kfriend's review against another edition
4.0
If Only in My Dreams is a sweet and ultimately swoony Christmas romance chock full of banter, love-hate tension, small town charm, and feel good second chances.
Our story begins with a broken hearted Madison, unexpectedly divorced by her husband, she returns to her hometown to try to move on with her life and heal. A move that puts her back in the path of Porter- the broody ex hook-up she had from high school, and they clearly have some unresolved feelings. And suddenly Madison’s heart is in for another stomping, and this one feels even more painful because Porter is the first man who hurt her heart.
This definitely has strong enemies to lovers animosity- in fact, Porter is a big ole jerk at first, even though we can see his feelings and care for Madison seeping through the cracks. There is some great banter and chemistry between them, though the animosity felt a bit unfestive to me in a light hearted Christmas story. But, once these two start to get on the same page, and we get to a more swoony place, I really loved them. Their story felt substantial and sincere, and we have plenty of Christmas spirit (especially thanks to Madison’s family business) to keep it festive and bright. These two working through their baggage and finding some healing felt moving and sweet in places- what a lovely depiction of second chances, even if we have a bit of drama along the way and some hurtful angst. But the angst is worth the journey- as they fall together and find the life they’ve been dreaming off.
This is quick and heartfelt read with loads of feels, a bit of spice, and just enough Christmas cheer.
Our story begins with a broken hearted Madison, unexpectedly divorced by her husband, she returns to her hometown to try to move on with her life and heal. A move that puts her back in the path of Porter- the broody ex hook-up she had from high school, and they clearly have some unresolved feelings. And suddenly Madison’s heart is in for another stomping, and this one feels even more painful because Porter is the first man who hurt her heart.
This definitely has strong enemies to lovers animosity- in fact, Porter is a big ole jerk at first, even though we can see his feelings and care for Madison seeping through the cracks. There is some great banter and chemistry between them, though the animosity felt a bit unfestive to me in a light hearted Christmas story. But, once these two start to get on the same page, and we get to a more swoony place, I really loved them. Their story felt substantial and sincere, and we have plenty of Christmas spirit (especially thanks to Madison’s family business) to keep it festive and bright. These two working through their baggage and finding some healing felt moving and sweet in places- what a lovely depiction of second chances, even if we have a bit of drama along the way and some hurtful angst. But the angst is worth the journey- as they fall together and find the life they’ve been dreaming off.
This is quick and heartfelt read with loads of feels, a bit of spice, and just enough Christmas cheer.
sann_reads's review
3.0
more like 2.5* because it was marketed as "hallmark after dark" but it was not that spicy tbh
afolske's review against another edition
5.0
I love all of Carrie Aarons books & this one is no different. It’s the emotional journey of Madison & Porter, who once had a “thing” back in high school. Now Madison is back home & Porter is working for her family’s business. There’s animosity on both sides due to their viewpoints of each other but that’s quickly squashed when sparks fly between them! I loved every bit of this story; I only wish there was more!!
ladycivic's review against another edition
5.0
Loved everything about Madison and Porter’s book!! Had everything I LOVE-enemies to more, Christmas, some drama, small town, so much swooning!!! I can’t recommend this enough!!
reading_with_2_book_lovers's review against another edition
5.0
Oh this author never fails to dissapoint me. This story was everything. My first Christmas read for the year definitely did not dissapoint.
erina1510's review against another edition
5.0
This book was a good read with the Christmas vibe. The angst between Madison and Porter is off the charts. They have a history with each other that leads to hurts feelings, then being back in each others lives, has tensions running super high. Super cute and fun enemies to lover, small town, previous friends, Christmas read. Just another Carrie Aarons book everyone should read.
artsandbookish's review against another edition
5.0
I was really looking forward to this one, because who doesn't love a story set in December, but it turned out to be so much more than just your Christmassy romance book. It was an emotional journey and is now one of my favourite Carrie Aarons' books.
The female protagonist, Madison, is back home after her marriage of two years ended for no apparent reason. She starts helping out in the family business, trying to come to terms with things, until Porter, a broody ex-hook up, shows up. And boy, oh boy, there is tension in the air. At first Porter seems like an absolute jerk, but later reveals his true feelings bit by bit. There is some great banter and chemistry between them. It was great to see how Porter helped Madison see her own strengths and potential, and on the other hand, how supportive Madison was of Porter’s dreams. What put me off a bit in the beginning was Porter's behaviour towards Madison; which made me enjoy even more when she put on this bold attitude and stood up for herself. The individual character growth in this book, as well as how their relationship evolved, was so enjoyable to read. The Christmassy twist gave it a little extra on top.
"If Only in My Dreams" is a sweet, swoony romance with all the banter and spice, small town charm, and Christmas cheer you could want.
[I received an ARC of this book from Greys Promotion but this is my honest opinion.]
The female protagonist, Madison, is back home after her marriage of two years ended for no apparent reason. She starts helping out in the family business, trying to come to terms with things, until Porter, a broody ex-hook up, shows up. And boy, oh boy, there is tension in the air. At first Porter seems like an absolute jerk, but later reveals his true feelings bit by bit. There is some great banter and chemistry between them. It was great to see how Porter helped Madison see her own strengths and potential, and on the other hand, how supportive Madison was of Porter’s dreams. What put me off a bit in the beginning was Porter's behaviour towards Madison; which made me enjoy even more when she put on this bold attitude and stood up for herself. The individual character growth in this book, as well as how their relationship evolved, was so enjoyable to read. The Christmassy twist gave it a little extra on top.
"If Only in My Dreams" is a sweet, swoony romance with all the banter and spice, small town charm, and Christmas cheer you could want.
[I received an ARC of this book from Greys Promotion but this is my honest opinion.]
kellieandherkindle's review against another edition
3.0
If Only In My Dreams is a second chance holiday romance, and while the book worked wonders in giving me all the Christmas feels, the romance for me fell a little flat. It may be the fact that I’m in a terrible reading slump, or this may have not just been the book for me. I loved the author’s writing style and the length of the chapters, but the characters just felt dull. I didn’t connect with them and especially the surprise near the end… iykyk
I will absolutely read more of Carrie Aarons’ books as this one was my first, but this one just wasn’t for me.
ARC provided by Grey’s Promotions in exchange for an honest review!
I will absolutely read more of Carrie Aarons’ books as this one was my first, but this one just wasn’t for me.
ARC provided by Grey’s Promotions in exchange for an honest review!
readwith_ad's review against another edition
5.0
My heart was not prepared to fall in love with Porter Kelly.
If Only in my dreams is a enemies-to-lovers, second chance, Christmas, dual POV, hometown romance.
This book has a little something for everyone. If you like sweet or a little bit of spice you should take the time to read.
There were moments I felt like I was intruding on the characters intimate moments. As the book progresses porter will have you swoon as you learn more about who he is. He has lots of growth throughout the story and so does Maddison. That’s why this is a beautiful second-chance romance!
If Only in my dreams is a enemies-to-lovers, second chance, Christmas, dual POV, hometown romance.
This book has a little something for everyone. If you like sweet or a little bit of spice you should take the time to read.
There were moments I felt like I was intruding on the characters intimate moments. As the book progresses porter will have you swoon as you learn more about who he is. He has lots of growth throughout the story and so does Maddison. That’s why this is a beautiful second-chance romance!