Everyone thinks Dean Collins is too old for Fallon Blackwood. Her parents, her friends, even Dean himself. In fact, he wants her to date guys her own age.But Fallon doesn’t care about that. All she cares about is that she can’t take her eyes off Dean, her neighbor, her best friend, the guy who taught her to ride a bike and to climb trees.And sometimes Dean can’t take his eyes off her, either. And … either. And sometimes he looks at her like he wants to kiss her.So it doesn’t matter that he’s thirty-two and she’s eighteen.
All that matters is that they belong with each other, and she needs to convince him of that. Good thing they’re taking a cross-country road trip together, right?
California to New York; three thousand miles and a love story in the making…
Featuring Simon Blackwood and Graham Edwards from the ‘Heartstone Series.’*This is a STANDALONE NOVELLA. This was released as a part of Mixtape Anthology. Since then, it has been revised, expanded and re-titled.
more
California Dreamin’ by Saffron A. Kent was a quick and steamy age gap romance. I originally read it as part of the Mixtape Anthology and was glad to revisit it as it was revised and expanded. Fallon Blackwood has always waned Dean Collins, but he is too old for her. Now they are going on a cross country trip together. Can he keep her at arm’s length? But no matter how hard he tried, there is something between them neither can deny. Their chemistry is steamy and undeniable. He wants her to live and she knows she can’t live without him. I love the tension between them and their back and forth.
Read and reviewed for Sultry Sirens Book Blog.
Happy reading!
Fallon and Deans story was taboo sweetness. Fallon has had a major crush on Dean her entire life but she’s literally always been a kid to him but now that she’s 18 she’s determined to have him see her as more. I don’t mind age gap stories at all but I was just weird that at such a young age her infatuation started but overall I still really enjoyed it
I loved Fallon and Dean’s story. Their love story was cute, sweet and steamy. It was wonderful that we got to catch up with some of the beloved characters from the author’s previous books and even got their points of views. It was great that we got to meet new characters like Brandon and Rose, who I absolutely adored and loved. Thank you, Saffron A. Kent for another amazing book. Fallon and Dean’s book is one that will stick with me forever.
I have so much love for Fallon and Dean. I loved their short story when it was first released in the Mixtape anthology and I love it even more that it has been expanded and released as a novella. As a card carrying forbidder romance junkie, this couple checks so many boxes for me and Fallon an Dean are quite simply, easy to adore and root for. Their story is sweet, steamy, poignant, emotional and just plain beautiful. Trust me when I say you will smile, you will laugh, you will cry, you will swoon and your heart will melt!! I loved the extra content that was added to this book, loved spending time with so many beloved characters and I loved getting a peak into the future of these characters and I am so incredibly thankful that the author penned such a wonderful treat! However, I had hoped this would be the full length book that this couple so richly deserves and sadly this is not that. It is wonderful, but I’m still left craving more. Maybe I’m just greedy but I choose to blame the author for creating such amazing characters that they become an obsession!! LOL This is my sincere, volitional review.
5 STARS FOR CALIFORNIA DREAMIN!! Wow, a perfect forbidden novella!! Fallon and Dean’s story will take your breath away, it is a sweet, beautiful, forbidden love story. If all the stories are like this you definitely want to 1-Click this book.
4.5 Stars
Saffron is a queen of forbidden age gap romance . No one can write forbidden romance with imperfect yet perfectly perfect characters like her. This is an extended version of novella which was published in mixed tape anthology. If you have enjoyed Medicine Man & craved more of Simon & Willow than in for a treat . There are also glimpses of Mr Edwards & Vi from Dreams of 18. For those of us who were left craving for more of Simon & Willow we get their daughter Fallon story who has a crush on Dean. Fallon & Dean have a age gap but the it apparent how perfect they are for each other and how much Dean cares for Fallon. It was a treat to see protective version of Simon as a father and Willow as a mother . I am really hoping we will get a book on Brendan & Rosie . Overall it a great read.
Fallon and Dean’s chemistry and infatuation with each other was so sweet. Their connection was so much deeper than many couples ever experience, dating back over a decade. I loved this extended version of their story, it gave me closure that I so desperately wanted when the first novella was released.
The writing was great. The emotion so raw and honest. I also enjoyed the POV snippets from the other characters in the story.
Where to start?
First, I LOVE Medicine Man (it’s my favorite book from Saffron) and after reading California Dreamin’ I Can just say It’s like a dream come true.
This story revolves around Fallon( Simon and Willow’s 18 year old daughter) and Dean ( who we met as a lost boy in Medicine Man and it’s 14 years older than Fallon)
Fallon has been in love with Dean for a lifetime and she has decided to go for what she wants.
After Dean left to California 2 years ago when she was 16, she hurt so much besides battling with a mental illness she also battled a broken heart. But now she is much stronger and ready to make Dean see that they belong together no matter the age gap or what people might think about them. In the end love is what is important.
Dean moved to California because he felt too much for Fallon. He didn’t had a great childhood and the only family he has always been there for him are Simon and Willow. He thinks that what he feels for a much younger Fallon is wrong. Little does he know that Fallon has a plan cooking under her Harry Potter shirt .
Saffron is the queen of angsty and emotional and even though this novella is short she gave us lots of this two factors plus some very very hot scenes.
This story gave me all the feels and I need more of Dean and Fallon but I’m also excited for what’s to come on this series.
An endless love letter
I feel awful that I enjoyed it as a short on an anthology and this expansion I dragged my fee to finish. This is my opinion, and I don’t dare place myself in the shoes of an author especially one I’ve loved in the past.
However this book was the endless inner monologues of the same rambling of professing love, while I liked how the heroine is portrayed in an admirable way as she overcomes her everyday fights with a mental illness that is close to home, it was the constant repetition of their love proclamations that was just over done to me.
In the end it was fun to see the glimpses of the other couples but it was just not enough for me to give all the stars too it.
This novella by Saffron was phenomenal, definitely a must read from beginning to end.
I love the fact that Saffron brought characters from her past books, which give this story the perfect amount of brilliance without taking the light from the main characters.
The story of Fallon and Dean, is a forbidden relationship that brings a whole pack of heat, tension and love. A love that have been making its way out for the past 15 years, and despite the consequences they found their way to each other.
Short novella or not, Saffron took her time to bring the most memorable moments to live, the reminiscing of past events brings you to a fairytale dream whith the reminder that no matter what “Love is Love”, that it takes only the strongest ones to embrace it to the fullest, and that the possibility of losing a life friendship for the person who stole your heart years ago is worth any sacrifice.
This was beautifully written, another masterpiece that only her knows how to conquer.
Great job Saffron, I can’t wait for your next story
OMG Guys!! I love me some Forbidden/Age Gap romances and Saffron Kent is one of the Queens. When it comes to mastering the angst and emotional turmoil that only a delicious age-gap can provide she ALWAYS slays it! Her books never fail to deliver all that I want them to be and more. California Dreamin’ was no exception. This novella was a super quick read for me and had everything I was hoping.
Fallon Blackwood has known Dean Collins was the guy for her since she was three years old and he was fourteen. When she’s away to college and is going home from California to the East Coast for Christmas Break she organizes a road trip so she has five days alone with him and can finally make her move. Dean knows her better than anyone, she knows they could be perfect for one another and she thinks maybe he feels that way too. She’s just gonna have to seduce him and see what happens. Will Dean give into her advances or will he lay down the friend card once and for all?
Dean loves the Blackwood’s like his own family. Simon and Willow were there for him when his own family wasn’t. Fallon has always had a special place in his heart. When he is fighting his growing feelings for her, he makes a decision that he thinks is best for everyone, but by doing so devastates both of them. When he drives Fallon back home and she’s laying her feelings at his feet will he be able to look her in the eyes and turn her away.
When their secret is revealed can he handle the pressure of hurting everyone he loves most in the world?
This is such a quick and delicious read. I laughed and cried. I was frustrated and cheered. It was everything I wanted packed in this perfect little afternoon read. Grab this today!
*I voluntarily reviewed an advanced complimentary copy of this book!
My cr8zysockbookblock blog wrap up for this book!
– Saffron Kent captures everything I was looking for and more in this short little novella featuring cameos by Simon and Willow from Medicine Man and Violet and Graham from Dreams of 18!
-GAH!! Perfect blend of hotness and sweet!! Dean and Fallon are EVERYTHING!! Deliciously sexy times!!
Cliffhanger Warning-No cliffhanger! Amazing HEA
Saffron A. Kent is one of my go-to authors when it comes to age gap, forbidden and angsty romance. And California Dreamin’ is another powerful story that stole my heart and soul.
Fallon has been in love with Dean for years now. She is daughter of Willow and Simon, the unforgettable and epic couple from The Medicine Man. And Dean was taken under Simon’s wings a long time ago. But they cannot be together. As they have fourteen years between them. At least that’s what Dean thinks. So he fled to opposite side of the country, California and became a hotshot lawyer within two years. But Fallon is ready to fight and she followed him right back. Can she accomplish her goals?
The author’s writing is very poetic and full of heartbreaking feelings. My chest aches badly whenever I read Saffron A Kent. Because she pours so much raw, gritty and unfiltered emotions in the characters. Dean and Fallon are both imperfectly perfect. But their longing and craving has been portrayed with amazing finesse and fierceness. That’s special about Saffron A. Kent. The thrilling and sinful feel of a forbidden love story could be felt in every page. Along with the epicness of an eternal love story. Also I get to see some of my other favorites again with glimpses in their lives. And that was sensational! I literally fall onto my knees when I read those chapters. I am also a bit sad because it feels like a final goodbye to Willow, Simon, Violent, Graham and their kids. But who knows….
California Dreamin’ by Saffron A. Kent is a heartwarming and soul deep story of true love. This story is full of that kind of other worldly love that we all dream of.
Received ARC for honest review
Wow! I loved this story!
Saffron A. Kent has once again given us a phenomenal story with superbly written characters.
Main character, Fallon, is the daughter of Saffron beloved “Medicine Man” characters, Simon and Willow. I loved that she was a perfect balance between the positive and not-so-positive aspects of both her parents. She’s such a lovable character (in my opinion) and I just couldn’t put the story down!
Between experiencing the more “grown up” dynamic that Fallon and Dean have throughout this book, and getting a glimpse of Fallon and Dean’s “past”/history makes this age-gap romance story all the more enjoyable. Their “backstory” and Fallon’s long-lasting feelings for Dean makes the reader root for this relationship right from the first chapter.
I truly loved this story. Well written and perfectly described, the story of Fallon and Dean’s long road to finally getting together is a must read Saffron A. Kent book! I would highly recommend this incredible novella!
This the third book in the Heartstone Series. I love these Series with interconnected characters! Fallon and Dean’s story is a beautiful forbidden and age-gap romance. This is also a next generation romance. This novella is beautifully written. Fallon is Willow and Simon’s daughter (from Medecine Man). She is a young, and lovely woman. Dean is handsome, caring and protective. The supporting characters are great! I loved to see again Willow and Simon from Medecine Man, and Graham and Violet from Dreams of 18. The ending is epic. I enjoyed it. I would love to have Brendan and Rose’s story.
I loved this so much. I came in blind with this because I haven’t read the other stories where some of the other characters came from but now I will be going back and reading those. Dean and Fallon are so connected and smoking hot; their attraction so undeniable that I felt like my own Kindle would explode. This is a novella so I loved that it didn’t drag on and we get some backstory but the story mostly centers around them finally giving in to their feelings.
Loved this book!! When a three year old proposed to a seventeen year old boy, nobody expects anything of it. What if that same girl is now eighteen and feels the same way? Fallon and Dean are both older now, Dean still fourteen years older than her. Fallon doesn’t care, it’s always been him. She’s always loved Dean. With a road trip home, can she convince Dean to love her back? I havent read the backstory to Fallon’s parents, and you don’t really need to, but I fell for all of these characters so I may need to. Such a great read.
Come To California: Kent’s At It Again *SWOON ALERT*
*arc generously provided by the promo team in exchange for an honest review*
“Flames so hot that they turn blue
Palms reflecting in your eyes, like an endless summer
That’s the way I feel for you
If time stood still, I’d take this moment, make it last forever.”
Freak – Lana Del Rey
What’s this book about? (I’m trying to give as little spoilers as possible)
Dean Collins is too old for Fallon Blackwood. Everyone agrees except Fallon. She sees him see her. She knows they belong together and now she needs to convince him.
“’Cause I love you so much, I fall to pieces.”
Cherry – Lana Del Rey
Saffron A. Kent is my new boo. When I review her books, I let all the Lana feels loose. This was such a deliciously sweet and fast-paced read! It builds on Medicine Man and there are cameos from Dreams of 18 as well. I felt all the feels. Kent makes dreamy romance for the hopeless romantics of this world and it’s just so irresistible, I cannot. The mood Kent sets with her story is that of an endless summer (even though we ride in the winter time LOL). Fallon was an adorable leading girl. She had the audacity to stand for what she believed in and I loved her for that. Dean was a tempting and possessive snacky snack. The back and forth between these two was cutthroat at times; the snap backs were REAL. Sheesh, shots were fired. He can tell me not to curse anytime LOL. The daddies that made appearances in this book just elevated the daddy game! I was SHOOK.
I recommend this story to girls who make their boyfriends/friends/girlfriends/etc listen to Lana Del Rey, readers who love a heartfelt romance and people who enjoy chemistry that’s off the chains.
“I hear the birds on the summer breeze
I drive fast, I am alone at midnight
Been trying hard not to get into trouble
But I, I’ve got a war in my mind
I just ride.”
Ride – Lana Del Rey
This story first appeared in the Mixtape Anthology. Fallon is the daughter of Simon Blackwell and Willow Taylor (Medicine Man). You should also check out Medicine Man if you haven’t already. It’s epic, like this book. But also it will help you follow some of the backstory on her parents, but it isn’t necessary if you don’t want to. Fallon is grown and she follows her own version of a dream man out to California in order to go to college. She decides to drive back to NY for the holidays, and Dean is adamant that he accompany her because it’s a long trip. This book follows their story, from beginning to end and also catches you up on a few other characters from Saffron’s books and gives you a very brief sneak peak into her future projects, but be warn, the sneak speak is so abrief you don’t get anything but names and are left wanting more. But I digress, back to this book. . . . it is epic, just like Fallon’s parents story.
Fallon Blackwell is the daughter of Simone Blackwell and Willow Taylor both were introduced to us in The Medicine Man. Not that you need to read Medicine Man to follow this story but it helps to have the backstory on the parents as well as Fallon’s birth. Fallon is now older and in love with Dean Collins a family friend who supported Fallon throughout her life, that was until he up and moved to California. Much to the despair of her parents, Fallon followed soon after, choosing to go to college in California. On a road trip back to New York for the holidays, Fallon decides to make her feelings known to Dean sort of like when she was three and announced that she was going to marry him, however, not everyone is on board with this relationship. This story first appeared in Mixtape anthology.
I’m a HUGE fan of age gap stories!!! Fallon and Dean has me hooked from page one!!!!! It was absolutely excellent!!!! Yes Yes Yes, Saffron!!!!! You did it JUST RIGHT!!!!! I want more and more and more!!!!! What a phenomenal book!!!!!