Another sweet YA love story by Kristy Boyce 💕

If you loved Hot British Boyfriend, this one is for you. Ryland and Sage have a lot going over their summer. After a surprise encounter they quickly become allies for each other. Helping each other to reach their highest potentials while also being there for each other when they fall.

Characters are 100% fun and relatable. You will fall for them all!

Thank you NetGalley for the chance to read and review this book!

Hot Dutch Daydream by Kristy Boyce
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Sage is spending the summer in Amsterdam, where she will babysit for the doctor she is interning with. Dr. Reese has an older son, named Ryland, who was supposed to be gone all summer but he comes home early.
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This was a really fun story that read like a YA/coming of age/rom-com.
Sage is a but of a perfectionist who needs her whole life to be in order and on plan.
While Ryland is our extrovert artist who loves cats.
Sage and Ryland enter into an agreement at the beginning of the summer that is mutually beneficial. But of course it will only continue to work if Sage can NOT catch feelings.
While reading this, I really, really wanted to go to Amsterdam! It has jumped up on my list of places I want to visit after reading about Sage’s time there.
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4⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Fun and easy read.

This is such a cute read. It's one of those i just didn’t want to put down and when I did have to, I just wanted to go back to it asap. The characters are so fun and the chemistry is fantastic, I thoroughly recommend this to anyone who loves a good YA romance

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

Thanks to Netgalley and HarperTeen for the ARC of this!

It was super fun, I loved the babysitting and research and art going on. Overall it was more instalove than my usual taste, but I was having such a good time reading it, I can ignore that. Recommend for anyone who is into teens researching, artists, cats, and international romancing.

Sage and Ryland are as unlikely a couple as you’d ever find. But their story is cute!

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

Sage Cunningham is driven. So. So. Driven. When an opportunity to assist with her mentor’s cancer research in Amsterdam and to attend a related conference in Berlin over the summer arises, Sage jumps at it. The catch? She’ll be the live-in nanny for Dr. Reese’s 3-year-old by day and working with data by night. This is a huge opportunity for a recently graduated high school senior, so she doesn’t need to think twice.

Dr. Reese doesn’t expect her teenage son, Ryland, to be home over the summer, but when his plans change and her outgoing and popular son becomes a fixture in the apartment again, she forbids dating between the two teenagers in residence.

Opposites attract in this YA rom-com from Kristy Boyce. Sage is the scientist with goals, plans, and a monochromatic wardrobe. Ryland is the artist filled with color, life, and a bit of a laissez-faire attitude. She’s carefully organized. His belongings are spread somewhat haphazardly across the attic. When forced proximity in an Amsterdam apartment pushes them to spend time together, they end up finding balance in each other.

From Ryland’s plan to incorporate Sage more into his life to the interactions with and antics of 3-year-old Diederik to the supportive friendships in the novel and the off-the-beaten-path tour of Amsterdam, I thoroughly enjoyed this coming-of-age romance.

I received an advance copy from HarperTeen and NetGalley. All review opinions are my own.

Hot Dutch Daydream, by Kristy Boyce, follows Sage Cunningham, an American girl who is spending the summer nannying for a three-year-old Dutch boy in exchange for his mother, Sage's mentor, flying her out to the Netherlands to intern under her and attend a conference. What Sage wasn't expecting was for Dr. Reese to also have a teenage son at home, Ryland, who is Sage's opposite in almost every way. When Ryland and Sage strike a deal where she will keep him focused on his art in exchange for his help with his half-brother, the two find themselves growing closer. The catch? Dr. Reese has made it absolutely clear that the two cannot date if Sage wants to continue working in her lab.

I will preface this review by saying that I absolutely loathed the book that this is a sequel to, Hot British Boyfriend, so I didn't have overly high expectations going in, but I thought the summary sounded promising enough to give it a shot. Sage was just about the only tolerable character in the first book, so I allowed myself to be somewhat hopeful going in.

Unfortunately, I was wrong.

I do still really like Sage as a character. She is driven and goal-oriented and passionate about cancer research. She knows exactly what she wants to do in life and how to get it. I really enjoy how her character develops over the course of the book as she learns to be a little looser and easier on herself, both from her nannying job and from Ryland. I was particularly appreciative of this in comparison to Hot British Boyfriend, wherein the protagonist, Ellie, has basically only one personality trait, which was being boy-crazy; she quite literally does not care about anything else. Reading about Sage, who has so much character and personality independent of her romance story, was thus immensely refreshing from this author.

I did also like Ryland, the love interest. I'm a sucker for artistic characters in YA books, so I really enjoyed reading about his passion and efforts to make it into a career in spite of his parents' doubts. He and Sage are cute together, though I definitely wish they had had more chemistry.

The biggest thing that annoyed me about this book was the forbidden romance aspect of it. It was not at all mentioned in the summary, so I wasn't prepared going in, but I would not have requested the book if I knew it were the case. It is my absolute least favorite trope in contemporary fiction (I don't mind it in fantasy), so realizing a couple chapters in that it was going to be the central conflict in the book was definitely not my favorite experience. I simply cannot justify in my mind Sage choosing a boy who she has known for only a handful of weeks over continuing to work in her dream lab. Would the characters in this book say that I'm not giving romance enough credit? Yes. Do I still stand by it? Absolutely. I'm all for not letting work dictate your life, but this was a case where I absolutely could not understand Sage's priorities, particularly when she is openly defying the single condition of somebody who is doing a lot for her. It didn't feel in character, it didn't feel like a good message for teenagers, and it was absolutely miserable to read.

I really wanted to give this book a chance, but I think I'm going to have to accept that Boyce's writing is simply not for me. Although I did really like Sage as a character (despite a lot of her choices), and I did think the love interest somewhat compelling, I am giving this book a very tentative 3 stars.

This was an absolutely adorable read. Readers follow Sage as she goes off to Amsterdam with a plan; to be a babysitter for her mentor and help her mentor at a scientific convention. What she didn't plan for was for her mentor's older son to enter her life.

This is a cute slow burn novel. There were moments of levity, grief, and utter heartbreak. There were multiple times when I couldn't help but squeal in happiness as Sage and Ryland navigated their relationship. Each of them felt like a real teen. Sage embodied the no-nonsense and organized planner who let's nothing get in her way. But readers also experience her palpable grief that motivates her dreams. And Ryland is the handsome, flirty artist that most girls would swoon over. And yet, his nature was endearing because we also see his ambition to follow his own dreams.

The plot itself is a fun one. Sage and readers are immediately told what the stakes are if Sage dates Ryland. But when Ryland makes a deal with Sage to help him focus on his art, I couldn't help but root for them. As we see them fall for each other, there's that hint of dread of all the what ifs.

This novel has the beautiful message that you can have love while also pursuing your dreams. It may be hard, but in the end, it is worth it.

Sage has a plan. She wants to be a cancer researcher. She worked at an internship last year in England with Dr. Reese. She is now going to nanny for Dr. Reese to help pay for an amazing opportunity to go to a conference in Berlin. Sage meets Ryland, Dr. Reeses son. They become friends and help each other focus on their projects. I'd really like to see Ryland's artwork especially his shirts. I really liked this romance. It was a lot of fun.

What's it about (in a nutshell):
Sage is spending the summer before college in Amsterdam as her research mentor's intern and live-in babysitter for her 3-year-old son. But when her mentor's teenage son returns home unexpectedly, he threatens to upend Sage's summer in more ways than one.

My Reading Experience:
This is such a light, fluffy, fun read. Perfect for curling up with when you need a boost in your mood. That's not to say it doesn't cover some deeper topics. Sage is still experiencing grief over her father's passing, which shows in her determination to do things that would make him proud were he still alive. Also, it shows up in her floundering relationship with her older sister, who is at a point where she wants to talk about Sage's grief, but Sage isn't ready for that. YA stories where the main character deals with grief over losing a parent always touch my heart. Every parent's worst nightmare, after the nightmare of something terrible happening to their children, is the one where they leave their child too soon, and I'm no exception. This story, and others like it, touch that part of my heart in profound ways.

The romance is so cute. Ryland is the male version of me, the teen who is determined to forge their own path no matter what and sometimes despite their parent's wishes. I chuckled over his parent's reactions to him often because I've been there and done that. He is the perfect foil and counterpart to the main character, Sage, because she is so serious and is constantly toeing the line, afraid to step off it even just a little.

It's also a coming-of-age story, and watching Sage grow and mature, figuring out her own path was just a delight. And watching her learn how to deal with a three-year-old is hilarious. She likes schedules, and little Dietrick wants to upend those schedules at every turn.

Characters:
I described Sage and Ryland already, so I'll use this section to discuss character development. The characters were developed enough so that you could appreciate the connection, the growth, and the humor, but not so much that the more poignant aspects changed the tone of the story. They are very relatable in all the best ways.

Narration & Pacing:
Sage tells the story in first-person narration, keeping the pace quick. It only lagged in a few brief sections, but not to the extent that impacted my reading.

Setting:
The story is set in Amsterdam and does an excellent job incorporating the city's beauty into the account. I've never considered visiting Amsterdam before, but now I feel like I have to go and experience the gorgeousness for myself. Of course, I must hone my bike riding skills before I go.

Read if you like:
Light YA romcoms
Holiday/vacation reads.
STEM romances-ish

This was one of those books where I knew from the cover and synopsis that I'd love this book. I love a pairing of the well-prepared, organized nerd and the easy-going artist. It's just a bonus that the artist is European and you know, forbidden to catch feelings for. 

I loved Sage as a side character in Hot British Boyfriend, so I'm really excited that she got her own story that takes place six months later. She was always there with a witty quip in HBB, and that's no different in this one. She just happens to have that many more of them as the main character. I relate to her in some ways, but not others. The "other" being her extreme focus on academics (particularly science) and being super organized. However, her determination of not catching feelings until she's done with college and stable with her career is how I was growing up. I mean, I did have one boyfriend in high school, but that was for a short while and it was because everyone expected us to date since we were best friends. That worked out well.

Anyway, my point is that I was all for Sage's determination to stay away from the dating scene until later in her life, but of course the teenage son of the doctor she's working for blows that plan to smithereens. And honestly, I don't blame her. Ryland was a fantastic character. I loved the chilled vibe he carried and the fact he's an artist. I love artists because I wish I could have the patience to learn to create like them, and Ryland is no exception. I found it cute how he worked better when they made their agreement for Sage to keep him on track to create and enter some pieces into a contest, and how during most evenings/nights, they'd work separately on their own work, but be together in the attic workspace.

Not only did I love the progression of Sage and Ryland's relationship, but I also loved the bond between Sage and Deidrick (Ryland's 3-year-old brother who Sage is working as a nanny for) by the end of the book. At first Deidrick struck me as an annoying little toddler, but he grew on me as he did on Sage and their bond was so precious when the story came to a close. 

Without giving anything away, this was a really cute read. It's one of those ones that I thought about when I wasn't reading, and I just wanted to get back to their story. It's very character-driven which is always my favorite, especially since both Sage and Ryland do some growing in this book. 

While it's a companion to Hot British Boyfriend, you don't need to read that one first. But if you have any interest in this book, then I'm sure you'll love that one as well. Hot Dutch Daydream releases tomorrow, April 18th, 2023, and I highly recommend it to anyone looking for a cute read that takes place in Europe!

Sage Cunningham has always had a plan for everything. Her latest one includes spending the summer as an intern at a lab in Amsterdam before starting her freshman year of college. However, in order to get there, she also has to serve as the au pair for her mentor Dr. Reese's toddler, Deidrick. Sage is determined not to let romance get in the way of her goals...until she meets Ryland, Dr. Reese's teenage son and Sage's polar opposite. Where she's a driven, organized workaholic, Ryland is a spontaneous, impulsive free spirit. They're stuck spending the summer together, but they couldn't possibly become friends (or more). Or could they?

I loved HOT DUTCH DAYDREAM! It was a quick read filled with plenty of wit, fun, and romance. I liked watching Sage and Ryland's relationship develop, but I also really enjoyed the parts where Sage's research and responsibilities were described, as well as the Amsterdam setting. If you're dreaming of an exciting summer vacation and a swoon-worthy summer romance, this is the story for you. I haven't read HOT BRITISH BOYFRIEND (the companion novel) yet, but now I especially want to pick it up, too! Thank you to NetGalley and HarperCollins for the ARC.

Another incredible installment by Kristy Boyce. It's steamy and witty and all the things a book like this should be. A fun read that tastes like candy but has the depth to keep me coming back for more.

Thank you to #NetGalley and Harper Teen for allowing me the opportunity to read a digital ARC of Hot Dutch Daydream by Kristy Boyce. This YA romantic comedy will be released April 18, 2023. All opinions are my own.

Sage is off to spend the summer before her freshman year at John Hopkins in Amsterdam as a nanny and intern for her mentor, Dr. Reese. In return for nannying, Dr. Reese is going to pay for Sage's ticket to Berlin for a medical conference at the end of the summer. Sage is devoted to science, research, and her future. No one has ever accused her of getting distracted. That all changes when Dr. Reese's teenage son has a change of plans and ends up back at home for the summer.

I'm going to preface my review by saying that I have not read Boyce's Hot British Boyfriend which Hot Dutch Daydream is the companion novel to. That being said, I totally want to. This was my first introduction to Sage and I totally love her. I love her dedication and sense of humor. I also love Ryland. This is such a fun and cute opposites attract romance with just a touch of forbidden romance. It moves quickly and has wit. Once you pick it up, you won't want to put it down. It would make a terrific summer read.

A cute teen romcom that I'm sure young people will love.

Thanks to Netgalley, Harper Teen and the author for the eARC in exchange for my review.

I was so excited to read Hot Dutch Daydream, but unfortunately it just wasn’t for me. Sage was incredibly annoyed, and the dialogue between characters was stilted and weird.

So bummed!

Much thanks to NetGalley and HarperTeen/HarperCollins for an advance read of this sweet romantic excursion to scenic Amsterdam.
For anybody looking to spend an entertaining afternoon curled up with a quick-to-read, altogether delightful little YA romance, this book fits that description to perfection.
A clash of opposite personalities? You've got it. Beautiful travel brochure backgrounds? All in place here. Kissing, hugging, impromptu smooching between the adorable supposed opposites? Most definitely.
First half of our dynamic duo - Sage, a Type A high achiever on the verge of college with a pre-med trajectory for her future. And she's lined up, for her, the perfect summer job before school - off to Amsterdam, serving as a research intern for oncologist Dr. Reese, who also employs Sage to babysit Diedrik, her rambunctious 3 year old toddler.
What Sage didn't count on coping with was Ryland, the Doctor's young, but grown son, a charming-to-the-max, devil-may-care freelance artist with a large coterie of adoring friends, mostly girls.
Need I even explain the inevitable, amusing clashes between overachiever Sage and the freewheeling, lover of life Ryland? Especially when Ryland asks the ever organized efficient Sage to help him curb his social life so he can focus and concentrate on submitting his artwork to a major competition.
Uh oh.....but what about Dr. Reese's strict "no romance allowed" commandment? Much fun and head-over-heels swooning ensues anyway, as we all knew it would.
A fast easy breezy read, guaranteed to leave you smiling and maybe check out airplane fares to Amsterdam. so can tour all the colorful locales the cute couple visited. But if you can't go, this book's the next best thing.......and a great kick-off to the summer reading season.

This book appealed to me as I work in research and academia and I really want to go to Amsterdam so this seemed like a great combination. It follows Sage, who is working as a babysitter so she can attend a conference and present the research she's been working on, and Ryland, an artist who needs help committing to working. The two strike up a deal so they can both get their work done and what follows is the development of a forbidden romance.

I liked Sage - her character felt very relatable to me - and the opposites attract aspect of her relationship with Ryland worked really well. I liked how they had completely different interests and projects but still worked well together and each achieved their own goals.

I wasn't sure how I'd feel about the babysitting aspect but Diedrick was great and I enjoyed reading those scenes.

I really enjoyed the academia and research side of this, especially as Sage is a woman in STEM but it did feel slightly unrealistic that she was doing this at such a young age.

The ending did also feel a bit rushed and the third act conflict was predictable. It would have been nice to have an epilogue of some sort to make the ending feel less sudden, but overall, I enjoyed this book.

I figured I’d give this book a try but it really wasn’t for me. The reason Sage was employed felt extremely flimsy and didn’t make much sense. (She has access to the data but she’s only the babysitter?) Even after letting that unrealistic premise go I found it hard to root for the MCs, Sage and Ryland. I liked Ryland and thought he was easy going but Sage was uptight and flew off the handle. Nothing wrong with having flaws but there didn’t seem to be anyone to put her in check. Ryland even called her scary. Not exactly what I would want anyone to call me but whatever. I didn’t see much chemistry between them and was not rooting for them at all. I thought they might change each other for the better but that’s not what came across. Plenty of people seem to love the story so I would say check it out if you’re curious.


Thanks to NetGalley and the Publisher for the ARC.

So Hot Dutch Daydream is the follow-up, spin-off to Hot British Boyfriend, which I have not read. Sage is the main character in this one and she’s very driven and studious young woman, especially after her sister, Wren gets pregnant at a young age. She’s never had a crush or been and love. She’s focused on her mentor program and babysitting her nanny’s young son. What she’s not planning for is her mentor’s older son, Ryland, showing up out of nowhere.

These two are complete opposites, but you can feel that sweet, yummy YA tension between them from the start. They are banned from having a relationship from Rylan’s mom, but of course they couldn’t deny their slow burn, innocent romance.

This story is one of the reasons I adore YA romances. It’s cozy and funny and heartfelt. It touches on youthful emotions and decisions and thoughts. I’m entering my mid-life and it feels so reminiscent to read these love stories and think back on young love. And Hot Dutch Daydream is a perfect afternoon treat!