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Heartstone #3
California Dreamin'
Everyone thinks Dean Collins is too old for Fallon Blackwood. Her parents, her friends, even Dean himself.
In fact, he wants her to date guys her own age. But Fallon doesn’t care about that.
All she cares about is that she can’t take his eyes off Dean, her neighbor, her best friend, the guy who taught her to ride a bike and to climb trees.
All she cares about is that sometimes Dean can’t take his eyes off her, either. And that sometimes he looks at her like he wants to kiss her.
So it doesn’t matter that he’s thirty-two and she’s eighteen.
All that matters is that they belong with each other, and she needs to convince him of that.
Good thing they’re taking a cross-country road trip together, right?
California to New York; three thousand miles and a love story in the making…
*Featuring Simon Blackwood and Graham Edwards from ‘The Heartstone Series.’
**This is a STANDALONE NOVELLA. It was released as a part of Mixtape Anthology. Since then, it has been revised and expanded and re-titled.
In fact, he wants her to date guys her own age. But Fallon doesn’t care about that.
All she cares about is that she can’t take his eyes off Dean, her neighbor, her best friend, the guy who taught her to ride a bike and to climb trees.
All she cares about is that sometimes Dean can’t take his eyes off her, either. And that sometimes he looks at her like he wants to kiss her.
So it doesn’t matter that he’s thirty-two and she’s eighteen.
All that matters is that they belong with each other, and she needs to convince him of that.
Good thing they’re taking a cross-country road trip together, right?
California to New York; three thousand miles and a love story in the making…
*Featuring Simon Blackwood and Graham Edwards from ‘The Heartstone Series.’
**This is a STANDALONE NOVELLA. It was released as a part of Mixtape Anthology. Since then, it has been revised and expanded and re-titled.
179 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 29, 2019
About the author
Saffron A. Kent
33 books5,618 followersSaffron A. Kent is a USA Today Bestselling Author of Contemporary and New Adult romance.
She has an MFA in Creative Writing and she lives in New York City with her nerdy and supportive husband, along with a million and one books.
She has an MFA in Creative Writing and she lives in New York City with her nerdy and supportive husband, along with a million and one books.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 526 reviews
May 12, 2020
3.5 stars
No one does age-gap romances quite like Saffron A. Kent. I loved the Blackwoods in her previous novel, ‘Medicine Man’, and I couldn’t wait to get their daughter Fallon’s book!
Fallon has been in love with her neighbor Dean since she was a teenager. The problem was, he’s fourteen years older than her. She knew nothing could happen between them, so she waited. When she turned 18 and started college she moved across the country to be near him. Things haven’t gone according to plan for her.
Dean is an attorney in California hasn’t been home in a while. When Fallon insists on taking a road trip back to their hometown on the east coast, he accompanies her. This trip ends up being more than he bargains for…
I enjoyed Dean and Fallon’s story, though I do wish it would have been a full length novel. I loved getting so many of Saffron’s other characters POV’s because I love them, but because the book was on the shorter side, I didn’t love that it took away from getting more of Fallon and Dean’s story.
As always, I think this author writes so beautifully and lyrical. I love the way she weaves her words to create a story and always finds a way to push the boundaries of romance without going too far across them. I enjoyed this one and I’m looking forward to reading more from Kent, I especially hope we get a Rosie and Brendan book in the future!
No one does age-gap romances quite like Saffron A. Kent. I loved the Blackwoods in her previous novel, ‘Medicine Man’, and I couldn’t wait to get their daughter Fallon’s book!
Fallon has been in love with her neighbor Dean since she was a teenager. The problem was, he’s fourteen years older than her. She knew nothing could happen between them, so she waited. When she turned 18 and started college she moved across the country to be near him. Things haven’t gone according to plan for her.
Dean is an attorney in California hasn’t been home in a while. When Fallon insists on taking a road trip back to their hometown on the east coast, he accompanies her. This trip ends up being more than he bargains for…
I enjoyed Dean and Fallon’s story, though I do wish it would have been a full length novel. I loved getting so many of Saffron’s other characters POV’s because I love them, but because the book was on the shorter side, I didn’t love that it took away from getting more of Fallon and Dean’s story.
“You are my home, Fallon… You never leave your home, do you? You never leave the place you belong. And I belong with you.”
As always, I think this author writes so beautifully and lyrical. I love the way she weaves her words to create a story and always finds a way to push the boundaries of romance without going too far across them. I enjoyed this one and I’m looking forward to reading more from Kent, I especially hope we get a Rosie and Brendan book in the future!
May 13, 2020
4 Born for Me Stars ⭐
Fallon and Dean have been lifelong friends. He has been the keeper of her heart since she was a 3-year-old in awe of the boy of 17. But innocence doesn’t have an age restriction and Dean always realised that there was something unique about Fallon that needed protecting.
"I love it when he calls me that—Tiny. It makes me feel cherished. It makes me believe that I really am tiny. That I don’t have massive issues for which I take a pill every day."
Even as a small child she instinctively knew that Dean was it for her. But with a large age gap, convincing him that the time is now, is a whole new dilemma. Having moved to California to be close to the boy she has always loved hasn’t had the effect she expected.
Prepared to gain his attention, Fallon comes up with an idea to drove home to New York for Christmas. A road trip that would take 5 days. Knowing that Dean in his good conscious wouldn’t allow her to do it alone, he feels compelled to accompany her. Little does he know that this is Fallon’s method of entrapment.
And even though her plan succeeds, and both Dean and Fallon admit the truth, there is the issue of her parents. As Dean has always been part of her family, will they accept their new relationship status?
"Tell me you know that I’ll do anything for you." My heart hurts. It squeezes itself and I feel an ache in my chest. "People always say that love hurts but maybe it’s not a bad thing."
From the beginning it is evident that these two were born for each other and just made this story even more bittersweet. But the highlight for me was revisiting my favourite characters from Saffron A Kent’s previous books Medicine Man and Dreams of 18. And if you’re a die hard fan like myself, I kind of feel that you would be missing out if you didn’t read California Dreamin.
Fallon and Dean have been lifelong friends. He has been the keeper of her heart since she was a 3-year-old in awe of the boy of 17. But innocence doesn’t have an age restriction and Dean always realised that there was something unique about Fallon that needed protecting.
"I love it when he calls me that—Tiny. It makes me feel cherished. It makes me believe that I really am tiny. That I don’t have massive issues for which I take a pill every day."
Even as a small child she instinctively knew that Dean was it for her. But with a large age gap, convincing him that the time is now, is a whole new dilemma. Having moved to California to be close to the boy she has always loved hasn’t had the effect she expected.
Prepared to gain his attention, Fallon comes up with an idea to drove home to New York for Christmas. A road trip that would take 5 days. Knowing that Dean in his good conscious wouldn’t allow her to do it alone, he feels compelled to accompany her. Little does he know that this is Fallon’s method of entrapment.
And even though her plan succeeds, and both Dean and Fallon admit the truth, there is the issue of her parents. As Dean has always been part of her family, will they accept their new relationship status?
"Tell me you know that I’ll do anything for you." My heart hurts. It squeezes itself and I feel an ache in my chest. "People always say that love hurts but maybe it’s not a bad thing."
From the beginning it is evident that these two were born for each other and just made this story even more bittersweet. But the highlight for me was revisiting my favourite characters from Saffron A Kent’s previous books Medicine Man and Dreams of 18. And if you’re a die hard fan like myself, I kind of feel that you would be missing out if you didn’t read California Dreamin.
May 5, 2020
There is nothing like a good forbidden romance!!! Your heart races along with the characters because you know that they’re skirting on something that is wrong but it FEELS so right, your palms are sweaty as you turn the pages into the unknown and you bask into the passion that you literally feel off the pages because as much as this love story is forbidden, it will also be one of a kind an unforgettable.
Fallon blackwood has been in love with Dean since she was three years old. It’s just a crush they said and those feeling will go away over time. Well it’s been fifteen years and the now eighteen old College freshman is more in love than she’s ever been with the broody sexy attorney. Convincing him to take a road trip with her, Fallon knows that the time they will have together will not only test their friendship but awaken things that neither one of them has ever expected to come out. With thundering sexual tension on the rise and unspoken thoughts, how far will Fallon and Dean take their relationship?
This was a nice quick novella and if I’m being honest, I kind of wished that it was a full story because I really liked the characters and I wanted to delve deeper into some of their past. Fallon and Dean were a perfect match in every sense of the word and you immediately felt the connection between them. Those two would have set a room on fire if they had suppressed their feelings any longer!!! I
If you’re looking for a quick forbidden age gap romance, then you should give this one a try.
May 15, 2020
3.75 ⭐️
Dean and Fallon were simply perfect together !
I really enjoyed this short Novella.. I only wished California Dreamin' was longer because I needed more . Basically California Dreamin' tells us how Dean and Fallon finally get their HEA. Their past is off-page and I would have loved reading about:
➸ little Fallon and Dean's relationship
➸ How their feelings changed over the years
➸ what really happened during their two years separation
(...)
Yes.. a full length book would have been epic! This couple deserved much more than a short story!
Since I loved both Medicine Man and Dreams of 18, I was happy to catch up with Simon, Willow, Violet and Graham.
I also hope Saffron will write Rosie and Brendan's book because they were so cute together!
As always I loved Saffron's writing style.
Here's some of my favorite quotes:
“You want to know what love is, Fallon?” I growl. “Let me tell you what love is. It’s a burn. An explosion. It’s like I’m exploding every second of every day. With the need, this fucking urge to see you. To touch you. To kiss you. Even though I know I can’t. I can’t do it because it’s wrong. But it doesn’t matter because that burn, that ache? It never goes away. In fact, instead of going away, it only grows bigger and bigger. And fucking bigger. To the point where all I can think about is you. All I can think about is destroying every single thing, every single reason, every single person who’s trying to keep me apart from you. Love is watching you go to prom with your douchebag of a boyfriend and going so crazy, so fucking insane with jealousy, I cornered that sixteen-year-old boy and threatened him to stay away from you. That’s what love is, Fallon.”
“My heart hurts.
It squeezes itself and I feel an ache in my chest. People always say that love hurts but maybe it’s not a bad thing.
Maybe sometimes love hurts because the man you love loves you back.
He not only loves you back, he loves you so much that you can see that love take a physical shape in the way he holds you and looks at you.
The way he breaks himself open for you.
Sometimes love hurts because it’s bursting at the seams.”
“Then I realized something.”
His eyes are glassy. “What did you realize?”
“I realized a thing about love,” I whisper. “I realized nothing can cure the sickness caused by love.”
It’s true.
Nothing can cure the illness brought on by love. Not science, not God.
Only he could cure it.
This man in front of me. The love of my life.
And I had to fight for him.”
If you loved the Heartstone Series, give California Dreamin' a chance..you may enjoy it!
Read
November 10, 2023〝You're made of moon and magic,〞he growls over my lips, licking them.
~ violetgraham,
my babies, my always and forever s.a.k. favs.
December 27, 2020
I love these kinds of stories. Probably because I fell in love with my brothers best friend when I was five and he was fourteen. I never got my HEA so it’s delightful to read about those who did.
This may be the Dean and Fallon show but the best part was Willow and Simon. There’s nothing more breathtaking than a love that surpasses time. When I was young and forced to go to church my savings grace was admiring the older couples who sat so close no space stood between them. I always dreamed of a love like that.
Honestly if Saffron did another Willow and Simon book, I’d read it in an instant. I may have been hesitant about their start but I adore their present and future.
I think the thing I like best about her books is that both the men and women are strong. That the guy can save the girl but she can save him too. That might be why I love Vi and Graham best because she saved him from himself and he protects her just as fiercely.
This may be the Dean and Fallon show but the best part was Willow and Simon. There’s nothing more breathtaking than a love that surpasses time. When I was young and forced to go to church my savings grace was admiring the older couples who sat so close no space stood between them. I always dreamed of a love like that.
Honestly if Saffron did another Willow and Simon book, I’d read it in an instant. I may have been hesitant about their start but I adore their present and future.
I think the thing I like best about her books is that both the men and women are strong. That the guy can save the girl but she can save him too. That might be why I love Vi and Graham best because she saved him from himself and he protects her just as fiercely.
May 14, 2020
"Fifteen years ago, I asked a boy to marry me."
Fallon Blackwood is in love with her neighbour since she knew this feeling, as she grew up the feelings developed more. He was always there for her, her unspoken thoughts lingering in the background. But there was a hurdle; the sexy, brooding man of her dreams is way older than her.
" Fifteen years ago, a girl asked to marry me."
Dean Collins was a man in his prime. A workaholic attorney who was away from home to escape the feelings which he thought were forbidden. But little did he know it took little convincing and more pressure from her to admit his feelings of forbidden love to unforgettable romance.
This is a beautiful story which shows that wrong feeling feels so right. It's a short, fast-paced read.
Note: Characters from The Unrequited, Medicine Man and Dreams of 18 are present here. You don't have to read those books to read California Dreamin'. It's a complete standalone. Those books have the age-gap, forbidden romance tropes. It would be hard to miss!
Fallon Blackwood is in love with her neighbour since she knew this feeling, as she grew up the feelings developed more. He was always there for her, her unspoken thoughts lingering in the background. But there was a hurdle; the sexy, brooding man of her dreams is way older than her.
" Fifteen years ago, a girl asked to marry me."
Dean Collins was a man in his prime. A workaholic attorney who was away from home to escape the feelings which he thought were forbidden. But little did he know it took little convincing and more pressure from her to admit his feelings of forbidden love to unforgettable romance.
This is a beautiful story which shows that wrong feeling feels so right. It's a short, fast-paced read.
Note: Characters from The Unrequited, Medicine Man and Dreams of 18 are present here. You don't have to read those books to read California Dreamin'. It's a complete standalone. Those books have the age-gap, forbidden romance tropes. It would be hard to miss!
May 15, 2020
4.5 ‘Tiny’ 🌟
It doesn’t matter that he’s older—much older, and that we’ve always been just friends. We have something special and I’m gonna make him realize it, too.
California Dreamin’ was…adorable and wholesome for the lack of better words. The whole time I was reading it, I couldn’t stop smiling or be on the verge of happy tears. I was so giddy to be immersed in their world again to see how the characters that I fell in love with in previous books have evolved. I loved every single page of this book and it was far too short! I couldn’t give it a full 5 stars because I thought it would’ve benefited the book had the story had started just before Dean left for California and we had gotten to experience the consequences with Fallon.
Nobody has made me feel even close to how Fallon does. Nobody has inspired my heart to beat or my soul to fucking sing, for lack of a better word.
Dean Collins was just a huge possessive teddy bear. Fallon Collins, diagnosed with clinical depression at tender age of 13, was innocent, but so strong and mature and just perfect for Dean. Their love story started when 3-year-old Fallon proposed 17-year-old Dean for marriage because even then, she knew that he was the one for her. Dean had all the qualities that make me fall in love with Saffron A. Kent’s male MCs and I just couldn’t help but root for a HEA for Fallon and Dean, age difference and all!
Sometimes love hurts because it’s bursting at the seams.
Even though this is story is about Fallon and Dean, it wouldn’t be complete with their family, namely Willow and Simon. I love that both of our MCs in this book had ever present, supportive parental figures and it was refreshing to read how involved they were in our MCs’ lives. I was so giddy that Willow and Simon, Violet and Graham got their own chapters and I was able to witness just how far they have come. Also, super excited for Brendan’s and Rose’s story. I have high hopes for their story because I expect nothing less from Saffron A. Kent. She is the queen of age gap forbidden romances!
Every day you stole a piece of my heart, Fallon. Every fucking day for as long as I can remember until there was nothing left in my chest. Until all my heart was gone. It was gone and it belonged to you.
Overall, I loved this book and the only reason this is not a perfect 5 star read is that I wanted more character development for Fallon and Dean! That being said, I appreciate every single page in this book because they oozed with emotions that touched my heart and had me on verge of crying happy tears more than once. I highly recommend reading this if you appreciate beautiful writing, strong characters, age gap romances, and Saffron A. Kent, but I would recommend reading Medicine Man and Dreams of 18 first because of how these characters are connected!
It doesn’t matter that he’s older—much older, and that we’ve always been just friends. We have something special and I’m gonna make him realize it, too.
California Dreamin’ was…adorable and wholesome for the lack of better words. The whole time I was reading it, I couldn’t stop smiling or be on the verge of happy tears. I was so giddy to be immersed in their world again to see how the characters that I fell in love with in previous books have evolved. I loved every single page of this book and it was far too short! I couldn’t give it a full 5 stars because I thought it would’ve benefited the book had the story had started just before Dean left for California and we had gotten to experience the consequences with Fallon.
Nobody has made me feel even close to how Fallon does. Nobody has inspired my heart to beat or my soul to fucking sing, for lack of a better word.
Dean Collins was just a huge possessive teddy bear. Fallon Collins, diagnosed with clinical depression at tender age of 13, was innocent, but so strong and mature and just perfect for Dean. Their love story started when 3-year-old Fallon proposed 17-year-old Dean for marriage because even then, she knew that he was the one for her. Dean had all the qualities that make me fall in love with Saffron A. Kent’s male MCs and I just couldn’t help but root for a HEA for Fallon and Dean, age difference and all!
Sometimes love hurts because it’s bursting at the seams.
Even though this is story is about Fallon and Dean, it wouldn’t be complete with their family, namely Willow and Simon. I love that both of our MCs in this book had ever present, supportive parental figures and it was refreshing to read how involved they were in our MCs’ lives. I was so giddy that Willow and Simon, Violet and Graham got their own chapters and I was able to witness just how far they have come. Also, super excited for Brendan’s and Rose’s story. I have high hopes for their story because I expect nothing less from Saffron A. Kent. She is the queen of age gap forbidden romances!
Every day you stole a piece of my heart, Fallon. Every fucking day for as long as I can remember until there was nothing left in my chest. Until all my heart was gone. It was gone and it belonged to you.
Overall, I loved this book and the only reason this is not a perfect 5 star read is that I wanted more character development for Fallon and Dean! That being said, I appreciate every single page in this book because they oozed with emotions that touched my heart and had me on verge of crying happy tears more than once. I highly recommend reading this if you appreciate beautiful writing, strong characters, age gap romances, and Saffron A. Kent, but I would recommend reading Medicine Man and Dreams of 18 first because of how these characters are connected!
May 13, 2020
I’m tired. Tired about 18 years-old girls getting romanced by thirty-something guys. I know age ain’t nothing but a number but these numbers are making me cringe,ma’am😬. Why can’t these girls be at least 20 years old? Why make them barely legal ? It’s the same-old ish lately with these type of books. Nothing new. Nothing exciting.
I’m pretty sure that this is my last saffron a. Kent book that has an age-gap plot. I like her writing and I love the whole 🍒 vibe that is going on in her books but I am very uncomfortable at this point.
I’m pretty sure that this is my last saffron a. Kent book that has an age-gap plot. I like her writing and I love the whole 🍒 vibe that is going on in her books but I am very uncomfortable at this point.
January 28, 2023
Ehh.
First 50% of the book is the main romance. Last 50% starts overlapping with 2 epilogue-type romance stories of 2 other related couples (including h’s parents) from previous books and 1 mini-romance of h’s younger bro.
Liked the 20-yr epilogue of h’s parents & another couple more than h&H’s romance. The main romance only had average romance development/characters/S chem/S scenes between 18yo college student h & 33yo lawyer H (who her parents knew & had some hand in raising since before she was born). Liked how H was so into h but due to her age he had to get away from her so he left NYC for LA 2 years ago and she followed him few months later for college. Didn’t like that she had a serious BF her senior year if she professed to have always loved H since she was very young. There was no mention of why she got a boyfriend then (i.e., to get over her love for H?, to try out being in a relationship?). Just did she did and it lasted for 1 year until OM suddenly backed out of their prom date. The 2ndary characters (namely, h’s parents) made a big impact on their relationship resolution. I liked how their story was weaved in to the main H&h's romance. But, once it did, the main romance took a backseat in the book.
Sexual History:
18yo h is a virgin but have kissed other boys, specifically her BF in high school. Not sure if it was a joke that she planned on getting de-virginized by him on their prom night or not. But her prom plans didn’t happen since H secretly scared her BF to back out last minute from their prom date. She & H engaged in foreplay including oral in the book. Her de-virginizing by H was hinted at from their 3-yrs-later epilogue. They’ve been living together while she went to college & H proposed they get married 2 weeks after her college finals got done. No info of H’s former relationships. No info either if then-31yo H dated or smexxed anyone in the past 2 years since he moved to LA to get away from his forbidden attraction to then-16yo h.
First 50% of the book is the main romance. Last 50% starts overlapping with 2 epilogue-type romance stories of 2 other related couples (including h’s parents) from previous books and 1 mini-romance of h’s younger bro.
Liked the 20-yr epilogue of h’s parents & another couple more than h&H’s romance. The main romance only had average romance development/characters/S chem/S scenes between 18yo college student h & 33yo lawyer H (who her parents knew & had some hand in raising since before she was born). Liked how H was so into h but due to her age he had to get away from her so he left NYC for LA 2 years ago and she followed him few months later for college. Didn’t like that she had a serious BF her senior year if she professed to have always loved H since she was very young. There was no mention of why she got a boyfriend then (i.e., to get over her love for H?, to try out being in a relationship?). Just did she did and it lasted for 1 year until OM suddenly backed out of their prom date. The 2ndary characters (namely, h’s parents) made a big impact on their relationship resolution. I liked how their story was weaved in to the main H&h's romance. But, once it did, the main romance took a backseat in the book.
Sexual History:
18yo h is a virgin but have kissed other boys, specifically her BF in high school. Not sure if it was a joke that she planned on getting de-virginized by him on their prom night or not. But her prom plans didn’t happen since H secretly scared her BF to back out last minute from their prom date. She & H engaged in foreplay including oral in the book. Her de-virginizing by H was hinted at from their 3-yrs-later epilogue. They’ve been living together while she went to college & H proposed they get married 2 weeks after her college finals got done. No info of H’s former relationships. No info either if then-31yo H dated or smexxed anyone in the past 2 years since he moved to LA to get away from his forbidden attraction to then-16yo h.
May 16, 2020
4 stars!!!
I’ve been so excited to read this book — especially after all the amazing reviews I’ve seen on here!!
I really loved it!
The age gap, the smutty smut, and the connection between Fallon and Dean is beyond. Tiny, as the H calls the h, has been in Dean’s life since she was 3 years old and is his best friend.
So when there is suddenly a shift in that platonic relationship and Dean moves away, Fallon decides that it’s up to her to make him see clearly.
The way their love develops and the small drama made their HEA so sweet!
Thank you hunnies for recommending this read 💖
I’ve been so excited to read this book — especially after all the amazing reviews I’ve seen on here!!
I really loved it!
The age gap, the smutty smut, and the connection between Fallon and Dean is beyond. Tiny, as the H calls the h, has been in Dean’s life since she was 3 years old and is his best friend.
So when there is suddenly a shift in that platonic relationship and Dean moves away, Fallon decides that it’s up to her to make him see clearly.
The way their love develops and the small drama made their HEA so sweet!
Thank you hunnies for recommending this read 💖
May 14, 2020
3 Stars
Good book. I liked seeing all the gang again, especially my bae Simon. Dean and Fallon were cute too, but I didn't like all the constant comparisons between them and Willow and Simon. Brendan and Rosie were cute, albeit a bit weird at first, but still cute. Graham and Rosie were just okay, there POV was a bit too cheesy for me, but I do love Grahams protectiveness.
One thing I didn't care for was the constant name-calling between them all. The whole "Snow Princess and Ice King" crap, and the "beauty and beast" names. It's too cheesy and cringey to read when characters call themselves stuff like that.
Overall, decent novella, I'm glad to see everyone again, and I'm hoping we get another book in the series.
Good book. I liked seeing all the gang again, especially my bae Simon. Dean and Fallon were cute too, but I didn't like all the constant comparisons between them and Willow and Simon. Brendan and Rosie were cute, albeit a bit weird at first, but still cute. Graham and Rosie were just okay, there POV was a bit too cheesy for me, but I do love Grahams protectiveness.
One thing I didn't care for was the constant name-calling between them all. The whole "Snow Princess and Ice King" crap, and the "beauty and beast" names. It's too cheesy and cringey to read when characters call themselves stuff like that.
Overall, decent novella, I'm glad to see everyone again, and I'm hoping we get another book in the series.
May 14, 2020
Lord help me!
I hated Fallon straight off the bat. She was whiny, petulant and way too immature.
“I even put on a nice pink dress to look more like a grown-up.”
*Rolls eyes* <——— which Fallon seemed to do a lot of too.
I love age-gap romance, it’s probably one of my all time favourite tropes, but this just didn’t do it for me at all. The 14yr age gap was far too obvious because Fallon acted like a child. Dean could’ve done so much better.
I hated Fallon straight off the bat. She was whiny, petulant and way too immature.
“I even put on a nice pink dress to look more like a grown-up.”
*Rolls eyes* <——— which Fallon seemed to do a lot of too.
I love age-gap romance, it’s probably one of my all time favourite tropes, but this just didn’t do it for me at all. The 14yr age gap was far too obvious because Fallon acted like a child. Dean could’ve done so much better.
May 13, 2020
Cute, short and full of goods!
When I heard that Saffron A Kent was going to take "Guys My Age" and turn it into a full novel I was here for it. The book is very cute but I don't recommend reading it as an individual book without reading Medicine Man or Dreams of 18 first, otherwise I think it can be a bit confusing for the reader.
The book is very cute, i mean, we have everything we were promised:
Age gap: YES
Cute story: YES
Hot sex scenes: YES
But I wish the story hadn't followed the same path as "Guys My Age" I know it's silly because this book is supposed to have the same story as the other one but more developed but I kind of wanted a new story instead.
However the book is cute and I can say that as long as it is from Saffron A Kent I am able to read anything. The Unrequited was my favorite reading from last year, if you haven't read it please go read it!
If I had to say an order for the books I would start with The Unrequited, Medicine Man, Dreams of 18 and this book. I also do not recommend reading all the books in a row, I recommend giving at least one book space between each of these in case you are interested in reading.
Rating: 4 Stars.
Steam: 7 out of 10.
Triggers:
Love Triangle:
Cheating:
HEA:
When I heard that Saffron A Kent was going to take "Guys My Age" and turn it into a full novel I was here for it. The book is very cute but I don't recommend reading it as an individual book without reading Medicine Man or Dreams of 18 first, otherwise I think it can be a bit confusing for the reader.
The book is very cute, i mean, we have everything we were promised:
Age gap: YES
Cute story: YES
Hot sex scenes: YES
But I wish the story hadn't followed the same path as "Guys My Age" I know it's silly because this book is supposed to have the same story as the other one but more developed but I kind of wanted a new story instead.
However the book is cute and I can say that as long as it is from Saffron A Kent I am able to read anything. The Unrequited was my favorite reading from last year, if you haven't read it please go read it!
If I had to say an order for the books I would start with The Unrequited, Medicine Man, Dreams of 18 and this book. I also do not recommend reading all the books in a row, I recommend giving at least one book space between each of these in case you are interested in reading.
Rating: 4 Stars.
Steam: 7 out of 10.
Triggers:
Love Triangle:
Cheating:
HEA:
July 8, 2023
starting this story off when she was three and he was seventeen is crazy
November 2, 2019
Welp, I have issues and books with older men are my cuppa and this one delivers. What else is there to say?
May 5, 2020
This forbidden romance novella was a page-turner for me! Before starting on this, I didn't know that it was a novella. I didn't pay any attention to the cover or even the blurb. I only took notice of the author's name and knew that I couldn't pass this one up. Saffron Kent is one of my go-to authors and once again, she owned me with another AMAZING story. California Dreamin' focuses on Fallon, the daughter of Willow and Simon, who you may remember if you've read Medicine Man.
Fallon has been in love with Dean, the boy her parents took in, since the age of three. He's her best friend. He watches out for her, cares for her, protects her. In her eyes, he was born for her. The only problem? He's fourteen years older and that's too old for her. At least that's what he tells himself day after day. But now Fallon is 18, in college and tired of pining away for him. She wants to be with him, so she takes matters into her own hands. She engineers a 5 day road trip with him to finally get her feelings out in hopes that he will feel the same.
Although a quick read, I absolutely loved it. I just wish that it had been longer because I loved these characters so much. There's obviously a back story between them, and I wish we could have gotten more of that. But all in all, this was a fantastic book! If you love forbidden romance, slow-burn romance, age gap romance, palpable sexual tension, angst and heaps of heat, then this is the perfect book! Five stars for Fallon, Dean and California Dreamin'!
Fallon has been in love with Dean, the boy her parents took in, since the age of three. He's her best friend. He watches out for her, cares for her, protects her. In her eyes, he was born for her. The only problem? He's fourteen years older and that's too old for her. At least that's what he tells himself day after day. But now Fallon is 18, in college and tired of pining away for him. She wants to be with him, so she takes matters into her own hands. She engineers a 5 day road trip with him to finally get her feelings out in hopes that he will feel the same.
Although a quick read, I absolutely loved it. I just wish that it had been longer because I loved these characters so much. There's obviously a back story between them, and I wish we could have gotten more of that. But all in all, this was a fantastic book! If you love forbidden romance, slow-burn romance, age gap romance, palpable sexual tension, angst and heaps of heat, then this is the perfect book! Five stars for Fallon, Dean and California Dreamin'!
October 4, 2020
A short quick read that had me entertained.
I'm hoping the author has an age gap romance where the heroine is older. Even though I like age gap romances at times it gets a tad annoying that it's almost always the guy who is way older.
Acquired via KU.
I'm hoping the author has an age gap romance where the heroine is older. Even though I like age gap romances at times it gets a tad annoying that it's almost always the guy who is way older.
Acquired via KU.
August 11, 2023
в мене шок від того, що я нарешті щось прочитала після трьох місяців нечитуна..
May 31, 2020
"It's the most wonderful feeling in the world, being connected to him like this. My best friend. My soulmate. The love of my life."
Compared to "Medicine Man" and "Dreams of 18", this book was slightly better. I like that "California Dreamin'" was shorter because the plot was straight to the point and there wasn't any unnecessary drama. The story had a nice flow and nothing felt rushed or dragged, which means that I didn't get overly bored or annoyed while reading it.
Fallon is Willow and Simon's daughter from "Medicine Man" and she has always been in love with Dean. It was cute to see how determined Fallon was to make Dean fall in love with her during their road trip. I enjoyed her personality and I'm so glad she wasn't a carbon copy of her mother. I wish their road trip were a bit longer because I love this kind of plot and it would have been nice to see them stopping in more places to have romantic and steamy moments.
Even though I'm not the biggest fan of the previous characters, I'm a sucker for the found family trope, so it was a pleasant surprise seeing that the girls from Heartstone are still best friends after all this time. I especially loved Brandon (Simon and Willow’s son) and Rose (Graham and Violet’s daughter). They looked very sweet together and their romance was the perfect ending for this book.
Compared to "Medicine Man" and "Dreams of 18", this book was slightly better. I like that "California Dreamin'" was shorter because the plot was straight to the point and there wasn't any unnecessary drama. The story had a nice flow and nothing felt rushed or dragged, which means that I didn't get overly bored or annoyed while reading it.
Fallon is Willow and Simon's daughter from "Medicine Man" and she has always been in love with Dean. It was cute to see how determined Fallon was to make Dean fall in love with her during their road trip. I enjoyed her personality and I'm so glad she wasn't a carbon copy of her mother. I wish their road trip were a bit longer because I love this kind of plot and it would have been nice to see them stopping in more places to have romantic and steamy moments.
Even though I'm not the biggest fan of the previous characters, I'm a sucker for the found family trope, so it was a pleasant surprise seeing that the girls from Heartstone are still best friends after all this time. I especially loved Brandon (Simon and Willow’s son) and Rose (Graham and Violet’s daughter). They looked very sweet together and their romance was the perfect ending for this book.
May 13, 2020
OMG😱😍Dean is live early😍❤️
You need to read this book now because:
Dean and Fallon are just adorable🥺
You get to see a certain tall bearded guy and his lollipop loving girl😍
You get to see the still hot as 🔥 chemistry between Simon and Willow😋There’s this chair scene...I won’t say anything more
Also Doctor Blackwood duh
AND there’s a surprise you didn’t see coming at the end of book❤️
You need to read this book now because:
Dean and Fallon are just adorable🥺
You get to see a certain tall bearded guy and his lollipop loving girl😍
You get to see the still hot as 🔥 chemistry between Simon and Willow😋There’s this chair scene...I won’t say anything more
Also Doctor Blackwood duh
AND there’s a surprise you didn’t see coming at the end of book❤️
May 14, 2020
Come To California: Kent’s At It Again *SWOON ALERT*
*arc generously provided by the promo team in exchange for an honest review*
“Flames so hot that they turn blue
Palms reflecting in your eyes, like an endless summer
That's the way I feel for you
If time stood still, I'd take this moment, make it last forever.”
Freak – Lana Del Rey
What’s this book about? (I'm trying to give as little spoilers as possible)
Dean Collins is too old for Fallon Blackwood. Everyone agrees except Fallon. She sees him see her. She knows they belong together and now she needs to convince him.
“'Cause I love you so much, I fall to pieces.”
Cherry – Lana Del Rey
Saffron A. Kent is my new boo. When I review her books, I let all the Lana feels loose. This was such a deliciously sweet and fast-paced read! It builds on Medicine Man and there are cameos from Dreams of 18 as well. I felt all the feels. Kent makes dreamy romance for the hopeless romantics of this world and it’s just so irresistible, I cannot. The mood Kent sets with her story is that of an endless summer (even though we ride in the winter time LOL). Fallon was an adorable leading girl. She had the audacity to stand for what she believed in and I loved her for that. Dean was a tempting and possessive snacky snack. The back and forth between these two was cutthroat at times; the snap backs were REAL. Sheesh, shots were fired. He can tell me not to curse anytime LOL. The daddies that made appearances in this book just elevated the daddy game! I was SHOOK.
I recommend this story to girls who make their boyfriends/friends/girlfriends/etc listen to Lana Del Rey, readers who love a heartfelt romance and people who enjoy chemistry that’s off the chains.
“I hear the birds on the summer breeze
I drive fast, I am alone at midnight
Been trying hard not to get into trouble
But I, I've got a war in my mind
I just ride.”
Ride – Lana Del Rey
Goodreads
Bookbub
Amazon
October 31, 2020
Every day you stole a piece of my heart, Fallon. Every day for as long as I can remember until there was nothing left in my chest. Until all my heart was gone. It was gone and it belonged to you.”
Why was this book so short? It had the potential to be a long and complex slow burn that was better than the other books in this series, and instead it felt like a copy of Willow and Simon’s book?
I liked Fallon as a protagonist but honestly it feels like I don’t know her enough to really make a comment. From what I saw, I liked how she took after her mom and was so honest and forward. I liked Dean as well, but same thing! Their backstory could’ve been so much more developed.
As a couple they were good, but it felt like we got more scenes of them when they were younger than actually in the present. I mean, it took them all of two pages to admit they were in love and then two more for their story to be over…
“Yup. I always dreamed about you, you know. About being with you, spending my life with you. But now you also got me dreaming about California.”
“I did, huh?”
“You’ve got me California dreamin’.”
I liked seeing Brendan and Rose, but why was their story so short and part of this book instead of their own? It felt abnormal and like their “relationship” if you can even call it that was just stuck in this book awkwardly. The few scenes they did have, though, were adorable!
MY BLOG <3
MY SPOTIFY <3
January 13, 2020
Cute, short fun read following Medicine man!!! Thank you Saffron for adding this to the end of the book!!
March 20, 2022
They were just so sweet, forbidden and absolutely adorable together- how could I not give 5 stars??
Dean and Fallon were in love since literally forever, but Dean kept his feelings a secret for years since he was 14 years older than her and basically considered to be another son to Fallon's parents. He's a cold man of few words to everyone else but was completely obsessed and would do ANYTHING for Fallon.
I'd also like to point out that he mentions that he was insanely jealous of Fallon's prom date in the past and threatened him to stay away from Fallon, as he was already madly in love with her...when she was 16. Aaannddd he was 14 years older, so IF my math is correct, that would make him 30 years old at the time.
Take that fact as you will🥰
SAFETY:
~No mention of H being with anyone else, even in the past🥳
~h is a virgin
~few sexy scenes, but I still wanted MORE!!! They were 🔥🥵 together...
Dean and Fallon were in love since literally forever, but Dean kept his feelings a secret for years since he was 14 years older than her and basically considered to be another son to Fallon's parents. He's a cold man of few words to everyone else but was completely obsessed and would do ANYTHING for Fallon.
I'd also like to point out that he mentions that he was insanely jealous of Fallon's prom date in the past and threatened him to stay away from Fallon, as he was already madly in love with her...when she was 16. Aaannddd he was 14 years older, so IF my math is correct, that would make him 30 years old at the time.
Take that fact as you will🥰
SAFETY:
~No mention of H being with anyone else, even in the past🥳
~h is a virgin
~few sexy scenes, but I still wanted MORE!!! They were 🔥🥵 together...
May 17, 2020
Even with a short novella this author has the ability to make me teary. Ms Kent's writing is like a punch, impossible not to feel and with the effects lingering after a long time, like a stamp on the soul. I hope she keeps her words coming beceause they hurt so beautifully.
October 31, 2021
Loved seeing tidbits from the previous couples, dean and fallon were cute, and the secondary story about rosie and Fallon's brother was also very cute but a little bit cringe.
I was in the mood for fluffy romance and I got it. 🥰
I was in the mood for fluffy romance and I got it. 🥰
October 13, 2019
RATING: 3.5 'Delicious Age Gap' HEARTS!
I need more Fallon and Dean please! This was not enough!
November 30, 2019
3 ⭐️⭐️⭐️ 1/2 Stars! I was not expecting a novella for Fallon and Dean’s story. I wanted a full book. It was cute, they were adorable together.
May 10, 2022
This was still as cute as it was the first time round- I actually love these characters so much you don't understand. And pls, I'm still SO desperate for a book about Rosie and Brendan it's not even funny 💀🙏- Saffron put me out of my misery 😭😭.
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This book was great. I mean I just love SAK and her crazy obsessive writing: this was literally exactly what I needed at the moment.
It was just absolutely adorable- if you were a fan of the previous books in the series, you'll love this one. It was just really nice and fast-paced to read (although I would've loved to have read more about the story)- and I absolutely LOVED the multiple POVs from all the different characters (seeing Simon, Willow, Violet, and Graham 20-ish years in the future just did things to me).
It was just a really short and sweet novella, about characters that I just adore- And please I NEED a book about Rosie and Brendan- Please and thank you.
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This book was great. I mean I just love SAK and her crazy obsessive writing: this was literally exactly what I needed at the moment.
It was just absolutely adorable- if you were a fan of the previous books in the series, you'll love this one. It was just really nice and fast-paced to read (although I would've loved to have read more about the story)- and I absolutely LOVED the multiple POVs from all the different characters (seeing Simon, Willow, Violet, and Graham 20-ish years in the future just did things to me).
It was just a really short and sweet novella, about characters that I just adore- And please I NEED a book about Rosie and Brendan- Please and thank you.
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