2.75 stars

Calling this a second chance romance is a stretch at best, but it is definitely small-town, and that was my favorite part about this book. I loved Dreamer's Bay and how quaint and overlapped everything was, especially Savannah working with other businesses. I giggled a few times at the humorous writing, and I've liked Brayden's writing before, so I was sure this was going to be a hit. I liked the subplots of Savannah's paternity, her job, and her friendship with Jonathan.

And then I got to Chapter 22, where it all started going downhill. First off, a Sarah J Mass inclusion. I get that she's popular, but she's also problematic. Literally could have chosen a QUEER author to plug there instead, say, Alexis Hall? Even Casey McQuiston?? That was annoying, but it got worse. A HARRY POTTER REFERENCE! In a queer book in 2025?? ABSOLUTELY NOT. Full star removal just for that.

I never really got the sense that there was anything deeper than lust between Savannah and Kyle. Then the reason for the third act breakup was pretty weak, and <spoiler>Savannah didn't even apologize for her part!</spoiler>. Wrapping up the paternity subplot just got more and more ridiculous and campy. If you like that sort of thing (which I sometimes do) it could be a fun read. I really wish the publisher would nix the HP reference though.

Thank you to NetGalley and publisher for the opportunity to read and review.

Melissa Brayden has a winner with this gem of "Dream a Little Dream". In this small-town romance set in Dreamer's Bay, South Carolina, we are introduced to Festive Foods grocery store manager, Savanna Potter. Her aunt Lindy has recently died, and Savannah is working on cleaning out her house and attic. Savannah's parents died in an automobile accident when she was eleven and her aunt took care of her following the tragic event. Savannah has always wanted to host an Airbnb and the home her aunt left to her now provides that opportunity. Savannah travels to Charleston to attend a seminar on Airbnb management when she meets Dr. Kyle Remington (aka Soap Opera Doctor with an arched eyebrow), in probably one of the most unique ways that two main characters have ever met. There is so much chemistry between these two women that they end up spending the night together after they run into each other again following their unusual introduction. After a passionate night together, they agree to meet on a suspension bridge in Charleston one year later.

Brayden did a spectacular job crafting not only an incredible small-town romance, she developed a layered story that also focused on discovering Savannah's biological father; Savannah's abandonment issues; and Kyle's emergency room PTSD, how it impacted her, and how she is dealing with it. Brayden also incorporated crisp dialogue and interesting humor into the story. 4.5 stars

I received an ARC from Bold Strokes Books and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

Dream a Little Dream is a small town setting second chance(?) Sapphic romance that was fine but just not for me. To be fair, second chance is not a favorite trope of mine, although I think "second chance" is a bit of a stretch in this case.

We have a single POV of a thirty-something woman in a small town in the South. After ONE whirlwind night out of town meeting the love interest, the two decide to meet again in one year's time when their lives are in different and better places. One year later, the love interest stands up the the main character at their planned reunion. Later, the love interest then moves to the small town, and their second chance commences. (Is this a second chance romance??? or is this just running into someone you hooked up with before?) There are also a bunch of side plots of the main character's best friend and other shark town friends' shenanigans, a red herring love interest, instability at work, and the main character trying to figure out who her dad is. And finding herself after losing her remaining living family.

The romance was just not believable to me. Even their initial night seemed fairly tame and not at all necessitating so much drama. Their banter was very tepid, and a third act breakup in a "second chance" plot was very aggravating to me. I think a dual POV would have been helpful to make me care more about the love interest. I couldn't keep track of all of the friends, so their side plots were tedious for me, and the paternity mystery seemed very random in the grand scheme of the plot. I was probably most invested in the main character's job plot because I do love grocery store job gossip.

The writing itself was okay. I didn't click with the (what seemed to me) forced millennial humor, but I know there are certainly folks that will like that. The dialogue also felt pretty wooden to me. It seemed like most of the conversations between the main couple started with a "Hi." and a "Hey." response. If you have liked this author's writing style before, I imagine this will not be an issue.

Thank you, Bold Strokes Books, for the arc!

taking a break from this one rn- as of 36%, im still not fully sold on the story and i can feel my interest slipping away…this is not the fault of the book i don’t believe, im just not in the mood for this kind of story potentially(?)

Thank you to Net Galley and the publisher for the ARC of Dream a Little Dream.

This book fell short for me for a number of reasons.

Defining this story as a second change romance is marginal at best. The two MCs – Savanna and Kyle – meet at a hotel. They have a little meet-cute, which is definitely cute. They are instantly attracted to one another. Then they end up spending the evening together leading to a night of passion. This leads to big immediate feelings for both of them, and they decide that this is more than a hook-up. But let’s be honest here, it was still a hook-up.

I would have rather the story started with this clandestine hook-up, and there was no plan to meet in a year where one of the MCs doesn’t show up. It would work better if both MCs didn’t think they’d ever see each other again, yet Kyle takes a job in the town where Savanna lives, so they meet again. Then develop the story from there. Blah.

There are far too many characters in this book, so many that I couldn’t keep track of them all. And I really didn’t care about any of them, including the MCs.

Sub-plot after sub-plot after sub-plot. There are too many things going on in this story. It’s hard to figure out what to pay attention to, and the additional sub-plots beyond the marginal use of the second chance trope do nothing to help advance the storyline or our understanding of Savanna and Kyle as the MCs; instead, these sub-plots serve to clutter up the narrative.

Oh, and the decision to use Kielbasa as a last name was certainly a choice. Not a good choice, but it was a choice. I couldn’t take this seriously and side-eyed that word choice whenever it showed up in the book.

This book is set in South Carolina, but I never got a feeling that this book was set in the South at all.

In general, I was not engaged in this book. I found the two MCs lacked chemistry beyond their initial attraction to one another. The multiple characters and sub-plots cluttered up the narrative. The overall writing shows promise, but it falls into the standard sapphic romance novels that I’ve read where the character development ends up being one-dimensional, and the author keeps adding more and more storylines in order to keep the novel going. Honestly, I was bored reading this, which was disappointing.

Melissa Brayden delivers another heartfelt gem in this warm and witty tale set in Dreamer’s Bay. Following Savanna as she copes with loss, uncovers family secrets, and opens her aunt’s home as an Airbnb, the story gently unfolds into a charming romance with Dr. Kyle—beginning with a memorable meet-cute involving a stuck shirt. Told through Savanna’s emotional first-person lens, the narrative captures vulnerability, resilience, and the slow, tender build of love. With relatable characters and a cozy seaside setting, this book beautifully explores second chances and the courage it takes to love again. Perfect for fans of touching, character-driven romances.

I received an ARC copy of this book from the Publisher via Netgalley and voluntarily leaving my review.


Savanna life is turn upside down when her aunt pass away now an orphan she learns that the father she lost isn’t her real father as she decides to use her aunt house as Airbnb. Savanna meets Dr. Alexandra aka Kyle when she gets her shirt stuck in the hotel door they have a cute talk while waiting but part ways after in nice twist they meet again as they get to know each other they agree to meet again but when Savanna shows up and Kyle doesn’t she disappoint. Savanna is shock when Kyle comes to her town and is annoy that everyone likes her but she doesn’t know why Kyle didn’t show will she gives Kyle a chance or having lost so much she doesn’t want to open herself to more loss. This was a cute warming story overcoming heartache loss and to realize that life is complicated but it’s doesn’t mean stop living.

DNF. One chapter was enough to tell me that Brayden’s writing style is definitely not for me. Too much time spent explaining details of the main character’s past that weren’t necessary to explain, at least not in that moment. If something is crucial to the plot, let it come up organically. I don’t need to know about how you admired a girl (who does not become the love interest) in high school so now you hire her cleaning business whenever possible. No one THINKS like this, so writing like this feels like the author is just trying to fill a page rather than tell a good story.

It’s such a joy to return to Dreamer's Bay, especially to dive into Savannah and Kyle’s lives while reconnecting with some beloved friends from the past. Little does Savannah know that her smooth move of getting her shirt caught in her hotel room door would change the course of her life forever! The story is told from her first-person point of view, which makes it super easy to connect with everything she's feeling, from pure happiness to heartbreaking disappointment when Kyle doesn’t show up at the bridge. Seeing everything through Savannah’s eyes pulls you right into her world, letting you experience all her thoughts and emotions while keeping Kyle a bit of a mystery, even though she’s this amazing, bright spot in her life. I love how this story brings together quirky characters, a charming little seaside town, and a love story that feels truly timeless. It’s all about vulnerability, acceptance, and finding the courage to grow.

Altogether, this story feels like a warm hug — full of heart, humor, and hope. Watching Savannah navigate love, heartbreak, and self-discovery in such a vibrant setting makes for an unforgettable read. It’s the kind of book that stays with you long after you turn the last page, leaving you smiling, maybe a little teary, and definitely believing in second chances.

would like to thank netgalley and the publisher for letting me read this book

savanna potter her life hasnt been easy....losing her parents at a young age being brought up by her aunt and now that her aunt has died she is an orphan but as if things cant get any worse going through her aunts stuff she finds some devastasting news... the man she thought of as her father isnt actually her biological father, and she has no clue who it can be....

as if that isnt enough to make her want to run the amazing person she met and agreed to meet a year from that day they actually met stood her up....

can life get any more worse for her....

yes it can

at times this is an amusing read and heartbreaking at the same time....but its captivating and as the truths always have a way of coming out poor savanna gets hit with more than at times she can bare....

what a read, always look forward to a melissa brayden book and this one doesnt disappoint

Melissa Brayden always delivers home run stories, and this one is just as perfect as Strawberry Summer! Savanna and Kyle are destined to be together, and I enjoyed how they first met each other in the hotel door predicament. That is beyond the best meet-cute scene I could ever imagine. The writing is always so cute and cozy—crimson and clover, I need a sequel to novel! The emotions I felt for Savanna were so deep, and I hated how difficult things were as she grew up without her mother and father. But thank you for giving her hope and romance. Melissa Brayden is hands down my favorite author, and I’m so proud to recommend this one as the story of the summer. Savanna and Kyle make me believe in love again, and I can’t wait to find my future hot doctor soon. I am already looking forward to the next one, thank you!

“I wanted to peel her like an orange and write a memoir about it later.” Oh my gosh, is this not the best line EVER?! I truly melt any time I read one of Melissa Brayden’s books, and this one has to be my all-time favorite one of hers. Just wow, where do I begin? The premise is so perfect, and I adore Savanna and Kyle together. The eagerness and angst for these two to be with each other is so delicious. Who wouldn’t want to fall in love in Dreamer’s Bay? I couldn’t get enough of this story, and I flew through it so quickly that I am begging for more. Please write a sequel, a follow-up, anything to get these two on more adventures! I highly recommend this gem by Ms. Brayden, and I am so eager for the next one. Thank you for writing such beautiful love stories!

What’s the most memorable way for two future lovers to meet? Try getting your blouse stuck in the door of your hotel room with your purse and keycard inside! That’s what happened to Savannah “Savvy” Potter when she was rescued by the gorgeous Dr. Alexandra Kyle Remington whose room was right across the hall.
That may have been the beginning, but there were a lot of obstacles before they could reach HEA status, such as when Kyle was a no-show on the bridge at their one-year agreed upon time to meet again.

Of course you couldn’t blame Savannah’s cool attitude when they finally did meet up again. She’d already had to deal with a lot of setbacks in her life, such as the loss her parents, then losing her beloved aunt. There were more disappointments, including who was her birth father. Even though she never gave up, she always ended up holding back, afraid to completely let go and give of herself.

This was a delightful story, enhanced because Savannah was darling, kind, generous, loved and respected by all, and was the perfect example of why Dreamer’s Bay was the ultimate experience in small town life. As manager of the local grocery store, she knew every customer by name, most pet’s names and other significant details. Everyone in town knew everyone else and most were intertwined in some way. It was just a feel-good place to live, elevated by many interesting side-characters.

I thoroughly enjoyed reading this and thank Bold Stroke Books and NetGalley for the arc in exchange for my honest opinions.

Thanks to NetGallery and the Publisher for this Arc in exchange for my honest review.

This is my first read from Melissa Brayden and after reading this I will going and reading everything I've missed out on!

This is a cute and cozy romcom that'll have to you smiling and kicking your feet. It's a light and easy read that you can get lost in a day with.

La historia sigue a Savanna Potter, quien atraviesa un año difícil tras la muerte de su tía y el desengaño amoroso al ser plantada por Kyle Remington, la mujer con la que compartió una conexión instantánea. Cuando Kyle reaparece inesperadamente en Dreamer’s Bay, Savanna se debate entre el rencor y los sentimientos persistentes.

Aunque la química entre ambas es innegable, el desarrollo de su relación se siente algo forzado y con poca tensión.
El libro está bien a secas.



Thanks to NetGalley, the publisher and the author for the ARC in exchange for an honest

Melissa Brayden is one of those authors I always hear about but hadn’t picked up until now. Dream a Little Dream was my first—and wow, what a charming, feel-good read. I went in with no expectations and came out smiling.

This book is warm, witty, and packed with heart. The romance was sweet and slow-burning in the best way, and the chemistry between the leads was undeniable. I loved how grounded the characters felt—flawed, hopeful, and so easy to root for. Brayden has a way of writing that feels both breezy and emotionally honest, which made this an absolute joy to read.

This small-town, second-chance romance is a heartwarming, feel-good rom-com that I really enjoyed. It's an easy, light read that left me smiling, with just the right blend of charm and warmth to make it memorable.

All my favorite tropes are wonderfully combined here. Melissa Brayden has created a warm, heartfelt, small-town, rom-com with some second-chance romance!
With wonderful characters from previous favorite books in one of my favorite small towns!
Back in Dreamers Bay, we also meet Devyn and Elizabeth again who are as witty and charming as ever and support Savanna on her emotional journey with a good Doctor ;)
It all begins unexpectedly with a weekend in the city, where Savanna wants to learn more about how to successfully convert her beloved aunt's house into an Airbnb. She recently passed away, and Savanna isn't ready to simply sell her house.
Several coincidences bring the two together and it quickly becomes clear: They have great chemistry that definitely needs to be explored.
It's also abundantly clear that both want more, but the timing is extremely unfortunate and so they both agree to meet again on the same day after a year.
Same place, same time is the date, but unfortunately, everything goes wrong. Kyle (the doc) doesn't show up.
Afterwards, Savanna is bitter and sad, and an unexpected discovery makes her life difficult.
But Kyle is constantly on her mind, even though she's more than disappointed in her! And life has to go on without her, right?
It was an easy read, even if it did get a bit sad and heavy at times.
I really enjoyed it and was wonderfully drawn into the story. Melissa Brayden's writing is simply beautiful and keeps you hooked until the end.
Many thanks to the author and Bold Strokes Books for the ARC.

I thought it was an okay read. It was told from Savanna’s perspective, which made it easy to connect with her, but unfortunately, difficult for me to connect with Kyle. I sympathized with Savanna and if anyone deserved a big hug it was her. The grief she struggled with, and her abandonment issues, made her so real. I would've liked more of a background on Kyle's character because I was left with more questions than answers. In the beginning, I kept an open mind about the pact they made, but after I learned more it seemed like a wasted opportunity and even a bit silly. I appreciated her supportive friends, and I was pleasantly surprised that the protagonists from ‘A Beautiful Dreamer’ were side characters here! Devyn and Elizabeth were one of my favorite couples. Overall, I had high hopes, but the book turned out to be an okay read, so I'm rating it a 3.5. I’m still a Brayden fan and I look forward to the next one. 

I’d like to thank NetGalley and Bold Strokes Books for giving me an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

First of all, I'm a huge Brayden fan and this one was pretty good, but not my favorite out of all her books.

Savanna Potter manages a grocery store in Dreamers bay, but when she loses her aunt and decides to turn into an AIRBNB and goes to a convention to learn how to do it, in which she meets Kyle Remington and they instantly hit it off. It was hard to wrap my head around the instant love not to mention the waiting a year to meet only to blown off.

This was all in Savanna's POV, but I think it would have added depth and character to the story if we had Kyle's POV as well. It was hard to believe in their love story at first, but as it went on, it became more so, but not as much as her other stories. Also, may need to check the name of Jason/Jeremy as Maya's love interest, so that was confusing. At the bar, he's referred as Jeremy, but otherwise it's Jason.

Overall, this had Brayden's usual witty dialogue and fun banter, but it didn't quite live up to the hype as her previous books unfortunately.

I received an ARC from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.