Dreams
of Her Own by Rebecca Heflin
is the third and final instalment in the Dreams Come True Series. This time,
the story revolves around Millie, an assistant to best-selling romantic author
Darcy Butler.
Once I started the book, I couldn't put it down and
once I finished it, I just wanted to start it all over again!
Full of events, the first chapter in Dreams
of Her Own introduces Millie and her
soon-to-be crush, Ian. I particularly like how Heflin introduces the reader to
Millie.
"Lists were her life. They provided
organisation, structure and a sense of accomplishment. She loved ticking things
off her list so much that if she accomplished something that wasn't on the
list, she'd write it down just so she could have the pleasure of marking it
off."
I totally related to Millie in the lists and marking
part. There were many times that I felt Millie was like me; although her series
of unfortunate events were too much for a single person but believable for a
book.
From the first chapter, we see how Millie views
herself, no self-appreciation whatsoever, and Ian's reaction to hearing her
voice for the first time. Total contrast and comedy, especially for the reader.
Also, in the first chapter, Ian rescues Millie from a
truck running a red light. After the chapter is over, the reader realises that
Millie and Ian will meet again soon but under different circumstances, making
the reader all tingly and excited.
"He'd saved her from becoming
another pedestrian versus motor vehicle death statistic."
Millie prefers to be invisible. Although of high
intelligence, she is socially awkward. Her experiences in school and in life
have prompted her to wear all brown to "blend in" and avoid being
noticed.
"A twinge of guilt poked her. Not for
eavesdropping, but for doing to Ian what people did to her: judging a book by
its cover."
Heflin makes great use of the setting through her
description of Darcy's house, the interior decorating. Her use of conversations
between Darcy and Ian also gives the reader a closer view of the setting. I liked
that technique.
Dreams
of Her Own is full of beautiful imagery
and quotes. It is also full of comedy and silly situations that happen to no
one but Millie. It cracked me up and made me want to give her a hug.
"She'd never been so close to a man
before. Unless you counted rush hour on the Brooklyn-Queens Crosstown."
Millie is an overall quirky character, with a big,
loving and caring heart. The moment things may progress between her and Ian,
Darcy and her friends immediately take it upon themselves to make sure she's
ok, even if that means giving Ian a clear warning "not to hurt her."
One of the techniques Heflin used was other
characters' description and thoughts of Millie: "She
resembled some prim, uptight spinster from a gothic novel."
"She was one big accident waiting
to happen."
Both Millie and Ian have troubled pasts. Millie was
neglected, while Ian suffered from abuse in addition to his dyslexia, which he
hasn't shared with anyone except the family who took him in after his mother's
passing.
I like how Heflin gives Darcy, the protagonist in the
first instalment in the series, and Laura, the main character in the second
book, roles to play in Millie's life. It also gives a sort of connection and
progression in the series.
Millie's curses are hilarious and all
literature-related. "Hamlet and Ophelia!"
"Catherine and Heathcliff!" "Friar Tuck!"
The chapters just flowed and the pace was quick and
enjoyable. Millie witnessed major character development both inwardly and on
the outside. Ian's character too developed into a better understanding of
others. He learnt that he needed to trust others more, especially with regards
to his dyslexia.
I finished the book in two sittings, although I could
have finished it in one if it weren't for personal commitments. Although the
third in the series, Dreams of Her Own can be read as a standalone.
Dreams of Her Own is a quick-paced contemporary romantic comedy, not devoid of steamy encounters,
especially as Millie begins to learn more about sex, a topic she's only read
about in romance novels and educational books. A must read by all means,
although for ages 18 and above.
"She wore her mantle of brown as he
wore his mantle of tough."
Note: I received a free copy of Dreams
of Her Own in exchange for an honest review.
Check out my reviews of Dreams of Perfection
(Book 1) and Ship of Dreams (Book 2) in the Dreams Come True Series. Each of these books can be read as a standalone.
About the Author:
Rebecca Heflin is an award-winning author who has
dreamed of writing romantic fiction since she was fifteen and her older sister
snuck a copy of Kathleen Woodiwiss' Shanna to her and told her to read it.
Rebecca writes women's fiction and contemporary romance. When not passionately
pursuing her dream, Rebecca is busy with her day-job as a practicing attorney.
Rebecca is a member of Romance Writers of America
(RWA), Florida Romance Writers, RWA Contemporary Romance, and Florida Writers
Association. She and her mountain-climbing husband live at sea level in sunny
Florida.
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