3.5 stars

I always say you can either love or hate Kristen Ashley books and I am usually in Love Group. Like forever. But somehow this book missed the mark for me and that's something bad because I was really looking forward to reading the previous books in this series.

Let's start with things I loved. Of course Kristen Ashley's trademark writing with an alpha like no other author writes and a sassy yet vulnerable heroine. The action and drama that comes with the team of bada$$ commandoes and the ladies they claim as their own. The group of kicka$$ ladies. The witty sexy emotional parts those make me come back to KA over and over.

Now for the not so good parts. I did not relate to Axl and Hattie at all. Like this story had all the individual great parts but those didn't come together. Withing first 20% they decide to be together and I was waiting for the big bang. Like you should if you have read The Rock Chick or the Mystery Man or the Chaos..and this being a spin off I was chasing the same feels. That made me KA addict. And it was repetitive...not in the good way. May be because my expectations were too high? May be because I wanted the same epicness? It just felt flat for me.

Will I read next Kristen Ashley book? ABSO-FREAKING-LUTELY. Will I read next book in this series? Probably no.

I reviewed an early copy from Netgalley voluntarily

2.5 Disappointing Stars

As a long-time KA fan, it breaks my heart to admit that I did not love this one. It felt very repetitive to me. For example, we have seen every book in the series thus far start out with a total jerk hero who needs to be redeemed. And even though KA does a great job at redeeming a grumpy/alpha hero, when it's the third time in a row that I've read it, it begins to lose its luster.

I've loved the two previous books in this series but this one just felt like same old same old to me and, quite frankly, boring.

I'm excited for Pepper to get her story next! I'm always here for a single parent romance. Fingers crossed that that one is better.

I enjoyed the relationship in this book but the constant intersection of worlds is exhausting to keep up with. I've read a lot by the author and I found myself skipping the drama parts because it was too onerous to follow. I liked the hero and heroine but felt the heroine didnt really grow. Her father was abusive to her and all of a sudden things are resolved with no talking on either side? I wish the book had focused more on the main couple. The hero was sweet and not as much an alphahole that the author usually writes.

I've really been enjoying the Dream Team series and diving into Dream Spinner was no different. We continue to learn about all of the different characters as we move along in this series. This is a series you need to read from the beginning; you can't pick it up easily in book three.

Hattie is a ballerina and she's struggling with an incident that happened which caused her to push her friends away. She's got Daddy issues that spill over into her daily life and they are definitely beginning to bring her down. She wants Axl more than anything, but with her baggage, she doesn't want to pul him into it, even though truth be told, he's already there!

Axl is a true alpha hero. He's all about protecting what is his and he will do anything to protect Hattie. He's got his own parental issues, but he's a strong, has a very calm demeanor (most of the time!) and he's so good at what he does.

When Hattie receives a series of disturbing messages, she doesn't immediately call Axl which doesn't set well with him. When the two of them finally make the decision to be together, the chemistry is explosive. They are so good for one another and they help each other in ways that no one else could given the things they've been through in their pasts. Also, the mystery about what is happening with the police department keeps things interesting. I am looking forward to hopefully getting some answers on that in Pepper's book!

I enjoyed this a lot and the way it's written you feel like you are right in the room with these characters. I'm looking forward to what is next to come in this series!

**I voluntarily read an early copy of this title courtesy of NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review**

This is the hot and smoldering love story of Hattie and Axl 🥵. But is it good enough to wake me up from my hiatus reading? I would say yes and this has been a pleasure to read. Thank you to the author, publisher, and marketing team for the ARC.

Hattie is shy and Axl is a hot alpha. They both have issues, but the story is light and the personalities of the characters meshed well that you won’t be able to stop reading 📖. Even though there were a lot of characters mentioned from the Rock Chick Series you will not feel left out or lost. However, it would help to brush up on these books 📚, as it’s always nice to read more alpha romance. Right from the beginning the story grabbed me, even though somehow towards the end of the story the heat fizzled out.

What You’ll Find:
♥️Contemporary Romance
♥️Commando Hero
♥️Heroine in Danger
♥️Steamy Scenes
♥️Dual POV (which is quite rare with kristen ashley’s writing style)

I like this series and so far this is my second favorite 🤩. Guess which one ☝️ is my first favorite ☺️.

PS: I can’t wait for the next book in this series. Also I want Cisco to have his happy ending 🙏.

This is the 3rd installment of the Dream team series, and what a beautiful spin it was. I now have a new love in my life and his name is Axl. I absolutely adore Axl, he has to be the mostly well rounded Hero I have ever read. He was emotionally supportive, intouch with his own feelings, funny, and still held all of Kristen Ashley's Alpha goodness.
Hattie was the sweetess soul I have ever read. She's been through emotional and physical abuse. Never thinking she was good enough to dream of better. The growth and strength Hattie goes through is touching and beautiful to read. With the help and love of Axl, Hattie turns into a beautiful, strong and inspiring Heroine. This book has the typical, suspense, love, frienship and humour we all can expect from a Kristen Ashley book. But this book is clearly Heart.
This book was gifted to me by Director Of Marketing & Publicity Forever, an imprint of Grand Central Publishing, for a honest review.

The Dream Team series harkens back to the very popular earlier series called Dream Man where the head of Axl’s “commando’s”, Hawk has his own love story. The author returns to developing her characters and creating a woman in jeopardy story which bring our two main characters together. This is a plot device that has worked really well for Kristen Ashley in the past and one which I’ve enjoyed so far in the Dream Team series.

Hattie isn’t the only one who was some heavy baggage to work through in this novel. Axl also has his own daddy issues. I liked that this alpha male wanted to fix everything for Hattie, but she was given some rough edges to smooth over or at least be supportive about when Axl’s problems reared it’s ugly head. In today’s world it just wouldn’t have gone over well if Hattie didn’t become a strong partner for Axl. Todays readers want to read about women who will go the limit for their man.

I thought Dream Spinner was a solid KA novel. Was it my favorite in the series? No? I say that with a question mark because it wasn’t bad at all I just preferred Evie’s story from the second novel a little bit more. I did really enjoy Hattie’s dance background and though her performances sounded pretty cool and interesting. I also liked how her personal story was resolved with a happy ending. If you haven’t read the previous two novels I really don’t think you need to. Despite it being a group of girlfriends who all work together you aren’t missing anything by not reading the earlier novels. Feel free to pick this one up and enjoy. Heck, if you like it, you know you have two to immediately pick up and read!

❤️❤️❤️❤️

I received a copy of this book through NetGalley and the publisher for my honest review and it was honest.

Kristen Ashley continues her heartfelt and steamy Dream Team series with this tale of exotic dancer and gruff, domineering Axl Pantera.

Axl wants Hattie Yates and he’s been pursuing her for what feels like years, but the shy beauty is excellent at internalizing her feelings and keeping people at arm’s length. After attracting the attention of a stalker, Axl doesn’t hesitate to erase the distance between them and lets her know just how much he wants her while keeping her safe.

Hattie is extremely talented. She’s not only a wonderful classically trained dancer but also an artist just waiting to be brave enough to show the world her creations.

Axl is patient, caring, supportive and all around swoon worthy. He was the perfect man to coax Hattie out of her shell, build her up and help her through her problems even though he had family drama of his own.

I really enjoyed how Axl and Hattie communicated and navigated the ups and downs of their burgeoning relationship once they were on the same page regarding their relationship which was to work on one.

The steaminess is a given with the domineering, swoon worthy alpha male. It was hot, it was fun and it was spicy.

The suspense wasn’t the nail biting kind but it helped the main characters in the romance and pushed the series’ overall arc forward.

I loved all the secondary characters both the ones who’ve had their own books and the ones who haven’t. I hope the latter get theirs soon. I also enjoyed the cameos by characters from other series. I can’t wait to read the next installment in the series.

Dream Spinner book #3 of the Dream Team series by Kristen Ashley. A spinoff the Dream Man & Rock Chick series. Told from both points of view, with a happy ending. Subgenres: Contemporary Romance with a dash of suspense

This was a huge miss for me. I love KA's Chaos Series. I really enjoyed the first book in this series and the second was meh.
I did not even make it to 10% on this book. When will Ashley evolve as an author? I did a search for the word "and"- it showed up over 1000 times. How many times can the same plot be recycled over and over with nothing new? I've read over 30 Kristen Ashley novels, several of them multiple times. Sometimes there is comfort in that predictability and other times it just feel lame. How many times do we have to read Ashley's cyclical conversations with her characters? How many times do we have to read about a doormat heroine who lets the men in her family treat her badly? How many times do we have to read about men "claiming" women. It's tired.

Ashley is a gifted story teller who weaves what I call magic in to her stories. But when do we as readers get to see that magic grow? As a reader and individual I have evolved and grown. I am just wondering how I can ever get hat evolution from Ashley?

(FYI I am an employee of Hachette Book Group- I work for Little, Brown)

Dream Spinner is a fabulous read. I loved every moment of Hattie and Axl. Hattie is a fabulous dancer but somewhat of a mess when it comes to relationships. You get why she is the way she is as you get to know her more. I love how Axl never gives up and pushed Hattie to see what she is worth. I love how Hattie and Axl both stand up for each other and bring out the best. They are so hot together. This is a fun read and I love that addition of the stalker in that is keeping everyone on their toes. I adore Brent the more he pops up in the girls lives. You just get this big smile on your face when it comes to Axl and Hattie. I really could not get enough of this one. I love that we get to see some of our favorites from other KA books too. I have yet found a Kristen Ashley book that I have not fallen in love with. The Dream Team series is amazing and I so need Peppers book like now. Go one click this one and get to know Hattie and Axl a whole lot better.

Some families are full of love and acceptance and unfortunately some are filled with criticism and abuse, then there are the ones somewhere in between. Both Hattie and Axl are blessed with loving mothers but their fathers leave much to be desired. Hattie broke my heart with the damage her father did to her. Watching Axl repeatedly reach out to her and be shut down was painful. Thankfully Hattie finally got her wakeup call and reached out herself. I loved this story so much and am anxiously awaiting Pepper and Auggie’s book.

Heat Factor: There is some explicit sexy sex, but for a KA novel, it’s surprisingly tame
Character Chemistry: One thing I enjoy about this series is that the relationship hangups are resolved pretty early on, and sometimes instead of huge relationship angst it’s nice to think about those early days of playing house and enjoying little things like your new lover cooking dinner for you or bringing you coffee in the morning.
Plot: The Super Bad Guys are messing with everybody (so, real talk, this one doesn’t really come through as a stand alone)
Overall: My feelings are mixed.

I was having a lot of thoughts the whole time I read this book, but now that it’s done, the thought first and foremost in my brain is that I turned the page and the chapter heading said “Epilogue” and I felt like we had resolved NOTHING.

Thinking back, that isn’t wholly true. There were a ton of threads that got unraveled in the course of the story, from family drama for both Axl and Hattie to Super Bad Guy drama for everybody to a scary situation for Hattie to friendship drama (complete with wedding drama!) to, of course, alpha man drama, and some of those threads did get tied off. Mostly. In a really satisfying way? Maybe. Axl and Hattie help each other get themselves sorted out, which is one emotional goal of a romance, so there you go.

But the primary plot that is running through this series ended on a massive (though, interestingly, not particularly dramatic) cliffhanger, and unlike in the prior two books there wasn’t really a specific sub-plot (slash a book-specific primary plot) with a Current Bad Guy that they had to overcome, resolving the drama of a Current Bad Guy surrounding Hattie and Axl but not yet resolving the issue of the Super Bad Guys. So even though things are resolved for Hattie and Axl there was almost no emotional drama to hold on to in their relationship after about 50% and there wasn’t even a big action plot to hold on to. So here I am having very mixed feelings. But I am still invested in this series and I really want to know what happens, so take that as you will.

My other primary takeaway thought is that this series is designed for KA stans. ALL the Denver players are pulled in, including, of course, the Dream Man series heroes (this is a spinoff series, after all), most of the Nightingale team (Rock Chick series), several of the Chaos series heroes, and even Knight Sebring (Knight from the Unfinished Heroes series). Plus casual mentions of other players previously seen in KA Denver/Colorado books. Ergo, I’m not sure a brand new reader would be into that level of named characters brought in when they don’t already know about them, while readers who already know all the stories would probably enjoy revisiting Lee et al.

Now for some notes on the text.

Ashley’s writing style is extremely conversational/stream-of-consciousness which does not work for all readers. It can heighten the emotional drama that the characters are feeling, but it can also at times be distracting. The voice is extremely assertive, so there’s not a lot of teasing out takeaways or nudging certain ideas to the forefront of the reader’s mind, but there is a lot of “this is what’s important.” And I don’t mean “this is what’s important” to the characters, I mean this is what’s important IN LIFE. It’s not subtle. Finally, this is one author that I can tell by reading all her books over time that she is actively engaging with social issues. Do I agree with every single statement or characterization I read? Not necessarily. But I enjoy that I can tell it’s happening. And it means that even though the heroes in this series are very much her stock alpha hero, they’re significantly less alpha-hole than the heroes of prior series.

So, to sum up, I think my main enjoyment of this book is centered on it being something that’s familiar that doesn’t need to take up a lot of my headspace and that doesn’t play too heavily on my emotions. It’s somewhat meandering but also familiar, which can be comforting for the reader. Because I know KA, I know what I’m getting into from the start, and I can have fun with it and let it go. So it’s not high drama, huge thrills, but it is entertaining.

I voluntarily read and reviewed a complimentary copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own. We disclose this in accordance with 16 CFR §255.

This review is also available at The Smut Report.

The Dream Team series continues to be a comforting, typical Kristen Ashley series as the saga moves forward with Axl and Hattie. I enjoyed this book. This couple wasn't my favorite in the series but their journey was as entertaining as you'd expect from this series. There's an element of fun that Kristen Ashley cultivates in this series that's refreshing and easy to read. If you're looking for solid romance, steam, and beautiful friendships don't miss Hattie and Axl's story!

Dream Spinner is a quickly moving story full of fantastic characters you will recognize from other #rockchick books. So who really is the Dream Spinner? Is it Hattie because she has unbelievable creativity and can show us her emotions through her art and dance, or Axl because his strength makes it possible for Hattie to fly? Together the two are stronger, but they need to make that happen before life tears them apart. Love the novel, love the healing and the emotion with the story.

The third book in the Dream Team series, Dream Spinner started off on a good note for me. I found myself interested and invested in Hattie’s story. Hattie is a talented artist and also one of the dancers at Smithie’s, and is being pursued by Axl, an operative on Hawk’s team. If you are a Kristen Ashley fan, you will know all about Hawk’s team. If not, you should probably check out her Dream Man series, one of her very best.

Somewhere along the way though, I began to think that someone else wrote this book. I just wasn’t that invested in the craziness that was Hattie and Axl’s story. I stuck with it through to the end for the happily ever after that always come with a KA book. I wish Ashley would go back to writing books like she did in her early repertoire. While not one of my favorites, this was still an okay entrant.

Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher, Forever (Grand Central Publishing), for the opportunity to read this book for an honest review. I gave the book three and a half stars rounded down to three.

Hattie Yates wanted to be a professional ballerina, but didn’t quite make it. She still carries around the emotional scars inflicted by her father following her failure. Now that she has met the man of her dreams, her fear of failure and not meeting expectations holds her back and keeps her apart from those around her.

Axl Pantera sees Hattie and feels the attraction simmering between them. He is willing to give her the time she needs to get comfortable with the idea of him and isn’t afraid to wait for what he wants. But his patience is tried when a stalker begins leaving notes for Hattie, and as the danger to her increases, he isn’t afraid to step in and protect her.

They both have family issues to overcome, but their personalities (though opposite) mesh so well that there was little drama once they pushed past Hattie’s initial reluctance. Axl’s alpha nature has him going into protective mode any time her stalker makes a move, but he also lets her have the space she needs to take care of her business, unless he feels her business is something she shouldn’t have to face alone. Hattie has a backbone and uses it to step up into her own protector role when needed. I just loved how they came to each other’s rescue - it wasn’t like Axl was the only one who had a moment to save Hattie. She gave back just as much.

This felt like a classic KA novel. The writing style, descriptions, and characterizations felt like everything I expect from Kristen Ashley (and I love that she named her hero after her very beloved feline). Yes, I skimmed through a few of the descriptions of interior decor (they are vivid), and fashion (not quite as lengthy as the rooms, but very specific). But I also loved that it was that voice that screams Rock Chick.

As far as entertaining reads, I know KA can deliver as long as I have time in my schedule for her stories. I really liked how Hattie and Axl’s story ended. They were quieter coming together and figuring things out together than previous books in the series. Her stalker moved things forward, but the relationship between them had few bumps once Hattie started opening up. It was the series events that had me scratching my head trying to figure out what was resolved. I felt like the end happened a little faster than I was ready for, especially the way things were left with her stalker and the series arc.

I am looking forward to Pepper and Auggie’s book - he’s got his work cut out for him getting this single mom to let down her walls.

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3.5/4 stars
Axl Pantera has been chasing Hattie Yates for a while, but she has excelled at putting him off. But it is not because she is not interested, but more that she has a lot going on in her life. Hattie tends to keep her issues hidden and pushes those that care about her away. But she is a talented dancer and artist. But now she seems to have someone else after her as well. She is not sure if she burned some bridges with her friends and the commandos, so takes help from an unlikely source.

Axl is a commando alpha with a heart of gold. Their friend Lottie had set up Axl and Hattie a while ago, but Hattie was holding back. He chased her, but was finally pissed enough to push a bit far and think it was done. But did not like anyone else being the knight to step in and save Hattie either. But once she gets a clue and he gets her, he really starts to show how protective, caring, sweet, and thoughtful he is.

They both have family histories that have affected how they see themselves so they can appreciate how to help the other deal with it. Their family issues take up a lot of the conflict in this story. Axl brings Hattie back out of her shell and gives her the support and care that she needs. And Hattie gives the same back to Axl. They've got great chemistry and a good rapport. They are really a sweet, hot, and compatible pairing. Of course, like most of these books, things move fast, and claiming happens as soon as possible.

This brings back the new commandos and their girls, and some old friends. My forever favorite, Hawk Delgado is a stand-out. I loved Hawk's mentoring relationship with Axl. And Cisco's return is also fun. He did not realize what he was getting into when he previously kidnapped this girl group, but now he feels responsible for making sure they are safe.

I cannot lie and say that all the details and repetition in these books do not get to me. It makes the book drag a bit and sometimes I get sick of hearing what they are wearing and what they are eating, And the alpha-speak/dirty-talk and lovey-dovey/honey-talk can get annoying after a while. But I continue on because these have the badass brigade and rock chick vibe and I like the characters. The women find ways to empower themselves through friendship, love, and accomplishments. And the men will do anything they need to to make their women happy and safe.

There is an ongoing mystery and suspense story arc that has been layered into the series that they keep working on and we do not get many answers. But this one was a bit quieter book without the over-the-top kidnappings, murders, and shenanigans. Some of the situations just seemed unfinished and some of it seemed unnecessary.

I enjoyed the miscellaneous points of view in the epilogues and teasing more for the next book where hopefully there is more resolution. Up next is Auggie and Pepper. She might be the most protective and stubborn of the women yet.

I have been obsessed with Kristen Ashley's Dream Team series from Mo and Lottie's book. Frankly, I have been obsessed with all the Commandos since Mystery Man and never ever want them to leave me. EVER. It runs that deep, y'all. For that reason, I just knew that Axl and Hattie were going to rock my world and boy did they (and then some!!)

What I love in Ashley's stories is the excitement, anticipation and an amazing alpha hero. Axl was calm and patient and what he did for Hattie was beyond epic. He was the solid and patient man that she needed. I LOVED this story and could not read it fast enough. Hattie's story was heartbreaking and poignant and I lived seeing her girls rallying behind her.

Overall, this stirybwas fabulous. Now I am so intrigued about the corrupt and crooked cops and the extent of Cisco's involvement. I love this series so much! 4.5 stars! ~Ratula

Dream Spinner is the third novel in the Dream Team series by Kristen Ashley and Axl and Hattie's story was definitely worth waiting for.

Families can be a curse or a godsend and both these amazing characters are cursed with downright awful fathers.

Hattie continues to do everything she can to win her father's approval and Axl doesn't! He is so done with his father and has been for a number of years.

How Axl supports Hattie through the changes in her life both at work and in the dealings with her dad, are nothing short of heroic.

Axl does all of this whilst helping to solve 'commando type' mysteries as a members of Hawk's team.

As a long time fan of Ms. Ashley, its lovely to revisit with old friends. However, there is no doubt that Dream Spinner could easily be enjoyed by an Ashley virgin.

As I have come to expect from this author's work, the men created by her are just too good to be true, BUT its doesn't stop a girl from dreaming!

You can never go wrong with a Kristen Ashley book. Her writing just seems into your soul and you are with them the entire time. I will never, ever get sick of reading this woman's writing.

There was no kidnappings, car bombs or shootings.

What there was is an over protective alpha-hole and a heroine who is dealing with the emotional scars her dad gave her.

This books continues where Hattie is pushing everyone away. Her friends, and especially the hot guy she wants to be with, but can't bring herself to let it happen.

In true KA fashion, Axl gets mad at Hattie for pushing everyone away, acts like a completely fucking alpha-hole (but I won't lie and she kinda deserved it for ditching out on her girls).

Literally not 5 minutes after alpha-hole Axl walks out, Hattie gets a super creepy call. Who does she call? Definitely not alpha-hole Axl. She calls Cisco, of course.

Let's just say when Axl finds this out, he is now even more unhappy. And so start Hattie and Axl finally get their shit together.

Now, I personally love all the background mystery about the dirty cops. I love trying to figure out who the bad guy is, but sadly we have to wait for Pepper's book to get the answers, or at least some answers.

Seriously, no one writes dialogue like KA. Even if you don't like her alpha talk, you have to appreciate the pure incredibleness of it. I hope you all can read and enjoy this one as much as I do.