seshoptaw 's review for:

Wildest Dreams by Kristen Ashley
4.0

4*

This book is a keeper.  From the very first moment until the last, this book caught me and held me in thrall.  I read without wanting to stop, staying up late (well past my work-week bedtime), knowing I was going to be exhausted the next day, but unable to put this book down.  I wanted to cancel plans just to stay home, curled up with my book.  This is a sign of a wonderful novel.  

The world-building was fantastic.  We (the readers) learned about the world as Finnie did, and there was a lot to learn.  Elves, dragons, kings/queens/princesses, castles, surprise marriages, and so much more….see what I mean?  The author (whom I’ve never read before) has a captivating writing style, the plot was great, and the characters – and their growth – were written splendidly.  

Finnie is a girl looking for adventure, and boy does she find one.  Her “itchy feet,” her love of new places and new people, and her sense of wonder all make her a girl after my own heart.  She’s kind, funny, and charming and she tries to make the best of every situation.  I loved her.  

Frey was a beast at first, but I soon grew to really love him too.  He was unapologetic about his feelings and he loved Finnie.  I heard an expression the other day that perfectly describes him: He’s a “concrete-covered marshmallow.”  Around Finnie, he became sweet, and gentle, and giving.  He would move mountains (or wake dragons) to protect her and I found him completely delicious (in a macho, caveman, alpha-male sorta way).  
Although I will say, he’s also a shinning example of another expression too: “men can be stupid,” so there’s that.  He NEVER should have pulled a couple of the stunts he did without discussing them with Finnie or getting her input.  But there you go.  Men (*rolling eyes*).  I personally enjoy alpha-male characters, and I really liked that he was one.  He was, in Finnie’s words, quite “yummy” when he wasn’t pulling those stunts.  

However, I do have one or two minor complaints about this book.  For example, Finnie used a lot of “Uh’s” and “Um’s,” especially when she was nervous.  Don’t get me wrong, I say them too, it just seemed to be excessive at times.  What was worse for me, was the over-use of “Cool” and “Totally.”  Not only are those words not popular slang anymore (not since the early 2000’s) but it made her come across sounding (stereotypically) “Valley-Girl-esque.”  I’m not sure why the author chose to do this.  I was also confused about her constant “Ho boy’s” vs “Oh boy’s.”  Am I wrong in thinking that this is a more common expression for, like, everyone?? 

Even with this though, it was still a fantastic novel and I loved it.  I would definitely recommend this book!