REVIEW: Wildest Dreams by L.J. Shen

Wildest Dreams by L.J. Shen: Rhyland has everything; money, power and a reputation for reckless indulgence. But when a high-stakes business deal hinges on his ability to appear settled, he finds himself in need of the one thing he swore he’d never have: a fiancée. Enter Dylan; his best friend’s off-limits younger sister and a fiercely independent single mother who wants nothing to do with him. Dylan has spent years building a life free from heartbreak and the last thing she needs is to play pretend with the man who embodies everything she distrusts. Though even she can see that this fake engagement with Rhyland could really benefit both of them, as reluctant as she feels the pros really do weigh out the cons, but Dylan has a condition; absolutely no catching feelings! Yet, the more they fake it, the harder it becomes to ignore the sparks between them. As tension gives way to passion and carefully guarded secrets unravel, Dylan and Rhyland are forced to face the truth: some lies feel a little too much like love. But when their carefully constructed illusion threatens to come crashing down, will they risk it all for a chance at something real?

I loved this book big time! Really there isn’t anything that Shen could write that I could not love! Shen delivers another intoxicating blend of angst, passion and emotional depth in Wildest Dreams, the second instalment in her Forbidden Love series. I loved the fact that while this was a brilliant romance, there really was so much more to this book; we get a story of redemption, vulnerability and the unexpected ways love can break down even the strongest walls for the most cynical hearts. If you are anything like me then the slow burn and tense build up of what starts as a relationship of convenience that spirals into a chemistry fuelled emotional rollercoaster will definitely be the book for you!

I just adored both of main characters, Shen has done a brilliant job in pairing these two complete opposites together, forcing them to face some real truths and make important changes. I just adored our girl Dylan, she might have been floundering a bit back in her home town but our girl was ready to make some big changes and finally live her best life. As a single mother, she has faced her fair share of challenges, making her cautious when it comes to men, wanting not only to protect her own heart but also her daughter. I really loved the relationship between Dylan and Gravity, these two just had the sweetest mother daughter bond. One of the things that I really liked about Dylan was the fact that she didn’t just fall for Rhyland’s charm and money, she was fiercely independent and refused to be another notch on Rhyland’s belt. I admired the fact that she used her past struggles to grow and be the best version of herself instead of letting it pull her down. Now for our playboy hero, Rhyland, at first glance he would come across as this arrogant playboy billionaire, who is reckless and carefree. However as the book progresses we get to see that Rhyland is not just the shallow playboy he appears to be, beneath his devil-may-care attitude he harbours deep wounds from his past. His commitment issues and wild behaviour are a defence mechanism and really just his way to avoid confronting his fears of vulnerability and failure.

The relationship between Rhyland and Dylan isn’t built on instant love but rather on mutual challenge and growth and I really liked this about this couple. While there is plenty of tension, banter and angst build up to their ultimate love story, these two share something deeper and more emotionally charged. We get to see them battle their fears of commitment and abandonment, try to figure out how to lean on someone else for support and that sometimes just giving into loves free fall is worth the risk. I also have to say I really enjoyed getting to see Rhyland bond with Grav as the book progresses, we get to see a more caring a protective side to Rhyland. He really becomes this big cuddly marshmallow when he is with Gravity and Dylan, and I really loved getting to see him embrace this side to himself.

Simply put I loved reading Wildest Dreams, this book combined Shens signature witty banter, strong characters, slow burn angst and one beautiful emotionally charged love story. If you are looking for a slightly forbidden, fake-dating, slow burn love story then Wildest Dreams is definitely the book for you!

Book Info:

Publication: April 8, 2025 | Bloom Books | Forbidden Love #2

He’ll protect his best friend’s baby sister from anything…other than himself.

Rhyland

Dylan Casablancas is a forbidden fruit, undeniably delicious, but one bite just might kill you.
She’s my best friend’s baby sister, a single mom, and a royal pain in the ass.
When Little Miss Baggage moves downstairs to house-sit her brother’s Manhattan apartment, my potential business partner mistakes us as a couple.
He wants a family guy. I want access to his billions.
And Dylan? She needs a big, burly guy to scare off her loser ex.
Pretending to be engaged to the feisty girl next door gets messy when I take a bite of the illicit apple.
What can I say? I’m an instant gratification kind of guy.
We made a deal to walk out of each other’s lives once my contract is signed.
The only problem? She might take my heart with her when she leaves.

Dylan

Rhyland Coltridge is out of the question.
Unless the answer is: “Who’s the biggest man-whore you’ve ever met?”
Hedonistic. Wild card. Utterly corrupt. And those are just the traits the jerk prides himself on.
My life is too messy for a boyfriend. Even if it wasn’t, Rhyland would be the last man I’d consider.
He is supposed to be my ticket out of this nightmare.
But he’s fast becoming my wildest, most dangerous dream.