Well, there's just no way I can finish this book. The writing is hard to follow, choppy, and full of exposition about the characters. I had to call it quite early - DNF 17%

Wildest Dreams is a poignant and emotionally charged novel that delves deep into the complexity of love, self-discovery, and the unexpected paths life can take after a devastating breakup. The story follows Mackenzie Almazan and Samson Madden, childhood sweethearts whose seemingly perfect relationship unravels due to a single moment of doubt, a broken dream, and unspoken words.

Mackenzie has always lived a life full of love and security, shaped by the guidance of her late uncle and a close-knit family. As she plans her wedding to Sam, her childhood best friend turned fiancé, the life she envisioned for herself begins to fracture after a subtle shift in their dynamic—a shift that makes her question everything she thought she knew about love and herself. It’s heartbreaking to witness Mackenzie’s internal struggle as she faces the collapse of a future that once seemed certain.

On the other hand, Sam's character is equally compelling. Having grown up with everything seemingly handed to him—love, success, and the perfect partner—Sam finds himself at a crossroads. The corporate world he has worked so hard to climb leads him to question his true desires and the person he’s becoming. His mistake feels inevitable, a consequence of trying to fit into a mold that no longer aligns with his heart. The emotional weight of Sam’s journey to realize what he’s about to lose, especially Mackenzie, gives the narrative a raw authenticity.

The novel is a deep exploration of self-awareness and the tension between personal growth and holding onto the past. Both characters go on parallel journeys of discovery, trying to understand who they are without the other and what their futures should look like. Their journeys are messy, vulnerable, and filled with moments of clarity and doubt, making the story all the more realistic.

The book shines in its portrayal of relationships, not just between Mackenzie and Sam but also with the people around them. The secondary characters, especially Mackenzie’s close-knit family and friends, provide both support and conflict, pushing her to confront the truth about her desires, rather than the life she thought was expected of her.

At its core, Wildest Dreams is a love story, but it’s also a story of empowerment and personal reinvention. Mackenzie and Sam are both forced to reckon with their own choices and what it means to live authentically. The novel is filled with emotional highs and lows that pull readers in, and the deep introspection of the characters makes it impossible not to root for their growth, whether they end up together or not.

The writing is heartfelt and beautifully captures the delicate balance between love, dreams, and the painful but necessary changes that come with life’s unexpected turns. The book will resonate with readers who appreciate complex, realistic relationships and the journey toward healing and self-discovery.

Wildest Dreams by Meridith Claire

Mackenzie Alamazan and Samson Madden have been friends since they met when eight and ten years of age. Their lives have been intertwined as they played, learned, grew, laughed, grieved and loved together. They expected to ride into the sunset side by side decades in the future until things changed…will they get their second chance or not and is a second chance their best option?

What I liked:
* That the story had weight without dragging
* The emotional components of the story were handled well and felt real
* Friendships were strong and supportive with honesty in abundance
* I was able to understand why Sam and Mac were close and still faced the situation that they did
* Mackenzie “Mac”: strong, artistic, Filipina, raised by her uncle, loving, kind, good friend, puts others before herself, intuitive, grows a lot, really like her
* Samson “Sam”: brilliant, well educated, raised by his free-thinking Jewish mother, loving, supportive kind, immersed in work, changes without realizing he is doing so
* Bianca & Ezra: good friends that are there for both Mackenzie and Samson
* Samson’s mother, Bianca’s parents, and Mackenzie’s uncle – wonderful, loving, supportive parental figures and role models
* Hunter: a random meeting with him changed Mackenzie’s life…can’t say more but…I adored him and hope that number eight on his bucket list is possible at some point in time
* Oliver & Parker: married couple, work for Hunter, supportive, like brothers to Hunter, good people
* That I became immersed and invested in the story and could not put it down…think 2am and still reading
* Grew to care for and about the people in the story and hoped their lives would work out for the best and as they were meant to

What I didn’t like:
* The atmosphere where samson works with its white privilege, focus on money, and status – especially Clarissa who works with Samson
* The deep pain from the losses more than one character experienced
* Thinking about what it would be like to get a terminal diagnosis and how I would spend the rest of my life

Did I like this book? Yes
Would I read more by this author? Yes

Thank you to NetGalley and the author for the ARC – This is my honest review.

5 Stars

Thank you NetGalley for the early access to this book.

4/5

Evidently, we have now reached the period of time where COVID now makes a passing appearance in the publishing industry. Also, that last chapter was not needed, I need a big pick-me-up after that.

While this book was a refreshing twist to what I’m used to, this book is definitely not for everyone and possibly me. This book deals with hard-hitting topics such as death and being ready to move on from long-standing relationships that have extended over half of people’s life.

This book also deals with reality and not the fluffy-cute kind that most authors write about, but hard-hitting reality that a lot of people face. This book is a reflection on life and there’s a beauty to that life. This book blatantly talks about love, death, racism, and honestly, stereotypes. While I was uncomfortable when the stereotyping was brought into casual conversation - not sure if I’m being too woke there - I understand that these are relatively normal experiences that people can have.

The idea of the bucket list being revealed as the characters travel to new destinations was an interesting concept, it allowed readers to join in with the characters as they travel to new and exciting destinations.

While I was overly frustrated at times with how the characters were at times, I understand that a people are the same way. I read a few reviews before writing mine to see what people didn’t like about the book, or liked, and I have to write that while it is easy to say that people should just communicate with each other to avoid situations like this, that is not what happens in real life. People get embarrassed by their partners when climbing up the corporate ladder, people differ and change and grow, yes probably in new, horrible ways, but they grow nonetheless. This is where the beauty of the book is. Not in the romantic aspects but the Romantic life.

This book, though frustrating and easy to criticise, should be understood deeper than what most readers see.

(Cross-posted on Fable and StoryGraph and Goodreads)

I was not expecting to like this one the way I really liked it. Mackenzie is at a point in her life where things are just not panning out. An unexpected journey that helps her reconnect with herself. I love books like these because sometimes we feel a bit lost and thats ok.

This was amazing! I read this so quickly! I could not put it down. I have nothing negative about the story to say whatsoever! But please for all things holy change the cover! It does not reflect how emotional and deep the book gets. This is nowhere near the cheesy love triangle the cover tries to convince readers it will be.

Before you read this book, please note there are sensitive topics handled. Cancer is a main plot point and is widely mentioned throughout the book (not the FMC or MMC). I feel this is not clear going in to the book. It is handled well and the book would not be this story without it.

I instantly connected with the characters. Mac is likeable and down to earth. I would love to be her friend (or be her to be honest). The character development with all the characters is really good.

Although this book alternates between Mac and Sam's pov, I felt it was Macs story and we just got Sam's as an insight. Both on their own separate journeys of self discovery, I particularly loved following Mac on her journey.

This is a heartbreakingly beautiful story that I highly recommend.

This book wasn’t for me. It absolutely tugged on the heartstrings, which it was intended to do, but I definitely think it leans more towards women fiction than it does romance. Even then, I found myself not as interested in Sam’s chapters as I was in Mackenzie’s. I will say though, that the last thirdish of the book is the strongest part.

This book was so much more than a romance. And I was not ready for it. I didn't prepare my heart! And I should've. Because this was heartwrenching. And lovely. And heartbreaking. And tender. And soooo so emotional gripping. There was two people who ARE in love. Bit things happen both in them and to them and because of them and they both have to decide what next. And with whom..
Or for whom.
And so the adventures or self learning begins.
I felt I could connect with all of the issues. I felt I could be there for all the thoughts these two were having and then add in the other characters and it just felt so true, so pure. It's showed so much of what can be handed to you in life's complex situations.
Ultimately I was in a hold until I new the end and I wasn't sure I wanted to because I needed a certain ending to Come about for my heart.

I really do try not to DNF an ARC, but I couldn't get past the overwhelming experience of learning everything about how the FMC is a laid back California girl who is Different Than All The Others.

Maybe I'll give it another shot after a while, but it just didn't hit with me.

I thought this would be an easy, light, romance read but I was wrong. This was an emotional rollercoaster with some sad scenes. I enjoyed the different POVs through the book, we get to see the characters develop. This is a book of self discovery, romance, heartbreak, loss and lots more.
Thank you to Netgalley for an advanced copy of this book, all opinions expressed are my own.

This one hit me emotionally from the first few chapters - you could see the history between Mac and Sam how the tipping point for Mac occurred in real time. It was a heavy read that I couldn’t put down.

I liked how much culture was included from multiple characters and how all of the characters, both friends and family, also added to the story. The struggles were relatable.

Thank you Meridith Claire and Independent Book Publishers Association for providing this book for review consideration via NetGalley.

I thought going into this book, it would be a cute, sappy, choose between two guys book, not a gut wrenching sob fest! Mackenzie, or Mac, had so much self value that I was proud of her for sticking to her choices, but also going with the adventure and where her heart knew she needed to heal. Her best friend, Bianca is one of the friends I would want in my life. She supported her best friends choices while also giving her own opinion, but not judging or swaying Mac in anyway. Mac realizing her fiancé, Sam was changing in a direction she knew she couldn't join was a big decision, but one that Sam needed as well to push him into seeing how much he was leaving what he fought so hard for behind. Reading Sams journey and his eye-opening situations, while also reading about Mac going on this incredible adventure with new found friends, Hunter, Parker, and Ollie, was exactly what I love to read about. Having two separate people who love each other and are working on finding their ways in the world without the other, can be some of the most head-butting-against-the-wall situations, but I loved how realistic they both were. Hunters story and his wildest dreams list was one of three scenes in this book that made me cry. His appreciation for Mac and his friends was the sweetest thing ever, but also so supportive. The way he just wanted to make Mac's life better in such a short time, was probably the most selfless act a man could do for someone.

I cried three times, not including the last chapter which broke my heart and was also a tear jerker. The beginning it was a little difficult for me to get into, but once we started going on an adventure of a lifetime, I was hooked. I would recommend this book to anyone who is suffering from a loss, a breakup, or is working on building their self up. I would also recommend this to anyone who wants a great second-chance love story with change.

I read Wildest Dreams on my 12 hour car ride to disney. Thinking maybe it would be a nice read while I get to the happiest place in earth.
I was wrong. This book had me sobbing. Between dealing with loss of love and death I've never cried this much before. I loved it. Every minute.

―´⁠arc review`✧

3★ This book follows Mackenzie Almazan (Mac) and Samson Madden (Sam) who were about to begin their marriage journey. But this childhood sweethearts turned fiancé duo was not prepared for the change in their trajectory of their relationship. Comes a new turn of this dynamic, Chaoxiang Zhou (Hunter), which was what Mac needed to find her whirlwind journey of self-discovery and realization of her worth after her separation from Sam.

Pros:
- Interesting concept
- Growth-filled journey
- Realistic at some points
- diverse rep of characters
- explorative locations
- mystery of 'wildest dreams' bucket list
- unique ending

Cons:
- Need better dialogues, like why the characters were not acting like their age
- disjoined flow
- overly dramatic in the beginning, Mac decision to leave Sam just because he didn't introduce her as his fiancée? i get one mis-action can change the course of any relationship but her, they were practically together since they were child, so that break-up was just abrupt and unreasonable, i expected better communication skills with how long they had been with each other
- more tell than show, i would have felt more connected to Sam and Mac's dynamics if we have got some flashback scenes of them together in the past, showing how much they had changed

Overall, it was a unique heart-wrenching read of relationships, their failures, self-discovery, pursuing one’s dreams, filled with hardships and life-altering choices while showing lights to sensitive topics.

Big thanks to NetGalley, Meridith Claire and Independent Book Publishers Association (IBPA) for ARC.

Thank you NetGalley for this ARC!

I was not prepared to be emotionally destroyed. Someone pass me the tissues box please. I love the way the two main characters (Sam and Mac) are developed throughout this story, as well as representing the diversity that is commonly seen in LA. It also emphasizes an important message, which I feel a lot of people feel they can’t achieve. You’ll have to read it to figure out what I’m talking about.

I found it to be quite beautiful in a messy way. I did not expect this book to be so emotional and angsty, I was thinking it was gonna be an entertaining love triangle because those are my guilty pleasure. It was not that It was not , but I enjoyed it so much. Definitely worth the read.

(⭐3.5)

"Please don't make me another pain you can't let go of."

Thank you so much to Netgalley for providing me with the ARC in exchange for my honest review!

1. Characters
Mackenzie
Unfortunately throughout the story I found my liking of our FMC fluctuated quite wildly. I tended to sympathise with her then suddenly start getting really sick of her. I'm not sure exactly what it was that was harder to tolerate about her - I loved her backstory and personality! Maybe it was the fact that she went off willingly with a guy she'd just met under uncertain circumstances (although Hunter was gracious enough to provide her with heaps of security). I know she'd been going through a LOT, but every time she'd open her mouth to talk she'd start crying 😞I understand her situation was incredibly sad - even I cried too! But some scenes lost a lot of traction because she wouldn't be able to carry a coherent series of emotions while crying.

Sam
OH BOY DON'T EVEN GET ME STARTED ON HIM!!!! I actually can't believe him. I'm glad everyone's letting him know what a d*ck he is, but my GOD. He really couldn't wait like a week??? He was annoying me sooooo bad like what do you mean you know what your issue is but you continue to avoid it and carry on digging yourself a deeper hole???

Hunter
Definitely my favourite character. I really had a soft spot for him, he was funny and sweet and adventurous - I love how he treated Mackenzie, even if they'd only just met, I loooved how he understood what she needed and just let her vent to him, even with everything he had going on.

Side Characters
I loved Ollie and Parker, but most of the other side characters got a little confusing and convoluted. I couldn't really establish a clear image of them in my mind because so much was happening and the timeskips were all over the place, so it became a little difficult to follow along.

2. Plot
I really ended up liking the first 50% of the book! I adored how Hunter and Mac had their little lists and went about doing things for each other. That was seriously cute as heck. But oh my god Sam's perspective pissed me off so bad!! I can't even get into it because I'll burst a blood vessel.

3. Final Thoughts
As for my final thoughts, there were a couple minor things that distracted from the story. The writing was not the best - there were grammar and spelling errors everywhere, and while I understand it's not everyone's strongest point, it did end up getting a little distracting. Especially during some emotional moments, all I could focus on were the lack of commas in places they were needed and random commas in places they weren't!!

However, the storytelling in itself was really beautiful. I loved how we got to see the character development over the story, and how we were able to take little dips into Sam & Mac's backstory without it taking away from the present moment all too much.

Although sometimes the characters would come across as unnatural simply in the way that they were speaking. They'd sound a touch robotic or far too formal at times.

But overall, really impressive story. I've never heard of a narrative such as this one, in the sort of 'second chance romance' but also love triangle? It was definitely original and new!

Wildest Dreams by Meridith Claire

Wildest Dreams was such a wonderful, easy read that kept me engaged from start to finish. One of the standout aspects of this book was its diverse cast of characters, which brought so much depth and richness to the story. It was refreshing to see such representation, and it made the world feel even more immersive and real.

There were moments in this book that were absolutely heart-wrenching, and I loved every second of it. I always appreciate a story that can make me feel strong emotions, and Wildest Dreams delivered beautifully on that front. The main character's journey was so compelling—it was incredibly easy to put myself in their shoes and feel the weight of their decisions. The inner conflict was written in such a way that I felt just as torn as they were, making the reading experience even more powerful.

Overall, this was an emotional and thought-provoking read, with the perfect balance of drama, relatability and romance. A huge thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for allowing me to review Wildest Dreams before its official release. If you enjoy books that make you feel deeply and keep you hooked, this one is definitely worth picking up!

3.5⭐️
A moving book about two people needing to find themselves and each other again. The story follows Mackenzie (Mac) and Samson (Sam). They have been in each other’s lives since they were kids and had plans to get married. An unlucky interaction between them however has Mac deciding to break off the engagement and walk away. She then goes on to meet Chaoxiang (Hunter) who takes her on an unexpected journey and who quickly becomes someone Mac deeply cares for. At the same time, Sam is figuring himself and his needs/wants out as well.

I would use the terms intelligent, diverse and emotional to describe Wildest Dreams. It’s categorized as a (second-chance) romance, but it is a very non-typical one and I would even argue that romance is more of a subplot. This is not a bad thing! However, I was definitely expecting something else when I picked up this book.

The writing took some getting used to: especially at the start, the dialogue seems very formal and a lot of sentences are similar in length. I didn’t notice it as much as the story progressed though. Next to this, a lot is told retrospectively instead of shown, especially regarding Mac and Sam’s relationship, making it difficult at times to understand their long-term relationship and dynamics at all.

While the book has a rocky start, both in terms of writing and the actual storyline, it becomes a beautiful story about self-discovery, friendship, love and dealing with (old) grief. The final chapter from Hunter’s POV was a unique finishing touch which I appreciated! I would easily recommend this book to others as (general) fiction, but not necessarily as a romance novel.

Thank you NetGalley and Independent Book Publishers Association (IBPA) for providing me with this ARC to review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.