Beautiful Dreamer

This is really good, y'all. It's a feel good romance with leads that have their hearts in the right place, but just don't always know how to express themselves, and a wonderful group of side characters that help round out a wonderful cast. The setting is perfect, as the town of Dreamer's Bay feels like its own character at times. I also thought the pacing was just perfect; giving the leads enough time to get to know each other before they hop into bed with each other. It's a perfect slow burn that gives enough time for the simmer before the romance actually takes off, which is right up my alley.

Speaking of the leads, Devyn and Elizabeth are perfect. They each are genuinely good people, even though what drives them is different in the beginning, they both realize that they have way more in common with each other than not. It feels like Devyn had the most growth in her, as she seems to change a lot from the beginning of the book, but she's still as driven to do well in her profession by the end of the book... just on a smaller scale. Elizabeth, doesn't change all that much from when we are introduced in the beginning of the book, but there's some surprising depth there that just gives an already sweet book just that bit of extra meaning.

With some beautiful locales, great side characters, and steamy sex scenes, this already was set up to be a wonderful romance, however the charming leads and their chemistry made this a top notch read. I couldn't wait to see what the characters would say or do next, and Braydon's quippy and imaginative writing just makes it more engaging. Super great read, and one of my favorites for this year.

Reviewed by Colleen Corgel

Melissa Brayden has yet to disappoint. Another excellent book which I read in "one go." I only took a break because I had to go to work. A small town, with character full people, old friends, and the past coming back. The romance between Elizabeth and Devyn grows slowly but steadily. With a burst of angst in the end. A great read for the summer.

Reviewed by Darice de Cuba

There is something very special to me about characters and more so, real life people who radiate happiness and are not afraid to show it. But not everybody appreciates them.

That’s how I feel about Elizabeth Draper, small town stalwart who is a walking dynamo of sunshine. Maybe by big time standards, she’s small potatoes, a diy business owner, working out of her own garage, her downtime used to perfect her arc for cornhole or to try to break 200 in bowling. Just ordinary simple pleasures. But it’s her obvious affection for her neighbors and the kindness she shows to everyone that pulls you in. She’s the baby sister or niece that you want only good things for because she wants them for you.

Enter the old high school cheerleading captain who is now millionaire wheeler dealer Devyn Winters. When Devyn’s sister, Jill, is severely injured, she makes her way back to town to help Jill recuperate. It’s Lizzie’s small gestures of thoughtfulness that at first befuddle Devyn but then enrapture her. But how can fireflies and pumpkin fests match the intensity of high end big city life? Highly recommended for the non jaded.

Reviewed by Jules Perez

Melissa Brayden delivers again! This was a delight to read from start to finish. Usually when I'm reading lesfic romance books I feel like I'm slogging through the first couple chapters until the main characters start consistently interacting and they admit their feelings, but I was engaged from the get go. Both characters were interesting and very likeable and their interactions were even more delightful. Nothing seemed forced or farfetched and despite their differing personalities. Their romance and attraction was real and believable without being bland. All in all this was a great read without any sections that you feel the need to skim through.

Reviewed by Deanne Coombs

WOW!!! That is really how I feel about this book. It was...WOW. I haven't read all of Brayden's books but I have read a few and I do love her writings but this one is hands down my new favorite from her (that says a lot because I absolutely love Ready or Not and that series).

The story takes place in small town Dreamers Bay somewere in North Carolina. I loved how Brayden described the town without bogging down the story. It was a part of the character development, how they say it. The secondary characters were done in the same fashion. Instead of bogging the story down with countless small town people, each character had a role (though some smaller than others) in the development of Lizzie and Devyn's world and romance. Although I do wish Scout has a bigger role...I mean the dog was hero.

Anyway, Lizzie and Devyn are great characters. Though the story was about the two of them, it was more about Devyn and how she came "home" in more than one way. It's a slow burn romance in a way. Definitely not instalove...Also great was that there was no unnecessary drama or angst. Everything felt realistic, purposeful.

Can't say enough about this book expect read it. Enjoy it. I certainly did!

Reviewed by Carmela Liwag