Thank you to NetGalley for providing me with an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.

I absolutely LOVE LOVE LOVED this book! As soon as I was done I texted my bestie to tell her all about it.

Let’s start with the tropes you will find in Only in Your Dreams:
Small town romance
Brothers best friend
Second chance romance
Forced proximity
Sports romance (football)
Abusive/toxic ex-boyfriend
Pining (years and years of pining)
Dual POV

Zac was the star quarterback of their small town’s football team. Melody was his best friend’s twin sister. She was also Zac’s good luck charm. Before every game, Melody would find Zac and give him a four leaf clover. The book opens on a key event in their lives when they were 18 and then cuts to present day, 10 years later.

Melody and Zac haven’t spoken or seen each other since that night 10 years ago. Fresh off of a break up with her long term boyfriend, Melody is back in town and living with her twin brother, Parker. Melody takes Parker’s place last minute in their friend group’s annual camping trip. After a freak set of circumstances, Melody and Zac are left stranded at the camp site for days. Melody is still angry with Zac for what happened 10 years ago. Zac is trying to show Melody he isn’t that guy and prove how he feels.

What follows is such a beautifully written story of two estranged former friends finding their way to each other again.

Melody was such a witty, hilarious, and sassy queen. But not in an annoying or over the top way. I enjoyed watching her transform from the shell of herself that her abusive relationship left her in, back to her true and best self.

Zac is now a college football coach, living in the same small town they grew up in. He is a sweet, endearing, and full of swoon-worthy book boyfriend material. I appreciated that while Zac wanted to do and give Melody the entire world, he allowed her space to do what makes her happy and love her life on her terms.

The plot to spice ratio was perfect. And the pacing of the story was on point. There were a few “twists” that I was able to see coming, but I still enjoyed the ride to get there. I love the way Wilde writes her characters. They feel very real, like I could be friends with this group.

I am excited for more books from some of the other characters. Looks like Brooks is getting a book next!

5 stars

4.5 stars

When Melody returns to Oakwood Bay after her failed relationship, the last thing she wants is to spend time with Zac. Ten years ago, Melody asked Zac to kiss her, the night before she left for college. She harbored feelings for her brother’s best friend and finally got the nerve to let him know, but he walked away and she hasn’t heard from him in a decade.

Now she’s back in Oakwood Bay, living with her twin brother Parker, and she doesn’t know where her life is going. She needs a job, she wants her own place, and she realizes that her previous relationship was full of emotional toxicity. Her brother asks Melody to take his place on a camping trip with a group of friends, and she finds herself face-to-face with Zac. She is full of unresolved emotions!

I loved the storyline and the banter between Melody and Zac. The novel was paced well and I didn’t want to put it down. There’s a complication in the third act and it wasn’t what I was expecting! This is the first book I’ve read from Ellie K. Wilde, so I wasn’t familiar with her style or level of spice – definitely need some antacids for this one! I can’t wait to read the next installment of Oakwood Bay.

Thank you to Ellie K. Wilde, Atria Books, and NetGalley for providing me with a digital ARC of this novel in exchange for an honest review!

4.5 ⭐️

I was in need of a good romance and absolutely loved this one! I loved all the build up and there was definitely 🌶️. The main character Melody gets out of an extremely toxic relationship that she only sees post breakup when her friends point out all the 🚩 and she’s forced into some situations with her first love/brothers best friend. Extremely easy read that I couldn’t put down, highly recommend and I can’t wait for the second book to come out, already on my list!

Second chance, friends to lovers, and fake dating tropes combined with football, yep, this one was AWESOME!! The growth in relationships, characters, and friendships was phenomenal. From Melody working through her previous toxic relationship, Zac believing in himself and his team, and Brooks dealing with his previous injury, it was great! Would definitely recommend this book!!

[Thank you to NetGalley, Atria Books, and Ellie K. Wilde for sending me this ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.]

After a decade away, Melody moves back to Oakwood Bay, bunking in her twin brother's spare bedroom after her boyfriend of 6 years, Connor, dumps her so he can have fun on a guy's trip. As if her luck wasn't bad enough, Parker sends her on a camping trip in his place - where she unexpectedly ends up with Zac, the first boy who shattered her heart before she left for college. Things get really awkward when the two of them are stranded in the woods and forced to share a tent. Zac fumbled his chance with Melody 10 years ago but he's determined to win her over. For her, this is just a temporary setback and she's laser focused on getting her life sorted and moving back to the city.  

Zac is a bit obsessed with Melody after not talking with her for a decade BUT he's a nice guy, who says lots of romantic things, so it's not hard to overlook his long-time crush. He's patient and encouraging while Melody gets back on her feet. The two of them have amazing chemistry and witty banter that's fun to read. 

Melody's healing journey from her emotionally abusive past added a lot of depth to the story. I appreciate Wilde being so sensitive when writing about this topic. For the length of the book, I wish we had gotten to see more of her growth. I was not a fan of Melody's twin brother, Parker, being so overprotective (especially after we learn about her and Connor's relationship). I understand he was looking out for his sister, but this approach always feels icky to me. 

Overall, I think this was a cute read and I really enjoyed Wilde's writing! I'll definitely be reading more of her books in the future!

I’m sorry but where the heck did this book come from?!?!!! I’ll be honest I’ve never even heard of Ellie Wilde until I saw this available on NetGalley. I’m a big sucker for sports romance and requested it immediately. Let me tell you Ellie did not disappoint. I devoured this book in less than 48 hours and I’m immediately going to check out her other books now because of it. So big thank you to NetGalley, Atria Books, and Ellie Wilde for approving me for this arc in exchange for my honest review.

If you can’t already tell this is going down as one of my favorite romcoms of 2024. And I’m so sad that I have to wait until 2025 before I can buy and own my trophy copy. But I’ll happily wait and continue to gush over this book to anyone that will listen. “Only in Your Dreams” is a heartwarming second chance romance that follows Zac & Melody. They are two childhood best friends working together at finding their happily ever after. Both of them have to work through doubts and long overdue hurts but the journey is 100% worth it.

On a personal note, I need Zac to be my fictional boyfriend. I absolutely loved and adored his character. He is quite literally a golden retriever with never ending loyalty, love and adoration for Melody. Plus any man that would make sure I’m never out of chapstick is a winner in my book!

Then we have Melody our FMC. I will admit at times I wanted to smack her. But I understand she was “grumpy” love interest for a reason. She needed to rediscover herself and recognize she can do the hard things.

Without a doubt this was a 5 star romance read for me. I think any regular or sports romance fans will absolutely devour this. Plus there’s no third act breakup so bonus win! I cannot recommend this book enough! Can’t wait to look into more of Ellie’s books!

‧₊˚✧<b> 2.5 ⭐️</b>
<i>*possible spoilers ahead*</i> 💌

꒰ <i>“I wanted to tell her so badly yesterday. Explain to her how seismic my love for her has been since the moment I met her.”</i> ꒱

although this book had some okay moments I don’t really feel any angst or tension between them (which I love in second chance books) and it kinda felt like she was stringing him along throughout this in my opinion..

also the conflict that makes this a second chance was pretty obvious but it got dragged out until maybe around the 70% mark?? I didn’t want to talk about the dialogue but I was cringing so hard at a lot of parts lol..😶😶
꒰ <i>"Leaving you that night, Mel. That was the hardest thing I've ever done. I still don't know how I managed it."</i> ꒱

<b> overall thoughts</b> :
I would skip over this one but if it seems like your thing then try it!! <3 I just personally think it was too long and the writing was very flowery imo.

. . . . .

Reviewed for NetGalley:

After reeling from her last relationship, Melody moves back home to bunk with her brother and run into her brother's best friend: Zac. Her childhood crush/love.

I was actually surprised the traumatized experiences Melody shared in this otherwise, sweet, fun read.

Overall, decent read.

Contemporary romance is a hard genre for me to sink into, ESPECIALLY when its main trope is “miscommunication”, but Wilde did a good job of pulling me in. The MMC was a pathetic groveling golden retriever while the FMC had big black cat energy. Plus the balance of cringy lovey-dovey scenes with blush worthy spicy scenes was simply perfect.

"We needed time to become the right versions of ourselves. For life to shape us into puzzle pieces that fit perfectly together."

There was never a question of if Melody and Zac should be together but it became more of a question of when. I loved them together from the very beginning and then seeing them come back together. It was quite the emotional rollercoaster, but totally one I'd ride again.

I'm so excited and can't wait for more books in the Oakwood Bay series!

This was such a cute and spicy sports romance with so much tension and banter! There were so many fun and real moments that captured my full attention. I really enjoyed our FMC and how strong she was to leave her ex, who was incredibly abusive, she also quit the job she didn't like and left. The miscommunication between the main characters was annoying at first but understandable. I loved the forced proximity and the tension between our characters. i really enjoyed seeing our fmc heal and become happier as time went on.

Thank you NetGalley for an eARC of this book before it gets traditionally published next year.
This was SO SWEET. I love when second chance romance hits just right. Melody and Zac are such a good couple and both great characters. I will absolutely be reading the next book in the standalone series. The reason this isn't a 5 star read for me is because I did feel it was a little long near the end and I ended up skimming quite a bit of scenes. The tension and angst in the beginning was perfect. The way Zac falls first and harder was *chef's kiss*

A terrific young adult novel with a second chance flair. For Zac and Melody, it has been a ten year gap since he bungled the chance to finally win her. His mistake left her feeling bereft and unloveable. A disaster of a camping trip brings them the chance to recapture the lost years but all is not easy or uncomplicated.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of the book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Wow! I did not expect to love this book as much as I did.

This is my first book from Wilde and it did not disappoint. This book is the epitome of romance. The mmc has done nothing but pine for the fmc which made me swoon. I am a sucker for a second chance romance so this book had me hooked by chapter 2.

The love these two shared was so tender and precious it actually made me tear up. All of the gestures and little things Zac did for Melody seriously made me want to cry from how warm and fuzzy my heart was.

Wilde has perfected the trope ratio formula. This book has it all and Wilde made sure tropes like, brothers best friend, close proximity, small town romance etc; were seamlessly integrated throughout the story.

I absolutely fell in love with Melody and Zac love story. I can’t wait to read what else Wilde has in store.

Thank you Atrita Books and Netgally for letting me read this in exchange for a honest review.

3.5 stars

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
Melody is not having a good time. Dumped by her big city boyfriend, she is forced to move back to her small town and into her twin brother's spare room. Add to that, her longtime crush (otherwise known as her brother's best friend) is still in town and seems to be everywhere she is. What's a girl to do, but suggest a secret “friends with benefits” arrangement. What could possibly go wrong?

This was a delightful read, with all the best tropes, a wacky group of secondary characters, and an MMC who is a dream come true.

Thank you so much Atria books for sending this my way- it's totally a book I'd pick out for myself!

I enjoyed the premise of this story. I liked the second chance aspect, I liked Zac a lot (what a freaking sap) and I love a best friend's brother. I also really like the ending. While a bit predictable, it was so much fun to see their whole scheme implode in Zac and Melody's faces. That's often the best part of a brother's best friend after all.

The story itself was fun, but a bit long. There was a lot of focus on Melody and her journey and all the things she was thinking and feeling. I liked the way Zac came around. While he was the wrong with the groveling to do, I liked how dedicated he was to making it right and winning back his girl. I wish there would have been a bit more going on in the football world that was important to both of them, I enjoyed the snippets of that a lot. Some aspects of NCAA football were clearly wrong though and messed with the story a bit more than I prefer.

I liked Zac a lot, I liked Parker, Brooks and Summer too. I liked the banter between Zac and Melody and I liked Noah's story line. I thought the friend group was great and I am excited to see who pairs up next! And I liked the college town setting and how integrated the group was in each others' lives. There was a lot I liked about this book, but nothing I loved. Overall it was fun but not a favorite read for me.

I thought this book was ridiculously cute! It’s sappy, it’s corny, everything you want in a romcom.

After moving back to her small town and discovering that her breakup with her boyfriend was a good thing, Clover, excuse me- Melody, starts to figure out what she wants in life. This only happens with the help of Zac, her brother’s best friend who she had a crush on and left her embarrassed a decade ago. He had a lot to make up for and fits some romance stereotypes, but I’m not complaining.

I highly recommend to anyone looking for a cutesy story.

I received an eARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

I received this book in exchange for an honest review. Thank you so much to the author, the publisher, and NetGalley for this opportunity.

"I'm thinking about never realizing just how lonely I've been until the very moment I felt full... Now. Here, with you. 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."

When Melody is forced to return home after a failed relationship, the last thing she needs is quality time with her twin brothers best friend Zac, who also happens to be here high school crush that turned her down and never spoke to her again. But a camping trip gone bad pushed Melody and Zac back together and... neither of them do much to fight the connection.
Can time and connection heal a wound in Melody far bigger than the one Zac left over 10 years ago?

--------------------

I adored this book.
The chemistry and tension and banter between Melody and Zac is to die for.
Not to mention that Zac is SOOO DOWN BAD for Melody and there is nothing better than a man head over heels in love with a girl who doesn't know it.
There was a perfect mix of romance and butterflies in your stomach while also having themes that are more serious which adds to the growth of the characters in the book. And that mix makes it so much more enjoyable.

A large element of this book is (kind of) a miscommunication trope, and while I don't normally love those, this one felt like it was minimal and very manageable for me! It didn't bother me at all because it was one instance of miscommunication that is eventually explained.

I cannot recommend this book enough!
If you are a lover of small-town sports romances that include plenty of banter and tension and spice, then this book is for you!!

getting dumped by a dumb mean evil ex bf and then finding comfort & love in the cutest sweetest man alive will always be my favorite kind of romance book. I loved this. so cute and sweet and thoughtful it made me sick!!! this was soooooo bingeable I probably could’ve read it in one sitting if I wasn’t so busy. thank you to netgalley for letting me read early!!

🩵🏈 Only in Your Dreams 🏈🩵
By Ellie K. Wilde

✨ Thank you to @netgalley and @atriabooks for the copy of this eARC - available January 21st! ✨
**This was previously indie published but has been picked up for trad!**

🏈 Small town
🩵 Twin brother’s best friend
🏈 Football coach
🩵 Dual POV

🏈 You know when the prologue or first chapter of a book has little moments or dialogue that makes the💡go off in your head? That these are going to be important pieces of the HEA puzzle? I LOVE THAT little foreshadowing, and this prologue left no crumbs.
🩵 The rest of the book was perfectly binge worthy - I could have read this in one day but alas, I needed sleep.
🏈 I love the depth that came out of this story.
It’s funny, it’s full of banter, it makes your heart happy but it also has a layer of so many emotions and unfortunate things that happen to so many relationships. Which makes the story and especially the FMC more real and relatable.
🩵 Zac is the epitome of what you want to read in a book boyfriend.

✨ I’m so grateful to have gotten the email request to read this book. I will be reading Ellie K. Wilde’s backlog and anything she writes in the future.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️: Yes