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A review by admya
Wildest Dreams by L.J. Shen
4.5
🔥Angsty
🔥Super Spicy
🔥Complete Standalone
🔥Full list of tropes TBA!
Star: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5
Wildest Dreams by L.J. Shen, the second book in the Forbidden Love series, is a steamy, emotionally layered romance that hits all the right notes. It can easily be read as a standalone, though fans of Truly Madly Deeply will enjoy the subtle crossovers and extra emotional texture. L.J . Shen once again proves her talent for blending delicious tension with emotional vulnerability, delivering a story that’s equal parts sexy, sarcastic, and sincere.
At the centre of the chaos is Rhyland Coltridge – a self-confessed hedonist and womaniser – and Dylan Casablancas, his best mate’s baby sister, single mum, and the very definition of off-limits. When Dylan temporarily moves in downstairs and Rhyland’s potential business partner mistakes them for a couple, they agree to play along. He needs the image of a settled man to secure the deal, and she needs protection from a toxic ex. What starts as a fake engagement spirals into something much messier, especially once real feelings start to blur the lines.
Their chemistry is combustible, with electric banter, forced proximity, and a slow burn that builds into scorching heat. Dylan is no damsel in distress – she’s sharp-tongued, resilient, and doesn’t let Rhyland’s charm get the better of her too easily. Meanwhile, Rhyland’s transformation from a carefree playboy to someone willing to put his heart on the line is compelling to watch. Shen crafts this shift masterfully, allowing moments of humour and vulnerability to shine through.
While the middle of the book slows slightly, it doesn’t take away from the overall impact. And yes, there’s some trademark L.J. Shen drama – over-the-top exes, emotional blow-ups, and angsty revelations – but fans of her work will know that’s all part of the ride. Underneath the chaos, there’s a strong emotional current running through the story: about choosing love, healing old wounds, and redefining what family looks like.
With a fierce heroine, a flawed but loveable hero, and a well-worn trope made fresh with witty writing and real emotional stakes, Wildest Dreams delivers a fake engagement romance with heart, heat, and just the right amount of chaos. If you’re into angsty, addictive love stories with big feelings and bigger personalities, this one’s not to be missed.
🔥Super Spicy
🔥Complete Standalone
🔥Full list of tropes TBA!
Star: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5
Wildest Dreams by L.J. Shen, the second book in the Forbidden Love series, is a steamy, emotionally layered romance that hits all the right notes. It can easily be read as a standalone, though fans of Truly Madly Deeply will enjoy the subtle crossovers and extra emotional texture. L.J . Shen once again proves her talent for blending delicious tension with emotional vulnerability, delivering a story that’s equal parts sexy, sarcastic, and sincere.
At the centre of the chaos is Rhyland Coltridge – a self-confessed hedonist and womaniser – and Dylan Casablancas, his best mate’s baby sister, single mum, and the very definition of off-limits. When Dylan temporarily moves in downstairs and Rhyland’s potential business partner mistakes them for a couple, they agree to play along. He needs the image of a settled man to secure the deal, and she needs protection from a toxic ex. What starts as a fake engagement spirals into something much messier, especially once real feelings start to blur the lines.
Their chemistry is combustible, with electric banter, forced proximity, and a slow burn that builds into scorching heat. Dylan is no damsel in distress – she’s sharp-tongued, resilient, and doesn’t let Rhyland’s charm get the better of her too easily. Meanwhile, Rhyland’s transformation from a carefree playboy to someone willing to put his heart on the line is compelling to watch. Shen crafts this shift masterfully, allowing moments of humour and vulnerability to shine through.
While the middle of the book slows slightly, it doesn’t take away from the overall impact. And yes, there’s some trademark L.J. Shen drama – over-the-top exes, emotional blow-ups, and angsty revelations – but fans of her work will know that’s all part of the ride. Underneath the chaos, there’s a strong emotional current running through the story: about choosing love, healing old wounds, and redefining what family looks like.
With a fierce heroine, a flawed but loveable hero, and a well-worn trope made fresh with witty writing and real emotional stakes, Wildest Dreams delivers a fake engagement romance with heart, heat, and just the right amount of chaos. If you’re into angsty, addictive love stories with big feelings and bigger personalities, this one’s not to be missed.