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!

Thank you to HarperCollins Children's Books, HarperTeen and NetGalley for an electronic Advanced Readers Copy of this novel.

Sage Cunningham thinks she has it all - an acceptance to Johns Hopkins and an opportunity to continue her work helping with cancer research in Amsterdam. She is single-minded in her academic pursuit and doesn't have time for a relationship. Enter Ryland, a flirty artist who just happens to be the son of the researcher she is working with - and also living with. They strike a deal where Ryland will help Sage with the care of his half brother and in turn, she will keep him from socializing too much so he can work on an art project. Will she be able to resist his charms?

Hot Dutch Daydream is a fun novel by Kristy Boyce. It's a fun and quick read, and I really enjoyed it. I loved the Amsterdam setting, which I don't see often in a YA novel.

This was so cute! I absolutely flew through this book in about 3 hours and it was just adorable!
I really loved both Sage (academic and has everything in her life planned out) and Ryland (flirty, sweet and artistic) as characters and as someone who works in childcare often found myself laughing and sympathising with Sage and her attempts to wrangle the 3 year old she was babysitting!
While this was a ya book it also didn’t feel overly ya which I liked, the characters definitely came across as their ages: 17 and 18, and mostly handled any problems that came up by communicating with each other even when it didn’t lead to the outcome they both wanted!

Overall this is a lighthearted, really cute and quick read!

I enjoyed this book but struggled to stay with it. Seemed a little slow at times. I really enjoyed the studying abroad aspect (something I encourage all students to do), but couldn’t connect with the main character. Maybe because I love to explore new areas and she was not particularly interested in doing that. It is a book I will recommend for teens looking for travel adventure or romance.

This was adorable! I love the opposites attract trope.

Sage is driven. Her life revolves around getting through the summer babysitting her mentor's three year old son, attending a prestigious conference, and starting school in the fall at John's Hopkins University. Her dream is to go into cancer research and she won't have any distractions along the way.

Then Ryland walks in. Well, he's not supposed to but there he is and Sage is completely caught off guard. Her mentor did not mention she had an older son and when his summer plans fall through Sage finds herself trying to stay focused on her work, babysitting Diederik and making it through each day without any hiccups.

I enjoyed Ryland's love of art. I found that it helped to balance out Sage's stick to the facts mentality. Sage pushed Ryland to stay focus while he got her to loosen up a bit and enjoy her time in Amsterdam.

The story was adorable, the characters fun, and the chemistry was definitely there! I recommend this to anyone who loves a good YA Rom Com set outside of the US. I wanted to walk the streets of Amsterdam with Sage and will be adding it to my definite travel bucket list!!

I really enjoyed this. Very YA but not childish. The FMC could have gone full Tracy Flick but thankfully didn’t.

I really enjoyed the story and cast of characters. A seeet love story about priorities.

NetGalley ARC review

*I received an e-arc via Netgalley and the publisher HarperTeen for review. Thank you! All thoughts are my own*

Hot Dutch Daydream was a fantastic follow up to Boyce’s debut of Hot British Boyfriend! Although this one can be read as a standalone, I highly recommend reading HBB before reading this one. I found that I didn’t want to put this one down, and it’s the perfect summer read. I totally wanted to travel somewhere while reading! For fans of smart girls, artistic boys, interesting family dynamics, travel and a slow burn romance, I highly recommend this one!

Sage Cunnigham has always been super focused. Her summer plans include interning in Dr. Reese’s lab in Amsterdam before starting her freshman year of college. Sage agrees to nanny for her mentor’s three-year-old son Diedrick in order to pay for the trip, which includes an important conference in Berlin.

Shortly after her arrival in Amsterdam, Sage is surprised by the unexpected addition of Dr. Reese’s teenage son Ryland. His personality is the exact opposite of hers, he’s flirtatious, spontaneous, and impulsive. He’s an artist who really needs someone to help keep him focused. Nannying is harder than Sage expected it to be, and she feels as though she needs help too.

The pair strikes a deal. Sage will keep Ryland from going out with friends all the time and Ryland will help out with his little brother. They figure that working together will keep distractions away and they’ll both be able to focus. Or will they?

Sage and Ryland are such great characters! I love how Sage is so driven towards her goals, and she doesn’t let anything stand in the way of her dreams. Ryland is such a sweet and supportive character. He really encouraged Sage and got her to open up and also do some fun things while being away from home. They balanced each other out so well! There are some interesting family dynamics that are explored for both characters as well. I also love how we get updates from Sage’s best friends Ellie, Dev, and Huan from HBB and what they’ve been up to.

I think if you loved HBB and/or you’re a romance fan, you would love Hot Dutch Daydream. It’s releasing on April 18, 2023, and I hope you’ll give a try.

Cute and interesting YA romance read. Definitely a light read. Would recommend this if your into fun romcom.

LOVED! This book was definitely tailor-made for me: a romance novel enthusiast who previously lived in Amsterdam. I was swooning not only from the romance, but also because of the details about my favorite city sprinkled in throughout the novel - the descriptions of the canals, famous foods like herring and bitterballen, and even some Dutch dialogue. I liked Sage and Ryland together and had fun watching their relationship unfold over the course of a summer. The reasons behind Sage's commitment to her craft (cancer research) were well fleshed out. It was clear Boyce did a lot of research for the setting and content of this novel!

Minus one star because it was overly cheesy and too YA at times, and I also really disliked the plot point about Sage messing up the data. I didn't think that was necessary; it detracted from the rest of the story.

Otherwise, I cannot wait to recommend this book to anyone and everyone!!

Sadly, this book missed the mark for me. The dialogue was stilted, and the characters were stiff and unrealistic. Sage was plain annoying. It's the second in the series, but I don't think it's necessary to read the first book, as each one seems to focus on a different main character. I didn't care for the language. However, I did like the Amsterdam setting, which was probably the only things I enjoyed.