Lesbian Romance Book Review of ‘Beautiful Dreamer’ by Melissa Brayden.
Philadelphia real state broker Devyn Winters left her small hometown of Dreamers Bay a few years ago. She likes the fast pace of a big city and works hard in her successful career. When she comes back to Dreamers Bay due to a family emergency, she meets again with former high school classmate Elizabeth Draper. Unlike Devyn, Elizabeth likes the slow pace and small-town dynamics. They couldn’t be more different from one another, but their attraction is undeniable. They both know that any relationship will be temporary. How are they going to avoid heartbreak?
This is a return to hometown lesbian romance book between two former high school classmates who didn’t share the same social circles in the past and seem to have opposite personalities. Elizabeth lives in Dreamers Bay and is the sole owner of a small company that does odd jobs, she’s sociable, perky and cute. Devyn is a go-getter, successful real state broker who only socialises for work purposes and has no friends. Do opposites attract?
Even though ‘Beautiful Dreamer’ started with a bit of a fast-moving mystery, quite unusual for this author, it felt as if the book dragged a bit in the first half and I couldn’t feel that sizzling chemistry and tension between the mains that Ms. Brayden is so well known for. However, in the second half, the book picked up the pace and the romance developed beautifully.
As usual, Ms. Brayden’s writing is superbly filled with witty dialogues, a sweet romance, and a well-devised plot. Her depiction of the beautiful landscape and the small town dynamics is perfect. It’s enriched with a few multilayered and funny secondary characters, including a cute dog.
I liked that the main conflict develops naturally, feels realistic, heartbreaking but not overly dramatic, and the resolution takes its time without rushing to the end. In that sense, Ms. Brayden is great at writing almost cinematographical happy ending scenes. The pent-up tension, the strong feelings, and the feel-good finale leave the reader happy and satisfied. It definitely won’t disappoint lesbian romance fans.
Overall, a well-written and entertaining romance in a small town setting. 4.5 stars.
ARC provided by the publisher and Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
