This was such an interesting concept. I loved the magical twist in this romance book. It also deals with anxiety which I liked. Unfortunately I wasn’t a big fan of the main character, she was very hot and cold which was frustrating to read. I also didn’t love the writing of this but the plot was interesting enough to continue to the end.

I wanted to love this because brothers best friend is my jam but I just could not get over the MMC. I did not connect with either main character and their love really didn’t feel like that at all. I did not get the best friend vibes with the brother either. It didn’t feel like a romance story - more a “like” story.

therese know how to wright a heart breaking and tragic and with so many emotions. i just love these two so much they deserve all the good things and happiness. i wish i could read this book for the first time all over again

And They Lived Happily Ever After by Therese Beharrie is a charming and magical romance that blends heartwarming love with a touch of fantasy. The story follows romance novelist Gaia Anders, who has the uncanny ability to live out the happily-ever-afters she writes in her dreams—until she meets Jacob Scott, a man who challenges her to confront her fears and embrace the possibility of real love. Beharrie’s writing is light yet emotionally resonant, exploring themes of vulnerability, self-discovery, and the courage it takes to pursue happiness. The chemistry between Gaia and Jacob is delightful, filled with humor, tenderness, and a dash of whimsy. And They Lived Happily Ever After is a feel-good, enchanting read perfect for anyone who believes in the magic of love.

DNF @ 15%

I didn’t like the writing style or the way the story was heading. It was really cringey and immature. It just wasn’t for me.

And They Lived Happily Ever After has a really interesting premise that really makes you keep turning pages to find out how it all works out. Its a book for someone looking for something light, fun and romantic for spooky season.

It was cute! I still cant get over her books being about the stuff that happenst to her in her dreams

Tropes:
-M/F
-28H/30h
-Author/CEO(Branding and design)
-Bestfriend's borther
-Forced proximity
-MC was in the foster system
-Virgin MC
-I'll see you in my dreams...literally

This book was just not it for me. I really loved the idea of the main character living the scenes she writes in her dreams every night, but I just didn't love the execution. I found the characters annoying and the story kind of boring. I wanted more plot to it. And also the random person that is introduced with the big reveal was very out of place to me. I just didn't think it fit with the story. Overall, this just wasn't for me.

Charming story with an interesting plot. I didn't connect well with the author's writing style but found the story to be fun-ish. The ending was a bit abrupt to me which left me feeling unsatisfied in the romance area and with Gaia character arc.

A fun romance about a romance writer stuck living in her fictional world. This is a fun read for spooky season with the elements of magical realism.

The book has many positive things going for it: diverse representation, forbidden romance/brother’s best friend trope, magical realism, and a patient and understanding love interest. I loved how the book started with Gaia deciding she was going to let her best friend’s little brother seduce her. I loved Jacob.

With a focus on introspection and mostly just Gaia and Jacob, the book often felt isolating. I wanted to know more about their world and have more interactions between them and other people. Eventually, the book started to feel longer than it actually was. (3.5 stars rounded to 4 stars)

I wanted to love this one but I just couldn't. I liked the concept of the story but it just couldn't hold my attention. I'm sure it would appeal to a different audience though.

And They Lived Happily Ever After was interesting, for lack of a better word. I really enjoyed the concept, and the attention to Gaia's mental well-being. As someone who suffers from mental illness myself, it's always refreshing when an author isn't afraid to touch on it. My biggest qualm was that as an adult reading this book, even with the subject matter, it felt a little childish.
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Thanks to NetGalley and Kensington Books for this ARC in exchange for my honest review.

This is a story that kept me intrigued from the beginning. I was invested in the characters from the very beginning to the very end of the story. There is chemistry and the plot close a great pace. I’m excited to read more books by Theresa Beharie.

The strangest form of writing I’ve experienced in ages. Feels dream-like in every sentence, or like I was drunk the entire time (I definitely wasn’t). The dialogue and the text, all of it felt loopy and disjointed.

It did get better in the last half. And I feel a sequel coming and I’ll probably read it because Gemma is great.

Not my favorite, but not my least favorite either! Good development of the story until it wasn’t. Not a mega fan of the paranormal magical elements and how Gaia could control all until Jacob appeared. The dialogue felt forced and the plot wasn’t super grabby, but overall, wasn’t a totally awful story. Would have loved more development in the plot sense!

This title was extremely sweet and I loved the contemporary world with a touch of magic. The romance was really cute and compelling and the main characters were immediately loveable.

I really wanted to like this book, but I just couldn’t. I think this is first in a series but I’m not sure I would read any more.

It was nice to see a fantasy element in a contemporary romance, but I think it should've had more development, a bit more foundation. I know it's fantasy, and it's not going to be logical. It doesn't have to. But it just needed more development.

It was just ok. Nothing spectacular, and nothing I'd go out of my way to recommend to others. I'm fairly sure it's the first (?) in a series, but I didn't like this enough to read the rest.