Dreaming About Forever By Mandi Blake

Dreaming About Forever

by Mandi Blake

Publisher: Independent

Series: Christmas in Redemption Ridge

ISBN: 978-1953372475

I was so excited after reading my first book by Mandi a couple of months ago that she'd reach out to me to read her next book that released at the end of November. I couldn't wait to read it, especially since I'd be heading back to Redemption Ridge during Christmas! She sent me her book for review.

Summary:

Her handsome bodyguard is doing a great job protecting her from reporters, but she may need to protect her heart.

Former child sitcom star Alicia Carver loves the spotlight, but since launching her pop music career, the dirtier side of the business has been out to tear her apart. When her parents are charged with embezzlement, and her A-list fiancé dumps her on the red carpet, her perfect life crumbles faster than her rise to fame. Retreating to a small town seems like the best choice she has to avoid the press.

Jordan Taylor’s plan to retire from the Marines when he was old and gray crashed and burned in Kandahar along with his best friend. Protecting entitled celebrities from paparazzi was the last thing he wanted, but no one else would hire an amputee with an attitude problem. If babysitting a pop princess wasn’t bad enough, his next job is sending him home to Redemption Ridge to spend Christmas with the family he hasn’t seen in years.

Alicia’s heartbreak is soothed by the picturesque Christmas town, but her stoic bodyguard will barely loosen up enough to show her around. His past and his body are covered in scars, and she can’t help but wonder if he needs healing in Redemption Ridge just as much as she does.

Between Jordan, his family, and the townspeople who have welcomed her with open arms, Alicia is torn between rekindling her love of music and finding a forever home in Redemption Ridge. When the rumors start flying and wrecking her new happiness, will Alicia be able to set things right before the real world tears her new dream apart?

Visit Redemption Ridge, Colorado and enjoy the faith, friendships, and forever-afters of the Christmas in Redemption Ridge series of Christian romance.

This series is a spin-off continuation of the best-selling Heroes of Freedom Ridge Series with all new characters and traditions, but the same magic of community and romance readers love.

My Review:

Holy snowy romance! What a fun story. If you're a fan of contemporary romance during the holidays, Dreaming About Forever is the book for you.

When I started reading the book, so many performers came to mind. I feel like the author really did an outstanding job of making the story feel so real. When you look at the real world paparazzi, you see relationships unfold before your eyes and that's what happens in this fictional story, but you'd think it was totally true! Alicia is a well-loved singer who has grown up in the spotlight and in one night her whole world comes crashing down around her. You just feel awful for her.

Along comes Jordan, working at Field, Inc to be Alicia's bodyguard (well, security agent says Jordan) after her security team ditches her along with her so-called fiancé. They head to Jordan's home where Alicia can let the dust settle on all that's happened to her. This place that Jordan is sure will be too rustic for her star life.

But, regardless of the rules of the job, there's not much that can stop the heart from going where it wants. For Alicia, it was easy to see why she'd fall in love with Jordan's family. His mom is the kind of person I strive to be. She and her husband (well, the whole town to be honest) give off that small town Hallmark-y vibe. How could anyone not fall in love at their ranch?!

As the story went along you could've cut the tension with a knife. The author certainly has a knack for stringing us along waiting for the romance to blossom! HA! It doesn't help when both of the main characters are fighting it as well.

You can't beat the faith thread that's woven all throughout the story! And goodness, I'll admit that I teared up at the end. There's a super special moment (no, not the one you're thinking) that just made my heart soar and put a smile on my face!

This was a terrific story that's perfect any time of the year, but especially during the Christmas season!

About the Author:

Mandi Blake was born and raised in Alabama where she lives with her husband and daughter, but her southern heart loves to travel. Reading has been her favorite hobby for as long as she can remember, but writing is her passion. She loves a good happily ever after in her sweet Christian romance books and loves to see her characters' relationships grow closer to God and each other.

You can sign up for her newsletter and get the free novella, South of Skye, and the free full-length book, A Thousand Words.