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.
Another author I love was absolutely raving about Kristen Ashley’s books, I’m so glad I dove into her books. Dream Maker is her latest release. It is a bit of a spin off from the Rock Chick series, the Dream Man series and a bit of the Chaos series. This can definitely be read as a stand-alone. Yes, there are characters from the other series (and out of the 3, Rock Chick is the only series I’ve read so far) but I did not once feel overwhelmed or lost.
Evan/Evie is a bit of a klutz when she meets Mag/Danny for the first time. She is just so cute and loveable. And apparently, she can make friends with just about anyone. (Some she really shouldn’t be friends with). Evie and Danny just work together magically. I absolutely loved this book and did not ever want to put it down. There is pure simple entertainment that will have you laughing, but there are also times you will be biting your nails, sitting on the edge of your seat wondering what will happen next.
Kristen Ashley has quickly become one of my all time favorite authors. One of these days, I will hit my goal and get all her books read at least once (but I also know these will be books I reread as well). Do I recommend this book? Absolutely. If you are new to KA books, do I still recommend it? Without a doubt.
Loved it!
Another outstanding read from KA. I loved that we got to visit some old friends.
I bow to the greatness that is the Queen Rock Chick Supreme!
Kristen introduces use to a new group of hot bunch
guys, these ones those, they’re commando’s. Hawks commandos. That’s right, it’s time to meet Mo’s friends and the awesome woman that come to love them.
Like always, this book can be read as a stand-alone, however we all know everyone reads all her books. (Giggle) Daniel “Mag” Magnusson has baggage, everyone does, he hides pieces of himself away from anyone trying to get close. However, when his buddy’s woman sets him up on a blind date with a woman she has declared is perfect for him.
Evie is klutzy, nerdy, let her freak flag fly woman with the family from hell. After her total screw up of a brother drags her into his mess, Mag has decided it’s his job to pull her out. Both have drama, both have pasts they have to face in order to move forward with their budding relationship.
Warm, fuzzy, giddy, happy, excited and all so joyful is what I felt while reading this book. I loved getting a glimmer into the lives of the Rock Chicks, meeting the new Dream Team and of course the commandos. Kristen Ashley never disappoints with her storyline or her characters, and will ALWAYS leave you craving the next book. Well done Queen, well done!
Kristin Ashley creates characters that you fall in love with.
I’d give this one 2.5, but I’m rounding up because KA FINALLY kept the requisite “that’s gotta be painful” anal scenes out of a book. We didn’t need almost every single Rock Chick making a cameo. We didn’t need all of their husbands and the other guys of Denver making cameos. I was actually surprised that she didn’t insert Knight or her Honey people into this one, but I’d bet the Honey folks are featured in the next book (I wish they wouldn’t be, but I won’t hold my breath).
I’m glad that she’s written something more in her wheelhouse, but I would really like a whole new plot…or at least something not so obviously reused (Mara, Jet, Ava). Maybe she’s working her way back to new material? But can we PLEASE not magically have “Jane” write books about this bunch of women also? Because adding the whole “oh there were two novellas in the RC series” piece to this book made me put the book down and walk away for a few hours.
Okay, that said, I’ll say this. I’m glad that she’s finding her groove again with books that flow more. I’m glad that the story kinda kept moving. So maybe I’ll be pleasantly surprised by Ryn and Boone, but he’s already coming off as a serious jerk to me, so let’s hope that changes in their story.
If you have read and a big fan of the Rock Chick series, Dream Man or even Chaos then you will just fall in love with Kristen Ashley’s new series Dream Team. Dream Maker is book one in the Dream Team Series and I can tell you that you will just fall in love with this book and new cast of tough females. This is Evan’s “Evie” story. Evan is a little clumsy, works at Smithies and fed up with her family. Enter Mag “Danny” and watch the sparks fly. Mag is a commando and so protective of Evan from the very start. I love their chemistry. Mag and Evan will put a smile on your face as they navigate the Rock Chicks, Dream Team, Hot Bunch, Chaos and so on. You get everything you want out of this one even Tex. I’m so in love with this book. I can’t wait for more Dream Team and the women of Smithies, plus all of my favorite KA characters. I couldn’t put this one down. GO ONE CLICK IT TODAY. This is such a suck you in fantastic read.
I have read most of her books and have enjoyed all of them. Kristen Ashley is a great storyteller.
Another amazing read from Kristen Ashley!! No, seriously, I go in each time and think, no way can this be as good as the last one, and then am in awe when it is. Mags (Danny) and Evan (Evie) seem the complete opposite, and have been avoiding Lottie’s matchmaking ways when they finally give in. One date, one peek into the life of the other, and these two are connected, never to be apart. Lots of drama around, but not with, them in their relationship. A great cast of friends, old and new, and connections to previous series’ characters, but still solely focused on Danny and Evie. I simply loved them, their story, their growth, and their path. So looking forward to the rest of the match-ups in this series!
3.75 stars–DREAM MAKER is the first instalment in Kristen Ashley’s contemporary, adult DREAM TEAM erotic, romance series. This is twenty-seven year old, exotic dancer/IT specialist Evan ‘Evie’ Gardiner, and thirty four year old, fixer Daniel “Mag” Magnusson’s story line. DREAM MAKER and the Dream Team series is a spin-off from the author’s Rock Chick, Chaos and Dream Man series.
Told from first person perspective (Evie) and third person (Daniel) DREAM MAKER follows in the aftermath of a blind date between Evie and Daniel that went all to h*ll. Evie’s brother Mick is in jail, once again, and has called in another favor from our story line heroine but said favor was about to put Evie in the direct line of fire forcing Daniel to claim Evie as his own, pulling her into a lifestyle she knew nothing about. What ensues is the building romance and relationship between Evie and Daniel, and the potential fall-out as Mick’s involvement with the seedier side of the Denver underbelly places Evie and Daniel at risk, along with Evie’s friends and fellow dancers at Smithie’s club.
Evie Gardiner’s family is the poster family for troubled and dysfunctional, and the deeper Evie is pulled into Mick’s life, the more at risk our heroine becomes but Mick isn’t the only family member placing Evie at risk as the apples don’t fall far from the proverbial trees. Working two jobs in an effort help pay for future college tuition, Evie struggles with her family and their negative impact on all of her relationships.
Daniel ‘Mag’ Magnusson is a retired US army soldier, and struggles with PTSD, and issues of rage and anger having witnessed atrocities no one should ever have seen. Meeting Evie Gardiner gives Daniel hope for the future but Evie’s inability to say no to her family places everyone at risk including our story line hero.
The relationship between Evie and Daniel begins acrimoniously as Evie believes she isn’t worthy of love or affection. Their first date quickly spirals out of control, and soon thereafter, Daniel calls in his friends and co-workers, including members of the Chaos MC, and the Rock Chicks, for help and support. The $ex scenes are intimate, passionate and erotic but I struggle with the use of a certain four-letter word in my romance story lines.
There is a large ensemble cast of colorful and familiar, secondary and supporting characters including Hawk, Auggie, Chaos MC member Kane ‘Tack ‘Allen; Mo, Elvira, Tex, Duke, Lottie, Axl, Boone, the Rock Chicks and their significant others; as well as Evie’s mother and father, and her step dad Rob; brother Mick; the ‘Dream Team’ dancers Ryn, Pepper, Ava; Lottie, and their boss Smithie; and Cicso aka Brett. The Rock Chicks reputation and life stories precedes their introduction to Evie’s fellow dancer,s and in this, Smithie’s girls want to be recognized for themselves, thusly calling the group the Dream Team. Ryn’s story is next in Dream Chaser.
DREAM MAKER is a story of family, friendship, betrayal and revenge. A story of a dysfunctional family unit who believe our heroine is expendable, using Evan Gardiner as their personal emotional punching bag. The premise is captivating and enjoyable; the characters are energetic and charismatic; the romance is seductive and intense-prepare for a case of insta-lust for Daniel ‘Mag’ Magnusson, and the use of baby and honey at every opportunity; and for fans of Kristen Ashley, a familiar formula as the heroine is kidnapped on more than one occasion.
Everything I love about Kristen Ashley’s writing is in this book! When I read Lottie and Mo’s story I was so excited to see what was coming for his commando friends and Smithie’s other girls. I was not disappointed in the least! At first, it resembles a bit of Rock-Chick story and it was great catching up with them, but Evie and Danny’s story takes on its own vibe as we are introduced to the new generation of women/men finding their forever.
The book is well written and keeps you invested. I read this in one day and I didn’t even realize the time passing by. As always, Kristen moves you with her slightly flawed characters and this story is no different. I cant wait to see what’s next!!!
I was so excited to learn Kristen Ashley has a new book out and I was even more excited to learn it is a Rock Chick spin off. I am a huge fan of everything KA writes, so I was happy to read and review this book. This engaging story is full of hot alpha males and spunky females, who manage to get into trouble and sometimes need rescuing.
I love Danny (Mag) and Evie’s story. They meet on a blind date and neither of their lives are the same after that meeting. This story is full of entertaining characters, bad guys, protective alpha males and women with lots of attitude.
Evie is a stripper with a heart of gold and she is also a genius. Unfortunately, her family’s demands keep her so busy, she is having a difficult time finishing her degree. Evie is always helping everyone else and she doesn’t make time for herself.
Mag works for Hawke; they are investigators commando style. If you read Mystery Man, you know who Hawke is and if you haven’t read Mystery Man, I’d encourage you to do so. It is one of my favorit KA books. Mag is a good guy, but he has some issues from his past and he is trying to avoid having to deal with them. Mag is a protective alpha male and from the minute he meets Evie, he is in full protection mode and of course, Evie tries to fight him.
All of the entertaining characters and their crazy antics make this a captivating story. The story and dialogue are fun and engaging and I enjoyed the bantering back and forth between all the characters. The Rock Chicks get into the mix and many other characters from past books make appearances, which add to all the rollicking fun. This is a wonderful start to the new Kristen Ashley Dream Maker series.
I am loving the Dream Team! Dream Maker has such a fun fabulous Rock Chick vibe. It brought us back into that world but with a new hot bunch and a new set of feisty ladies. Evie and Mag (or Danny) find themselves on a blind date that leads to horrible family deception, kidnappings of course and lots of growls from an alpha. Can’t wait to read more from this new group!
You have NO idea how bloody thrilled I was to have an old-style Kristen Ashley novel. Yay!! I mean I do like her newer, older heroes and heroines but I miss the late 20s, early 30s, action-filled ridiculousness. I am also seriously tired of drama-romance instead of outside plot romance. Where the issues come from outside the relationship as well as within, of course. And I do agree I think the author was so excited to be back in Denver doing the next-Generation of Rock Chicks, she crammed too many old characters in the book, but it was still great. I love little crossover cameos. This was OTT, but hopefully next book that’ll relax a bit to a few, not the entire cast.
Seriously can’t wait for the next one.
It was disappointing. It was not as good as her earlier rock chick books. I kept hoping it would get better. I was also surprised her books went up to $6.99.
I am so excited that my favorite author, Ms Ashley, has started another series!!! This book was definitely right up there with her outstanding books. The characters are well written and the story line is excellent. I can never recommend this author’s works enough. Can’t wait to read the next book in this series.
If you loved the Rock Chick series as much as I did, then you will love this next generation! Dream Maker starts us with a whole new set of sassy, gorgeous chicks and a new hot bunch team. These girls are definitely going to give these guys a run for their money!
Evie has spent her life saving everyone else. She’s pushed aside her wants to ensure others are happy. A series of horrific events leads her to realize the faulty choices she’s made. As her life implodes around her, she discovers it’s time she helps herself first. It’s okay to accept help from others.
And Danny wants the job.
Danny has not had a life of smooth sailing, he has his own demons, but with Evie, he finds the calm to his storm and is able to be Danny again.
“As usual with his Evie, the heat shot through the stratosphere the moment they tasted each other. He’d never had that with a woman. That zero to ten thousand with a taste.”
I really appreciated that Evie was a character with idiosyncrasies. She may be gorgeous, but she’s a klutz and a dorky nerd. It made her relatable and more human. Evie becomes more accepting of herself and help from others. She learns that friendships don’t have to come with strings and that she is worthy of amazing people.
This book is very reminiscent of Indie’s story with the creepy guy kidnapping her and liking her sassy, smartass ways. This story felt like it was trying too hard to relive the glory of the Rock Chicks. Sadly it was missing a lot of what made the original Rock chicks so awesome. I LOVE the Rock Chick series and revisiting the characters. So I am surprised I feel this way, but having them in this book and as much as they were, took away some of the impact of this story. This next gen, needs to stand on their own without riding the coattails of their famous predecessors.
The Dream Maker series has a lot of potential. I am looking forward to seeing where it goes!
have never read a Kristen Ashley book before, and I’ve seen her books have great reviews so I was excited to have a chance to read this! This is the first one in her new series, and I am here for it!! Evie is quirky, nerdy and has lots a family drama. She’s the one always trying to keep her family in line. She starts working in a strip club to help her pay her tuition. Evie and Danny (Mag) are set up on a date by both of their bff’s.They have an immediate connection and hit off right away! When Evie finds herself in a quandary, Mag is a commando who’s there to help her through it!! I thought this one was full of action to keep the pages turning. There was a good amount of steam but it didn’t distract from the story. I also thought that some of the banter in this was hilarious! I thoroughly enjoyed this story, very fun! I will definitely be continuing with the series!!
Thank you to the publisher for my review copy! All opinions are my own
Holy cow! This book took my right back towards the KA style that I fell in love with in the Rock Chick series. In fact, I LOVED that we got to see our favorite Rock Chicks, and Hot Bunch Dude’s, show up in this book while it had its own set of characters that truly stood out on their own!
I love how the heroine was trying to do good by her family, be a one-woman show, and be the responsible one. I love how both characters had a past, a hard past, and how they both try to move forward. I also love how the heroine isn’t perfect, she is klutzy and a “nerd” and I love how the smart girl is shown as sexy and a treasure.
The Hero is so good about not being worried about how much smarter she is and how he is always there for her.
Suspense, mean girl, and characters we love, this book will make you want more! I can’t wait for the next book!
Dream Maker was everything I needed and more from Kristen Ashley. I loved the sisterhood, the sexy alphas, and the intense danger while Evie and Danny fell in love. I adore Evie’s quirky nerdy side and how she doesn’t realize how beautiful she is. You need to read this book for the Texuals, the red heels, and the dream team alone. Can Lottie set me up with my own commando please?
Tracey, Life Reads With Friends