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Creative HeArts #4
The Secret Life of a Dream Girl
Disclaimer: This Entangled Teen Crush book contains adult language, references to drinking and drugs, and a kiss so steamy it’ll fog up your ereader.
Hiding in plain sight is harder than it looks…
Dahlia Greene—aka international pop superstar Cherry—is undercover as a normal high school student. She just wants to experience what real life is like, so when she overhears hottie Keegan Matthews nervously talking about liking a girl, she sees the perfect opportunity to live a real life and play a little matchmaker. What was not part of the plan was falling for a guy she can never tell the truth.
Keegan Matthews has been secretly crushing on Dahlia ever since she started at his school. Sure, Dahlia thinks he’s crushing on some other girl—not realizing his Dream Girl is actually her—but he figures, play along with her tips to woo someone else, let her get to know him, and then make his move. But with so many secrets in the mix, their romance is doomed from the start…
Dahlia and Keegan, Book 1 of 3
Dahlia and Keegan Book 2 coming March 2017
Hiding in plain sight is harder than it looks…
Dahlia Greene—aka international pop superstar Cherry—is undercover as a normal high school student. She just wants to experience what real life is like, so when she overhears hottie Keegan Matthews nervously talking about liking a girl, she sees the perfect opportunity to live a real life and play a little matchmaker. What was not part of the plan was falling for a guy she can never tell the truth.
Keegan Matthews has been secretly crushing on Dahlia ever since she started at his school. Sure, Dahlia thinks he’s crushing on some other girl—not realizing his Dream Girl is actually her—but he figures, play along with her tips to woo someone else, let her get to know him, and then make his move. But with so many secrets in the mix, their romance is doomed from the start…
Dahlia and Keegan, Book 1 of 3
Dahlia and Keegan Book 2 coming March 2017
219 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 27, 2016
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 64 reviews
June 10, 2021
2021: This was okay. Keegan's mother was awful though, and we didn't get to find out what happened with Keegan's father. I can't imagine it would be easy to date a pop star though...
2016:
This was a YA contemporary romance featuring a pop star pretending to be a normal teenager.
Dahlia and Keegan were both okay characters and they both seemed like good people. I felt quite sorry for both of them at times, as they were both going through tough stages in their lives.
The storyline in this was about Dahlia trying to help Keegan get his dream girl, without realising that his dream girl was her! I felt like the story took quite a long time to get going, but then was quite sweet when things actually started to happen, and Dahlia and Keegan were really cute together.
The ending to this was pretty good, but I was shocked by Keegan’s mother’s behaviour.
6.5 out of 10
2016:
“The sooner he gets Dream Girl, the sooner I can stop thinking about him as anything more than a friend.”
This was a YA contemporary romance featuring a pop star pretending to be a normal teenager.
Dahlia and Keegan were both okay characters and they both seemed like good people. I felt quite sorry for both of them at times, as they were both going through tough stages in their lives.
The storyline in this was about Dahlia trying to help Keegan get his dream girl, without realising that his dream girl was her! I felt like the story took quite a long time to get going, but then was quite sweet when things actually started to happen, and Dahlia and Keegan were really cute together.
The ending to this was pretty good, but I was shocked by Keegan’s mother’s behaviour.
6.5 out of 10
June 12, 2016
Dahlia Greene has gone to court to get herself emancipated from her controlling father that has been using her in the entertainment business. She's better known as the famous pop star "Cherry" but now is trying to live a more normal teenage life instead of being pushed around in the music industry and made to do things she wasn't comfortable with.
Keegan Matthews has had a crush on Dahlia since he first saw her. At the school dance Dahlia overhears Keegan talking to one of his friends about his "dream girl" and knowing she needs to start making friends if she wants a part of normal teenage life she offers to give Keegan tips on how to win this girls heart. Keegan figures the friendship will help win Dahlia over in the end so plays along with needing her help.
The Secret Life of a Dream Girl is the fourth book in the Creative Hearts series. Each book features a new couple and can be read as a standalone novel. The previous couples do get mention a bit in the stories but you wouldn't need to have read them to understand the relationships building within each book.
This book was another cute read in this series as Keegan becomes a bit shy about straight out asking Dahlia out so when the wires get crossed and she doesn't realize she's overheard him talking about her she begins to help him get a date with his mystery girl. Dahlia also had her own issues and secrets she was dealing with from her pop star identity. Getting a bit of a rocky start with both having secrets it's a sweet story as the pair slowly get to know one another spending time together.
Overall, another great YA contemporary romance in the Creative Hearts series.
I received an advance copy from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
For more reviews please visit https://carriesbookreviews.wordpress....
Keegan Matthews has had a crush on Dahlia since he first saw her. At the school dance Dahlia overhears Keegan talking to one of his friends about his "dream girl" and knowing she needs to start making friends if she wants a part of normal teenage life she offers to give Keegan tips on how to win this girls heart. Keegan figures the friendship will help win Dahlia over in the end so plays along with needing her help.
The Secret Life of a Dream Girl is the fourth book in the Creative Hearts series. Each book features a new couple and can be read as a standalone novel. The previous couples do get mention a bit in the stories but you wouldn't need to have read them to understand the relationships building within each book.
This book was another cute read in this series as Keegan becomes a bit shy about straight out asking Dahlia out so when the wires get crossed and she doesn't realize she's overheard him talking about her she begins to help him get a date with his mystery girl. Dahlia also had her own issues and secrets she was dealing with from her pop star identity. Getting a bit of a rocky start with both having secrets it's a sweet story as the pair slowly get to know one another spending time together.
Overall, another great YA contemporary romance in the Creative Hearts series.
I received an advance copy from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
For more reviews please visit https://carriesbookreviews.wordpress....
June 1, 2016
Seriously couldn't put this book down, even if the fact that it took me a couple days to read it might seem to suggest otherwise. I loved getting to know Dahlia more than I had in the previous books, because even though she technically helped bring Mariely and Cabot together, the number of pages where she was featured was minimal. For a book that takes place at an art school, it was particularly interesting to see the story of a character who has been legally emancipated from her father who kind of screwed her over in her pop music career.
Love seeing Finn pop up again in an important role as one of the few people who knows who Dahlia really is right away, but more importantly, how could you not love the hilarious and swoony turn of events between Dahlia and Keegan. (Also, Keegan is a really great name.) Also, loved seeing the perspective of Keegan as someone who actually does have some artistic talent, such as with wooden sculpture aka whittling, but who is more "practically-minded" and is in the graphic design and social media stream. I do wonder if his mom will get through to him and have him exploring his artistic passion more than he does now in the next installment.
Tracy Deebs' writing style is kind of amazing, and she made this new-to-her reader want to pick up everything else she's written, including those books under another pen name for adult readers. (Even though I'm not really much of an adult romance reader.)
So many more reasons to love this series, including the very swoony kissing scenes. :)
Love seeing Finn pop up again in an important role as one of the few people who knows who Dahlia really is right away, but more importantly, how could you not love the hilarious and swoony turn of events between Dahlia and Keegan. (Also, Keegan is a really great name.) Also, loved seeing the perspective of Keegan as someone who actually does have some artistic talent, such as with wooden sculpture aka whittling, but who is more "practically-minded" and is in the graphic design and social media stream. I do wonder if his mom will get through to him and have him exploring his artistic passion more than he does now in the next installment.
Tracy Deebs' writing style is kind of amazing, and she made this new-to-her reader want to pick up everything else she's written, including those books under another pen name for adult readers. (Even though I'm not really much of an adult romance reader.)
So many more reasons to love this series, including the very swoony kissing scenes. :)
August 19, 2019
*3 Stars*
Copy kindly received via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
This is another one that's been on my NG backlog for a couple of years, and so with the #Reviewathon, it's time to get it knocked off the list. It helped that this was a really fast read.
I wasn't sure at first if this would be for me, as the characters are teenagers, being 17yrs old. I'm finding sometimes I am a little bit past those stores now. But this one was alright and I liked the characters.
As can be typical with books about younger adults, there wasn't the best communication and it was a little bit insta kind of story at times, but for the most part this was just an enjoyable and easy read.
It was a bit of an abrupt ending, but I believe there are more books to come, so it would be interesting to see what happens next.
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Copy kindly received via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
This is another one that's been on my NG backlog for a couple of years, and so with the #Reviewathon, it's time to get it knocked off the list. It helped that this was a really fast read.
I wasn't sure at first if this would be for me, as the characters are teenagers, being 17yrs old. I'm finding sometimes I am a little bit past those stores now. But this one was alright and I liked the characters.
As can be typical with books about younger adults, there wasn't the best communication and it was a little bit insta kind of story at times, but for the most part this was just an enjoyable and easy read.
It was a bit of an abrupt ending, but I believe there are more books to come, so it would be interesting to see what happens next.
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March 8, 2018
Have you ever read a book and wondered at is end if it was over ? … like in really “wonder?” I just did, because when I reached the end of The Secret Life of a Dream Girl (Creative HeArts, #4) by Tracy Deebs I felt that it had an end but I was not sure I was satisfied because there where too many things left unsaid.
So when I started to prepare the review I noticed that I overlooked the part in the Blurb that mentioned it was part of a series … so my mistake. That had me thinking again … because actually I think it IS possible to just read the first book as a standalone… it would work – it would just leave some things unsaid which in some cases might not the worst decision.
Actually the story is a sweet one, which might have been written several times before but usually it is from a different PoV. Usually you get the guys to be the ones “undercover” so this was a nice change.
The plot is well written, moves at a nice speed and the characters are developed very interesting. Its not a brand-new plot idea but its used so well that it reads nicely. I would not say it’s a “Easy summer/beach read” because there are some heavy subjects in there.
And I assume that they will become even more difficult in the next book. But it is a really great story that I can only recommend
June 27, 2016
Rating: 4.78
The Why: A guy who has everything wants the girl-popstar- who is trying to find who she she is while experiencing a normal high school life. It was cute, awkward and I felt like I was back in high school.
Characters:
Dahlia (or Cherry): She's enrolled at NextGen Academy, because she finally wants to feel and do normal high school life. Her too-controlling manager of a father just wanted too mu chair from her and she is emancipated from him for a year. She has a year senior year tonprove to the judge, her father and mostly herself that she can finally feel free from her popstar persona, Cherry. But she soon fonds herself helping her crush, Keegan to find his Dream Girl. Litte does she know his Dream Girl is her. The music puns and texts I saw her sense of humor. She's not allowing herself to fall for him, because she doesn't know how he'll feel when she finally tells him the truth.
Keegan: He's had a crush on Dahlia since she enrolled at NextGen Academy. He's smart, funny and it shows since he's the president of the senior class. But he wants the girl who's a mystery, inventive and who he wants, but doesn't know how. The efforts Keegan put forth in trying to get her attention were so cute. He didn't try too hard, he was just shy and awkward and I loved how he didn't have to be a jerk to get Dahlia's attention. The music emojis texts, the art and the museum date were so cute.
Final Thoughts: Trying to find who you are is a progressive thing and I think we all wished we knew we were in high school, but we don't. Dahlia persistance in wanting to find her own way along with help of Keegan is always a good idea.
The Why: A guy who has everything wants the girl-popstar- who is trying to find who she she is while experiencing a normal high school life. It was cute, awkward and I felt like I was back in high school.
Characters:
Dahlia (or Cherry): She's enrolled at NextGen Academy, because she finally wants to feel and do normal high school life. Her too-controlling manager of a father just wanted too mu chair from her and she is emancipated from him for a year. She has a year senior year tonprove to the judge, her father and mostly herself that she can finally feel free from her popstar persona, Cherry. But she soon fonds herself helping her crush, Keegan to find his Dream Girl. Litte does she know his Dream Girl is her. The music puns and texts I saw her sense of humor. She's not allowing herself to fall for him, because she doesn't know how he'll feel when she finally tells him the truth.
Keegan: He's had a crush on Dahlia since she enrolled at NextGen Academy. He's smart, funny and it shows since he's the president of the senior class. But he wants the girl who's a mystery, inventive and who he wants, but doesn't know how. The efforts Keegan put forth in trying to get her attention were so cute. He didn't try too hard, he was just shy and awkward and I loved how he didn't have to be a jerk to get Dahlia's attention. The music emojis texts, the art and the museum date were so cute.
Final Thoughts: Trying to find who you are is a progressive thing and I think we all wished we knew we were in high school, but we don't. Dahlia persistance in wanting to find her own way along with help of Keegan is always a good idea.
July 4, 2016
(Source: I received a digital copy of this book for free for an honest review. Thanks to NetGalley, Entangled Publishing, LLC, Entangled: Crush and Tracy Deebs.)
He was a high school student while she was a million dollar pop star. He knew exactly who he was while she was just figuring it all out. There were a million reasons for them not to be together. A million reasons for them not to let this go any further. And only one reason for them to hold on. He loved her.
She was his Dream Girl and now that he’d found her, he was going to hold on as tightly as he could.
Creative HeArts is one of those creative series. First of all the characters are so different, and bright and colourful, thanks to the different authors. I love the idea that each couple's story is told from another author. But out of the all 4 books so far this was the best one for me.
I loved both characters almost as always. But the thing is that romance was much more here than in the others. Author was not shy talking about their desires and attraction, while in the other books it was kind of limited even restricted. While reading this I felt at ease, while during others I was kind of tense, like I knew they wanted to do something but they couldn't and I wanted to do it in their place or make them somehow to that.
Overall, loved it!
Want to see more of them, looking forward!
He was a high school student while she was a million dollar pop star. He knew exactly who he was while she was just figuring it all out. There were a million reasons for them not to be together. A million reasons for them not to let this go any further. And only one reason for them to hold on. He loved her.
She was his Dream Girl and now that he’d found her, he was going to hold on as tightly as he could.
Creative HeArts is one of those creative series. First of all the characters are so different, and bright and colourful, thanks to the different authors. I love the idea that each couple's story is told from another author. But out of the all 4 books so far this was the best one for me.
I loved both characters almost as always. But the thing is that romance was much more here than in the others. Author was not shy talking about their desires and attraction, while in the other books it was kind of limited even restricted. While reading this I felt at ease, while during others I was kind of tense, like I knew they wanted to do something but they couldn't and I wanted to do it in their place or make them somehow to that.
Overall, loved it!
Want to see more of them, looking forward!
July 21, 2016
Disclaimer: I received this book for free in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
I’ve become hooked on this series, written by several authors with interconnecting storylines and characters. This instalment was great, playing on the fake relationship trope in an incredibly swoonworthy way. Let me tell you: I want Keegan for myself. You might find yourself thinking the book sounds very similar to Hannah Montana, and I’m glad the author mentions HM directly, removing the awkwardness. I really felt for both Dahlia (with her freedom stripped from her) and Keegan (with his family’s issues).
Oh, and once again, I’m Team Finn but have still not forgiven Jacen. #issues.
I can definitely recommend this series for light YA contemporaries, and I’m looking forward to the next one!
Read if you love former Disney stars turned singers like Miley Cyrus and Selena Gomez!
I’ve become hooked on this series, written by several authors with interconnecting storylines and characters. This instalment was great, playing on the fake relationship trope in an incredibly swoonworthy way. Let me tell you: I want Keegan for myself. You might find yourself thinking the book sounds very similar to Hannah Montana, and I’m glad the author mentions HM directly, removing the awkwardness. I really felt for both Dahlia (with her freedom stripped from her) and Keegan (with his family’s issues).
Oh, and once again, I’m Team Finn but have still not forgiven Jacen. #issues.
I can definitely recommend this series for light YA contemporaries, and I’m looking forward to the next one!
Read if you love former Disney stars turned singers like Miley Cyrus and Selena Gomez!
See this review in its natural environment, Dani Reviews Things.
July 19, 2016
*This review will also appear on A Leisure Moment*
**I received this book via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review**
Raise your hand if you were addicted to Hannah Montana in the mid-2000s. I’m guilty of falling prey to the charms of a rockstar living a normal life and getting on stage in front of thousands of fans on the weekends. The Secret Life of a Dream Girl was like Hannah Montana except way better. Dahlia Greene left her life as Cherry, Disney star turned pop princess, to live her last year of high school as her flannel-wearing, faux brown-eyed alter ego. Not only did she want to stay under the radar, she also wanted to slide by without attachments—but you know high school, it never goes as we planned.
I have not read every book in the Creative HeArts series, but the other one that I have gotten my hands on, How Willa Got Her Groove Back, entertained and kept me wanting more. These books can be read as standalones, but whenever Finn was around, I kept on reminiscing on the scenes from his and Willa’s book. Even though a different author writes each couple’s story, each goes back and explains enough from the other books so that reading them out of sequence works, too. That being said, I need to go back and read the other two books in the series that I haven’t read yet.
Dahlia desired to be true to herself. I really liked her character and easily connected with her. There were moments that I wanted to shake some sense into her when it came to Keegan Matthews, but I also saw where she was coming from. I didn’t learn much about Dahlia as Cherry, other than how Dahlia didn’t like that version of herself that much. She liked the girl that could blend in with the crowd and write songs she was passionate about. I’m interested to see how she progresses as the series continues, especially if Dahlia as Cherry makes an appearance.
I have a knack for diving into a book when I have really no idea what it’s about. It’s a common occurrence with anything I read by Entangled Teen because I know that the heartfelt and swoonworthy romance will not disappoint. When Dahlia saw Keegan at the dance, I had no idea that he was going to be the guy that would steal her heart. She really did want to stay in the shadows. When I met Keegan and learned about the crush he had been nursing for her since he saw her on the first day, I instantly loved him. Not only did he have a charming personality, his relationship with his dad and the guy that I would have never expected, really stole the show.
The tension in their relationship was palpable. I kept on waiting for Dahlia to figure out that she was the one that Keegan kept talking about, and I wanted Keegan to understand why she pulled away from him when he got closer. Waiting for that kiss drove me insane, but it did not disappoint. Kisses like that is what reading romance is all about.
Not only does The Secret Life of a Dream Girl have characters that I already loved, I got to meet two more that stole my heart and can’t wait for March 2017 for more of their story. I’m seriously debating impulse buying a plane ticket to Austin.
**I received this book via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review**
Raise your hand if you were addicted to Hannah Montana in the mid-2000s. I’m guilty of falling prey to the charms of a rockstar living a normal life and getting on stage in front of thousands of fans on the weekends. The Secret Life of a Dream Girl was like Hannah Montana except way better. Dahlia Greene left her life as Cherry, Disney star turned pop princess, to live her last year of high school as her flannel-wearing, faux brown-eyed alter ego. Not only did she want to stay under the radar, she also wanted to slide by without attachments—but you know high school, it never goes as we planned.
I have not read every book in the Creative HeArts series, but the other one that I have gotten my hands on, How Willa Got Her Groove Back, entertained and kept me wanting more. These books can be read as standalones, but whenever Finn was around, I kept on reminiscing on the scenes from his and Willa’s book. Even though a different author writes each couple’s story, each goes back and explains enough from the other books so that reading them out of sequence works, too. That being said, I need to go back and read the other two books in the series that I haven’t read yet.
Dahlia desired to be true to herself. I really liked her character and easily connected with her. There were moments that I wanted to shake some sense into her when it came to Keegan Matthews, but I also saw where she was coming from. I didn’t learn much about Dahlia as Cherry, other than how Dahlia didn’t like that version of herself that much. She liked the girl that could blend in with the crowd and write songs she was passionate about. I’m interested to see how she progresses as the series continues, especially if Dahlia as Cherry makes an appearance.
I have a knack for diving into a book when I have really no idea what it’s about. It’s a common occurrence with anything I read by Entangled Teen because I know that the heartfelt and swoonworthy romance will not disappoint. When Dahlia saw Keegan at the dance, I had no idea that he was going to be the guy that would steal her heart. She really did want to stay in the shadows. When I met Keegan and learned about the crush he had been nursing for her since he saw her on the first day, I instantly loved him. Not only did he have a charming personality, his relationship with his dad and the guy that I would have never expected, really stole the show.
The tension in their relationship was palpable. I kept on waiting for Dahlia to figure out that she was the one that Keegan kept talking about, and I wanted Keegan to understand why she pulled away from him when he got closer. Waiting for that kiss drove me insane, but it did not disappoint. Kisses like that is what reading romance is all about.
Not only does The Secret Life of a Dream Girl have characters that I already loved, I got to meet two more that stole my heart and can’t wait for March 2017 for more of their story. I’m seriously debating impulse buying a plane ticket to Austin.
March 21, 2017
In a story very reminiscent of Hannah Montana, Secret Life of a Dream Girl tells the tale of pop sensation Cherry trying to live under the radar as a normal high school student at a school for the arts in Austin, TX. Unlike Miss Montana, Cherry – or Dahlia, as she goes by now – wants to leave the pop world behind and take control of her own music. This is something her father/manager doesn’t want. In order to get away from his rule, Dahlia chooses to become emancipated from her father. Something the court will only agree to if she can stay out of trouble and prove she can handle her fame/money/life herself. Her goal was simple: keep to herself while figuring out where she wants to go next. What she didn’t count on was Keegan Matthews.
Keegan has been crushing on Dahlia since she first walked through the doors of NextGen. When Dahlia overhears Keegan talking about some mysterious girl he has a crush on, she decides in order to get the complete high school experience she needs friends. And what’s more friend inducing than helping someone land their crush? So Dahlia offers up her services to Keegan who basically thinks he’s hit the jackpot and instantly takes her up on her offer.
Obviously, nothing can go wrong, right? Well, this wouldn’t be a high school drama without some drama. Dahlia starts to fall for Keegan not realizing she’s who he wants. Keegan slips further and further into this lie about a dream girl that he doesn’t know how to come clean. And then there’s Dahlia’s true identity. Should she tell him? Should she not?
Even though this is book four in the series, this is only the second one I’ve read. They are mostly a companion series, meaning you don’t actually have to read each book for it to make sense. It helps knowing the background of some characters, and it was nice seeing ones that I remembered, but it’s not at all necessary to enjoy them. And I did enjoy this one. I felt for Dahlia and her struggles to do what she wanted. Despite being a singer, no one was letting her have a voice. And then there was Keegan, who’s home life was also falling apart but in a way completely opposite of Dahlia.
This is the story of two different people, from completely different walks of life, finding solace and strength in each other at a time when figuring out who you are and what you want is weighing heavily on your shoulders. I am very interested in what happens next with these two and will be keeping my eye out for their next story.
I received an e-copy of this book from the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
Keegan has been crushing on Dahlia since she first walked through the doors of NextGen. When Dahlia overhears Keegan talking about some mysterious girl he has a crush on, she decides in order to get the complete high school experience she needs friends. And what’s more friend inducing than helping someone land their crush? So Dahlia offers up her services to Keegan who basically thinks he’s hit the jackpot and instantly takes her up on her offer.
Obviously, nothing can go wrong, right? Well, this wouldn’t be a high school drama without some drama. Dahlia starts to fall for Keegan not realizing she’s who he wants. Keegan slips further and further into this lie about a dream girl that he doesn’t know how to come clean. And then there’s Dahlia’s true identity. Should she tell him? Should she not?
Even though this is book four in the series, this is only the second one I’ve read. They are mostly a companion series, meaning you don’t actually have to read each book for it to make sense. It helps knowing the background of some characters, and it was nice seeing ones that I remembered, but it’s not at all necessary to enjoy them. And I did enjoy this one. I felt for Dahlia and her struggles to do what she wanted. Despite being a singer, no one was letting her have a voice. And then there was Keegan, who’s home life was also falling apart but in a way completely opposite of Dahlia.
This is the story of two different people, from completely different walks of life, finding solace and strength in each other at a time when figuring out who you are and what you want is weighing heavily on your shoulders. I am very interested in what happens next with these two and will be keeping my eye out for their next story.
I received an e-copy of this book from the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
June 13, 2016
I received a copy of this title to read and review for Wicked Reads
5 Angsty, banterific Stars.
Tracy Deebs is a new-to-me author.
Young adult age-range: 14+ due to adult language. Kissing.
The Creative HeArts series is like 4 trilogies wrapped up in one large series featuring the same cast of characters in/around a performing arts school.
Excuse me for not giving a coherent review, as I'm going to go full-out fangirl on your behind. Reading every page voraciously, because I wanted to know what would happen next, I was dreading reaching the final page, because I never wanted the book to end.
For both young adult and those young at heart, The Secret Life of a Dream Girl has a Hannah Montana vs Miley Cyrus meets Lindsay Lohan feel. Dahlia, aka international ex-Disney star Cherry, has emancipated herself from her controlling father who leeks false information to the press to create more controversy around the 17 yo girl. The version the public sees is not the true person Dahlia is.
Keegan is an all-around good guy, who happens to have a crush on Dahlia, the girl who sticks to the shadows watching but never participating. Chatting with his friend, Jacen, about his dream girl, Dahlia overhears and decides to put herself out there by making a new friend after a conversation she had with Finn.
Obviously Keegan takes his crush up on her quest to get him the girl of his dreams as a way to be closer to her.
Yes, this premise has been written in countless young adult novels, but there is a reason the trope stands the test of time. It's an irresistible angsty, guilty pleasure that had me clicking the pages at a rapid rate. Keegan and Dahlia had great chemistry, camaraderie, and a realistic non-insta connection.
Added onto top of the romance is the realistic view of how celebrities have no privacy and are taken advantage, as well as Keegan's father going through a life-threatening cancer.
This book is not a standalone, the 4th book in a series of trilogies. While it is open-ended, it was a satisfying end to the novel, and a promising start to the next. Each book I end, I want the next before I'm even finished, even knowing in the cycle of books, it will be a different couple. The disappointment quickly fades, since I then get hooked on the next couple and the next...
Be patient- these are not instant gratification novels.
Here- have a guide (guesstimate by yours truly)
Sloane & Tru = books 1, 5, 9
Willa & Finn = books 2, 6, 10
Mariley & Cabot = books 3, 7, 11
Dahlia & Keegan = books 4, 8, 12
Authors? Yoohoo? Can we please add Jacen & Himish to this lineup? Pretty please? Just one book, even? A novella? Short story?
5 Angsty, banterific Stars.
Tracy Deebs is a new-to-me author.
Young adult age-range: 14+ due to adult language. Kissing.
The Creative HeArts series is like 4 trilogies wrapped up in one large series featuring the same cast of characters in/around a performing arts school.
Excuse me for not giving a coherent review, as I'm going to go full-out fangirl on your behind. Reading every page voraciously, because I wanted to know what would happen next, I was dreading reaching the final page, because I never wanted the book to end.
For both young adult and those young at heart, The Secret Life of a Dream Girl has a Hannah Montana vs Miley Cyrus meets Lindsay Lohan feel. Dahlia, aka international ex-Disney star Cherry, has emancipated herself from her controlling father who leeks false information to the press to create more controversy around the 17 yo girl. The version the public sees is not the true person Dahlia is.
Keegan is an all-around good guy, who happens to have a crush on Dahlia, the girl who sticks to the shadows watching but never participating. Chatting with his friend, Jacen, about his dream girl, Dahlia overhears and decides to put herself out there by making a new friend after a conversation she had with Finn.
Obviously Keegan takes his crush up on her quest to get him the girl of his dreams as a way to be closer to her.
Yes, this premise has been written in countless young adult novels, but there is a reason the trope stands the test of time. It's an irresistible angsty, guilty pleasure that had me clicking the pages at a rapid rate. Keegan and Dahlia had great chemistry, camaraderie, and a realistic non-insta connection.
Added onto top of the romance is the realistic view of how celebrities have no privacy and are taken advantage, as well as Keegan's father going through a life-threatening cancer.
This book is not a standalone, the 4th book in a series of trilogies. While it is open-ended, it was a satisfying end to the novel, and a promising start to the next. Each book I end, I want the next before I'm even finished, even knowing in the cycle of books, it will be a different couple. The disappointment quickly fades, since I then get hooked on the next couple and the next...
Be patient- these are not instant gratification novels.
Here- have a guide (guesstimate by yours truly)
Sloane & Tru = books 1, 5, 9
Willa & Finn = books 2, 6, 10
Mariley & Cabot = books 3, 7, 11
Dahlia & Keegan = books 4, 8, 12
Authors? Yoohoo? Can we please add Jacen & Himish to this lineup? Pretty please? Just one book, even? A novella? Short story?
July 9, 2016
Yes! Here I am again with a review about the CreAtive Hearts series! I LOVE THIS SERIES GUYS. It can't seem to disappoint me. I was also so happy when I found out I got the eARC to review it. I loved this book and I will tell you why!
So the book has two main characters, Dahlia and Keegan. This book got the same formula as the other books in this series, namely, the parts about the girl (Dahlia in this case) are written in first person and those about the boy (Keegan) in third person. I really like this formula. This way you are shown the thoughts of both characters, but in a different way, which I think is very refreshing. I also liked that we got a lot more chapters from Keegan’s POV!
But what did I think about them? I loved them both. Dahlia was a girl who is not afraid to be bold, but in a very sneaky/secretive way. She's actually undercover and is really shy at school, but when she is with Keegan she's just herself and is actually pretty confident! That’s when I like her best. Same goes for Keegan, he is the popular boy in school and he knows how to talk to girls, but when he is with Dahlia he is so cute and goofy! He doesn't know how to talk or act around her and I think that’s just adorable.
So this whole story really reminded me of Hannah Montana, and I actually LOVED that! Except for Hannah Montana, there aren't a lot of books with this concept and I really liked that. The story was well developed and it moved gradually. It didn’t go slow and at the same time it wasn’t rushed. The events were equally divided.
The other thing that was also great about this book (and a bit frustrating to be honest) was that Keegan didn't know who Dahlia actually was, while Dahlia didn't know she was Dream Girl all along. I JUST WANTED THEM TO BE TOGETHER! But when the moment was finally there I sobbed and swooned. It was perfect.
I'm just super happy I got to read this books thanks to Entangled Publishing and I can't wait until the next books come out!
So the book has two main characters, Dahlia and Keegan. This book got the same formula as the other books in this series, namely, the parts about the girl (Dahlia in this case) are written in first person and those about the boy (Keegan) in third person. I really like this formula. This way you are shown the thoughts of both characters, but in a different way, which I think is very refreshing. I also liked that we got a lot more chapters from Keegan’s POV!
But what did I think about them? I loved them both. Dahlia was a girl who is not afraid to be bold, but in a very sneaky/secretive way. She's actually undercover and is really shy at school, but when she is with Keegan she's just herself and is actually pretty confident! That’s when I like her best. Same goes for Keegan, he is the popular boy in school and he knows how to talk to girls, but when he is with Dahlia he is so cute and goofy! He doesn't know how to talk or act around her and I think that’s just adorable.
So this whole story really reminded me of Hannah Montana, and I actually LOVED that! Except for Hannah Montana, there aren't a lot of books with this concept and I really liked that. The story was well developed and it moved gradually. It didn’t go slow and at the same time it wasn’t rushed. The events were equally divided.
The other thing that was also great about this book (and a bit frustrating to be honest) was that Keegan didn't know who Dahlia actually was, while Dahlia didn't know she was Dream Girl all along. I JUST WANTED THEM TO BE TOGETHER! But when the moment was finally there I sobbed and swooned. It was perfect.
I'm just super happy I got to read this books thanks to Entangled Publishing and I can't wait until the next books come out!
September 1, 2016
Pop star Cherry has had it. She's tired of her father and manager telling her what to do, from what to wear to what songs to sing to sell the most records. Fed up, Cherry seeks emancipation from her father, which she is granted under the stipulation that she attends high school for a year and lives a normal life. Cherry finds herself changing her look and going undercover at NextGen Academy as Dahlia. At a school dance, Dahlia aka Cherry, overhears student body president and arguably the most popular and good looking boy at NextGen, Keegan telling his friend about the girl he wants to ask out. Looking to fully embrace her new life as a normal high school student and form connections, Dahlia makes it her mission to help Keegan win his dream girl. But, what happens when Dahlia starts falling for Keegan? And how will Dahlia act when she finds out who Keegan's dream girl is? Let's just say on top of keeping her identity a secret, Dahlia is about to discover the ins and outs of high school.
I loved this book! YA books about pop stars or bands are one of my guilty pleasures. This book was super cute and you will absolutely fall in love with Keegan. What I didn't expect was this book to also deal with Keegan's dad's battle with lung cancer. I felt adding this in made the book stand out from the whole Hannah Montana cliche. I loved the focus on the arts, especially the slammed poetry. I thought it was also refreshing that there wasn't this whole big fight that leads to Keegan finding out who Dahlia really is. It wasn't the stereotypical story where the boy feels lied to and betrayed and then the girl does something to win him back.
Overall, I really enjoyed this book! I thought it was super cute and a quick and easy read. I was a little disappointed in the ending because I wanted to know what happens in the future with some of the strings that were left untied. However, I noticed that it says a book 2 is coming in the future, so I'm excited to see what happens!
I loved this book! YA books about pop stars or bands are one of my guilty pleasures. This book was super cute and you will absolutely fall in love with Keegan. What I didn't expect was this book to also deal with Keegan's dad's battle with lung cancer. I felt adding this in made the book stand out from the whole Hannah Montana cliche. I loved the focus on the arts, especially the slammed poetry. I thought it was also refreshing that there wasn't this whole big fight that leads to Keegan finding out who Dahlia really is. It wasn't the stereotypical story where the boy feels lied to and betrayed and then the girl does something to win him back.
Overall, I really enjoyed this book! I thought it was super cute and a quick and easy read. I was a little disappointed in the ending because I wanted to know what happens in the future with some of the strings that were left untied. However, I noticed that it says a book 2 is coming in the future, so I'm excited to see what happens!
June 14, 2016
I received this book from Entangled and Netgalley for an honest review...
Ok first off I LOVED the book as a whole but hated the ending, I felt like I was just left hanging and it really irritated me. I understood the WHY of it but if it would have been a printed copy I seriously would have shook the book to see if pages fell out.
I thought Tracy Deebs did a great job with the book its the fourth book in the Creative Hearts series BUT the first book with Dahlia and Keegan so technically it could be read before the other 3 books in Creative Hearts and you will do fine :)
Losing a parent at any age is hard, trust me I know....but I think knowing that you are going to lose the parent you are closest too because of something like cancer is even harder and that is what Keegan is going through. Dahilia is a "Disney" star who gets to spend a year as a regular kid...it was actually mentioned near the end of the book that she is doing a Hannah Montana in reverse which I found comical but that is just me :)
Keegan starts crushing on "Dahilia" aka Cherry and is talking about it at a school dance where she over hears an assumes its a "dream girl" not really knowing that SHE is the DG, she starts helping Keegan try to woo his DG which is kinda sweet and funny at the same time because the pointers she gives him. he turns around an does it to her and she is obvious to the fact that he really likes her.
Like I said I loved the book but wished the ending was a little different. Overall it did deserve my 5 stars
Ok first off I LOVED the book as a whole but hated the ending, I felt like I was just left hanging and it really irritated me. I understood the WHY of it but if it would have been a printed copy I seriously would have shook the book to see if pages fell out.
I thought Tracy Deebs did a great job with the book its the fourth book in the Creative Hearts series BUT the first book with Dahlia and Keegan so technically it could be read before the other 3 books in Creative Hearts and you will do fine :)
Losing a parent at any age is hard, trust me I know....but I think knowing that you are going to lose the parent you are closest too because of something like cancer is even harder and that is what Keegan is going through. Dahilia is a "Disney" star who gets to spend a year as a regular kid...it was actually mentioned near the end of the book that she is doing a Hannah Montana in reverse which I found comical but that is just me :)
Keegan starts crushing on "Dahilia" aka Cherry and is talking about it at a school dance where she over hears an assumes its a "dream girl" not really knowing that SHE is the DG, she starts helping Keegan try to woo his DG which is kinda sweet and funny at the same time because the pointers she gives him. he turns around an does it to her and she is obvious to the fact that he really likes her.
Like I said I loved the book but wished the ending was a little different. Overall it did deserve my 5 stars
June 22, 2016
Seriously couldn't put this book down, even if the fact that it took me a couple days to read it might seem to suggest otherwise. I loved getting to know Dahlia more than I had in the previous books, because even though she technically helped bring Mariely and Cabot together, the number of pages where she was featured was minimal. For a book that takes place at an art school, it was particularly interesting to see the story of a character who has been legally emancipated from her father who kind of screwed her over in her pop music career.
Love seeing Finn pop up again in an important role as one of the few people who knows who Dahlia really is right away, but more importantly, how could you not love the hilarious and swoony turn of events between Dahlia and Keegan. (Also, Keegan is a really great name.) Also, loved seeing the perspective of Keegan as someone who actually does have some artistic talent, such as with wooden sculpture aka whittling, but who is more "practically-minded" and is in the graphic design and social media stream. I do wonder if his mom will get through to him and have him exploring his artistic passion more than he does now in the next installment.
Tracy Deebs' writing style is kind of amazing, and she made this new-to-her reader want to pick up everything else she's written, including those books under another pen name for adult readers. (Even though I'm not really much of an adult romance reader.)
Love seeing Finn pop up again in an important role as one of the few people who knows who Dahlia really is right away, but more importantly, how could you not love the hilarious and swoony turn of events between Dahlia and Keegan. (Also, Keegan is a really great name.) Also, loved seeing the perspective of Keegan as someone who actually does have some artistic talent, such as with wooden sculpture aka whittling, but who is more "practically-minded" and is in the graphic design and social media stream. I do wonder if his mom will get through to him and have him exploring his artistic passion more than he does now in the next installment.
Tracy Deebs' writing style is kind of amazing, and she made this new-to-her reader want to pick up everything else she's written, including those books under another pen name for adult readers. (Even though I'm not really much of an adult romance reader.)
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 2, 2016
I've loved the Creative HeArts series since reading the second book How willa got her groove back ages ago. I admit still that is my favourite book in the series and I still can't wait for those 2 to get another book. The Secret Life of a Dream Girl didn't hit my with as much long as the others, but is still a great addition to the series and can easily be read as a stand alone as the book focuses on Dahlia and Keegan although you do here about the other characters you don't need to have read the other books.
I did love this story, its sweet and cute just like you'd expect for a YA romance and it made me smile and gush a bit just like the Creative HeArts books do. I think for me the reason I wasn't as impacted and didn't have instalove like the other books was that I didn't feel these 2 as much. Yes there is the great chemistry, some amusement and of course lots of loving, but its like watching the Batchelor or another couples program - you have your favourites.
I do highly recommend this one still though and have always loved Tracy's work, it was great to read one of her YA for a change and not her using new adult/romance stuff. 3.5 stars.
I did love this story, its sweet and cute just like you'd expect for a YA romance and it made me smile and gush a bit just like the Creative HeArts books do. I think for me the reason I wasn't as impacted and didn't have instalove like the other books was that I didn't feel these 2 as much. Yes there is the great chemistry, some amusement and of course lots of loving, but its like watching the Batchelor or another couples program - you have your favourites.
I do highly recommend this one still though and have always loved Tracy's work, it was great to read one of her YA for a change and not her using new adult/romance stuff. 3.5 stars.
July 24, 2016
Raise your hand if you were addicted to Hannah Montana in the mid-2000s. I’m guilty of falling prey to the charms of a rockstar living a normal life and getting on stage in front of thousands of fans on the weekends. The Secret Life of a Dream Girl was like Hannah Montana except way better. Dahlia Greene left her life as Cherry, Disney star turned pop princess, to live her last year of high school as her flannel-wearing, faux brown-eyed alter ego. Not only did she want to stay under the radar, she also wanted to slide by without attachments—but you know high school, it never goes as we planned.
Read the rest of the review!
June 30, 2021
3.5 Stars
Re-read June 2021
Re-read May 2017
Super cute read. That ended pretty much with a cliffhanger. Major bummer that so far the second half of the story is still missing.
Re-read June 2021
Re-read May 2017
Super cute read. That ended pretty much with a cliffhanger. Major bummer that so far the second half of the story is still missing.
November 29, 2017
Dahlia, mejor conocida como Cherry, es una famosa cantante pop. Sin embargo, decide emanciparse de su manipulativo padre para así ganar el control de su propia vida. Dahlia comienza entonces su último año de Bachillerato en un instituto de artes donde conocerá a Keegan, quien está enamorado secretamente de ella. Dahlia, en el intento de entablar nuevas amistades, le ofrece a Keegan ayuda para que él consiga conquistar a su crush.
Los personajes están muy bien construidos. La relación entre Keegan y Dahlia está bien construida, sin embargo considero que fue un poco "amor instantáneo" por parte de Dahlia. Keegan me pareció un personaje muy real, puedes sentir sus inseguridades e identificarte con ellas. Dahlia me resultó un personaje menos profundo y más difícil de entender. Esto no quiere decir que Dahlia fuera un mal personaje, no obstante me hubiera gustado que la autora nos explicara más sobre su pasado y sus decisiones.
Este libro está narrado desde dos puntos de vista, el de Dahlia y el de Keegan. La narración me resultó un poco confusa, ya que los capítulos centrados en Dahlia estaban escritos en primera persona y los de Keegan en tercera persona.
El libro está bien estructurado, no obstante me pareció que la autora escribió un final inconcluso y precipitado. Cuando cerré el libro me pregunté a mi misma ¿no hay más? Me pareció que dejaron muchos interrogantes sin resolver que deberían haber sido resueltos.
En resumen, "The Secret Life of a Dream Girl" es un libro sencillito y simple que es perfecto para pasar una tarde de domingo. Tiene sus altibajos, pero en general me encantó la historia debido a sus personajes y originalidad (no encuentras un libro basado en una estrella de pop todos los días jaja).
Este libro lo leí en inglés. Es un inglés bastante sencillo de entender con un vocabulario bastante sencillo, así que si tenéis un nivel medio de inglés podéis intentar leerlo.
PD: ¡Hola esta es mi primera reseña! ¿Que opináis de ella?
Los personajes están muy bien construidos. La relación entre Keegan y Dahlia está bien construida, sin embargo considero que fue un poco "amor instantáneo" por parte de Dahlia. Keegan me pareció un personaje muy real, puedes sentir sus inseguridades e identificarte con ellas. Dahlia me resultó un personaje menos profundo y más difícil de entender. Esto no quiere decir que Dahlia fuera un mal personaje, no obstante me hubiera gustado que la autora nos explicara más sobre su pasado y sus decisiones.
Este libro está narrado desde dos puntos de vista, el de Dahlia y el de Keegan. La narración me resultó un poco confusa, ya que los capítulos centrados en Dahlia estaban escritos en primera persona y los de Keegan en tercera persona.
El libro está bien estructurado, no obstante me pareció que la autora escribió un final inconcluso y precipitado. Cuando cerré el libro me pregunté a mi misma ¿no hay más? Me pareció que dejaron muchos interrogantes sin resolver que deberían haber sido resueltos.
En resumen, "The Secret Life of a Dream Girl" es un libro sencillito y simple que es perfecto para pasar una tarde de domingo. Tiene sus altibajos, pero en general me encantó la historia debido a sus personajes y originalidad (no encuentras un libro basado en una estrella de pop todos los días jaja).
Este libro lo leí en inglés. Es un inglés bastante sencillo de entender con un vocabulario bastante sencillo, así que si tenéis un nivel medio de inglés podéis intentar leerlo.
PD: ¡Hola esta es mi primera reseña! ¿Que opináis de ella?
April 6, 2020
I loved this story but felt as though it wasn’t finished. The first 2/3 are all about the two main characters, Dahlia and Keegan, becoming friends and worrying if they each like the other as more than friends. Then, there’s a bit of conflict that is quickly resolved but the important conflicts are just left hanging and the book ends. On the author’s page, the book is listed as the first book about Dahlia and Keegan but it was written in 2016 with no follow-up book offered. Very disappointing.
May 20, 2021
the book was a captivating & fast read. the story had me so engaged that i flew through the pages in no time. the romance was so hot & the conflicts so heartbreaking. i loved every moment of it! cant wait to find out how Keegan's father is doing & how the duo get through the challenges.
May 16, 2017
Cute, fluffy romance. The characters and plot threads don't go particularly deep, but for this sort of story, they don't need to.
April 13, 2020
Loved the characters but the story needed about two more chapters. 🤷🏻♀️
November 9, 2020
Woohoo! 5Stars!
Soooooooo great! I read this book in one sitting. You open the page and fall into a false identity romance. Hope I find my Keegan.
Soooooooo great! I read this book in one sitting. You open the page and fall into a false identity romance. Hope I find my Keegan.
March 18, 2017
Sweet story with sad parts left in it and very good music reference.
Dahlia and Keegan my fav couple from all Nexgen gang. It 's so good written that I read it in one go. He is class president and she is pop star incognito. He is loved by everyone in the school and she is trying to just blend in. Again ending was bit sudden and left a lot of thing unresolved. I would like to read more about these two.
And that kiss scene, well damn...
Dahlia and Keegan my fav couple from all Nexgen gang. It 's so good written that I read it in one go. He is class president and she is pop star incognito. He is loved by everyone in the school and she is trying to just blend in. Again ending was bit sudden and left a lot of thing unresolved. I would like to read more about these two.
And that kiss scene, well damn...
March 9, 2017
Great book. First Half of the book I was bright smiles and gushing. Yeah, gushing, squealing, you name it. But then we reach the self deprecating stages of the book. The doubt and yearning and all the trials both MCs had to face and I found myself scrolling through pages just to get another taste of the giggles. It didn't happen, it was still a good book. Hence, the 4 star rating. It would have been a five if I'd only gotten that one last hit. (If these aren't signs of an addict, then I don't know what is;)
July 8, 2016
3.5 “Pop Sensation & Class President” Stars
ARC via NetGalley
Thank you, Entangled!
The NextGen crowd is back and bringing us another very sweet romance. Yay!
Needless to say, I loved revisiting the characters I met in the last two books (especially my series crush, Finn), getting to know more about characters I had only heard a few things about and following closely the relationship between Keegan and Dahlia.
For those with a good memory, you’ll remember Dahlia as the girl who gave Mariely the push she needed to get closer to Cabot. She was mentioned a few times in Crazy, Stupid, Fauxmance (book #3 in the series), but we didn’t know much about her then.
Now we know a lot about Dahlia and what she was hiding from the rest of the school. Or better yet, who – her stage-persona, Cherry. Despite trying very hard to go unnoticed, Dahlia isn’t the quiet, shy girl she portrays. She’s a pop sensation who only recently filed for emancipation from her father and needs to prove to the judge responsible for her case that she can go through a normal experience as a teenager. What’s more normal than going to high school, right? So all Dahlia really wants is to graduate and figure out what she’ll do next as an artist, because she seems quite unhappy with the artist she let her father force her into becoming. Poor girl.
Then we have Keegan… Honestly I can’t remember him from the other stories in the series, but he’s close friends with Jacen, a character who was important in the last book since he was Mariely’s ex. Keegan is introduced as this super nice and smart guy who’s the student body president and one of the most popular people in school. He’s also super hot. Unlike the rest of his friends, Keegan isn’t an artist. He’s only going to NextGen because he’s mom is the vice principal, but he wants to go to college and major in marketing. I liked that Keegan was different from his colleagues in a way that he seemed more practical and down to earth. His relationship with his father and the fear that took hold of him every time he thought of his dad’s disease was heartbreaking. It all made him very likable and relatable. Plus, there were more than just a couple of moments when I wanted to hug him. He truly was a nice guy – the nicest so far.
So, with Dahlia and Keegan’s life and personal drama keeping them busy, how do they become a thing? Well, if it were up to Keegan things would’ve happened a lot sooner since he’s had a crush on her from the moment they met. For the first time in his life, though, Keegan is insecure about asking a girl out, and when Dahlia overhears him telling Jacen that, she offers to help him conquer his “Dream Girl”. Little does she know that she’s the one he wants.
As they start to spend time together, the chemistry between them starts to build up to the point I could barely take it. Ha. They were adorable together, but they were also hot. Way hotter than the last two couples and I applaud that. The scene when they finally get together is wow! Perfection.
Just a warning: just like Willa and Finn’s story, this seems to be the case of a romance that will get another book from the way things ended. Keegan’s storyline with his father is far from over, and the same thing should be said about Dahlia’s situation with her father. I was surprised that he didn’t show up to try to make her life more difficult, but I’m assuming the author is saving this for the second book about this couple. Otherwise, there’d be a lot of wasted potential.
With great chemistry, hot kissing scenes, likable characters dealing with complex decisions, an extremely sweet love interest dealing with a heartbreaking situation at home and a main character with a promising storyline, The Secret Life of a Dream Girl was a great addition to the series. I can’t wait for what comes next.
August 29, 2016
4-1/2 stars. But I'm rounding up because Finn was here again. And glorious.
Okay, you might not know this about me but I ♥ Tracy Deebs. I especially love her alter-ego Tracy Wolff (or maybe Deebs is the alter-ego, I'm not sure how these things work) because she consistently brings crazy hot characters with swoon and banter and fresh storylines. So I have to admit that I was most looking forward to this book in the Creative HeArts series. And it's my fave so far!
International pop sensation Dahlia is undercover at NextGen Academy as a regular student (at a performing arts high school). Think Hannah Montana, here, but slightly less kooky and without Billy Ray. She's on a mission to take control of her own life and wants to get emancipated from her overbearing father/manager. She overhears hottie Keegan talking about a girl he's been crushing on and decides to help play matchmaker, not knowing she's the object of his affections. As the lines between Dahlia and Keegan blur, can they fess up to their secrets before they crash and burn?
I really liked this book. I loved the quick pacing and the banter. I loved Keegan and thought he was such a sweetie.
::le sigh:: I love these two. I also loved having Finn (and the whole Creative HeArts gang) here. From the first moment we see Finn (which is early on), I was so excited. I don't know why I love him so much, but I can't get enough.
My favorite of the series, The Secret Life of a Dream Girl is a fast, fun read with characters you won't be able to get enough of.
--
Okay, you might not know this about me but I ♥ Tracy Deebs. I especially love her alter-ego Tracy Wolff (or maybe Deebs is the alter-ego, I'm not sure how these things work) because she consistently brings crazy hot characters with swoon and banter and fresh storylines. So I have to admit that I was most looking forward to this book in the Creative HeArts series. And it's my fave so far!
International pop sensation Dahlia is undercover at NextGen Academy as a regular student (at a performing arts high school). Think Hannah Montana, here, but slightly less kooky and without Billy Ray. She's on a mission to take control of her own life and wants to get emancipated from her overbearing father/manager. She overhears hottie Keegan talking about a girl he's been crushing on and decides to help play matchmaker, not knowing she's the object of his affections. As the lines between Dahlia and Keegan blur, can they fess up to their secrets before they crash and burn?
I really liked this book. I loved the quick pacing and the banter. I loved Keegan and thought he was such a sweetie.
"Okay, so as I was saying... You just walked Dream Girl to the door and she smiles up at you, bats her eyes a little." She does an exaggerated eyelash bat that is both ridiculous and incredibly endearing all at the same time. "What do you do?"
Her hair had fallen over her left eye and he reached up, smoothed it back so he could see her face. As he did, he brushed his palm against her cheek just to feel the softness of her skin.
"That's--" Her voice broke and she cleared her thraot a couple of times before continuing, "That's good. That's really good. Now you should tell me I'm beautiful. I mean, Dream Girl. You should tell Dream Girl that she's beautiful."
He cupped her cheek in his hand, ran his thumb gently over her full lower lip. "you're so beautiful." His voice ached with sincerity.
...
He waited for her next instructions, but they were more than a little slow in coming, so he finally asked, "Now what?"
She looked up at him with dazed eyes that had heat spreading through his whole body. She swallowed again, took a couple of deep, shaky breaths. And then whispered, "Now you kiss me."
"Just like that?"
::le sigh:: I love these two. I also loved having Finn (and the whole Creative HeArts gang) here. From the first moment we see Finn (which is early on), I was so excited. I don't know why I love him so much, but I can't get enough.
"Everyone will be so busy staring at me that they won't even notice you."
"Wow." I burst out laughing. "Arrogant much?"
"It's not arrogant if it's the truth. I'm Mia McCain's son. Right now, I'm the hottest ticket in this place."
My favorite of the series, The Secret Life of a Dream Girl is a fast, fun read with characters you won't be able to get enough of.
--
June 7, 2016
Originally posted on Daydreaming Books.
*I received an eARC of this book from the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.*
This book was sooo cute! And it definitely delivered the promise made in the disclaimer! I'm totally loving this series so much and this book was a great addition to the series. Another thing that I love about this series is that the whole series is taking place at one high school, so we frequently get a glimpse of the other characters in this series as well which is quite awesome!
Dahlia is actually an international pop star, she goes by the name Cherry. After gaining legal emancipation, she has to fulfill one last thing, complete the last year of her high school in a normal school as ordered by the judge. She has always yearned for a normal life, that's why she decides to take on a disguise so that nobody would recognise her. When she accidentally hears a bit of a conversation between Keegan and his friend about the girl he's crushing on, she steps up and decides to help without knowing that his dream girl is actually her. Would anything between them be ever possible?
I loved the plot! And I loved how everything was executed! Dahlia just decides to help Keegan after overhearing a conversation at a school dance, she just basically starts project Dream Girl without even asking if he's on board or not! But it turned out to be quite hysterical than awkward as Keegan could not understand whatever the hell was going on. And later when she told him the plan, he decides to be on board but he uses her own advice to woo her which was quite adorable! I loved them together from the start, they were just so cute!
Dahlia... first of all I love that name! She kept her identity a secret from everybody, even from Keegan because she could see how everyone waited for an opportunity to jump on Finn (from How Willa Got Her Groove Back) and she wanted a normal life, just for once. I totally understood her situation, especially after how her dad and manager treated her. Keegan was a total sweetheart. He was so sweet and caring and I actually enjoyed to see how he was nervous in telling Dahlia that he actually liked her! But their chemistry was totally adorable and that kiss! Oh my God! It was basically perfection!
Overall, The Secret Life of a Dream Girl was a totally awesome read! The plot kept me interested from the beginning and I loved the characters. The romance was sooo sweet, I loved Keegan and Dahlia together! The writing was smooth and easy to read and the pace was even throughout the book! Though this book somewhat ended on a happy note (well... not entirely because of what Keegan was going through due t his father's condition), I can't wait to read the next book about them!
Recommend it?
Yes!
*I received an eARC of this book from the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.*
This book was sooo cute! And it definitely delivered the promise made in the disclaimer! I'm totally loving this series so much and this book was a great addition to the series. Another thing that I love about this series is that the whole series is taking place at one high school, so we frequently get a glimpse of the other characters in this series as well which is quite awesome!
Dahlia is actually an international pop star, she goes by the name Cherry. After gaining legal emancipation, she has to fulfill one last thing, complete the last year of her high school in a normal school as ordered by the judge. She has always yearned for a normal life, that's why she decides to take on a disguise so that nobody would recognise her. When she accidentally hears a bit of a conversation between Keegan and his friend about the girl he's crushing on, she steps up and decides to help without knowing that his dream girl is actually her. Would anything between them be ever possible?
I loved the plot! And I loved how everything was executed! Dahlia just decides to help Keegan after overhearing a conversation at a school dance, she just basically starts project Dream Girl without even asking if he's on board or not! But it turned out to be quite hysterical than awkward as Keegan could not understand whatever the hell was going on. And later when she told him the plan, he decides to be on board but he uses her own advice to woo her which was quite adorable! I loved them together from the start, they were just so cute!
Dahlia... first of all I love that name! She kept her identity a secret from everybody, even from Keegan because she could see how everyone waited for an opportunity to jump on Finn (from How Willa Got Her Groove Back) and she wanted a normal life, just for once. I totally understood her situation, especially after how her dad and manager treated her. Keegan was a total sweetheart. He was so sweet and caring and I actually enjoyed to see how he was nervous in telling Dahlia that he actually liked her! But their chemistry was totally adorable and that kiss! Oh my God! It was basically perfection!
Overall, The Secret Life of a Dream Girl was a totally awesome read! The plot kept me interested from the beginning and I loved the characters. The romance was sooo sweet, I loved Keegan and Dahlia together! The writing was smooth and easy to read and the pace was even throughout the book! Though this book somewhat ended on a happy note (well... not entirely because of what Keegan was going through due t his father's condition), I can't wait to read the next book about them!
Recommend it?
Yes!
June 29, 2016
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4 stars -- I received a free copy from NetGalley in exchange for an honest and unbiased review/opinion.
So this is my second book from the Creative HeArts series (I previously read Mariely and Cabot's story Crazy, Stupid Fauxmance), and I think I've figured out the pattern in them -- they can be read as standalones from each other (though you will become curious about the other characters b/c you get drive by mentions of them), but they seem to each be setting up their own multi-book story arcs. So yet again I was left feeling a bit unfulfilled by the ending, but at least this time I wasn't blind-sided by it. It's like when reading Mariely and Cabot's story, I saw on Goodreads that it says "Mariely and Cabot book 1" or whatever, but at that point I didn't quite understand the ramifications of that. Sometimes when there are multiple books with the same couple, you might get a HFN, if not an HEA. I found that with this book we got a bit more of a HFN than we did with Crazy, Stupid Fauxmance, but I guess I still felt like the pacing was a bit weird with how these were laid out. It makes me want to wait for all the books in the series to be out so I can just binge them.
OK, sorry for that huge aside, I was just getting my thoughts out. I actually really enjoyed this one. I enjoy the whole rockstar in disguise trope, and I really felt for Dahlia (or Cherry). We didn't delve too deeply into her past, so you don't see concrete examples of how her father used her, but it is alluded to heavily. And she really is in a tricky position trying to stay under the radar so no one realizes who she really is. Sometimes I find it hard to believe when no one recognizes the star who is incognito, but I bought the explanations in this book. She definitely had a lot going on inside her, but I feel like there's still so much more to learn about her.
And Keegan had my heart breaking. I lost my father to cancer when I was a teenager, so I can really feel for everything he's going through in that part of his personal life. And then on the other hand, he was so fricking adorable with how much he liked Dahlia and how nervous he was about it all! I just wanted to squeeze him. There was some interesting depth to his character that I loved (with him being in this arts school, but not really having a particular art that he is talented in).
And the chemistry between these two was just fantastic! That kiss!!! Holy smokes, that kiss. *swoon* I loved the romance in this book. It was both sweet and hot.
And damn it all, yet again I want to read Finn's book (book 2), even though I'm pretty sure it's an even less satisfying ending than books 3 and 4 were. Maybe I'll wait until the next installment is almost out and then get into it.
So basically my only disappointment with this book is that I don't have concrete answers on when more is coming out. Because I'm uber greedy like that. :P But you can bet your bippy I will be all over it when it does come out! No pressure Ms. Deebs. *snicker*
4 stars -- I received a free copy from NetGalley in exchange for an honest and unbiased review/opinion.
So this is my second book from the Creative HeArts series (I previously read Mariely and Cabot's story Crazy, Stupid Fauxmance), and I think I've figured out the pattern in them -- they can be read as standalones from each other (though you will become curious about the other characters b/c you get drive by mentions of them), but they seem to each be setting up their own multi-book story arcs. So yet again I was left feeling a bit unfulfilled by the ending, but at least this time I wasn't blind-sided by it. It's like when reading Mariely and Cabot's story, I saw on Goodreads that it says "Mariely and Cabot book 1" or whatever, but at that point I didn't quite understand the ramifications of that. Sometimes when there are multiple books with the same couple, you might get a HFN, if not an HEA. I found that with this book we got a bit more of a HFN than we did with Crazy, Stupid Fauxmance, but I guess I still felt like the pacing was a bit weird with how these were laid out. It makes me want to wait for all the books in the series to be out so I can just binge them.
OK, sorry for that huge aside, I was just getting my thoughts out. I actually really enjoyed this one. I enjoy the whole rockstar in disguise trope, and I really felt for Dahlia (or Cherry). We didn't delve too deeply into her past, so you don't see concrete examples of how her father used her, but it is alluded to heavily. And she really is in a tricky position trying to stay under the radar so no one realizes who she really is. Sometimes I find it hard to believe when no one recognizes the star who is incognito, but I bought the explanations in this book. She definitely had a lot going on inside her, but I feel like there's still so much more to learn about her.
And Keegan had my heart breaking. I lost my father to cancer when I was a teenager, so I can really feel for everything he's going through in that part of his personal life. And then on the other hand, he was so fricking adorable with how much he liked Dahlia and how nervous he was about it all! I just wanted to squeeze him. There was some interesting depth to his character that I loved (with him being in this arts school, but not really having a particular art that he is talented in).
And the chemistry between these two was just fantastic! That kiss!!! Holy smokes, that kiss. *swoon* I loved the romance in this book. It was both sweet and hot.
And damn it all, yet again I want to read Finn's book (book 2), even though I'm pretty sure it's an even less satisfying ending than books 3 and 4 were. Maybe I'll wait until the next installment is almost out and then get into it.
So basically my only disappointment with this book is that I don't have concrete answers on when more is coming out. Because I'm uber greedy like that. :P But you can bet your bippy I will be all over it when it does come out! No pressure Ms. Deebs. *snicker*
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