so sweet I think I got a tooth ache. This was my first book by Marika and will NOT be my last!
Profile Image for Badass Bloggettes.
742 reviews44 followers
March 3, 2018
I love it when I find a new author who hits all my reading needs. It is even better when I’m on the ground floor with an author who is destined for success. Sweet Dreams is the first book in her Beach Squad series it is also the debut book by Marika Ray. It doesn’t get any better than that for a reader.

What grabs my heart is that I love both main characters from the beginning. Lately, it seems that one character or the other must convince me that they are worthy. Not the case here. Esa is trying to put men behind her after a bad relationship. She is also dealing with the loss of her loving parents. Her focus is building her hot chocolate business. (Another plus as I love hot chocolate piled with whipped cream like Esa.) After meeting Ivan, Esa begins to rethink her decision to put men on the back burner.

Ivan is the local lifeguard supervisor—a hot, very buff lifeguard. He is attracted to Esa from their first meeting when Esa gets stung by a jellyfish. Esa recognizes some of the sadness in his eyes while acknowledging in her heart that he is not like the other men she knows. I like that Ivan isn’t pushy with Esa. He agrees to be friends if that is what she needs. However, it doesn’t take long for them to move forward to something more meaningful.

I love books that have great secondary characters, and Sweet Dreams has that. Ivan’s friends and fellow lifeguards are sweet and fun additions to the story. I can see how Ms. Ray is setting the foundation for the future books in the series. My favorite ancillary character is Bailey. Esa’s best friend. She is that friend who will help you hide the body. She encourages Esa at every curve in the road. Bailey is there in the good times and the bad. She is the perfect confidant. I’m sure she has an entertaining backstory that we will see in this series. I can’t wait to learn more about her.

Sweet Dreams is a fast-paced with a little mystery. It isn’t hard to figure out who the stalker is but that doesn’t ruin the story. The action and romance are enough to hold the reader’s interest from beginning to end. In general, Sweet Dreams is a satisfying romance that puts joy in my heart and a smile on my face. If you love good old fashion romances that have a little suspense sprinkled on top for good measure, you will love Sweet Dreams . Great debut Marika Ray. I can’t wait to see what comes next.
Profile Image for ach.
102 reviews37 followers
March 29, 2018
Looking for a sweet read with no weak ass heroines and manwhore heroes Cuz i definitely do then this is it.
It was definitely great for a debut novel.
A strong likable heroine and such a sweet, swoon worthy hero.
An interesting story with sad back stories of both characters that does somehow make you emotional.
No OW/OM drama.
But to make it interesting a stalker was added to the mix, but it was easy knowing who it was, i thought maybe the author could've made it more mysterious and not so easy to guess.
I am definitely reading more of this series.
Profile Image for Heather Vandine.
429 reviews3 followers
March 23, 2018
This is the first book I've read by this author and I definitely plan on reading more. This is a really romantic sweet book. It has a lot of twist and turns with some suspense thrown in. I recommend this book.
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book.
Profile Image for Nerdy Dirty & Flirty.
3,985 reviews363 followers
February 22, 2018
description
This was a good start to a new series. This was also the debut book by Marika Ray and I was certainly impressed by it.

Both main characters were likable and both coming into their meeting and subsequent relationship with baggage. Esa has been dealing with trying to achieve her dreams after the loss of her parents. They were her biggest supporters and her losing them changed her world. Then other events that also happened in college have her just wanting to focus on her business. Enter Ivan with his toned life guard physique and big heart. His baggage has put haunted shadows in his eyes but he knows that Esa is one of a kind and someone he has to get to know better.

This story had a good pace, likeable secondary characters as well main, and the story line was very interesting. It was able to hold my attention and keep me reading. I look forward to book two of the series and how this author will develop going forward.
Profile Image for Harlow Layne.
Author 56 books2,677 followers
January 20, 2020
What a fun, sweet read! Perfect for warming you up on a cold winter's day. This was my first book by Marika and will NOT be my last! I can't to read more of this series!
2,354 reviews14 followers
September 19, 2018
Received an ARC at no cost to author....it is as the name says...sweet. you will fall in love with Esa and ivan...do yourself a favor and read the book. Esa has had a difficult life and she is as loyal as they come and fortunately she finally gets a break in the form of Ivan.Enjoy!!
Profile Image for rhubooks.
323 reviews9 followers
May 3, 2021
DNF, got bored and have uni work stress so when I read I wanna read something good.
Profile Image for KarenJo Custodio.
343 reviews16 followers
February 27, 2018
Fun, sweet and steamy! Full review to come.

4 ★ – Sweet, Adorable and Deliciously Swoony

This book pleasantly surprised me and had my heart melting from the start. With delicious chemistry, hilarious bantering, steamy sexy scenes, and heartwarming friendships, Sweet Dreams by Marika Ray is a delightfully fun debut novel.

The plot was well-paced, never dull, and satisfyingly intriguing through the end. Even though I predicted who the stalker was, I thought the mystery aspect was still really fun. The romance heated up way too fast for my liking, but the chemistry between Esa and Ivan was just too sweet and adorable that I couldn’t resist falling head over heels in love with them. I absolutely enjoyed all their interactions – from the first time they met, to their first kiss, and their sizzling sex scenes. I did so much swooning that my heart couldn't take anymore!

I also really liked the side characters and thought they were just charming. Esa's best friend, Bailey, was just the BEST best friend anyone could have and I loved how protective she was of Esa. Ivan's lifeguard buddies were so fun and cute too! Hopefully one or two of them will have a book in the series. I'm totally down for that... cause you can never have too many hot book boyfriends. 

I loved Esa from the start. She’s independent, kind, sweet and funny. Even after going through a very dark past with so much pain, Esa kept fighting to achieve her dreams. She’s very determined, hard-working and incredibly passionate about her business. While she's more than capable of standing on her own, Esa deserves her happily ever after in the romance department. That's where Ivan comes in. With his big gentle loving heart and adorable personality, Ivan was exactly who Esa needed. Not only is Ivan devastatingly handsome, he's also incredibly caring, super romantic, and would do anything for Esa. They're perfectly shippable and so ridiculously swoony!

This book had me on the sweetest sugar rush. I was completely hooked and could not stop smiling throughout the entire time I was reading. Sweet Dreams is surely one yummy treat! If you’re in the mood for some delicious fun that will make your heart melt, then I highly recommend you pick this book up.

I received an advanced reader copy of this book from the Enticing Journey Book Promotions in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

To read more of my reviews, visit by blog Sincerely Karen Jo
Profile Image for Ensley.
139 reviews
May 16, 2021
I loved reading this book. It made me smile. I like how strong and vulnerable Esa is...a perfect sweet blend - just like the hot chocolate she loves so much!!! And Ivan is the perfect whip cream on top!....perfect for her.
Profile Image for Michelle Austin.
2,833 reviews45 followers
February 26, 2018
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description


Sweet Dreams was a good 4 star read.
This is my first read from Marika Ray and a good start to this series.

Esa has not only lost her parents,she also had to deal with a stalker in college.
We jump ahead a few years, Esa and her best friend are living in California. They are both making their dreams happen. Esa has her own hot chocolate shop, a dream that she always had planned with her mother and now its a reality.

Esa and Bailey are doing their morning run when Esa is stung by a jellyfish. This is where we meet Ivan, the hot as heck lifeguard. He ends up talking Esa into meeting for coffee and things go from there. Esa has a plan and dating someone isn’t in the picture right now, however Ivan takes that as a challenge and breaks down her walls. As these two start seeing each other strange things start happening. Who could be doing this to her and why?

This was a good story however I did find myself skimming in some areas. I really loved the secondary characters, especially Bailey and I can’t wait to see if she gets her own book. I loved Ivan, he was the perfect gentleman and was great for Esa. If your looking for a good, suspenseful read with some hot and sexy moments then this is your book.

Alpha Book Club
I voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book. Reviewed by MAustin from Alpha Book Club
Profile Image for Britt Chaotic Creatives.
1,414 reviews94 followers
February 20, 2018
Sweeter than all the hot chocolate in the world, Sweet Dreams is the epitome of feel good, melt your heart romance. Sprinkled with a bit of mystery Esa and Ivan’s story will have you longing to be lounging on a beach full of hot lifeguards while reading. I lost count of how many times I said “awww” while reading this. Between fantastic friends, wonderful family, and Ivan himself I was in a constant state of warm and fuzzy feelings.

Esa was a total sweetheart. Fiercely independent and tackling the business world like a boss doesn’t stop her from having a heart of gold and making everyone around her feel loved. Having lived through her fair share of heartache yet overcoming it all, Ivan is exactly the man she deserves! Ivan is quite literally perfect. Not only is the man ridiculously hot, he’s also exceptionally sweet and off the charts romantic.
Profile Image for Kristen Lewendon.
8,429 reviews63 followers
February 23, 2018
I want to say that this was so sweet, but I’m not sure I can legitimately use that line in a book where one of the major plot lines is a stalker terrorizing the heroine. But, outside of that traumatic circumstance, the connections Esa shares with the important people in her life is so precious and wonderful. She would do anything for her friends and ‘family’, just as they’re prepared to go to the ends of the earth for her. Ivan’s the kind of hero that book boyfriend fantasies are made of: he’s sweet, kind, generous, protective, and he can be gentlemanly when it’s called for. In other words, he’s pretty darned close to perfect. I’m looking forward to reading more about the Beach Squad.
I received a complimentary advanced copy of this book.
Profile Image for Brandy Roberts.
2,082 reviews63 followers
February 26, 2018
Really loved Sweet dreams it had me from the blurb to the cover to the words the end it was just one of those books that stay with you after finishing and leaves you wanting to read more by the author and that's what Marika Ray has done . Both characters were lovable and a bit frustrating but over all great character build and just perfect for one another just what the other needed after some of the things they have been through . I can't wait to read more by the author especially in the Beach squad series .
copy provided for honest review 
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hero=9 heroine= 9 secondary characters=9 Chemistry= 9
romance= 6 humor= 4 darkness level= 4 action= 2 mystery= 3
enjoyment=8 angst= 3 story line= 9 Story ending=10
character development= 10 pacing= 10
cover= 10 stars= 4
would I recommend this book=yes
would I re read this book= yes
would I read future books by this author= yes
Profile Image for Kaye.
7,177 reviews70 followers
March 1, 2018
ONE LOOK, ONE TOUCH AND TWO BECAME ONE!!!
A beautifully written, even paced, easy to follow read with twists and turns that keep you captivated from the first page and held prisoner till the very last word. Your attention is so focused you're frozen to your seat nor take your eyes from the page. With a rollercoaster of emotions and unpredictable you don't see coming till it hits you head on. With a strong bond between the main characters and past events that need working through they grow even closer. I really have to applaud Marika with how smoothly effortless she made the scenes so realistic you felt you were seeing everything first hand. She really did an amazing job bringing this read to life.
Profile Image for Anne Baker.
756 reviews4 followers
February 22, 2018
Sweet Contemporary Romance.
For a debut book this story was very well written, lots of depth to the characters and great storyline for this YA read. Esa Grant has her own shop called Chocolate Dreams. Her BF Bailey is sassy and such fun. Bailey was the glue that kept Esa together since her parents were killed in a car accident. Esa gets stung by a jellyfish and in comes Ivan a marine safety officer to help. There was intrigue, a stalker, romance and sexy scenes to this story. This is my honest review of an ARC I received.
Profile Image for Jennifer Pierson.
11.7k reviews188 followers
February 25, 2018
Esa is a shy woman with a huge heart, who is determined to get her business up & running, after a losing her parents & a disastrous relationship in college, she refuses to get into another relationship. Fate has other plans for her, and when she meets Ivan, she can't help the feelings that are quickly developing. But life is still not done with her, and Esa finds herself being terrorized by a stalker. Sweet Dreams was a story that I thoroughly enjoyed, because like Esa's hot chocolate, it was super sweet with a side of suspense. Ivan was a perfect hero, although he has his own demons, he was fantastic to Esa. And she was a great heroine, with her big heart, although life hadn't been kind to her, with losing her parents too early in life. With her bestie, Bailey, adding a side of sassy, & the best secondary, not to mention other great secondaries, I fell in love with the Beach Squad. Plus, the stalker plot gave me the twists for my favorite portion of f-bomb dropping goodness. I cannot wait for the next book in this series, and HIGHLY RECOMMEND!
1,011 reviews9 followers
February 27, 2018
I was asked by the author for an honest review.

I would have liked to give Sweet Dreams 4.5 stars. Plus any author who quotes Vanilla Ice songs should get bonus points. This was the first book I've read by Marika Ray and it's definitely a stand alone novel, but I'm looking forward to reading more of the series.

I liked the characters, especially that there was a strong female lead carrying a little extra weight without weight being a big deal in the relationship (no weight loss required). Having two nice guys in the story line always makes me suspicious that one of them will turn out to be the bad guy, so that made the plot more interesting. I really appreciated that the characters were straightforward, without all the dishonesty/misunderstandings that often appear in romance novels.

I would recommend this book to people who like romantic suspense with strong female characters.
Profile Image for Emily Pennington.
20.7k reviews362 followers
March 2, 2018
This is a kind, sweet story that is well worth the read. The two main characters, although they have things to overcome, have big hearts and a great deal of love and kindness for others. They are the type you want to see succeed and fall in love. Eva is trying to fulfill a promise made to her deceased mom to open a hot chocolate shop. Ivan is a lifeguard who sees the type of person Eva is and is drawn to her. Threatened with a stalker, Eva has friends who love her and will support her.

There is much going on in the story and it will draw the reader right in! With twists and turns, humor, suspense, mystery, and love, this book has more than enough to entertain – and don’t be surprised to count yourself among the new fans this author is accumulating!
Profile Image for Sherry Westendorf.
4,593 reviews22 followers
February 21, 2018
First she looses her parents while in college then she get stung in the water and this hot life guard has to save her. She is starting a shop her and her mother had wanted to start when her mother was alive. Then to find out she has a stalker. She has great friends though who are her backup and place to heal. This is a sweet, exciting, emotional, fun and so much more read. I really enjoyed it. I was given a review copy and voluntarily review it.
Profile Image for Jennifer Soppe.
2,251 reviews13 followers
February 21, 2018
I am voluntarily reviewing a copy of this book that I received for free.

Esa, owner of a gourmet hot chocolate shop, and Ivan, a lifeguard, make an instant connection when Esa gets stung by a jellyfish when running on the beach. As the story progresses a stalker emerges, guilt and stubbornness abound, but love eventually finds a way. With Snarky heroines and protective heroes Sweet Dreams is a nice weekend read for lovers of steamy romantic suspense.

A good steamy weekend beach read!
195 reviews1 follower
February 23, 2018
This was a hot, enjoyable read. Marika has some interesting characters, especially her women. I thought Ivan was a little flat - too sexy, too perfect, too good, too willing to talk everything out. But the Beach Squad are seriously fun and kickin' ladies! This isn't literature, but it's a fun beach or commuting read with a little mystery, a little drama, and a whole lot of love. I received an advance copy of this novel in return for my honest review.
Profile Image for Debra Richardson.
996 reviews2 followers
February 23, 2018
This book is not what I was expecting – it is so much better! Off the charts sex, witty banter, humour and amazing chemistry you will read in this book. There is a stalker and the characters grow stronger on every page – amazing character development. This book is well written, the pot is well developed and consistent. It is an amazing, enjoyable read that comes highly recommended. I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.
Profile Image for Wendy Livingstone.
20.1k reviews257 followers
March 1, 2018
This is a new author to me, and I will certainly be reading more of her work in the future. Eva is working hard to fulfil her promise to her deceased Mom, and Ivan is a lifeguard. These two are drawn to each other, and have many obstacles to overcome, No spoilers; this is a must read, you will not be disappointed! This is a sweet story, which has a stalker, twists, suspense, mystery, humour, and love, all which had me hooked and intrigued throughout. Looking forward to reading the next story in this wonderful series!
875 reviews4 followers
March 1, 2018
I received this book free and l am volunteering to leave a review.

This is the first book in the series and it’s a fantastic start to the series.

Esa has fulfilled her dreams of opening a hot chocolate shop. After losing her parents and and being in an abusive relationship she is concentrating on her shop. She meets Ivan who is a lifeguard. With drama, a stalker, twists and turns and a great story line l enjoyed this book.
Profile Image for A.BookNerd.Bookseller&Bibliophile.Blog.
2,787 reviews107 followers
September 19, 2018
This is the first book in a series, and the first book I've read by Marika Ray. I really enjoyed this book. Esa and Ivan make a perfect couple. They are a warm, friendly, compassionate couple, and are surrounded by great friends. I loved seeing their relationship grow, and Esa's circle of friends widening. This was a great kick-off to a new series, and I can't wait to see what continues.

Reviewed by: Clare M.
Profile Image for Tammi.
2,176 reviews30 followers
March 1, 2018
Great title for this book. A sweet dreamy start a love story. She was stung by a jellyfish, he was the lifeguard who "saved" her. A knight in bright colored board shorts came to the rescue of the fair haired maiden in a bikini. It was a sandy fairytale.
But that quickly changed it became a mystery. She had a stalker and I had a fearful suspicion who it was and I was not happy. I read on watching them fall in love but I wasn't alone, someone else was watching and didn't seem to like it. There was danger around every corner! Our knight was in full protective mode no one would hurt his lady. My favorite kind is romance!!
Then we get the climax near the end that showed the strength of of our girl and the support of our hero.It was PERFECT!!
This is the first I have read by this author and glad to see it is a series. I really like this group of friends and want more.
Profile Image for Fran Zoch, LSoR.
2,142 reviews13 followers
March 2, 2018
This is a series that is starting with Esa, and her two best friends trying to start their lives off and it isn't going as planned , she has a stalker and then she has Ivan and the whole time you are seeing just how sweet this can be but with a scary series of events, I can not wait for the next book.

You have got to read this book
Profile Image for Darnell MR Hart.
433 reviews9 followers
February 22, 2018
Outstanding!!!!

Outstanding!!!!!! Marika Ray has a true winner with this book.
Esa is a woman that we some of wish we could have as friend. Ivan is the man that we all are looking for, not for his looks but for his heart and soul.





16.7k reviews155 followers
February 23, 2018
i got a free copy
this was such a lovely read after a sad beginning. it will draw you in and make you wish that everything will work out in the end. you will be unable to put it down until you see where it ends.
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