I enjoyed reading Only in Your Dreams by Ellie K. Wilde. You will fall in love with all the characters. I received an ARC of this book courtesy of NetGalley and the publisher. All opinions expressed in this review are my own and given freely. Happy Reading!

3.75/5 stars
I needed a fluffy sports romance book to help chase away the winter blues, and this one fit perfectly! It was sweet, charming, and had amazing banter. I love a brother's best friend trope and Zac was the perfect candidate. Zac and Melody had tensions, steam, and amazing support through their friend groups to help them navigate some emotionally difficult situations.

✨ARC Review✨

I was provided with a copy by Artia and Netgalley.

Zac is an obsessed, caring, and patient man. He gives Melody her space and time to heal from her awful 6-year relationship. Their banter is cute and fun and once I got past the fast pace-start I really enjoyed their chemistry and the sneaking around.

My only problem with this book is that it just jumped right into the forced proximity, it would have been nice to get a feel of the two main characters' interactions before they were thrust into a forced proximity. We only got a few snippets of their past and within 24 hours of getting back in each other's lives, Zac starts flirting, and Meldoy immediately trusts him with the trauma of her recent breakup. This might have been fine if there was more of a foundation for their relationship for her to immediately open up beyond the surface level "I just got dumped by a jerk", besides an almost kiss ten years ago.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️.5

Zac Porter is officially my all time fav simp of a man and I lived for every second of it.

This book reads just like a college sports romance everyone love to read about would except make it a second chance romance with two 28 year olds that never stopped loving one another. Melody had so much growth throughout this book and her character as a whole was one I could relate to in some aspects, but I mainly just really enjoyed her story as a whole.
Zac? Now that man is everything and then some like, he has known what he's wanted since he was 14 and was gonna have it one day or another.

Now lemme tell yall about THE SPICE???? This was such a nice slow burn that keeps you fed throughout until the socks get rocked off ya know? I absolutely devoured & loved every second I opened this book.

Thank you so much to Atria Books for an early copy of this book!💖
Only in Your Dreams is a brother's best friend + friends to lovers + kinda second chanceish + sports romance + she's his good luck charm + he nicknamed her Clover + so much more! There are some books like this were they have second chance vibes from when the main characters were teens to when their adults but idk the fact that this book focused more on the main characters when their adults made me like it so much more! And I was worried the book was going to drag on but lemme tell you, that was SO not the case! This was so good (and spicy 👀) that it felt like it flew by and I was so happy to see their personal and relationship growth! ALSO I think this romcom is one of the first ones to give me goosebumps (I can't say why because I want everyone to feel the same way when it's revealed😭)!!!! I really enjoyed this book and I can't wait to read book 2 in this series!

Thank you to NetGalley and Atria Books for the arc copy of this book. All opinions expressed are entirely my own.

Zachary Porter and twins Parker and Melody Woods were best friends in high school, practically attached at the hip. Zac and Parker played on the same high school football team in Oakwood, and Melody tagged along for all of their shenanigans. Unbeknownst to the trio, Zac and Melody harbor secret feelings for each other. When Melody makes a move on Zac after a party during senior year, he leaves her with a promise he will return that night. Except, he never does. He ignores her text the next day and they never speak or see each other again.

Ten years later, Melody moves back to Oakwood into Parker's apartment after her boyfriend Connor unexpectedly ends their six year relationship to be single on his upcoming "guys" trip. Filled with self doubt and six years worth of confusing feelings, Melody is left to pick up the pieces as she tries to find herself again. The absolute last thing she wants to do is go camping, but Parker convinces her to take his place on a camping trip with friends. Melody arrives at the campsite and discovers the one and only Zac Porter, who just happens to be sharing her tent.

The reunion is tense and dramatic, and soon Melody and Zac accidentally find themselves stranded at the campsite alone after a storm causes everyone else to flee. Melody cannot deny the attraction they still have for each other, but she still carries her heartbreak from ten years prior, along with revelations that her ex was emotionally abusive to her. Days go by and when they finally give in to temptation, they are rescued by Parker.

Over the next few months, Melody and Zac rebuild their friendship, hiding it from everyone in town. They can no longer deny the feelings growing, and devise a plan to keep seeing each other behind Parker's back. But secrets like this cannot be kept for long.

Overall, I enjoyed the book and found it easy to read. Zac's vulnerability very endearing and his love for Melody is goals. Melody has great character development and is relatable. There is a good amount of spicy scenes, just a warning for those who shy away from that content.

Thank you to NetGalley and Atria Books for an ARC copy of the first instalment of the Oakwood Bay series, Only in Your Dreams by Ellie K. Wilde.🍀

Rating: 3.5 / 5 ⭐️

Spice: 4/5 🌶️
Please note, I’m not a spice reader so this rating may be different for others! It’s very possible to skip these excerpts and without them, the story is not diminished in any way.

I was instantly hooked by Only in Your Dreams with an especially angsty first impression of Zac and Melody in the prologue. A missed opportunity and a secret tear them apart, leaving only a red shoelace and a collection of four-leaf clovers to bind them through a decade-long silence.

Only in Your Dreams is a small town second chance romance with the brother’s best friend and plenty of spice. After spending years in the city and now going through a painful breakup, Mel returns to her hometown in search of a new direction, while Zac, having never left, is now fighting to restore honour to their town’s football team as coach.

One thing I really appreciated was how the book has a strong focus on Mel’s personal growth. She learns to redefine herself after coming out of an emotionally manipulative relationship and strives towards finding a career she can truly be passionate about. When it comes to reigniting her connection with Zac, he's not written as a man with a saviour complex, but rather as a supportive partner, ready to stand by her side wherever her journey takes her—no matter the cost to him or their relationship. It’s a solid representation of their maturity: the ability to stand independently while still coming together as equals. Also, Mel is able to see Zac with fresh eyes, despite all the unresolved history between them. Their relationship builds organically, clearly supported by their lingering feelings as they make up for lost time.

I found myself loving the supporting characters as well, especially Noah and Brooks, who offer comedic relief and a comforting presence throughout the book. I enjoyed exploring this small town through the author’s writing.

Aside from a few qualms with pacing and one of the plot points surrounding the “brother’s best friend trope” not quite landing for me, by the epilogue, all problems are resolved and the story wraps up nicely to lead into the second instalment, featuring Brooks as the main male character. overall, it’s a very sweet read for fans of angst, fluff and second chance romance with plenty of emotional growth, witty dialogue, and characters you’ll come to love.

How do you show the one who got away that it’s always been them?

✨ Book Review: ONLY IN YOUR DREAMS by Ellie K. Wilde

🏆 He’s a town golden boy and she’s the one that got away. Zac let her go their senior year, but now that Melody is back in town, even if it is after a horrible breakup, he’ll do anything to win her over.

🤓 Both spicy and sweet, this book had me reading “just one more chapter“ way past my bedtime. The pining here is top notch and makes this such a fun read. Plus, there’s spice! The spice level is up there along the lines of books by Tessa Bailey or Elle Kennedy, which is honestly at the top of my comfort level, but all that spice is paired with strong character depth and a really sweet male lead. I could not put this down! Also, Zac and Melody’s friend group is pretty great, so I’m excited to see that a second book is already slated for July 2025.

Read ONLY IN YOUR DREAMS for
🏈 Football sports romance
🏡 Small town atmosphere
✌️ Dual POV
💞 Second chance friends to lovers
🪢 It’s always been you
💘 Brother’s best friend
🥵 Slow burn, plus lots of chemistry

Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫 (4.5/5 stars)

😘 Thanks to @AtriaBooks for the gifted eARC of this romance! All opinions my own.

This book had me alternating between joy and tears. Zac's devotion to Melody was incredibly touching; he believed in her strength and helped her recognize her worth, always by her side during her struggles. My heart could barely take it, especially with the sweet moments like the clovers and shoelaces!

The only reason I didn't give it a full 5 stars was the explanation for their missed opportunities and long wait for reunion, which felt a bit lacking.

Still, I'm eagerly counting down to the next installment and can't wait to see Brooks find his happy ending too!

I read this book in 2023, and it was a top fave of the year. Rereading it on audio was SO good, it is still one of my favorite books. Teddy Hamilton and Carly Robins are so perfect as Zac and Melody. 

Melody moves back to her hometown, fresh out of an emotionally abusive relationship. She goes on a camping trip with friends, and unexpectedly has to share a tent with the man who broke her heart years ago, Zac Porter. 

Zac sees Melody and realizes now is the time for him to show Melody how good they could be together. And to explain what happened all those years ago. 

I forgot how much of an obsessed simp Zac Porter was. He cared about her so much, even in the years they were apart. He showed her how much he cared, without being overbearing while she healed from her last relationship. This man is fictional perfection. 

This whole book is perfection, no notes. Plot, spice, banter, friendship, healing were all balanced perfectly. I can’t wait for Brooks to get his HEA this summer!

Dual POV, Spicy, Brother's Best Friend, Second Chance, It Was Always You, Mental Health Rep, Toxic Ex, Found Family, Football Coach MMC, Care Taking, Protective MMC, Jealous MMC

The cute cover caught my eye and everything about the book drew me in, I literally read this in one sitting. The way Zac is desperate to make amends and help Melody get her life back on track after her disastrous relationship with her ex left her life in shambles paired with their banter, chemistry, and sneaking around made this an equally emotional and hilarious read. This is a compelling second chance romance done exactly right: angsty, plenty of call out from their childhood, growth, and insane bed chemistry. And don't get me started on the way they all but adopt Noah, the QB of the team Zac coaches.

Only In Your Dreams reads like your favorite romcom from the early 2000's and packs an emotional punch that is equal parts swoony and tear worthy. Newly single after leaving a toxic relationship Melody moves in with her brother and sets her sights on rebuilding her life. The one thing she didn't count on is Zach Woods her first love who is willing to do anything to get back in her good graces. Zach Woods may very well be the ultimate book boyfriend. Not only does he profusely grovel, he builds her dream home, gets tattoos in honor of her, builds up her confidence, and helps her reach her dreams even when it means sacrificing his happiness. 'Get her happy. Keep her happy.'

I adored this book. One of my favorite tropes is he falls first and harder and this book did it beautifully. I especially loved how healthy Zac and Mel were in healing from her previous abusive relationship

𝟰.𝟱 𝗦𝗧𝗔𝗥𝗦 𝗥𝗢𝗨𝗡𝗗𝗘𝗗 𝗗𝗢𝗪𝗡

“𝙔𝙤𝙪’𝙧𝙚 𝙖 𝙧𝙚𝙖𝙡 𝙘𝙖𝙩𝙘𝙝, 𝙕𝙖𝙘𝙝𝙖𝙧𝙮 𝙋𝙤𝙧𝙩𝙚𝙧.” 𝙃𝙚𝙧 𝙚𝙮𝙚𝙨 𝙨𝙝𝙞𝙣𝙚 𝙖𝙨 𝙨𝙝𝙚 𝙡𝙤𝙤𝙠𝙨 𝙪𝙥 𝙖𝙩 𝙢𝙚, 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙄 𝙨𝙬𝙚𝙚𝙥 𝙝𝙚𝙧 𝙘𝙝𝙚𝙚𝙠 𝙬𝙞𝙩𝙝 𝙢𝙮 𝙩𝙝𝙪𝙢𝙗. “𝙎𝙤, 𝙘𝙖𝙩𝙘𝙝 𝙢𝙚.”

This book made me squeal with glee so many times, and then cry tears of sappy joy at others. Zac was so hopelessly devoted to Melody. He was always so sure of how strong she could be on her own, but he loved her so much that he was willing to do whatever it took to make her see what he saw in her. He never made her feel alone or scared when the traumas of her past came to haunt her. My fragile heart just couldn’t take it. Also, the clovers and the shoelaces 🥹

The one and only reason this couldn’t be a 5-star for me was the explanation of why they never got their chance to be together in the past…and then why it took 10 YEARS for them to reconcile. Very underwhelming, in my opinion.

Either way, you best BELIEVE I am counting down the days till the next book comes out! I want my boy Brooks to have his happy ending too🤍

Second chance romance. Brothers best friend.
Spicy. Kinks/fantasies explored.

Mel is back in town to crash with her brother after her boyfriend dumps her.
As she looks back she realizes the abuse she was oblivious to until she wasn't in the situation. She works through intrusive thoughts to trust again. Zac screwed up 10 years ago and will stop at nothing to get Melody back.
I loved the sweet found family routine. Zac loves to do things for people he loves, without need for thank yous. Melody stands her ground for her goals.
They both seem to get what they want without sacrifice.
Zac is the best cheerleader and voice or reason.

This book was my 3rd ARC (advanced reader copy)!
Some of my favorite tropes in the book are: fake dating and second chance romance.
! SPOILER ! I love that melody and brooks pretended to date I think that it added another level of depth and comedy into the book.
My favorite part of the book was that while melody and Zac were friends with benefits he was still being supportive of her dreams of moving back to the city and finding a job she loves. The main reasons the book got 4 instead of 5 stars is because it took me a ridiculously long time to read and when I finished the book I didn't have this rip my heart out of my chest to read it again feeling.

A spicy romance novel with close proximity, brother's best friend, football and secret dating.

This book hits all the marks. Highly predictable but still a great read. Melody and Zac (her twin brother's best friend) were friends in high school.
Until her last night before college when she tells him she likes him and he leaves to never return. 10 years later, she returns home after a terrible break up and stays with her brother.

Destined to meet Zac again, things escalate as there are many unresolved feelings between the two of them. Slow burn to spicy!

Thank you Netgalley and Atria books for the ARC.

Brothers Best Friend, Second Chance, and Sports Adjacent? I was in from the start.

The character development was fun to watch throughout, and I truly enjoyed seeing Melody grow into herself. She was a joy to see, and I loved how Zac loved her to let her grow into herself.

There were moments I struggled to believe in the fun romcom, specifically the co-dependent sleeping before they truly reconnected. It didn’t connect for me, but that’s ok. It was still a fun ride.

Thanks to Atria Books and NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for my honest review.

This was a book that I was invited to read, and I think that if I hadn't, I never would have chosen it for myself. That being said, I did enjoy it! I don't read a lot of sports romances, and second chance romance is usually my least favorite romance trope, but this book had a really nice story at it's heart. I liked all of the characters, with the exception of Connor, of course, and I was rooting for them throughout the book. Zac was a huge alpha male, but I loved the protectiveness of him, and his vulnerability. Melody did annoy me at times, but I liked her character arc of trying to figure out who she was without her abusive boyfriend. This was a LOT more explicit than books I typically read, but apart from that, the love story was really genuine and sweet, and I would definitely recommend it to a friend.

Thank you Netgalley, Atria, and Ellie K. Wilde for providing me with an eARC of this work in exchange for an honest review.

I found the reading experience to be sweet and fast-paced, which I truly appreciated. Another important thing to mention is the character development of the main character, Melody, who begins by having little agency and ends up confident and capable of steering the wheel of her own life. I feel like that is something readers would enjoy, especially if they can relate to Melody's healing journey from dating a narcissist.

My issues with the book are mainly due to this not being the type of romance novel I personally connect to. It is much spicier than my preferences, but I could overlook that. However, my main issue is Zac's lack of personality. It feels like he is an empty shell and without desires of his own - apart from making Melody happy. I tend to prefer MMC that are complex and are not "perfect", with interests and motivations of their own, so it was very hard to connect. On top of this, Zac displays possessive and jealous behaviour that I find rather off-putting, which could work for others but most definitely did not work for me.

Overall, this was an entertaining book, and I think readers looking for romance books where the main guy expresses love through acts of service would enjoy this story quite a lot!

Ten years after Zac broke her heart by not making a move before she left for college, Melody returns home to her small town, fresh off a breakup, hoping to start over. Her brother immediately folds her back into his friend group, which still happens to include Zac.

And Zac? Well, his feelings for Melody never went away. This man has been in love with her since the age of 14.

At a glance:
- Dual POV
- Second chance
- Brother’s best friend
- Sports romance
- Teenage crush
- Long-term pining
- Only one tent
- Small town
- They sleep better next to each other
- Secret relationship
- Toxic ex

Y’all, this man has been carrying a torch.

Read it for
- The thoughtful gestures
- The treasured mementos
- The heat between Zac and Melody
- The tattoos 🥹
- To see Melody regain her confidence
- The women in STEM rep
- How Zac serves as a role model and safe place to land for his team’s quarterback
- How supportive Zac is of Melody’s dreams

Here are few of the things that irked me:
- I understand that a big part of the brother’s best friend trope tends to hinge on worrying that the brother will not approve of the relationship, but it feels like that is taken to the extreme here. As teenagers, especially with the found family relationship, I can understand why Zac felt the need to heed warnings, but as adults in their late 20s, I wish certain discussions had happened much earlier in the book.
- I would have loved to have seen more open communication. Melody is worried about what may be said, so she avoids conversations.
- Overall, it feels like the story could have been tightened up.

3.5⭐️

I received an advance copy of the ebook from Atria Books. All review opinions are my own.