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Daring to Dream
Jaqueline Steele's life was falling apart.
She might be one of the most famous actresses in the world, but her fifteen year marriage was on the brink of divorce.
No matter how masterfully she practiced her craft, it always came back to her personal life. That was what would be all over the news, that was what the gossip magazines zeroed in on.
Jackie was more than a little jaded and with everything changing around her, she just wanted to do what she loved.
Act. Take on meaningful roles. Use her talent.
When a promising script lands in her lap, Jackie has a serious decision to make.
In just four years, Henley Hughes had moved through the ranks, almost coming out of nowhere to become one of Hollywood's brightest stars.
Her manager always pushed her to take on bigger, more challenging roles, but more than anything, Henley wanted to be herself. She wanted to come out.
For four years she'd been talking about it.
And for four years her manager kept telling her to wait.
Wait until she'd landed a bigger role. Wait until she had more money saved up. Wait until she was a little older.
Henley was sick of waiting, but when she has the opportunity to work with her idol, with the woman she'd spent years dreaming of, Henley might just be willing to wait a while longer.
She might be one of the most famous actresses in the world, but her fifteen year marriage was on the brink of divorce.
No matter how masterfully she practiced her craft, it always came back to her personal life. That was what would be all over the news, that was what the gossip magazines zeroed in on.
Jackie was more than a little jaded and with everything changing around her, she just wanted to do what she loved.
Act. Take on meaningful roles. Use her talent.
When a promising script lands in her lap, Jackie has a serious decision to make.
In just four years, Henley Hughes had moved through the ranks, almost coming out of nowhere to become one of Hollywood's brightest stars.
Her manager always pushed her to take on bigger, more challenging roles, but more than anything, Henley wanted to be herself. She wanted to come out.
For four years she'd been talking about it.
And for four years her manager kept telling her to wait.
Wait until she'd landed a bigger role. Wait until she had more money saved up. Wait until she was a little older.
Henley was sick of waiting, but when she has the opportunity to work with her idol, with the woman she'd spent years dreaming of, Henley might just be willing to wait a while longer.
181 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 25, 2021
57 people are currently reading
129 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews
May 28, 2021
This was a great feel good romance.
I loved the flow and the age gap.
I think there were 16 or 17 years between them.
Highly recommended.
I loved the flow and the age gap.
I think there were 16 or 17 years between them.
Highly recommended.
November 15, 2021
So short but so good!
If you've been following my reviews for some time, you probably know by now how I feel about quickly developing romances. But every once in a while, authors magically make them work for me.
One of the few ways a good novella presents itself to me is when it's got me wishing it's a novel instead—when it makes me long to get more from the story. This was one such book.
So even if I did find the chapters for this too short for what I was hoping to get, my reading experience was nothing but delightful.
These women moved fast, but who can blame them when they oozed so much chemistry?
Here's the blurb for the curious:
If you've been following my reviews for some time, you probably know by now how I feel about quickly developing romances. But every once in a while, authors magically make them work for me.
One of the few ways a good novella presents itself to me is when it's got me wishing it's a novel instead—when it makes me long to get more from the story. This was one such book.
So even if I did find the chapters for this too short for what I was hoping to get, my reading experience was nothing but delightful.
These women moved fast, but who can blame them when they oozed so much chemistry?
Here's the blurb for the curious:
abandoned
November 10, 2022I made it a bit over halfway when I got thrown out of the story. They'd just decided that they couldn't have sex because of reasons and then go "we're smart, we can do this, let's have sex" and so they're pelting upstairs and I put the book down.
Normally, this would be a minor bump, but then I lost the mood and binged other books and I'm still not back yet. So this note is so that future me knows what happened. No rating because it'd be a crappy thing to do when it's my fault I fell out of the mood.
Normally, this would be a minor bump, but then I lost the mood and binged other books and I'm still not back yet. So this note is so that future me knows what happened. No rating because it'd be a crappy thing to do when it's my fault I fell out of the mood.
June 19, 2021
WOW! WOW! WOW!!!
I'm not very good at writing reviews. So, it won't be a very long or wordy. I just want to say that this story really touched my heart. I have such huge respect for those who can put their thoughts on paper (or computer). And Carol Wyatt does it beautifully. Read this book, you'll love it!
I'm not very good at writing reviews. So, it won't be a very long or wordy. I just want to say that this story really touched my heart. I have such huge respect for those who can put their thoughts on paper (or computer). And Carol Wyatt does it beautifully. Read this book, you'll love it!
November 29, 2021
4 Stars - Short, sweet and steamy celebrity age-gap romance. Perfect little low angst romance when you need a break between longer books. I would totally read this again.
Great recommendation, CLAR. :)
Great recommendation, CLAR. :)
November 26, 2021
What a lovely novella. A sweet and fluffy one without twists and angsty... Which is usually not my thing, but in this book, I don’t mind at all. I only wish this was a novel because I need more!
June 9, 2021
Jae's SRC
one-night stand to forever
age gap romance (17 years)
forced proximity
Unicorn
Character over 40
one-night stand to forever
age gap romance (17 years)
forced proximity
Unicorn
Character over 40
June 1, 2021
Age Gap
A marriage of convenience between two of Hollywood’s most successful. Best friends married to protect their careers are now end their marriage as the husband has found his true love and is now ready to come out of the closet. What will the wife do? Stay in closet or come out of the closet too?
A marriage of convenience between two of Hollywood’s most successful. Best friends married to protect their careers are now end their marriage as the husband has found his true love and is now ready to come out of the closet. What will the wife do? Stay in closet or come out of the closet too?
June 8, 2021
A beautiful love story, wonderful characters and dialogues. Plus very intense scenes with so many emotions. Fully recommending it so now I am looking more books of Carol Wyatt.
September 2, 2021
I absolutely love this novel! Lesbian, age gap, coming out and a straight to the point plot. Yes one of the two women is dithering (sort of), but that is not really hampering the huge attraction they feel for the other and at the moment, when it counts, they find the courage to be honest with themselves and the other.
It was a very good, entertaining, heartwarming read that I will certainly come back to, if one day I need some strong good vibes to cheer me up!
Thank you, Carol Wyatt.
It was a very good, entertaining, heartwarming read that I will certainly come back to, if one day I need some strong good vibes to cheer me up!
Thank you, Carol Wyatt.
March 13, 2022
While not a big fan of celebrity wlw stories, I really enjoyed this story. The characters were well developed, believable, and the story pace just right. The story explored different themes related to being authentic to oneself, others, and all the challenges that come with that quest. Well done!
August 8, 2021
Sweet
I loved the main characters. They were both in the closet. They were married to each other to hide the fact that they were gay. They each met the love of their life. Very sweet story.
I loved the main characters. They were both in the closet. They were married to each other to hide the fact that they were gay. They each met the love of their life. Very sweet story.
June 20, 2022
4.5 This is my first book by this author, great story. I will be reading more Carol Wyatt books!
September 15, 2021
Wow! That’s What Love Can Do!
From the opening line of this book, you get sucked into the life of Jackie Steele. You feel for what she is going through. To be older and realize that as life is changing around you, you are not ready to go with it. Until Henley walks into her life. After their initial meeting, where Henley is excited about the movie depicting Jackie’s famous mother who recently died and happy to be talking with her crush, Jackie tells her to save her self from future disaster and pass on the movie. When Henley tells Jackie the other movie she went in for, Jackie tells her it was the same one she went for but didn’t get the roll. As the two ponder their lives, another revelation comes to light. Jackie’s soon to be ex husband is actually in love with Henley’s best friend. This story reveals itself as both sets of people intertwine their lives where Jackie and Henley take it a step further. But things take a turn when Jackie is now in the lead of the movie Henley is in. From here the story takes a sweet turn and you can’t help fall in love with this couple. I love Carol Wyatt’s writing. She know love…..
From the opening line of this book, you get sucked into the life of Jackie Steele. You feel for what she is going through. To be older and realize that as life is changing around you, you are not ready to go with it. Until Henley walks into her life. After their initial meeting, where Henley is excited about the movie depicting Jackie’s famous mother who recently died and happy to be talking with her crush, Jackie tells her to save her self from future disaster and pass on the movie. When Henley tells Jackie the other movie she went in for, Jackie tells her it was the same one she went for but didn’t get the roll. As the two ponder their lives, another revelation comes to light. Jackie’s soon to be ex husband is actually in love with Henley’s best friend. This story reveals itself as both sets of people intertwine their lives where Jackie and Henley take it a step further. But things take a turn when Jackie is now in the lead of the movie Henley is in. From here the story takes a sweet turn and you can’t help fall in love with this couple. I love Carol Wyatt’s writing. She know love…..
June 13, 2021
This was a rather easy read and a pleasant romance. The two mains are actresses which falls under one of my favorite types of romances to read. Overall the characters are likable and the chemistry between the mains shows as you flip the pages. This wasn't my favorite celebrity romances, but it hit the buttons for a good romance. My only complaint it the period of time that passes from start to finish. I would have like a tad bit more main character interaction. 3.75 stars rounded to 4
May 26, 2021
Great read
Sometimes an author can drag out a storyline for too long. This isn't THAT! I wanted to stay in this world much longer than I did. I'll stop whining and simply say enjoy this book. It's definitely worth your time!
Sometimes an author can drag out a storyline for too long. This isn't THAT! I wanted to stay in this world much longer than I did. I'll stop whining and simply say enjoy this book. It's definitely worth your time!
June 17, 2021
Great
So, age gap and actresses... two of my favorite things to read about in a book! Carol Wyatt has a wonderful way of bringing her characters to life. Thoroughly enjoyable read!!
So, age gap and actresses... two of my favorite things to read about in a book! Carol Wyatt has a wonderful way of bringing her characters to life. Thoroughly enjoyable read!!
May 26, 2021
Nobody does age gap romances better
I absolutely loved this one. Henly and Jackie's journey was so inspirating. There are only a few writers that I instantly purchase their new releases without even reading the description and she is one of them. I always say "If I can visualize it in my mind while I'm reading it, it's a great story" and Carol Wyatt does it in spades every time...
I absolutely loved this one. Henly and Jackie's journey was so inspirating. There are only a few writers that I instantly purchase their new releases without even reading the description and she is one of them. I always say "If I can visualize it in my mind while I'm reading it, it's a great story" and Carol Wyatt does it in spades every time...
December 5, 2021
Their chemistry, oh my god!!! This was a really good short reading with my favorite tropes: age gap, celebrity romance, woman +40. The relationship develops really quickly, but i understand, i would fall for Jaqueline Steele in less than two hours i'm sure.
March 16, 2022
So I'm not sure if I read a different book, but this one felt weird. The premise is good, the start is good, but after the halfway point it lost its pace? I'm not exactly sure how it happened but the plot got lost, like the author really wanted to finish the story within a certain number of pages so she pressed forward on a lot of parts of the story. Could've been so much better. 🤷♀️
June 1, 2021
An Amazing Hollywood Romance
I wouldn't have minded following these characters' lives a lot longer. This story had it all: movie stars that aren't what they seem, age-gap romance, hesitation, and super hot and sweet love scenes.
I wouldn't have minded following these characters' lives a lot longer. This story had it all: movie stars that aren't what they seem, age-gap romance, hesitation, and super hot and sweet love scenes.
June 30, 2021
Good book
A good book the characters are strong and a believable story. Both Jamie and Henley are actresses that are just trying to come out and still have a job, but want to have a normal life. A sweet coming out story.
A good book the characters are strong and a believable story. Both Jamie and Henley are actresses that are just trying to come out and still have a job, but want to have a normal life. A sweet coming out story.
October 19, 2024
great book
I really enjoyed this book. Well written with an engaging plot to keep you interested right till the end. No aghast, just a lovely read.
I really enjoyed this book. Well written with an engaging plot to keep you interested right till the end. No aghast, just a lovely read.
November 21, 2022
4 stars. Both Jacqueline and Henley are closeted actresses! I’m on a roll here. I seriously love this damn trope and I don’t know why. Also, there’s an age gap!
Anyway, this was such a wonderful and light read. Jackie is getting divorced from her best friend Clay. They are both gay and the marriage was a lavender one to benefit their careers. Clay falls in love with Brody, who is the best friend of Henley. Because of this Jackie and Henley spend time together and it was lovely. Their chemistry was fantastic and I loved how they got off on the wrong foot when they first met but as they got to know each other they were more open and vulnerable. It’s such a sweet romance and I loved the ending and how all of these characters found the courage to live life on their terms. Wyatt is an author that I’ve been enjoying a lot so far. Her books are short but pack a lot of heart into them. Highly recommend.
Anyway, this was such a wonderful and light read. Jackie is getting divorced from her best friend Clay. They are both gay and the marriage was a lavender one to benefit their careers. Clay falls in love with Brody, who is the best friend of Henley. Because of this Jackie and Henley spend time together and it was lovely. Their chemistry was fantastic and I loved how they got off on the wrong foot when they first met but as they got to know each other they were more open and vulnerable. It’s such a sweet romance and I loved the ending and how all of these characters found the courage to live life on their terms. Wyatt is an author that I’ve been enjoying a lot so far. Her books are short but pack a lot of heart into them. Highly recommend.
June 11, 2021
Sweet and hot, but...
Good character development, plot set up, nicely crafted sex scenes, great chemistry....but thing happened. They meet, one wants to come out, the other doesn't, they fall I love, they decide to come out after all, they do, everyone's happy, the end. Zero conflict. All the set up for inner and outer conflict is there, but there was no actual conflict happening, no struggle. One character changes her mind, but she doesn't have to really change or better herself in any way. There's no character arc. She's kinda waffling on that decision from the get, so there's no real surprise there.
Good character development, plot set up, nicely crafted sex scenes, great chemistry....but thing happened. They meet, one wants to come out, the other doesn't, they fall I love, they decide to come out after all, they do, everyone's happy, the end. Zero conflict. All the set up for inner and outer conflict is there, but there was no actual conflict happening, no struggle. One character changes her mind, but she doesn't have to really change or better herself in any way. There's no character arc. She's kinda waffling on that decision from the get, so there's no real surprise there.
June 2, 2021
Great Read
Really good story I’m glad an older woman is involved
Wish there were more reads where two married women over the age of 55 plus found relationships….
We need to be represented…..
I may have to write my own……..
Really good story I’m glad an older woman is involved
Wish there were more reads where two married women over the age of 55 plus found relationships….
We need to be represented…..
I may have to write my own……..
June 8, 2021
This is a basic age-gap Hollywood coming out tale. The main characters are likeable enough. The supporting cast does a reasonable job though they do not provide much insight into the main characters. There are some nominal conflicts but the angst is really minimal on the way to their HEA.
July 3, 2024
Love Changes Everything
A very closeted famous actress (Jackie) has been married to her best friend Clay for years. Clay is also in the closet to protect his career until he falls in love. Jackie doesn’t understand Clay’s desire to come out until she falls in love.
A very closeted famous actress (Jackie) has been married to her best friend Clay for years. Clay is also in the closet to protect his career until he falls in love. Jackie doesn’t understand Clay’s desire to come out until she falls in love.
June 1, 2021
A good read, not as intense as some this author writes but still worth reading
March 25, 2023
Great characters.. I love them both, the way they acknowledged each others feeling and supported each other. Wow!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews