This was fun and entertaining. I like how Melody grow thru the whole book, also how Zac is helping her without putting restraint on her to relearn again what she wants. I do love also how Melody helps Zac to find his sunshine again . You can see the connection from both characters thru the whole book , how it takes its time to get them to know each other again and makes it even more enjoyable. Definitely will be recommending .

I've enjoyed Ellie K. Wilde books before so was excited to read this new series from her. I enjoy a second chance romance as long as it's based on a strong history and not on something dumb like cheating or bad communication. Because of that, this one at least made sense as two high school friends who were afraid to say how they felt about their crushes because of siblings and other friendships. In general, this was funny and fast-paced and I enjoyed their back and forths and communication growth. Honestly, the main cringey thing (knocked this down to 4 stars) was the tattoos and the meaning behind them. The clovers didn't really make sense to me and there was no real explanation of how that began. But overall, it was a sweet and fun read!

I really enjoyed this one! I loved the relationship between Melody and Zac. I loved the way they reconnected and Zac really worked for Melody's approval and love. I loved how much he cared for her and careful he was with her. He helped her recover from her toxic relationship and restore her relationship with her brother.

Rating 3.5

This was my first time reading Ellie K. Wilde.
It was a cute book for sure but didn't quite nail the mark for me in the sense that it didn't feel like it was grown up.
The FMC, Melody, felt very childish...maybe entitled.
While I did enjoy the redemption arc of Melody re-discovering herself after an extremely toxic relationship and Zac was there to help her through it all, I was still left with something to be desired.

Zac was also very meh. He was an okay book boyfriend, but there was nothing that made me gasp and giggle. I did enjoy that Zac was 100000% down bad for Melody, but tbh the way she led him on kind of made me not enjoy him. I love a MMC that pines after the FMC, however, this was just too much??

Overall, I feel like this was just an okay read. It wasn't my favourite, but it wasn't terrible that I wouldn't recommend it to folks who love a simply cozy small town romance with hints of fake dating, and second chances.

A big thank you to Atria for providing me with an advance Galley of Only in your Dreams.

This book is full of all of the tropes I love- brother’s best friend, friends to rivals to friends to lovers, and a little bit of second chance.

Melody is a strong, focused person who lost a lot of her confidence after being in a relationship with a very manipulative and domineering man. She knows what she wants and is determined to get it, even if seeing Zac again stirs up the feelings she had for him as a teen.

She knows that Zac ghosting her has caused some distance in her relationship with her twin brother Parker and best friend Summer, since she avoided coming home. But it seems like something happened between Parker and Zac as well. They’re still friends and hang out as a group with Summer and their friend Brooks, but things seem strained between them.

After a disastrous camping trip, Melody and Zac reconnect and discover they need each other, at least to sleep. At first.

Miscommunications, fake relationships, old hurts, secret love, exes who can’t take no for an answer, and some very steamy moments make this an incredibly fun read.

I’m looking forward to book 2 in the series (Brooks’s story) and hope we get to see Summer and Parker get their happily-ever-afters as well (together maybe??).

Disclaimer: I was invited to read an eARC for review consideration by the publisher in partnership with Net Galley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

I love the lovesick puppy trope. He was pining over her for 14 years! The camping trip tension was CRAZY and I will never get over the chipmunk attack LOL. Parker sucks and I’m sad he was such a loser and was forgiven too easily but I’m rooting for him and Summer to end up together. Also kinda sad Zac literally built their dream house just for them to buy an apartment in the city.

Melody and Zac had the funniest reuniting I think I have ever read. Having her brother set her up with her ex-crush after moving back home when getting out of a six year relationship probably wasn't on Mel's bingo card, but it certainly worked in the rom-com world. If Zac could, he would have kissed the ground she walked upon and let's face it, he probably did off page. It was a great reverse grump x sunshine romance and I really enjoyed these two characters. There were a lot of parts that got boring in the middle, and then end was something I skimmed because it felt too long. Other than that it was a joy to read this book. It's funny, got some great banter, really cool side characters, and so much longing I was on the edge of my seat waiting for their first kiss (again).

Thank you NetGalley for giving me a copy of this book and all opinions are my own!

3.75⭐️I LOVE the brother’s best friend trope and I eat it up every single time😫Both Melody and Zac’s points of view were so cute throughout their story. The little pieces of their childhood and teenage years that they both held on to were so sweet. THE CLOVERS. THE TATTOOS🥹 (one thing about me is I LOVE secret tattoos, ok)

I sometimes dislike when an ex-boyfriend shows up to try and make it work again as the third act conflict, but how it was written here just showcases how much Connor, Melody’s ex, sucks. The lessons Melody learned through reflecting on that relationship were important, and it did help show the contrast between Zac and Connor, and that Melody could trust Zac again, and that his love and care for her are genuine feelings.

Tbh I don’t know that I’ve EVER seen a man as thoroughly and genuinely obsessed with a girl as Zac Porter is, and that’s really saying something. And we love him for it!!!!!

And let me tell you, the spicy scenes in this????? Off the charts 🔥🔥🔥

Overall, I skimmed most of the football stuff so that’s why I knocked this down a little bit, but the writing isn’t bad, the plot is fun, and Melody and Zac are a super cute couple.

Thank you Atria for the ARC! Will definitely be reading Brooks’ story up next😏

3.75⭐ rounded up
Returning back to her hometown after the break-up of her 6-year relationship, Melody moves in with her twin brother. And a disasterous camping trip forces her see the one who broke her heart, her brother's best friend, now a college football coach. Spicy rom-com with some interesting depth as she grapples with realizing how destructive that past relatipnship really was. Thanks to netgalley for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review.

Loved Zac and Melody's book!
When Melody goes in a camping weekend after her break up with her 6 year relationship with Conner, she has no idea she would be with Zac her high school crush who lived much of his high school years at her family's home. Zac was best friends with her twin Parker.
Mel about freaks when she sees Zac. She was left heartbroken when he left town.
Zac is surprised to see Mel, who he has always called Clover. She always gave him a 4 leaf clover before his football games for luck.
When these two find themselves stranded after a huge rain storm at camp, they talk and find they still have a spark.
Once rescued, they find that after a week, they can't seem to sleep without each other. So Mel sneaks off late at night and returns in the mornings.
To throw her brother Patker off, she says she is dating one of Zac"s co-workers, which Zac isn't happy about.
Mel helps Zac with his coaching playbook for his losing football team. Mel has always been great with playbooks and numbers.
Zac and Mel find themselves getting closer and much more intimate.
What Mel finds moving back home is that her life has been controlled by her ex, and Zac allows and encourages freedom.
Zac finds he is the happiest he has ever been with Clover around again.
When these two finally come clean of their love and relationship, Zac can mend his relationship with Parker.

Ellie K Wilde is a new author to me author and I am glad I requested this book!
It has been a while since a new author brought this much joy. I was OBSESSED! Oh, the pining was delicious!
The world-building was excellent, without being overburdened, and the secondary characters well-rounded.
I appreciate how delicately the topic of domestic abuse was brought up. Especially because all too often others believe it is only physical abuse that's considered DV.Themes of found family and deep friendship round up this marvelous spicy read.

Gah I loved this. So much sneaking around. Utter perfection. This was a new-to-me author and I’ll def be back for more. Such a fun read. And spicyyyy.

What you’ll find:
- twin brother’s best friend
- unrequited love
- sneaking around
- found family vibes
- stranded at a campsite together

This is a spicy small-town romance following a reconnection between a college football coach and the one who got away. This was such an amazing story with so much healing. I loved connecting with the story which was so well written. The storyline is strong, there are so many cute tropes involved like one tent, and the pacing was great. I didn’t expect a lot of funny moments in this book nor the very spicy scenes. This book is told from Melody and Zac’s pov.

Melody feels betrayed when Zac left her behind and now getting out of a toxic relationship, she wants to start over. I really enjoyed her story because I felt so connected with her. She went through so much and she didn’t realize until now how much her relationship affected her. She grew so much in this book. Zac has been in the glooms ever since he had to leave Melody but now he will do anything to get her back. I loved his character and seeing him head over heels for Melody. He also grew but not as much as Melody. There are many side characters and I loved the friend group because they were hilarious, perfect, and always there for one another. The romance is brother’s best friend, childhood friends to lovers, and slow burn. There are many steamy scenes throughout this book.

The ending was well done and we get an epilogue a couple of months after the HEA. I really loved this book and I was nervous that it was a bit long for a contemporary romance but the author did such an amazing job. I am excited for the next book to follow Brooks story and I hope we get one for Parker. I recommend checking this book out because you don’t want to miss out.

*this arc was sent to me by the publisher to give an honest review in return*

I love a brother’s best friend trope so I was immediately excited to read this one. The spice was good but I felt annoyed by the protagonist often times. Overall the storyline was good, but this one took me a while to read. I will continue to read other books in this series. 3.5 stars.

Cute read! I loved the tension between Mel and Zac.

Brothers best friend isn’t my favorite trope but this one intrigued me seeing as he’s always been in love with her.

Thanks to NetGalley and Atria Books for the ARC in exchange for my honest review!

I wanted to love this—best friend's sibling + second chance romance? I love these generally! But unfortunately, this one didn’t work for me. The start was fun, with good tension, but things escalated way too quickly. By the halfway point, Melody was already hooking up with Zac, and the “brother’s best friend” trope felt tired. The romance lost its spark fast, and the book felt too long. :(

Despite all that, the writing was quick and easy, and the ending was sweet. It’s a cute, light romcom with a bit of emotional punch, but it just didn’t hit for me. I wanted more connection with the characters and depth.

But the spice? Excellent. :)

5⭐️

✨Brother’s Best Friend
✨Fake Dating
✨Second Chance Romance
✨High School Love
✨Sports Romance
✨He has a nickname for her
✨Pining/Yearning/Groveling
✨Small Town Romance
✨Grumpy FMC/Cinnamon Roll MMC

Wow. This book was wonderful! It made me giggle, it made me cry, the spice was delicious and they BOTH had a grand gesture planned?! 🥹🥹🥹

“It’s not like I’m perpetually upset, I just don’t see why I have to walk around with a beauty queen smile if I don’t particularly feel like it.”

“I loved him, and I lost him, and I have no idea how. I thought I’d been doing everything right to make him happy.”

“I have been desperately, pathetically, feel-nothing-unless-she’s-in-the-room in love with Melody Woods for fourteen years.”

“You know those people who peak in high school? Zac isn’t one of them.”

“This woman is hell-bent on destroying me today.”

“For the record, Mel? I haven’t stopped being sorry. I’d do anything to get us back to what we were that night.”

“How does he look in even better shape now than when he played football? It’s offensive. I feel personally victimized.”

“You aren’t moody, Mel. Your discerning. You’re playful in a different way, and that’s beside the point. You’re allowed to be angry.”

“It wasn’t the clovers that did it for me. It was her. She was my four-leaf clover.”

“Thing is, stressed Zac is my weakness.”

“I’m not crazed. I want you to forgive me. I want us to be good again. I’ll get you to trust me if it’s the last thing I do. You’ll see.”

“It takes everything I have not to break into a smile at the sight of her scowl. She’s sweet when she’s grumpy. And she’s especially grumpy when sleep-deprived.”

“Just so you’re aware, it’s not required that you preface your feelings by calling yourself names. It’s not your job to keep my ego intact, least of all, by minimizing the way you feel.”

“I’ll give this woman whatever she needs to trust me again.”

“You realize you’re encouraging me to come up with a plan to meet a guy, right?” “Nah, I’m just waiting for you to realize you can check that off your list at any time. You’ve got one sitting right here.”

“I love that he remembers. That I’m not alone in greedily hoarding memories of him, and the way he made me feel back then- worthwhile, and tingly from head to toe whenever he’d look at me.”

“I want everyone here to witness it, to recognize us for what we are, even though Mel can’t see it for herself yet.”

“You realize you’re being possessive over nothing, right? I’m not actually interested in dating her.”

“I will never, ever, fall out of love with this woman. It’ll never happen.”

“This woman is as slow burn as they come.”

“I don’t understand how you’re single.” “I’ve never been single. I’ve been yours.”

“I’m gonna marry that girl one day. There’s no other way about it.”

“This might be my favorite thing, ever. The nose kisses, the seeing right through me.”

“You make me feel so full, I can’t even breathe, sometimes. Like my lungs are screaming at me that I don’t need anything but you to survive. I am so far gone for you, Melody.”

“If you won’t let me come to you, then come to me.”

“I won’t ever be sappy. But I’ll always be willing to throw punches for you, in all my tiny-fisted glory.”

“I’ve loved you since we were kids. I’ve wanted you since I figured out what it meant to want someone.”

“I’m sorry for letting you believe for a second that I didn’t love you. I’m sorry that I hurt you badly enough that you pulled away from your life here, and I wasn’t there for you for ten years, in whichever capacity you needed me to be.”

“I’ve spent months fighting him at every turn, only to fall flat-on-my-face-in-love with him anyway.”

“You told me that, one day, I’d realize you’re exactly what I need in my life. And you were right.”

“You didn’t have to do that you know.” “Yeah, I did. No one talks about you like that. Ever.” “ You don’t fight.” “I’d burn everything to the ground for you and walk away without another look.”

“I’m still not convinced I haven’t been in a deep sleep since the day she showed up in town.”

“This is the moment that can’t be topped. Or maybe it can be. Maybe that’s the point. Because as long as I have her, my four-leaf clover, we’ll have a lifetime of topping the last moment.”

This book is really good, I love a second chance and brother best friend trope! The spice amount was really good, and Zak ahhh he is the perfect book boyfriend, I was really happy that he and Melody got back together after so many years right after she was dumped by her narcissistic boyfriend. She definitely deserved to be treated well and who else better than Zack to show her real love.

This was a decent read overall, but honestly? Not super memorable. It hits the beats you’d expect from a small-town, brother’s best friend, second-chance romance—with a little spice and some sweet moments sprinkled in—but it didn’t really stand out for me in a crowded genre.

I liked the setup: Melody returns home after a breakup, ends up on a camping trip with Zac (her brother’s best friend and the one that got away), and suddenly they’re navigating ten years of unresolved feelings and mistakes. It had potential! Zac was likable, the angst was mild, and the chemistry had its moments. I just didn’t feel as emotionally invested as I wanted to be. The story played it safe and leaned a little too heavily on tropes without giving me something fresh or deeply compelling to hold onto.

That said, if you’re in the mood for a quick, easy, tropey romance with some heat and a familiar formula, this might scratch the itch. It just didn’t leave much of a lasting impression for me personally.

I absolutely LOVED this book, and I think the main reason I did, was Zac. UGH he was what book boyfriends are made of.

Sprinkle in some second chance romance, slow burn, he falls first and HARD, and my gosh, this was a recipe for a great sports romance.

Mel and Zac missed their chance at a happy ending after high school ends, but that doesn’t mean there isn’t a second chance in their future. While Mel has been burned a time or two, and she is super reluctant to let herself fall for a man again, Zac is persistent and patient and ready to do whatever it takes to get his girl back.

The spice to plot ratio in this book was PERFECTION! And the spice itself was top tier.
I loved Zac and Mels slow burn relationship, I found myself rooting for both of them throughout the story not only for their relationship, but for their individual success and journeys as well.

I can’t wait to read the next book in this series !