Gaia Anders is a romance author who dreams what she wrote in the previous day. After she re-meets her best friend's brother, total dreamboat Jacob, he starts appearing in her dreams as well.

I thought this book looked so cute! I was interested after reading that the main character was romance author in South Africa. I really enjoyed the representation in this book, from having a main character from a foster system processing her trauma from that experience and her issues with managing her mental health. I liked seeing dreamy descriptions of dark skin, curves, and curly hair. The leading man, Jacob, is also a charming hottie whom I quite liked reading about!

However, I feel like everything in this book was a little off. The characters and setup were there, but I wasn't really compelled by any of the characters and didn't feel like there was a strong resolution to the plot. I felt like this book did a lot of "tell not show" with characters talking about how great Gaia is. I would have liked to see more of her awesomeness than just hearing about it from others. While I'm glad that mental health was represented, I thought that part of it was shown in kind of a weird way (being in bed for days and then immediately getting back to things). Mental health looks different for different people, but as a psychologist, it felt a little inauthentic to me. The characters had strange gaps of not talking to each other but then going back to whatever was happening two weeks ago. It felt really stilted and like people weren't acting like humans. Magic is in this story but also not really? Major plot points were randomly dropped with no resolution. After forcing myself to finish the ending, I am even more confused after reading the epilogue than I was before.

Overall, I would give this book a skip, but I would like to try other books by the author since I felt like the bones of the book were strong! 2.5 stars rounded up to 3. Thank you to Kensington Books, Zebra, and NetGalley for the electronic advanced reader copy of the book!

I really wanted to like this book as I love the idea, but I couldn't get into it. I couldn't connect with the main characters and so it didn't work for me and I ended up DNF-ing it.

Thanks to Netgalley, the author and the publisher for a copy of this book.

This book has such an interesting premise but ultimately fell a bit flat to me. Gaia has such a unique ability and I think if the book had a little less plot and also sharper writing, this could have been amazing. Eventually it turned out to be a book that was okay and which I had to power through a little to complete.

Thanks to the Publishers and NetGalley for the ARC.

I really, really, really wanted to love this book. When I read the synopsis I was immediately drawn in. Unfortunately I couldn't say the same about the actual story. The idea itself is solid, and the initial scene between Jacob and Gaia showed so much potential. However there were too many convoluted scenes, some of which were too confusing for me to follow. As such, I found myself rereading entire pages at points.

I loved Jacob's internal monologues and I liked Gaia, in principle, but I couldn't really connect with either character on more than a superficial level. In short, I wasn't really invested at any point. And once all the other 'characters' came in (no spoilers) I just found myself getting a little frustrated. It's rare for me to not finish, so I persevered, but I'm afraid I was glad it was over.

I gave it 3 stars for originality.

*Thank you to NetGalley for the opportunity to give an honest review*

I will upload my review to Amazon UK on publication day

2.5 stars

Beharrie has an excellent concept here with a dash of magical realism playing a critical role, but overall, this just did not work for me.

Gaia is a romance writer, and she falls hard for her best friend's brother (not my favorite trope - I expect this will be one of the dividing lines between reviewers). There are some intriguing connections between the two of them, but I struggled so much with the dialogue that I could never really get into any aspect of their relationship. In fact, I started the novel weeks ago, and had to come back to it - nearly chapter by chapter - right up until a couple of days before publication. Reading felt a bit more like a task than an escape, which is the opposite of what I want from this genre. For me, the family-related plot twists in Gaia's life were the most difficult and bizarre to stomach. I would have loved to get some intriguing character growth if not a compelling romance, but I am left feeling just truly weirded out by this dialogue and plotting.

This had a bit of a novice writer feel to me, which surprised me when I realized how much Beharrie has produced. Though I'd definitely give this writer another shot, it'll be based on optimism versus something arresting that I experienced here (much to my dismay). Reader, I hope your experience will be utterly opposite from mine.

This was my first time reading anything from Beharrie. The description of the book definitely drew me in. For the first half of the book, I felt that there were too many storylines working that kind of overshadowed the main one. I loved the dynamic between Gaia and Jake although at times the writing got a little muddled for me. Gaia is such a relatable character even though at times she frustrated me, it was warranted. I had to push through a bit in the beginning, but as the book continued on I started to love it more and more. Things started to firm up as the story went on, and the later half/ending was wonderful.

Thanks to NetGalley and Zebra Books for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.

TW: anxiety, anxiety attacks

And They Lived Happily Ever After by Therese Beharrie was the first I have read by this author and I am now a fan who will stand in line for her next one! This book had a very strong plot. I felt Beharrie developed these characters enough where I cared about them enough to follow their story, and the ending was swoon worthy! Check out this new romcom on shelves 11/30!

*ARC RECEIVED IN EXCHANGE FOR REVIEW*

I really loved the concept of this book, but unfortunately, the writing itself just didn't grab me. The fact that Gaia is a romance author was wonderful, and I really enjoyed Jacob's sweet character, but I had issues with the dialogue and the almost instantaneous attraction between them (insta-love is my least favorite trope). I ended up DNF'ing this book about a quarter of the way through because I just wasn't enjoying it. From reading some other reviews, it sounds like many people do enjoy this heart-warming story, but it just wasn't for me.

I unfortunately DNFed this book, but that’s not to say it’s a bad book, it’s just one that didn’t work for me. I didn’t gel with the writing style of this one and for me that’s the biggest dealbreaker I have when it comes to my reading. I thought the characters were cute and I do enjoy the best friend’s brother trope, so it definitely had the potential to be great!
The writing style of this did remind me of The Ex Hex, which I also had similar thoughts about but I know so many people enjoyed that one, so I’d say if you liked The Ex Hex, definitely give this one a go!

A book about 2 introverts, how sweet (but a little spicy). I didn't know I needed this book 😍

Very meta Gaia writing the world she desires. I was smiling for the majority of the book.

I feel incredibly protective of And They Lived Happily Ever After. It’s a lovely and vulnerable book and it’s been hard for me to articulate why I like it so much with out getting all “not like the other girls” about it. I am seeing it being advertised as a rom com, and it really isn’t. It is most definitely a romance, and it is funny in parts, but it’s angsty. It will make your heart ache, beautifully. Additionally, Therese Beharrie infuses some magical realism with the romance.

Gaia is a romance writer living outside of Cape Town, SA. She keeps herself fairly isolated, relying mainly on her long time best friend, Seth, for human contact. When Seth insists she come to a party that he and his girlfriend are throwing, she brings a book so that she can take a break from peopleing. While hiding away from social interaction, she is reintroduced to Seth’s younger brother, Jacob. Jacob had a crush on Gaia years ago, but has been working non-stop the last few years to keep his family business afloat. Their banter quickly turns into a serious make out session until they are interrupted by Seth. Jacob wants to pursue the relationship, Gaia wants to retreat. That night, Jacob finds himself an active participant in Gaia’s dream. Gaia’s secret is that she dreams what she has written that day, and can change the words on paper in her dreams.

There is a lot going on in And They Lived Happily Ever After. Jacob and Gaia have to figure out their relationship. Jacob has to decide if he wants to keep sacrificing his life for the family business. Seth and Gaia’s friendship is put to the test. Gaia has a self-described stalker who doesn’t seem threatening, just odd, and Gaia has to acknowledge the seriousness of her anxiety disorder. On top of that are the dreams Gaia and Jacob share. It’s a lot, and Beharrie weaves it all together well.

Periodically, someone will announce that they are doing something new and different in the romance genre, and usually all they are doing is showing their ignorance and disdain. Therese Beharrie makes her love of the genre very clear in And They Lived Happily Ever After. Still, she has written a romance that feels different. The difference comes from Beharrie telling the story she wants to tell, the way she wants to tell it, and that’s the best kind of different.

I love this book and it is definitely going on my best of 2021 list. And They Lived Happily Ever After is contemporary romance with magical elements, centered on a best friend's sibling trope. There are subplots about family for both main characters. And Gaia, the female main character, deals with anxiety and panic attacks on the page. Did I mention the magic?
Gaia is a romance author, who has some magic happen when she's writing. Writing is her joy but also her refuge from the world. Gaia's anxiety keeps her pretty isolated and she lives through her books. Until she starts a relationship with her best friend, Seth's, younger brother, Jake. Now she has to learn to be open to and trust Jake. Where does the magic fit in and how does Jake fit in with the magic? Jake has been running his family's business, at great loss to his own personal life. He wants to do something different, but family dynamics and standing up for oneself are in the way. Meanwhile, Seth isn't happy about this relationship. And Gaia has someone unexpected show up in her life.
I frankly lost track of how many sections I highlighted. This story is beautiful and thoughtful. I appreciated how each main character tried to be thoughtful about their words and their actions and the impact, even when they knew it was going to be hard either personally or on the other person. It felt more real to have characters know when to speak hard truths, as well as just being able to say, please give me space. Please stop. Please come back. Gaia's experiences as a writer - whether it's with or without the magic - also resonated. The handling of Gaia's anxiety is so well done. Family dynamics are realistic and no one is completely absolved and perfect at the end, which I really appreciate. It's more about learning to accept and to do better. Just do better.
I think the pace is good, I did take several days to read this not because of any pacing problems but because I was just sitting with the words. And for me, that speaks volumes to how much I loved it.
Sexy times are on the page. This is the first in a series (duology?) and the next book is set up in the epilogue. I can't wait to read it.

CW: anxiety and panic attacks on the page, foster care system, deaths of parents

I absolutely loved the writing in this! Gaia learns so much about herself as her relationships change in her life. Overall they are all good but definitely different and more open. While Jacob is dealing with his own problems he’s ALWAYS there for Gaia. I absolutely love his character and how patient he is, even though on the inside it’s killing him.

I had heard wonderful things about Beharrie's books, and loved the concept of this one. Gaia being a romance writer was a plus for me because I love romance! I absolutely adored Jacob. He was a sweetheart, and the way he pined for Gaia made me warm and fuzzy. I am sad to say, I gave up on this book. I read for two hours, and the story just didn't grab me. I wasn't compelled to go on. There is a possibility of me picking it up again, as many reviewers enjoyed this book and commented on how cute and heartwarming it was. These are all things I look for, and those things combined with Beharrie's reputation make me want to give it another try at a different time.

I am having mixed feelings about this book.

First of all, Gaia is a successful romance author with magical abilities. Jacob is a workaholic businessman and Gaia is friends with Jacob's brother Seth. So when they accidentally kissed one day, then things start changing for them and Jacob falls for Gaia. But Gaia has secrets. Soon she meets a woman named Gemma with a man named Levi who seemed to be following Gaia everywhere out of blue.

This was a bit of a slow burn romance to me. I felt like I was watching some cheesy Hallmark movie with a romance setting when I was reading this book. The writing was OK although the plot of this story was good and interesting. There is not much I can say about this book, except the slow development of romance between Gaia and Jacob, their feelings for each other, how they eventually started dating and break up and then end up together in the end--so it was a bit predictable. Nonetheless, some parts of the story was boring although it was an OK romance novel to me. I liked the fact that this book is set in South Africa and is the second book I have read with a South African setting so I do like a bit of diversity in the book. Also there's a sequel coming with this book, this time in Gemma's point of view and despite the fact that I didn't very much like this book, I do look forward to read Gemma's version in the second book.

Overall, this was an OK book--if you like happily ever afters, then this book is one for you. Worth 3.5 stars

Many thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the ARC. The review is based on my honest opinion only.

Romance author Gaia has grown used to the fact that the scenes she writes magically come to life in her dreams. But she's shocked when, after a single kiss, her dreams begin melding with those of Jacob, her best friend's handsome brother. What's going on? And what does it mean? Jacob is even more freaked out than she is, but somehow, they're able to weather it together. Until family secrets threaten to tear them apart.

This story is delightful. The magical elements were fun without intruding on the story or the character development. The worldbuilding was on the light side—I'd have preferred a little more setting detail to ground me in the story. The dream worlds were much more vivid that the real life world, so maybe that was intentional. Overall, it's an emotional read as Gaia deals with her anxiety and her wounds from a childhood in foster care.

Thanks, NetGalley, for the ARC I received. This is my honest and voluntary review.

CW: anxiety disorder, on-page panic attacks, foster care, adoption, deceased parents

Thank you to NetGalley and Kensington Books for an advanced electronic copy of this book in exchange for an honest review!

Gaia writes romance. Then, she experiences the things she writes in her dreams... until Jacob. Her best friend's younger brother, who she kisses at a party she didn't want to attend, is in her dreams with her, but he isn't following the script. In the 12 years of having this power, Gaia has never experienced this, but there must be something about Jacob...

The writing started out feeling a bit young but eventually gained some momentum.

Shoutout to the first line of Chapter 1 though:
"You brought a book to a party?"
"Yes. The deal was that I needed to be here. There was nothing in the terms about socializing."

About 46% through, I decided to stop reading. Not that it hadn't improved, but the main character was becoming extremely frustrating. She's so hot and cold, and that trope bothers me SO much. I just don't have the patience for it.

There's good in this story, but it maybe wasn't for me.

Unfortunately, I had to DNF this book. I like the premise of the book with a "magical" love, but this was just difficult to power through. I found it difficult to connect with the characters in the book. The best friend's sibling romance is difficult (and has been done a lot), but this book doesn't take too different of an approach. I really wanted to power through (I still think I might come back to this in the future), but I cannot continue to force myself through the book.

There were some definite things I liked about this story- the magical way Gaia's writing manifested in her dreams, the South African setting- but there were a lot of bits that felt really disjointed. The situation with Gaia's "stalker" and its eventual resolution could have been a much more intensive plot, and I think all the strings about her past and her family were left a bit unraveled. It looks like there is a planned companion to this book, and hopefully it will pick up some of those strings.

This was a DNF for me. I got to the part about Gaia having a secret twin sister, and I was like, “I’m out.” I was having a hard time following the story - the writing just wasn’t for me.