i recently read late bloomer, and this reminded me of it in the best way! i don’t really like enemies to lovers/forced proximity-ish but i haven’t read something involving an animal shelter so it definitely got an extra star for me because of that. another bonus star for taking place in oregon, living there for 4 years makes every book set in the PNW so much easier to immerse myself into. loved it!

A.L. Brooks' "Chasing Dreams" weaves a captivating tale of love, ambition, and self-discovery. With well-developed characters and a narrative that delves into the complexities of pursuing one's dreams, Brooks' novel is a must-read for those who appreciate thoughtful and emotionally resonant lesbian romance.

would like to thank netgalley and the publisher for letting me read this book

its very true you have to chase your dreams

ruby has a dream, she wants to help injured animals and hopes to buy a property that is close to town and can get more people to visit and help those animals

but her dreams are ripped from her when someone else buys the property

clare has also has a dream..... she has walked away from her way of life and is starting out on her own... and she has bought the house of her dreams

when clare and ruby meet its explosive ....its just as clare is signing the paperwork for the house and ruby is mad

a fun read that highlights that sometimes you just need to go for what you want in life

This story truly struck a chord with me. It's a heartwarming and down-to-earth one that weaves realism with a generous dose of wholesomeness. The emotions and fears of the characters are beautifully portrayed, making the story all the more relatable. I couldn't help but smile during the happy moments, and Ned, the grandpa, is just downright adorable.

The only downside? I wished this story were a bit longer; it left me wanting more. The book blends elements I adore, from rescued animals to the importance of self-care and the pursuit of becoming a better person. It's a heartening reminder that we all have the capacity for positive change. I highly recommend this read to anyone seeking a touching and inspiring story of resilience and redemption.

Well, this was the sweetest dang book I have ever read in my life. It had everything a gal like me could want from a sapphic romance: tender-hearted small town firebrand who rescues animals and works in a library. Big city boss who's done with hustle culture but kinda still an ice queen. Middle age dreams coming true. Pining and kissing and over-processing beneath the autumnal Oregon sky. Ten out of ten swoons! A Hallmark movie of a thing, and I mean that in the best possible way.

Thank you to Ylva Publishing and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this novel and provide an honest review.

Rich and powerful venture capitalist Claire Pressley is done with her stressful life in New York and sets her mind on renovating an old homestead in Oregon into a small BnB as a place for women to escape and relax. Neighbor Ruby Jordan had been saving to purchase the homestead herself, and when she realizes that this wealthy woman from NY wants to turn it into a Bed and Breakfast, she's kind of pissed about it.

The two get off on the wrong foot, and Ruby is a little sour for a minute, but both women are mature adults and try to find peace with each other. There's instant attraction on both sides, and the chemistry between Claire and Ruby is fun to read as they butt heads until they start to enjoy each other's company. This was a fun sapphic small town romance. It was short and sweet. Definitely enjoyed this one!

Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the advanced digital reader's copy (ARC) in exchange for an honest review!

How good was this! It also has one of the best first kisses I ever read. Anyway, I can only recommend that you read this book, it has everything.

Free ARC via NetGalley

I will read all of AL Brooks books without even reading the blurb. Ice Queen is my least favorite trope but it didn’t stop me from enjoying this book! It had everything I needed to give a big 5 stars

Chasing Dreams is a great small town sapphic romance between a rather melty ice queen leaving her big city career behind, and a small town librarian with dreams of opening an animal rescue.

Claire is finally ready to leave her successful career as a venture capitalist in New York City— a career she never really wanted— and start over in small town Oregon, turning an old homestead into a guesthouse. Ruby has been saving up to by the old homestead in her hometown for the past decade, so that she can register her animal rescue as a non profit and help even more animals. Despite getting off on the wrong foot, the two women have an undeniable chemistry and soon find themselves wanting to get to know each other better.

Chasing Dreams has that small town romance charm and is a relatively low-angst yet engaging read. The characters kept me invested throughout the story as they slowly found their way. I definitely recommend to lovers of sapphic romance!

I am new to this author and have now read two of her books back to back. Chasing Dreams is a delightful small town romance. Claire Pressley was a successful venture capitalist in NYC. But she wants a change of life and purchases a dilapidated homestead in Eagle Cove, Oregon. She plans to renovate the house and have a small B & B (4 guest rooms) or retreat for women. But arriving in Eagle Cove she finds the locals all know each other's business. And at least one is mad at her.

Ruby Jordan loves her job as a town librarian. Her other passion is rescuing animals and she had plans to purchase the property Claire buys in hopes of turning it into an animal shelter. Once Ruby gets over her initial disappointment, she can’t help but be drawn to Claire. Sparks fly but both are hesitant because of previous relationships. And the town is very small if things don’t work out.

I found the story engaging and entertaining. It is sweet errands together, or wings and a drink at the bar. It’s taking care of animals and an aging grandfather. At times I thought the author over explains feelings or thoughts. And a few scenes could have been edited out as extra, a trip back to NYC to sign paperwork and see an old friend. It fills in space but doesn’t add the plot. But those are very minor quibbles. Overall I was charmed by the characters and enjoyed this low angst, feel good romance. Originally published March 2022. Thank you to Ylva Publishing for the digital copy via NetGalley. (4.5 Stars)

Engaging and satisfying read
There is plenty of drama and humor along with romance in this book. On balance I'd say the story as a whole is a charming and an easy read. The story takes place in NYC and Eagle Cove Oregon and in a twist I have not read before in lesfic, small town Oregon is clearly portrayed as the better place to be over the big city. The town is written in such a way that it sounds like a great place to hang out and even better place to live in long term, its inhabitants endearing and relatable. For animals lovers there are several critters to love, laugh and coo over including some less traditional ones for a lesfic story; they're only part of the draw of the town and appeal of the book. Main characters Claire and Ruby have a dramatic (and not in a good way) first meeting. Secondary characters are given distinct personalities and genereous scene time with the mains so you can see the varied interactions/relationship dynamics between friends, family and colleagues; there's a lot of heart as well as humor in many of those scenes. Claire and Ruby have their issues and past baggage to sort out and Claire's arrival in town sets the place stirring with gossip between the locals. Claire's big city attitude is mostly out of place there and not appreciated by many.
I read the book in a couple of days and found it easy to get attached to the characters, get choked up or even shed a few tears when not chuckling in certain scenes; the (mis- and non-) communication issues between Claire and Ruby had me along with several secondary characters in the book wanting to knock their heads together a few times but rooted for them to find their way to be together all the same. I take it as a sign of good storytelling when I get pulled in like that, emotionally invested sometimes to the point a sports fan would be when watching their favorite team on tv make a mistake or have a call they disagreed with called on them (minus the screaming out loud and throwing objects on my part). I appreciated the safe sex talk and practice in the story; they take nothing away from the heat of those interactions.
Chasing Dreams is maybe one of my favorites so far by A.L. Brooks and I look forward to seeing what story they publish next. I recommend readers new to A.L. Brooks check out other titles by them as well for a variety of stories told with a high level of storytelling skill.