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Stubborn Love #2
Only in Dreams
Paige Parker thinks she has everything figured out. Even though her heart is broken, she manages to find love again, and she’s sure this time it’s for keeps.
Between planning her wedding and working on garments for her upcoming debut fashion show, Paige is overwhelmed. When her fiancé, Henry, suggests a couple months away from the hustle and bustle of the Big Apple to focus, she is thrilled to use the opportunity to reconnect with her best friend, Emmie.
Paige heads to Texas, ready to spend some quality time with Emmie and her baby girl, Olivia. When she arrives, she is shocked to find herself face-to-face with Christian Bennett, the man who broke her heart.
She finds herself confused. Is she truly over her first love? Is she making a mistake marrying Henry? Paige follows her heart, but this may be the most painful decision she ever makes. It leaves her wondering if true love is possible ONLY IN DREAMS.
Between planning her wedding and working on garments for her upcoming debut fashion show, Paige is overwhelmed. When her fiancé, Henry, suggests a couple months away from the hustle and bustle of the Big Apple to focus, she is thrilled to use the opportunity to reconnect with her best friend, Emmie.
Paige heads to Texas, ready to spend some quality time with Emmie and her baby girl, Olivia. When she arrives, she is shocked to find herself face-to-face with Christian Bennett, the man who broke her heart.
She finds herself confused. Is she truly over her first love? Is she making a mistake marrying Henry? Paige follows her heart, but this may be the most painful decision she ever makes. It leaves her wondering if true love is possible ONLY IN DREAMS.
294 pages, ebook
First published November 25, 2013
185 people are currently reading
1667 people want to read
About the author
Wendy Owens
48 books643 followersWendy Owens is a thriller writer, born in the small college town, Oxford Ohio. After attending Miami University, Wendy went onto a career in the visual arts. After several years of creating and selling her own artwork she gave her first love, writing, a try. It’s become a passion ever since.
When she’s not writing, this dog lover can be found spending time with her tech geek husband, their three amazing kids, and three pups. She loves to cook, watch movies, and play games.
If you want to follow her on social media you can visit:
Twitter: https://twitter.com/WendyLOwens
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Wendy-...
Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/...
When she’s not writing, this dog lover can be found spending time with her tech geek husband, their three amazing kids, and three pups. She loves to cook, watch movies, and play games.
If you want to follow her on social media you can visit:
Twitter: https://twitter.com/WendyLOwens
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Wendy-...
Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/...
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 117 reviews
December 5, 2013
My thoughts:
So I basically read this is in one day since I was so enthused with the beautiful and emotionally gripping story! It was so addicting!
Paige Parker, like how in the synopsis states, “thinks she has everything figured out” for herself: her job, love life, friends, as well as career.
But when an opportunity arises in which she is presented an opportunity to reconnect with an old friend and flame, she goes through a self-transformation and evaluation of who she is and what she wants for herself and her life.
There’s obviously a love triangle in the mist which is a no brainer since Paige is awfully torn between Henry, her fiancé, and Christian, the one who had stolen and broken her heart long ago.
As a reader, you’d like to think that you’re on one guys side but during the progress of the story you’re thought process changes. I liked both Henry and Christian for different reasons although I couldn’t help but root for Christian, the now changed unselfish and over all great guy who makes it no qualms that he is willing to do anything to win Paige over again.
In regards to Paige, well...Paige, is not whiny nor annoying at all. THANK GOD. She is honest, upfront, and very real. I was honestly smitten and quite taken with Paige’s viewpoint as seeing Christian again has taken her from left field and has made old feelings resurface which is causing her to be in quite a dilemma to be between her and her fiancé.
I am normally not one for which suitor for her choose in the end but I couldn’t help but feel for her in this. I mean, she loves Henry; there’s no denying that. But she also still has unresolved affairs and feelings for Christian as well.
Gah, I swear this book threw the ringer as my emotions were running all over the place! I was so taken aback by the events that take place but I couldn’t help but admit it to myself in the end that it was bound to happen.
Definitely a book I highly suggest you readers pick up when you get the chance! You won’t be disappointed!
Paige Parker, like how in the synopsis states, “thinks she has everything figured out” for herself: her job, love life, friends, as well as career.
But when an opportunity arises in which she is presented an opportunity to reconnect with an old friend and flame, she goes through a self-transformation and evaluation of who she is and what she wants for herself and her life.
There’s obviously a love triangle in the mist which is a no brainer since Paige is awfully torn between Henry, her fiancé, and Christian, the one who had stolen and broken her heart long ago.
As a reader, you’d like to think that you’re on one guys side but during the progress of the story you’re thought process changes. I liked both Henry and Christian for different reasons although I couldn’t help but root for Christian, the now changed unselfish and over all great guy who makes it no qualms that he is willing to do anything to win Paige over again.
In regards to Paige, well...Paige, is not whiny nor annoying at all. THANK GOD. She is honest, upfront, and very real. I was honestly smitten and quite taken with Paige’s viewpoint as seeing Christian again has taken her from left field and has made old feelings resurface which is causing her to be in quite a dilemma to be between her and her fiancé.
I am normally not one for which suitor for her choose in the end but I couldn’t help but feel for her in this. I mean, she loves Henry; there’s no denying that. But she also still has unresolved affairs and feelings for Christian as well.
Gah, I swear this book threw the ringer as my emotions were running all over the place! I was so taken aback by the events that take place but I couldn’t help but admit it to myself in the end that it was bound to happen.
Definitely a book I highly suggest you readers pick up when you get the chance! You won’t be disappointed!
December 3, 2013
I really enjoyed Stubborn Love, the first book in this series, but I fell in love with Only in Dreams, even if it left me a sobbing mess.
Whilst it's the same characters it's so very different, over the four years they've grown up and moved on. Paige has fallen on love with Henry and is months away from marrying him, when she gies to stay with Em in Texas and bumps into Christian again. Paige is on an emotional roller coaster, she loves Henry but can't deny she still has feelings for Christian.
Christian has changed from the self centred young man he was, he's matured into a pretty great guy, who makes no bones about the fact he will fight for Paige. As much as you want her to choose him, you can't help liking Henry. It's almost as bad for you as the reader trying to choose as it is for Paige.
I didn't recognise Em on this book, she's a mother now and she mothers Paige, you know she wants her to choose Christian, but she also doesn't want to see him get hurt.
Just when you think you know what's going to happen everything gets shaken up, and I spent the last few chapters of the book sobbing my heart out. It was inevitable, but that didn't stop it hurting.
This is a beautiful story, it's an emotional one as well, and it definitely deserves five stars, if not more.
Whilst it's the same characters it's so very different, over the four years they've grown up and moved on. Paige has fallen on love with Henry and is months away from marrying him, when she gies to stay with Em in Texas and bumps into Christian again. Paige is on an emotional roller coaster, she loves Henry but can't deny she still has feelings for Christian.
Christian has changed from the self centred young man he was, he's matured into a pretty great guy, who makes no bones about the fact he will fight for Paige. As much as you want her to choose him, you can't help liking Henry. It's almost as bad for you as the reader trying to choose as it is for Paige.
I didn't recognise Em on this book, she's a mother now and she mothers Paige, you know she wants her to choose Christian, but she also doesn't want to see him get hurt.
Just when you think you know what's going to happen everything gets shaken up, and I spent the last few chapters of the book sobbing my heart out. It was inevitable, but that didn't stop it hurting.
This is a beautiful story, it's an emotional one as well, and it definitely deserves five stars, if not more.
December 22, 2013
After reading Stubborn Love I was pretty excited to read Paige's book. Sadly I wasn't very fa in when I realized that I wasn't going to love it nearly as much as the first. Having faith in the series I made the mistake of just buying the book without reading the sample, had I read the sample I probably would have bought Only In Dreams. Not that the book is bad but the events in the book, I didn't like.
Here's where the spoilers come in.
I don't think I'd recommend this book simply because I know I'm not the only one that isn't a fan of these kinds of "twists" it makes the relationship we really want second rate and cheap.
Here's where the spoilers come in.
I don't think I'd recommend this book simply because I know I'm not the only one that isn't a fan of these kinds of "twists" it makes the relationship we really want second rate and cheap.
August 26, 2015
Only In Dreams is the story of Paige Parker. Once again despite the fact that the story has a main male character, it's not who the story revolves around.
In the previous book Paige was dating Christian Bennett, a boy that she had grown up with and had been dating for years. She is loud and proud of who she is and not afraid to show it. She works as a model, despite her dream to be a fashion designer, and everything seems great for the couple.
Cut to Only In Dreams and suddenly they are fighting. And not just fighting over stupid things. Christian is back to drinking and Paige just can't stand to watch him do that to himself anymore, so she takes off. What?! She just leaves him. And he doesn't come after her. What kind of a perfect couple is this? An immature one. That's what kind.
Christian Bennett seems like a great guy, but he has some serious problems. His parents died when he was younger and he was left to be raised by his older brother Colin, the main guy from Stubborn Love. Colin always made sure that Christian got everything he could possibly need or want, especially after their uncle pretty much deserted them. With all the stress of not only being a teenager, but of the trauma that is his parents dying, Christian takes up drinking. And doesn't really stop. In Stubborn Love he had stopped drinking, until a small slip-up one night. No big.
Except it was a big deal because in Only In Dreams, it seems that their fights stem from that single time. Because it didn't stop. And he was drinking himself into an early grave.
So Paige leaves. Well you know what? Good for her. Stand up for what you believe in, baby girl.
Four years later we meet Paige again. This time she is finally following her dreams. She's gone a show soon that she has to prepare for, and a wedding to plan. That's right. A wedding. To the wonderful and amazing Henry. Henry is the man that made her go after her dreams. Henry is the man that is willing to do pretty much anything for her, including send her to Texas so she can go stay with Emmie for a couple of months before the wedding to finish planning. Not knowing that Christian is living next door.
Paige and Christian's relationship from the very start is like a roller coaster. They can't decide if they like each other or don't like each other. Whether they love each other or don't love each other. Whether she wants to stay married or not. And I loved every second of it. They were so well developed and so... real, that I couldn't help but be entranced by every word Wendy wrote. I had been so excited when I read Stubborn Love knowing that Paige was going to get her own book that I honestly expected to hate it. You know how you expect something to be flat out awesome and it can never live up to it?
Well Only In Dreams surpassed it. Because of Henry. Henry is what made this book have 5+ stars. Between the laughter and the tears, the drama and the passion, I was head over heels for this book. I'm so glad Paige got her book, and so glad that she got the ending she got.
In the previous book Paige was dating Christian Bennett, a boy that she had grown up with and had been dating for years. She is loud and proud of who she is and not afraid to show it. She works as a model, despite her dream to be a fashion designer, and everything seems great for the couple.
Cut to Only In Dreams and suddenly they are fighting. And not just fighting over stupid things. Christian is back to drinking and Paige just can't stand to watch him do that to himself anymore, so she takes off. What?! She just leaves him. And he doesn't come after her. What kind of a perfect couple is this? An immature one. That's what kind.
Christian Bennett seems like a great guy, but he has some serious problems. His parents died when he was younger and he was left to be raised by his older brother Colin, the main guy from Stubborn Love. Colin always made sure that Christian got everything he could possibly need or want, especially after their uncle pretty much deserted them. With all the stress of not only being a teenager, but of the trauma that is his parents dying, Christian takes up drinking. And doesn't really stop. In Stubborn Love he had stopped drinking, until a small slip-up one night. No big.
Except it was a big deal because in Only In Dreams, it seems that their fights stem from that single time. Because it didn't stop. And he was drinking himself into an early grave.
So Paige leaves. Well you know what? Good for her. Stand up for what you believe in, baby girl.
Four years later we meet Paige again. This time she is finally following her dreams. She's gone a show soon that she has to prepare for, and a wedding to plan. That's right. A wedding. To the wonderful and amazing Henry. Henry is the man that made her go after her dreams. Henry is the man that is willing to do pretty much anything for her, including send her to Texas so she can go stay with Emmie for a couple of months before the wedding to finish planning. Not knowing that Christian is living next door.
Paige and Christian's relationship from the very start is like a roller coaster. They can't decide if they like each other or don't like each other. Whether they love each other or don't love each other. Whether she wants to stay married or not. And I loved every second of it. They were so well developed and so... real, that I couldn't help but be entranced by every word Wendy wrote. I had been so excited when I read Stubborn Love knowing that Paige was going to get her own book that I honestly expected to hate it. You know how you expect something to be flat out awesome and it can never live up to it?
Well Only In Dreams surpassed it. Because of Henry. Henry is what made this book have 5+ stars. Between the laughter and the tears, the drama and the passion, I was head over heels for this book. I'm so glad Paige got her book, and so glad that she got the ending she got.
January 4, 2014
I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for a review.
When I decided to take this for review, I thought it looked like a cool NA book. (I just guessed it was NA, anyway.) It's actually a little above NA, but nothing that the intended audience of NA couldn't read.
This was a pretty fast read for me, which was nice. But I found myself being annoyed by certain aspects of the story as I read. I liked Paige and I was glad she was willing to go after her dreams, but she was so indecisive when it came to her men. I was really annoyed with Christian, who wouldn't allow "I'm engaged" to be a good enough reason to leave Paige alone. Respect the girl's wishes, dude.
I'm not much of a fan of love triangles anyway, but it's really bad when I actually really like the guy who is getting the short end of the stick. Henry, Paige's fiance, was a total sweetheart and he had no idea Christian was trying to win Paige. I felt super bad for him, and that made me all the more annoyed with Christian. And Paige.
The ending, though, that had a lot of redeeming qualities. It was way more touching than I thought it would be, and I found my feelings for the characters changing. Unfortunately, it happened too late for me to really change my mind about some of them.
Also, I noticed a slight plot hole that really stuck out to me. See, one of the characters is a recovering alcoholic, and in one of the scenes, they order a pitcher of beer. Then, chapters later, they say they haven't touched a drop of alcohol in ten months. This meant one of two things: the character is a liar or the author didn't catch this serious breach in character. In either case, I ended up disappointed. It doesn't sound like much, I'm aware, but I was just so frustrated with this character anyway, and this didn't help.
If I could, I'd probably give this something closer to a 3.5, but I wasn't willing to round up to a 4.
When I decided to take this for review, I thought it looked like a cool NA book. (I just guessed it was NA, anyway.) It's actually a little above NA, but nothing that the intended audience of NA couldn't read.
This was a pretty fast read for me, which was nice. But I found myself being annoyed by certain aspects of the story as I read. I liked Paige and I was glad she was willing to go after her dreams, but she was so indecisive when it came to her men. I was really annoyed with Christian, who wouldn't allow "I'm engaged" to be a good enough reason to leave Paige alone. Respect the girl's wishes, dude.
I'm not much of a fan of love triangles anyway, but it's really bad when I actually really like the guy who is getting the short end of the stick. Henry, Paige's fiance, was a total sweetheart and he had no idea Christian was trying to win Paige. I felt super bad for him, and that made me all the more annoyed with Christian. And Paige.
The ending, though, that had a lot of redeeming qualities. It was way more touching than I thought it would be, and I found my feelings for the characters changing. Unfortunately, it happened too late for me to really change my mind about some of them.
Also, I noticed a slight plot hole that really stuck out to me. See, one of the characters is a recovering alcoholic, and in one of the scenes, they order a pitcher of beer. Then, chapters later, they say they haven't touched a drop of alcohol in ten months. This meant one of two things: the character is a liar or the author didn't catch this serious breach in character. In either case, I ended up disappointed. It doesn't sound like much, I'm aware, but I was just so frustrated with this character anyway, and this didn't help.
If I could, I'd probably give this something closer to a 3.5, but I wasn't willing to round up to a 4.
December 9, 2013
*I got this as an ARC from a really cool publicist!*
I loved “Stubborn Love”. But “Only in Dreams” just knocked it out of the ballpark. Paige was seriously cool. Christian was an angel. And Henry? Well, if I were gay and Henry wasn’t fictitious (and straight as well), I’d chase after him myself. He is just an awesome guy. The dialogue was pretty damned perfect.
Now, if you are a very experienced reader, you will be able to tell what’s coming after Ms. Owens leaves two little clues. And I figured it out. But when it happens, I was still like WHAT?!. Yeah, that good.
This is a love triangle with no cheating, and I can honestly tell you that everyone in the story lives happily ever after. I really loved this book.
I will now fan boy Wendy Owens.
I loved “Stubborn Love”. But “Only in Dreams” just knocked it out of the ballpark. Paige was seriously cool. Christian was an angel. And Henry? Well, if I were gay and Henry wasn’t fictitious (and straight as well), I’d chase after him myself. He is just an awesome guy. The dialogue was pretty damned perfect.
Now, if you are a very experienced reader, you will be able to tell what’s coming after Ms. Owens leaves two little clues. And I figured it out. But when it happens, I was still like WHAT?!. Yeah, that good.
This is a love triangle with no cheating, and I can honestly tell you that everyone in the story lives happily ever after. I really loved this book.
I will now fan boy Wendy Owens.
December 6, 2013
Holy crapola! This book. I mean really. I am at a loss for words and that is simply impossible to do to me!!!! But it has been done. This book was amazing. It had a good story line with twists and turns I know I surely wasn't expecting. I was thoroughly pleased the whole way through and only put it down when absolutely necessary. A definite reread.
April 12, 2016
Review originally posted at Ramblings From This Chick
Only In Dreams by Wendy Owens is the second book in her Stubborn Love series. I haven't read the first book Stubborn Love, but these book can be read as standalones and feature linked characters. I didn't really know what to expect from this story as it is the first book I have read by Wendy Owens, but I am really glad that I took a chance on this one. This book was heartbreaking and beautiful and was a roller coaster ride of emotions for me. This one definitely had me pulling out the tissues at times, but I also found myself smiling and feeling hopeful as well.
Paige Parker is a former model that is trying to make the switch to clothing designer. Her first collection is in the works and she is struggling to get it finished while planning a wedding to her fiance Henry. Henry decides that Paige should leave NYC for a few weeks and go to stay with her best friend Emmie in Texas. That way Emmie can help with the wedding planning and hopefully the girl time will help to relieve some of Paige's stress. Paige agrees and heads to Texas, but right after arriving she runs into the one person she never expected to see again, her first love Christian. Christian was not only Paige's first love, but he is also Emmie's Husband Colin's brother. Paige had always thought that Christian and her would be together forever, but when Christian was having trouble coping with a drinking problem, she knew that she couldn't continue trying to help him if he wouldn't accept it. But when they see each other four years later and Christian has turned his life around, Paige begins to realize that she might not be completely over the feelings she once had for him. Christian is determined to win Paige back, but Paige loves Henry and is committed to marrying him. But Paige also realizes that she loves Christian and wants a future with him. Soon Paige has to decide how you make a choice when you love two people, and what happens when things you never expected suddenly come up?
I really liked Christian and Henry. I thought that they were both really great for Paige in different ways, and they were both really great guys. Christian had broken Paige's heart, but he had never done it intentionally and he had never stopped caring about her. It was clear that he was torn up about everything that had happened, and I love how determined he was when it came to her. I really admired that he was able to turn his life around and better himself. He knew that Paige would never give him a chance unless he became the man she had fallen in love with again. I loved that he shared a history with Paige and that they had known each other since they were young. They had an easy connection and their relationship felt very natural. They also had a ton of sexual tension and chemistry between them. I also really liked Henry though. He was sweet and thoughtful and always putting Paige first. He was so supportive of her and went out of his way to take care of her. He would always find a way to make sure that she got whatever she needed and I loved that he really seemed like a genuinely nice guy. I could tell that he was hiding something from Paige for most of the book, and even though I had an idea of what it was, it was still heartbreaking to find out for sure. I wish that he would have been honest with Paige from the start about what was going on. Even though I understand that he was scared and trying to process it himself, I felt like he should have been able to share that with Paige since they were getting married to each other. I also felt like he was purposely trying to push her away at times but then would try to pull her back in. At times I felt like Paige and Henry had great chemistry with each other, but I feel like their connection was not as intense or as strong as the connection that she had with Christian. Henry felt sort of like the nice stable guy that you settle down with because he is safe. Even though I liked him, I just felt like she was destined to be with Christian. I really liked Paige though. I thought that she was a very easy heroine to root for. She was genuine and nice, and I loved that she was down to earth despite being a model. I felt like she really thought that her feelings for Christian were gone and that she was really taken aback when she realized that she still loved him. It was hard for her to come to terms with loving both men at the same time, and I thought that even though there were a few times that things happened with Christian, that she was always trying to keep things between them platonic out of respect for Henry despite what she felt.
Overall, I really liked this book. I read this book without putting it down for long, because I absolutely had to know what would happen. I will admit that although I liked Henry, I was team Christian from the start. I had guessed some of what was revealed in this book, but then there were other things that happened that really shocked me. I understand the choices that Paige made and I believe that they were very true to her character. I didn't always agree with the choices that she made, but I did get why she did. For me, the ending of this book was good and I was happy with the epilogue. I will say that I wish that things had happened a bit differently leading up to that though. I won't spoil the story, but I wish that her decision had been one that she actually made. I feel like the events that happened sort of forced her hand, and they really took away from the choices that she had been making. That was the reason this book wasn't a complete home run for me. I know the situation she was in was a very difficult one, and I admire the choice that she made despite knowing what it would cost her. But I still felt like ultimately she really didn't have a choice. This book was absolutely heartbreaking at times, and then there were other times that it was full of hope and really showed that no matter what happens we can survive it. I would recommend this book to anyone who is a fan of emotional romance stories. There wasn't a lot of sex or steam in this book, but I didn't miss it at all. I really felt that this story was all about connections and love and the choices that we not only make but are made for us. This story shows that even though we can experience heartbreak and pain, that there is always room to grow and heal and even someday love again.
**ARC provided by Mark My Words Book Publicity**
Only In Dreams by Wendy Owens is the second book in her Stubborn Love series. I haven't read the first book Stubborn Love, but these book can be read as standalones and feature linked characters. I didn't really know what to expect from this story as it is the first book I have read by Wendy Owens, but I am really glad that I took a chance on this one. This book was heartbreaking and beautiful and was a roller coaster ride of emotions for me. This one definitely had me pulling out the tissues at times, but I also found myself smiling and feeling hopeful as well.
Paige Parker is a former model that is trying to make the switch to clothing designer. Her first collection is in the works and she is struggling to get it finished while planning a wedding to her fiance Henry. Henry decides that Paige should leave NYC for a few weeks and go to stay with her best friend Emmie in Texas. That way Emmie can help with the wedding planning and hopefully the girl time will help to relieve some of Paige's stress. Paige agrees and heads to Texas, but right after arriving she runs into the one person she never expected to see again, her first love Christian. Christian was not only Paige's first love, but he is also Emmie's Husband Colin's brother. Paige had always thought that Christian and her would be together forever, but when Christian was having trouble coping with a drinking problem, she knew that she couldn't continue trying to help him if he wouldn't accept it. But when they see each other four years later and Christian has turned his life around, Paige begins to realize that she might not be completely over the feelings she once had for him. Christian is determined to win Paige back, but Paige loves Henry and is committed to marrying him. But Paige also realizes that she loves Christian and wants a future with him. Soon Paige has to decide how you make a choice when you love two people, and what happens when things you never expected suddenly come up?
I really liked Christian and Henry. I thought that they were both really great for Paige in different ways, and they were both really great guys. Christian had broken Paige's heart, but he had never done it intentionally and he had never stopped caring about her. It was clear that he was torn up about everything that had happened, and I love how determined he was when it came to her. I really admired that he was able to turn his life around and better himself. He knew that Paige would never give him a chance unless he became the man she had fallen in love with again. I loved that he shared a history with Paige and that they had known each other since they were young. They had an easy connection and their relationship felt very natural. They also had a ton of sexual tension and chemistry between them. I also really liked Henry though. He was sweet and thoughtful and always putting Paige first. He was so supportive of her and went out of his way to take care of her. He would always find a way to make sure that she got whatever she needed and I loved that he really seemed like a genuinely nice guy. I could tell that he was hiding something from Paige for most of the book, and even though I had an idea of what it was, it was still heartbreaking to find out for sure. I wish that he would have been honest with Paige from the start about what was going on. Even though I understand that he was scared and trying to process it himself, I felt like he should have been able to share that with Paige since they were getting married to each other. I also felt like he was purposely trying to push her away at times but then would try to pull her back in. At times I felt like Paige and Henry had great chemistry with each other, but I feel like their connection was not as intense or as strong as the connection that she had with Christian. Henry felt sort of like the nice stable guy that you settle down with because he is safe. Even though I liked him, I just felt like she was destined to be with Christian. I really liked Paige though. I thought that she was a very easy heroine to root for. She was genuine and nice, and I loved that she was down to earth despite being a model. I felt like she really thought that her feelings for Christian were gone and that she was really taken aback when she realized that she still loved him. It was hard for her to come to terms with loving both men at the same time, and I thought that even though there were a few times that things happened with Christian, that she was always trying to keep things between them platonic out of respect for Henry despite what she felt.
Overall, I really liked this book. I read this book without putting it down for long, because I absolutely had to know what would happen. I will admit that although I liked Henry, I was team Christian from the start. I had guessed some of what was revealed in this book, but then there were other things that happened that really shocked me. I understand the choices that Paige made and I believe that they were very true to her character. I didn't always agree with the choices that she made, but I did get why she did. For me, the ending of this book was good and I was happy with the epilogue. I will say that I wish that things had happened a bit differently leading up to that though. I won't spoil the story, but I wish that her decision had been one that she actually made. I feel like the events that happened sort of forced her hand, and they really took away from the choices that she had been making. That was the reason this book wasn't a complete home run for me. I know the situation she was in was a very difficult one, and I admire the choice that she made despite knowing what it would cost her. But I still felt like ultimately she really didn't have a choice. This book was absolutely heartbreaking at times, and then there were other times that it was full of hope and really showed that no matter what happens we can survive it. I would recommend this book to anyone who is a fan of emotional romance stories. There wasn't a lot of sex or steam in this book, but I didn't miss it at all. I really felt that this story was all about connections and love and the choices that we not only make but are made for us. This story shows that even though we can experience heartbreak and pain, that there is always room to grow and heal and even someday love again.
**ARC provided by Mark My Words Book Publicity**
May 13, 2014
ONLY IN DREAMS BY Wendy Owens was a beautiful story of love. Unconditional love, sacrificial love, true love, and enduring love. I thought Stubborn Love, the first book in this series, impacted me emotionally but it was just an appetizer for the banquet that is Only in Dreams.
This is primarily Paige Parker's story. Emmie's sassy roommate who has happily been with the love of her life since she was a teenager. Based on Paige's character in Stubborn Love I was looking forward to a fun lighthearted read of Paige taking over the world. She does take the New York and European fashion world by storm, but not before a major setback in her personal life. Which in a way makes it possible for her to whole-heartedly pursue her career goals and eventually find love again.
Christian Bennett, Paige's total hottie long-term boyfriend had some personal demons he struggled with after losing both his parents in a car crash when he was ten. He has struggled with alcohol abuse since he was a teenager and although he mostly had it under control in Stubborn Love he has a major setback at the beginning of Only in Dreams. Paige can't fix him and she can't watch him destroy himself so she leaves him and heads to Paris. Christian spirals further out of control before finally coming to grips and taking control of his addictions. By then, Paige has moved on.
Paige has moved on to Henry Wallace. Henry is wonderful. Every woman's dream fiancé. A passionate lover, gorgeous, athletic, kind, considerate, thoughtful and treats Paige like a queen. He makes her happy and fully supports her in her new career as a fashion designer. Completely perfect and swoon-worthy in every way. And when Paige becomes overwhelmed trying to plan their upcoming wedding and her first New York runway show at the same time he suggests she get away to visit Emmie and Colin in Texas where she will not only have help, but fewer distractions.
This is where the angst of the story begins. When Paige arrives in Texas she discovers Christian. A very changed and regretful Christian. A Christian who tries very hard to respect Paige's feelings and the fact that she is now in love with and engaged to another man despite the fact he is still very much in love with her.
I must say right here, there is no cheating going on behind Henry's back. If there had been this review would have gone a lot different. But even as they agree to be friends Paige struggles with ignoring the feelings she still has for Christian and wonders if she can marry Henry knowing now she may not be fully over Christian.
And this is the choice to be made. Go back to New York and marry Henry or stay in Texas with a reformed Christian?
Not wanting to give anything else away I will say that of course that sassy personality of Paige's is still there so there are many fun moments in this story and some very steamy times as well - again no cheating though. But toward the end of this book my heart hurt so bad for these three that tears were rolling down my cheeks as I read and I didn't even realize it. And then I was sobbing. And then somehow, and with a little time, Ms. Owens works it all out and brings joy back into the lives of her characters. And this reader.
ONLY IN DREAMS is one of the best books I've read this year and I urge you to experience it for yourself. I rate this book a fully-deserved five stars.
~I received this eARC free from the author's publicist in exchange for an honest review.
This is primarily Paige Parker's story. Emmie's sassy roommate who has happily been with the love of her life since she was a teenager. Based on Paige's character in Stubborn Love I was looking forward to a fun lighthearted read of Paige taking over the world. She does take the New York and European fashion world by storm, but not before a major setback in her personal life. Which in a way makes it possible for her to whole-heartedly pursue her career goals and eventually find love again.
Christian Bennett, Paige's total hottie long-term boyfriend had some personal demons he struggled with after losing both his parents in a car crash when he was ten. He has struggled with alcohol abuse since he was a teenager and although he mostly had it under control in Stubborn Love he has a major setback at the beginning of Only in Dreams. Paige can't fix him and she can't watch him destroy himself so she leaves him and heads to Paris. Christian spirals further out of control before finally coming to grips and taking control of his addictions. By then, Paige has moved on.
Paige has moved on to Henry Wallace. Henry is wonderful. Every woman's dream fiancé. A passionate lover, gorgeous, athletic, kind, considerate, thoughtful and treats Paige like a queen. He makes her happy and fully supports her in her new career as a fashion designer. Completely perfect and swoon-worthy in every way. And when Paige becomes overwhelmed trying to plan their upcoming wedding and her first New York runway show at the same time he suggests she get away to visit Emmie and Colin in Texas where she will not only have help, but fewer distractions.
This is where the angst of the story begins. When Paige arrives in Texas she discovers Christian. A very changed and regretful Christian. A Christian who tries very hard to respect Paige's feelings and the fact that she is now in love with and engaged to another man despite the fact he is still very much in love with her.
I must say right here, there is no cheating going on behind Henry's back. If there had been this review would have gone a lot different. But even as they agree to be friends Paige struggles with ignoring the feelings she still has for Christian and wonders if she can marry Henry knowing now she may not be fully over Christian.
And this is the choice to be made. Go back to New York and marry Henry or stay in Texas with a reformed Christian?
Not wanting to give anything else away I will say that of course that sassy personality of Paige's is still there so there are many fun moments in this story and some very steamy times as well - again no cheating though. But toward the end of this book my heart hurt so bad for these three that tears were rolling down my cheeks as I read and I didn't even realize it. And then I was sobbing. And then somehow, and with a little time, Ms. Owens works it all out and brings joy back into the lives of her characters. And this reader.
ONLY IN DREAMS is one of the best books I've read this year and I urge you to experience it for yourself. I rate this book a fully-deserved five stars.
~I received this eARC free from the author's publicist in exchange for an honest review.
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February 20, 2021
just like the previous book I didn't like Paige's attitude
December 11, 2013
Thanks to Wendy's publicist for sending me the ARC!!!!!
What an amazing story. I enjoyed the first book but this one was really good. The author did a good job in creating the characters where relationships are tested and love that you thought would never be. The story takes place four years later and details the lives of Paige and her fiancé Henry, Colin and Emmie and of course the infamous Christian.
Paige grew in this story. She turned in a strong, driven women with the help of Henry. Who by the way was her life, her other half, her reason to be able to move on and flourish in her career. But she also has to face life alternating revelations.
Not only do we understand what Paige was going through but also how Christian struggled in his journey of putting his life together as well.
I applaud the author for bringing these characters to life and telling this wonderful story. A definite must read!!!!
What an amazing story. I enjoyed the first book but this one was really good. The author did a good job in creating the characters where relationships are tested and love that you thought would never be. The story takes place four years later and details the lives of Paige and her fiancé Henry, Colin and Emmie and of course the infamous Christian.
Paige grew in this story. She turned in a strong, driven women with the help of Henry. Who by the way was her life, her other half, her reason to be able to move on and flourish in her career. But she also has to face life alternating revelations.
Not only do we understand what Paige was going through but also how Christian struggled in his journey of putting his life together as well.
I applaud the author for bringing these characters to life and telling this wonderful story. A definite must read!!!!
December 14, 2013
Only In Dreams by Wendy Owens was a great book! I enjoyed the first in the series, Stubborn Love, but this one was even better! The prologue had me hooked immediately. It was very emotional and I wanted to cry for both characters. Then it skips to four years later where you learn she is engaged to a new guy and seems very happy. He suggests she go spend time with her best friend, Emmie (from book 1), in Texas to get away from the distractions of New York and work on her job and wedding planning. This is where she runs into Christian, the guy who broke her heart all those years ago. I don't want to give too much away about what happens throughout the book, but it is very emotional and had me crying towards the end. I was not expecting what happens and the story isn't like others that are very cookie-cutter. The epilogue was probably my absolute favorite part!! I thoroughly enjoyed this book and couldn't put it down! 5 stars*! I was provided an ARC copy for review.
December 11, 2013
Only in Dreams... I'm almost at a loss for words. I absolutely LOVED this book. I literally couldn't put it down. Read it in less than 6 hours because I just couldn't stop! I kinda fell in love with Christian and Paige in Stubborn Love, but to get their story is just fantastic. The way Wendy writes just sucked me and made me feel so much for the characters. I felt so bad for Christian and Paige. And in the end I even loved Henry, he was just so good to Paige. I felt her confusion, I felt her pain, I felt her love. It was just amazing. Wendy Owens has climbed to one of my favorite authors with this series!!
December 13, 2013
I was gifted this book for a review.
This book is definitely an emotional one and it hit a bit close to home for me. This book captures you straight from the start all the way to the very last page. I got angry and laughed and finally cried. The main character Paige Parker is stubborn, very strong and a very enduring woman. Christian Bennett is very stubborn, irritating, and very determined in getting what he wants. Henry is so giving, loving and caring; he is the type of man every woman dreams of.
This book is definitely an emotional one and it hit a bit close to home for me. This book captures you straight from the start all the way to the very last page. I got angry and laughed and finally cried. The main character Paige Parker is stubborn, very strong and a very enduring woman. Christian Bennett is very stubborn, irritating, and very determined in getting what he wants. Henry is so giving, loving and caring; he is the type of man every woman dreams of.
March 4, 2014
Wow!! I felt so many emotions strongly while reading this book! The hard road Paige went through and her recovery was amazing! I was blown away by the detailed description of how she felt how Henry felt and looked, I balled my eyes out with them too! I was pleased to see Christian be the friend she needed and I fell in love with them and their friends/family! Such an amazing read!! I'd give more stars if I could! Just WOW!! Thank you for writing this book and bringing the emotions and the story to life!!
January 15, 2014
Get your diapers and tissues ready !
How can I begin this review? it was bloody amazing. In stubborn love I really didn't like Paige, but reading from her point of view made me understand her struggles with loving both Henry and Christian. I also grew to love her. Anyone can relate to Paige, a woman who struggles with what she wants to do or believes to do. This book will bring you so many different emotions. It will make you laugh, cry, hate, and love the characters.
How can I begin this review? it was bloody amazing. In stubborn love I really didn't like Paige, but reading from her point of view made me understand her struggles with loving both Henry and Christian. I also grew to love her. Anyone can relate to Paige, a woman who struggles with what she wants to do or believes to do. This book will bring you so many different emotions. It will make you laugh, cry, hate, and love the characters.
March 2, 2014
This book left me feeling so many things...mostly I was just a sobbing mess the last 15 minutes of the story. I absolutely loved it! I didn't realize how wrapped up in the story I actually was until I looked up from my Kindle and nearly two hours had passed. Obviously, I couldn't put it down. This one is a love story with a twist that leaves no question unanswered and no doubt in my mind that I will be reading it again.
March 13, 2014
This was an amazing love story. I def. was torn as to who I wanted Paige to actually choose. Henry was such a loving choice but she truly had unfinished business with Christian. This love story broke my heart and I found myself enjoying the rekindle of broken love and crying over a perfect love lost, only to find that a heart can heal in time. This is def. a story that I will be adding to my favorites.
April 4, 2014
Well I actually read book #2 before reading book #1, but the good thing about this series is that each book is great, even as a stand-alone. The foreshadowing was such that you pretty much figured out what was going on and what was going to happen early on, but the journey to the finished product was still pretty amazing. Love interest Christian was yummy, as was to be expected, but primary love interest Henry wasn't lacking either. Good, clean YA romance. Recommend for readers 15+.
September 1, 2016
This was a very good book. I absolutely love Paige. I must be honest I was bored for a few chapters in the beginning because Henry just put me to sleep, so boring of a man. However as soon as Emmie and Colin and Christian we back in the picture I was in love. Those four together are awesome. Seeing Paige with Henry felt wrong. He wasn't her type at all, she belonged to Christian. As soon as I find the truth about Henry I felt guilty for hating him. But all in all I loved the book.
March 4, 2014
I need 6 or 7 stars...5 was not enough!!! I read alot...i have books that I like and books I love...like and love do not do this book justice. I cried one of those nasty cries.... Not just one love story but two love stories...truly beautiful amazing love stories....Nothing I say is going to do this book justice. ..just one click...and enjoy!!!
March 6, 2014
WOW, great book
WOW, great book
Such a wonderful story. This is, by far, my favorite "clean" story. Each and every character just come alive and blend together beautifully. I won't leave any spoilers but have some tissues handy while reading this. There is a HEA. I am looking forward to reading more from Wendy Owens.
WOW, great book
Such a wonderful story. This is, by far, my favorite "clean" story. Each and every character just come alive and blend together beautifully. I won't leave any spoilers but have some tissues handy while reading this. There is a HEA. I am looking forward to reading more from Wendy Owens.
March 27, 2014
OMG!!! This book was great and better than the first! Spoiler alert - I bawled like a baby. I am so happy I wasn't in public. I sobbed! The indecision drove me crazy but the pay off was worth it and extremely emotional. Ms Owens, if you read this review, thank you. I enjoyed your work. Looking forward to the next novel.
November 18, 2022
Beautifully written
Man this book has me crying buckets. Every word played out like a movie before my eyes. I thought the first book was good, but the second in the series is phenomenal!!!! Paige & Christian's story is wonderful. Henry was wonderful. I can't say enough about it, well worth the read. I don't think it's necessary to read Stubborn Love before this one
Man this book has me crying buckets. Every word played out like a movie before my eyes. I thought the first book was good, but the second in the series is phenomenal!!!! Paige & Christian's story is wonderful. Henry was wonderful. I can't say enough about it, well worth the read. I don't think it's necessary to read Stubborn Love before this one
January 8, 2014
I'm 234 pages through and crying my eyes out! Gosh! In my whole life i have read three books that have reduced me to a crying ball of mess and Only in Dreams did this! I enjoyed Stubborn Love, it was a fun quick read, but this one...wow! Added to my re-read list for good reason!
March 1, 2014
I almost didn't buy this as first-person narrative usually irritates me. That would have been a big mistake.
The letter...
Ok I can't say more or I will start crying again.
If you have ever lost someone this is the book for you.
The epilogue is worth the tears and memories.
The letter...
Ok I can't say more or I will start crying again.
If you have ever lost someone this is the book for you.
The epilogue is worth the tears and memories.
March 2, 2014
Overall, great book!!!
4, not 5 bc of numerous typos. kind of cliche but I would probably read it again :) Read the whole thing in one night!!! absolutely loved it. Author is kind of close to home too.
4, not 5 bc of numerous typos. kind of cliche but I would probably read it again :) Read the whole thing in one night!!! absolutely loved it. Author is kind of close to home too.
March 3, 2014
Heartwarming
This started off as a somewhat usual story of break-up, find true love, reunite with ex, then become torn in a bizarre love triangle. This one had a sad twist, but a happy ending!
This started off as a somewhat usual story of break-up, find true love, reunite with ex, then become torn in a bizarre love triangle. This one had a sad twist, but a happy ending!
March 5, 2014
Wow! Five AMAZING Stars!!!
Where do I start with this book? I LOVED it!!!!! This book brings out all kinds of emotions in you. Wow is all I can say, well worth the read this book is!! Have your Kleenex ready for this book. What an amazing book.
Where do I start with this book? I LOVED it!!!!! This book brings out all kinds of emotions in you. Wow is all I can say, well worth the read this book is!! Have your Kleenex ready for this book. What an amazing book.
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