Dreams

Big Bands Big Hearts #1

by Sandra Alex

She’s a hot mess. Success lives in his back pocket. The stage calls to them, until a twisted fan tries to seal their fate…using nine words.

Five days ago, I couldn’t stand Jett. He’s a world-renowned guitarist in a hit band, and I’m a washed-up sex symbol vocalist in a band that’s seen its glory. Five days ago, something changed. I was given an ultimatum that I’m not sure I can live up to. The world of rock and roll is a cruel place. It’s a world where I can only be sure of one thing, and that one thing is what is ruining me. Jett sees right through me. And as much as I hate him, he keeps coming around. Until he disappears back to the stage. But does he really leave me?

I find Roxy in the back room, kicking my most prized amp. Sure, it’s held together with duct tape, but it plays better than anything else. She sneers and pokes at me, until she realizes that I have the one thing that she’s lost. I’d help her get it back if she’d lose the chip on her shoulder. Then I find out what’s eating her, and I see her in a different light. There’s more to Roxy than meets the eye. Her bandmates see it. That’s why they stick around. But will the world see it…and more important, will they see it before it’s too late?

Rock star romance
Hate to love romance
Drug and alcohol use
Medium heat
Smoking
Swearing
Cliffhanger ending

Genres: Contemporary, Romance

186 pages, Kindle Edition

Published February 14, 2022

About the author

Meet your next book boyfriend.

Love stories that could actually happen.

New to Sandra Alex? Download your FREE BOOK and see what you've been missing https://dl.bookfunnel.com/9ak1h8gll1

About the Author

Sandra has been writing poems and short stories since middle school, and writing full length, self-published novels since 2010, using several pen names.

Writing full-length steamy romance series has quickly become a love for this author. Her stories have elements of humor, family issues, suspense and personal growth. Her books take the reader right into the bedroom with the characters to feel the same intensity as the lovers do in the story. Sandra's goal is to have the reader rooting for the main couple...and she doesn't disappoint.

You'll find this author working out weekday mornings at ungodly hours. She's gluten and dairy free, and is probably the only person on earth who doesn't do coffee or chocolate.

Her favorite movie is Bohemian Rhapsody, her favorite tv shows are Friends and The Connors. She's also a die-hard Rocky fan and has read the Fifty Shades trilogy and watched the movies more times than she cares to admit.

Sandra is married with two daughters and is a lover of all things four-legged, including her own two furbabies.

The Ford Brothers series focuses on five swoon-worthy brothers who each served in the military, and lost their billionaire father suddenly, which left them to run his airline after his death. Each book features one brother, but they make appearances in all five novels. In case you haven't guessed, the titles in the Ford Brothers series have been inspired by hazard warning signs, an idea the author came up with after completing a health and safety course prior to starting the series.

The Miles for Love series is about unexpected love, and it features the Lynch family; four brothers and one sister, who are each passionate, imperfect, and are just like you and I...but way sexier and with much more interesting lives. They are very individual and each have a unique story to tell.

The Rock Star Romance series is inspired by the death of Eddie Van Halen on October 6, 2020. It is a standalone series unlike any other this author has written. Look for this series! It's available now!

Ford Brothers Series order:

Proceed with Caution (Colton and Julia) second chance romance

Enter at Your Own Risk (Wade and Kendra) rock star/hate to love romance

Handle with Care (Garrett and Nora) second time around/betrayal romance

Slippery When Wet (Dalton and Amelia) widower romance/younger man & older woman

May Explode if Heated (Jack and Kristina) bad boy romance

Trespassers will be Prosecuted (Bryn and Liz) billionaire romance

Miles for Love Series order:

Crossing Boundaries (Daniel and Kayla) best friends to lovers romance

Crossing Oceans (Aleks and Mallorie) long-distance romance

Crossing Roads (Christopher and Ashley) hate-to-love romance

Crossing Hearts (Tyler and Ripley's story) second chance romance

Crossing Borders (Grant and Frankie's story) second chance romance

Rock Star Romance Series order:

Dress Rehearsal (Billy and Michelle's story)

Opening Night (Jimmy and Cindy's story)

Platinum (Tommy and Debbie's story)

World Tour (Danny and Diana's story)

Big Bands, Big Hearts Series order:

Dreams
Jump
Secrets
Unchained
Runaround

To learn more about Sandra, you can check her out here:

Website: https://www.sandraalexbooks.com
BookBub: www.bookbub.com/authors/sandra-alex
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show...
Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/SandraAlexBooks
Twitter: https://twitter.com/SandraAlexBooks
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sandra_alex...

Join her Facebook reading group Sizzling Reads by Sandra Alex:

https://www.facebook.com/groups/32052...

For a FREE Prequel for 'Proceed with Caution', 'Crossing Boundaries', and an

Reviews

[HolidayHabit · Rating 2 out of 5]

I found the dialogue extremely annoying. Every character refers to whoever they are speaking to as “man” in every single sentence they say. “Hey man,…”; “…thanks man!”; “….me too, man.” Gah! It’s drove me NUTS! Barely managed to finish this one, and not signing up for any more in this series.

[Coco.V]

🎁 FREE on Amazon & on Apple iBooks today (2/23/2022)! 🎁

[Erin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to Sandra Alex for providing me with an ebook copy of Dreams for me to read and review. What a wild ride to start this brand new series! I absolutely devoured this story! I did not want to put it down and flew through it so fast. There is quite a large cast of characters in this story which was a bit challenging to keep straight especially near the beginning of the book, but there were some unique, very distinctive personalities that quickly rose to the forefront of the story. Alex as always, writes excellent development of her important characters, and in this novel she has specifically shone a spotlight on a character who struggled with addiction in a very raw, real, but yet hopeful manner. My one dislike, which may be my own personal preference, was the continued use of the word man when other characters are speaking to or referring to the female characters of the story. This writing choice appears in a number of Alex's books; it rubs me the wrong way and throws off my reading flow when it happens. The chemistry between the two main characters is off the charts, with an incredibly drawn out build up of sexual tension and romantic feelings throughout most of the book. The sex scenes were very hot and accurately depicted the culmination of the huge amount of tension built up between these two characters. As for the ending, Alex did not disappoint! No where in my wildest dreams did I see that coming! I cannot wait to read the next book in the series to see what happens.

[Cassandra Doon · Rating 3 out of 5]

Book: Dreams
Read By: Ebook and Audio
Author: Sandra Alex
Narrator: Sandra Alex
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Main Characters: Roxy and Jett
Recommend: Yes
Spice: 🌶️️ 🌶️️ 🌶️️
Age recommendation: 18-30+ Years
My feelings:


I found the amount of Characters in this to be a bit overwhelming, but I did get there in the end.

“No, we didn’t.  I’m surprised we made it to my house, frankly.  I wanted to jump your bones the second I saw you.” I don’t know how else to respond, so I just snuffle a laugh, resting my chin on her chest.  “You’re fucking sexy as hell, baby.  I’ve never heard anyone come like you do.”

I thought the portrayal of addiction to be fantastic, it felt real and highlighted very important issues. I like the way it was addressed.

“When my panties are off, his mouth goes right to where it counts, and he French kisses it, making me moan out loud.  He keeps doing that, I’m going to come in about thirty seconds, I’m so hot for him.”

I felt like the chemistry between the two was fantastic, slow burn that was drawn out to just the right amount.
The smut was fantastic and was 100000% there for it all:)

“Slick’s face falls.  I’ve never seen such an expression on him before.  Crush rips into his short, ten-second drum solo, right before the second chorus, and Slick takes that moment to point out what the inside of the bra says.  And there it is.  My eyes widen as I read nine words…“We have two hours to live.  Make them count.”

Very well done and get start to the series.

[Linda · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a great read! Roxy is a mess from drugs and alcohol when the story opens. She and her band are struggling, but Jett is awesome from the get go. He and his band are very successful and still climbing the charts. When he meets Roxy, he sees past her anger and bad behavior and becomes a loving and supportive friend on her road to sobriety. Their relationship isn't instalove or instalust but builds over a period of time and it's beautiful.

As much as I liked the story there are a couple of things that don't ring true. The description of rehab seemed pretty unrealistic even by 1985 standards, and Roxy's statements in regards to her parents seemed contradictory. Aside from that, the situations and the characters are real and believable and the story completely engaging, even though I wasn't prepared for the cliffhanger ending! It left the story in a kind of strange place, but I can't wait for the next book.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Teresa Williams · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sandra Alex's Dreams is an interconnected Rockstar duet. It is about 2 rock bands. One band is just breaking into the scene while the other band is an established band with rock and roll clout.
It's a story that borderlines being a sweet romance other than language and medium heat with a slow burn leading up to one big scene. The lead singer Roxy does have drug usage and alcohol abuse that sends her to rehab, or her record label will drop her band. I have issues with the time she had to spend in rehab as being inaccurate and not realistic. Please note that typically once a person is in a rehab program, that person does not get visitation for the first 30 days (phone calls or visitations) and never a trip out of rehab the first month. Most recovery takes at least 90 days, not 30days. Being in a halfway house or outpatient rehab makes more sense. Other than the rehab portions, I did enjoy the story as it is worth reading.

[Jean · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is book one in The Big Bands, Big Heart's Series and it is Jett and Roxy's Story and it is a great start to a new series. Omg this book takes you on a roller coaster ride of emotions and I couldn't put it down as it was so addictive. The characters and storyline pulled you in and kept your attention throughout the whole book and kept you on the edge of your seat and what a cliff hanger ending, I can't wait to read the next book in this series. Sandra Alex is an amazing author and writer and her story's always have so much depth to them and she writes with so much compassion on some very difficult subjects and I definitely recommend you read this book and others by her and you will definitely not be disappointed.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[KL Cassanello · Rating 5 out of 5]

Roxy is an absolute mess, a terrific singer with drug and alcohol dependencies. She's not sure how she's going to make it through the rehab that her record label has mandated. Enter Jett, incredible guitarist and all around good guy. He's a friend to her when she's certain that she doesn't need one, and shows up to help her survive rehab. He's amazing to everyone... Roxy, his brother, his bandmates. There's is a slow burn romance, very slow. I truly enjoyed this book, read in one sitting (okay, so I stayed up really, really late). While I liked the last series, I think this one will be even better - I love when Ms. Alex writes a series of interconnected stories and characters. There's a little cliffhanger at the end... stay tuned... I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Jen B · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is book one in the Big Bands Big Hearts series. We start the series off with Jett (Wired's guitar man) and Roxy (Buying Time's Lead Singer). Roxy is spirling down living her rock and roll dream but her band mates do everything they can to keep her float. Roxy attends rehab for a stint and those closed doors slowly start to open back up again. Even the last door she suspects but wants so much, Jett's. A story with great characters that follows a well known rock and roll band on tour. As fun and exciting as their lives can be, they lack in consistency and routine which can be challenge on its own. This book ends with one heck of twist. Look forward to how Slick takes the message. Enjoy!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Belinda · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is Book 1 of the Big Bands Big Hearts Series where we are introduced to the bands Wired and Buying Time. Jett is a sweet guitarist from Wired. He is serious about his craft and willing to help others. Roxy is the lead singer for Buying Time and she is a hot mess whose about to have some of her band mates walk out on her. The author gives us a behind the scenes look at the life and politics of stardom while also giving us a touching love story. Jett sees that Roxy is in pain and offers to help. Roxy wants to go back to the way she was and connect to her music. Sandra Alex does not sugar coat addiction, she gives us a beautiful raw story that will keep you turning the pages. I received this ARC and voluntarily give my review.

[Maddy Matos · Rating 5 out of 5]

Roxy is high on coke and basically yelling at everyone because of an Amp that’s in her space. Jett from the other band and the owner of the troublesome Amp is also getting the wrath of Roxy. I loved his character from the start of this book because he tells her off without raising his voice. He tears into her and tells her a few truths as well as calling her a coke head. But he’s a really sweet guy, very philosophical and even in her messed up state she likes him. This story is hot, this couple is hot and very much in love. I love that this author always end with a tiny cliffhanger, yes it’s tiny because this story was done. It leaves you ready to grab book two. This story was awesome, giving it five stars and I highly recommend it.

[Caroline Doig · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is my absolute favourite genre rockstars, bands etc and this story is a roller coaster ride of emotions with Jett and Roxy. Roxy was deep into the drugs and alcohol she was a mess until Jett came along he saw past her hurt and anger issues and he became a really good friend to start off with, their first meeting didn’t go well at all but Jett wouldn’t give up on Roxy and I loved that. This is a very slow burn romance with a cliffhanger ending and I can’t wait to read the next book in this series and I definitely recommend this book.

[Kimberly · Rating 4 out of 5]

Dreams by Sandra Alex is a good, and enjoyable rock star romance read. The story has a good story line. The characters are good, and they have good chemistry. The story will take you on a roller coaster ride of emotions with Roxy and Jett. Roxy and Jett relationship isn't insta love or insta lust but it will building over a period of time until it's turns into beautiful love. The story is a slow burn romance read with a cliffhanger ending.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Tanya · Rating 5 out of 5]

Her band is not doing as well as it had and now things are getting even tougher for her. He finds her kicking his favourite amp and he knows she is need of help. She has a huge chip on her shoulder and can he help her? Can they work together? Can her life get better? Will they get closer? See just how it all goes

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Mandy Foley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow just wow, a fantastic read, full of emotion, struggles and rock n roll, Jett sees something in Roxy that she herself doesn’t, Roxy is so deep in her addiction she can’t see her life tanking around her, her angry, prickly exterior keeps most people away, but Jett can see through it. Can Roxy sort herself out, can she finally she the friends around her that care, will Jett succeed in showing her how good life can be? Add a cliffhanger ending and this book has it all!!

[TELA666 · Rating 4 out of 5]

I couldn't put this down, its a mid length book that ends on a definite cliffhanger.
I really liked Jett as a character, he is so supportive of everybody. There is a really nice balance of a slow build of anticipation coupled with the fast pace of the book.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Maja · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was my first read from this author. I loved this story from start to finish. Jett was a real rocker and and I really liked him. I loved the first person point of view of the story, this is always a deal breaker for me. I can't wait for the second book.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Jeanne Richardson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've read several books written by Sandra Alex; she is becoming one of my favorite authors. I can’t wait to read more of her books.

This is the first book in the Big Bands, Big Hearts Series; it is the beginning to a new series and ends in a cliffhanger.

I received a free copy of this book via booksprout and I’m voluntarily leaving a review.

[Deb · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great characters, a tumultuous storyline and a very intriguing romance. I enjoyed the drama. I found the well crafted scenes believable and interesting. I enjoyed reading this book.

I requested a copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Barbara Holler · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dreams do come true

For Roxy and Jett, rehab is the beginning of their connection. As Roxyy goes thru rehab, Jett is her friend and later, so much more. A love story developes and the story of Roxy and Jett creates a rock and roll story for the ages.

[Aimee Lombardo · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dreams

Oh my!! This Rockstar romance is one intense read!!

All the concerts , pranks and high intense drama & romance had me feeling like I was a member of the band witnessing it all unfold personally.

[DC · Rating 5 out of 5]

Roxy depends on substances to cope with feelings of letting others down and is given the ultimatum of rehab or getting dropped by her label. Jett befriends Roxy when she checks in and encourages her to stay clean. Their bands tour together, love follows.

[Noreen Bennett · Rating 3 out of 5]

Oh man. Not one of my favourite series but continue to read because Sandra Alex wrote it and I find most of her stories well written and enjoyable. Probably for the younger set.

[Jacquie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent book! I received an arc of this book

[Nate · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this one. It was an entertaining read. I got a copy of the book. And am voluntarily leaving my review.

[Karol Southerland · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good!!

Rock n Roll.. With Jett's help Roxy gets over her addictions only to have do on to Book 2. Can't wait to read it!

[MeCalle Jackson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great story

Loved the characters. Fun reading. I enjoyed the romance. Can't wait to read the rest. It wasn't sad or a downer. Wish there was more on these people (Jett and Roxy).

[Dorothy · Rating 1 out of 5]

DNF!

[Mindy · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked the characters and the story line. It started off slow and it over uses words if it said "man" one more time I might if screamed it was annoying.

[Barb · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing book

I loved all the characters in this book. They all contribute to the whole dynamic. Jett is so wonderful especially for the story of his brother Jason.