Two broken hearts find love and healing in each other in this sexy contemporary romance spin-off from the New York Times bestselling author of the Rock Chick and Dream Man series. Evan “Evie” Gardiner has spent her whole life being the responsible one in her family, but enough is enough. It’s time to pursue her own dreams. Evie’s finally going to finish that engineering degree she’s been … going to finish that engineering degree she’s been working toward. But first she needs to come up with the money to pay for tuition. Working as a dancer at Smithie’s club seems like the perfect solution to her problems . . . until her family lands in yet another scrape and comes to Evie for help. Only, this time, her family’s recklessness is risking more than her dreams-it’s endangering her life.
This feels like a dessert buffet with zero calories so far. Like a Rock Chick series book. Love it and needed this goodness right now.
When Kristen Ashley teased this book to her readers in 2019, I couldn’t wait, and it instantly became one of my most anticipated books of 2020. I loved her Dream Man series, and the commandos were always these interesting, elusive guys popping up when everyone needed them most. I wanted to know more then, and I’m thrilled KA is giving readers that now.
Dream Maker kicks off KA’s new Dream Team series with the romance of Mag and Evie. Make no mistake, this is a brand new series set around new characters that have really only been alluded to in previous books and series. But KA pulled off a double whammy with this book, delivering a story that was both comfortingly familiar and brand-spanking- new. It was a wonderful blend of nostalgia but with a fresh take.
As any KA reader will tell you, her stories aren’t just about the hot guy hero. Oh no, not even close. He’s a star, don’t get me wrong, but getting equal billing is a heroine who holds her own in the face of all that alpha-hotness and a tribe of friends that define what it means to belong to a sisterhood. I read KA stories just as much for those fantastic female friendships as I do for the heart-racing, heat-filled, knee-weakening romance. In Dream Maker, KA gives readers a solid tribe of female in Smithie’s girls, and their brand of shenanigans and sisterhood can stand right up to that of the Rock Chicks – who make liberal appearances and welcome the strippers into the fold.
Mag and Evie each come to the table with their own baggage, and Lottie, the mastermind behind their pairing, chose them specifically for each other. They pretty much only agree to this blind date set-up to get Lottie, the queen of Smithie’s strippers and another commando’s woman, off their backs. Neither is prepared for the instant attraction and the shocking spark of chemistry, and Mag is immediately taken in by Evie’s endearing clumsiness. Evie may be gorgeous and a Smithie’s girl, but she’s also a genius with a huge heart. A nerdy girl through-and-through, she finds herself in a serious jam thanks to her good-for-nothing brother. Mag is one of Hawk’s commandos, and he’s got a heart of gold. His attraction and reaction to Evie rocks him to his core, but he’s a smart enough man to recognize this woman, these feelings – the whole package is special and rare. His gentle, patient pursuit of Evie was the kind of sigh-inducing, swoon-worthy magic I’ve come to expect from KA, and man oh man, did she deliver the goods here.
Dream Maker was everything I love about a Kristen Ashley romance. A strong, sassy, smart heroine and a protective alpha male with a mile-wide sweet streak team up in a love story full of friendship, fun and fire. Kristen Ashley did not disappoint with the first book in her new Dream Team series. I devoured this book eagerly, and I’m already on the edge of my seat, counting down for the next book. A top favorite of the year, Dream Maker by Kristen Ashley gets five smooches from me!
~Danielle Palumbo, Red Cheeks Reads
“I just had an orgasm because that man announced without a single hint of whining that he was going to vacuum.”
Confession: I’ve not read Rock Chicks…yet. But, I’m now convinced that’s a lapse in judgment that needs to be corrected ASAP! I got a taste of the author’s talent in regards to the whole #GirlPower, #FamilyOfFriends, #IGotYouGirl, #YouGoWeGo, #SecretsAre2BShared, #DrunkFun vibe and I really dig it. I have read her badass bikers and already knew she could slay the whole alpha protector who’s softer side comes out when he finds his woman. Dream Maker is all that, and then some, with some action and suspense thrown in.
Evie is an adorable nerdy genius with a side of klutz that is painful but entertaining to ‘virtually’ watch. She’s got the biggest heart and a small bank account that requires more than one job to cover her expenses. Dancing at Smithie’s is not her ultimate career choice but it does put her on the right path to meet the most beautiful bossy bad boy with the curliest eyelashes.
Mag is not looking for trouble, but he finds it when he meets Evie. She’s got problems that make him forget his own for a while. He doesn’t want to be attracted to her, but he can’t help noticing how ‘cute’ she is with her geeky inclinations and her sassy snark. And she needs him. To save her from her self-inflicted accidents and tendency to give everything to everyone, especially those that don’t deserve it. The only problem is, he’s not sure he can save himself. He wants her.
I loved this story…HARD. The cast of amazing characters left my mind open to so many possibilities. The frequent use of the word ‘babe’ by multiple gorgeous guys had me swooning and laughing when the hilarious and beautiful ‘babes’ shared their filterless opinions about said guys. I hated and adored and laughed and sighed from one minute to the next as events unfolded that kept me glued to my Kindle. I devoured every word and enjoyed every second. I can’t wait to get my hands on Dream Chaser. The line forms here…
Very entertaining!
This is the start of another totally enjoyable romantic suspense action series. The way Kristen Ashley draws her characters and tells a story is amazing. The multiple story lines pull me into the story and keep me there. It’s full of love, friendship, family (the good and the bad) and suspense. I love this book.
I loved the Rock Chicks from beginning to end and I’m thrilled that the first book in this spinoff series was written in the same vein. It took me some time to find the opportunity to dig into the Dream Team, but holy heck, I am thrilled at how awesome it is to see so much alpha goodness!
This was pure reading comfort. Reading this was like curling up under a warm blanket during a cold snap. Evan and Mag were the type of hero and heroine that I adore. I love that she was tough but soft, giving him the chance to showcase all his alpha tendencies, which I love.
This had plenty of action and drama, along with plenty of intensely steamy moments. Was this what I would expect to happen in real life. Nope. And that’s one reason why I loved it so much. Give me all the injured heroines, angry heroes, crazy friends, and outrageous moments of danger. Add in smexy times that are kindle melting good, and I’m a very happy reader.
I love Kristen Ashley books and again this book was no exception . I love the characters the story line and the bonus was a visit from the Rock Chic crew another favorite series of mine .
I love Kristen Ashley’s storytelling, the way that she blends her characters from series to series, and might I say her characters are the absolute bomb!!
If you’ve read the Rock Chick and Dream Man series you are going to love this one, you’ll see lots of familiar faces thru out the story! The sisterhood is strong, along with all their alpha males, oh and Tex love that guy!! We meet new characters who will have stories in the future!!
Lottie (her story Quiet Man) has vowed to set her friends/coworkers up with her man Mo’s coworkers who we like to refer to as the commandos. Up first is Evie, she is a bit of a nerd genius really, extremely funny. And Lotties’s match for Evie is Danny (Mag) he saw things overseas that he just can’t seem to get over so he is a tad broken, but he is all alpha protector, and he is one of Hawk’s Commandos!
All Evie wants to do is go to college to get her degree, but instead she is working two jobs one as a stripper at Smithie’s and one at Computer Raiders. Why because her useless family uses and abuses her, up right now is her brother who has gotten her mixed up with drugs and bad men!!
Mag is all in, he throws down to protect her, and from that moment he claimed her as his. Evie fights Mag’s help until she finally accepts it (as if she had a choice) and vows to help him heal from his past. Now trouble would not be the same without Commandos and Rock Chicks, and we have a lot of them. Car chasing, gun fights, kidnappings….WOW!!
Great beginning for this new series!!
I loved this book so much!! This book was like coming home and being reunited with friends you haven’t seen in forever! If you are a fan of Kristen Ashley’s Rock Chick and Dream Man series you will absolutely love this book! Reading this makes me want to go back and reread those series. You get visits from your favorites in those series in this one! This was such a great start to a new series. This book did a great job of setting up the series without taking away from Evan and Mag’s story. I loved these two together so much! I can’t wait to see what other shenanigans the Dream Team gets themselves into!
New spin off to Rick Chick series with strippers from Smithies. Evan ‘Evie’ is a very nerdy awkward stripper but has a massive heart.
When her brother is arrested and he asks her to look after a bag think get complicated when it goes missing and really bad people are looking for it. Daniel’Mag’ is her bodyguard but that make thing really awkward because they had a terrible date a few night previously.
I love this new spin off. Has a similar feel like rock chicks but has it’s own feel too. Absolutely love Kristen Ashley is the queen of badass main female characters but also has fantastic support characters they you absolutely love.
I enjoyed the heroine’s internal dialog and sense of humor. Throw in a hero and an unexpected plot twist, and I am recommending yet another of Ms. Ashley’s books!
Evie is a nerd, a genius in all honest terms but she has had to get a job stripping in order to pay the bills. When her brother asks for a favor she vows this will be the last time but in the mean time she has a date with Daniel “Mag” Magnusson who she really would like to get to know but when she realizes the favor she is doing for her brother will put him in danger. Evie pushes Mag away but Mag sees something in Evie and is not willing to let her carefully thought out plan to keep Mag from helping and Mag lets Evie she is now under his protection, in his bed, and they are seeing where it will all go.
I had this on my TBR for awhile and should have read it sooner. This was fantastic, I loved Evie she is sweet but has a bit of a backbone problem. She reminded me of Jet. Mag is intense and radiates Alpha male. All of your favorites from the Dream Man and Rock Chick series make an appearance. Terrific story.
Thisis one fo those books that you will love or hate. If you were a fan of the OG Rock CHicks or the Dream Man series, they ou will really enjoy this. IF they were too Alpha Male for you, then this book might drive you bonkers. Just make sure you know what you are getting when you dive in.
I really enjoyed this. It had the old school KA vibes and I was here for it. Sometimes I want a heroine that drives me a little crazy tis tart and a hero that is over the top a bit. This was that for me and I read it in one sitting.
Again, set your expectations.
Evie was weird and awkward and also endearing and I related to her substantially. I am absolutely quirky and over the top so that vibes with me. Throw a ton fo drama into the mix and Danny and her had their work cut out for them.
Kristen Ashley has a unique way of writing and quite a mind to weave a great love story. This time it’s one of Smithie’s girls, Evie and one of Hawk’s commandos, Mag (Danny to sweet Evie). Evie’s life is just full of family trouble and losers and Mag has PTSD and anger issues, which makes for lots of the drama that you love in a KA book. Loved this return to Denver.
After not having read a KA book for nearly a year, this was a fun ride! I loved the characters right from the beginning. AND we basically get the Rock Chicks and the Hot Bunch in good doses in this book! Danny is one hot commando and Evie is one beautiful, nerdy genius. Just when you think things have calmed down, they heat up or get kidnapped. This story was one super-hot treat, KA style! 5 stars!
When I need a comfort read, KA is at the top of my list and I love that I have so many of her books to choose from that I know will reset my palate and make me feel great.
I cannot tell you how much I have enjoyed heading back into the KA’s world of the Rock Chicks, the Hot Bunch, Chaos and more.
I love having a new group to get to know but still have familiar faces involved in the storyline. It’s exciting and comforting at the same time.
Dream Maker checked all of my boxes and I’m eagerly looking forward to more from the Dream Team series!
Dream Maker by Kristen Ashley is book one in her new Dream Team Series and this book blew me out of my socks.
KA is one of my very few fav authors, one-clicking is always a great decision for me. And Dream Maker is no exception. I fell in insta-love with the characters, Evan is a heroine I love. Fun, witty, quirky, but strong at the same time. She knows what she wants and how to get it. And she knows how to ask for help when necessary.
You know that book that you can’t stop thinking about? The one you wish you could read all over again for the very first time? This is the book for me. One of the most spellbinding, profound, beautifully told romances I’ve ever read. This is the kind of story that stays with you, moves you, changes something in you – that is Dream Maker for me. A romantic tale of courage and growth, of patience and trust. I resented every moment I had to spend away from these characters, and fell every bit in love with them as they do with each other. Make room in your life to experience this wonderful, outstanding story.
Dream Maker
by Kristen Ashley
I enjoyed reading my first Kristen Ashley book, the DREAM MAKER contemporary romance book and a spin off story. This looks to be the start of a series, DREAM TEAM Book 1 – and look forward to reading more of KA works in the future. I can see why Ashley has such a great following. Her books are great read and completely swoon over her characters and it is quite unputdownable too. This was funny, romantic and a fun read.
This is definitely the new generation of Rock Chick.. It feels the same, just with a newer, younger bunch, and with appearances of the original Rock Chick group. I love seeing the original group but I can’t but help want more from them with their kids in the picture. What can I say, I just can’t get enough.
As for this new generation, I’m pretty sure I’m going to love them just as much if Dream Maker is anything to go by. If you have not read Rock Chick, you are in for a ride. You’ve got super, alpha men going all bada$$ protecting the crazy and wild women they fall fast and hard for.
This whole series is based off Lottie’s matchmaking, and she must be one heck of a matchmaker because it seems she has scored 100% with all her choices. We got glimpses of what’s to come of the future Dream team and I am looking forward to each book.
Rating: 4 – 4.5 stars
Well…This is as close to the original, classic Kristen Ashley writing I’ve seen in quite awhile, my fellow Rock Chick book loving friends. Since it is a spin-off series, it’s not surprising it has some of the classic traits from those books: 1. Awesome, good guy, alpha protective, “commando”, head over heels for her on their first blind date hero. 2. Sassy, selfless, quirky, damsel in distress heroine who gets sucked into a whole heap of trouble. 3. Graphic steamy, smex scenes. 4. Same setting/back drop/cameos of previous Rock Chick characters. 5. Lots of great back and forth banter between this perfect fit main couple. 6. Lots of use of the term “commando” and hotter than the sun handsome hunks walking around saving the day. But who could ask for more…right??
So..To nit pick for just a minute…because I have to be me by being hands up in the air honest…The overuse of the word “commando” did get on my nerves. Also, the writing was drawn out in parts where a whole lot wasn’t happening so I found myself skimming wondering why effort and time was being spent/wasted to stretch out an already lengthy book. I love l-o-n-g books, folks, but I prefer very focused, purposeful writing at all times.
However, make no mistake. Those are minor mumblings to myself. I’ll always take what I can get of the Rock Chick community with their hot bunch of guys and gals rumbling and tumbling in and out of danger as they one by one fall in love with their destined to be together soulmates. Yeah, keep ’em coming, Ms. Ashley..and while you are at it…PLEASE squeeze in Woody and Maggie’s HEA (from a long ago made promise from another series).
Title: Dream Maker, Series: Dream Team (Book 1), Author: Kristen Ashley, Pages: 496, stand-alone but part of a Rock Chick spin-off series, alpha good guy protective hero, sassy selfless quirky strips on the side computer tech expert heroine, some violence, some graphic smex scenes, family her worst enemy.
Book 1 – Dream Maker (Danny & Evie)
Book 2 – Dream Chaser (Rhy & Boone)
(These comments are based on a library edition. This is not a detailed ARC review. I was not compensated in any form for reading/reviewing this book.)
A page turning story with all of the goodness, excitement, hotness, and the feels, that one can expect from a Kristen Ashley book. I don’t have the words to describe how much I enjoyed reading this story. Evie and Mag were awesome. I’m very much looking forward to the next book in the series.