4 stars

I have been waiting for Auggie and Pepper's story for what seems like forever. There were parts of it that I didn't absolutely love, but his love for Juno and Pepper was everything. This book had a twist of sorts that I didn't quite see coming, Lots of family drama within this one. Kristen Ashley knows how to write a romance, she knows how to throw lots of suspense in the story, as well as drama. I am kind of sad that this let me down in forms of development though, there were pacing issues with me at the end. I feel like there was too much back and forth with the main romance. But I am looking forward to seeing what is coming next!

Thanks Netgalley, and Forever Romance for an early copy in exchange for an honest review.

I have been waiting for Pepper & Auggie.
I adore their little family unit, and Juno was too cute for words.
Pepper was incredibly responsible, and she really shone when she was in her ‘Mom’ element. And then Auggie slid in so carefully, and everything clicked into place.
This was very much a family drama, with a slight touching on the case that’s been plaguing this team since book 1.

While this is supposed to be the end, there is definitely some room for potential new stories and characters.

Kristen Ashley keeps crushing it with this Dream Team series.

I was afraid to read this one - because I wasn't sure how I felt about Pepper pushing Auggie away over and over again. Single mom's are definitely a special case in romancelandia - and Pepper is no exception. She definitely puts Juno first and is protective of her on a real level - but I think she takes it way farther than she ever needed to. And this eventually becomes clear to Pepper too.

The family drama here is seriously real and way more than any of the suspense elements. But also there for the part are the strong elements of friendship and found family love. Auggie, clearly, has been waiting and trying to find a family unit of his own. When Pepper finally starts to let him in - there is no way Auggie is going to let that slide through his fingers. As with all Kristen Ashley books - it is just GAH so freaking romantic.

Side note about Juno - she is a fabulous kid character. One of the best I've ever read. She isn't a stepford child or a nightmare - she is her own person and such a great kid. I could have read the whole book from her perspective. Her conversations with Cisco are just - sigh. I also SERIOUSLY need a book about Dorian and another about Cisco - STAT.

I received this as an ARC from NetGalley, but these opinions are all my own.

** spoiler alert ** I definitely think you need to read the whole series before getting to this one because most of the build up happened in the other books. Here Pepper finally gives in to her attraction to Auggie and we witness the build of their relationship. Juno is the best part of the story. I loved how deeply involved she was and how we could see her shining personality try her best to matchmake. There are many big details of the long investigation that has happened within all the series that are finally revealing. Shocking event also unfold the I cannot wait to see how it all gets resolved. I'm just glad to say this story isn't over. No worries thought, Pepper and Aug get their HEA.

Dream Keeper by Kristen Ashley is a nice addition to the series. The characters's long awaited relationship was fulfilling to read, dynamic and complex.

There’s nothing like settling down with a new KA book. It’s like coming home. Dream Keeper is classic KA and doesn’t disappoint! Peeper and Auggie’s story gives you all the feels and I always love seeing all the girls together again. The “mystery “ from the first books continues in this one and we are still left with that arc unsolved.
I definitely feel you need to read these books in order, and I will anxiously be awaiting the next installment!

Thank you to NetGalley and Forever for the opportunity to read this book for an honest review.

I have read so much about the Dream Team Series and was so excited to read this novel, especially being set in my city. While I've read it can be a standalone read I feel like I am missing significant background on pieces of the story and some of the characters. That being said it was a good read.

Pepper is a character with a lot going on and a wild background! She is a single mother to Juno who is her whole world and more. She doesnt want to fall for Auggie but Junk might have more to say about it than either knows about. . . Auggie is the alpha male character and their being together would be HOT. . .do they dare?

Read this tantalizing, sexy, HOT, novel that is filled with a wild history or if religious cults, bad boy ex's and more!

This was another wonderful addition to the series.

Pepper was understandably protective of her heart as well as that of her daughter’s. I may not have lived through anything like she did in her marriage, but I totally empathize with her. She was fiercely protective of Juno and I loved the relationship they had. Although she had a hard shell for Auggie to break through, and this couple had a stumble or two, she wasn’t so hardcore she couldn’t yield when the cards were plainly saying it was time.

Auggie was incredible! He had all the alpha goodness of a KA hero which is one of the reasons I love these books so much! Although he made a few errors in the beginning of their relationship, it didn’t take him long to correct his mistake and make amends. From that point onward he was pretty swoon worthy.

When this couple finally came together, they were like an inferno. Watching them grow together and as a unit with Juno was precious. Juno was quite a handful and it was as entertaining as anything I’ve read to see her manipulate Auggie and her mom. The inclusion of a particular character to help assist with that endeavor was just as entertaining as the rest of the story.

I highly recommend this to anyone who loves alpha heroes and sweet heroines with a little girl thrown in.

After the mess that was Dream Spinner, I was really ready for this book to get me back on the KA track. Which, Dream Keeper didn't quite do. First of all, the romance in this one satisfies. I was really pleased with it. It got 3 instead of a 4 because I liked it but I don’t see it being a consistent reread for me. As for why, see the end with spoilers. I kind of felt Auggie was underdeveloped? His background was, but as a person I didn’t really have a sense of his interests by the end of the book.
The subplots were all over the place. And spoiler alert, the ongoing story from the previous three books wasn't resolved. So I assume there's more to come? It's not clear. I can't understand setting a series around a mystery of sorts and then just have it be like a third wheel in the final book as the heroine, Pepper, deals with stuff like her family's cult and her ex instead.
The whole Cisco side storyline is going to set off some red flags on the parenting front.
KA is known for her EPIC epilogues. Yet, not a single one in this series?!?!? I was a teeny bit heartbroken to discover there was nothing here. We got the emotional satisfaction of them getting together, where is the emotional payoff of seeing little glimpses of their future? Sigh. And I needed it for Pepper and Auggie, to see that picture where they've built their future. I really want to know if this is a KA decision or an editorial one, because if it’s editorial than I kinda think they really missed out on what is so essential to KA’s work and bringing in the awesomeness of the endings.
Ultimately, I have mixed feelings about this book. If it hadn't been part of the series, it may have worked better. If I hadn't expected it to be the last one, maybe I wouldn't have had certain expectations. It wasn't bad. It just didn't quite fit.

“Pepper, sweetheart, you don’t want me walking out that door,” Auggie warned. No, I don’t, I thought. I really, really don’t. But I couldn’t have what I wanted. I never could. I’d learned that repeatedly.”

What You’ll Find:
✔️Contemporary Romance
✔️Alpha Hero
✔️Single Parent
✔️All The Feels
✔️Multiple POV

Dream Keeper has a splash of everything I’ve come to love and anticipate in a Kristen Ashley read. Emotion, humour, tenderness, but also sizzling steam. You get alpha men who protect their women and strong women who see to the heart of their men. And I am here for it!

Pepper is a single mom who won’t allow herself to go there with relationships. Because of her past, but also for her daughter. That doesn’t mean she doesn’t want Auggie. And Auggie certainly wants her, and her daughter. Until he doesn’t. Well that is, until a certain little lady (Pepper’s daughter Juno) decides to take matters into her own hands. But it also ends up exposing danger Pepper is in.

I was completely captivated from the start. How Auggie feels about Pepper is palpable in the very beginning. He is SUCH a good guy. And when he’s not, he owns it. He’s attentive and perceptive. Doesn’t miss a thing when it comes to her. And he certainly likes to take charge in all manner of ways. If you know what I mean. But Pepper is no slouch. So strong. Caring. The way she tended to his heart. I loved them both individually as much as I loved them together.

This is without a doubt my favourite of the series thus far. It gave me such rock chick vibes at times that made me reminisce and smile. I truly couldn’t with all the feels. It really has them all. It warmed my heart, made me smile.. I laughed, and I cried. And it was hot in true KA fashion.

I loved catching up with Tod & Stevie. You can tell from the end that this series is not over. And that makes me SO excited. I need a story for Brett and another for Ian as well now! I could literally go on and on about this book. I loved it. And I can’t wait to see what’s next!

*Thank you to Forever Publishing for the ARC via Netgalley in exchange for my honest review. All opinions are my own and given freely.

This one is by far my favorite of the series. Dream Keeper was pure emotional with A LOT of drama from both sides of families. It was about time that Pepper put down her guard and gave Auggie a chance, but what came next with all that happened caught me by surprise. I loved Pepper's love and protectiveness with Auggie, the way she calmed him when there was chaos all-around. I loved Loved Auggies character, I wish many men where like him. The way he handles Pepper and her daughter brought joy to my day. I honestly didn't want their story to end. I wanted more

There hasn't been a book that I've read by Kristen Ashley that I haven't fallen in love with. This woman is one of my favorite top fives authors. Her writing is very different from any one else's because she writes with such wittiness and as a matter of fact type of writing where she keeps her readers entertained.

I have already read the ARC for this book twice. I like reading Kristen Ashley's books because I know what I am getting from the story. -- an alpha hero and the heroine who initially pushes him away. I enjoyed Pepper and Auggie's story and how Juno tried to get them together.

Pepper and Auggie is the couple I’ve been waiting for. Out of all the couples of the ‘Dream Team’ series, this is the story I wanted. Auggie has it bad for Pepper, but Pepper has a complicated life. She has a kid and she hasn’t been with anyone since she split from her ex three years ago. Her daughter is her number one priority and I respected her for that.

I knew some of Pepper’s story, though the family thing threw me for a loop, but what really hit me in my feels was Auggie’s story. Learning about his past relationships and family dynamic broke my heart. I wanted so much more for him. When Pepper and her daughter Juno brought him into their family, I melted. Juno’s chapters of the book were definitely my favorite. And can I say that I really want a Cisco book? I never thought I’d say that, but I would love it!

There seemed to be a lot of side drama going on in many different aspects of the book. I wish it would have been narrowed down some, it seemed to be a lot between Pepper’s family, Auggie’s family, the commando conflict, and then Pepper’s ex. I still loved the book, but I think it would have been better for me if there was just a little less drama.

Overall, this was such a great installment in this series. I’m not sure if it’s the final ‘Dream Team’ book, but it’s definitely one of the best in the series! Emotional, action packed, steamy, and sweet, this was a win!

Dream Keeper gave me all the feels. This story melted my heart and my kindle. I also found myself on the edge of my seat at times. I loved Auggie. Pepper was pretty great as well. I could not put this book down and read it straight through. I loved seeing them finally get their happy ending. This was a good read.

The Dream Team is back! Loved this book and Auggie - oh my goodness! How he showed all the patience in the world with Pepper and how he loved Juno! Juno in itself was a story; being friends with the notorious crime boss, Cisco and I could just tell how much he loved her - who couldn’t!
While Pepper was hesitant to follow her heart, Auggie stood fast and steady waiting for his woman to let him in. Auggie didn't have the best childhood, but he learned from it and saw what Pepper and Juno had, the waiting was totally worth it.
So thankful that Kristen has written this series, and hopefully we have a few more coming!

Kristen Ashley is always a pleasure to read; this Dream Team saga has been one of my favorites.

We FINALLY got Pepper and Auggie's story. And they <i> clicked. </i> Their connection -when they gave in to it- was magic; their story is soooooo sweet (there was tons of drama, obvs, but nothing instigated by them). And Juno was a sweetheart, I loved her matchmaking skills.
I would be interesting to maybe get a story of Corbin and his reformation, big maybe.


Afterthoughts: When are we getting Cisco's book? I NEED IT RIGHT NOW. Also, I'm intrigued by Dorian and Dynamite, there was a vibe there. What's gonna happen to the next gen of Hawk's guys? New saga or Dream Team #5, #6, etc?

Yes she’s back!!
Pepper has been through some crazy whacked out stuff in her life but so has Auggie.

“He’s fire and thunder and maybe mountain,” I blurted. “And I’m water. Lake. Earth. We balance.”

This girl has her own Rock Chick Posse and I like every every one of them but this story reminds me of why Ms. Ashley is one of my favorite authors.

“Holy crap, like, maybe you balanced us all out,” Evie said. “I knew your fixups weren’t random!” Hattie cried. “Of course they weren’t random,”

Lots of crazy suspense, sexy alpha males and strong women. I love Luna so much and Brett has absolutely redeemed himself in my eyes. He needs his own HEA!!

“Is Auggie ours?” she demanded to know. Ummmmm… “He is,” she answered her own question (correctly, I’d add). “And we take care of what’s ours, don’t we, Mom? You take care of me. I take care of you. We take care of what’s ours.”

I remember reading the scene between Pepper and Auggie in the epilogue in Dream Spinner and feeling really apprehensive of their book. I had a feeling both of them were going to be put through the emotional wringer and I was so right. Pepper and Auggie are the last remaining couple to be matched up, they both feel the attraction, but Pepper is the one who is fighting the pull. There definitely is a lot of drama dealing with Pepper’s reasons. When the aftermath of that scene from the previous book came up, I have to say it was brutal. Having read 70+ books by this author, I was kind of expecting the harsh words that were exchanged, but it was still heart wrenching, especially when we learned of Auggie’s story. When we think all is lost, there are still people not wanting to give up on them. Even though little Juno was only eight years old, knew her mom was strong and took on more than other moms, but she also knew she needed help and she had decided Auggie was the man for the job. With the help from a familiar and surprising ally an evolving plan is put into place. Unfortunately the road to Pepper and Auggie’s happily ever after is filled with obstacles, some coming from Juno’s plan, lots of family and ex drama, and more consequences from words exchanged. But when the drama from Pepper’s family becomes dangerous, Auggie steps in to protect both Pepper and Juno and gives them the opportunity to finally communicate.

Overall, another great addition to the Dream Team series. Even though Pepper and Auggie were the last couple, I really hope we will be getting more stories from the secondary characters we’ve met.

Thank you Netgalley and Forever (Grand Central Publishing) for the complimentary copy of Dream Keeper. All opinions are my own.

Pepper is the last one in the girl squad to be set up but she is resisting. It’s not because she isn’t attracted to sexy commando Augie it’s just she doesn’t want to subject him to her crazy family and x baby daddy. Augie really likes Pepper and her daughter Juno, he doesn’t care about all the rest he just wants the chance to prove he is the one .I really enjoyed the new installment in this series it had laughter, tears, and all around a good feeling. Plus you got time with all the ladies in the squad! Can’t wait for more, they just keep getting even better.

This was Pepper and Auggie's story, of which we got a glimpse in the previous books. As with many KA stories the drama was dialed all the way to the top, which I did not mind at all, sometimes our characters were facing multiple dramas at the same time. In Pepper's case it was her family and her baby daddy ex, while with Auggie, it was his parents.
I loved how the unfolding relationship between our main characters was built on them wanting a future together, and that Pepper's daughter Juno, was an important building block in that (her feelings and how their relationship would affect her was important to both Pepper and Auggie). The mother/daughter relationship was so lovely, and I also appreciated the underlying theme of setting boundaries with family when they it affects your mental health/happiness.
An entertaining read with lovable characters to root for and themes that many of us can relate to.