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Tree of Dreams
It's said that if you sleep under a willow tree, you'll dream of your true love.
Emma Leighton doesn't believe in fairy tales or monsters until a bolt of lightning from a freak summer storm reveals a glimpse of a river creature so fantastical, she can't be certain he's real.
Stranded by the storm, she spends the night in eerie Willow Cottage where terrified guests check out early, vowing never to return. Emma sees nothing out of the ordinary, but her dreams bring her a secret lover like no other, disturbing and alluring in equal measure. Moss is half man, half water serpent. His kisses are cool and deep as the Columbia River itself, and he's been in love with Emma for a long time.
What begins as a dream becomes flesh, an erotic fusing of hearts, souls and bodies. But when others learn the secret sheltered by Willow Cottage, they'll do anything—including kill—to possess it.
Welcome to The River: After Dark.
First in a new series.
218 pages, Paperback
Published March 23, 2019
19 people are currently reading
118 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
February 18, 2019
4.5/5; 5 stars; A
This book was recommend by Grace Draven, on her Facebook page. I loved the characters,the fantasy elements, the pacing, the love story. I Definitely will read more by this author.
This book was recommend by Grace Draven, on her Facebook page. I loved the characters,the fantasy elements, the pacing, the love story. I Definitely will read more by this author.
February 14, 2019
I've anticipated this book ever since I saw the picture that Mel and Grace Draven shared that inspired this story, and it did not disappoint! Mel is an amazing writer. Her pages come to life with vivid clarity, and in this book, there was a sense of surrealness.
I adored Moss from the moment he appeared (in chapter two!). He is a dreamer. A lonely dreamer who longs for a little human who doesn't know he exists. And if she knew he did...well, he isn't human. He's half human, half snake, but even that human part of him has characteristics that are not human either. His hair appears to look like dreadlocks, but it flares like a snake's hood, he has webbing between his fingers, and sharp fangs. He's part of the fae world.
"He wished he knew her name. He thought of her as Brown Eyes, as Beauty, as Mine."
Right from the beginning I loved this fae creature. And Emma was perfect for him. She was sweet with an inner strength of her own. She looked past his differences and just simply saw Moss. A male in need of companionship. Of love. And ohhh boy those love scenes **Fans self**
There was also Mother Willow. I love how Mel Sterling brought old myths into this book to create this character. Mother Willow had a personality of her own and was quite essential to this story. There was also Linnea that I would love to see more of. Such a mysterious woman. And Duncan! Oh, Duncan... Please tell me that Linnea and Duncan are going to have a story? I don't know why I want a kelpie story so badly, but I do. They are naughty, hateful creatures, and yet...and yet...
Tree of Dreams was a wonderful tale! I wish that Moss and Emma would have had more time together on the page, but the time they did have was electric! Literally! Can't wait for more in the After Dark Series!
I adored Moss from the moment he appeared (in chapter two!). He is a dreamer. A lonely dreamer who longs for a little human who doesn't know he exists. And if she knew he did...well, he isn't human. He's half human, half snake, but even that human part of him has characteristics that are not human either. His hair appears to look like dreadlocks, but it flares like a snake's hood, he has webbing between his fingers, and sharp fangs. He's part of the fae world.
"He wished he knew her name. He thought of her as Brown Eyes, as Beauty, as Mine."
Right from the beginning I loved this fae creature. And Emma was perfect for him. She was sweet with an inner strength of her own. She looked past his differences and just simply saw Moss. A male in need of companionship. Of love. And ohhh boy those love scenes **Fans self**
There was also Mother Willow. I love how Mel Sterling brought old myths into this book to create this character. Mother Willow had a personality of her own and was quite essential to this story. There was also Linnea that I would love to see more of. Such a mysterious woman. And Duncan! Oh, Duncan... Please tell me that Linnea and Duncan are going to have a story? I don't know why I want a kelpie story so badly, but I do. They are naughty, hateful creatures, and yet...and yet...
Tree of Dreams was a wonderful tale! I wish that Moss and Emma would have had more time together on the page, but the time they did have was electric! Literally! Can't wait for more in the After Dark Series!
May 14, 2019
Yes, all those glowing reviews aren't wrong. This is a lyrical tale of love (almost) lost and found.
It's a novellette in which romance, fantasy and (a touch of) horror are woven together to make a really interesting read.
But the short length was also the reason why I couldn't give it more than 3 and half stars. While Moss' love is tender and believable, Emma's isn't at all. I've seen no particular reason why she sees him and has sex with him (a monster in a normal environment, not a fantasy setting). Oh yeah we are told they're fellows, loners who found their soul mate (or something like that). Problem is that I'm told. I'm shown nothing. All of a sudden she sees him, almost dies from a heart attack, and 10 minutes after they have monster sex. Err...
The short length had also the unpleasant consequences of road killing (well, maybe flat-lining) the villains. Murder is an ugly word, but here was too easily a choice. Yes money is a powerful motivation, still..
And last a touch of 'horror' was unmotivated IMHO. (And again a eyebrows raising moment for me that distracted from the story).
Thank you, Laura, for the recommendation. I might have to read her other books :)
It's a novellette in which romance, fantasy and (a touch of) horror are woven together to make a really interesting read.
But the short length was also the reason why I couldn't give it more than 3 and half stars. While Moss' love is tender and believable, Emma's isn't at all. I've seen no particular reason why she sees him and has sex with him (a monster in a normal environment, not a fantasy setting). Oh yeah we are told they're fellows, loners who found their soul mate (or something like that). Problem is that I'm told. I'm shown nothing. All of a sudden she sees him, almost dies from a heart attack, and 10 minutes after they have monster sex. Err...
The short length had also the unpleasant consequences of road killing (well, maybe flat-lining) the villains. Murder is an ugly word, but here was too easily a choice. Yes money is a powerful motivation, still..
And last a touch of 'horror' was unmotivated IMHO. (And again a eyebrows raising moment for me that distracted from the story).
Thank you, Laura, for the recommendation. I might have to read her other books :)
January 30, 2019
Tree of Dreams is lovely, peeps. It has this sleepy, dreamy, poetic cadence which makes you enjoy not only the plot and the characters but the way we are told about them as well.
Also, fae sex. LKH, eat your heart out! There was something really magical and gentle about it.
Emma is a sweet soul, no surprise that Moss, Columbia river monster falls in love with her brown eyes. Moss living in symbiosis with a giant magical tree, Mother Willow, is an interesting creature. He is obviously some kind of fae who feeds on lightning and people's dreams, but he is solitary and very lonely.
One thing I wished this book had more is the backstory. It's very short, and I longed to get to know more of Emma or Moss' background and histories. Even secondary characters like Linnea or Gray were very interesting and engaging. Also, there is another mysterious character who I think might get his own book as well...
Overall, the story is short and simple but beautifully written. I loved Mel Sterling's Portland After Dark series, and this spin-off is just as good. If you like your fae dark and otherworldly (is there any other kind?), read it. Thank me later. *grins*
* * *
Дерево Снов - красивая книга, мелодичная, поэтичная. Радуешься не только сюжету и героям, но и самому слогу.
И еще, секс с фэйри. Написан так, как Лорелл К. Гамильтон мечтает писать, но никак не может! Волшебно и пронзительно.
Эмма - просто душенька, и сразу понятно почему ее полюбил Мосс, монстр реки Колумбии. Мосс, живущий в симбиозе с огромным волшебным деревом - Матью Ивушкой,очень интересный фэ. Он набирает энергию, питаясь молнией и снами людей, спящими в коттедже, окруженном корнями ивы. Однако фэ он одиночный и одинокий.
Вот чего мне здесь не хватало - это истории Эммы и Мосса, без них книга получилась очень короткой. Даже такие интригующие второстепенные персонажи как Грэй и Линнеа только раздразнили мой аппетит.
Однако хоть и написано кратко, но красиво и душевно. Фэйри у Мел Стерлинг получаются неординарными, и этот спин офф серии Портланд После Темноты ничуть не хуже по качеству. Читайте, рекомендую.
Also, fae sex. LKH, eat your heart out! There was something really magical and gentle about it.
Emma is a sweet soul, no surprise that Moss, Columbia river monster falls in love with her brown eyes. Moss living in symbiosis with a giant magical tree, Mother Willow, is an interesting creature. He is obviously some kind of fae who feeds on lightning and people's dreams, but he is solitary and very lonely.
One thing I wished this book had more is the backstory. It's very short, and I longed to get to know more of Emma or Moss' background and histories. Even secondary characters like Linnea or Gray were very interesting and engaging. Also, there is another mysterious character who I think might get his own book as well...
Overall, the story is short and simple but beautifully written. I loved Mel Sterling's Portland After Dark series, and this spin-off is just as good. If you like your fae dark and otherworldly (is there any other kind?), read it. Thank me later. *grins*
* * *
Дерево Снов - красивая книга, мелодичная, поэтичная. Радуешься не только сюжету и героям, но и самому слогу.
И еще, секс с фэйри. Написан так, как Лорелл К. Гамильтон мечтает писать, но никак не может! Волшебно и пронзительно.
Эмма - просто душенька, и сразу понятно почему ее полюбил Мосс, монстр реки Колумбии. Мосс, живущий в симбиозе с огромным волшебным деревом - Матью Ивушкой,очень интересный фэ. Он набирает энергию, питаясь молнией и снами людей, спящими в коттедже, окруженном корнями ивы. Однако фэ он одиночный и одинокий.
Вот чего мне здесь не хватало - это истории Эммы и Мосса, без них книга получилась очень короткой. Даже такие интригующие второстепенные персонажи как Грэй и Линнеа только раздразнили мой аппетит.
Однако хоть и написано кратко, но красиво и душевно. Фэйри у Мел Стерлинг получаются неординарными, и этот спин офф серии Портланд После Темноты ничуть не хуже по качеству. Читайте, рекомендую.
April 3, 2019
Delightful characters in a beautifully real setting and a story that revealed itself like a river flows, sometimes fast, sometimes slow, but always with something intriguing just up ahead...Looking forward to the next in the series!
July 29, 2024
I do love having Portland and surrounds given an overlay of (sometimes sinister) magic.
March 18, 2019
MS has a talent for writing stories that are equal parts beautifully sensual and skin-crawlingly creepy. She nailed it once again with this one. I loved it! I'm amazed at how a book so complex with folklore grew from one curious image. Looking forward to more in this series!
March 10, 2019
Willows and snakemen a good combination
This story was well written and I'm g!ad I took a chance on an author I'd never read before. This story felt particular in its own ways/details and filled with little facts. I really enjoyed that while this story had its own uniqueness it also seemed to incorporate a lot of the traditional ideas of folklore & the supernatural. I loved that Moss was so unique and that none of the characteristics that made him other where shied away from but instead mentioned and enjoyed. Also loved how Emma didn't shy away from anything and really just tried to roll with the punches. This was a very good romances with just enough of everything to be enjoyed by most and nothing really over the top; would recommend.
This story was well written and I'm g!ad I took a chance on an author I'd never read before. This story felt particular in its own ways/details and filled with little facts. I really enjoyed that while this story had its own uniqueness it also seemed to incorporate a lot of the traditional ideas of folklore & the supernatural. I loved that Moss was so unique and that none of the characteristics that made him other where shied away from but instead mentioned and enjoyed. Also loved how Emma didn't shy away from anything and really just tried to roll with the punches. This was a very good romances with just enough of everything to be enjoyed by most and nothing really over the top; would recommend.
February 14, 2019
Magical and heartwarming
This story grabbed my heartstrings and didn't let go. The pathos of the wretched loneliness of the main characters that opened the door to their soul deep connection was excellently drawn by Ms Sterling, as was the growth of their relationship. She skillfully wove in elements of creatures of fairy tales and nightmares. This is a book that I will treasure and read over and over.
This story grabbed my heartstrings and didn't let go. The pathos of the wretched loneliness of the main characters that opened the door to their soul deep connection was excellently drawn by Ms Sterling, as was the growth of their relationship. She skillfully wove in elements of creatures of fairy tales and nightmares. This is a book that I will treasure and read over and over.
April 1, 2022
Pretty good
If you like a glimpse into the fairy realm you'll like this story. There's a giant snake man, kelpie, walking willow trees, and fairies in this book. Some of the story is sweet and some of it is terrifying. Especially the kelpies and the walking willow tree.
If you like a glimpse into the fairy realm you'll like this story. There's a giant snake man, kelpie, walking willow trees, and fairies in this book. Some of the story is sweet and some of it is terrifying. Especially the kelpies and the walking willow tree.
March 17, 2019
Such a good book
What a find! A lyrical tale, with strong characters, plot, action, heat. A great concept, great execution and a wonderful voice.
What a find! A lyrical tale, with strong characters, plot, action, heat. A great concept, great execution and a wonderful voice.
April 3, 2019
OMG !!! Well done, dear author, well done 👏👏👏👏👏 This is one of the best books I have read in years 🤩 The story is so captivating that I read it in one sitting. Sleep is overrated, anyway, and who cares whether I fall asleep on the job when it is because of Emma and Moss that I did not close an eye last night? The story is beyond romantic and oh so steamy (I am still sweating 😉), but also mysterious and even brutal and bloody at times. Of course, this is fantasy, so what if the humans, apart from Emma, seem to be dumb and malevolent idiots? Human beings ARE greedy and can be downright evil if they see something promising fame and fortune. And they DO hate, fear, and preferably destroy what they don't understand ...
The world building is amazing (it's a tapestry of folklore, but does not claim authenticity) and there is so much room for more! Mel Sterling and this series, in particular, have jumped to the very top of my auto-buy list - with this book only! I have not yet read any of Sterling's previous works, but I am going to read the 'Portland after Dark' series now. I can't wait to see what the author cooks up next and I am very much looking forward to every upcoming page. @ Mel Sterling: Get back to your desk, pleeeeeease!!! I need MORE 🙏🙏🙏 P.S. The editing is flawless and I did not spot a single typo: another big plus in my good book.
The world building is amazing (it's a tapestry of folklore, but does not claim authenticity) and there is so much room for more! Mel Sterling and this series, in particular, have jumped to the very top of my auto-buy list - with this book only! I have not yet read any of Sterling's previous works, but I am going to read the 'Portland after Dark' series now. I can't wait to see what the author cooks up next and I am very much looking forward to every upcoming page. @ Mel Sterling: Get back to your desk, pleeeeeease!!! I need MORE 🙏🙏🙏 P.S. The editing is flawless and I did not spot a single typo: another big plus in my good book.
September 30, 2022
The writing style is lovely, the folklore interesting, and the male lead attractive. I admit I have a thing for snake men. That’s kind of where my praise dies out though.
My biggest complaint is that the fmc was really bland. She didn’t have much of a character to speak of… the only things we learn about her is where she works, who she knows, and that she makes good coffee. I just didn’t feel attached to her nor did I really care what happened to her. She’s boring, she has no personality, and really the only thing interesting about her is that the mmc loves her for some reason. We don’t even find out why he’s obsessed with her… just that he is. He finds her attractive? I guess? I don’t know.
The relationship moves too fast for no reason. The only thing they really bond over is sex. And don’t get me wrong, I loved the sex, probably the best part about this book was how well the sex scene was written, but that’s not enough for me to believe in this bond they supposedly have. At first she’s terrified of him and then suddenly… want to have sex with him? Why? Because they shared a kiss in a dream? It’s really unclear how Emma really feels because she doesn’t have much character at all… her only motivation is “want sexy snake man”
All the side characters were far more interesting, my favorites were Linnea and Duncan.
My biggest complaint is that the fmc was really bland. She didn’t have much of a character to speak of… the only things we learn about her is where she works, who she knows, and that she makes good coffee. I just didn’t feel attached to her nor did I really care what happened to her. She’s boring, she has no personality, and really the only thing interesting about her is that the mmc loves her for some reason. We don’t even find out why he’s obsessed with her… just that he is. He finds her attractive? I guess? I don’t know.
The relationship moves too fast for no reason. The only thing they really bond over is sex. And don’t get me wrong, I loved the sex, probably the best part about this book was how well the sex scene was written, but that’s not enough for me to believe in this bond they supposedly have. At first she’s terrified of him and then suddenly… want to have sex with him? Why? Because they shared a kiss in a dream? It’s really unclear how Emma really feels because she doesn’t have much character at all… her only motivation is “want sexy snake man”
All the side characters were far more interesting, my favorites were Linnea and Duncan.
March 21, 2021
This is a good book. The thing I really like was that Moss has no human form. His size seems to vary a bit. For example, he fit inside Emma's house, but the tail seems to get longer or shorter depending on what he's doing.
I love that Moss is so different from other heroes. He's other and his views are interesting. He's the hero even though he is very other. It's cool. I'm can't wait until the next book comes out.
I love that Moss is so different from other heroes. He's other and his views are interesting. He's the hero even though he is very other. It's cool. I'm can't wait until the next book comes out.
May 10, 2021
Tree of Dreams floats along in river of fae, mythological monsters, powerful nature magic and a seduction that is literally a dream.
Like Sterling's Portland After Dark series, it combines a beautifully rendered sense of place (the estuary of the Columbia River) with a plot filled with otherworldly danger.
Like Sterling's Portland After Dark series, it combines a beautifully rendered sense of place (the estuary of the Columbia River) with a plot filled with otherworldly danger.
March 2, 2019
I really, really loved this story. It had this ethereal quality to the writing that made you feel like you were drifting through a dream. When writing about the fae, I think that the dreaminess of the writing really lends itself to the storytelling. It should flow like poetry.
The characters were honest and lovely.
I just adored Moss. 💙💙💙
I just wish it had been longer! I wanted to see more of characters like Linnea. And of course more of Moss and Emma.
The characters were honest and lovely.
I just adored Moss. 💙💙💙
I just wish it had been longer! I wanted to see more of characters like Linnea. And of course more of Moss and Emma.
March 9, 2021
I enjoyed this book so much.
The love story is sweet and tender. The main characters, Moss and Emma, are loving and relatable.
The author created a new, vibrant world that blends with ours so beautifully.
I'm so looking for more stories in this world.
Merged review:
I enjoyed this book so much. The love story is sweet and tender. The main characters, Moss and Emma, are loving and relatable. The author created a new, vibrant world that blends with ours so beautifully. I'm looking forward to more stories in this world.
The love story is sweet and tender. The main characters, Moss and Emma, are loving and relatable.
The author created a new, vibrant world that blends with ours so beautifully.
I'm so looking for more stories in this world.
Merged review:
I enjoyed this book so much. The love story is sweet and tender. The main characters, Moss and Emma, are loving and relatable. The author created a new, vibrant world that blends with ours so beautifully. I'm looking forward to more stories in this world.
August 5, 2020
Another urban fantasy favorite. Exceptional storytelling and world building. The main characters are well developed, and the secondary characters are complex and interesting as well. This is the first book in a new fantasy series and I plan to be on board for all the rest. Explicit but not gratuitous sex.
February 14, 2020
not your average romance, but SO SWEET
I loved this one so much. It was a little fairy tale that should a classic in its own right. Beautiful love, the fae, kelpies interwoven with realistic settings. It reminds me so much of New Orleans folklore, though less voodoo and more magical fae.
I loved this one so much. It was a little fairy tale that should a classic in its own right. Beautiful love, the fae, kelpies interwoven with realistic settings. It reminds me so much of New Orleans folklore, though less voodoo and more magical fae.
April 30, 2019
This book was so lovely, and it made me laugh, and cry, and smile like an idiot over Emma and our sweet snake boy Moss. They deserve the entire world, oh my heart.
And let it be known, Linnea is also THAT queen, so that's that on that.
And let it be known, Linnea is also THAT queen, so that's that on that.
February 28, 2023
completely different than anything read
I loved Moss and the whole concept around him and Mother Willow. I was able to connect with the characters and feel what they were feeling. The spice level was great, slight slow burn but totally worth it!
I loved Moss and the whole concept around him and Mother Willow. I was able to connect with the characters and feel what they were feeling. The spice level was great, slight slow burn but totally worth it!
June 9, 2019
A delightful story of love and acceptance between two of very different worlds. Beautifully written in flowing poetic prose. This is my first book by this author and certainly will not be the last.
February 17, 2020
Like the nod to Grace Draven, the princess of eclectic erotica.
Well, if we didn't know the author was familiar with area in question, we sure got a lot of DETAILS about that area. TMI.
Well, if we didn't know the author was familiar with area in question, we sure got a lot of DETAILS about that area. TMI.
August 2, 2021
AWESOME
I loved the imagery and fantasy of the story. I also loved Moss's character in personality and Emma's devotion to him.
I loved the imagery and fantasy of the story. I also loved Moss's character in personality and Emma's devotion to him.
dnf
February 5, 2023DNF at 8% - Couldn't get into this book. Beats me why this has such a high rating
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews