From the amazing main characters to the twists and turns of the mystery, this story had me immersed in 1920's New York. The relationships and romance are just perfect! I felt as if I knew these characters. They dealt with struggles, yet matured through them. And the romance was swoony! The sleuthing was fun to follow with quite the suspenseful solution!

McDaniel has become one of my favorite authors! Highly recommended!

I received an early digital copy from the publisher opinions are my own.

✨THE DREAMS WE KNEW✨

“You realize I’ll have need of your arm until I know I won’t fall and shatter any bones.”

“See? My plan is working.” I held out my hands to her. “We’re not even five minutes here and you already want to touch me.”

✨✨✨

“I’ll give up anything to have you.”

✨✨✨

Well, Kent Brisbane, I knew you would have my heart. Book one gave me a little glimpse, and Rachel you delivered on this character. Goodness gracious 🫠🫠🫠

Roaring twenties, two detectives, a mystery to solve...and most importantly a second chance romance full of flirty banter, sweet touches, and passionate kisses. The dialogue alone...🔥🔥🔥

Historical suspense romance for the win! If anything, please read this for Kent Brisbane. The Dreams We Knew releases tomorrow!!

I will pick up anything you write Rachel! Just keep them coming!

I LOVE IT! I LOVE IT! I LOVE IT! This is for sure my new favorite book by Rachel McDaniel. The romance left me swoony. The mystery had me turning the pages. I finished it and immediately wanted more of these characters - give me a whole series! Fans of Ashley Weaver should definitely give this book a try.

ALL THE STARS!!!

With the truth of her birth revealed, Delvina does not fit in with the upper crust of NYC society and decides to pursue her dream of becoming a private investigator. When she is hired to find the killer of an up and coming model, she comes face to face with PI Kent Brisbane, the man who stole her heart but who she hasn't seen in four years.

When she forms a reluctant partnership with Kent to solve the case, the two race to find the killer. Delvina soon realizes that not only is her life in danger as she discovers secrets of those who would do anything to keep them hidden, she may be in danger of losing her heart again to the one man she has never been able to forget.

What you'll love:
1920s NYC
second chance romance
dual pov
forced proximity
private investigators
flashbacks
PLOT TWISTS!!
so much chemistry!
flirty, witty banter
mystery to be solved
ALL THE KISSES!!!
"I'll give up anything to have you."

I am officially declaring Rachel the queen of historical second chance romance because oh, sweet heavens, THIS BOOK!!! Just when I think I could not love Rachel's books anymore she writes this absolutely breathtaking masterpiece. She strikes such a perfect balance of mystery and swoon and connection it makes the story completely unputdownable!

I love that we get a story for two favorite side characters that we have already met in two separate books and what a story. The tension and emotional connection between Kent and Vinny was sooo fantastic and those flashbacks seriously my heart into a puddle. And watching them fall for each other all over again? SWOON.

The unique setting, the endearing characters, the mystery and suspense, the swoony romance - this book has it all in spades and loved every.single.page of it! Though the main characters are seen first in other books, this can be read and enjoyed as a standalone.

10/10, this will be a forever favorite! Brilliantly done in every way!

I received a complimentary copy but a positive review was not required.

The Dreams We Knew is written by Rachel Scott McDaniel. Her stories always transport readers back into time. In this story, we find ourselves in the roaring twenties. This is an underwritten time period. in which the author has captured beautifully.

New York debutant Delvina Salvastano Kline has embraced her role as a societal misfit after discovering her birth father was a crime boss. She was briefly married to Kent Brisbane. They moved forward as private investigators and each are working on growing their own business. However, their paths cross again and they find themselves having to work together when a promising young fashion model is found dead.

Both Delvina and Kent have secrets and baggage - but we see that they were good together. They are complete opposites. We have met these characters in previous books - so it was good to see them again. Do not fear, if you have not read the author's previous books, there is enough backstory to not confuse you.

The author always writes such amazing historical fiction stories. I loved seeing the mystery unfold and the chemistry grow. The book is well written, the storyline engaging. Thank you to the author and publisher for allowing me to read a copy of this book - all thoughts are my own.

“…I can’t breathe without you.”

All the love for this amazing book! Rachel Scott McDaniel’s written another absolute winner! The Dreams We Knew started off with a bang & didn’t let go. I adored this fiery, opposites attract second chance romance set amidst the glitz & glamour of the Roaring 20’s. With an intriguing mystery, witty banter, sizzling chemistry, & a touch of faith, this riveting whodunnit was impossible to put down.

The intrepid New York debutant Delvina Salvastano Kline has embraced her role as a societal misfit after discovering her birth father was a crime boss. Now a budding private investigator, she finds herself in the middle of a case involving a murdered model. Though “Vinny” is clever & tough when it comes to her cases, the man who left her four years ago has the power to unravel it all when he comes back into her life.

Detective Kent Brisbane has many secrets. But, the biggest secret of all is one he’s been hiding for four long years. When he meets Vinny on a case, he’s determined to not let what happened four years ago happen again.

Loved Kent & Vinny “Knuckles!” This dynamic duo’s chemistry absolutely crackled on the pages. I thoroughly enjoyed how they worked together all while trying to sort out their relationship. Though they’re opposites when it comes to stations in life, they share a lot in common “the misfits have all the fun.” I loved uncovering the secrets of their past right along with the mystery they’re trying to solve.

The mystery itself was a clever puzzle that kept me on my toes. It’s a complex web that spans the highest rungs of society to the lowliest. I loved all the history woven in throughout that made it even more compelling like the mysterious “Sleeping Sickness” based on actual events.

Highest of recommendations for this amazing historical romantic mystery! Fans of the author’s previous books will recognize Delvina & Kent. I was so thrilled to get their story & see other familiar faces again! Definitely a must read! I received an advanced complimentary copy from the author & publisher. All opinions are completely my own & voluntarily provided.

No one writes 1920s like Rachel Scott McDaniel and it just gets better with each book. I loved DelvinaI mean what’s not to love about a socialite turned private investigator in New York City. Ans of course Kent who you first meet in Walking on Hidden wings.

Not only I am I a sucker for 1920s set novels I’m a sucker for a good mystery and romance full of banter which The Dreams we knew has in spades along with a second chance romance. I finished this one in one day because I had to know what happened and I loved every minute McDaniel is quickly becoming a favorite author of mine.



I received a copy of this book from the author as part of a blog tour I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine alone.

I received a copy of this book from the publisher through netgalley. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine alone.

After reading Walking on Hidden Wings by this author last year, I was excited to read The Dreams We Knew!

Four years ago, secrets and unanswered questions ended Delvina Kline and Kent Brisbane’s marriage, or so they thought. Both have moved forward, apart from one another, as private investigators, when suddenly their paths reconnect.

Mystery woven into intriguing historical details, immerse readers into the glam and glory of the 1920’s! With effectively executed flashbacks, readers gain necessary background details from Kent’s point of view, creating a perfectly paced romantic, action packed can’t put down tale!

THE DREAMS WE KNEW
by: Rachel Scott Mcdaniel
@rachel_scott_mcdaniel

-I give 5 stars!⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

“I’d do anything for you…Because people do drastic things for those they love.”

~In the glitz and glam of New York City’s elite circles, Delvina Salvastano Kline walks a delicate line between her privileged upbringing and her murky past…

“As far as family trees went, mine had tangled roots and several shaky limbs.”

-My friends, THE DREAMS WE KNEW, is such an enthralling blend of mystery and second-chance romance. It’s a quick-paced story that hooked me with the perfect amount of banter and tension. It is precisely and wonderfully filled with great mystery, dear humor, sparkling romance, has such endearing characters, and is beautifully weaved with a delicate balance of such swoon and connection. The history and attention to every single detail shimmers so brightly in this great adventure. Uniquely set during the Roaring Twenties in 1924 with and told with flashbacks from 1920, adds such an extra layer of depth while giving such great clues, redemption, and clarity to discovering the whole complete truth. All of the little threads, the details, the twists fully captured my heart. Watching dear characters working together in less than perfect situations and settings fall for each other all over again with trust was the cherry on top! This heart-stopping romantic suspense story is definitely well worth the beautiful read any day!
🙌🏻📚💯

“There’s one part of you I want most of all.” “You know what that is?” “Your heart.”

-Content: murder, stabbing, previous death of parents Romance: fade to black closed door, mild innuendo between married couple, topics related to parental abandonment and adoption, no swearing.

“This heart no longer beats for me, but for you. You, Delvina Brisbane, are a thief to the highest degree.”

-I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the author. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.

#thedreamsweknew
#rachelscottmcdaniel

“Be my family.”

#worththeread
#allaboutthebestreads

“Those dark moments enabled me to appreciate the light. With Delvina by my side, I vowed to embrace it fully.”

When it comes to novels set in the Roaring Twenties, Rachel Scott McDaniel is one of the best in the business. Her stories are addictive and dynamic, romantic and realistic. I love how completely hooked I am each time I pick one up and The Dreams We Knew just knocked it out of the park for me.
I have to start by saying I love the second chance romance trope and McDaniel has proven she is a master in telling a second chance romance story. I was invested with Kent and Delvina's history and current relationship from the very second they appeared on the page together and oh my my, that chemistry was poppin'! I seriously could not get enough. The banter and cleverness demonstrated between Kent and Vinny was scrumptious. I love that Kent had taught Vinny how to be a detective and watching them work the case and unfold the mystery together was fantastic. I also loved the way the story was crafted and the use of dual POV to show past and present for this couple. So so so good.
If you enjoy historical romance with a bit of suspense and mystery, this is for you. I loved it and will definitely be picking it up and reading it over and over again. Five stars easily.
I received an advance reader copy of this novel from UpLit Reads and Netgalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

This book honestly had a slow start for me…. But then once it picked up, I couldn’t put it down! The story was romantic and intriguing. I was making predictions and laughing at the couple’s banter all throughout. Kent was such a lovable character - I’m glad he (and Mrs. Brisbane) had a happy ending. I really appreciate the author’s writing style and enjoyed this ARC very much. I would recommend The Dreams We Knew to others and am looking forward to reading more of Rachel’s books!

Last year I read my first book by this author, ‘Walking on Hidden Wings,’ and I instantly fell in love with the main character. She was unique, strong, and defied societal norms at the time being a stunt pilot. It quickly became one of my favorite books of the year.

Naturally I wondered how I’d feel about this latest book. It surpassed all my expectations! The setting transports us to a time period I love reading about, the roaring 20’s, where glamour meets grit.

Delvina ‘Vinnie’ Salvastano Kline is a detective. Despite being a wealthy socialite and heiress to two fortunes, society has ostracized her due to her biological father’s history as a mob boss. Vinnie is unbothered by this and fully embraces her distinctiveness, which is one of the many reasons I adore her character. When Vinnie is hired to locate a kidnapped judge’s daughter, she encounters her husband, Kent Brisbane—or rather, her ex-husband. She hasn’t seen him in four years and after the shock she realizes he’s also been hired for the same rescue mission. From the start, their chemistry is like a dance, hinting at unresolved feelings between them. They join forces again when they are both investigating a suspicious suicide that seems like foul play.

Who can these “sleuthing sweethearts” trust? More importantly, will they learn to trust each other? Their chemistry is electrifying, but is it strong enough to grant them a second chance?

Set against the vibrant backdrop of New York, complete with speakeasies, mobsters, a secret marriage, and several murder mysteries, the novel shines. Yet it’s the relationship between Delvina and Kent that truly makes you fall in love with the author’s writing style. The story is witty, intelligently crafted, fast-paced, and romantic, making it a definite addition to my keeper shelf.

⭐️ ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Rachel Scott McDaniel’s latest release The Dreams We Knew sweeps you into the roaring twenties and tells you a tale of lies, secrets, and deaths within New York’s social elite. In The Dreams We Knew, readers meet Delvina, a woman who works as a Private Investigator who dubs herself as a “social misfit” after it comes to the light that Delvina is adopted and not actually New York upper crust blood, and Kent, a Private Investigator, who is not only investigating cases of the people who have hired him, but is investigating a case close to his heart. In 1924, four years after originally meeting one another, Kent and Delvina bump into each other again as their current cases intertwine. Reuniting is not necessarily a good thing for Kent and Delvina, after bonding four years ago over a love of Private Investigating–especially when Delvina let Kent in on her entire life, and Kent did not let Delvina in on much of his life at all. As they work together, Kent and Delvina realize that the remnants of their bond is still there and that if intend on solving a case together, Kent needs to let Delvina in and Delvina needs to find the courage to let Kent in again.

I love Rachel Scott McDaniel’s The Dreams We Knew! I love being transported to the 1920s and the mystery that The Dreams We Knew gave me! I love the elements of the mystery and how Ms. McDaniel weaved historical happenings into the mystery. I thought the sleeping sickness aspect in the mystery was very unique for the storyline. Having family members in my own personal family history that have had sleeping sickness, it was nice to see that profiled in the book. I love meeting Kent and Delvina and loved their relationship! I thought the way Ms. McDaniel showed Delvina and Kent’s perspectives on their relationship and how they move forward during 1924 was an interesting take in the plot. I love that through their respective perspectives on their relationship–how both Delvina and Kent both grew and learned from the mistakes they made and how they handled them–that they both vowed to each other and God to do things better. I also loved meeting Delvina’s and Kent’s Contacts and seeing the Contacts devotions and protectiveness towards Kent and Delvina. The Dreams We Knew is great mystery with a lot of flair and sass, that will take you on a roaring trip in the 1920s! I highly recommend The Dreams We Knew by Rachel Scott McDaniel!

Have you read The Dreams We Knew? What did you think of the book?

Thank you to NetGalley, the Publisher, and Rachel Scott McDaniel for the opportunity to read The Dreams We Knew. I would like to thank Rachel Scott McDaniel for letting me be on the Launch Team for The Dreams We Knew and assisting me in compiling the information I needed for this post. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

My review is also on Amazon, NetGalley, Goodreads, and my blog Leslie’s Library Escape.

I absolutely loved this book! The prose is beautifully woven together, the story is compelling, and I loved the characters. I had a hard time putting it down, and picked it back up every chance I got!

The Mobster’s Daughter and Walking on Hidden Wings are two of my all time favorite books. So when I found out that The Dreams We Knew connects those two books by giving two great side characters their own story, I was thrilled! This book was everything I was hoping it would be!

It’s a second chance romance, with delightful twists and turns, and the mystery is well written, and I kept changing my mind about what I thought was going on, only to be wrong every time. I loved how this book kept me on the edge of my seat, and I adored how completely it sucked me into the story and kept me turning pages as quickly as I could.

I love when books have flashbacks to the past, especially in a second chance romance, and this book was unique in that the present day chapters are from Delvina’s point of view, and the past chapters are from Kent’s point of view. It was fascinating and so well done!

I could keep gushing about this book, but I’ll end here by saying this is a new favorite story of mine, and I highly recommend it! I would read The Mobster’s Daughter and Walking on Hidden Wings first if you want a full picture of the main characters in this book, but it also stands alone just fine if you haven’t read them first. (They’re incredible though, so I definitely recommend reading them as well!)

I adored this book, and I’m going to have to reread it in the future!

I voluntarily read and reviewed a copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Rachel Scott McDaniel delivers a stellar romantic mystery set in 1920’s New York. This second chance romance grabbed my attention from the very beginning and I did not want to put it down. Delvina finds herself thrown into working with Kent Brisbane - the private detective who trained her, and also the one man who she vowed never to be involved with again. As they work together to solve a murder, they realize there is much more at stake than they ever thought - including their own safety. McDaniel kept me guessing until the very end. I truly loved the relationship between Delvina and Kent - their witty banter and desire to watch out for one another as they worked to unravel the mysteries of this case made for some great interactions. I don’t want to share any spoilers, so I will just say this is a story you don’t want to miss. I received an early copy for review. The comments and opinions expressed are my own.

Rachel Scott McDaniel has delivered a dazzling historical mystery filled with romance, intrigue, and heart. The Dreams We Knew transports readers to 1920s New York, where a private investigator and a detective must confront both a murder case and their own unfinished past. The setting is beautifully immersive, the romance is full of swoony moments, and the mystery keeps you engaged from start to finish. A must-read for fans of historical fiction!

Rachel McDaniel has done it again! The Dreams We Knew was fabulous. Set in the 1920s, this book was full of romance, mystery and intrigue. People were mysteriously dying, but kept being ruled as not murders, so Delvina & Kent set out to determine what was going on. There are a couple of interesting side plots that were woven meticulously throughout.
This may be my favorite McDaniel Book yet.

I went in blind on this book and was immediately transported to New York’s Roaring Twenties in what felt like a classic timepiece. This book grabbed hold of me and didn’t let go until the very last page. A mash of genres, including romance, mystery and historical fiction all masterfully woven together. The suspenseful intrigue was mixed with clever and witty banter and such tenderheartedness that pulled at my heartstrings! Despite being closed door, the romance was so swoon worthy, a testament to the author’s mastery of words. Rachel Scott McDaniel created two characters who will stay with me long after the last page in a book that I just couldn’t put down!
Delvina Kline and Kent Brisbane, both private PIs, team up to investigate the mysterious death of an up-and-coming fashion model. Not only do both have secrets from each other, but they share a secret past as well. Their chemistry is undeniable as is their vulnerability. It’ll be hard to top Kent in the book boyfriend arena – he’s broody, he’s protective, he’s in deep. And Delvina is fearless in living life true to herself.
The atmosphere of mobsters, glamour society, speakeasies is so on point you will feel immersed in the setting. The historical details showed the amount of research this author did.
I absolutely loved this book! And cannot wait to read more from this author!

Private investigator Delvina Salvastano Kline, torn between her wealthy upbringing and criminal lineage, is hired to solve the murder of a rising fashion model. Forced to work with her former love, detective Kent Brisbane, they navigate New York’s elite and dark underbelly, uncovering dangerous secrets in this Roaring Twenties mystery.

Pub Day: February 25, 2025

4 stars!

This story had it all - romance, mystery, family drama! Rachel Scott McDaniel delivers an intriguing and mysterious second-chance romance set in the 1920s. Four years after their brief marriage ended in secrets and unanswered questions, private detectives Delvina Kline and Kent Brisbane (The Sleuthing Sweethearts) find themselves unexpectedly working together on a missing person case.

The story shifts focus from the romance, to the histories of the characters, to the current mystery at hand. The book keeps pace and ties up loose ends in a neat little bow (for those who need that and are wondering!). Vinny and Kent are charismatic and full of banter and make for excellent main characters. The Dreams We Knew is a quick read and a unique story that will satisfy many readers!

Thank you UpLit Reads and Rachel Scott McDaniel for providing me with an early copy of this beautiful book!

[Thank you to Kregel Publications and to the author for my copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.]

I could NOT put this story down! I was so captivated! I already know it: The Dreams We Knew will make it to my 2025 Top Reads list.

Set in 1924 and flashing back to 1920, this historical fiction was so full of everything I’d hoped for. The pacing was perfect, the chemistry was phenomenal, the setting was vivid, the attention to detail was amazing. I have nothing but praise for this book!

Read this for:

-Roaring Twenties setting (speakeasies, mob references, glamor, parties, etc.!)
-Mysteries
-Second-chance Romance (closed-door, some innuendo)
-Private Investigators
-Daughter-of-an-infamous-mobster FMC
-The BEST banter
-Faith themes (so well-done)

Note: The characters in this story are familiar characters for anyone who has read the rest of Rachel Scott McDaniel’s books. I cannot wait to go back and read all of Rachel’s other books now!

I’ve already personally recommended this title to so many of my off-line friends, and I’m so excited to share about it here, too.

Highly recommend!