Daydream by Hannah Grace

Opening Thoughts: When Friends Become So Much More

You know that feeling when you’re curled up with a good book, lost in the world of fictional characters, and suddenly you realize your cheeks hurt from smiling so much? That’s exactly what happened to me while devouring Hannah Grace’s latest offering, “Daydream.” As the third installment in her wildly popular Maple Hills series, this book had some big skates to fill after the steamy success of “Icebreaker” and “Wildfire.” But let me tell you, folks – Grace not only met expectations, she freaking shattered them like a hockey puck through a glass window.

The Lowdown: What’s It All About?

Meet Our Lovable Leads

First up, we’ve got Henry Turner—the reluctant hockey captain with a heart of gold and a tendency to procrastinate that rivals my own Netflix-binging habits. Seriously, I’ve never related to a character’s academic struggles quite so hard. Then there’s Halle Jacobs—a bookish beauty who’s trying to write her own novel while juggling school, work, and a serious case of people-pleasing. These two couldn’t be more different on paper, but as we all know, opposites attract like nobody’s business.

A Deal with Delicious Consequences

When Henry finds himself in hot water with his least favorite professor (we’ve all been there, right?), Halle swoops in like a nerdy knight in shining armor to help him tackle his reading assignments. In return, Henry promises to give Halle the real-life experiences she needs to overcome her writer’s block. It’s a win-win situation… until those pesky feelings start getting in the way.

The Good, The Great, and The OMG-Worthy

Character Development That’ll Make You Swoon

Let’s be real—we’ve all read our fair share of college romances where the characters feel about as deep as a kiddie pool. Not here, my friends. Hannah Grace has crafted two leads that are so wonderfully flawed and relatable, you’ll feel like you’re reading about your own friends (or maybe even yourself).

Henry’s journey from reluctant leader to confident captain had me cheering like I was at an actual hockey game. And Halle? Don’t even get me started on how much I adored watching her come into her own, learning to prioritize herself and chase her dreams. It’s the kind of character growth that makes you want to stand up and slow clap.

Chemistry That’ll Fog Up Your Kindle

Holy smokes, people. The tension between Henry and Halle is so thick you could cut it with a knife—or maybe a hockey stick in this case. Their banter is top-notch, full of witty comebacks and playful teasing that’ll have you grinning like an idiot. But it’s not just about the laughs; there’s a tenderness to their interactions that’ll make your heart do little somersaults.

And when things finally heat up? Let’s just say you might want to keep a fan handy. Grace strikes the perfect balance between sweet and steamy, giving us scenes that are both swoon-worthy and blush-inducing.

A Supporting Cast That Steals the Show

While Henry and Halle are undoubtedly the stars of this show, the secondary characters are far from forgettable. From Halle’s sassy group of girlfriends to Henry’s rowdy teammates, every character feels fully realized and adds something special to the story. I found myself particularly fond of Aurora – her no-nonsense attitude and fierce loyalty to Halle had me wishing she was my BFF.

The Not-So-Great (Because Nobody’s Perfect)

A Slightly Predictable Plot

Look, I’m not saying the story isn’t engaging—it absolutely is. But if you’re a seasoned romance reader, you might be able to see some of the plot points coming from a mile away. That being said, Grace’s writing is so enjoyable that even when you know what’s coming, you’re still fully invested in the journey.

A Few Loose Ends

Without getting into spoiler territory, there were a couple of subplots that felt a bit unresolved by the end. I’m hoping this means we’ll get more closure in future books, but it did leave me with a few lingering questions.

The Verdict: Is It Worth Your Time?

In case it wasn’t obvious from my gushing, let me spell it out for you: YES. A thousand times yes. Daydream by Hannah Grace is the perfect blend of humor, heart, and heat that’ll leave you with a serious book hangover. Whether you’re a die-hard romance fan or just dipping your toes into the genre, this book has something for everyone.

Hannah Grace has once again proven why she’s quickly becoming a powerhouse in the new adult romance world. Her ability to create characters that feel like real people, complete with flaws and insecurities, is truly remarkable. And don’t even get me started on how she manages to make hockey sound sexy—I never thought I’d be so invested in power plays and penalty kills.

Who Should Read This Book?

• Fans of college romances with depth and humor
• Anyone who’s ever struggled with self-doubt or people-pleasing tendencies
• Hockey enthusiasts (or those who just appreciate a good sports metaphor)
• Readers who love a slow-burn romance with plenty of tension
• Anyone who’s ever procrastinated on a big project (so… everyone?)

Final Thoughts

Daydream by Hannah Grace is more than just a romance novel; it’s a story about finding yourself, overcoming your fears, and learning to put yourself first. It’s about the power of friendship, the importance of communication, and the courage it takes to chase your dreams.

As I closed the book (or, let’s be real, swiped to the last page on my e-reader), I found myself with a goofy grin on my face and a warm, fuzzy feeling in my chest. That, my friends, is the sign of a truly great read.

So go ahead, treat yourself to a copy of “Daydream.” Just make sure you clear your schedule first, because once you start, you won’t want to put it down. And who knows? You might just find yourself inspired to take a chance on your own dreams… or maybe sign up for an ice skating class. No judgment here.

The Maple Hills Series: A Quick Rundown

If you’re new to Hannah Grace’s work, here’s a quick overview of the Maple Hills series:

1. “Icebreaker“—the one that started it all, featuring the fiery romance between Anastasia Allen and Nathan Hawkins.
2. “Wildfire” – A scorching-hot follow-up that tells the story of Lola Adler and Robbie Olsen.
3. “Daydream” – The latest installment, focusing on Henry Turner and Halle Jacobs.

While each book can be read as a standalone, I highly recommend starting from the beginning to get the full Maple Hills experience. Trust me, you won’t regret it.

Similar Books You Might Enjoy

If you’re looking for more college romances that’ll make your heart race, check out:

• “The Off-Campus” series by Elle Kennedy
• “All Lined Up” by Cora Carmack
• “The Deal” by Elle Kennedy
• “Sarina Bowen’s Ivy Years” series

In Conclusion: A Must-Read for Romance Lovers

Hannah Grace has done it again with “Daydream,” delivering a heartwarming, hilarious, and utterly captivating romance that’ll have you believing in the power of second chances and the magic of falling in love with your best friend. So grab a cozy blanket, your beverage of choice, and prepare to lose yourself in the world of Maple Hills. Just don’t blame me if you end up with a sudden craving for ice cream and a newfound appreciation for hockey players.