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Little Sky Romance #4
Dreaming of You
Clarissa doesn’t believe in happily ever after but reformed playboy Mark is determined to change her mind.
Clarissa Mitchell spends her days with blushing brides, but thanks to a traumatic encounter in her past, she’s not interested in finding a man of her own. She’s content with a harmless cyber crush… until he turns up in her boutique, shopping for a wedding dress.
Mark Talbot watched his mother’s heart break when she lost his father. Now, he’s wary of love. But Clarissa captivates him and makes him want more than he thinks he has to offer.
Can Clarissa and Mark overcome their painful pasts to put it all on the line for love, or will they let fear ruin their best chance at happiness?
Clarissa Mitchell spends her days with blushing brides, but thanks to a traumatic encounter in her past, she’s not interested in finding a man of her own. She’s content with a harmless cyber crush… until he turns up in her boutique, shopping for a wedding dress.
Mark Talbot watched his mother’s heart break when she lost his father. Now, he’s wary of love. But Clarissa captivates him and makes him want more than he thinks he has to offer.
Can Clarissa and Mark overcome their painful pasts to put it all on the line for love, or will they let fear ruin their best chance at happiness?
Kindle Edition
Published November 1, 2021
230 people are currently reading
523 people want to read
About the author
Alexa Rivers
56 books612 followersAlexa Rivers writes about genuine characters living messy, imperfect lives and earning hard-won happily ever afters. Most of her books are set in small towns, and she lives in one of these herself. She shares a house with a neurotic dog and a husband who thinks he’s hilarious.
When she’s not writing, she enjoys traveling, baking, eating too much chocolate, cuddling fluffy animals, drinking excessive amounts of tea, and absorbing herself in fictional worlds.
When she’s not writing, she enjoys traveling, baking, eating too much chocolate, cuddling fluffy animals, drinking excessive amounts of tea, and absorbing herself in fictional worlds.
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews
February 21, 2020
I loved this story, and I loved both Clarissa and Mark. Mark’s general uptightness and his assumption that Clarissa was a middle-aged to older woman are such fun, and Clarissa’s general inability to function when she meets him is equally so. It’s a book that makes you feel better for reading it, feel hopeful about love, and most of all it leaves you smiling. It’s great to meet up with some of the other Little Sky characters, and it’s a book to read twice.
I received a free copy of this book, and the review is voluntary.
I received a free copy of this book, and the review is voluntary.
February 21, 2020
This was a really sweet story, two people meeting and finding something so special that they try to put all their fears to rest. Their long distance relationship gives them a chance to really get to know each other. I enjoyed how they helped each other and the support they got from friends and family.
February 19, 2020
Oh my goodness, I love Alexa Rivers' brain and her writing style! I have loved this series and am SO EXCITED about the possibility of a spin-off series. *squee*
I really enjoyed Clarissa and Mark's story. Clarissa had a very fiesty streak in Avery's book, so I looked forward to it, and I almost squealed when Mark was the main man. I enjoyed his character popping up through the series beginning in Eli and Aria's book. 😍
I loved the depth of emotion, especially considering both characters were rather, erm, deficient in this area. Their messed-up heads, secrets, and frailties brought them to life in my mind (I have a soft spot for broken characters. Life isn't perfect, after all).
What a wonderful series... I loved every single book from the Simons' siblings through to Aria's besties. If you're into stories that capture your attention from the first page, Alexa Rivers will keep you entertained and interested until the end.
NB I received an ARC of this book.
I really enjoyed Clarissa and Mark's story. Clarissa had a very fiesty streak in Avery's book, so I looked forward to it, and I almost squealed when Mark was the main man. I enjoyed his character popping up through the series beginning in Eli and Aria's book. 😍
I loved the depth of emotion, especially considering both characters were rather, erm, deficient in this area. Their messed-up heads, secrets, and frailties brought them to life in my mind (I have a soft spot for broken characters. Life isn't perfect, after all).
What a wonderful series... I loved every single book from the Simons' siblings through to Aria's besties. If you're into stories that capture your attention from the first page, Alexa Rivers will keep you entertained and interested until the end.
NB I received an ARC of this book.
March 10, 2020
Clarissa and Mark have issues. She's afraid to love again and he's afraid to let someone love him, lest they be brokenhearted if he inherited the genetic condition that beset his father. Can two people like these make a relationship work?
This is a sweet, but heart tugging love story. I really enjoyed reading how they managed to work through their issues (thanks to Mark's mom!) and find their happy ever after.
ARC via Buoni Amici Press for an honest review.
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March 1, 2020
This was a wonderfully sweet romance with lovable characters and a lush world that you can't help wanting to be part of.
There's no part of Mark and Clarissa's story that I don't love. They feel fated to meet and meant to help one another work through their hang-ups so they can get to that HEA.
I'll be checking out more from this author for sure!
There's no part of Mark and Clarissa's story that I don't love. They feel fated to meet and meant to help one another work through their hang-ups so they can get to that HEA.
I'll be checking out more from this author for sure!
March 5, 2020
Characters were well-developed, I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book, couldn't put it down!
February 17, 2020
Clarissa had her heart broken by a high school sweetheart and was betrayed by her family, causing major trust issues. Her only love life was loving the life she had built for herself. Clarissa has no problems helping a blushing bride feel special, but can’t quite bring herself to allow any of those feelings into her own life. For Clarissa, seeing her online crush on his podcasts was all she needs; it keeps her heart safe and protected.
Mark is a smart, good looking, momma’s boy. That is, he loves his mom! Oh, and he is a lawyer who can cook! Catch of the century. Only, Mark likes to keep his women at a distance. Not knowing if he will face death early like his father, and not willing to pass that possibility on to children, there is really no need to settle down with anyone. That is, until he meets one of his podcasts’ biggest fans! Suddenly, settling down with a special someone is looking much more enticing.
When the online distance separating strangers was no longer there, Clarissa and Mark are left to decide if they are willing to let go of the past and dive into a future together.
Dreaming of You by Alexa Rivers is a sugary sweet tale of love. It is basically a Hallmark Channel story with a PG plot (though at least one steamy scene). There isn’t a villain, only good guys. It takes the entirety of the book to get into the “issues” of the main characters, so the end is a quick wrap-up, but it doesn’t drag on with some vague excuses of actions. That said, I know there are many people who would enjoy this. It is a feel-good, Love is beautiful, the world isn’t such a dark and evil place after all kind of book.
Mark is a smart, good looking, momma’s boy. That is, he loves his mom! Oh, and he is a lawyer who can cook! Catch of the century. Only, Mark likes to keep his women at a distance. Not knowing if he will face death early like his father, and not willing to pass that possibility on to children, there is really no need to settle down with anyone. That is, until he meets one of his podcasts’ biggest fans! Suddenly, settling down with a special someone is looking much more enticing.
When the online distance separating strangers was no longer there, Clarissa and Mark are left to decide if they are willing to let go of the past and dive into a future together.
Dreaming of You by Alexa Rivers is a sugary sweet tale of love. It is basically a Hallmark Channel story with a PG plot (though at least one steamy scene). There isn’t a villain, only good guys. It takes the entirety of the book to get into the “issues” of the main characters, so the end is a quick wrap-up, but it doesn’t drag on with some vague excuses of actions. That said, I know there are many people who would enjoy this. It is a feel-good, Love is beautiful, the world isn’t such a dark and evil place after all kind of book.
March 1, 2020
A crush. A meeting. A decision. When a beautiful and reserved wedding designer meets the man of her dreams, will their secrets destroy their relationship before it begins?
Clarissa Mitchell is an attractive and intelligent businesswoman with no love life. Seeing the happy faces of the brides who wear her wedding gowns is enough for her. Her past makes her wary of men and she has no time for a relationship...until the man she watches on a podcast every week walks into her store. A man she fantasizes about...
Mark Talbot will do anything to make his mother happy and when she insists on visiting Clarissa Mitchell's wedding boutique with him in tow, he is stunned how beautiful and vibrant Clarissa is. He already knew she was intelligent by the questions she sends to his podcast, and he wants to get to know her better. But it isn't fair to let her close because he can't offer her what she wants.
Clarissa and Mark's relationship is a troubled one but with patience and understanding, they overcome the odds and secrets. The supporting characters are a great addition and I would love to read the brooding Sterling's story. My favorite character is Mark. He is a wonderful son, brother, friend, and lover who enjoys reading romances and sacrifices his happiness for others. A man after my own heart!
This is one of those books I couldn't put down. I wanted to find out Clarissa's secret about her estranged family and how she would react to Mark's news about his personal life. If you enjoy romances with secrets, please give this one a try.
Thank you to Ms. Rivers for giving me the opportunity to read this book with no expectation of a positive review.
Clarissa Mitchell is an attractive and intelligent businesswoman with no love life. Seeing the happy faces of the brides who wear her wedding gowns is enough for her. Her past makes her wary of men and she has no time for a relationship...until the man she watches on a podcast every week walks into her store. A man she fantasizes about...
Mark Talbot will do anything to make his mother happy and when she insists on visiting Clarissa Mitchell's wedding boutique with him in tow, he is stunned how beautiful and vibrant Clarissa is. He already knew she was intelligent by the questions she sends to his podcast, and he wants to get to know her better. But it isn't fair to let her close because he can't offer her what she wants.
Clarissa and Mark's relationship is a troubled one but with patience and understanding, they overcome the odds and secrets. The supporting characters are a great addition and I would love to read the brooding Sterling's story. My favorite character is Mark. He is a wonderful son, brother, friend, and lover who enjoys reading romances and sacrifices his happiness for others. A man after my own heart!
This is one of those books I couldn't put down. I wanted to find out Clarissa's secret about her estranged family and how she would react to Mark's news about his personal life. If you enjoy romances with secrets, please give this one a try.
Thank you to Ms. Rivers for giving me the opportunity to read this book with no expectation of a positive review.
February 26, 2020
Alexa Rivers has become one of my "go to"authors. She writes about small town romances that are set in New Zealand. She paints beautiful pictures of New Zealand that make anyone want to visit there. Dreaming of You is the 5th book in the Little Sky series but each can be read as a stand alone. Rivers does a wonderful job of incorporating characters from her other books and giving the reader just enough information about them that you don't feel lost. Although it is not necessary to read the other books in order to understand what is going on in this one, I would highly reccommend reading them. Each had been terrific. Shw write about friends that you wish you had. Friends that are fun, quirky, imperfect, independent, and who always have your back.
Dreaming of You is (so far) my favorite book in the series. I really like the way she allowed Mark to be caring and sentimental with his mom and his sisters. This was a nice change to always having the (H) be all alpha and macho. It made him that much more relateable. I also loved the underlying thread of more than one way of becoming a family. Well done, Alexa!
Dreaming of You is (so far) my favorite book in the series. I really like the way she allowed Mark to be caring and sentimental with his mom and his sisters. This was a nice change to always having the (H) be all alpha and macho. It made him that much more relateable. I also loved the underlying thread of more than one way of becoming a family. Well done, Alexa!
February 19, 2020
A very good book by a very good author! I thought the family situation that Clarissa had had to go through when she was still an emotionally developing YA was very interesting and the author did a good job of having Clarissa develop into a strong successful woman despite the odds being stacked against her. Mark was a sweetheart from the very beginning but he was also dealing with an unusual dilemma to have to face as he contemplates whether he should pursue a future with Clarissa. I have read all of the books in the Little Sky Romance series so far and I have enjoyed every one of them. It was great to see how the dynamics of characters from prior books have shifted and grown as each of the individuals continue to develop while also seeing this group of friends expanded to include new people. I will be eagerly waiting for the next book to this series!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
March 6, 2020
Clarissa has some past relationship demons which has made her jaded and/or accepting of the fact that she's never have a fairy tale ending. She owns a wedding boutique, and it just fine helping brides who are getting married. Mark is a lawyer, who loves him mother like men should (can you tell I'm a boy mom?!), but because of his father having a genetic illness, he keeps women at arm's length because he lives in fear that he'll pass it down to kids. When these two meet, a sweet but complicated journey starts. She's afraid to love again, and he's afraid to let someone love him, so you already know that there's a BIG emotional push & pull at this point. I don't want to go into any more details because this story is just best being experienced vs. reading reviews. If you want to know if these two overcome their issues, you'll have to hit that one click button to find out! HIGHLY RECOMMEND!
February 22, 2020
I loved how driven Clarissa was about her business and customers, but it was sad her love life took a back seat after a truly bad experience in her past, however you also get why she shies away from guys. Mark is a delicious man who has a wonderful relationship with his Mum but oh boy when we find out why he put the hand break on serious relationships etc you want to hug him and slap some sense into him at the same time. We get to see everyone from the previous books which was great, as you see where they are at now, while seeing how things unfold for Clarissa and Mark and getting to know their families as well which is not all rainbows and unicorns. I am thinking this is my favorite of the series so far! 😍
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
February 22, 2020
Clarissa Mitchell has a crush on her favorite sexy legal pod caster Mark Talbot and she gets to know him better when his mother wants to buy one of her wedding dresses and she's an attendee at their mutual friends wedding. But they both have walls up, her because of her up bring and something that happened in her past and Mark because he's afraid of his own mortality. They both have to learn to trust and meet in the middle. I thought it was funny that Mark's guilty pleasure was reading romances while Clarissa loved crime thrillers. It was great to catch up with the characters from previous books in this series and meet Aria's sweet baby. This was a sexy New Zealand romance with plenty of funny, sweet, and emotional moments.
March 1, 2020
I really enjoyed this sweet romance set amongst a thriving, fun friend group! Clarissa and Mark are a couple that feel a bit destined to meet and get together due to their friend connections. I really adored everything about how they meet, keep ending up in the same place together and how they discover their romance.
Mark is a very swoony book boyfriend and a perfect match for lovely wedding dress designer Clarissa. They both have their hesitation and hang-ups, but it was refreshing to not have a villain character (her dad aside) interfering in the storyline. This couple is in their own way just enough, and I was so happy with the resolution.
Highly recommend, and can't wait to go back and discover the other wonderful characters in the series!
Mark is a very swoony book boyfriend and a perfect match for lovely wedding dress designer Clarissa. They both have their hesitation and hang-ups, but it was refreshing to not have a villain character (her dad aside) interfering in the storyline. This couple is in their own way just enough, and I was so happy with the resolution.
Highly recommend, and can't wait to go back and discover the other wonderful characters in the series!
October 29, 2021
Can the Past be Changed?i
Great book by Alexa Rivers! Clarissa owns a bridal boutique. Mark is an attorney. Clarissa has bad memories in her life that has kept her wary of romance. Mark has been living with information that has kept him from getting into a serious romantic relationship. Mark brings his mother to Clarissa’s shop as she is getting married & Clarrisa will be designing a wedding gown for her. Both Mark & Clarrisa are attracted to each other; but because of their past. At a friend’s wedding, they find that they are both in the wedding party. They realize they have several mutual friends. They begin a long-distance relationship, each of them traveling to see the other. They both get honest about their past. Can they get beyond them? Read it!
Great book by Alexa Rivers! Clarissa owns a bridal boutique. Mark is an attorney. Clarissa has bad memories in her life that has kept her wary of romance. Mark has been living with information that has kept him from getting into a serious romantic relationship. Mark brings his mother to Clarissa’s shop as she is getting married & Clarrisa will be designing a wedding gown for her. Both Mark & Clarrisa are attracted to each other; but because of their past. At a friend’s wedding, they find that they are both in the wedding party. They realize they have several mutual friends. They begin a long-distance relationship, each of them traveling to see the other. They both get honest about their past. Can they get beyond them? Read it!
February 22, 2020
The wedding dress designer and the email business podcaster.
This was both a charming read with a healthy dose of the feels sprinkled in for good measure.
Clarissa Mitchell designs bridal gowns in New Zealand. She also religiously listens to Mark Talbot’s business podcast.
Mark wants his mother to have her dream wedding. It just so happens that one of her top three designers is Clarissa, so it’s off to the South Island from Auckland.
They are both attracted to each other but both have reasons for not pursuing a relationship, especially Mark.
Recommend for a realistic and satisfying read.
This was both a charming read with a healthy dose of the feels sprinkled in for good measure.
Clarissa Mitchell designs bridal gowns in New Zealand. She also religiously listens to Mark Talbot’s business podcast.
Mark wants his mother to have her dream wedding. It just so happens that one of her top three designers is Clarissa, so it’s off to the South Island from Auckland.
They are both attracted to each other but both have reasons for not pursuing a relationship, especially Mark.
Recommend for a realistic and satisfying read.
February 22, 2020
The Wonderful Reality Of Their Fantasies:
By Korkoi -
Fate brings to broken souls together, but it takes perseverance and determination for them to achieve their happily ever after.
I snuggled under my duvet in the middle of Storm Dennis and started reading this story, but little did I know that it was such an inspirational and heartwarming book, that deserves a high acclamation. It grabs your attention from the beginning and doesn’t let go until the last word, but still leaves you wanting more. Kudos to the author for writing such an awesome story.
I received a copy of this ARC and I am voluntarily leaving a review.
By Korkoi -
Fate brings to broken souls together, but it takes perseverance and determination for them to achieve their happily ever after.
I snuggled under my duvet in the middle of Storm Dennis and started reading this story, but little did I know that it was such an inspirational and heartwarming book, that deserves a high acclamation. It grabs your attention from the beginning and doesn’t let go until the last word, but still leaves you wanting more. Kudos to the author for writing such an awesome story.
I received a copy of this ARC and I am voluntarily leaving a review.
February 19, 2020
The book was OK for me!
I would say it's a second chance romance, however the characters only just met.
Clarissa who is a pod cast junkie has a crush on Mark, who held the pod casts.
They have mutual friends in common, never met each other until a friend gets married.
Well I should say Mark met her prior to that, Clarissa didn't seem interested because he was a client.
Feelings aside, Mark wore her down, broke through her walls. Only to have walls up of his own.
Once they both broke through their feelings, and walls, they had great chemistry and banter.
I personally could have used a little more drama, it was to mushy for me in some places. It also seemed the flow of the story was a bit quick. They meet, they try and date, they fall in love boom pets get married.
Like I said I could have used a wee bit more of drama.
I would say it's a second chance romance, however the characters only just met.
Clarissa who is a pod cast junkie has a crush on Mark, who held the pod casts.
They have mutual friends in common, never met each other until a friend gets married.
Well I should say Mark met her prior to that, Clarissa didn't seem interested because he was a client.
Feelings aside, Mark wore her down, broke through her walls. Only to have walls up of his own.
Once they both broke through their feelings, and walls, they had great chemistry and banter.
I personally could have used a little more drama, it was to mushy for me in some places. It also seemed the flow of the story was a bit quick. They meet, they try and date, they fall in love boom pets get married.
Like I said I could have used a wee bit more of drama.
March 11, 2020
Clarissa podcast crush with Mark jeopardized her sanity. All was good until they met face to face. More then meeting her go to for all her legal questions. They r thrown together in social situations. Clarissa needs Mark to help alleviate her fears, he has endless patience. They do have period of uncertainties in the relationship. This is fifth book in series can be read independently but recommend reading in order.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
March 21, 2023
I enjoyed this instant-lust-but-take-it-slow romance.
She's been sexually traumatized so is skittish.
He's worried about his future and what he can offer, based on his father's early death from a heart attack.
They're popular with their friends, but neither have been serious about a significant other before.
I like that they're both smart and personable and have businesses and friends and lives. He has a family that is close. She is estranged from hers, but finds the strength to make up with her sister.
She's been sexually traumatized so is skittish.
He's worried about his future and what he can offer, based on his father's early death from a heart attack.
They're popular with their friends, but neither have been serious about a significant other before.
I like that they're both smart and personable and have businesses and friends and lives. He has a family that is close. She is estranged from hers, but finds the strength to make up with her sister.
February 20, 2020
Clarissa helps brides with their special day but she does not see a special day in her future. She spends her spare time watching her crush Mark on his podcast. Mark is a lawyer and a great guy who cooks, loves his mother but never plans to wed because his father passed away young and he does not want that to happen again. Loved how once Clarissa and Mark meet they are totally attracted and work toward a relationship with each other.
March 5, 2020
This was a sweet romance that had me really rooting for the characters! I enjoyed the story line and loved Mark and Clarissa. Both of them had no intention of finding love, and both of them had past issues that made them put up walls but the chemistry and attraction they felt towards one another quickly brought those walls down.
I was drawn into this book from the very first page and couldn't put it down. It really is a must read book for sure!
By Alisa
I was drawn into this book from the very first page and couldn't put it down. It really is a must read book for sure!
By Alisa
March 12, 2020
Many twists and turn to keep you on your toes. A very touching love story through adversity
Really well written. The characters are flawed but very relatable, which gives the book more depth. The friendship element was a really strong plus for me.
It was really nice to read a book set a little closer to home instead of always set in America.
I received this as a complimentary copy and I am giving my honest review voluntarily
Really well written. The characters are flawed but very relatable, which gives the book more depth. The friendship element was a really strong plus for me.
It was really nice to read a book set a little closer to home instead of always set in America.
I received this as a complimentary copy and I am giving my honest review voluntarily
February 21, 2020
I liked the innocence and care of this story, the issues were dealt with sensitively. Clarissa and Mark were lovely characters who showed inner strength and bravery in trusting each other with their fears, worries and pasts, I believed in them as a couple and wanted them to be and stay together.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
February 22, 2020
A nice heartwarming read with no drama or big fights, Clarissa and Mark were characters with layers and it was a sweet ride to a HEA.
Can Clarissa and Mark overcome their fears and painful pasts to take a shot at happily ever after?
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Can Clarissa and Mark overcome their fears and painful pasts to take a shot at happily ever after?
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
February 27, 2020
A great, sweet small town romance that's wonderfully written. The characters are easy to fall in love with, their story is amazingly sweet. The author's description of the location is amazing, you feel like you're visiting New Zealand. An entertaining read you don't want to miss out on.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
March 28, 2020
Clarissa and Mark don't want a relationship for different reasons but when they meet it will be taken out of their hands. The characters are amazing with undeniable chemistry. The storyline kept my attention.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
December 19, 2021
Nice Read!
I enjoyed reading this book about Mark and Clarissa! I had already made my own opinions about Clarissa in the last book, but now that I know her story, I can relate to her better on a different level! Hurt people act a different way and she was definitely hurt by the people who were suppose to be there for her! I do recommend this book to everyone!
I enjoyed reading this book about Mark and Clarissa! I had already made my own opinions about Clarissa in the last book, but now that I know her story, I can relate to her better on a different level! Hurt people act a different way and she was definitely hurt by the people who were suppose to be there for her! I do recommend this book to everyone!
April 8, 2024
2.5⭐️
Honestly, I just read it to finish the series. I don't think I'll even read the novellas.
I dragged myself through most of the book.
The FMC was so jaded in the other books, and then in this one, she suddenly wasn't? Didn't make much sense to me. The themes (religious trauma, childhood trauma, death of a parent, life-threatening condition) could've been better explored, in my opinion.
Honestly, I just read it to finish the series. I don't think I'll even read the novellas.
I dragged myself through most of the book.
The FMC was so jaded in the other books, and then in this one, she suddenly wasn't? Didn't make much sense to me. The themes (religious trauma, childhood trauma, death of a parent, life-threatening condition) could've been better explored, in my opinion.
February 24, 2020
Sweetly sexy, emotionally thrilling, action packed adventure filled with engaging charters. witty dialog, heart racing twists and exciting passion. A very entertaining read from beginning to end, really enjoyed the journey!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews