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spazzykatie's review
5.0
I don't have the emotional bandwidth to write a review right now. Just know that Julien and Sera's story was the best of the Savage U series. They destroyed me. HE destroyed me.
amc599's review
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
bookboyfriendandhusbandmake3's review against another edition
5.0
I’m at a loss for where to even begin. I’ve loved this series, and it seems as though Wolf is in a competition to see how much she can outdo herself with each release. Real Like Daydreams wasn’t just outdoing herself, she obliterated the glass ceiling with Julien and Sera’s story. No holds barred, the best book I’ve read all year.
Sera was sunshine and smiles, but how often do we see people hide their pain behind big smiles and a sunny personality? She wasn't happy; she was, but she was so much more than that. She had some dark times behind her, and as a result, she chose to be a positive influence on anyone’s life she came across. Although some of her character development takes place off-page, Wolf did an amazing job of letting you be a part of those moments, along with seeing this amazing girl come into her own, realizing her worth. I think it’s something we can all take something from.
I’ve been waiting with bated breath for Julien’s book. We saw him throughout the series from other characters' perspectives, but I couldn’t wait until I was able to spend time inside his head. To say it was more than I imagined would be the understatement of the century. I expected the brooding hero, the man lost inside his head due to the trauma he suffered. Nobody could survive that and not come out the other side as a completely different person.
I’m in awe of the way these characters were portrayed. Fictional characters have never felt more real than Julien and Sera. They both overcame different types of trauma, and seeing the character development and being a part of it, especially when I felt such a strong connection to both, was like a balm to my tattered heart. an inkling of hope that I haven’t felt in a long time.
A connection that began in the shadows, neither of them realizing that the stranger that offered them a sense of comfort would be the person that would light up their world. They were opposites on the outside, sunny and grumpy, but on the inside it was as though the broken parts of each of them fit seamlessly together, offering one another the support they needed in order to heal.
I’m absolutely certain that none of my words will do justice to this story. This isn’t something you simply read, these characters’ emotions, the devastating truths, and glimmers of hope will become embedded in your soul. There’s no walking away as the person you were when you began.
Real Like Daydreams is without a doubt one of the best books I’ve read this year. A compelling blend of intoxicating chemistry, a broody hero, an enlivening heroine, emotionally riveting, heavy topics handled with the heartbreakingly raw truth, glimmers of hope woven through every word, giggle-inducing moments with friends, and hot AF steam. I’ve enjoyed the Savage U series, but there is just something so fundamentally special about Real Like Daydreams. I’m in awe of Wolf’s talent. She plucks you right from reality and inserts you into the world she created. Every emotion, every moment inside her fictional world feels real, like daydreams.
A little real-life tidbit for a better understanding of WHY these characters meant so much to me.
It’s such an odd feeling, seeing two very distinct elements of who you are inside fictional characters. For years, I’ve made it a point to make people laugh whenever possible. I know what it’s like to feel like you’ll never smile again. If I can give someone that, even if only for a second, it soothes an ache inside of me. I’m honestly not even sure if I'll keep this part in my review or if I’ll end up deleting it. The other part is the bone-deep connection I felt to Julien. Sure, the reasons behind our disability are worlds apart, but the emotions he felt. His thoughts, the things he said out loud, and the things he never put voice to, could have been taken straight from my own mind.
It’s strange to feel more "seen" by characters in a fictional world, but I can assure you that it was very much the case. I too have a disability, one that won’t get better, and as a matter of fact, will only continue to worsen. In medical journals, adhesive arachnoiditis is said to have the pain and agony of stage 4 bone cancer without the relief of death. I’ve stopped telling anyone in real life when my pain gets worse or another symptom makes an appearance. I became their consolation. It was me convincing them everything would be OK. As it continued, I realized I no longer had the strength to deal with other people’s emotions about what was happening to ME.
The reason I’m sharing this extremely personal aspect of my life is to truly get across that Wolf did an astounding job portraying a person with disabilities that I felt compelled to share this information, so when I tell you she did so with the raw, heartbreaking truth in the most respectful way I think I’ve ever come across. There were some other heavy topics, and I felt those were all handled with the same brutal honesty. I abhor it when authors incorporate heavy topics into their books and then gloss over the aftermath of those events. I get it’s fiction, but to gloss over some things is disrespectful to those who have faced those things and come out the other side. Wolf should be applauded for how she respectfully and honestly portrayed these heavy topics.
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Sera was sunshine and smiles, but how often do we see people hide their pain behind big smiles and a sunny personality? She wasn't happy; she was, but she was so much more than that. She had some dark times behind her, and as a result, she chose to be a positive influence on anyone’s life she came across. Although some of her character development takes place off-page, Wolf did an amazing job of letting you be a part of those moments, along with seeing this amazing girl come into her own, realizing her worth. I think it’s something we can all take something from.
I’ve been waiting with bated breath for Julien’s book. We saw him throughout the series from other characters' perspectives, but I couldn’t wait until I was able to spend time inside his head. To say it was more than I imagined would be the understatement of the century. I expected the brooding hero, the man lost inside his head due to the trauma he suffered. Nobody could survive that and not come out the other side as a completely different person.
I’m in awe of the way these characters were portrayed. Fictional characters have never felt more real than Julien and Sera. They both overcame different types of trauma, and seeing the character development and being a part of it, especially when I felt such a strong connection to both, was like a balm to my tattered heart. an inkling of hope that I haven’t felt in a long time.
A connection that began in the shadows, neither of them realizing that the stranger that offered them a sense of comfort would be the person that would light up their world. They were opposites on the outside, sunny and grumpy, but on the inside it was as though the broken parts of each of them fit seamlessly together, offering one another the support they needed in order to heal.
I’m absolutely certain that none of my words will do justice to this story. This isn’t something you simply read, these characters’ emotions, the devastating truths, and glimmers of hope will become embedded in your soul. There’s no walking away as the person you were when you began.
Real Like Daydreams is without a doubt one of the best books I’ve read this year. A compelling blend of intoxicating chemistry, a broody hero, an enlivening heroine, emotionally riveting, heavy topics handled with the heartbreakingly raw truth, glimmers of hope woven through every word, giggle-inducing moments with friends, and hot AF steam. I’ve enjoyed the Savage U series, but there is just something so fundamentally special about Real Like Daydreams. I’m in awe of Wolf’s talent. She plucks you right from reality and inserts you into the world she created. Every emotion, every moment inside her fictional world feels real, like daydreams.
A little real-life tidbit for a better understanding of WHY these characters meant so much to me.
It’s such an odd feeling, seeing two very distinct elements of who you are inside fictional characters. For years, I’ve made it a point to make people laugh whenever possible. I know what it’s like to feel like you’ll never smile again. If I can give someone that, even if only for a second, it soothes an ache inside of me. I’m honestly not even sure if I'll keep this part in my review or if I’ll end up deleting it. The other part is the bone-deep connection I felt to Julien. Sure, the reasons behind our disability are worlds apart, but the emotions he felt. His thoughts, the things he said out loud, and the things he never put voice to, could have been taken straight from my own mind.
It’s strange to feel more "seen" by characters in a fictional world, but I can assure you that it was very much the case. I too have a disability, one that won’t get better, and as a matter of fact, will only continue to worsen. In medical journals, adhesive arachnoiditis is said to have the pain and agony of stage 4 bone cancer without the relief of death. I’ve stopped telling anyone in real life when my pain gets worse or another symptom makes an appearance. I became their consolation. It was me convincing them everything would be OK. As it continued, I realized I no longer had the strength to deal with other people’s emotions about what was happening to ME.
The reason I’m sharing this extremely personal aspect of my life is to truly get across that Wolf did an astounding job portraying a person with disabilities that I felt compelled to share this information, so when I tell you she did so with the raw, heartbreaking truth in the most respectful way I think I’ve ever come across. There were some other heavy topics, and I felt those were all handled with the same brutal honesty. I abhor it when authors incorporate heavy topics into their books and then gloss over the aftermath of those events. I get it’s fiction, but to gloss over some things is disrespectful to those who have faced those things and come out the other side. Wolf should be applauded for how she respectfully and honestly portrayed these heavy topics.
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romancebookloverinseattle's review against another edition
5.0
I've gone into each new Savage U book thinking there is no way that J. Wolf can top the previous installment to the series, however, somehow, each time it happens. Real Like Daydreams was my favorite of any of her books so far. Julien and Sera have both been broken by life in multiple and different ways. They are both incredibly different, but also similar in some ways. Flawed, vulnerable and trying to figure out how to move forward in their lives. This book was dark in a very different way from the previous ones in the Savage U series, dealing with serious issues around depression, self-harm, scars and recovery from a traumatic and devastating car accident. This was such an emotional, angsty, yet steamy and also romantic read and I absolutely loved every minute spent with these characters!
ohheyshereads's review against another edition
5.0
swoon
Girl! Julien and sera I can’t even! I love how you brought them together and how the whole book came together! Im so glad ugh there is so much I wanna say without spoilers for everyone but I just loved it and love everyone ! I hate how I read books so fast and then I’m mad it’s over lol !! I can’t wait for the new series to come out !
Girl! Julien and sera I can’t even! I love how you brought them together and how the whole book came together! Im so glad ugh there is so much I wanna say without spoilers for everyone but I just loved it and love everyone ! I hate how I read books so fast and then I’m mad it’s over lol !! I can’t wait for the new series to come out !
rinasreadsnz's review against another edition
5.0
Sera and Julien's story was tragic, real, painful, and a fabulous read.
Firstly, I need to point out the big takeaway I got from this book, which was: Learning to stand up for yourself and love the body you have. Such powerful messages, and made this book so very relatable for me. It struck a chord, helping me see my imperfections in a kinder light.
Second. I loved how Seraphina and Julien initially met, and then reconnected again after months of not 'seeing each other'. It made their connection so much... more.
(I'm struggling here for a better word!)
Bonding through Sera's dark thoughts showed just how long Jules was in her corner—even if it did get him in trouble—it was the support that was needed at the time, and in the end, it made a huge difference—it really mattered.
This brings me to my next point. I'm always a fan of 'the grand gesture' and in this case, it wasn't so grand but it was very much needed.
I give Julien an A+ for his exceptional grovelling skills.
And, gah! The epilogue... was chef's kiss. Exquisite.
I'm very much looking forward to reading Savage Academy!
5+ stars, my favourite of the series.
Firstly, I need to point out the big takeaway I got from this book, which was: Learning to stand up for yourself and love the body you have. Such powerful messages, and made this book so very relatable for me. It struck a chord, helping me see my imperfections in a kinder light.
Second. I loved how Seraphina and Julien initially met, and then reconnected again after months of not 'seeing each other'. It made their connection so much... more.
(I'm struggling here for a better word!)
Bonding through Sera's dark thoughts showed just how long Jules was in her corner—even if it did get him in trouble—it was the support that was needed at the time, and in the end, it made a huge difference—it really mattered.
This brings me to my next point. I'm always a fan of 'the grand gesture' and in this case, it wasn't so grand but it was very much needed.
I give Julien an A+ for his exceptional grovelling skills.
And, gah! The epilogue... was chef's kiss. Exquisite.
I'm very much looking forward to reading Savage Academy!
5+ stars, my favourite of the series.
rosie_p_burke's review against another edition
dark
emotional
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
4.5
Content Warnings
Minor: Self harm
sware65's review against another edition
5.0
Oh my gosh this is a book that you don't want to miss.
Julien and Sera are both struggling with self esteem and with people that should love them as they are but don't.
When she agrees to a bet to date the grump in her drum class and then dump him so she will get her dream of being drum lead she reluctantly takes it.
I loved how they were together especially when he knows about the bet. But what happens when feelings become real can she really dump him.
So many sensitive issues are dealt with in this book in such a brilliant way.
Can they get their HEA when so many people are against them being together.
Such a brilliant ending and I can't wait for Julia's next book.
I voluntarily reviewed an advanced reader copy of this book.
Julien and Sera are both struggling with self esteem and with people that should love them as they are but don't.
When she agrees to a bet to date the grump in her drum class and then dump him so she will get her dream of being drum lead she reluctantly takes it.
I loved how they were together especially when he knows about the bet. But what happens when feelings become real can she really dump him.
So many sensitive issues are dealt with in this book in such a brilliant way.
Can they get their HEA when so many people are against them being together.
Such a brilliant ending and I can't wait for Julia's next book.
I voluntarily reviewed an advanced reader copy of this book.
amberreadsromance28's review against another edition
5.0
**6 Stars**
I loved this book so much and even found myself getting teary-eyed, which I never usually do. I have been waiting for Julian's story, and this book didn't disappoint. Julian was introduced in Amir's book, and he suffers a tragic accident that leaves him scarred and damaged. It was difficult to watch Julian turn from the sunny and outgoing characters to the depressed and angry one. He had to struggle to be able to walk again and was going to PT in the last book. He is now able to walk with a cane, but he is still going through a lot of pain. It was heartbreaking to watch his journey. His friendship with Amir is not the same since he was hurt saving Amir. He can't stand the way Amir looks at him or treats him with kid gloves.
Sera was such a sweet and sunshine character. She went through a breakup with her scumbag football player boyfriend. He cheated on her with his bitchy best friend, who is also in the school band with Sera.
She ended up meeting a guy at a party while she was dating that boyfriend, and they ended up building a friendship through texting. She didn't know who he was since it was dark. He helps her get through her breakup and when she goes through dark times. I was worried about the whole secret identity thing because that does usually leads to a third act breakup in books when the person discovers the truth.
She ends up trying to befriend the grumpy and scarred Julian. She also proposed a fake dating thing. He ended up pissing off her drum captain, and he asked her to make Julian fall for her and dump him. She needs his support to be drum captain since the girl who cheated with her ex-boyfriend is trying to take the position now. I was worried about the bet and secret identity, but Wolf made it work differently than I expected.
This was such an emotional book and I connected with both of the characters. Sera was such a beautiful and strong heroine, but she had insecurities and suffered through depression when she was younger. Her family treated her like shit and made her question her worth. I connected to her so much and loved her journey.
This was a beautiful romance and it just blew me away. This is not a dark romance but it does deal with darker issues. I am so impressed with J. Wolf and gave the last 2 books 6
I loved this book so much and even found myself getting teary-eyed, which I never usually do. I have been waiting for Julian's story, and this book didn't disappoint. Julian was introduced in Amir's book, and he suffers a tragic accident that leaves him scarred and damaged. It was difficult to watch Julian turn from the sunny and outgoing characters to the depressed and angry one. He had to struggle to be able to walk again and was going to PT in the last book. He is now able to walk with a cane, but he is still going through a lot of pain. It was heartbreaking to watch his journey. His friendship with Amir is not the same since he was hurt saving Amir. He can't stand the way Amir looks at him or treats him with kid gloves.
Sera was such a sweet and sunshine character. She went through a breakup with her scumbag football player boyfriend. He cheated on her with his bitchy best friend, who is also in the school band with Sera.
She ended up meeting a guy at a party while she was dating that boyfriend, and they ended up building a friendship through texting. She didn't know who he was since it was dark. He helps her get through her breakup and when she goes through dark times. I was worried about the whole secret identity thing because that does usually leads to a third act breakup in books when the person discovers the truth.
She ends up trying to befriend the grumpy and scarred Julian. She also proposed a fake dating thing. He ended up pissing off her drum captain, and he asked her to make Julian fall for her and dump him. She needs his support to be drum captain since the girl who cheated with her ex-boyfriend is trying to take the position now. I was worried about the bet and secret identity, but Wolf made it work differently than I expected.
This was such an emotional book and I connected with both of the characters. Sera was such a beautiful and strong heroine, but she had insecurities and suffered through depression when she was younger. Her family treated her like shit and made her question her worth. I connected to her so much and loved her journey.
This was a beautiful romance and it just blew me away. This is not a dark romance but it does deal with darker issues. I am so impressed with J. Wolf and gave the last 2 books 6