Hello,

Apologies for the late notice, but I have decided not to review this title.

While I am certain it's obvious by now, I wanted to also clear this off NetGalley, so it's not showing as open for either of us.

I look forward to continuing to work with you in 2023 and beyond.

Laura

Kristen Ashley has been my favorite author since I first began reading adult romance. She may stick to format, but it's a format I've always adored :)

This Dream Team series has been quite fun, and I love the relationships between all the dancers at the club. But I have to admit, I'm not picking up her books as quickly as I used to. However, this book is probably one of my favorites OF the series. As a dancer, I love reading about other dancer stories!! When Axl finally breaks down Hattie's barriers, their relationship is beautiful. Very much enjoyed, 3.5 stars!

This is one that falls under the category of guilty pleasure. Objectively, there's so much you don't agree with, but you still want to read and find out how it all resolves. To be enjoyed when you're in the mood for angst, but not feeling very critical of the details of that angst.

I haven’t been reading or reviewing much over the past year, but I decided to catch up on a few reviews of books that I’ve read this year. I never miss a Kristen Ashley book. She is a guaranteed enjoyable read, and while Dream Spinner is no exception, it wasn’t really one of my favorites.

Don’t get me wrong. I actually loved Axl and Hattie, and I loved Kristen’s writing, as always. But the whole relationship build-up didn’t happen in this book. These two have been dancing around each other for months, and we’ve seen glimpses in the previous books in the series.
“Hattie, this is the longest non-relationship relationship in history. We’ve been together since the first time you shot me down for a date and I think you know that better than me.”

Hattie is a dancer at Smithies, but she is classically trained and an actual ballerina. Her father is emotionally abusive, yet she still takes care of him and his health issues. Axl is a commando who has been into her for a while, but she has been shooting him down, and he’s kind of moved on. That is, until she has a stalker, and you know what happens when a KA heroine has a stalker, right? Axl to the rescue!

(BUT, she didn’t call Axl, she called Brett Cisco, the antihero you can’t help but love. Please Kit, we need a Cisco book!)

Axl had his own family drama, but he was a little more lighthearted and certainly more talkative than most KA heroes. But he was still very much a Kristen Ashley alpha-- started off as kind of a dick, but you can't help but love him. Hattie also grew on me.
"You make people feel when you dance. You make them gasp. Your dad’s been a dick to you all your life, he messed with your head, hurt you, and your loyalty to blood doesn’t break. Your art, babe, we haven’t even gotten to that. Fuck, we haven’t even scratched the surface of you.”

My big issue is that it was just another rehash of the Rock Chick/Dream Man series. There was nothing memorable. I had to read through my notes and skim the book again to write this review. I still enjoyed every second, but nothing kept me running back to my kindle. And while I love crossovers, there are a TON here. I’m glad the River Rain series won’t really have crossovers, there is just too many characters to keep straight.
"I get that, honey. But you're not experiencing the adorableness of you."

Likes:

•Cleo the cat.
•Kristen’s writing style.
•Brett Cisco.
•Seeing some previous characters.
•The friendships between everyone.

Dislikes:

•There wasn’t really anything new and exciting.
•Focused too much on her relationship with her dad.
•Tons of suspense but no action!
•I enjoyed it while I read it, but forgot about it as soon as I stopped.


The Down & Dirty:
If you love Kristen Ashley, you will enjoy Dream Spinner, but don’t expect anything new, different and exciting. I’m still going to grab her books the second I can, because, well, Rock Chick and Dream Man are two favorite series, so I don’t mind more of the same. I still breathe a happy sigh while reading, and tear up at her happy endings. And I still can't wait for the next in the series. A Kristen Ashley book that isn't my favorite is still a book I loved.

Rating: 4 stars, 4 Heat

Hattie has lost her self-confidence. She wanted to become a professional dancer, but that didn’t happen. With her father verbally abusing her and telling her what a disappointment she is to him, she doesn’t love herself so therefore feels like no one else can love her.

Axl is totally into Hattie but knows that she needs time. When she gets a stalker, he feels like time is up and makes his move. Hattie isn’t really receptive, but when the stalker issue starts to heat up, she finally gives in.

I really liked Hattie and Axel together. Their relationship was really the glue that held this book together. The stalker issue was kind of bland. The overall story arc throughout the series is dealt with but even that wasn’t too exciting. I felt that this was more to do with family issue between Hattie, Axl, Hattie’s father and mother as well as Axl’s parents. While that’s no a bad thing, per se, it just didn’t make for an exciting read.

Ashley threw in all of the secondary characters from other books in this story as well and that was almost too much. I get those friendships are a huge part of why these books work, but occasionally I hit my boiling point and then it just seems to be overload.

If you’re into this series already than this is a nice addition to the series, but I certainly didn’t love it.

Rating: 3.5 out of 5

This is book 3 in the Dream team series, each a standalone about a different couple. 
This is Hattie and Axl's story.
Hattie is a classical trained dancer dancing at Smithies. Axl works for Hawk. Mac set them up, read the first two books to know what that means.  This is a classic Kristen Ashley book with a strong female character and an enlightened alpha male. This was a fun journey to take and I really enjoyed it.

I did not finish this. I started it, but it fell flat initially, and I never picked it up again. I believe that this book is the third book in the Dream team Series. I would suggest reading from the beginning of the series. It seemed to be all interconnected. I felt that I was missing an essential backstory on the main character. If I ever pick it up again, I will revise my review. One thing I appreciated about this book was the writing. I found it to be unique and witty. I want to pick up more books by Kristen Ashley.

*4.5 Stars*

“I suppose one take is that he’s holding her up. Another is he helps her soar.”

When I started this series I was immediately drawn to Hattie’s character. She’s the one I related to the most and the one I was most excited to read. KA didn’t disappoint (she never does) Axl and Hattie’s story was emotional right from the start as they navigated trying to heal past hurts from both each other and others. After some courage on Hattie’s part, and some forgiveness on both sides, they start working to heal together. Once they worked thru and became solid, it was so natural and I loved their humour with each other and protectiveness for each other.

We also get lots of time with the other couples, some really great commando bonding scenes. And something I didn’t expect to become so invested in, we also get to see the evolution of Smithies. I’m very much looking forward to seeing it all come together, and possibly a book for Ian? Fingers crossed lol

My only con would be that this book doesn’t have the action the other previous books do, I’m assuming because we are gearing up for the big finish. I have a feeling there are still lots of twists coming our way, but I know that the Commando’s can handle anything thrown their way.

ARC Provided By Publisher For An Honest Review

This is what I call a classic Kristen Ashley story it has all the elements I look for in one of her romances. Hattie and Axl have been recurring characters in other books and whilst it has been interesting to watch them circle each other I was so happy they were finally going to get it on. Hattie is a contradiction, she gives off a confident air but we learn her insecurities run deep. There is no denying Axl is a hottie who fits right in with the other guys but he is also a gentle deep thinker and turns out to be just the man Hattie needs. There is some intrigue and danger from a recurring storyline in the books and to Hattie personally. These women attract danger like no one else I know. One of my favourite things about Kristen's books is the theme of friendships in both the men and women which once again shines through.

Hattie & Axl!!!!
Reviewed in the United States on May 26, 2021
Hattie & Axl!!!!

Perfect summer read!

I received an Advanced Reader Copy in exchange for an honest review.

This is one of my best reads of 2021! This book was original and hooked me from page one!

Kristen Ashley is a master of storytelling! This book has it all! Mystery, Romance with a touch of humor! Character development was also excellent!

I gave this book 5 stars! I could not turn the pages fast enough! If you have not read this story your missing out on a great book!

No spoilers with my review! This is another must read from Kristen Ashley!

3.5 stars
It was fine.
It won't be my favorite of the series, that's for sure.
I liked the idea of Axl and Hattie but the execution is a bit to be desired. This book needed to be shorter. I'm going to keep reading this series because I'm invested in the soon-to-be couples.

Love everything about Kristen Ashley and this series! This will make an excellent addition to any library collection or even your own personal collection. I'm looking forward to the next book in the series! . Either way, you can't go wrong with any book written by Kristen Ashley.

** I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.**
I wanted to love this book but it just didn’t work for me. It felt like it could have been a novella as the couple’s issues are resolved pretty quickly.

Dream Spinner has a similar feel to her Rock Chicks series except a bit grittier. Like the Rock Chicks, there is a crew of girls led by Lottie, who has picked out the perfect match for each of her friends. I love that this series has story line that continues through each book and the KA brand of steamy romance which includes kidnapping or stalking that endangers the women. This time it is Hatie’s turn, and her match is Axl.
Hatie has serious self esteem problems due to mental and physical abuse from her father. Which continues still as she cares for him due to his dehibilitsting diabetes. She can’t believe someone like Axl could really want her.
Axl has his own messed up relationship with his father, whom he was never good enough ever since he didn’t make the Olympic’s or follow in his father’s footsteps into practicing law. You might say Axl didn’t see eye to eye with his father’s view of the justice system and that is why he works as a badass commando for Hawk Delgado.
KA brings together two people who appear so different but share a mutual upbringing that they both struggle to overcome.

Another hit from Kristen Ashley. I love that we get to stay in the Dream Man/Denver world. I love the alpha men and the strong woman who bring them to their knees. I can't wait for the next book.

Trigger Warning: verbal abuse
Oh wow what a surprise, another Kristen Ashley book that I really enjoyed! As if we didn't see this coming! Oh wait, I did! I love Kristen Ashley and her writing! I love her characters, her romances, and her tough alpha men! I just really find this one enjoyable and I love that this plot is really overarching many different books and series! I do think that plot wise, this book didn't have a huge climax like the others did. There was something always happening towards the end of the first two books and this one didn't really have that. So it felt weird to me. But I loved Hattie, I loved her character and I liked getting to know her and her life. This book really gave you a view on complicated family dynamics for both characters, and how one thing might not work for another family. I liked that Hattie and Axl held her father responsible for his behavior, and that you really see him realize his behavior and work to build back a relationship with Hattie. Overall another great Kristen Ashley book that I really enjoyed very much! I love this series, I love Hattie and Axl, and each time I find myself enjoying her work more and more. I highly recommend checking out her books!

Kristen Ashley’s books are an addiction! An addiction I cannot, and do not want to quit. Dream Spinner is no exception—there is a lot going on in this book, and I loved every page of it! Axl and Hattie may be my favorites of this series, which came as a surprise to me. Frankly, Hattie annoyed me in the previous books. I know, I know, she was dealing with some pretty serious family dysfunction, and seemed pretty set on punishing herself further by denying her attraction to Axl. Fortunately, we don’t have to wait too long for them to get together, and once they do? Wowza, can I just say Axl Pantera is pretty damn perfect! Both Axl and Hattie are complex characters, the most complex so far in the Dream Team series, in my opinion. Ms. Ashley does a fantastic job of fixing their issues without trivializing the damage caused by the dysfunction and loss, while still showing us the depth of pain and the work it takes to get through it. These two work so well together, sweet, sexy, supportive, funny, and swoonworthy. So many favorites from KA’s Denver world make an appearance (one of my favorite traits of her books!)-Chaos, Knight, Cisco (he may not be your fave, but he will be by the end of this book), and obviously Hawk Delgado’s Commandos since they are teaming up to investigate the police corruption. Can I just say how much I am loving this plot thread? I’m a huge fan of mysteries and suspense. IMO, this is the best suspense storyline in KA’s books, and it’s killing me to have to wait to see how it wraps up in Dream Keeper. Speaking of killing me…that Epilogue!! Holy Smokes, one of the best epilogues ever; not just a wrap up, but a BIG tease for Pepper and Auggie’s book. This is one of my most anticipated book releases for 2021, something to look forward to! With a few exceptions, Ms. Ashley’s books have a lot of similarities—over the top alpha heroes, strong, willful, sweet, but damaged heroines—but they’re simply so damned entertaining, I’m always chomping at the bit for the next one. Don’t misunderstand me, she’s not writing the same book over and over, but you always know what you’re going to get with one of her books, and you know it will be time and book money well spent.

Book 3 in Kristen Ashley’s Dream Team series is Hattie Yates and Axl Pantera’s book, but to me, Dream Spinner is more Hattie’s story than it is the couple’s, simply because she’s the one who needed to come out of her shell, to see how amazing and beautiful she is and while Axl plays a key role as well as her tribe of friends, she had to be the one to do the work, to see her worth, to fight to be treated like she always should by everyone around her.

There’s a lot going on in the plot of this story, which, in some ways, made it a bit difficult to get the kind of depth that I wanted for every single one of them, and there were definitely a few of the story lines I needed to see resolved in a more complete one or played out in a fuller sense without some kind of quick reversal, if that makes sense. Abusive father plot, stalker plot, Axl showing Hattie that dreams can come true, albeit in his alpha-hole kind of way, are all kind of heavy hitters in their own right, so meshing all of them together needed more time to work through them, clearly demonstrating the progress and working toward resolution.

Some of KA’s heroes are a little too alpha, at times, meaning their actions and words come off a bit douchey, and that seems to turn some readers off of them. To me, I can get behind them as long as there are not too many repeated characteristics - ones that are illustrated throughout a series, like this one. I have to admit that I didn’t understand some of Axl’s behaviors toward Hattie but I held onto the fact that Ashley had a plan and I just needed to wait for things to move forward.

Kristen Ashley is and will always be one of my favorite authors. She’s my most re-read author and with each new release, I revel in her characters and story lines ready for another ride in one of KA’s worlds. And while some don’t always hit every mark for me as a reader, I still enjoy them and can’t wait for the next one to be written and released.

4 Poison Apples

There is something about a Kristen Ashley novel that grabs you by the heart and leaves you a puddle of all the feelings and hankering for more. I guess that's why I've read her Burg series, and well, oh shoot, it would be easier to tell you what I haven't read. Those alpha males, cute (usually the hero's descriptor for the h) females, the shoes, clothes, Elvira and her boards, the musical references, the suspense, seeing characters from all the way back to the Unfinished Hero series--HOLY SMOKES, I WAS IN HEAVEN.

We've been reading about Smithies since the Rock Chick series, and I am so thrilled it's becoming more of a burlesque club instead of just a strip joint. I always loved Smithie's and the girls there, particularly Lottie. This story was a continuation and growth of the series with delightful characters, a great storyline that brought emotional victory, and the usual passion and intense love that are hallmarks of Kristen's work. Hattie is art personified, and the description of her dance to U2's Where The Streets Have No Name was so clear I could see it playing out in my head. I would genuinely love to see the physical art she creates with concrete and rebar, but the descriptions were terrific. For those familiar with Kristen's work, she manages to interweave songs into her books in such a fashion that music remains forever etched in my memory associated with that particular book. For example, Cold by Annie Lennox goes with Complicated; I'm Not An Addict by K's Choice goes with Games of the Heart; Time in a Bottle by Jim Croce goes with Bounty; I could go on---but you get my drift. Where the Streets Have No Name I will now associate with Dream Spinner.

The relationship between Axl and Hattie, however, is the highlight and driving force of this book. They are two halves of the same coin—their protectiveness of each other awesome. Axl has the brotherhood of Hawk Delgado's super-secret commandos, and just like Hattie's sisterhood of dancers, these guys are a hoot. This book is pure Ashley, and you never want it to end. I am thankful that Kristen hasn't decided to leave Denver or the world she has created there

I had a little big of trouble getting through the first quarter, but then I finally pushed through and finished it. I liked it. a very typical Kristen Ashley kind of book.