I did not enjoy this one as much as I thought I would. I was disappointed. The brother's best friend/secret crush from childhood trope seemed interesting, but it fell short. Both main characters seemed quite juvenile, especially after 10 years apart! I felt like I was reading a book about high schoolers or young college kids instead of full-grown adults. And it was sickeningly sweet at times, especially the male main character. I basically made myself finish reading this one. There were some truly sweet moments, but they were completely overshadowed by the shallowness of the characters. Also, the spice in the open door scenes was over the top - It was completely unbalanced 180 degrees from the rest of the book. Unfortunately, I cannot recommend this read. There is just too much you would need to ignore or get past to enjoy it, in my opinion.

** Thank you to netgalley, the publisher, and the author for this advanced copy in exchange for my honest review **

I absolutely loved the way this author wrote! The feelings of the characters were captured so intently and I found myself hooked from the prologue til the last page. I can’t wait to read more by this author!

This didn’t work for me unfortunately. The characters and development felt quite shallow. The pacing was way off. They hooked up not even 30% in and then enacted a no kissing rule and the only tension was because of her brother? I wish there was more depth and character development. I would’ve been way more invested in the characters.

Thank you Atria and NetGalley for the arc in exchange for an honest review.

This book was such a treat! It’s the first book I’ve read by this author and I’m pleasantly surprised by how much I loved it. Second chance romance doesn’t always hit the mark, but this one did! Throw in a charming small town and you have a hit on your hands. Highly recommend for romance lovers!

Was this an absolute cheese fest? Oh yeah. Did I consume it with a fervor I didn't know I possessed? Also yes. The story is mostly predictable, but there were some moments that I definitely enjoyed. Connor getting his butt kicked. Chef's kiss. Finance bros can be the worst. I appreciated the turn on the "who did this to you" trope and that the big misunderstanding that usually takes place, was actually a normal conversation between adults.

I think the beginning of the story, about them being stuck on a camping trip together was a little wild, and it didn't really match to the rest of the football story line, but I guess they needed a way to be forced into spending time together.

However, the worst part about this was Parker. Her brother mandates a "hands off" policy that somehow every guy follows, leaving Melody super lonely and with limited self-confidence. Then she has to hide her relationship from him because he's acted erratically about it in the past. Even though they are grown adults and he doesn't OWN her. I didn't love that part so much.

The spice was good, maybe 4 out of 5. Overall, I'd rate the book 4.25 if I could. (Mostly because I didn't like the Parker owns her vibe).

Melody and Zac were friends in high school who unknowingly both had feelings for each other. They reconnect a decade later, as Melody is recovering from a bad breakup. Melody and Zac had great chemistry and I was rooting for them. I also enjoyed their friends and the people in the small town. I really enjoyed the book, but I sometimes got distracted by the things Zac had done for a woman he had not seen, spoken to, or contacted in any way in a decade. It was a bit much and might verge on creepy if he weren't such a sweet character. Otherwise, it was a fun, spicy read!

Wow, Ellie K. Wilde is one of my new favorite authors! She managed to pack this book full of tropes I love (brother's best friend, one bed, slow burn, second chance romance), but also create authentic characters who I kept rooting for, not just in their relationship. I want more of Melody and Zac!

After Melody is dumped by her long time boyfriend, her brother sends her on the annual camping trip in his place. A trip she hasn't been on since high school. When she last saw Zac Porter, Melody thought they were meant to be, on the verge of something amazing, and then he just disappeared. Now, ten years later, they are different, but the same connection between them is still there, and this time, Zac isn't going to let his second chance pass.

Throughout this book, I simultaneously wanted to devour it whole, and also slow down and savor every moment of Zac and Melody's romance. They have an electric chemistry that sparks off the page. Outside of their relationship, they are also each recovering from personal challenges; Mel from her ex-boyfriend, and Zac as a football coach who hasn't won a single game. It's so apparent how these two characters are stronger together. This read is spicy and fun in all the right ways.

As a note/heads up to anyone who might be sensitive to content about controlling and abusive relationships, there are many references to past behaviors of that nature, as well as two on-page scenes of the same. The narrative clearly renounces such behavior, as do the characters. Alcoholism is mentioned, as well as neglectful parenting. Additionally, there are two on-page instances of physical violence.

Not my typical tropes of choice but I absolutely loved this second chance brothers best friend romance. Some good spice too, but in all the right places.

I had some fun reading this book but I also skimmed through it. But I loved the "it has always been you" trope. It was a nice book to read.


Thank you for the arc!!

I had such a fun time reading this book. It’s an “always been you” trope… if that’s a thing?

Zac and Melody are so perfect for each other with the banter and snarky comments.

And the tattoo? Just melted my heart and I definitely cried.

It’s an amazing childhood friend, brother’s best friend… though honestly was a little disappointed in the reason why he never came back in her room while she waited…

Definitely still worth the read.

Only in Your Dreams is a spicy second chance, brother's best friend, sports romance where Melody moves home to live with her twin bother, Parker, after being broken up with. Upon her return home, she gets roped into a weekend camping trip with old friends and Zac, her brothers best friend whom she hasn't spoken to in 10 years after an incident the night before leaving for college. Now face-to-face they rehash the past, and where they currently stand.

Over all I really enjoyed this book and learning about Melody and Zac's relationship and unraveling their past with each other, but with Parker as well. They both felt very real in their struggles and it made it easy to connect with them in the story. The tension and pining for each other made this book addicting for the most part, towards the end it did feel a little too much.

One reason I like this book was reading about Melody's journey of rediscovering herself after the end of her 6 year relationship. It was so understandable in her hesitations towards Zac after learning what her last relationship was like. I was nice to see her figure things out on her own and on her own terms.

Thank you NetGalley for providing me with an arc, I enjoyed this story and look forward to reading more by Ellie K Wilde in the future.

Wanted to like this book but just couldn’t get into it, I was bored and found my self skimming to see if it got better

🏈🍀 only in your dreams by ellie k. wilde 🍀🏈

this was CUTE my goodness. as a biiiiig sports romance girly, i really loved this one and it had alllllll the tropes

🍀small town
🍀healing after a breakup with her toxic ex
🍀second chance
🍀brother’s best friend
🍀secret relationship
🍀one bed (orrrr tent on a camping trip 🤭)
🍀found family

wilde did a great job conveying the gaslighting and emotional manipulation from melody’s ex-boyfriend and i legitimately could feel my stress levels rising during those scenes. the slow burn was also worth the wait 🔥 4/5⭐️!

thanks to the author, publisher, and netgalley for the eARC in exchange for an honest review!

I LOVED this book so much. I loved the chemistry between Zac and Melody. This book has made me want to go read all of Ellie K. Wilde's other books now. The angst between the 2 main characters was very well written, it was spicy and kept me engaged the entire time.

This book offers a captivating blend of engaging storytelling and well-crafted characters. The plot moves at a steady pace, keeping the reader hooked from start to finish. The author’s writing style is both accessible and thought-provoking, with themes that resonate long after the final page. While the story may feel familiar at times, the depth of the characters and the emotional weight of their journeys make it a worthwhile read. Overall, this book is an enjoyable and memorable experience, perfect for fans of romance books. Highly recommended!

I’ll be back with a full review closer to release but this book was so SWEET. UGH.

I don’t usually reach for brothers best friend off the bat but I will absolutely reach for 14 years of pining and brothers best friend was also her best friend.

Premise of this book is Melody returning to her home town to live with her twin brother, Parker, after being away for a decade with her ex in the city. Zac, Parker’s bestie hasn’t seen Melody since the night he blew her off 10 years ago but he has definitely not stopped dreaming of the day she returned.

Parker sends Melody off on their annual camping trip when he has plans come up in town and Zac is quick to realize his time is limited when it comes to making up for his past.

The banter in this book kept me entertained at every single turn. Like wrapping up in your favorite blanket and watching a rerun of your favorite drama unfold.

I LOVE second chances. I loooOOoove friends to lovers.

And I love it even more when the MMC is giving Me & You Together by The 1975 energy.

This book's pacing is making me dizzy, some if the scenes were making me doubt on what i read prior.

This book was absolutely amazing! The angst, the tension, and the spice was great! I will definitely be reading more from Ellie K. Wilde!

🔥 A Small-Town, Brother’s Best Friend, Sports Romance That Delivers All the Feels! 🔥

If you’re a sucker for second chances, forbidden love, and the kind of chemistry that simmers over a decade, Only in Your Dreams is your next must-read. Ellie K Wilde weaves a story that’s heartwarming and spicy, taking you back to a hometown filled with old wounds, unfinished business, and a love worth fighting for.

✨ The Story:
Melody Woods never thought she’d return to Oakwood Bay—especially with a broken heart and empty pockets. But when her twin brother, Parker, pushes her to fill his spot on a camping trip, she’s forced to confront the one man she’s avoided for ten years. Zac Porter, the college football coach who was always off-limits, once let Melody slip through his fingers. He’s older now, wiser, and determined to right his past wrongs. The sudden reunion at camp sparks a fierce connection, reigniting old flames and reminding them both of what could have been.

✨ "If he can prove he loved her then, and he loves her still, this time might be different."

For Zac, this camping trip is his shot at convincing Melody that their story isn’t over—it’s just getting started. But as he fights for a winning season on the field and for Melody’s heart off of it, he also has to keep their rekindled romance a secret from her overprotective brother. For Melody, returning to Oakwood Bay was just a pit stop, not a plan for permanence. But with Zac’s unwavering devotion and the slow burn of rediscovered love, maybe this small town has something more to offer.

🌟 Why You’ll Love It:
• Brother’s Best Friend Trope: Deliciously forbidden and loaded with tension.
• Second-Chance Romance: A lingering past and long-held regrets collide with hope and healing.
• Sports Angle: Get behind the scenes of college football drama and a coach who plays for keeps.
• Small-Town Charm: Cozy vibes, close-knit community, and that comforting sense of homecoming.
• Perfect Blend of Humor & Heat: Swoony moments, heartfelt confrontations, and a spice level that’ll make you blush.

This is the kind of romance that reminds you that time doesn’t extinguish true love—it just makes that final spark all the sweeter. Don’t miss Only in Your Dreams if you crave an emotional journey packed with secret glances, tender kisses, and the promise of forever.

📖 #BookReview #EllieKWilde #OnlyInYourDreams #BrothersBestFriend #SecondChanceRomance #SmallTownRomance #SportsRomance #SpicyReads #BookWorm #BookTok #Bookstagram #MustReadRomance

Such a cute sports romance. I loved the character dynamics and writing style so so much. I will definitely be picking up more by this author in the future. 🥰💕🏈