Tender yet spicy second chance romance 🤍
Coming from someone who isn't typically a second-chance romance fan, this book had me hooked from the freaking prologue.
One thing that I think is getting harder to find these days is true yearning. In Only in Your Dreams, we <i>do</i> get real yearning. Zac has thought of Melody his entire teenage and adult life. She is the woman he compares all others against. From the moment she comes back to town, he isn't really playing around with what he wants. I, personally, love when you learn that the MMC has been into the FMC the entire time, and this book absolutely fulfilled that for me.
As their relationship unfolded, Zac was the exact right amount of protective and possessive. Their intimate scenes weren't over the top, but boy were they <i>fun</i>. Their chemistry felt real to me, and it was paired with a tenderness and acceptance that made them a book couple who I believe will stand the test of time.
Melody's backstory was obviously tough and unfortunately relatable for a lot of people. Although it would've been unpleasant to read, I wish we had a bit more insight into her past. I wish we could have seen a bit more consistency; as terrible as it sounds, I felt like her character only had that backstory for certain scenes, rather than in every facet of her life. But, that could just be a reflection of how trauma affects a lot of people differently.
I could've done without the fake dating subplot with a side character, but I see how it played into the overall narrative. I think I am just getting a bit fatigued with fake dating (even if it isn't the main couple), so this might be a me thing.
Overall, this book was 4/5 stars for me, and I ate it up in 1-2 sittings. I could see myself rereading this one to get over slumps.
3.5/5 spice level (made better by their connection and chemistry!!)
Only in Your Dreams by Ellie K. Wilde #romancebooks #secondchancerelationship
From my experience reading second chance romances, what truly makes Only in Your Dreams stand out is the authentic portrayal of enduring love coupled with complex emotional layers. Zac and Melody's story resonates deeply because it emphasizes not just the excitement of rekindled passion but also the impact of past trauma on their present interactions. Many readers might relate to Melody's backstory — a tough and painful past that shapes her outlook and choices. It’s refreshing to see a character whose trauma isn’t just a plot device but weaves into her personality in realistic ways. I’ve noticed that trauma in romance novels often feels either glossed over or overly dramatized, but here, the subtle inconsistency in Melody’s behavior might actually mirror how trauma naturally affects people in different moments. Additionally, the chemistry between Zac and Melody feels genuine. Their protectiveness and possessiveness are balanced without becoming overwhelming, making their romantic development both tender and engaging. In my view, this nuanced dynamic helps keep the spice factor enjoyable rather than excessive. While the fake dating subplot with a side character might feel like an overused trope now, it nonetheless adds to the story's complexity and provides some entertaining side moments. Overall, the pacing kept me hooked, and the connection between the main couple made the intimate scenes especially memorable. If you’re someone who enjoys romance novels that combine emotional depth with a satisfying heat level, and appreciate stories where love is tested by past mistakes and healing journeys, Only in Your Dreams is a great pick. Its blend of yearning, realistic character flaws, and sweet, swoon-worthy moments creates a memorable reading experience that can easily be revisited in times of reader’s slump.
