Violet Moore is in love with a man who hates her. Well, to be fair, she kinda deserves it. On her eighteenth birthday, she got drunk and threw herself at him, causing a huge scandal in their sleepy suburban town.Now everyone thinks she’s a slut and he has disappeared. Rumor has it that he’s been living up in the mountains of Colorado, all alone and in isolation. But Violet is going to make it … isolation.
But Violet is going to make it right.
She’s going to find him and bring him back.
No matter how cruel and mean he is, how much he hurts her with his cold-hearted and abrasive ways, she won’t give up.
And neither will she think about his tempting lips or his sculpted muscles or his strong hands. The hands that she wants on her body, touching her, feeling her skin…
The hands that make her want to forget everything and kiss Graham Edwards – Mr. Edwards, actually – again.
Because you don’t go around kissing your best friend’s dad, do you?
Even though that’s all you ever dream about.
NOTE: A STANDALONE novel set in the world of Heartstone.
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“He’s made of the same lonely fabric as me.”
To be honest, I’ve never bin a huge fan of age gap and forbidden romance but from time to time I give them another chance. So I anticipated this novel with a honest excitement. Saffron A Kent delivered an enjoyable book while using her beautiful writing skills to create her characters with a fascinating depth.
My main “problem” with the book lies in the second half of it. I started to lose interest and I had trouble through the sex scenes. Especially when ongoing over more than a few pages. I started skim reading those. Because to me they were neither hot nor did I enjoy reading them. They just didn’t feel right to me. I can’t explain it any other way.
However, Dreams of 18 is a lovely read with interesting characters, great character development and growth. I’m pretty sure if you are into age gap stories, this one will definitely be one for you.
“You’re a girl who makes a man go bad.”
Five “violets in full bloom & sexy strawberry man” stars!
Over the moon is where I am thanks to Saffron A. Kent! Damn it, she has ruined me for a long time because there is nothing I enjoy more than an electrifying, wicked and so tempting book like this. Dreams of 18 was a delicious, deeply emotional and utterly addictive read that had me swooning over and over because a girl like me enjoy forbidden stories as Violet and Mr. Edwards’s. But there are forbidden love stories that make the claim when they are not and then there is Dreams of 18, a nerve wracking romance full of all the elements that had our mouths open and hearts racing like crazy. This romance is forbidden with capital letters.
This is a taboo novel with age-gap, sinful liaisons, dangerous feelings, strong emotions, steamy bonds, dreamy and impossible love, desires and acceptance. It is the story of two lonely souls who were condemned by a kiss that tasted forbidden and jailbait, setting a course of events that shatters dreams and hearts.
Mr. Strawberry Man is dangerously tempting. He is flawed hero ashamed of the sinful nature of his desires that he refuses to accept and act on them because they are dirty and wicked (that is what he thought). He fights himself to behave but a kiss broke his control, making him hate himself. Violent is a really heroine in this book. She is a fierce young woman who fights for her dreams even when she is heartbroken. She is drawn to temptation. She loves dangerous things that could hurt her. She craves to be loved and to be cared because she has been neglected. She is a fighter because even when she heartbroken she tries to save the man who was condemned by her lips. The man who makes her wet and hot in lust. The man who is treated as a sick villain but at the same time her knight in shining armour. Her strawberry man. If only she can destroy the stone wall shielding him. She will fight even when he hurt her with his cruel words because love is sacrifice.
Violet and Mr. Edwards’s story is an intoxicating, brutal, painful and flawed journey where the two of them will learn to accept themselves as they are and hang on their dreams and accept the raw emotions. The interaction between these two is explosive and full of filthy desires and dirty cravings. It feels so illicit, so tempting, so sinful and so achingly beautiful.
I loved Violet and Mr. Edwards’s turbulent relationship and their struggles to overcome Violet’s anxiety and Graham’s disgust of himself and his feelings for a young woman. Once again Saffron handled the mental illness element nicely. You can feel the pain and anxiety Violent is trying to cope with in your own skin. That’s one of the main reasons why Violet is at the top list of my favourite heroines.
When you combine a tempting, sexy older alpha male who is your best friend’s father and a poetic, young girl who always wants the things that are wrong and bad, toxic and harmful and who listens to vintage music you have a forbidden masterpiece created by one of the best storytellers aka Saffron A. Kent. She makes art from the damaged souls. She creates poetic love and forbidden romances that flow with raw emotions, bravery and love.
I highly recommend you this book. It is one hell of ride with so many sexy, filthy and adorable moments that will crave more and more until you can take no more!
“Don’t all normal girls want to turn bad boys good? But then, I’m not normal, am I? I want him to forget his good ways and be bad.”
Whoa! That was freaking hot! Okay, where the hell was I and why did I not know this author until this book? Seriously, this book is fire! Like legit, douse-me-with-water-right-the-fuck-now hot! Man oh man, Mr. Edwards is hands down my main man right now. His caveman personality and oh-so-filthy mouth sets me on fire. I had to put this book down from time to time to fan myself *le sigh*
“This is us. Wild and savage and filthy and beautiful. Beauty and The Beast.”
I will not give anything away because I want you guys to read into this blind and feel the angst, drama, forbidden romance and steamy hot moments that this amazing book has to offer. I can’t recommend this enough, so just read it. Another must read for those who enjoy this kind of romance. I love, love, love it!
Dream of 18 is a different type of story between a younger woman and an older man. From the very beginning, you will fall in love with Violet. She is an intriguing, complex, and so sad that you want to be her friend. Violet has never had a support system that she could trust until a handsome man and his son moved next door.
Mr. Edwards and his son Brian moved next door, and finally, Violet has a friend in Brian. But when Violet makes her feelings known to Mr. Edwards in a very intimate way, everyone finds out how she feels. What happens after this is a chain of events that changes Violet, Mr. Edwards, and Brians’s life forever.
Dreams of 18 is a story that takes you down a path of a teenager and an older man that feels guilty about having feelings for an 18-year-old. A son that doesn’t understand and takes it out on everyone.
Enjoyable story!
There’s so much more to this story than just an older man and a younger girl. Even though this authors books seem to touch on taboo subjects, theres underlying meaning behind it all. So much more than meets the eye.
Violet seems like the shy teen girl that prefers her own company to others, but there’s more going on in her life than anyone realizes. Her family ignores her and she feels more happy on her rooftop at night than anywhere else.
Graham is the alpha male he exudes. He’s the high school football coach, he’s not really nice and he’s Violets best friend’s dad. And he doesn’t seem to see Violet at all. Nobody ‘sees’ Violet.
One drunken night of no inhibition and one major mistake throws both of them down a road that seems impossible to find the right way. But one young girl, strong in character but weak in emotion will turn theirs lives around. Regardless of what society or her family thinks about it.
So many surprises in the story and some easter eggs thrown in with past story characters make this an absolute MUST read. Don’t forget the very hot times between these two also. Mr. Edwards is quite the dirty talker. There are mental health references as well, but we get an HEA these characters fought so hard for also. One story not to be missed.
Saffron A Kent blew me away yet again. This was one of my highly anticipated reads of the year. I’m such a sucker for taboo romances. I loved how flawed and damaged both Graham and Violet were. I adored the slow burn that was between them. This whole story was worth the wait.
If I could give this book 10 stars I would . 10 amazing stars!!!
This is my favorite book . I’M SO IN LOVE WITH THIS STORY!!! Saffron is just an amazing writer . Never disappoints ! Her unique style is so refreshing. Her writing had me glued to the pages ! Her H’s are some hot dirty talking alphas .Her h’s are always wild and crazy but oh so very innocent at the same time!! Which I absolutely love !!! The story revolves around these two characters mainly. No love triangles (yaaay!!!)None needed. The angst flows effortlessly without all that extras . There is also an age gap (my favorite) !
Violet the h has been in love with Mr Edwards since she first saw him when she was sixteen yrs old it was also her Birthday . He was the new neighbor next door and new coach at her school . She’s also a loner and kind of felt like she never fit in but became best friends with his son .
Then on the night she turns eighteen she runs into Mr Edwards in the yard and decides it’s okay to kiss him. This is where our story ensues and everything begins . They end up going their separate ways after all the chaos the kiss caused . But Violet decides to find him and apologize for her mistake … and OMG Saffron takes us on an amazing crazy ride !
Mr Edwards was one mean hot dirty talking alpha . I want a Mr Edwards for myself !!! LOVE HIM!
Loved Violet so much too !! She was wild and spontaneous and strong but also so innocent and sweet. ugh I just loved her so much . This is a must read !!!!
If you love an age gap romances and hot alphas .Pick this one up!!!! Saffron is pure magic with her words . ! I’m ready for a re-read 🙂
I fell so hard in love with this book! Violet and Graham have totally stolen my heart. I was hooked on them from the very beginning. Dreams of 18 is an intense age-gap romance filled with so much passion and emotions that will have your heart racing and will leave you panting for more. One of my top reads of 2019!
Saffron A. Kent has killed me with this latest book! Graham and Violet’s story was raw and honest and so powerful. It broke my heart to read about Violet’s struggles. The emotion poured into every word was nothing short of amazing. The plot was fast paced and I could not put it down. I will definitely be recommending this book to everyone.
I have no issue with “taboo” stories. I have no issues with age gaps (I dated older men until I married). I have no issues with fantasies. I have no issues with romance.
I think this book was well written, well thought out and well executed. The heart wants what the heart wants and sometimes it is the “forbidden fruit”.
Take the time, read this book and fall in love with love.
I loved this forbidden love story. Violet is barely 18 and falls for Graham, her best friend’s father. The characters are very complex and unique, and the storyline is unpredictable and magical. The last few chapters are my favorite, that’s when we see the growth and evolution of this couple to give us a happily ever after.
Sometimes over the top, but I enjoyed it because of the intense connection between the MCs.
Saffron Kent likes to tackle taboo romances. I enjoyed one of her earlier books, Medicine Man, that had a patient in a psychiatric hospital falling in love with her psychiatrist. This latest book follows another patient from the psychiatric hospital, Violet.
Violet is in love with a much older man–her best friend’s dad. A kiss on her 18th birthday gets Graham Edwards banished from their small town and Violet sent to a psychiatric hospital. Following her release, she tracks Graham down to a cabin in Colorado where he is living in seclusion and drinking himself to death.
I didn’t like this book as much as some of Saffron Kent’s earlier ones. I didn’t find either character to be particularly sympathetic or likable. They are both a little too damaged. In general, I like taboo romances but this one just had a little bit of an ick factor for me.
When “moon and magic” becomes “tangled and tragic”
—>>> That is the point in the story when Violet takes matters into her own hands to try to right the myriad of wrongs spawned from the single drunken and innocent kiss given to her neighbor, an older man whom she had been crushing on since laying eyes on him during his move-in day. Moving and steamy love story!
3.5
I actually didn’t realized this was linked to Medicine Man. I was so excited but then it wasn’t the same for me.
I could not connect with this book for some reason.
The age-gap does not bother me one bit but the chemistry between Violet and Mr. Edwards just wasn’t there for me. It was very much one-sided for me. I felt the book kinda jumped a lot and lacked in giving a more understanding about how these two people can actually really connect after only having 1 very short incident that ruined both of their lives.
The book is well written but was just missing more development between the two characters.
What can I say? Dreams of 18 is my favorite Saffron Kent book! I absolutely love age gap and forbidden relationships. Kent delivers and absolutely phenomenal book!
Violet Moore, the awkward, stays to herself 16 year old girl who falls in love with her neighbor minutes after seeing him for the first time. What could be wrong with that? Brian Edwards is a hot, high school boy any girl would say yes to. The problem is she doesn’t even notice Brian standing there, all she sees is Graham Edwards. And well let’s be honest who wouldn’t notice him?
Violet watches Mr. Edwards for two years, avoids talking to him, even though her best friend is his son, until her 18th birthday when she has a little too much to drink and stumbles into his backyard to pick his roses. She comes face to face with Mr. Edwards and kisses him. That split second decision chances the course of both of their lives.
Ten months after that kiss Violet decides she needs to apologize for her actions and seeks Mr. Edwards out. What she finds it not what she expects. Graham is in hell. He’s an alcoholic who cares about nothing, labeled a child predator. Violet being Violet makes a decision to help him right then.
Graham Edwards has been in love with the girl next door since the first time he saw her, the problem is she was 16. She made him feel thinks he didn’t want to and definitely not for a 16 year old girl that his son liked.
Dreams of 18 is the absolute perfect forbidden romance! Kent gives us everything we would expect, the push/pull relationship, plenty of sexual tension you can practically feel. Graham is so very mean to Violet it could be bullying.
The way their relationship evolves is perfect! Graham is no prince charming and Violet’s story is not a traditional fairytale. “I love the things that are completely wrong for me.” Violet calls Graham her Strawberry Man, why? Because she is allergic to strawberries but absolutely loves them and refuses to stop eating them. The same way Graham is completely horrible to her but she refuses to leave him alone.
Violet Moore, the broken girl who never gives up. Maybe she’s not as broken as she thinks. Maybe she just needed to find her voice. Even when Graham breaks her heart she never gives up, she never loses her faith in him. Yes, she is mad as hell at him, but never gives up.
Everyone should read Dreams of 18! It’s absolutely perfect!
I love age gap, forbidden romances like an addict. The angst factor is really high, heart wars with the head and the one step forward, two steps backward pace just inflames my blood. I so want the characters to throw caution to the wind and just indulge in their lustful passion lavishly. The buildup being part of the craze, the ultimate getting together has me screaming…YES!!!!
I strongly feel any off the beaten path romances like forbidden tropes or age gaps should involve a lot of heart. Overpowering, abundant emotions that overwhelm your senses like a tsunami, so much so that you don’t get time to think abut the number. If the gaze strays or spell breaks that’s where the story dies. That’s just my humble opinion as a reader
Saffron has the slow burn corner of the booklandia captured and she sits pretty. Her way with words is exemplary and stories quite uniquE
Here she gives Violet, nouveau adolescent and very impressionable 16 year old. Her eyes land on her just moved in neighbor, Graham Edwards in his plaid shirt and jeans and she develops a crush.
“I call him the Strawberry Man. In my head, I mean. Because he makes me feel exactly how I feel when I’m craving the fruit I’m allergic to: restless and out of control, breaker of rules and avoider of common sense.”
She knows it’s wrong but when has that deterred our Shrinking Violet. Her new found bravado has her going after him two years later on her birthday night, to smell his roses and fantasize a little about the kiss she lands on his lips.
“The point is: I like bad things. I like things that are wrong and harmful and maybe even toxic and deadly. Or almost deadly, like strawberries. Things that no one in their right mind would like.”
What follows is his gruff dominant behavior to her typical teenage tantrums but submissive behavior. In that sense saffron successfully shows their characteristics very truthfully and age appropriately.
The story gets frustrating with repeated lines and sentiments and somehow I had trouble connecting with them.
“So how can it be love? How can it be that gravity-defying, soul-deep, bone-tingling, epic-as-fuck connection when we haven’t done something as basic as have a conversation?”
The end is what bothered me the most but I’m in the minority.
Please go ahead and enjoy this heart-strings tugging book
3.5 stars for Best that loves the beauty of the roses
Really enjoyed reading Dawson and Evie’s story. Their back and forth joking and banter along with their undeniable chemistry made this an awesome romance. This was my first book in this series and I can say that you can read it completely as a standalone, although I plan to joe read the first 2 books! If you are looking for an easy to read romance with some steamy chemistry this book is for you!
This is the forbidden story I’ve been wanting all my life. Whenever I read a Saffron A. Kent book, I know it would be beautiful and be feeling all the things!! She proved yet again in this story. I loved Violet and Mr. Edwards. They gave me a whirlwind of emotions and I ate up every word! Fantasies coming to life. I loved it so much.
I haven’t been reading all that many books lately. I just haven’t been able to find the one to get me back into. I felt the spark for my love of books again with Dreams of 18. I didn’t expect to feel so emotional reading this. This book is an age gap book, but more than that. Like most of Saffron’s books, it dealt with real life issues. I never felt so connected to a character and what she was going thru when one’s insecurities and/or illnesses can affect everyday life. Violet and Graham’s love starts off full of problems. Their story isn’t pretty. It’s harsh and real, but with magic sprinkled in because everyone deserves a fairytale romance. I don’t want to spoil much of the story. It’s a ride and I think you should go in without knowing too much. It’s full of ups and downs. It’s also steamy only the way Saffron can do it. I was a little disappointed to see that one scene didn’t play out that Violet brought up. Lol, you’ll see. Go on and check this book out.