ARC received via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

Thank god for Melissa Brayden. I saved this til the end of my ARC pile this month because I’ve yet to read a Brayden book I didn’t like and that was a wise choice, this is a lovely romance.

This features MC Elizabeth, who runs an odd-job business in a small town and likes her life, her friends and her town. The other MC is Devyn, who is forced back to town when her sister needs her and isn’t as enamoured of small town living as Liz is.

Both characters are interesting and lovely, although Liz is a bit too perfect and that was staring to wear on me, but around the 75% mark, she toughened up a bit and I loved her for it. Devyn is a go-getter city girl/real estate mogul who learns (through Liz) to enjoy the slower small town life.

There’s some great secondary characters on both sides (although the end of the book made me dislike Jill a bit), and since this is a Brayden novel, then leads spend time getting to know each other, and there’s plenty of cute, flirty banter that’s sure to delight. There’s also an adorable dog (two if you count Hank), and dogs make everything better. 🙂

Up until around the 70% mark this was cruising towards 5 stars, but I disliked both Devyn’s actions when she leaves and the reason she returns to the bay intensely (the later was an unspeakably cruel thing for Jill to do, and I couldn’t believe it was more or less glossed over). But I did love that instead of the usual wham/bam reunion, the ending had to be worked for, and that redeemed both Devyn and Liz for me, in different ways. I loved these two and was very invested in their HEA, so was happy to see they got there in the end.

Anyone who enjoys Melissa Brayden will love this. Anyone who has yet to try her books should start right here (and then immediately read the rest!). 4.5 stars, rounded down because of the above mentioned issues, it’s still a great read though.

It's actually pretty hard to review a Melissa Brayden book. It's always well written, the dialogue is always fun, and both MCs you fall in love with...always. By this point in her career, I feel like I'm mainly just comparing her books to each other. If I'm giving it 4 stars instead of 5, it's because I like other books of hers better. That's the honest truth.

For someone who has never read a book of hers, read this. Read this and every other book she's written.

For the people who have read her books religiously like I have, this one is good but not one of my favorites. Still loved the characters, especially Elizabeth because who doesn't love the lovable townie, but there wasn't anything that particularly stood out to me. It's a cute romance, in a cute small town with a nice pace. I enjoyed reading it. BUT did I think this is one of those that I'd come back to, no.

I've now gotten to the point where I'd love to see her challenge herself more. What about a thriller? A romance in the past? Alternate reality? That would excite me from her.

Melissa Brayden does a wonderful job in all of her books of providing realistic characters, lots of story building, sweet romances, and very hot sex scenes. Beautiful Dreamer does not disappoint and is my favorite novel from her so far. The character Elizabeth is a down to earth woman, one that you want to get to know just because she is so nice and looking to help others. Devyn at the start was the type of character that I typically don't like unless they are turned during the story. As this story developed and she connected with Elizabeth, the ice queen began to melt and her persona transformed, making her one I could deal with.

For those looking for a sweet (and hot) lesfic romance, this is one you should definitely try out. Brayden always weaves lots of actual laugh-out-loud humor into novels and the wit in Beautiful Dreamer made me love it all the more.

I received an ARC copy of this novel from NetGalley in exchange for a fair and unbiased review.

One of the best books this author has written. The characters were fun and believable and very likable, and the plot drew me in immediately. It was cute, but not overly so, and there was enough heartbreak to make me shed some tears. Nice job. I'll be reading this one again!

Melissa Brayden gives the reader another winner with Beautiful Dreamer. At its heart is a story as old as romance - small-town local meets a driven and successful out-of-towner. However, this story is put together so well and reworks some tropes in a wonderful way. Elizabeth loves Dreamer's Bay - but she is very successful and happy in where she is. Devyn is rich, and a workaholic who doesn't have time for relationships - but she is also complex and caring and doesn’t hesitate to rush back to Dreamer’s Bay when needed.
The writing and overall feel of the book are excellent. It's hard to pin down, but this book just might be the romance you are looking for... One of the very best w/w romances this summer. Highly recommended.

I think Melissa Brayden may have become one of my favorite wlw romance writers, yup! I loved this book. There wasn't a single bit that I didn't enjoy! It made me extremely happy, and hey, that has to count.

If you've read the synopsis, it's about Devyn, a real estate broker, who has to return to her hometown due to... well, you'll see when you read it. There, she reencounters with Elizabeth, who's the complete oposite of her. Where Devyn loves nothing more than the city and her job, on her way to breaking all the records, Elizabeth loves people and her town. The chemistry between them is amazing, but it's not the only reason why I loved this book. The other characters, no matter how small, seemed to have a very distinct personality and I loved that about this book. Everything felt natural... and Melissa made me want to visit Dreamer's Bay! Plus, there's a dog. And I've said it before, but I love books that have dogs in them :)

It's been a very rewarding read, and I can't wait to read other previous books from Melissa. Having loved the Seven Shores books and this one... they all sound promising!

Beautiful Dreamer is another wonderfully wholesome lesbian romance novel by Melissa Brayden. It made me swoon, smile and cry, which, if you ask me, is the perfect triad a romance book needs.

This book has two main characters that couldn't be more different. We have Elizabeth, who has been living in a small town her whole life and has always felt comfortable there. She loves helping out everyone around town and even has her own business where she helps people in town with their everyday tasks. She is such a wholesome character, with a really cheerful and optimistic look at life.
And then there is Devyn, who fled the small-town life and is a business woman through and through. Work is completely consuming her life but it's something she truly feels passionate about.
When Devyn's sister Jill, who still lives in the small town, has an accident, it brings Devyn back to her hometown for a little while and her and Elizabeth, who went to high school together too, end up meeting and getting closer.

I loved both Elizabeth and Devyn has characters and the contrast between them. I feel like both learn from each other and end up really getting to know themselves through the other person.
I also enjoyed the development of their relationship so much. This book definitely heavily focuses on the romance but I like that the actually falling in love is something that both take slow, even though they are basically immediately attracted to each other. For me this ended up just being a perfectly paced novel.
They also had the most amazing chemistry that had me swooning so very much and not just during the sex scenes. In general this book isn't like super smutty but from the flirting to the sex, it was all so well written. It's quite clear that Brayden has been doing this for some time now.

Of course, as in every good romance novel, there is some conflict in the book at the beginning of the last third and I thought this was so well handled in this novel. The conflict seemed realistic and made so much sense for who the characters are. It wasn't over the top or tropey, it just made sense.
But my favourite thing was how Brayden took a lot of time to really resolve the conflict. I feel like often authors don't leave enough space in their novel to rebuild the relationship that often takes a toll during those conflicts or misunderstandings. But this was brilliantly done in this novel and it was also great to see the characters actually understand their mistakes and genuinely making up for it!

Overall this was a fantastic romance novel that I really recommend to everyone that's looking for your very usual storyline but with two women at the center of it.

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.

Beautiful Dreamer is the kind of book that will make you want to come home and remember the many reasons why you should stay.
It took me a week to finish this book. Not because it bored me to death. It took me days because I didn't want it to end. I wanted to savor every page. Hands down to Melissa Brayden. She creates beautiful characters with qualities you wish you had and struggles you can relate to, she writes wonderful places that makes you want to dive inside a book and live in it forever. The chemistry between the main characters is what I love most about this book. The build up is always delicious and the angst is there but never over the top. There's a certain kind of formula in Brayden's books that puts it at the top of lesbian romances.
Melissa Brayden writes the kind of stories that have the potential to break your heart into pieces. You know the saying about people you love being the ones capable of hurting you the most? That's the thing about Brayden's books. You'll start reading, you'll love the chemistry of the main characters, you'll be fond of the side characters, you'll root for a happy ending despite knowing that there will be bumps anytime soon, and then BAM. There it is, the heartbreaking conflict. But you continue reading, fully trusting in the knowledge that she can mend your heart and make it ten times bigger and better than it was. And she definitely delivers above and beyond!

Elizabeth Draper is a good, kind person who always sees the best in others even if that means being the odd girl out. She never really fit in when she was in school, so most of her time growing up was spent being with her father and a few friends. But leaving Dreamer’s Bay wasn’t something she ever really thought about, mainly because she loved her small town so she starts her own business, ‘On the Spot,’ doing what she has always done, helping others with the small jobs they didn’t have time for. Being the small town Dreamer’ Bay is she knows all of her clients, and when one of her regular clients goes missing she quickly organizes a search party to help find her.
Devyn Winters also grew up in Dreamer’s Bay but her teen years were vastly different from Elizabeth’s. With lots of friends she enjoyed a full social life but still she could hardly wait to get out of town, the only drawback being leaving her mother and sister behind. She worked hard becoming one of Philadelphia's top real estate brokers. She did not have time for much of a social life because her job always came first. But that all changes when she gets a call from Dreamer’s Bays police telling her, her sister is missing.
I admit I’m a big fan of Ms Brayden’s work and can honestly say I’ve enjoyed reading all of her books. But this book ‘Beautiful Dreamer’ is easily, in my opinion, the best so far. Well developed characters you can’t help but like. A very, very enjoyable read.
ARC via NetGalley/ Bold Stroke Books

Absolutely freaking adorable! While reading Melissa Brayden’s newest novel, Beautiful Dreamer, I kept thinking are there little red hearts circling me? If not there should be! This book is sexy as hell, sweet as can be and makes you smile the whole way through. Beautiful Dreamer is a direct reflection of why Brayden is the very best at romance.

There is no doubt you should read this book. Brayden is at her very best with this one. Her characters are dynamic, multi-faceted and just so darn likable. The dialogue is rich and quirky, and best of all it sounds and feels real. When you read Beautiful Dreamer you are right there in the moment with our leading ladies. An absolutely stunning 5-star romance. This one I know I will read again and again and my heart is just still so delighted.

A BIG 5 out of 5 stars

The bar is set high when it comes to Melissa Brayden, her previous novels have been so incredibly well written, that, personally, I had very high expectations with this one. It it my pleasure to inform that she did not disappoint.
This book was filled with characters that are lovable, specially Elizabeth, she is good natured, funny and is always available to help out. Devyn on the other hand, is sophisticated, loves to be in control of her career and takes things too seriously, that is why this pair works out so well. It is very easy to fall for both of them and root for their happiness.
As all the other romance books out there, it is a guaranteed that there will be drama, however, the drama here is very short lived and leaves room for the romance in such a way that is refreshing.
I definitely recommend, and will surely read more books of Melissa Brayden. Can't wait for the next one.

It’s the little things, the attention to detail which plants Brayden at the front of the romance genre.

Like forcing the sophisticated Devyn to drive around in a Spark...her own personal clown car.

Like pointing out high school cliques and how people change and move on, and sometimes they don’t in both attitude and maturity.

Like creating a character who is sweet to the core, almost to a parody level. When pushed to the wall this too good to be true woman proves she has the strength and self confidence to stand for what she knows to be in her best interests. What a pleasant surprise for the romance genre.

Brayden knows how to create a place like Dreamer’s Bay and fill it with people you want to meet and know, a community you want to visit and enjoy.

Best of all, Brayden knows how much pleasure there is in a slow burn romance. We readers spend enough time with her characters to empathize, cheer them on and hope for their HEA.

Excellent read.

ARC received with thanks from publisher via NetGalley for review.

This book was just all heart!

Devyn is the top real estate broker in Philadelphia. She’s at the top of her game and always looking for the next selling high. Life is fast-paced and she loves it. That is until she has to rush back to her hometown, Dreamer’s Bay to check on her sister after she gets a worrying call.

Elizabeth loves living in a small town where life is good and stress is low. She has fantastic friends and loves her new business, that is all based around helping people. She’s a good person and deserves to meet her soul mate.

When Elizabeth and Devyn start to build a friendship that develops into more, they know they are meant for one another. But how can they make it work when Devyn’s life is in Philly, and Elizabeth’s is in Dreamers Bay?

Fantastic novel. I was glued to the pages from the first chapter of the book and finished it in one sitting. One minute it was 9 pm and the next I was sobbing at the beautiful ending, and it was 3 am. Completely worth it. This book is 100% the best book yet from Melissa Brayden. I’m already working out a time I can start rereading it. 

Elizabeth and Devyn were meant for each other. When it comes to soul mates, these two have it picked. Their slow-burn romance wasn’t too slow that I was bored but just right, enough that it stoked the fire. 

The other chemistry in the book, but not of a romantic kind was Devyn and her sister, Jill. I loved the scenes where they spent time together. Their closeness was so lovely and it was obvious how much Jill cared about her. I expected Devyn to be an Ice Queen with her image and career, but she was so sweet and loving to Jill and Elizabeth in so many simple ways. Devyn was definitely my favourite character. While she was complex, she was also loving, warm, caring and genuine in every way. She is such a great character and one I won’t forget easily.

An exceptional story that has stayed with me weeks after I read it. I truly loved Beautiful Dreamer and can’t wait to reread it soon.

Star Rating: 5 Stars

Melissa Brayden is by far the master of sweet romances as far as I am concerned. The storyline wasn't anything new, in fact if I didn't know Brayden as an author the blurb wouldn't have drawn me in based on the storyline.

It is her ability to create characters who are likable even when they shouldn't be like Devyn. Devyn had the harden side of an ambitious workaholic focused on money that was perfectly balanced with her softer side around her sister when returning home. Balancing this type of character with one like Elizabeth who is the complete opposite in being a pure soul that is always happy and looking out for others. The two complimented each other perfectly.

Loved the characters so much and as always with Brayden I am always sad for the book to end.

I enjoyed every single page of this book. Brayden is a truly amazing writer and when it comes to romance she is one of my go to authors. This book was sweet and sexy all rolled into one. The 2 MCs were great together I love it when opposites attract because it makes the chemistry between them jump off the pages at me, even scout the dog pulled at my heartstrings. I loved the way they had to work for the happy ever after and it wasn’t just instant. If your looking for a feel good romance with depth and realness then this is the one for you.

I was provided an advance copy by the publisher through Netgalley for an honest review

4.5 stars - Beautiful Dreamer by Melissa Brayden is one of the sweetest romances I’ve read in a while!

There’s something I really like about small-town romances and this one does not disappoint. Devyn left Dreamer’s Bay after high school and became a successful real estate broker in Philadelphia. When she has to come back to the Bay to help her sister, she befriends Elizabeth Draper, the town sweetheart who she went to high school with. From there, their relationship slowly develops into something more and meaningful that has Devyn reconsider some of her life choices.

What’s really refreshing about Brayden’s Beautiful Dreamer is that there isn’t unnecessary drama just for the sake of drama or to further the plot. Elizabeth and Devyn communicate and are (mostly) honest about their feelings and issues, and they try working through them.

I fell in love with both main characters; how could I not? Elizabeth and Devyn have wildly different personalities, and I think that’s what makes the chemistry between them so darn delicious. This romance is not only sweet but really fun and sexy.

I really love the setting and how Brayden describes Dreamer's Bay, with all its festivals and quirky inhabitants. My only negative point is that I wish Scout had been more involved through the story… That dog deserved more page time!

I highly recommend this book! It’s a great summer/vacation read.

Thank you to Bold Strokes Books for providing me with a free copy of this title via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

Melissa Brayden seldom disappoints. This was a great pure romance with sweet characters, a slow burn romance and realistic conflict/resolution. I enjoyed it, not my favorite of hers but definitely a good read.

Important: I really enjoyed the romance in Beautiful Dreamer, but I must say: You cannot have a story based in South Carolina without a single 'y'all'. For shame, Melissa Brayden. ;)

No matter one's accent, age, or education level, y'all is a staple. Dreamer's Bay is fictional, but I'm very familiar with the area around where it's based, so I was very sensitive to certain aspects of the world built. However, it's a pleasant change to have a setting in a small town. Nicely done.

This has some spoilers. Also, a weather forecast, haha. Beware!

The stars of this tale are Devyn, a big-shot broker living in Philly, and Elizabeth, a human ball of sunshine loaded with down-home charm. The pairing of these two really worked for me, despite their immense differences. I had a big, goofy grin on my face for the first eighty percent of this story. I welcomed the slow burn allowed to us. The flirting, the looks, the time spent together--yeeeeee I was enamored! Brayden really knows how to weave a girl-meets-girl.

The beginning was a scary, yet thrilling way to bring Devyn into Dreamer's Bay. I drowned in the progression of Devyn and Elizabeth seeing past their issues to realize how hot each other was. I highlighted so many romantic lines. My guilty pleasure was also Devyn pulling away from her old cheerleader buddies who've never grown up. I think we all have experiences with old classmates who should stay in the past. That felt pretty realistic.

I get the impression that Brayden has spent some vacation time in this SC. Though, there seems to be a misunderstanding about weather. Not a single mention about the humidity there (it's heavy), which I would've expected complaints from Devyn since she'd spent so many years in the north. They should've worn more shorts! At one point, someone was wearing a sweater in the early fall. Uhhhh it's still in the seventies around that time. In one scene, (in the spring or summer) the weather was supposedly 76 degrees and I gasped. Also, not a single thunderstorm, but this place is idyllic and I'll let that one go.

I actually love how Devyn integrated her expertise into moving to Dreamer's Bay the proper way. I got the impression that while others were impressed with her job, they didn't take it as seriously. They expected Devyn to drop her entire life and all her responsibilities without even a hint of returning to Philly. I mean, she had a whole home back there. For this, and the absolutely hideous trick Jill and Charlie played on Devyn to get her to return, it loses a star. I don't think they apologized enough because they surely used her trauma against her. I was over Jill after that. A shame, because I enjoyed her until then. Besides the guilting, that is.

Oh, and yum! Those love scenes. Devyn and Elizabeth had chemistry and it translated well in their sex lives. That kitchen scene is seared in my brain and it's a really, really good thing.

Reading this just makes me want the next Brayden book immediately. It's not fair. I want more!

I'd go 4.5 on this one but rounding up because I couldn't stop smiling at the end.

I've been hit and miss with Ms. Brayden's books but have figured out that I'm a sucker for her stand-alones but not so much of a fan of the ensemble series books. I've always had a tough time with reading any series so it's not a big shock for me.

Beautiful Dreamer was perfect for me in many ways: lots of humor, great chemistry, family issues that aren't completely resolved (because that's how family works), and a happy ending that didn't just happen but took some time. I also seem to be a fan of the "woman returns to small town home after being away for many years, only to discover love and happiness in the place she ran from" trope. While reading Beautiful Dreamer, I had a burning desire to reread Behind the Pine Curtain and caught myself thinking of other favorites that have the same premise. Didn't Strawberry Summer have the "woman returns" thing happening too? Just checked and it did. I loved that book. Yep, it's official. I'm a second chance/come-on-home romance sort of woman.

Now I'll patiently wait for the next stand-alone from one of the best sweet romance writers around.

Thanks to NetGalley and BSB for the ARC!