In Your Dreams

Emmaline's ex fiance is getting married. In Malibu. To a personal trainer. Half her size.

Needless to say she's delighted.

The last thing Emmaline wants to do is to show up dateless and be the talk of the wedding. Hell her own parents think that she's gay so what would complete strangers think? She needs someone to keep her company, maybe hold her hand, someone to help her create the image that she is, in fact, over her ex.

That's where Jack comes in, he's always more than willing to help out where help is needed. The wedding comes at just the right time for Jack, he needs to get away from his town, his home, the constant hugs and congratulations, the free dinners and the over used word that bring up memories he just can't handle; hero. show more In Jack's eyes he isn't a hero, he's a failure, he waited his whole life to save someone and when he was finally presented with the opportunity he fell short.

Together they make quite the pair, neither one is looking for a real relationship, after the wedding they'll go back home, Em will go back to patrolling the streets of Manningsport and Jack will go back to his families vineyard.

But fate, or perhaps destiny has other ideas.

I don't quite know where to begin with this review, I'll start with earlier today, I was looking for more of Kristan's books at the store today, this was the first one of hers that I've read and it turns out its part of a companion series. While looking over the shelves my sister asked what "In Your Dreams" was about and the quickest, easiest way for me to describe it was this.

It's like all your favorite Hallmark movies rolled into one.

It was so heartwarming. All the characters, whether they were main characters in previous books (which I am dying to read) or smaller, bit characters, where unbelievable lively and entertaining.

I liked that it wasn't an average story about two people falling in love. Em wasn't pining away for a man to come into her life and sweep her off her feet. She was perfectly happy to live her life as she had been for the best couple of years.

I liked that Jack had skeletons in his closet, even if one of those skeletons wore six inch Louis Vuitton heels and spoke like a true southern belle.

I loved how I never got bored with the back story and the flashbacks never felt like too much. It was all seamless and each piece of the puzzle had a purpose.

"In Your Dreams" is a refreshing, captivating and satisfying read, from beginning to end. I loved every second.

Until next time,

Ginger

In compliance with FTC guidelines I am disclosing that this book was given to me for free to review.
My review is my honest opinion. show less

Fantastic book, emotional and fun. Emmaline is a deputy in the Manningsport police department, where she moved after being dumped by her fiancé. Now that fiancé is getting married and Em has been invited. Going alone is definitely not an option, so she asks Jack to be her "plus one". Jack is a nice guy who loves women and helping them out, so he's happy to assist. It will also give him the chance to get away for awhile.

Jack is fantastic, but he's got some things going on in his life that are wearing him down. A long time ago his mother died in a car crash and Jack has always felt bad that he wasn't there to help his sister who had been trapped in the car. So he has prided himself on being prepared for any emergency. A couple months show more earlier he witnessed a carload of teenagers drive off the road into the lake. He pulled all four out, but the fourth one is in a coma and Jack feels guilty for not being fast enough to save him too. The rest of the town is treating him as a hero and he hates it. Added to that, his beautiful but cheating ex-wife is back in town and it's obvious she wants him back. Em gives him the perfect excuse to get away.

I loved Em. She's overcome a lot to get where she is. She had a terrible stutter when she was younger, making her a target for bullies. Both her parents are psychologists who talk a great game, but were never really there for her. The only friend she had in school was an overweight boy who was bullied also. When he was sent away to a boarding school, she talked her parents into letting her go live with her grandmother in New York. While she was there, her parents adopted another child, one who seemed perfect in every way. After school was done, Em moved back to California where she reconnected with her friend and they fell in love. Only, not long after they got engaged, he got on a fitness kick with a rabid trainer and suddenly Em was no longer what he wanted. Now she's back in New York and happy with her career and the friends she's made. Yes, she'd like to find that special someone, but she's going to be more careful this time. She certainly doesn't expect anything from gorgeous Jack except for a fun time at the wedding.

I loved the romance between them. It started out as friendship, as is common in a small town like Manningsport. Jack likes Em a lot. They play on local sports teams together, she's got a sense of humor that he likes, and she hasn't been treating him weird like others have been. Em's had a bit of a crush on Jack, but just about every woman in town does. But she knows that she's nothing like the type of woman he should have (just look at his ex) so she has to be careful not to let herself get caught up in a fantasy. I loved seeing them at the wedding together. Jack is determined to make things easier on Em, especially after he sees the way she's treated by Kevin and his fiancée. The pool scene was terrific. He finds her really easy to be with. Em has really appreciated Jack's support throughout the wedding weekend. It just adds to the attraction she feels for him and is trying to fight. She also sees that the rescue of those boys is still haunting him, and is supportive without being weird about it. When a late encounter pushes them into bed together, Em figures it's a one time thing and tries to brush it off, but Jack wants more.

Once they get back home, Jack keeps pursuing Em, but she's not making it easy on him. She's afraid to risk her heart again, feeling that losing Jack would crush her even more than her previous heartbreak. She also has the problem that every time they attempt to spend time together, something interferes, most often it's his ex-wife. There's a great scene that really shows the difficulties. He's finally talked her into going out, and her friends help her get ready. Em is a pretty down to earth type of gal, and they've talked her into fancy underwear. Her mental conversation with herself about that thong and what it's doing to her is hilarious. Then the ex shows up at the restaurant and is suddenly in hysterics over her cat, throwing herself at Jack and generally making a scene. And Jack is too nice a guy to tell her to leave him alone. He knows he's being manipulated, but he caves anyway. Em, of course, sees what's going on but isn't going to create a fuss, so she just walks away.

There were so many times I wanted to shake Jack and tell him that he has to stand up to Hadley if he hopes to have anything with Em, but he has to see it himself. Em needed a bit of a kick herself, as she just can't seem to see what a terrific person she is. Jack tries to show her, but her insecurities run pretty deep. Things come to a head when Jack blames Em for something that wouldn't have been a big deal any other time. He says some things he shouldn't and has to deal with the fallout. Especially when Em lays some truth in front of him, including her feelings and why she feels they would never work. I wanted stand up and cheer for her. I loved the ending and seeing how everything finally came together for them.

The secondary characters were fantastic. Of course, I loved seeing the couples from the previous books and how they're doing. It was fun to see the sisters and their relationships with Jack. I liked how he gave credit to them for how well he gets along with women. Em's ex-fiancé Kevin was a real trip. He started out nice, but once he met Naomi he turned into a total ass, and Naomi was worse. I felt like he redeemed himself a little bit at the end, but I'm pretty sure he can still be obnoxious. I loved Em's sister Angela. In spite of their beginning, they have a really good relationship. There was a really neat twist involving Angela that I thought was pretty funny considering what their parents thought about Em. Em's parents really bugged me with their psycho-babble but complete inability or unwillingness to act like parents. There's a little insight into her mother at the end that is actually pretty sweet, and funny too.

The storyline with the fourth boy from the car was heartbreaking. It also showed that the boy wasn't the only victim of the crash. I felt so bad for Jack because of what he was going through. I liked seeing how it was shown that it isn't just military who can suffer from PTSD, and how hard it was as he tried to deal with it on his own. There was also a bit with the boy's girlfriend that also involved Em and her sensitivity to other people's feelings. show less

Emmaline Neal is one of three police officers in the tiny town of Manningsport, New York. She's a tough, no-nonsense woman who knows her way around a Taser, but she's also dealing with the fallout of a broken heart. Her first love is about to marry the shrew he dumped Emmaline for -- and even worse, he's invited her to the wedding! Emmaline knows she can't go alone, so she reluctantly asks Jack Holland to be her date. Jack is friendly, popular, and drop-dead gorgeous, and he can't say no to a damsel in distress. Em is aware that she's definitely not Jack's type, so she's determined to keep her distance. But after a little wedding-related humiliation and a few glasses of wine, her practical resolutions fly out the window. After one show more amazing night together, Em tries to fight her growing feelings for Jack -- even though he actually seems to be interested in her, too. But Jack is dealing with his own problems, including the sudden reappearance of his dainty ex-wife, who is not-so-subtly trying to get him back. Will Jack and Em be able to overcome their respective pasts and finally find happiness together?

As a Kristan Higgins fan, I've been reading and enjoying each new book that comes out, but I have to say that this is definitely my favorite of her recent books! Jack and Em both feel like real people to me, and they each have very specific baggage that prevents them from immediately falling into each other's arms. I also -- contrary to my expectation! -- really liked the presence of the Evil Ex in this book. Having an ex-lover resurface is often a tedious, contrived obstacle to keep the hero and heroine apart; but in this book, the presence of Jack's ex illuminates certain aspects of his character that show why he works with Emmaline. Here, the Evil Ex isn't actually evil, but she is very needy and can be selfish. By contrast, Jack and Em are both giving people who are willing to sacrifice a lot for the people they love. I do have a few issues with the ending of the book, though; everything seems to work out a little too perfectly. For example, even Emmaline's ex is redeemed in the end, which I don't think was necessary. But even despite the magically perfect ending, I'd definitely recommend this book to fans of contemporary romance! show less

In Your Dreams is the long awaited and highly anticipated fourth installment in the hilarious and poignant Blue Heron series. Tantalizing glimpses of Jack Holland in the previous novels piqued my curiosity about the enigmatic but lovable Holland brother and I have been very impatient for his story. Kristan Higgins' unexpected pairing of him with local deputy Emmaline "Em" Neal is sheer brilliance and their ensuing romance is funny, sexy and oh so sweet.

Em is a no-nonsense woman who tells it like it is. She is smart, funny and loyal, but the end of her engagement shattered her self-esteem. It has taken her a long time to get over her ex's betrayal and she is stunned when she receives an invitation to his wedding. Unfortunately, show more complicated family ties between the two families make it impossible for her bow out gracefully and she reluctantly accepts Jack's offer to attend with the wedding with her. Em's return to the West Coast brings her face to face with all of her unresolved issues with her caring, but misguided and clueless parents, childhood bullies, her ex and his cringe-inducing bride-to-be.

Jack is an all around nice guy who is charming, upbeat and friendly. He is devoted to his family and good-naturedly accepts his sisters' teasing. Jack is everyone's go to guy when a woman needs a date but he has not had a serious relationship since his divorce a few years earlier. Up until recently, he has led a pretty charmed life but his dramatic rescue of four teens has left him with lingering issues that he has been trying to deal with on his own. Adding to his problems is the unwelcome return of his ex-wife Hadley who is suddenly interested in a reconciliation. Needing a break from the pressures of his life, Jack quickly agrees to accompany Em to her ex-fiancé's out of state wedding, but both are surprised when their faux relationship becomes real.

Back home, Em and Jack's relationship hits a few bumps in the road when real life begins to intrude on the happy couple. Jack refuses to get help for his ongoing issues stemming from his heroic rescue and it is also frustrating that he continues to let Hadley manipulate him. The blow to Em's self-confidence leaves her questioning what she has to offer Jack and she is also feeling threatened by Hadley's continued presence in Jack's life. With both of them under pressure, a family crisis leads to a misunderstanding that might end their budding romance.

In Your Dreams is written from both Em and Jack's perspectives and flashbacks fill in the blanks about their respective pasts. The incidents from Em's childhood and the events leading up to her ill-fated engagement are heartbreaking but she is surprisingly well-adjusted. Jack has always come across as a little too perfect, but the aftereffects of his rescue efforts provide him with some much needed depth.

In Your Dreams is another heartfelt and engaging addition to the delightful Blue Heron series. Once again, Kristan Higgins deftly blends her trademark wit with a serious and realistic storyline and the resulting story is insightful and moving. A compelling plot, strong family ties and a believable relationship make In Your Dreams a must read for anyone who enjoys contemporary romances. show less

Emmaline's former fiance is getting married, and she's invited to the wedding. Her parents, both psychologists, will psychoanalyze her choice, so to prove that she's moved on, she decides to go, but she wants a date so that people don't feel sorry for her. A tomboy, she has avoided relationships after the crushing way her ex dumped her. Enter Jack Holland, the consummate good guy, hero material, handsome. So out of her league. But Jack helps all the damsels in distress. He's been a wedding date before and is always willing to step up to the plate when asked. But being "perfect" comes with its own set of issues. What happens when a hero can't save everyone?

This book had laugh out loud moments, my favorite was when, during a chicken fight show more in the pool, Em wants to tattoo on her thighs "Jack Holland's head was here." Yes, I stopped reading and actually laughed. Out loud. The emotional layers carried me from Em's mortification over her childhood tic, to the inadequate way her "professional" parents dealt with it to her discomfort wearing a dress. Not sure the description of wearing a thong for the first time is quite as traumatic as described, but it did add comic relief. Perfect heroes can be boring and irritating, but Ms. Higgins added enough of his own psychoses to get me over the hump.

On the down side, we don't all get resolution to our past. Saying I'm sorry doesn't unpublish a mean comment from People Magazine for Em, and I wanted to see Jack grow a backbone with Hadley. Being a "too nice" person myself, I understand his conflict, but there comes a point when a stand needs to be made. If I would have changed anything about the book, it would be those too things. With that being said...

A funny, poignant, story that touched all my emotions, I enjoyed it from start to finish. show less

I loved this book! I don’t remember ever feeling or wanting to describe the contemporary romance novel that I was reading as a page-turner but the description of a page-turner definitely fits this novel perfectly. I don’t think there’s any woman – single or married – that can’t absolutely relate to being single and needing a date to go to an out-of-town wedding and wanting that guy to be have the best of qualities as you go through the events of the weekend [e.g. a people person that can hold his own in conversation in case you need to leave him with a group of people while you run to the ladies room; a heartthrob (and by that we mean = description by Kristan Higgins); a thoughtful guy that will understand when you need some show more humor to distract you; a guy that will understand when you need some space and when you need a listener. And in this novel, not only does Emmaline Neal need a date to go to an out-of-town wedding but the groom is her ex-fiancé and the bride is bridezilla – “the woman” her ex-fiancé chose over her. Now Emmaline doesn’t only need a guy as I described with the best of qualities, she needs the perfect guy.

There is a local heartthrob named Jack Holland who meets all the qualities Emmaline could want to be her date but he’s suffering from PTSD after a recent night when he was at the right place at the right time and became a local hero. Jack is so busy trying to be the perfect guy for all the members of his family, his friends, and even his ex-wife that he’s in definite denial of his own suffering. Will Jack be able to be the man that Emmaline needs if only for a weekend? Will Emmaline be able to look beyond her own fears and be the person that can get through to Jack when he’s not even willing to admit that he has fears of his own? Will Emmaline and Jack survive a wedding weekend together and can they return home as though the weekend never happened?

Kristan Higgins is a dearly loved person and author for so many reasons. But one of the best reasons is that when you see the name Kristan Higgins or start reading one of Kristan Higgins’s books you absolutely know without a shadow of doubt that you’re going to have some fun! Whether you’re reading her comments on Facebook or reading one of her books, you’re in the midst of everyday situations that face us all – the balance of work and play, play and work, our inner perceptions of the “me” we should portray to family, friends, and community, our inner thoughts of who we really are, the actual reality that everyone sees, and the everyday moments that happen during an ordinary day or at a special event such as an ex-fiancé’s out-of-town wedding weekend. The conversations will be lively and fun with giggles and laughter. The serious moments will be there too but they are subtle not preachy like learning a lesson from a favorite teacher or mentor. The characters will experience emotions that every reader can relate to and best of all, the range of emotions are shared with an insightful honesty and transparency that allows the reader to experience the feelings of the characters, perhaps remember a time in their life when something similar happened to him/her, perhaps give him/her a gentle reminder that when a loved one, friend, parent, or child is going through something similar that there could be a different response – maybe this time the reader will remember Emmaline and Jack, Jack’s family, Kevin and Naomi, and even Hadley and respond in their own lives with humor, understanding and love. Thank you Kristan Higgins for reminding us all each day that when we see the humor in life, we find joy in simple pleasures, and delight in sharing kindness, thoughtfulness, understanding, empathy, compassion, and love with everyone that we are blessed to have in our lives.

I was lucky enough to receive a pre-publication copy of this title as part of the Goodreads First Reads Program. show less

This is only the second Higgins book that I have read, and both books were in the Blue Heron series. I have to say, I really did enjoy this book! I loved the setting, the Holland family, and although I had to cringe sometimes over the awkward moments the main character Emmaline Neal found herself in, I liked the basic plot of this book. It was certainly original!

Emmaline Neal's ex-fiancee is getting married. They broke up over a particularly strange turn of events, and Emmaline wants to prove that she is over him and the hurt and anger that went along with their break-up. Jack Holland, local hero and hot guy is enlisted to be her date. Unexpected sparks fly between the two, and while certain things are good, Emmaline is left wondering show more why her? Matters are further complicated when Jack's delicate ex-wife rolls back into town.

One thing I have loved about both Higgins' books I have read: they both included animal stories, which touched my animal rescuer's heart. The story of Jack's cat is particularly touching.

Overall I really enjoyed this book! It had tension, and some awkward moments for the character which are always hard for me, and an interesting plot. Not necessarily a holiday read, but it does take place in the winter. show less