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A review by shandra
If Only in My Dreams by Keira Andrews
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!