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.
***2 Stars***
I tried. I wanted it to work out, but I must state that this author and I are just not meant to be. It does sadden me since I do respect all that she has done as an author and for the Indie community and also because I have quite a few reading friends who do enjoy many of her books and I really, REALLY wanted to finally join the ranks, I just can’t and must admit defeat and move on. (And, yes, I know, this is an extremely annoying run on sentence, but I’m leaving it and I apologize to all you grammar peeps for it)
There is a part of me that wants to delve into the whys and all that, but I’m not going to. No one wants to read a dissertation, so I am going to keep it short. I didn’t hate the book. There were some entertaining moments, and while I didn’t fall in love with Danny and Evan ~ they did things that had my eyes hurting from rolling them so much ~, I did find them to be good people who truly cared about those they called their own, even if those people didn’t deserve it.
I really wanted to like this book. I did. And I know there will be many who will love it and more power to them, but this baby just wasn’t my cup-o- tea, even though it had all the elements I tend to enjoy in a romance with alpha AF males. So, I’m just gonna put it on the ‘it’s not you, it’s me’ shelf and move on to the next read.
~ Copy provided by the publisher via NetGalley & voluntarily reviewed ~
“Jesus Christ, did you not hear me” Hawk bit off. “This crew is not taking on the next generation of Rock Chicks.”
Oh how wrong he was…LOL This is definitely the next generation of Rock Chicks and I LOVED THEM! This is Kristen Ashley at her finest, writing about kick-ass heroines and the alpha males that move heaven and earth for them.
First one up to get her HEA is Evan, Evie is one of Smithies girls. Lottie has taken it upon herself to play matchmaker and pair up each of Smithies girls with a Commando that works with Mo, which no one is happy about….I found it kinda comical the way they’re all fighting it.
Evan and Mag have both been putting off their blind date until they each finally give in and decide to go out just to get Lottie off their backs, but as you can imagine things do not go as they had anticipated.
Danny aka Mag, has entered Evie’s life just when she needed him the most and although things started off rocky for them, in true KA fashion she had Danny and Evan fighting not only their feelings for one another but also the bad guys.
I really enjoyed this spin off to both the ROCK CHICK SERIES and the DREAM MAN SERIES, and it was great seeing all of the old crew again along with some of the guys from the CHAOS MC SERIES.
If you enjoy Romantic Suspense with a lot of heat that involve a nerdy klutz of a girl that everyone loves…even the bad guy and an alpha male that only has eyes for the nerdy klutzy girl this is the book for you!
Happy Reading!!!
Dream Maker by Kristen Ashley is book One in the Dream Team Series. This is the story of Evan ‘Evie’ and Danny ‘Mag’. Evie is a very smart women who has to work as a stripper to earn money to meet her dreams of being more. Evie’s friend Lottie has been playing match maker which now is Evie’s so she doesn’t have much choice. This is how she meets Danny…he is her blind date. Danny hasn’t had it to easy either. But, Evie has a crazy family who count on her for everything. Evie is their go to person for cleaning up their problems. This of course leads her into trouble along with other decisions. This was a page turning read for me. I really enjoyed this book. I will be looking at read more books from this author!
Dream Maker is a sweet start to a new series from one of my favourite wordsmiths, Kristen Ashley.
Danny knows that whatever made him who he was before multiple tours in the desert is well and truly gone. Everything is coated with a thin layer of dust, and he’s never going to taste clean because that all seems to be an illusion.
Evan has been living under her family’s version of care and control for a while now, meaning she takes care of all of them, and they control her by ensuring she never has the time or money to finish her degree.
I had a blast diving into a new novel by Kristen Ashley, a new series that has a new ot of cool, new people, but still enough of the hot bunch, rock chicks, and Chaos brothers to not feel completely lost.
A sweet, funny new book series that takes slow burn and heart pounding action to a whole new level. Definitely worth four stars!
What a fun ride! I’ve only read a handful of Kristen Ashley books (her most recent Rising fantasy series), so I wasn’t sure what to expect with this one. It’s a mash up/spin off series of her well loved Rock Chick and Dream Man series, and even though I haven’t read those I still really enjoyed Mag and Evie’s story.
The book had plenty of action and sexy times and though it starts off with some instalust, I liked that the overall romance took a bit longer to come about. The surprising thing for me, was how funny Dream Maker was. Evie’s inner monologue and all the colorful characters were hilarious and added a lot to the story. I really liked both Evan and Danny (Mag). They might have started off in a non-conventional way, but the forced proximity/opposites attract romance was wonderful. In true Kristen Ashley fashion, there are kidnappings, OTT alpha men, and strong female friendships and characters, but it was still very entertaining. There was a twist at the end that I wasn’t expecting and though I found the story a bit long overall, it set the next books in the series up very well. I’m really excited for Axl and Hattie’s story.
Because I wasn’t already familiar with the world these characters are from, the Easter eggs and character mentions throughout the book went a bit over my head. I didn’t feel too lost though and got some clarification from some fellow book friends and Kristen Ashley lovers. Overall, I still really liked this one, but I think existing Kristen Ashley fans will get the most out of it versus someone just starting her books.
*I voluntarily read an advance review copy of this book*
Evan and Danny’s story was flirty fun with just enough danger to keep me wondering what would happen next! It was also fun revisiting characters from previous series. I am really looking forward to what happens next for this new crew.
I’ve missed the Rock Chicks and Chaos. It is great to be able to visit them again.
I’ve been looking forward to Dream Maker ever since I found out there would be a series around Hawk’s crazy commandos. I haven’t loved some of Ms. Ashley’s newer books, but I’ve liked almost all of them, especially Lottie’s from Quiet Man. And, I knew this would be set in Denver so I’d hoped I’d get lots of cameos with some of my favorite characters. I was not disappointed.
“Maybe you need to get yourself some trouble. Boys’ll swoop in like vulture.” One could say I didn’t have to search for that.
Evie’s life was a mess, mainly because her family was a disaster that she spent way too much time, money and energy sorting out. With both her dad and brother being on the shady side, it was inevitable things would go south someday, but she never expected how south it would go.
It’s good she was on a blind date with a bonafide commando to back her up when she was forced to do something that sounded shady as hell to keep her brother’s fat out of the fire.
But no one could predict the mess she’d landed herself in. It would take all of Hawk’s men along with the Rock Chicks, their Hot Bunch and a few Dream Men to keep this from going so far south it ended up in Antarctica.
I loved getting to know Hawk’s boys, although they weren’t quite as wild and messy as I thought they would be. Mag had a misstep, well, both he and Evie did at the beginning. But then he got back on track and stayed steady until Evie found her way.
I also loved that this ended up being an all hands on deck kind of book. We even got some cameos by some of the Chaos brothers, including Dutch, who I hope to see more of in the future. As it was put in the story, this is the Rock Chicks Next Gen, better known as the Dream Girls. But the Rock Chicks will be along for the ride. And it treated us to copious amounts of Tex and his newest drink, the Textual, to help us get through. I really want someone to make me one.
We’re harmless,” Indy promised. “So are our men.”
“Unless you can expire from bein’ cool as shit, hot as fuck and havin’ too much fun, am I right?” Daisy proclaimed.
But, at times it felt like it was trying too hard to tie the series together. And to tell us how cool and popular the Rock Chicks and Hot Bunch family are. Yes, they are cool as shit, but I already know that. I don’t need to be told it. Repeatedly.
My other little niggle of an issue was that sometimes it felt rushed. Like we were going from plot point to plot point without fleshing things out as much as they could’ve been. Don’t get me wrong, it was a fun ride that I enjoyed, but I wish we’d had more time to stop and smell the roses along the way.
Rating: 3.5 The Gang’s All Here Stars
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.
Dream Maker by Kristen Ashely was a romance with a bit of suspense. A quirky, smart girl, Evie and the blind date, Mag. She was a bit awkward but so likeable. He was a total alpha through and through. Their chemistry was intense and their journey will keep you captivated. I am excited to see what’s to come in the series.
Happy reading!
This is the beginning of a new spin-off series, yes you get a glance at some of your beloved characters of the previous series but this is a whole new pairings series. Evie and Mag’s story is full of romance and twists just like KA knows how to keep you reading and wanting more every time. When a nerd turn stripper finds herself in a problem, the overprotective alpha tries to help out. I definitely will be looking forward to reading the following books.
Dream Maker kicks off the brand new Dream Team series from Kristen Ashley, and if the rest are anything like this it’s going to be a great series!
This was my first Kristen Ashley book and I’m not going to lie it was a bit difficult for me to get used to her writing style. I’m not a fan of third-person point of view, and that is how all of Mag’s chapters were written. But while I struggled with some chapters and getting into her style, all of Evie’s chapters had me so addicted I couldn’t put it down even if I tried.
I adored these characters! Evie is awkward & klutzy while also strong & sassy. She’s a force to be reckoned with, even while being stepped all over by her family. And Mag was just the perfect alpha hero, broody & overprotective even while sweetness is oozing out of him. Their chemistry sizzled, and their banter was off the charts.
There were so many side characters, a lot from earlier Kristen Ashley series, that were a bit overwhelming although I never felt lost. But there was a huge sense of family and protectiveness that I loved, even though I was unable to keep track of who was who.
I definitely enjoyed this book and I’m so happy I stuck with it after my initial hesitation. There’s also a great setup throughout for the rest of the series, and I’m definitely excited for the next book!
I don’t think there has been any series by Kristen Ashley that I anticipated more or even longed for more than this one, her newest, Dream Team series. Why? This Rock Chick has been in love with the Rock Chick series and the Dream Man series for so long now that they are all like members of my family. (yes, I do re-reads on these series a lot!) So, not gonna lie or mislead you – I’ve been wanting this series, this combination for a long time and I am over the moon happy, ecstatic with what was delivered in Dream Maker. (I would have been frank if it hadn’t been worth those 5 stars because being real is important to me in reviews… but it certainly hit every single button for a great read for me)
Since I don’t do spoilers most of what you’d need to know to pick up Dream Maker, as a new reader or a dedicated fan of these series, can be found in the Cover Description. What you won’t get from there are the emotional connections you’ll make with Evie and Mag. They are both wounded in some ways, for different reasons. You will despise Evie’s family for their cluelessness, their knowledge of what they’re doing and asking of her, and because she loves them, they’re her family she’ll go to bat for them. For the pain they put her through for their selfishness you will feel for Evie. Mag’s wounds come from a different place but are no less deep and real. Watching them dance around each other, banter, fight, trust, and fall in love was one of the most enjoyable experiences. I liked them both. Yes, Evie can get a bit snappy, and Mag a bit overprotective – but they are relatable, believable and it shows.
There are vile villains to loathe, friendships to form, action-packed moments, old friends to catch up with, that unique only women/only men group friendships that define both the Rock Chick and the Dream Man series, and sexy times to swoon over. Just about everything I love in a Romance with touches of Suspense, Comedy, and pure sexiness. I had a blast with Dream Maker, and will have to wait until December for Dream Chaser – but, it will be worth the wait, I’ve got no doubts on that.
I highly recommend this beginning to the new series. I was approved for an e-ARC from Forever and then went out on release day to purchase my own for my library – if that doesn’t say I totally loved and adored Dream Maker I don’t know what else would.
*I received an e-ARC of this novel from Forever (Grand Central Publishing) via NetGalley. That does not change what I think of this story. It is my choice to leave a review giving my personal opinion about this book.* – **I also purchased my own copy**
It was a wonderful read. I can’t recommend this author enough. It was another great story in this series and I can’t wait for the next one.
AHHHHH!!! Kristen Ashley did it again!! Her new Dream Team series is absolutely phenomenal!!!!!! I died for Mag and Evie and could not stop reading!!! This book took me back to the Rock chicks and the Dream Man series…hands down my two favorite series EVER from Ashley. The chemistry, the banter and just the feel of this story was MAGNIFICENT!!! What an amazing story!
Gah!! This is the first book in the series but is a spin off of Ashley’s Quiet Man novella. I HIGHLY suggest you read that story first to get a feel for what this series will be about. When Mag and Evie are set up by Lottie we never would have expected how amazing their coupling would be. Their connection was fiery, their emotional connection was powerful and the swoons and chemistry between them was amazinggg. I loved this story SO much and can not wait for the other books in this series. Bravo! 5 stars! ~Ratula
This felt like classic Kristen Ashley, rock chick goodness. It was full of capers and craziness. Funny moments and sweet moments made it charming. And of course the alpha goodness vs. quirky heroine combination was a sure winner. Reading a Kristen Ashley book always just makes you feel engaged in reading and giddy to be doing it. It’s just easy and light infused with passion, fun, friendship and love.
All the new characters introduced into this story are interesting and I’m excited to see where this newest series heads. But the Dream Maker is a great start and the two lead characters find themselves astonishingly well fitted and ready to make a go at life and love as the world around them is in complete chaos. It’s loving and learning and growing in only the way Kristen Ashley can uniquely provide. I’m excited for this new venture in the KA world.
Dream Maker is everything about Kristen Ashley that I love. It’s had an amazing Rock Chick feel happening with some Dream Man mixed in and I couldn’t get enough. It was entertaining, sexy, and flirty! I loved the depth, development, and fun dialogue. It was an outstanding story and a fantastic start to a new series.
Charged, edgy, and passionate!
Dream Maker is an entertaining, alluring tale that introduces us to Evie, a young, nerdy stripper who has a friend determined to be a matchmaker and a degenerate family whose actions have finally put her in the crosshairs of some very unsavoury people, and Danny (aka Mag) an enigmatic, commando who may be in over his head and in full protection mode from the very start when he falls for the klutzy babe he just got set up with.
The writing is sultry and humorous. The characters are affectionate, stubborn, and playful. And the plot is an enticing mix of friendship, family, danger, drama, sisterhood, chaos, romance, instant attraction, smouldering tension, sizzling chemistry, and steamy romance.
Overall, Dream Maker is a menacing, alluring, action-packed start to this new series by Ashley that’s got all the elements we’ve come to know and love in her contemporary romance/romantic suspense novels including a quirky heroine, a sexy alpha male, and an adventurous storyline.
Dream Maker is the official start of a new Dream Team series and it feels like the old school Rock Chick books. It has the Hot Bunch, the Rock Chicks, Chaos, and a whole new set of commandos. We got a bit of a feel for them in the novella Quiet Man, but this first book features Evan and Mag.
Evan/Evie is an intelligent and hardworking girl. She is trying to get a degree and works two jobs (one being a stripper at Smithie’s) in order to support herself and all her hanger-on family members. She is used to being the responsible one and caretaker. She is kind of a klutz and a nerd and digs technology.
Lottie sets her up with Mag–Daniel Magnusson who works with her man, Mo. Mag/Danny is a charming, funny, take-charge alpha. He has a bad history with love that turned him into more of a womanizer. His easygoing facade hides some serious anger issues and PTSD that still affects him at times. But one date with Evan makes him want to help her and take care of her. And she certainly needs the help.
Her brother has got her into a big, dangerous mess and now Danny is insisting his network take her in and help figure out who is after her and how it all relates. They both also come with a lot of baggage. Evan has always been a loner and never has had anyone look out for her, but now she has a whole crew jumping in to make her feel welcome and support her. She needs to not only find her sense of self-worth, but also her backbone to fight for what she deserves and also learn to accept help. And Danny needs someone to love and accept him as he is, bring lightness and joy back into his life, but also allow him to take care of her as well.
This was a comfy read. It felt like being back home with old friends. It has the formula that worked for the Rock Chick, Dream Man, and Chaos books and they are all along for the ride. I liked Evan. She is not an impulsive bad-as* like some of the RCs, but she tries to do what she can. And Danny is just that typical KA alpha hero who decides quickly when a woman is his and will do anything to make her life better. I liked that they could balance out each other and give the other what they needed.
I will admit I am a longtime KA fan, but have had a hard time with some books in the last couple of years because they are so long, detailed, and sometimes repetitive. It is just part of her style, but my personal reading habits have changed over the years. But sometimes it is nice to revisit characters and worlds that you have loved in the past. And sometimes the formula still works (kind of like the Star Wars movies). So I enjoyed all of them hanging out and working together and still being all nosy and bossy. Hawk is still my man and he just gets better and better with age.
I am excited about the other couples that Lottie is already trying to use her matchmaking skills on. I am liking these new guys Auggie, Boone, and Axl and the Dream Team girls from Smithie’s. It seems they all have some stories to tell and issues to overcome.
I have a confession.
I have never read anything from this author.
I know, I can hear the gasps of horror as I type this.
But, to be fair, there are so many books out there, and so little time.
Now. I’m really glad I started with this one. If you’re looking for an Alpha, it’s here. Daniel Magnusson is protective, caring, & loyal with his friends. Add in Evie and the ballgame changes, and the man is devoted.
The meeting, a blind date set up by Lottie, kicks off their wild ride of a relationship, and kept me hooked.
I’m gonna go back and meet these Rock Chicks now, because I think it’s something I’m missing in my life.
This one gets all the recommendations from me.
This was a good read. I just felt like it was something Kristen has already done before or it was mish mash of a few of her other stories into this one. The pacing of the relationship should have slowed down just a bit for me. I really loved the cameos from characters through out her other 2 series. I do look forward to the next book in the series to see what happens next.
I received this book at my request and have voluntarily left this unbiased review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.