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theofficialzhang's review against another edition
3.5
I read a random Christmas book since December 1st is officially the holiday season so... voilà!
I liked the characterization and I love love love road trip books.
However, I felt like there was too much spice in this book that didn't add anything.
But overall, it was quick and easy to read.
3.5 stars
I liked the characterization and I love love love road trip books.
However, I felt like there was too much spice in this book that didn't add anything.
But overall, it was quick and easy to read.
3.5 stars
heabooknerd's review against another edition
4.0
IF ONLY IN MY DREAMS was such an emotional read and I loved seeing Gavin and Charlie mending their past and rekindling not only their attraction but also their friendship. When a huge storm cancels Charlie's flight home he's desperate, even desperate enough to hitch a ride with his ex-best friend and the crush that broke his heart years ago. Gavin and Charlie's trip across the country forces them to spend time together and to work through their history; they both made mistakes and I'm glad they didn't immediately forgive each other. As more of their past was revealed my heart was breaking but I liked seeing them work through everything, after some awkward silences and blame first (no one's perfect).
Keira Andrews always does such a great job with character driven romances and I really felt like I knew Gavin and Charlie. Their love was hard fought for but so worth it once they figured things out. I also adored Charlie's relationship with his younger sister. It's Ava's first Christmas in remission from leukemia and Charlie promised he would be there no matter what, so he's devastated that the storm might make him late. It also speaks highly of Gavin that no matter how much he doesn't want to be trapped in a car for days with Charlie, he would never hurt Ava that way. Gavin's compassion was clear from the beginning and it really helped soften Charlie's feelings so they could actually talk things out. Once again, Andrews writes a fantastic romance that you can read in a single sitting.
Content Warning: child in remission from leukemia; parents struggling but ultimately accepting their gay son
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Favorite Quotes:
I brushed my palm over his mussed hair. “That was nothing compared to this. It’s different with you.” Leaning in, I pressed our lips together. “It’s different when you're in love.”
Keira Andrews always does such a great job with character driven romances and I really felt like I knew Gavin and Charlie. Their love was hard fought for but so worth it once they figured things out. I also adored Charlie's relationship with his younger sister. It's Ava's first Christmas in remission from leukemia and Charlie promised he would be there no matter what, so he's devastated that the storm might make him late. It also speaks highly of Gavin that no matter how much he doesn't want to be trapped in a car for days with Charlie, he would never hurt Ava that way. Gavin's compassion was clear from the beginning and it really helped soften Charlie's feelings so they could actually talk things out. Once again, Andrews writes a fantastic romance that you can read in a single sitting.
Content Warning: child in remission from leukemia; parents struggling but ultimately accepting their gay son
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Favorite Quotes:
I brushed my palm over his mussed hair. “That was nothing compared to this. It’s different with you.” Leaning in, I pressed our lips together. “It’s different when you're in love.”
thecarolynndeception's review against another edition
emotional
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
5.0
shandra's review against another edition
5.0
Christmas makes everything seem brighter somehow; Charlie and Gavin manage to reconnect as adults on their first trip home for the holidays after they lost touch when they were fourteen. It's as if they see each other the same way they did when they first fell into puppy love only it's better because they're rediscovering who each of them is as an individual now they're grown up. Regret peppers a lot of their initial conversation and thoughts, but I love how they choose to set it aside to reach for the future instead.
Charlie spoke to me the most because of his love of his baby sister Ava. He'd donated bone marrow to help her overcome leukemia and his devotion to her is something I can relate to from my own experiences with my own siblings. There's never a time when seeing your sister in pain is okay. I loved how determined he was to avoid his nightmare by keeping his promise to Ava to be there for Christmas. I loved how unashamed he was about how much he loved her, how out he was as a gay man, and how comfortable he was in his own skin. He's an amazing character.
Gavin reminded me of all the times I wanted to do what my parents wanted for me instead of what I wanted for myself. He's a good son. He's a good guy. He's just good. I loved how he managed to fall completely for Charlie then refused to back down about his feelings in spite of a not-so-positive reaction from his parents. He's the guy who appreciates everyone the way they deserve. I admit I found him almost too good to be true at points. He was just great with his ex-girlfriend Candace and Charlie with Ava and even volunteering to help hold the fort for New Year's Eve with Charlie so Charlie's parents could go out for a night together. Gavin has this kind of goodness to him which colors everything about him with positive energy.
Overall, If Only in My Dreams was the perfect holiday read for me. Keira Andrews has a talent for capturing the innocence of young love in combination with the wicked fantasies of young lust. She does Christmas right. Five stars for a holiday dream come true!
Charlie spoke to me the most because of his love of his baby sister Ava. He'd donated bone marrow to help her overcome leukemia and his devotion to her is something I can relate to from my own experiences with my own siblings. There's never a time when seeing your sister in pain is okay. I loved how determined he was to avoid his nightmare by keeping his promise to Ava to be there for Christmas. I loved how unashamed he was about how much he loved her, how out he was as a gay man, and how comfortable he was in his own skin. He's an amazing character.
Gavin reminded me of all the times I wanted to do what my parents wanted for me instead of what I wanted for myself. He's a good son. He's a good guy. He's just good. I loved how he managed to fall completely for Charlie then refused to back down about his feelings in spite of a not-so-positive reaction from his parents. He's the guy who appreciates everyone the way they deserve. I admit I found him almost too good to be true at points. He was just great with his ex-girlfriend Candace and Charlie with Ava and even volunteering to help hold the fort for New Year's Eve with Charlie so Charlie's parents could go out for a night together. Gavin has this kind of goodness to him which colors everything about him with positive energy.
Overall, If Only in My Dreams was the perfect holiday read for me. Keira Andrews has a talent for capturing the innocence of young love in combination with the wicked fantasies of young lust. She does Christmas right. Five stars for a holiday dream come true!
lifeand100books's review against another edition
4.0
Enjoyably enemies to lovers trope. I loved the idea of a forced cross-country drive to make the characters face their pasts. I also adored Charlie's relationship with his little sister. What a wonderfully written story.
angparc's review against another edition
3.0
If Only in My Dreams by [a:Keira Andrews|1366040|Keira Andrews|https://d.gr-assets.com/authors/1409084048p2/1366040.jpg]
Nice book, cute story.
Nice book, cute story.
potterbite's review against another edition
3.0
More like a 2.5, but I'm rounding up. This was cute, but the pacing felt off sometimes and the spice level was *way* to high considering the main characters ages. But a quick and sweet read otherwise.
leelee68's review against another edition
5.0
This was so sweet. I cried at certain parts. I'm really not a fan of second chance romance. I'll read them but they're not always my first choice. I really liked how this one was done though.