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Christmas in Redemption Ridge #5

Dreaming About Forever

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Her handsome bodyguard is doing a great job protecting her from reporters, but she may need to protect her heart. Former child sitcom star Alicia Carver loves the spotlight, but since launching her pop music career, the dirtier side of the business has been out to tear her apart. When her parents are charged with embezzlement, and her A-list fiancé dumps her on the red carpet, her perfect life crumbles faster than her rise to fame. Retreating to a small town seems like the best choice she has to avoid the press. Jordan Taylor’s plan to retire from the army when he was old and gray crashed and burned in Kandahar along with his best friend. Protecting entitled celebrities from paparazzi was the last thing he wanted, but no one else would hire an amputee with an attitude problem. If babysitting a pop princess wasn’t bad enough, his next job is sending him home to Redemption Ridge to spend Christmas with the family he hasn’t seen in years. Alicia’s heartbreak is soothed by the picturesque Christmas town, but her stoic bodyguard will barely loosen up enough to show her around. His past and his body are covered in scars, and she can’t help but wonder if he needs healing in Redemption Ridge just as much as she does. Between Jordan, his family, and the townspeople who have welcomed her with open arms, Alicia is torn between rekindling her love of music and finding a forever home in Redemption Ridge. When the rumors start flying and wrecking her new happiness, will Alicia be able to set things right before the real world tears her new dream apart? Visit Redemption Ridge, Colorado and enjoy the faith, friendships, and forever-afters of the Christmas in Redemption Ridge series of Christian romance.

This series is a spin-off continuation of the best-selling Heroes of Freedom Ridge Series with all new characters and traditions, but the same magic of community and romance readers love.

312 pages, Paperback

Published November 9, 2023

367 people are currently reading
188 people want to read

About the author

Mandi Blake

44 books852 followers
Mandi Blake was born and raised in Alabama where she lives with her husband and daughter, but her southern heart loves to travel. Reading has been her favorite hobby for as long as she can remember, but writing is her passion. She loves a good happily ever after in her sweet Christian romance books and loves to see her characters' relationships grow closer to God and each other.

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 109 reviews
Profile Image for Amanda (BookLoverAmanda).
737 reviews1,088 followers
December 17, 2023
Dreaming About Forever by Mandi Blake - 4.5 Stars

What a great Christmas read! Mandi Blake is one of my favorite authors ya'll, I have enjoyed all 3 books I have read by her so far!

I love a good bodyguard, protector story and this one had such a layer of depth. Jordan, a Marine with a Purple Heart and an amputee, brings a profound layer of depth to the story. On the other side, Alicia is a Hollywood singer who finds herself thrust into the tabloids due to a financial scandal involving her parents' embezzlement of millions from her and her sister. Abandoned by her fiancé in the wake of the scandal, she yearns to escape the relentless paparazzi.

Enter Jordan, hired as her her bodyguard and immediately the chemistry between them is top notch. While their connection is undeniable, it's Jordan who truly shines in this story. The dual POV format, a personal favorite of mine, allows us to see into Jordan's perspective, revealing a strong, protective man dedicated to his role. As the story unfolds, Jordan takes Alicia to Colorado, introducing her to his family at Redemption Ridge as a sanctuary from the tabloids and scandal....and the rest is history.

While the romance is quick, it did feel natural. We also have a nice, faith thread with church attendance, prayers and salvation in Jesus. This is a really great Christian Christmas Romance! I didn't mind the quickness of their romance because I loved the flow of the story so much and Jordan stole the show! :) Redemption Ridge is such a great small town too. Thanks to the author for providing a free copy to honestly read and review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Profile Image for Brittany .
2,908 reviews208 followers
December 1, 2024
I have been interested in reading a Mandi Blake book for quite a while now. I am so glad that I read Dreaming About Forever. It was a wonderful story that I simply didn’t want to stop reading. I’m excited that the next book, Healing the Cowboy, is about Jordan’s brother, Clint, and I plan to read that one soon.

I love celebrity romances, so, right away, I enjoyed the premise of this story. It also had forced proximity, as Alicia needed to escape the overwhelming media and stay out of the spotlight for awhile. She ended up living on Jordan’s family farm. I loved the way Alicia was able to finally see what a real, loving family was like and to learn about having a relationship with God through all of them.

Jordan and Alicia were great characters who both had painful events that they had to overcome. Even though they were from different backgrounds and lifestyles, they fit so well together. Their growth from a bodyguard/client relationship to becoming friends and then more was so uplifting and fun to read about! I’m looking forward to reading many more books by this author in the future.

You can read this review on my blog:
https://brittreadsfiction.wordpress.c...
Profile Image for Ashlee.
460 reviews14 followers
July 25, 2024
Y’all already know I love a good Mandi Blake book. I am here to be her hype girl for anything she writes, including Dreaming About Forever. This book has the coziness of a small town, Christmas read with the guilty pleasure of a good bodyguard romance all while being completely clean and faith filled. The book starts with Alicia being sucker punched by betrayals from her parents and her supposed fiance, leaving her with very little support. She needs some time away and because her ex stole her security team, adding insult to injury, in steps Jordan to be her new security agent. Because she is his client, pursuing any romantic relationship with Alicia would be considered unprofessional and is forbidden. But that is easier said than done when the heart makes its own choices and there’s more than a small dose of chemistry involved.

Jordan definitely has a gruff exterior, but oh my. When he gets protective of Alicia, he is oh so attractive. Like you can clearly tell this is more than him just being a bodyguard. I mean, security agent. There is some sizzle behind it. What more could a woman want besides a man who is filling to protect her so fully. Since their relationship is supposed to stay professional, the personal romantic side of it is definitely a slowburn, but I didn’t feel like this book dragged on and on forever. Several different situations throughout the story, such as Jordan’s family being terrorized by a crazy neighbor, make this book a page turner. When it all comes together, it is so worth it. Plus, the cover model (who is currently looking at me with his smolder look as I write this) is just so dreamy. Like hello Jordan!

I received a complimentary copy of this book and I am leaving an honest and voluntary review.
518 reviews
November 17, 2023
What a great way to start off my Christmas reading! Dreaming About Forever by Mandi Blake, set in a small, charming town in Colorado, is a sweet, Christmasy romance with great main and secondary characters and a bit of intrigue which kept me turning the pages.

I loved the sweet romance in this story. From the first time Alicia and Jordan meet their chemistry is off the charts. I loved them both, but Jordan ended up being my favorite character in the book. He just might be, in my opinion, the best character Mandi Blake has ever written. He’s strong, protective and a smidge gruff. I also loved his family and I hope we eventually get more of their stories!

When you’re ready to begin your Christmas reading, this is the story I highly recommend starting with! 5 stars!

I received a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions are my own. The faith thread is light.
Profile Image for Jerrye  Tellmeagreatstorylove.
820 reviews16 followers
December 5, 2023
I loved this wonderful new story from Mandi! It’s a celebrity/bodyguard romance that is beautiful in so many ways. The faith of the Taylor family is on full display and I loved how sweet and welcoming the town was to Alicia. I laughed so much at the cow incident and the crazy cookie contest. The conversations among everyone were deep when needed but always helpful and encouraging. One of the things I appreciated most about Alicia’s character was that she never sought revenge or badmouthed anyone, even when they were vicious and cruel about her. Her spirit of compassion and peace gave her an open heart for the things of God and helped her find true joy. Jordan was such a good hero for her. He was kind and supportive of her while keeping her safe and healthy. Their love journey was just lovely to watch and I was so excited to see how things worked out for them. Definitely get this sweet Christmas story on your TBR for the holidays, it’s one I’m sure other readers will enjoy too.

I received a complimentary ARC of this book from the author via BookFunnel. I am not required by anyone to write a positive review and the opinions expressed herein are entirely my own.
Profile Image for Mary Jane McLeod.
2,966 reviews6 followers
November 29, 2023
Really Great Christian Series

It's always great to visit characters in Redemption Ridge.  I loved Alicia and Jordan’s story. These two needed each other and I enjoyed watching their beginning unfold. A captivating read that I read straight through.
195 reviews4 followers
November 18, 2023
Dreaming About Forever

I so thoroughly enjoyed this book. It had plenty of ups and downs and a steadfast and loyal hero. I love a heroine that breaks the stereotypes and expectations. After a couple chapters in, I couldn’t put this book down.

When I review books, I try to mention the theology (if there is any and what sort). In this book the characters grow in their Christian faith (which I always love to read about). That being said, if theology is something you pay attention to, there is some decision theology introduced near the end. Beyond that, the theology was mostly about prayer and trusting God. For most of the book, people’s faith was shown more in their actions than their words.

The only negative is not seeing what happened with Chuck at the end.
Profile Image for April Wilson.
414 reviews19 followers
November 19, 2023
A forbidden romance that became the best thing ever! Alicia had so much happening at once and needed to get away. Jordan needed to see that he was still lovable and needed. As he watches over her, their friendship grows into much more. They both find that God had the best waiting for them in each other.

A sweet and touching story. Reminds us to look at the real person on the inside, not just the outer. Jordan noticed that Alicia was hurting and reached out, even at the possible loss of his career. I enjoyed the book; definitely worth re-reading and can’t wait for the next in the series.

I received a complimentary copy and these are my voluntary and honest opinions. I was not required to leave a positive review.
231 reviews6 followers
November 21, 2023
This is a great story! I adored Jordan and how he could "see" the real Alicia and could tell what she needed much of the time. I loved that although he was her security agent, he took care of her because he came to quickly care for her and her well-being, not just because she was a job to him. Of course, the fact that Alicia wanted to learn everything she could that she had never had the opportunity to learn made her one special woman. And despite having a lot of money stolen from her, she was so generous with those around her. I loved the way that Jordan’s family, and most of the people in the town, embraced Alicia and made her feel loved, wanted, and a part of a wonderful family. Redemption Ridge seems as though it would be a great place to live. Truly enjoyable!
1 review
November 21, 2023
Ok I have an absolute LOVE for a bodyguard trope! Like
they are probably one of my favorites! This story is about a
guy named Jordan becoming a security agent for the
famous singer Alicia Carver! A little family drama has her
looking for a bit of a hideout. That's when Jordan is hired
to keep her safe. Safe in the hills of his hometown that is!
She has just been dumped by her ex plus her family drama
didn't help. So therefore she wasn't looking for a
relationship and neither was he.
Yeah you're gonna have to read it to get any more details😝
but I will say that they are the perfect pair! This book
was so sweet and had a bit of a hallmark vibe which who
doesn't love that! Thank you Mandi for the copy of
"Dreaming About Forever"
All of my thoughts are 100% my own!
Profile Image for Ashley Johnson.
579 reviews43 followers
November 26, 2023
This story was absolutely charming! I am pretty sure that it is my new favorite from Mandi Blake! I loved a good protective hero and Jordan absolutely delivered. His no nonsense personality and pops of humor were the perfect match for Alicia! This story was effortless and felt like a warm hug! The characters had a natural attraction that grew and it made their romance seem very genuine. The faith thread was prominent and rewarding in this book! It was such a joy to see Alicia discover faith and find a welcoming community that felt like home to her. I would absolutely love to see more stories from this family! They had a great dynamic and it would be fun to come back for another book or two! I would absolutely recommend this for a fun winter or holiday romance!
643 reviews1 follower
November 18, 2023
An amazing holiday story set in Redemption Ridge. Fantastic characters make this story such an enjoyable experience. Alicia is a renowned singer and her life is ordered by her interviews, performing schedule and world tours. After her body guards quit she must find a new security agent. Jordan is hired to fill the position. During a break for Christmas Alicia and Jordan get to know each other better and romance blossoms. With all of the pressure created by her career will their relationship survive?
Profile Image for MaryEllen.
2,953 reviews30 followers
November 18, 2023
This is my voluntary review of a copy I received from the author.

The characters were realistic and likable. The pop star is not diva. In fact, she's very sweet and immediately falls in love with her...security agent's parents!

This is a faith-based story, but it's not preachy.
I love that Jordan initially pointed Alicia to the Lord, and she later returns the favor. It was all well done.
Profile Image for Stefanie Ann.
84 reviews8 followers
November 15, 2023
Super cute Christmas read! Alicia and Jordan are adorable together. I love a good bodyguard trope, and the disability inclusion was a bonus. I really enjoyed Jordan’s family, Mandi always writes amazing supporting characters.
There is a bit of insta love and the faith was on the lower end but definitely there!
I recommend if you’re looking for a hallmark-y Christmas read to get you ready for the season!
I was given this novel in exchange for an honest review, all thoughts and opinions are my own! Thank you Mandi! 💛
Profile Image for Emily .
95 reviews
November 22, 2023
I really enjoyed Dreaming About Forever! This was such a great read. Jordan and Alicia were so good together. Watching their story unfold had me turning pages. They come from completely different backgrounds and circumstances, yet ended up being a perfect match. Alicia was kind and sweet and Jordan definitely had the protective hero vibe going on. If you like sweet Christmas stories with faith elements and forbidden romance, then this book is for you!

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author. All opinions are my own.
238 reviews
November 20, 2023
No one should be treated like Alicia was. I love that a new community brought healing to her broken heart.
2,440 reviews4 followers
November 23, 2023
What a great story. There was just something about these two that drew me in on the first page and didn't let me go. Loved it.
2,398 reviews17 followers
November 24, 2023
I enjoyed Alicia and Jordan's story. You've gotta love a story with a hot Bodyguard. This is a sweet, clean romance.
53 reviews
January 17, 2024
Finding a Happily Ever After

Alicia has been a media sensation for most of her life and has been used by the very people who are suppose to love her. Jordan feels unloveable because of his injuries from his time in the service. He is assigned to protect her and two unlikely people find the love and peace they so desperately need.
Profile Image for Mimi.
797 reviews119 followers
December 11, 2023
Holy snowy romance! What a fun story. If you're a fan of contemporary romance during the holidays, this is the book for you.

When I started reading the book, so many performers came to mind. I feel like the author really did an outstanding job of making the story feel so real. When you look at the real world paparazzi, you see relationships unfold before your eyes and that's what happens in this fictional story, but you'd think it was totally true! Alicia is a well-loved singer who has grown up in the spotlight and in one night her whole world comes crashing down around her. You just feel awful for her.

Along comes Jordan, working at Field, Inc to be Alicia's bodyguard (well, security agent says Jordan) after her security team ditches her along with her so-called fiancé. They head to Jordan's home where Alicia can let the dust settle on all that's happened to her. This place that Jordan is sure will be too rustic for her star life.

But, regardless of the rules of the job, there's not much that can stop the heart from going where it wants. For Alicia, it was easy to see why she'd fall in love with Jordan's family. His mom is the kind of person I strive to be. She and her husband (well, the whole town to be honest) give off that small town Hallmark-y vibe. How could anyone not fall in love at their ranch?!

As the story went along you could've cut the tension with a knife. The author certainly has a knack for stringing us along waiting for the romance to blossom! HA! It doesn't help when both of the main characters are fighting it as well.

You can't beat the faith thread that's woven all throughout the story! And goodness, I'll admit that I teared up at the end. There's a super special moment (no, not the one you're thinking) that just made my heart soar and put a smile on my face!

This was a terrific story that's perfect any time of the year, but especially during the Christmas season!

*The author sent me her book for review. This is my opinion.
Profile Image for India Tungate.
Author 2 books85 followers
November 29, 2023
Mandi Blake, you done it again you swoony romance genius! This sweet Christmas themed story had me hooked from Chapter one. We follow two characters with two completely different life styles who come together and help bring out the best in one another. Also who doesn't love a forbidden romance of "He Falls First, She falls Harder" trope. I know I do. I hadn't read a book with a body guard theme yet. I have heard they're all so fun and I have to agree after reading "Dreaming About Forever."

Alicia is a world wide known and loved Pop Singer who surprisingly has a wholesome heart which is easy to love. I instantly loved her character and the growth she has within the story. Jordon is your typical body guard, and yet not in all the same. He is kind and respectful as well as hard to NOT fall hard for. Together, they make such a sweet romance.

I love the Christmas themes and activities weaved into the story as well as the bigger plot that focuses on so much more than just the Romance while keeping the Romance the center of the story. Big themes like Family, Small Town, Self Discovery, and Faith are all mentioned within the story along with following Alicia and Jordon as they fall in love with one another and yet they can't be together. How will it work out? Or will It work out? You'll have to pick up this book and find out.

Mandi earned those 5 stars from the beginning and I truly appreciate an early copy of this book. She deserves all the hype for her faith based romances that always leave you swooning like the best Hallmark movie... with less cheese lol. I have loved everything this woman writes and want all of her books on my shelf. I highly recommend this read if you love:

🎄 Force Proximity
❤️ Work Place Romance
🎄 Christmas Themed
❤️ Character Growth
🎄 He falls first
❤️ Ranch Setting
🎄 Faith Based
Profile Image for Shaye Wales.
31 reviews
December 18, 2023
Dreaming about Forever, wow! Such a great Christmas read for me! I absolutely love Mandi Blake’s writing style and this one did not disappoint! Mandi does such a great job at writing from both main characters’ perspectives with flawless transitions. I couldn’t put the book down it was so sweet and heartwarming. I highly recommend reading Dreaming about Forever! You’re going to love Alicia and Jordan’s story!

I did receive a free copy of this book from the author but all opinions and thoughts are my own.
1,343 reviews59 followers
December 12, 2023
I have been devouring books by Mandi Blake this year and completely loving them. The way she writes characters with relatable vulnerabilities has really made me a fan of her writing and I’m excited to recommend her latest release, Dreaming About Forever.
This book is a standalone, sweet, small-town romance that is a part of the multi author Christmas in Redemption Ridge series. I was completely intrigued by the premise with a famous pop star, Alicia, needing to find a place to escape over the holidays after major scandal taints her stardom. Jordan is the former Marine turned body guard assigned to not only protect Alicia, but to take her home to his family’s ranch where the two will hideout while celebrating Christmas.
Read this for:
*Celebrity romance
*Body guard romance
*Forbidden romance
*”Buttercup”
*Small-town charm
*Veteran representation
*Disability representation
*Christian themes
*Sweet romance
And happily, ever after.
908 reviews11 followers
December 15, 2023
I really enjoyed this story and it is another great addition to the series. With the scandals of parents stealing from her and her sister it is no surprise Alicia needs a break and Redemption Ridge is the perfect place to go. There is some drama, inspirational moments, and romance all together that really kept me reading.
Profile Image for Morgan.
179 reviews10 followers
May 4, 2024
Mandi Blake books are some of my favorites, add in a Colorado ranch setting at Christmastime with a protector/bodyguard-client romance with Christ in the center?! SWOON.

Former child star and current pop princess, Alicia is blindsided when a trio of loved ones betray her. To get some R&R, she’s sent by her manager to a ranch west of the Rockies with her new security agent to keep her safe. Jordan hasn’t been home much since being honorably discharged from the Marines, but he returns with the raven-haired singer celebrity for her safety. Throughout the weeks of the guardian contract, Alicia and Jordan battle rumors, media onslaught, past hurts, and current feelings for one another.

I love how Mandi Blake wove in the beauty of a small-town Christmas to help Alicia find peace and Christ. Jordan’s family is precious and I too now want cooking lessons from Vicci!

The themes of finding forgiveness, healing, protecting loved ones, found family, and daring to dream about forever were tied up in a beautiful red-and-green bow for readers. What a gift Mandi Blake’s books are! Thank you to her and her team for the eARC in exchange for my honest review.
Profile Image for Holiday Jones.
37 reviews
December 9, 2023

-This book is Holiday approved-( I’m Holiday lol)


The tropes for this book…

💌 Christian Romance
💌 Military Veteran
💌 Bodyguard
�� Grumpy/ Sunshine

Honestly, there’s nothing better than a heart-warming Christmas romance! 🥰🫶 Like am I right? lol

Ok! This book felt like a Christmas present to me! Alicia and Jordan’s love story was just so beautiful! I loved seeing their feelings grow for each other even when they were denying it! I also loved seeing Alicia’s faith journey through out the story! It felt like a realistic way of someone coming to Christ and realizing He is the source of true peace!

This story was filled with perfect level of romance and some suspense! And let’s not forget Jordan’s adorable family! Such a loving family and small town community! Love, love, LOVED this book and I recommend you guys give a read!

This is also book 5 out of 6 in the Christmas in Redemption Ridge series!
2,291 reviews12 followers
December 2, 2023
Dreaming About Forever

What a sweet story and wonderful addition to the series. (Though it can be read as a stand alone book.) Alicia Carver’s life seems to be spiraling downward on a night that should be celebrated. Just before arriving to a red carpet event she learns her parents have stolen from her and her sister. Then at the event her fiancé decides to call it quits and taking her security detail. Jordan Taylor is a wounded vet turned security guard who guards celebrities and/or anyone who needs protection. The firm he is with was hired as Alicia’s security and Jordan is assigned to her. To make matters worse he is to take her back to his parent’s ranch in Redemption Ridge. As they navigate his family and friends in his hometown it becomes obvious he needs to protect his heart.
80 reviews1 follower
December 10, 2023
One of my favorite Mandi Blake books

I've been through several emotions with this one laugh, cry (sad, worried, and happy tears), and a bit of anger - at Alicia's parents and at a cruel neighbor. I'm so happy for Alica and Jordan and their family. I feel like I have a home and family on Taylor Ranch, and I can't wait to visit again! I have several highlights, and several things hit home, but I think this is one of my favorites: "Everything was changing so fast, but some changes were for the better. With God between them, they were stronger than ever." I can't say I have a favorite book of Mandi's, but this one is definitely in my top 5.
4,589 reviews33 followers
December 12, 2023
Mandi Blake gives us a family that anyone would like to be a part of. When singer, Alicia Carver needs a place to hide from the public, Jordan Taylor’s boss suggests his family ranch in Redemption Ridge. A marine, forced into medical retirement, Jordan has a preconceived idea about celebrities and is convinced that she will be unhappy there. His family is willing to open their home even during the holidays to Alicia. The fun part comes in that his family’s ideas of staying low key and Jordan’s are vastly different. It was good to visit Redemption Ridge again and to watch Alicia break through Jordan’s walls. I really enjoyed this book.
122 reviews2 followers
December 2, 2023
Mandi Blake’s DREAMING ABOUT FOREVER is a beautifully written, story of love, family, and faith. I was hooked at the first chapter and the sweet, enjoyable story held my attention to the end!

I loved Jordan’s immediate reaction to Alicia and his ability to really see her when others around her didn’t. I loved that Alicia was able to really see and experience firsthand what family and faith were all about. And the beautiful, heart-felt prayers were so poignant, they brought tears.

I don’t give 5 stars often, but this is one of those wonderful, heartwarming, and rare stories that you hate to see end, and I would glady recommend it!
I’m looking forward to reading more by this very talented author!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 109 reviews

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