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Can Dreams Come True?
Cecily has always had a huge crush on singer Andrew Holiday and she wants to be an actress, so she tags along when her friend auditions for his new video. However, the director isn’t looking for an actress, but rather the girl next door—and so is Andrew. Cecily gets a part in the video and all of Andrew’s attention on the set. Her friend begins to see red and Cecily’s boyfriend is seeing green—as in major jealousy. A misunderstanding leaves Cecily and her boyfriend on the outs and Andrew hopes to pick up the pieces as he’s looking for someone more stable in his life than the models he’s dated. Soon Cecily begins to realize Andrew understands her more than her small-town boyfriend—but can her perfect love match really be her favorite rock star?
232 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 20, 2018
About the author
Krysten Lindsay Hager
13 books525 followersI write novels about friendships, crushes, hope, dealing with self-doubt, finding where you belong as well as your soulmate. My sister says my books are an airing of my grievances, but I like to think I’m just working through issues via my characters to help my readers work through theirs. Either way, the bumps along the road gave me a lot of material.
I’ve been writing since I was a kid, but my mom made me show her I was serious about it my senior year when she signed me up for writing conferences to see if I’d sink or swim. Who knew I’d finally feel like I felt in somewhere…well, fit in-ish. I love reading, TV, watching strangers’ IG stories, and lipstick.
Keep up with Krysten on all the platforms:
Newsletter: eepurl.com/bv0kYn
Website: www.krystenlindsay.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/krystenlind...
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/KrystenLinds...
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Twitter: https://twitter.com/KrystenLindsay
I’ve been writing since I was a kid, but my mom made me show her I was serious about it my senior year when she signed me up for writing conferences to see if I’d sink or swim. Who knew I’d finally feel like I felt in somewhere…well, fit in-ish. I love reading, TV, watching strangers’ IG stories, and lipstick.
Keep up with Krysten on all the platforms:
Newsletter: eepurl.com/bv0kYn
Website: www.krystenlindsay.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/krystenlind...
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/KrystenLinds...
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/krystenlind...
Twitter: https://twitter.com/KrystenLindsay
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 80 reviews
April 16, 2020
4☆ A Sweet Romance!
Can Dreams Come True? Is a Heart Warming Story of Following your Dreams, Relationships and the ups and downs of teenage life.
Cecily might of just landed the job of her dreams.... staring in a music video of her number one idol Andrew Holiday! I mean what teenage girl wouldn't want to?
Cecily is in a relationship with first love Zach, and as you can imagine his not best pleased with Cecily working up close and personal with her heartthrob Holiday!
But Cecily doesn't seem to think it's a problem and the more she spends time with Andrew, the more Zach's behaviour becomes irrational.
Can Zach keep his cool and his girlfriend or will Andrew be the one to win his Leading Lady?
Can Dreams Come True? Is the first book in a new series. It's a sweet romance perfect for YA readers.
The characters are relatable, especially Cecily who I definitely could go back in time and picture what she was going through.
It's a story full of teenage angst, coming of age, first love, jealousy, Hopes and dreams, anxieties and insecurities, friendships, relationships, learning self love and Following your dreams!
I'm really looking forward to the next installment.
Thank you to Rachel Random Resources for this copy which I reviewed honestly and voluntarily.
My Review is also on my Blog Website :-
https://dashfan81.blogspot.com/2020/0...
Can Dreams Come True? Is a Heart Warming Story of Following your Dreams, Relationships and the ups and downs of teenage life.
Cecily might of just landed the job of her dreams.... staring in a music video of her number one idol Andrew Holiday! I mean what teenage girl wouldn't want to?
Cecily is in a relationship with first love Zach, and as you can imagine his not best pleased with Cecily working up close and personal with her heartthrob Holiday!
But Cecily doesn't seem to think it's a problem and the more she spends time with Andrew, the more Zach's behaviour becomes irrational.
Can Zach keep his cool and his girlfriend or will Andrew be the one to win his Leading Lady?
Can Dreams Come True? Is the first book in a new series. It's a sweet romance perfect for YA readers.
The characters are relatable, especially Cecily who I definitely could go back in time and picture what she was going through.
It's a story full of teenage angst, coming of age, first love, jealousy, Hopes and dreams, anxieties and insecurities, friendships, relationships, learning self love and Following your dreams!
I'm really looking forward to the next installment.
Thank you to Rachel Random Resources for this copy which I reviewed honestly and voluntarily.
My Review is also on my Blog Website :-
https://dashfan81.blogspot.com/2020/0...
May 31, 2018
I was on the promotional tour for this book! Head over to my blog: www.marriedtobooksreviewsandblog.word...
Can Dreams Come True? follows the adventures of high school student Cecily and her friends. She has a relationship with a local boy called Zach which she thinks could be the perfect romance. There’s a catch however, after Cecily’s friend drags Cecily to an audition to star in a major new music video. The famous singer in question is Cecily’s biggest idol. Instead of the friend getting the main role in video, it’s Cecily that finds herself in the spotlight, much to the disgust of Zach as his behaviour becomes suspicious. Caught in a huge dilemma, Cecily wants to get her name out there and getting close to the famous singer Andrew Holiday could help her. As their relationship develops, Cecily has some difficult decisions to make…
This was a fast-paced read that captured the essence of high school life. My favourite parts were filming the music video and Cecily’s love for reading books. The dialogue is well-written and keeps the plotline flowing well. There is a cast of characters, all with different personalities that kept me interested. It gave me good ‘self-discovery’ vibes at the end, even though there was a little cliffhanger. In conclusion, it would be interesting to see what happens in Cecily’s life next, whether she stars in other music videos. Perfect for readers looking for a quick contemporary fix!
Can Dreams Come True? follows the adventures of high school student Cecily and her friends. She has a relationship with a local boy called Zach which she thinks could be the perfect romance. There’s a catch however, after Cecily’s friend drags Cecily to an audition to star in a major new music video. The famous singer in question is Cecily’s biggest idol. Instead of the friend getting the main role in video, it’s Cecily that finds herself in the spotlight, much to the disgust of Zach as his behaviour becomes suspicious. Caught in a huge dilemma, Cecily wants to get her name out there and getting close to the famous singer Andrew Holiday could help her. As their relationship develops, Cecily has some difficult decisions to make…
This was a fast-paced read that captured the essence of high school life. My favourite parts were filming the music video and Cecily’s love for reading books. The dialogue is well-written and keeps the plotline flowing well. There is a cast of characters, all with different personalities that kept me interested. It gave me good ‘self-discovery’ vibes at the end, even though there was a little cliffhanger. In conclusion, it would be interesting to see what happens in Cecily’s life next, whether she stars in other music videos. Perfect for readers looking for a quick contemporary fix!
August 15, 2018
I'm so excited for the start of a new series by this author! Hager has a way of really flinging me back into the throes of high school life again, but this time around is a lot more enjoyable.
I always used to wonder what I would do if I was lucky enough to meet my teen idol--would I fangirl? Would I faint? Would I make a fool out of myself? Yeah, probably that last one... Cecily has the perfect boyfriend, but when the chance arises to go with a friend to audition for a new music video being filmed in the area, she takes it, and finds herself cast as well.
Cecily handles her life and its unpredictable situations better than a lot of teenagers would, yet she still shows some jealousy, insecurity, and lack of communication skills, which makes her easy to relate to, instead of someone to envy--she's only human! I loved being drawn into her drama and her life and enjoyed the way this life triangle (of sorts) was handled. This is a great escape book and I'm going to be watching out for the next book in the series. I want more of Cecily!
Content: mild romance
*I received a complimentary copy. All opinions expressed are my own and are voluntarily given.*
I always used to wonder what I would do if I was lucky enough to meet my teen idol--would I fangirl? Would I faint? Would I make a fool out of myself? Yeah, probably that last one... Cecily has the perfect boyfriend, but when the chance arises to go with a friend to audition for a new music video being filmed in the area, she takes it, and finds herself cast as well.
Cecily handles her life and its unpredictable situations better than a lot of teenagers would, yet she still shows some jealousy, insecurity, and lack of communication skills, which makes her easy to relate to, instead of someone to envy--she's only human! I loved being drawn into her drama and her life and enjoyed the way this life triangle (of sorts) was handled. This is a great escape book and I'm going to be watching out for the next book in the series. I want more of Cecily!
Content: mild romance
*I received a complimentary copy. All opinions expressed are my own and are voluntarily given.*
March 20, 2018
Cecily's crush, singer Andrew Holiday, will shoot his new video in Cecily's hometown. Cecily has a boyfriend, Zach, but secretly she's always loved Andrew from afar. When one of her friends asks Cecily to accompany her to her audition for Andrew's video Cecily is happy to agree. She doesn't have much acting experience, but would love to be an actress. This sounds like a great chance and she also gets to meet her idol. The directors are looking for the ideal girl next door to play one of the parts in the video and Cecily is perfect for it. It's a dream come true, but will Zach and Cecily's friends like that she's been given this chance?
Andrew's lyrics mean something to Cecily, it's like he gets her and that's exactly the way she feels when they talk as well. Cecily might have a boyfriend, but that doesn't mean she can't be friends with Andrew. However, Zach starts to behave differently from the moment she's been given the part. Will their relationship survive or will she lose her first real boyfriend? Hanging out with Andrew is something Cecily's always fantasized about, is he just as nice in reality and what will happen when they get to know each other better?
Can Dreams Come True? is a heartwarming story. Cecily deals with regular teenage problems. She's insecure about her looks, she feels she isn't beautiful enough because most of her friends are much more mature. She loves reading a good book and prefers stories over parties. She's a gentle and friendly person and doesn't always notice when someone is treating her badly. I loved how Krysten Lindsay Hager describes her world. Not all teenagers are confident and sophisticated and she perfectly captures the out of your depth feeling that often comes with it. She does this with a fantastic sense of humor and plenty of insight and empathy, which makes her story funny and feelgood, but gives it a nice layer of depth at the same time.
Krysten Lindsay Hager has written a story about a topic a lot of seventeen-year-old girls dream about, meeting their idol and being part of his video. It's a fabulous subject for a story and Krysten Lindsay Hager's execution is flawless. Can Dreams Come True? constantly made me smile and I kept having flashbacks from when I was a teenager myself, which made the story extra entertaining to read. I loved that the writing style suits Cecily's feelings so well, it gives the story a realistic feeling, which is sweet given the theme. I absolutely loved Can Dreams Come True? and highly recommend this cute, amusing and enchanting story.
Andrew's lyrics mean something to Cecily, it's like he gets her and that's exactly the way she feels when they talk as well. Cecily might have a boyfriend, but that doesn't mean she can't be friends with Andrew. However, Zach starts to behave differently from the moment she's been given the part. Will their relationship survive or will she lose her first real boyfriend? Hanging out with Andrew is something Cecily's always fantasized about, is he just as nice in reality and what will happen when they get to know each other better?
Can Dreams Come True? is a heartwarming story. Cecily deals with regular teenage problems. She's insecure about her looks, she feels she isn't beautiful enough because most of her friends are much more mature. She loves reading a good book and prefers stories over parties. She's a gentle and friendly person and doesn't always notice when someone is treating her badly. I loved how Krysten Lindsay Hager describes her world. Not all teenagers are confident and sophisticated and she perfectly captures the out of your depth feeling that often comes with it. She does this with a fantastic sense of humor and plenty of insight and empathy, which makes her story funny and feelgood, but gives it a nice layer of depth at the same time.
Krysten Lindsay Hager has written a story about a topic a lot of seventeen-year-old girls dream about, meeting their idol and being part of his video. It's a fabulous subject for a story and Krysten Lindsay Hager's execution is flawless. Can Dreams Come True? constantly made me smile and I kept having flashbacks from when I was a teenager myself, which made the story extra entertaining to read. I loved that the writing style suits Cecily's feelings so well, it gives the story a realistic feeling, which is sweet given the theme. I absolutely loved Can Dreams Come True? and highly recommend this cute, amusing and enchanting story.
June 1, 2018
4 -A Sweet, Fun and Charming Coming of Age Story
There’s nothing better than first loves and coming of age stories. I just find them so nostalgic, sweet and heartwarming. Can Dreams Come True by Krysten Lindsay was no exception and such a delightfully fun read.
I loved the concept of this book and thought it was executed really well. The writing was easy to read and had a nice flow, so I breezed through this with no problem. The plot was interesting enough and actually had me guessing a few times. The characters, while frustrating at times, were well-developed, realistic, and relatable. There were also plenty of endearing moments that made me “aww” and super adorable scenses that made me smile.
Cecily was a great heroine. She’s quiet, insecure, and self-conscious, but also really smart, caring and thoughtful. I loved watching her character grow and seeing her overcome some of her vulnerabilities along the way.
Andrew was honest, sensitive, and such a romantic that I’m sure plenty of teen readers would be falling for him. He didn’t completely win over my heart and there were times he annoyed me… but Andrew knew how to be sweet just at the right moments.
Zach gave me bad vibes and definitely reminded me of moments that made me feel the way he was making Cecily feel. I thought for sure there was no way I would like Zach, but I can’t really fault him for acting like a teenage boy. He can be sweet if he really wanted to and he wasn’t so bad… Just young and immature.
This book was pleasantly entertaining and wonderfully charming. While I enjoyed the romance, I loved that Can Dreams Come True also managed to address the importance of staying true to yourself, doing what you love and pursuing your dreams. I truly had fun reading this novel and can’t wait to see what happens next.
If you enjoy lighthearted teen romance, then you definitely want to add this on your TBR.
I received an advance reader copy of this book from the author, publisher and Xpressobooktours in exchange for a fair and honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
There’s nothing better than first loves and coming of age stories. I just find them so nostalgic, sweet and heartwarming. Can Dreams Come True by Krysten Lindsay was no exception and such a delightfully fun read.
I loved the concept of this book and thought it was executed really well. The writing was easy to read and had a nice flow, so I breezed through this with no problem. The plot was interesting enough and actually had me guessing a few times. The characters, while frustrating at times, were well-developed, realistic, and relatable. There were also plenty of endearing moments that made me “aww” and super adorable scenses that made me smile.
Cecily was a great heroine. She’s quiet, insecure, and self-conscious, but also really smart, caring and thoughtful. I loved watching her character grow and seeing her overcome some of her vulnerabilities along the way.
Andrew was honest, sensitive, and such a romantic that I’m sure plenty of teen readers would be falling for him. He didn’t completely win over my heart and there were times he annoyed me… but Andrew knew how to be sweet just at the right moments.
Zach gave me bad vibes and definitely reminded me of moments that made me feel the way he was making Cecily feel. I thought for sure there was no way I would like Zach, but I can’t really fault him for acting like a teenage boy. He can be sweet if he really wanted to and he wasn’t so bad… Just young and immature.
This book was pleasantly entertaining and wonderfully charming. While I enjoyed the romance, I loved that Can Dreams Come True also managed to address the importance of staying true to yourself, doing what you love and pursuing your dreams. I truly had fun reading this novel and can’t wait to see what happens next.
If you enjoy lighthearted teen romance, then you definitely want to add this on your TBR.
I received an advance reader copy of this book from the author, publisher and Xpressobooktours in exchange for a fair and honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
April 20, 2018
Can Dreams Come True by Krysten Lindsay Hager is the 1st book in the Cecily Taylor Series, and my first book by this author. Cecily has always dreamed of being an actress, so when her friend asked her to come along to the auditions for Andrew Holiday's, her favorite singer's, music video, she agrees. Will Cecily's dreams come true? I love this genre, there is something so innocent about first loves. I love the quirky people and situations in this book, and watching the characters grow. I found this book to be a quick read, and recommend it to all readers who enjoy a sweet romance.
I received this book in exchange for a fair and honest review.
I received this book in exchange for a fair and honest review.
April 27, 2018
This is only my second ever read by Krysten Lindsay Hager. I first came across her books in December last year when I read Dating the It Guy, and couldn’t wait to dive into this story. I marvel at her ability to transport me (waaay back!) to my teenage years, and all the ups and downs that come with that period in your life. Drama Queen, moi?! *smirks*
I could totally identify with Cecily’s want to fit in, and the feelings of being an outsider. Even her love of the written word sets her apart from her closest friends. Although she doesn’t realise it, her differences are what make her unique, and make her stand out from the crowd.
Cecily has had a crush on singer, Andrew Holiday, for as long as she can remember. His music and lyrics speak to her like no one else can. Le sigh... I remember that feeling, don’t you? Where you think they are singing just to you. So, imagine not only getting the chance to meet your teenage idol, but also getting the chance to appear in his next music video. I know, right? Someone pass the smelling salts! *snorts*
With a jealous boyfriend, his scheming ex, mean girls, and over-protective parents, Cecily tries to traverse this strange new world she finds herself in where her crush seems to like her, like her. (OMG! I can feel myself regressing, lol.) As Dorothy said, ‘I’ve a feeling we’re not in Kansas anymore.’
I thoroughly enjoyed this book, and look forward to reading more in the series. I wonder what the author has next in store for our heroine?
Also, who knew clowns had weight problems? *shrugs* Trust me, it’ll make sense when you read it - I was crying with laughter.
Note: Copy read via Kindle Unlimited
I could totally identify with Cecily’s want to fit in, and the feelings of being an outsider. Even her love of the written word sets her apart from her closest friends. Although she doesn’t realise it, her differences are what make her unique, and make her stand out from the crowd.
Cecily has had a crush on singer, Andrew Holiday, for as long as she can remember. His music and lyrics speak to her like no one else can. Le sigh... I remember that feeling, don’t you? Where you think they are singing just to you. So, imagine not only getting the chance to meet your teenage idol, but also getting the chance to appear in his next music video. I know, right? Someone pass the smelling salts! *snorts*
With a jealous boyfriend, his scheming ex, mean girls, and over-protective parents, Cecily tries to traverse this strange new world she finds herself in where her crush seems to like her, like her. (OMG! I can feel myself regressing, lol.) As Dorothy said, ‘I’ve a feeling we’re not in Kansas anymore.’
I thoroughly enjoyed this book, and look forward to reading more in the series. I wonder what the author has next in store for our heroine?
Also, who knew clowns had weight problems? *shrugs* Trust me, it’ll make sense when you read it - I was crying with laughter.
Note: Copy read via Kindle Unlimited
May 3, 2018
Cecily is a seventeen-year-old girl who lives in a small town. Everybody knows everybody and it's very important to stay friendly at the small school Cecily is attending. She has been a big fan of Andrew Holiday for quite some time now and Cecily can't believe what she's hearing when she finds out that Andrew will be shooting his new video in their town. There will be open auditions and Cecily accompanies one of her friends in the hope she'll catch a glimpse of Andrew. When it turns out that they're looking for the girl next door, Cecily is being offered the opportunity to be an extra in the video. She's over the moon, but will all of her friends share the same enthusiasm?
Cecily has a boyfriend named Zach and he's her first serious love. Ever since Cecily got a part in Andrew's video he's acting strangely. Zach is hanging out with his ex-girlfriend and is not being the same sweet boyfriend he used to be. Cecily often feels insecure about herself. She thinks that she can't compete with some of the other girls when it comes to looks. Cecily isn't an outgoing person and she doesn't like big crowds, but with Andrew she instantly feels at ease. Being around a lot of people most of the time is part of Andrew's profession though. Can two people who live such different lives find common ground?
Can Dreams Come True? is a sweet love story. Cecily and her friends are normal teenagers with recognizable issues. I loved it that Cecily gets to meet the person she's crushing on. It reminded me of my own teenage years and I loved reminiscing about the artists I had a crush on. Wouldn't we all love to get the chance to meet our idols? Andrew is so kind and I loved how caring he is towards Cecily. He makes an effort to connect with her friends and that made my heart melt.
Krysten Lindsay Hager is an incredibly skilled writer and she's written another brilliant story. While I was reading Can Dreams Come True? I felt like I was an extra in the story, this is how real Cecily and her friends were for me. The story has a natural flow and this made it easy to connect with the characters. Krysten Lindsay Hager perfectly captures the essence of what it's like to be a teenager. I loved the cute and endearing romance between an ordinary girl and a famous artist. I've read several books written by Krysten Lindsay Hager and really enjoyed all of them, so I can't wait to find out what the next chapter will be for Cecily and Andrew.
Cecily has a boyfriend named Zach and he's her first serious love. Ever since Cecily got a part in Andrew's video he's acting strangely. Zach is hanging out with his ex-girlfriend and is not being the same sweet boyfriend he used to be. Cecily often feels insecure about herself. She thinks that she can't compete with some of the other girls when it comes to looks. Cecily isn't an outgoing person and she doesn't like big crowds, but with Andrew she instantly feels at ease. Being around a lot of people most of the time is part of Andrew's profession though. Can two people who live such different lives find common ground?
Can Dreams Come True? is a sweet love story. Cecily and her friends are normal teenagers with recognizable issues. I loved it that Cecily gets to meet the person she's crushing on. It reminded me of my own teenage years and I loved reminiscing about the artists I had a crush on. Wouldn't we all love to get the chance to meet our idols? Andrew is so kind and I loved how caring he is towards Cecily. He makes an effort to connect with her friends and that made my heart melt.
Krysten Lindsay Hager is an incredibly skilled writer and she's written another brilliant story. While I was reading Can Dreams Come True? I felt like I was an extra in the story, this is how real Cecily and her friends were for me. The story has a natural flow and this made it easy to connect with the characters. Krysten Lindsay Hager perfectly captures the essence of what it's like to be a teenager. I loved the cute and endearing romance between an ordinary girl and a famous artist. I've read several books written by Krysten Lindsay Hager and really enjoyed all of them, so I can't wait to find out what the next chapter will be for Cecily and Andrew.
March 21, 2018
This is a “Rock Star Romance” but a cute, clean, teen version that will appeal to younger readers.
It’s well written and Cecily is a sweet, relatable character. Your typical “girl-next-door” type who actually listens to her parents and follows a moral compass. It’s a very sweet love story and if you like this sort of thing, then I think you will enjoy it. And moms out there… You can safely recommend this one to your kids 😉
I enjoy Krysten’s books but in this case, I think the story was a little too cute for me (personal taste and all that) so it does affect in my overall rating but as I said it’s more about preference than anything else.
Rating… 3.5 Stars
It’s well written and Cecily is a sweet, relatable character. Your typical “girl-next-door” type who actually listens to her parents and follows a moral compass. It’s a very sweet love story and if you like this sort of thing, then I think you will enjoy it. And moms out there… You can safely recommend this one to your kids 😉
I enjoy Krysten’s books but in this case, I think the story was a little too cute for me (personal taste and all that) so it does affect in my overall rating but as I said it’s more about preference than anything else.
Rating… 3.5 Stars
June 13, 2018
This book was received from the publisher in return for an honest review
Earlier this year I reviewed Dating The It Guy by Krysten, so when the opportunity came up to review Can Dreams Come True? I happily accepted. Can Dreams Come True? Is the first book in a new series focusing on high school student Cecily Taylor, like so many teenagers out there Cecily has grown up with a few celebrity crushes, but now she’s a high school junior and she has just found out her biggest crush, teen pop sensation Andrew Holiday is coming to town to shoot his latest music video. When one of her friends asks her to accompany her to an audition Cecily captures not only the director’s attention but that of Andrew himself. Cecily soon finds herself in the middle of a love triangle, with her boyfriend Zach, on one side and Andrew on the other.
The story was well paced and the romance aspects were cute. Although the story is set in Cecily’s junior year at high school the romantic elements within the story are fairly innocent, and the plot doesn’t tackle any major contemporary issues; there’s absolutely nothing wrong with that, it makes for a relatively quick, enjoyable, light read, but I felt the book was aimed more towards the lower end of the YA target market.
As a main character I did connect with Cecily, there are definitely aspects of her that resonated with 17 year old me. Cecily is a big reader, and while she is perhaps a little less confident, or slightly more introverted than I was, I certainly felt as though a lot of my character was in her. I have to say one of my favourite parts of the book was when her vice principle was talking with Cecily about creating her class schedule and rather than pushing her into something completely outside of her comfort zone he understood her and actually encouraged her love of reading, lending her one of his books and making other suggestions for things she might like. I had a teacher like this and hands down she was one of my favourites and I still think about her now many years on!
I also really liked Andrew’s character, my only slight criticism is that some of the supporting characters felt a little two dimensional. I felt it was a little too easy to side with Andrew over Zach, I would have liked to have felt a little more torn over the way I wanted Cecily to turn, who I wanted her to choose, but to me some of Zach’s actions just felt a little too much like I was obviously being steered in Andrew’s favour, that’s not to say that Zach’s actions were unbelievable, they were totally believable, especially for a teenage boy, maybe I would have just liked things to be slightly more subtle.
A few of the female characters also seemed to fit neatly into certain stereotypical character moulds – the beautiful, and flirty ex-girlfriend, the frenemy that invites Cecily along to the audition because she thinks being alongside ‘plain’ Cecily will make her look better and becomes jealous when it becomes clear that Cecily is getting more attention from the director and Andrew.
That said maybe this is just because I’m approaching this book as an adult with more life experience in general, a 13 year old may finish the book and think something completely different, I certainly didn’t feel as though it was a bad book, as I mentioned it was an enjoyable slightly fluffy read and there’s absolutely nothing wrong with that, everyone needs a little fluff every now and again!
Would I Recommend?
Yes, Can Dreams Come True? Is a cute start to a new series and I’d be interested to find out what comes next for Cecily and Andrew. I think the series certainly has potential for a sweet romance that would be suitable for the younger end of the YA market, or someone looking for a lighter read.
Earlier this year I reviewed Dating The It Guy by Krysten, so when the opportunity came up to review Can Dreams Come True? I happily accepted. Can Dreams Come True? Is the first book in a new series focusing on high school student Cecily Taylor, like so many teenagers out there Cecily has grown up with a few celebrity crushes, but now she’s a high school junior and she has just found out her biggest crush, teen pop sensation Andrew Holiday is coming to town to shoot his latest music video. When one of her friends asks her to accompany her to an audition Cecily captures not only the director’s attention but that of Andrew himself. Cecily soon finds herself in the middle of a love triangle, with her boyfriend Zach, on one side and Andrew on the other.
The story was well paced and the romance aspects were cute. Although the story is set in Cecily’s junior year at high school the romantic elements within the story are fairly innocent, and the plot doesn’t tackle any major contemporary issues; there’s absolutely nothing wrong with that, it makes for a relatively quick, enjoyable, light read, but I felt the book was aimed more towards the lower end of the YA target market.
As a main character I did connect with Cecily, there are definitely aspects of her that resonated with 17 year old me. Cecily is a big reader, and while she is perhaps a little less confident, or slightly more introverted than I was, I certainly felt as though a lot of my character was in her. I have to say one of my favourite parts of the book was when her vice principle was talking with Cecily about creating her class schedule and rather than pushing her into something completely outside of her comfort zone he understood her and actually encouraged her love of reading, lending her one of his books and making other suggestions for things she might like. I had a teacher like this and hands down she was one of my favourites and I still think about her now many years on!
I also really liked Andrew’s character, my only slight criticism is that some of the supporting characters felt a little two dimensional. I felt it was a little too easy to side with Andrew over Zach, I would have liked to have felt a little more torn over the way I wanted Cecily to turn, who I wanted her to choose, but to me some of Zach’s actions just felt a little too much like I was obviously being steered in Andrew’s favour, that’s not to say that Zach’s actions were unbelievable, they were totally believable, especially for a teenage boy, maybe I would have just liked things to be slightly more subtle.
A few of the female characters also seemed to fit neatly into certain stereotypical character moulds – the beautiful, and flirty ex-girlfriend, the frenemy that invites Cecily along to the audition because she thinks being alongside ‘plain’ Cecily will make her look better and becomes jealous when it becomes clear that Cecily is getting more attention from the director and Andrew.
That said maybe this is just because I’m approaching this book as an adult with more life experience in general, a 13 year old may finish the book and think something completely different, I certainly didn’t feel as though it was a bad book, as I mentioned it was an enjoyable slightly fluffy read and there’s absolutely nothing wrong with that, everyone needs a little fluff every now and again!
Would I Recommend?
Yes, Can Dreams Come True? Is a cute start to a new series and I’d be interested to find out what comes next for Cecily and Andrew. I think the series certainly has potential for a sweet romance that would be suitable for the younger end of the YA market, or someone looking for a lighter read.
April 16, 2020
Can Dreams Come True? is a charming, engaging and enjoyable young adult romance about first love, friendship and finding your feet that is absolutely delightful.
Cecily wants to be an actress and is determined to one day make it in showbusiness. When one of her friends goes to audition for a part in singer Andrew Holiday’s new video, Cecily tags along. Cecily has long had a crush on Andrew and tagging along to the audition will bring her in close proximity to the singer – even though she already has a boyfriend and has absolutely no intention of cheating on him. At the audition, Cecily is dismayed when the director states that it is not an actress that he wants, but someone who embodies the girl next door – a role which she fits like a glove. A delighted Cecily gets the part she has always wanted – even though her friend is absolutely livid and her boyfriend is seething with jealousy. Cecily never wanted to upset anyone, but could chasing her dreams alienate the people she cares most about?
Andrew Holiday usually dates models and celebrities, but the young singer has started to tire of the vapid and vacuous girls which he usually dates. He is looking for somebody a bit more stable to keep him grounded and for somebody who likes him for who he really is rather than for his fame and fortune. When Cecily walks through the audition door, he is immediately intrigued by her, but as she already has a boyfriend whom she cares about very much, a date would surely be out of the question…or would it?
As Andrew and Cecily begin to spend more and more time together, their feelings for one another quickly intensify. Will Cecily end up dating her crush? Do dreams really come true? Or are Andrew and Cecily simply kidding themselves?
Although aimed at younger readers, Can Dreams Come True? is a sweet, tender and heart-warming romance that I enjoyed reading – even if I am probably way out of the age bracket this book is aimed at! I enjoyed Krysten Lindsay Hager’s writing style and the way she brought her characters to life and I found myself completely caught up in Cecily and Andrew’s tender love story.
Krysten Lindsay Hager’s Can Dreams Come True? is a well-written young adult romance, teen readers – and those who are young at heart – are sure to enjoy!
Cecily wants to be an actress and is determined to one day make it in showbusiness. When one of her friends goes to audition for a part in singer Andrew Holiday’s new video, Cecily tags along. Cecily has long had a crush on Andrew and tagging along to the audition will bring her in close proximity to the singer – even though she already has a boyfriend and has absolutely no intention of cheating on him. At the audition, Cecily is dismayed when the director states that it is not an actress that he wants, but someone who embodies the girl next door – a role which she fits like a glove. A delighted Cecily gets the part she has always wanted – even though her friend is absolutely livid and her boyfriend is seething with jealousy. Cecily never wanted to upset anyone, but could chasing her dreams alienate the people she cares most about?
Andrew Holiday usually dates models and celebrities, but the young singer has started to tire of the vapid and vacuous girls which he usually dates. He is looking for somebody a bit more stable to keep him grounded and for somebody who likes him for who he really is rather than for his fame and fortune. When Cecily walks through the audition door, he is immediately intrigued by her, but as she already has a boyfriend whom she cares about very much, a date would surely be out of the question…or would it?
As Andrew and Cecily begin to spend more and more time together, their feelings for one another quickly intensify. Will Cecily end up dating her crush? Do dreams really come true? Or are Andrew and Cecily simply kidding themselves?
Although aimed at younger readers, Can Dreams Come True? is a sweet, tender and heart-warming romance that I enjoyed reading – even if I am probably way out of the age bracket this book is aimed at! I enjoyed Krysten Lindsay Hager’s writing style and the way she brought her characters to life and I found myself completely caught up in Cecily and Andrew’s tender love story.
Krysten Lindsay Hager’s Can Dreams Come True? is a well-written young adult romance, teen readers – and those who are young at heart – are sure to enjoy!
March 5, 2021
3 Stars
Can Dreams Come True? is the first book in The Cecily Taylor series by Krysten Lindsay Hager. It is a cute, sweet, YA, coming of age story- about friendship, crushes, first love, teenage angst, jealousy, and following your dreams. This is my first read from Ms. Hager, so I was interested to see what this was all about.
It is definitely a YA story- as it is quite sweet and a little ‘fluffy’. As I have grown older, I have found that I like my stories a little ‘meatier’- but still enjoy exploring YA stories as they are usually fairly light and easy to read and make great ‘palate cleansers’. This is definitely the case here- a lovely story with just enough angst and drama to keep things interesting and well suited for the younger reader.
I am interested to see what happens in the next instalment- following Cecily and Andrew on to the next stage of their relationship with “In Over Her Head: Lights, Camera, Anxiety”(Book #2).
Thank you, Krysten Lindsay Hager!
Can Dreams Come True? is the first book in The Cecily Taylor series by Krysten Lindsay Hager. It is a cute, sweet, YA, coming of age story- about friendship, crushes, first love, teenage angst, jealousy, and following your dreams. This is my first read from Ms. Hager, so I was interested to see what this was all about.
It is definitely a YA story- as it is quite sweet and a little ‘fluffy’. As I have grown older, I have found that I like my stories a little ‘meatier’- but still enjoy exploring YA stories as they are usually fairly light and easy to read and make great ‘palate cleansers’. This is definitely the case here- a lovely story with just enough angst and drama to keep things interesting and well suited for the younger reader.
I am interested to see what happens in the next instalment- following Cecily and Andrew on to the next stage of their relationship with “In Over Her Head: Lights, Camera, Anxiety”(Book #2).
Thank you, Krysten Lindsay Hager!
April 14, 2020
Perfectly pitched, for teens and young adults, this book explores first love, teenage crushes, and friendship groups, with relatable characters and realistic situations. We experience life with teenage Cecily as she gets a chance to follow a dream and meet her teenage crush. Written in the first person it has an immediacy, important in this type of literature.
Set in North America, it may not reflect teenage life elsewhere. However, the challenges, friendships, romances and problems are something most young people have in common. It has an innocence and naivety you'd expect for this age group but doesn't shy away from the issues faced by contemporary teens.
As a Gran, it's a while since I've been a teen, but it is enjoyable reading and has valuable life lessons for the intended age group.
I received a copy of this book from the author in return for an honest review.
Set in North America, it may not reflect teenage life elsewhere. However, the challenges, friendships, romances and problems are something most young people have in common. It has an innocence and naivety you'd expect for this age group but doesn't shy away from the issues faced by contemporary teens.
As a Gran, it's a while since I've been a teen, but it is enjoyable reading and has valuable life lessons for the intended age group.
I received a copy of this book from the author in return for an honest review.
March 20, 2018
A match made in ...
It's a good story and seems to be a unique version of a love triangle. Cecily is a great character, who has a lot of depth, but she also has a lot of personal self-exploration. In pursuit of her dreams to be an actress, she finds herself gaining the attention of her stardom crush. It's a great story of romance, and pursuing dreams, but also finding out who you truly are. The first line drew me in, not only telling me it was Cecily's point of view, but also the foreshadowing of the story. "Sometimes it feels like life is in a perfect rhythm. I don’t know if things are actually written in the stars or not, but sometimes it feels that way."
It's a good story and seems to be a unique version of a love triangle. Cecily is a great character, who has a lot of depth, but she also has a lot of personal self-exploration. In pursuit of her dreams to be an actress, she finds herself gaining the attention of her stardom crush. It's a great story of romance, and pursuing dreams, but also finding out who you truly are. The first line drew me in, not only telling me it was Cecily's point of view, but also the foreshadowing of the story. "Sometimes it feels like life is in a perfect rhythm. I don’t know if things are actually written in the stars or not, but sometimes it feels that way."
March 15, 2021
Can Dreams Come True is the first novel in the Cecily Taylor series by Krysten Lindsay Hager. This is my first novel by this author.
This is a YA novel about a teenager having the opportunity to star in a music video with her crush rock star Andrew Holiday and the drama and misunderstanding that ensues.
This was very heartwarming and mature when it came to Cecily’s character and relationship with her boyfriend and Andrew.
I don’t want to give too much away. I highly suggest this. I love YA and thoroughly enjoyed reading this. I hope we have more of the series in the future.
This is a YA novel about a teenager having the opportunity to star in a music video with her crush rock star Andrew Holiday and the drama and misunderstanding that ensues.
This was very heartwarming and mature when it came to Cecily’s character and relationship with her boyfriend and Andrew.
I don’t want to give too much away. I highly suggest this. I love YA and thoroughly enjoyed reading this. I hope we have more of the series in the future.
March 22, 2021
3.5 stars
Can Dreams Come True? (The Cecily Taylor Series Book 1) by Krysten Lindsay Hager is a sweet coming of age story and will definitely suit the YA readers. The story has all the usual angst and drama, insecurity and anxiety in that time in young adult lives where everything is felt so much more harshly and dramatically. The narrative is well written and the plot flows well that will keep a younger reader engaged.
Overall, Krysten has written a sweet romance that is cute and will be enjoyed by the teens who love a girl meets crush storyline.
Can Dreams Come True? (The Cecily Taylor Series Book 1) by Krysten Lindsay Hager is a sweet coming of age story and will definitely suit the YA readers. The story has all the usual angst and drama, insecurity and anxiety in that time in young adult lives where everything is felt so much more harshly and dramatically. The narrative is well written and the plot flows well that will keep a younger reader engaged.
Overall, Krysten has written a sweet romance that is cute and will be enjoyed by the teens who love a girl meets crush storyline.
June 18, 2020
Not my typical read, but I’ve been challenging myself to read outside of my typical genres. Can Dreams Come True? is a relatable story. I’m sure most of us can remember being obsessed with a celebrity and wishing he/she would just show up on our door step (I’m still waiting for Jason Stathem).
Cecily is a great main character. She’s an introverted teenager trying to live her life. She’s definitely relatable and I think she was written well.
A clean romance, an entertaining plot line, and relatable characters make this novel a great read. Krysten Lindsay Hager’s writing is wonderful and I’m looking forward to the next book.
4/5☆
*I received a free copy of this book from Rachel’s Random Resources in exchange for an honest review on the blog tour. All opinions are my own and unbiased.*
Cecily is a great main character. She’s an introverted teenager trying to live her life. She’s definitely relatable and I think she was written well.
A clean romance, an entertaining plot line, and relatable characters make this novel a great read. Krysten Lindsay Hager’s writing is wonderful and I’m looking forward to the next book.
4/5☆
*I received a free copy of this book from Rachel’s Random Resources in exchange for an honest review on the blog tour. All opinions are my own and unbiased.*
September 26, 2018
If you are looking for a good clean romance, the kind where the small-town nobody girl gets the famous pop-star guy, have I got the book for you. Can Dreams Come True? by Krysten Lindsay Hager is a beautiful story. It would be perfect for teenage girls who want to read romances. It is a completely clean book. There is no foul language, no sex, honestly as I think about it, there isn't even make out scenes. There is some kissing, but nothing heavy. The story is super sweet.
March 8, 2018
Best cute love story that I read after some time. Loved the way how the love grows between cecili and Andrew. After reading the story I felt that, dreams can really come true. I am waiting to see what happens next in the story. Check out my blog www.hasanthisbookworld.wordpress.com
June 8, 2018
4.5/5.0
Fans of Young Adult books will love reading about what most teenage girls only get to dream about.
Read full review in the 2018 June issue of InD'tale Magazine.
Fans of Young Adult books will love reading about what most teenage girls only get to dream about.
Read full review in the 2018 June issue of InD'tale Magazine.
March 21, 2018
The characters in this book are so relatable and well written that you start to feel like part of the story. I love how the main character, Cecily, lets you in on her inner struggles as a teen trying to navigate complicated relationships. She’s self conscious just like everyone at that age, but she manages to be sweet and thoughtful and insightful too. It’s a great story and I can’t wait to read book 2.
May 16, 2020
Can Dreams Come True is the story of Cecily Taylor, a high school student with the world at her fingertips. She has best friends, a boyfriend, and parents who cringingly call themselves ‘cool’, but above all, she has a crush on a moody, heart-throb singer. The only problem? Her boyfriend has been around, and has a string of ex-girlfriends who only seem to want to make life awkward… that is, until one gets invited to audition for the singer’s latest music video, and invites superfan Cecily along for the ride.
Written in 1st person, with Cecily as our only narrator, this novel dives straight into the head of a teenager, and covers most things they worry about, without stepping into mature territory – which for the target audience is great. It’s a ‘clean read’, suitable for 11 up, and is expertly written to suit that. Nothing stepping too close to the line, nor felt out of place… I just realized quickly I was too old… and apparently a grit lord because I need grime in my reads. Taking my personal taste away for a moment, this is a cute, quirky read I think young people will enjoy. It reminded me a lot of Sweet Valley High in a lot of ways, just more modern and up to speed with current fads. I will say this is written for the lower end of the age range, and for them, this is fantastic. Cecily is highly relatable – a bookworm who struggles with shyness, and is from a small town where nothing interesting happens. There is of course the unrealistic fantasy that her celebrity crush meets her and falls in love, but hey, that’s the premise for the novel, so no one can say it wasn’t expected. It’s also done really sweetly, and Andrew, the crush, is adorable. This gave me serious feel good vibes, and while it isn’t my kind of book, I happily made this my morning, ‘curl up with a coffee and wake up ‘book. Regardless of what else I say, this novel is precious, and if you love clean reads, or just something light hearted, this is fantastic.
Something I think is done very well here was the pacing. This covers a very short amount of time, and had things happen as they should. Of course, there’s relationship woes, highschool dramas, and a particularly cringy scene where the dad prods for information on his daughter’s relationship, but the really sweet thing about this, is that the character’s ages mean very little. They’re targeted towards young people beginning to experience these things, and who want nothing more than to crush on a celebrity. But, the pacing is snappy, keeps everything moving, and doesn’t focus on one thing for too long. For short attention spans, or secondary school readers who need preoccupying right now, this will get them in seats, reading. The other good thing about the succinct, snappy plot, is that you can pop this down for a bit, and come back without feeling lost. It’s not complicated, does exactly as it says on the tin.
Did anything not work for me? Um, well, no… but yes. Sort of. Everything that didn’t work for me makes this age appropriate. I didn’t enjoy the way Cecily is friends with her boyfriend’s ex-girlfriends, nor how desperately sheltered she is despite being seventeen (I think? I actually don’t know…), or how her parents act like she’s a very young teenager… but for the target audience, this is great. I can’t criticize a novel not meant for me, and honestly, I’d rather the message it was giving, than any other one. I also enjoyed the ending, as it was equally as cute as the rest of the novel, maybe even more so, so overall, yeah some things weren’t for me, but I wouldn’t change a thing… except maybe the dad…. Yeah, maybe the dad… but overall, it’s a stunning novel, with a wistful, what if fantasy message, and characters who are endearing, precious, and will leave you in a good mood. If you have secondary school readers who need entertaining right now, or just want a sweet read that’ll help you feel right about the world, this is something to check out.
Written in 1st person, with Cecily as our only narrator, this novel dives straight into the head of a teenager, and covers most things they worry about, without stepping into mature territory – which for the target audience is great. It’s a ‘clean read’, suitable for 11 up, and is expertly written to suit that. Nothing stepping too close to the line, nor felt out of place… I just realized quickly I was too old… and apparently a grit lord because I need grime in my reads. Taking my personal taste away for a moment, this is a cute, quirky read I think young people will enjoy. It reminded me a lot of Sweet Valley High in a lot of ways, just more modern and up to speed with current fads. I will say this is written for the lower end of the age range, and for them, this is fantastic. Cecily is highly relatable – a bookworm who struggles with shyness, and is from a small town where nothing interesting happens. There is of course the unrealistic fantasy that her celebrity crush meets her and falls in love, but hey, that’s the premise for the novel, so no one can say it wasn’t expected. It’s also done really sweetly, and Andrew, the crush, is adorable. This gave me serious feel good vibes, and while it isn’t my kind of book, I happily made this my morning, ‘curl up with a coffee and wake up ‘book. Regardless of what else I say, this novel is precious, and if you love clean reads, or just something light hearted, this is fantastic.
Something I think is done very well here was the pacing. This covers a very short amount of time, and had things happen as they should. Of course, there’s relationship woes, highschool dramas, and a particularly cringy scene where the dad prods for information on his daughter’s relationship, but the really sweet thing about this, is that the character’s ages mean very little. They’re targeted towards young people beginning to experience these things, and who want nothing more than to crush on a celebrity. But, the pacing is snappy, keeps everything moving, and doesn’t focus on one thing for too long. For short attention spans, or secondary school readers who need preoccupying right now, this will get them in seats, reading. The other good thing about the succinct, snappy plot, is that you can pop this down for a bit, and come back without feeling lost. It’s not complicated, does exactly as it says on the tin.
Did anything not work for me? Um, well, no… but yes. Sort of. Everything that didn’t work for me makes this age appropriate. I didn’t enjoy the way Cecily is friends with her boyfriend’s ex-girlfriends, nor how desperately sheltered she is despite being seventeen (I think? I actually don’t know…), or how her parents act like she’s a very young teenager… but for the target audience, this is great. I can’t criticize a novel not meant for me, and honestly, I’d rather the message it was giving, than any other one. I also enjoyed the ending, as it was equally as cute as the rest of the novel, maybe even more so, so overall, yeah some things weren’t for me, but I wouldn’t change a thing… except maybe the dad…. Yeah, maybe the dad… but overall, it’s a stunning novel, with a wistful, what if fantasy message, and characters who are endearing, precious, and will leave you in a good mood. If you have secondary school readers who need entertaining right now, or just want a sweet read that’ll help you feel right about the world, this is something to check out.
March 26, 2021
Cecily Taylor is your typical seventeen year old girl, she has a close group of friends and a cute boyfriend who she loves, she also has a crush on the popstar Andrew Holiday and has for years, but it isn’t all sunshine and she has had people close to her leave and then not talk to her again, so she has some insecurities around it and a bit of a lack of self esteem, but which teenagers don’t have something like that?
Her boyfriend is in love with her, but he isn’t very romantic, but her best friend helps him out when needed and although it is sweet, Cecily would rather he thinks of these things himself on occasion, but he likes to spend time with her, be that on a coffee date at the library, or watching sports with her at home, even if she does fall asleep and misses the whole thing. However, when one of her friends gets an audition to be in the music video which is being filmed in their home town and Andrew Holiday is the one whose video it will be, Cecily is shocked when she asks her to go as moral support and her parents let her, as long as there is an adult chaperone there as well, but if not, then she would have asked to go to the open auditions with her friends anyway, it would be good practice if she wanted to pursue her career as an actress after all.
The next day, Cecily gets ready for school after she finds out that the private audition with her friend has been moved up, the video said they were looking for the “Girl next door” and that is how she looked normally, then she shows up at school and sees what her friend is wearing and she is not so sure what exactly that means anymore, but hopefully her anxiety wouldn’t get the better of her. As the day goes on all the school is talking about is the auditions, all too soon the day was over and they were heading to the playhouse where the audition was going to be held, her friends mum filled out the paperwork and then her name is called, but as she is going through the door, Andrew himself walks out asking about getting some coffee, walks straight past her and makes a beeline for Cecily, much to her amazement and asks he if she is auditioning too, when she replies in the negative, he asks her to reconsider and come in onto the set anyway. All of a sudden Cecily is being asked to be an extra by the director, saying that she has the “ethereal” look he is going for, he then hands her some forms to fill in and asks her and her friend to come back at 4am on Saturday for the shoot.
As she fills in her family, best friend and boyfriend about the turn of events, they are all surprised but really happy for her, however, her boyfriend starts to act weirdly, but blames it on his mum's health and says nothing is wrong. The next day Cecily asks his what is going on when she eventually sees him, but he is talking to his ex and seems distracted, this continues the next couple of days, it turns out that he has been seeing more of his ex than normal, although the reason is because she has just broken up with her boyfriend and was upset, but Cecily can’t understand it and feels a little upset and betrayed herself, this feeling continues when the same thing happens and they end up arguing. As Saturday turns up and the filming day arrives, Cecily hasn’t slept well and has no idea what to expect, but Andrew puts her at ease and seems to be as nice as he projects, there is something there and their connection seems more than just superficial, but will Cecily follow her dreams of being with Andrew, or will she stick to her loving boyfriend and the small town familiarity he exudes? This is a sweet romance which will pull you along with Cecily as she figures out what her heart desires and makes the choices she needs to.
Her boyfriend is in love with her, but he isn’t very romantic, but her best friend helps him out when needed and although it is sweet, Cecily would rather he thinks of these things himself on occasion, but he likes to spend time with her, be that on a coffee date at the library, or watching sports with her at home, even if she does fall asleep and misses the whole thing. However, when one of her friends gets an audition to be in the music video which is being filmed in their home town and Andrew Holiday is the one whose video it will be, Cecily is shocked when she asks her to go as moral support and her parents let her, as long as there is an adult chaperone there as well, but if not, then she would have asked to go to the open auditions with her friends anyway, it would be good practice if she wanted to pursue her career as an actress after all.
The next day, Cecily gets ready for school after she finds out that the private audition with her friend has been moved up, the video said they were looking for the “Girl next door” and that is how she looked normally, then she shows up at school and sees what her friend is wearing and she is not so sure what exactly that means anymore, but hopefully her anxiety wouldn’t get the better of her. As the day goes on all the school is talking about is the auditions, all too soon the day was over and they were heading to the playhouse where the audition was going to be held, her friends mum filled out the paperwork and then her name is called, but as she is going through the door, Andrew himself walks out asking about getting some coffee, walks straight past her and makes a beeline for Cecily, much to her amazement and asks he if she is auditioning too, when she replies in the negative, he asks her to reconsider and come in onto the set anyway. All of a sudden Cecily is being asked to be an extra by the director, saying that she has the “ethereal” look he is going for, he then hands her some forms to fill in and asks her and her friend to come back at 4am on Saturday for the shoot.
As she fills in her family, best friend and boyfriend about the turn of events, they are all surprised but really happy for her, however, her boyfriend starts to act weirdly, but blames it on his mum's health and says nothing is wrong. The next day Cecily asks his what is going on when she eventually sees him, but he is talking to his ex and seems distracted, this continues the next couple of days, it turns out that he has been seeing more of his ex than normal, although the reason is because she has just broken up with her boyfriend and was upset, but Cecily can’t understand it and feels a little upset and betrayed herself, this feeling continues when the same thing happens and they end up arguing. As Saturday turns up and the filming day arrives, Cecily hasn’t slept well and has no idea what to expect, but Andrew puts her at ease and seems to be as nice as he projects, there is something there and their connection seems more than just superficial, but will Cecily follow her dreams of being with Andrew, or will she stick to her loving boyfriend and the small town familiarity he exudes? This is a sweet romance which will pull you along with Cecily as she figures out what her heart desires and makes the choices she needs to.
November 7, 2018
I was first intrigued by the idea of this story, because the idea of being love with a celebrity and dreaming of making him my own is a fantasy that I think most of us have had for a long time. And that magical moment when you finally get to meet your idol is one that you can never replace. I've done that before. But it actually turning into a romantic encounter? Sure, I've read a lot of rock star romances, but never one at the YA level. So of course, I had to give this one a go.
I feel sorry for Cecily at first. She does have some confidence in there, but it is currently pushed way down with her introverted tendencies. You can see it hovering just under the surface. I think her boyfriend Zach is a tool who is too hung up on his ex-girlfriend, always comparing Cecily to Tanna, though he definitely has a lot on his plate at home. Other people are always comparing Cecily to Tanna. And I may just have a Tanna thing leftover from my own high school days.
Her friend Harlow is also annoying. I can't stand those girls who think they are greater than everyone else and belittle everyone around them. Her other friends seem to like to rip on her for her interests and choices in life. Poor Cecily just wants to fit in for the most part and allows people to pretty much walk all over her, but is slowly starting to hold onto her personal beliefs.
But then when she goes to the audition with Harlow to be in Andrew Holiday's new video, merely as moral support, and ends up being chose by Andrew himself to be in the video because of who she truly is, things begin to change for her. She learns how to be comfortable in her own skin and what it means to truly have a connection with another person on a deeper level than the usual superficial level. She has so much more maturity than the other girls in her life, which helps explain why this massive rock star pays attention to her.
I think more readers will identify with Cecily's struggles as an introverted teenager trying to make her way in this world than they think they will. I think that Andrew in indicative of what a lot of girls want in their boyfriend, even when you take out the celebrity status. He is real with depth and emotions and maturity, which is what makes for a better relationship in the long run as it is.
I appreciate how this is a clean romance and just felt more realistic than a lot of other YA romances, even though Cecily is doing the unthinkable in starting a relationship with her favorite singer. I understand there is a sequel to the book and I look forward to checking it out.
I received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for my honest review. All opinions are my own.
I feel sorry for Cecily at first. She does have some confidence in there, but it is currently pushed way down with her introverted tendencies. You can see it hovering just under the surface. I think her boyfriend Zach is a tool who is too hung up on his ex-girlfriend, always comparing Cecily to Tanna, though he definitely has a lot on his plate at home. Other people are always comparing Cecily to Tanna. And I may just have a Tanna thing leftover from my own high school days.
Her friend Harlow is also annoying. I can't stand those girls who think they are greater than everyone else and belittle everyone around them. Her other friends seem to like to rip on her for her interests and choices in life. Poor Cecily just wants to fit in for the most part and allows people to pretty much walk all over her, but is slowly starting to hold onto her personal beliefs.
But then when she goes to the audition with Harlow to be in Andrew Holiday's new video, merely as moral support, and ends up being chose by Andrew himself to be in the video because of who she truly is, things begin to change for her. She learns how to be comfortable in her own skin and what it means to truly have a connection with another person on a deeper level than the usual superficial level. She has so much more maturity than the other girls in her life, which helps explain why this massive rock star pays attention to her.
I think more readers will identify with Cecily's struggles as an introverted teenager trying to make her way in this world than they think they will. I think that Andrew in indicative of what a lot of girls want in their boyfriend, even when you take out the celebrity status. He is real with depth and emotions and maturity, which is what makes for a better relationship in the long run as it is.
I appreciate how this is a clean romance and just felt more realistic than a lot of other YA romances, even though Cecily is doing the unthinkable in starting a relationship with her favorite singer. I understand there is a sequel to the book and I look forward to checking it out.
I received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for my honest review. All opinions are my own.
May 26, 2018
How often does anyone get to meet a celebrity for whom they hold a crush? Highly unlikely. Right? This easy to read young adult novel shows what happens on such a rare occurrence.
Cecily is the quiet one in a group of overconfident girls. It's the first time that she has got a boyfriend and she doesn't believe in cheating.
Andrew is a local guy who is big in the music industry and he is every girl’s dream. This dream might just come true for one of these girls.
Cecily is happy with her boyfriend Zach who has dated before. They get along well until his cheating ex starts to cry on his shoulders and this sets off the insecurity in Cecily. Harlow, one of her self opiniated friends asks for her company to an audition for a music video with none other than Andrew. She tags along, not expecting much, but for her, meeting Andrew is a chance of a lifetime. She is almost sure that Harlow will steal the show, but she is in for a surprise.
She is offered the opportunity of being an extra and grabs it with both hands. What she doesn't expect is to meet Andrew and actually speak to him. Unlike the other girls, she doesn't pretend and put out for attention. Even though she is shy, he is quite captivated by her and the small role that she plays in the video catches everyone's attention. Andrew starts to pay attention to her and they find that they have a lot in common.
Zach who himself is not so respectful towards her is not very happy when he sees the first screening. Is this the opportunity he has been looking for to put a break on their budding relationship? He does have an ulterior motive after all! Will Andrew continue with his new found connection to Cecily?
This is a good rendition of the various teenage personalities. Some are bold, others are attention seeking and over the top whilst Cecily falls into the naive and lack of confidence group. I like the honesty between Cecily and Andrew. There are no airs and graces. They just are. I would say that they are ideal for each other even though their lifestyles are miles apart. It's an interesting concept with a complicated, slow and charming romance. It would appeal to readers of all ages.
I was kindly issued with an eARC and the views expressed are my personal opinion.
Cecily is the quiet one in a group of overconfident girls. It's the first time that she has got a boyfriend and she doesn't believe in cheating.
Andrew is a local guy who is big in the music industry and he is every girl’s dream. This dream might just come true for one of these girls.
Cecily is happy with her boyfriend Zach who has dated before. They get along well until his cheating ex starts to cry on his shoulders and this sets off the insecurity in Cecily. Harlow, one of her self opiniated friends asks for her company to an audition for a music video with none other than Andrew. She tags along, not expecting much, but for her, meeting Andrew is a chance of a lifetime. She is almost sure that Harlow will steal the show, but she is in for a surprise.
She is offered the opportunity of being an extra and grabs it with both hands. What she doesn't expect is to meet Andrew and actually speak to him. Unlike the other girls, she doesn't pretend and put out for attention. Even though she is shy, he is quite captivated by her and the small role that she plays in the video catches everyone's attention. Andrew starts to pay attention to her and they find that they have a lot in common.
Zach who himself is not so respectful towards her is not very happy when he sees the first screening. Is this the opportunity he has been looking for to put a break on their budding relationship? He does have an ulterior motive after all! Will Andrew continue with his new found connection to Cecily?
This is a good rendition of the various teenage personalities. Some are bold, others are attention seeking and over the top whilst Cecily falls into the naive and lack of confidence group. I like the honesty between Cecily and Andrew. There are no airs and graces. They just are. I would say that they are ideal for each other even though their lifestyles are miles apart. It's an interesting concept with a complicated, slow and charming romance. It would appeal to readers of all ages.
I was kindly issued with an eARC and the views expressed are my personal opinion.
June 9, 2018
This book was a nice contemporary romance YA novel. Cecily is an average girl who has a boyfriend who seems nice and a few friends around her to support her. She is ecstatic to be able to audition for the Andrew Holiday music video, and even more excited when she is actually chosen. While on set, the director is frustrated when the girls don’t seem to be getting the vision of the video. Cecily isn’t sure how she does it, but she is able to finally pacify the director and act the way that he is looking for. She definitely isn’t the only Holiday super-fan on the set, but she seems to be able to get a lot of time to speak to Andrew privately. Her boyfriend is jealous of her time on set and her pictures with Andrew, but Cecily is worried about him spending time with his ex-girlfriends.
My first issue with this book is rather superficial. It’s the cover. Cecily is supposed to be average but the cover makes her look like a supermodel! This completely changed my idea of the book before I got into it, as I thought it might end up being a “beautiful girl is pretty and gets a hot guy” rather than an actual story about a normal girl connecting with someone.
Also, Andrew seemed somewhat of a douche at times. I didn’t like the way he interacted at times with Cecily’s boyfriend. The boyfriend came first, and Andrew could have done a bit better to respect that.
Other than that, the story was enjoyable! I enjoyed seeing Cecily stop trying to please others and start connecting with someone who actually accepted her. The pacing of the story was excellent, the world-building was also nice. I wish that I could hear a real Andrew Holiday song! There were no editing errors in the advanced version, and also no formatting errors. I was drawn into the story and finished it almost completely in one sitting even though it was 500 e-pages.
I would recommend this book to lovers of YA contemporary fiction.
I received an advanced copy of this book and this is my voluntary review.
My first issue with this book is rather superficial. It’s the cover. Cecily is supposed to be average but the cover makes her look like a supermodel! This completely changed my idea of the book before I got into it, as I thought it might end up being a “beautiful girl is pretty and gets a hot guy” rather than an actual story about a normal girl connecting with someone.
Also, Andrew seemed somewhat of a douche at times. I didn’t like the way he interacted at times with Cecily’s boyfriend. The boyfriend came first, and Andrew could have done a bit better to respect that.
Other than that, the story was enjoyable! I enjoyed seeing Cecily stop trying to please others and start connecting with someone who actually accepted her. The pacing of the story was excellent, the world-building was also nice. I wish that I could hear a real Andrew Holiday song! There were no editing errors in the advanced version, and also no formatting errors. I was drawn into the story and finished it almost completely in one sitting even though it was 500 e-pages.
I would recommend this book to lovers of YA contemporary fiction.
I received an advanced copy of this book and this is my voluntary review.
June 26, 2020
This novel is about Cecily whos has always had a big crush on a singer named Andrew Holiday. Cecily has always wanted to be an actress so when she heard about her friend getting an audition for one of Andrews's music videos and wanting Cecily to tag along she couldn't say no. Once at the audition surprisingly Cecily is asked to come back for the video and be an extra . Cecily doesn't know this but Andrew and the director aren't looking for an actress but more for the girl next door type and Cecily fits that part very well. While on the set of the video Cecily and Andrew start talking and starting bonding. Cecily really gets Andrews's attention and they really get each other. But Cecily has a boyfriend and he's not really into all this music video thing and is very jealous of Andrew and the whole thing. Things get complicated between her and her small-town boyfriend and Cecily is starting to think Andrew understands her better. Whom will Cecily pick the small-town guy or the rock star??
Can dreams come true was so good. It made me think about what I would if id meets my rock star crush. It was very predictable tho, well the ending was anyways. But I enjoyed every bit of it. I couldn't stop reading once I did. I love the connection between Cecily and Andrew, its really deep. I think they are good for each other. I also liked the high school drama. I like any drama really. lol, I really hope there is another book. Plus also the cover was pretty cool.
I recommend this book to everyone that likes small-town romances but with a kick. Romance | Teens & YA
I would like to say thank you to NetGalley, Krysten Lindsay Hager and
Clean Reads for giving the change to read this book.
https://anikreadsebooks.wixsite.com/a...
#CanDreamsComeTrue #NetGalley
Can dreams come true was so good. It made me think about what I would if id meets my rock star crush. It was very predictable tho, well the ending was anyways. But I enjoyed every bit of it. I couldn't stop reading once I did. I love the connection between Cecily and Andrew, its really deep. I think they are good for each other. I also liked the high school drama. I like any drama really. lol, I really hope there is another book. Plus also the cover was pretty cool.
I recommend this book to everyone that likes small-town romances but with a kick. Romance | Teens & YA
I would like to say thank you to NetGalley, Krysten Lindsay Hager and
Clean Reads for giving the change to read this book.
https://anikreadsebooks.wixsite.com/a...
#CanDreamsComeTrue #NetGalley
March 14, 2021
When you are face to face with you idol absolutely love, will they live up to the expectation or crush your heart?
Cecily is full of excitement for her friend who is going to audition for a music video, but when that pop star is your heartthrob, oh my how can this day get any better. The production team are looking for the girl next-door not the new big thing and approach Cecily to do the video, when she accepts has she put a wedge between her friend.
As the video goes on she feels more and more comfortable with Andrew Holliday who would have thought her and this big pop star but as they start spending more time together she finds out there is more to this person than meets the eye. She feels he knows her better than anyone else and that becomes unnerving.
As soon Andrew sees her he knows she is special but with her having a boyfriend already can he play the friend in this relationship and wait until there is an opening to show her more than the pop star.
This is the first book I have read by this author and really enjoyed the teen angst and flowing story between these characters. The story is full of the what ifs, jealousy and the pains of growing up, making mistakes and trying to figure out what you want to achieve in both love and life.
The characters were well written and I really enjoyed the interactions between the characters, the soul searching had an element of try honesty and I felt jumping in with answers and questions along the way. For a first book in this series it opens the window to this series for me to want to read books and see where the author takes this great start.
Cecily is full of excitement for her friend who is going to audition for a music video, but when that pop star is your heartthrob, oh my how can this day get any better. The production team are looking for the girl next-door not the new big thing and approach Cecily to do the video, when she accepts has she put a wedge between her friend.
As the video goes on she feels more and more comfortable with Andrew Holliday who would have thought her and this big pop star but as they start spending more time together she finds out there is more to this person than meets the eye. She feels he knows her better than anyone else and that becomes unnerving.
As soon Andrew sees her he knows she is special but with her having a boyfriend already can he play the friend in this relationship and wait until there is an opening to show her more than the pop star.
This is the first book I have read by this author and really enjoyed the teen angst and flowing story between these characters. The story is full of the what ifs, jealousy and the pains of growing up, making mistakes and trying to figure out what you want to achieve in both love and life.
The characters were well written and I really enjoyed the interactions between the characters, the soul searching had an element of try honesty and I felt jumping in with answers and questions along the way. For a first book in this series it opens the window to this series for me to want to read books and see where the author takes this great start.
April 15, 2020
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions expressed in this review are my own.
Every young girl has that one celebrity that they crush on more than all the others. For Cecily that crush is Andrew Holiday, the sweet and sensitive pop star. When Cecily unexpectedly gets a part in Andrew's new video as an extra, it seems as though she will have a chance to meet her ultimate crush. This makes her boyfriend Zach jealous but there's no need because nothing could ever happen between Cecily and her ultimate crush.. could it?
This was such an innocent read. It's perfect for the young high school girls who want to read about a sweet romance. Our entire story takes place during High School giving off feelings of nostalgia and freedom. The characters are typical high school students with typical high school problems and relationships. The romance between Cecily and Andrew was sweet. The romance between Cecily and Zach was not cute. The way Zach displays a "my feelings matter and yours don't" way of thinking is a bit of concern. I get that these are high school students and things are different in high school, but I was glad when Cecily decided to stay away from that mess.
Overall, this book is a sweet, innocent romance. If you're into that type of story I recommend this book. I think any high school girl would connect with this story, the characters and the situations they find themselves in.
You can find this and all my other reviews at https://fourmoonreviews.blogspot.com
Every young girl has that one celebrity that they crush on more than all the others. For Cecily that crush is Andrew Holiday, the sweet and sensitive pop star. When Cecily unexpectedly gets a part in Andrew's new video as an extra, it seems as though she will have a chance to meet her ultimate crush. This makes her boyfriend Zach jealous but there's no need because nothing could ever happen between Cecily and her ultimate crush.. could it?
This was such an innocent read. It's perfect for the young high school girls who want to read about a sweet romance. Our entire story takes place during High School giving off feelings of nostalgia and freedom. The characters are typical high school students with typical high school problems and relationships. The romance between Cecily and Andrew was sweet. The romance between Cecily and Zach was not cute. The way Zach displays a "my feelings matter and yours don't" way of thinking is a bit of concern. I get that these are high school students and things are different in high school, but I was glad when Cecily decided to stay away from that mess.
Overall, this book is a sweet, innocent romance. If you're into that type of story I recommend this book. I think any high school girl would connect with this story, the characters and the situations they find themselves in.
You can find this and all my other reviews at https://fourmoonreviews.blogspot.com
March 23, 2021
I’m not sure how I would feel if I got the chance to meet a celebrity that I had been a diehard fan of, I don’t really have a celebrity icon that I like that much I don’t think. But Cecily does, and that amaze-balls icon for her is the singer Andrew Holiday. At first, I was a little annoyed, I know other people who have read this didn’t like Zach and his jealousy, and I will admit that he was a tad arsy, but I think I would be a little annoyed if the person I loved was spending a lot of time with a sexy celebrity who was clearly into them. I mean Andrew makes it known that he wants her, if not explicitly but implicitly, and I just thought that Zach got a bad deal. Doesn’t condone what he does, but still, I felt proper sorry for him at first.
Cecily was okay, I’m not sure how I felt about her as a protagonist if I’m honest, think this was geared more towards young adults, and as such, the character just didn’t really resonate with me. Still, it had the whole, normal girl being thrust into the sparkly world of stardom and receiving the attention of a hot celebrity who thinks that she is the best thing since sliced bread, vibe. I would have my phases when I was younger, of eating books like this up, and this is one of the better-written ones. Hager has a nice turn of phrase that made me want to keep reading, even if I wasn’t wholly invested in the story.
Young adults will love this and anyone else looking for a nice romance that has plenty of feels, and the rosiness of unbelievable dreams coming true.
Cecily was okay, I’m not sure how I felt about her as a protagonist if I’m honest, think this was geared more towards young adults, and as such, the character just didn’t really resonate with me. Still, it had the whole, normal girl being thrust into the sparkly world of stardom and receiving the attention of a hot celebrity who thinks that she is the best thing since sliced bread, vibe. I would have my phases when I was younger, of eating books like this up, and this is one of the better-written ones. Hager has a nice turn of phrase that made me want to keep reading, even if I wasn’t wholly invested in the story.
Young adults will love this and anyone else looking for a nice romance that has plenty of feels, and the rosiness of unbelievable dreams coming true.
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