Book Review Genre: Magical Realism/Romance

Disclaimer: Reading is all about exploring new worlds, but this Book Review does not shy away from spoiling specific scenes as this is more of a look inside the good and bad of a book.

The Analysis:

I’m still on my TBR kick, but as a reward for doing so well, I decided to sneak in a more recent addition to my roster. So, let’s book review it. But first, follow me on Goodreads.

Here’s The Blurb:

One unexpected kiss . . .
Successful romance author Gaia Anders has a secret: anything she dreams at night is magically written into her bestselling novels. After a lonely childhood in foster care, her dream life is the only one she trusts. Gaia’s waking life just can’t compare—until she gets caught in one utterly surprising, crazy-passionate, real-life kiss . . .

One near-perfect guy . . .
Workaholic businessman Jacob Scott has had a crush on his brother’s best friend, Gaia, since forever—but he never expected to literally share her dreams. Living out their magical nighttime fantasies is explosive, but it’s their waking desire turning his single-minded ways upside down. It’s making him want a future he didn’t think was possible . . .

One dream that could come true . . .
But Gaia has secrets from her past she won’t reveal. And Jacob’s attempts to keep the peace in his own fractured family puts him up against her deepest fears. Soon, they’re facing hard truths about who they are and what they’re running from. And the only way to break this curse is realizing true love’s real-life power . . .

Cover Critique:

In general, I’m not a fan of illustrated covers, but this one is adorable.

Now The Story:

Book Info:
Pages: 320
Author: Therese Beharrie
Available: Google Play

This book is easy to read and I practically flew through it.

The heroine of this story is an introvert with strong social anxiety. She also appears to be a writer and likes getting lost in the characters that she depicts as much stronger than her. I related so hard to this character it was almost shocking. Not the living vicariously through my characters part, but most of the other stuff. My eyes widened at the scene of the hero calling out the heroine’s dislike for the world while writing romance novels about the best part of the world, love. She had no answer to this and neither did I as it’s the first I considered it.

This heroine also struggles with panic attacks. I also can relate there. But for me, they were stronger in high school. I was not triggered reading this book and that’s (I think) because it’s in the third person and not first. It allows me some distance so I’m not on the floor hyperventilating over a book. Example: One book was written in first triggered me so bad I almost had to stop reading because it was getting to me. Nonesuch action happened in this book and I consider that a plus. I don’t need that much realism lol.

Things kick off pretty quickly for our heroine when she finds herself hiding out from people and runs into her best friend’s younger brother. He’s hot and only in a towel. She begs him to get dressed and they spend some time talking. They start flirting and it’s so awkward to read at times it makes me want to skim it lol. But the chemistry between the pair is steamy and they’re entirely all too sweet. You really root for them right away. These people are obviously made for each other.

The fast approach of their steamy time had me questioning just what this story was about. Then they were interrupted by the angry best friend and my mind went, got it. Of course, the best friend couldn’t even articulate his objection. I just appreciated both their response and the way they handled it. They both acted with respect, giving the brother his space while not denying their feelings.

This story also gives us a peek into the novel she’s writing. The characters of which sort’ve mirror her and the hero. This section could have stood to be a tad clearer in the beginning as it does get confusing. The magical realism portion of the story also comes into play here. Her crush and her are sharing the same dream. Now, this part goes unexplained in the story for awhile, and I don’t get a good grip on what’s happening for at least 2 to 3 sequences. I would overlook it, but I didn’t even know it was a dream until it was over the first couple of times. What I thought was happening wasn’t. So one point off.

All while this is happening, the heroine’s relationship with her best friend is disintegrating and we don’t get a hint as to why. It’s nerve-wracking and offers a bit of angst. But I appreciate the resolution more. Often we’re taught to fight for the relationships we want including friendships. But the heroine is not why this friendship ended and she wasn’t the one who needed to fix it. The brother came to her when he was ready and apologized. And I liked that more than her begging to resolve something, not her fault.

A third pov enters at this point. A secret from the heroine’s past that she’s not even aware of and it has nothing to do with the magical realism portion. It’s a subplot and a good one. If only because it gives the heroine an opportunity to have a real family. It also triggers this dark night of the soul moment that ends with the break up of our couple, but of course, they get past it.

We do get a lengthier explanation as to what the heroine powers are and what she’s going through now, later on in the story. It certainly should have come sooner. But it sucks that she doesn’t know anything really beyond the basics. Only because she doesn’t have a mentor or a witch book or legacy to lean back on. That part is kind of sad and I wished the author had leaned into that a bit more.

My heart also broke for the heroine when she told her hot, supportive almost-boyfriend the truth about her abilities. His response was realistic, but it was also a letdown. She felt so much pressure that she made up some excuse about reversing the process when she had no ability to do so. It was all just a shame.

But our couple never disappoints for long. Our heroine needing to prove her powers to the hero offered up the cutest scenes to date. Their banter, chemistry, and flirting were a++. He also challenged her to live more in the present and less in her dream world and writing world. And the sexual tension was gradually being built like a stacking tower until I was also on the edge of my seat waiting for them to actualize it.

I also walked away from this story impressed with the hero. His backstory wasn’t as fantastical as magic abilities, but everything he was doing for his father and his company was admirable. Especially upon learning everything that it took away from him as his free will. And then to have no support from his brother, a little heartbreaking.

It also feels like a betrayal to mention this, but in the spirit of truth, we never get a real picture of what the hero does for a living. Like what does his company do: advertising, sales. Maybe I just missed it. Also, the heroine is South African and it doesn’t come through that well. Theirs no mention of dishes, cultural traditions, unique clothing, etc.

I stayed for the characters and their journey. I really believed in the couple’s chemistry and I wanted to know what happened to the girl with traits just like mine.

Story At A Glance:

Recommendation:  4 out of 5

Read Series Continuation:  N/A

 Book Review The Ratings:

Book Cover Appeal:

🍓🍓🍓

Story & Narration:

🍓🍓🍓🍓

Romance:

🍓🍓🍓🍓

Character/(s) Personality:

🍓🍓🍓🍓🍓

Read one of my books and leave your own book review.