I opted to take Radclyffe for a spin via audio and chose this book, partly because I’m very familiar with the setting (up and down NY) and because the plot seemed relatable. Who hasn’t fallen for their high school best friend and then held on to such love so that it prevented them from moving forward with their own life? I was tentative to read (listen) Radclyffe at all as she’s sort of the biggest deal in terms of lesbian romance (I’ve even seen her books in paperback at my local Barnes and Noble) and, well, I’m pretty critical of the genre. After listening to When Dreams Tremble I can definitely understand the appeal- the writing is intense and the characters are emotional and devoted to one another.
Here’s the premise-
Leslie Harris and Devon (Dev) Weber were closeted friends back in high school. They shared dreams, aspirations, and a little something extra with each other until a painful encounter at a party sends them in different directions. Now, more than a decade later, Leslie returns home after a health scare requires her to take a break from the legal world. To her surprise, Dev, who is now an environmental biologist, is spending the summer in one of Leslie’s parent’s lakeside cabins to conduct research. As the two reunite it is clear that the connection they shared back when they were younger is still present and thriving, but there may be too many past mistakes that haunt them both for a relationship to progress further.
This is an emotionally charged book, which I enjoyed. There’s so much angst and tension. Some of the conflict went over my head though. For example, Leslie’s girlfriend of two years, Rachel, doesn’t seem to care much for Leslie in a way that rises above sex and work talk, and yet she seems to be a wedge between Leslie and Dev. I could see Leslie’s guilt from the past preventing her from pursuing things with Dev, but didn’t understand why this fruitless relationship was an issue. Don’t get me wrong, some of the conflict was very clear- I understood why both characters struggled, but I think it could have been rounded a little better.
I liked how the side characters weren’t vilified. Rachel and Natalie, a park ranger with a thing for Dev, are caught up in Leslie and Dev’s past turned present romance to no fault of their own and each seem to find their own prospects of happiness in the end, though I think the only thing that would make Rachel unhappy would be an employment termination. The relationship between Natalie and Dev was enjoyable to read and I found myself really liking her. Curious if there’s a spin-off book where she gets a happy ending.
There is quite a bit of action in this book (especially for upstate NY) that kept the pacing up and the plot engaging, especially after the characters got together. And that scene in the tent with the thunderstorm- some of the highest tension I’ve read this year.
If you’re looking for a dramatic romance, heavy with emotional angst then When Dreams Tremble could be for you!
https://www.amazon.com/When-Dreams-Tremble
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