Real Like Daydreams by J Wolf {a review}

"I'll stand on your battlefield with you until you see what's real and not what your mind is telling you."

Julia Wolf is back with the fourth installment of the Savage U series! Real Like Daydreams is Julien's journey toward healing and a happily ever after. This book is filled with discussions of mental health, a serious accident, family issues, and people who don't always have your best interest in mind. Julien and Sera's story is emotional, intense, steamy, and it's simply amazing.

My rating for Real Like Daydreams:

Oh how I loved this story!

Julien has been on my radar since Bright Like Midnight. Everything that happened, especially at the end of that book, had me wanting to know what would happen next for him. Then when he became a more central figure in Sweet Like Poison, I was hopeful that Julien would get his story told.

Here we are in Real Like Daydreams, and it was everything I was expecting! Julien's life has not been an easy one, and add that accident on top if it all, ugh. My heart breaks for him. His meet cute with Sera was simple, but effective. It set that stage perfectly. That meet cute played on in my memory throughout the book. Especially with the text messages.

Now did I like the reason behind the fake relationship? No, absolutely not. BUT the way it was handled? YES! So good. Also, Carson is seriously the worst. Okay it's a toss up between him and Sera's ex.Well I mean, then there's Phe, and she isn't my favorite either. But I digress.

Real Like Daydreams honestly felt like watching a tv show. Seeing all of these bits and pieces play out, how those affected the storyline, how it pushed and pulled the characters, I couldn't get enough.

There were moments in this story that were so heated in conversation. You could feel that honesty, that pain, all the emotions just pouring off the pages.

Sera and Jules...love them together.

Sera explaining her past, and everything she dealt with tugged on my heartstrings. Then to see that relationship with her mom and sister play out...heartbreak. Add in the ex, and the ex's best friend? More devastation.

Then there's Julien...that sweet man. You can practically see the shield he has put into place. Plus that pulling away from his closest friends? My heart cannot take it! Not to mention the drama with his dad, and then that pesky little brother. Okay the little brother is pretty cool in the grand scheme of things.

Watching both of these characters go through the rough patches, fight their way out, and work toward that healing? Amazing. They are fighters through and through, and are determined to find a way out of the darkness.

That set up for the spin off series? I cannot wait! One because we'll get to see this group again. Two because we've met the characters for the first book, but we don't fully know their stories yet. I just know when they come together it's going to be intense.

Have you discovered the Savage U series yet? If you haven't, I highly suggest that you do. While some of the books have darker elements, this one did not. This one was much more emotional since it was more mental health based. Regardless all four books in this series have been amazing, and I have fallen for the characters.

Let me know if you pick up Real Like Daydreams. I'd love to hear your thoughts on everything that Julien and Sera have been going through.

Happy Reading,
Laura

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Seraphina…that’s a big name.


The first time I laid eyes on Julien Umbra, he made me cry.

That makes him sound mean, but grumpy would be more of an apt description. Besides, I always cry when I’m drunk.

Hate is a strong, strong word.

I’m back for another semester at Savage U, nursing a bruised heart and shattered ego. That’s what happens when your ex cheats and everyone knows.

Worse than that, the girl my ex told me not to worry about and then banged is vying for the one thing I want: drum captain of the marching band.

Pretend all you want to.

I have a chance to get what I want, there’s just one little thing I have to do: fake date the grumpy guy in the hoodie. The one who sits alone at the front of the class and growls at anyone who speaks to him.

But Julien doesn’t growl at me, and to my surprise, he agrees to be my fake boyfriend.

Breaking the already broken…

Julien is scarred in more ways than one, but he’s not as broken as he thinks he is. There's something about him that draws me in.

I like him, and the longer we do this, it starts to feel like it’s not for show.

All of this is fleeting.

I have to remember this is fake.

When I get what I want, Julien and I will walk away from each other.

The song will end.

But what if all I want is Julien?

Thank you to Julia Wolf, and Wildfire Marketing Solutions, for providing me with an advanced copy of Real Like Daydreams.

Also, I participate in the Amazon Affiliates program. Purchases made through links above allow me to earn a small commission. Thank you!

Bright Like Midnight by J Wolf {a review}

The time has come to return to Savage U! Bright Like Midnight is the second installment of the series from Julia Wolf, and it is now available. If you read Soft Like Thunder, then you already know our characters. Bright Like Midnight is the story of Amir and Zadie. These two opposites are definitely attracted.

I had been eagerly anticipating Amir and Zadie's story since their first introduction in Soft Like Thunder. I had to know what happened between them that day, and how it would play into future interactions.

So, what is this story about? Excellent question. I mean besides the obvious of Zadie filling us in on what happened during the time she was held hostage, we also learned about a traumatic experience in her past and how that has influenced her to this day. Not only that, but we also see Zadie do what she needs to do in order to get close to Amir. A deal is struck, and forced proximity enters the story. Bright Like Midnight tells how these two opposites find their way toward each other, attempt to build a relationship, and have that implode due to outside factors. This book is a college romance, but there is also a suspense element mixed in. It is fabulous, and it has you wondering if Amir and Zadie can get their happily ever after.

Going in to the story I had a general idea of what to expect. The reality though is that this book was captivating. Amir and Zadie drew me in, and held me hostage. They were my captor, much like Amir was Zadie's. Their story, from that first interaction, to the meetup at the party, to the deal that was struck, and everything else that happened was so intense. Their connection was strong. There was trust. There was understanding. There was desire.

The moment of conflict hurt. Seeing those two walk through the after effects was heart wrenching. But witnessing Zadie step out of her comfort zone was worth it. Watching these two go through what they did, and fight for their future, just had me loving them all the more.

I will say there were times that Amir drove me a bit bonkers with his possessiveness. But it's also who he is as a character, so it comes with who he is. It's his alpha nature, along with the persona he has built to work in the industry that he does. He needs to be that tough guy who people listen to, and then do what he requires of them.

That storyline of Zadie and Drew...OOFTA! That was a lot. And then with how all of that played out, and the revelations? DAMN! In my gut, I knew what was happening the entire time, but that little bit of uncertainty crept in, and I doubted myself. 

Julien's storyline toward the end gutted me. I was feeling all the feelings when that scene played out. It was this storyline though that led to Amir and Zadie being in the same place at the same time. It guided them toward being able to be friendly. After all they had a common concern, and so that was a bonding point.

Fully enjoyed every moment of this book. I am looking forward to Elena and Lock's story whenever that is released. I'm also hoping that Julien and Marco might have little novellas (or full length books work for me too) to tell their stories. I'd read them in a heartbeat.

Rating wise, I opted to give Bright Like Midnight 4 stars. As I sit and reflect more on the book, that rating might go up, but I can tell you that it will not go below a 4.

Thank you for taking time to read my thoughts on Bright Like Midnight. This second book in the Savage U series held my attention throughout, and the characters have worked their way into my heart. Cannot wait to return to this setting. I hope that you'll consider picking up the book, and discovering for yourself everything that made Zadie and Amir's story so wonderful.

Laura

Make no mistake, Zadie Night, I am the bad guy here.

The first time I laid eyes on Amir Vasquez, he held me hostage in my dorm.

You made me a promise.

I swore to myself my second year at Savage U would be different from the last. No more hiding from things that go bump in the night. I’m dating now. Making friends. Living my life.

But then someone starts leaving me notes and whispering my name in the dark, scaring me right back into my shell.

Are you my pet?

I’m shy and soft. Amir is dominant and hard. He stole a kiss once, and then he left me.

I should stay far away from him. But you know what they say about the devil you know…

Do I own you?

Amir will protect me, but not without cost.

I’m his, to do with as he pleases.

He thinks it’s a punishment.

But what he doesn’t know is I haven’t stopped thinking about him since he was my captor.

No one’s going to hurt you.

I’m safe from harm if I’m with him because he’s the biggest bad on campus.

Show me your whole universe.

And somewhere along the way, he became my haven, too.

You should be scared of me.

I can’t believe I’ve fallen for the villain.

(Author's note: Bright Like Midnight is a dark college romance that explores mature themes and dubious situations. If you're looking for a nice guy hero, this story isn't for you!)

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Start the Savage U series with

Soft Like Thunder

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Meet J. Wolf

Julia Wolf writes sexy rockers and badass women. She’s a huge believer in happily ever afters, no matter how complicated the road to get there is. 

Julia lives in Maryland with her husband and three crazy, beautiful children. When she’s not writing romance, she’s reading it. Some of her favorite things are, in no particular order: goats, books, coffee, and Target.

 

To learn more about J. Wolf and her books, visit here!

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Thank you to Julia Wolf, and Wildfire Marketing Solutions, for providing me with an advance review copy of Bright Like Midnight.

Bright Like Midnight by Julia Wolf {cover reveal}

🖤🖤 ℍ𝕆𝕋 ℂ𝕆𝕍𝔼ℝ ℝ𝔼𝕍𝔼𝔸𝕃 🖤🖤

𝐁𝐫𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭 𝐋𝐢𝐤𝐞 𝐌𝐢𝐝𝐧𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭, (𝐒𝐚𝐯𝐚𝐠𝐞 𝐔 𝐁𝐨𝐨𝐤 𝟐) 𝐛𝐲 𝐉𝐮𝐥𝐢𝐚 𝐖𝐨𝐥𝐟 𝐢𝐬 𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐀𝐩𝐫𝐢𝐥 𝟕𝐭𝐡. 𝐃𝐨𝐧'𝐭 𝐦𝐢𝐬𝐬 𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐝𝐚𝐫𝐤 𝐜𝐨𝐥𝐥𝐞𝐠𝐞 𝐫𝐨𝐦𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞!

𝐏𝐫𝐞-𝐨𝐫𝐝𝐞𝐫 𝐭𝐨𝐝𝐚𝐲!

Author's note: Bright Like Midnight is a dark college romance that explores mature themes and dubious situations. If you're looking for a nice guy hero, this story isn't for you! This time the villain gets the girl.

Make no mistake, Zadie Night, I am the bad guy here.

The first time I laid eyes on Amir Vasquez, he held me hostage in my dorm.

You made me a promise.

I swore to myself my second year at Savage U would be different from the last. No more hiding from things that go bump in the night. I’m dating now. Making friends. Living my life.

But then someone starts leaving me notes and whispering my name in the dark, scaring me right back into my shell.

Are you my pet?

I’m shy and soft. Amir is dominant and hard. He stole a kiss once, and then he left me.

I should stay far away from him. But you know what they say about the devil you know…

Do I own you?

Amir will protect me, but not without cost.

I’m his, to do with as he pleases.

He thinks it’s a punishment.

But what he doesn’t know is I haven’t stopped thinking about him since he was my captor.

No one’s going to hurt you.

I’m safe from harm if I’m with him, because he’s the biggest bad on campus.

Show me your whole universe.

And somewhere along the way, he became my haven, too.

You should be scared of me.

I can’t believe I’ve fallen for the villain.

Preorder NOW!

Add to your Goodreads TBR!

Meet Julia Wolf

Julia Wolf is a lover of all things romance. From steamy, to sweet, to funny, to so dirty you’ll be blushing for days, she loves it all.

Formerly a hair stylist, she spent years collecting stories her clients couldn’t wait to spill. And now that she’s writing full time, she’s putting those stories to use, although all identifying characteristics have been changed to protect the not-so-innocent!

Julia lives in Maryland with her three crazy, beautiful kids and her patient husband who she’s slowly converting to a romance reader, one book at a time.

Connect with Julia

Facebook | BookBub | Instagram | Twitter | Reader group | TikTok

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Soft Like Thunder by Julia Wolf {a review}

Soft Like Thunder is the first book in the new Savage U series by J. Wolf. This is a dark college romance that explores mature themes and dubious situations. You are guaranteed a badass heroine, bad guys, and a satisfying happily ever after.

If you read the description of Soft Like Thunder, you may have this vision in your head for what this story is, and how it's all going to play out. What I can tell you is that you're wrong. Take that description with a grain of salt. Don't read into the wording. Take it at face value. Honestly there are pieces of the description that sound a bit stalker-ish, and that is not what happens at all.

So here's what I can tell you. Soft Like Thunder is a college romance featuring Helen, Theo, and a whole cast of characters. Focusing on Helen and Theo, these two appear to be opposites. Helen comes from nothing. Her mom is not fit to be a mother, and the relationship there is strained. Helen is trying her best though to survive. Plus she has a little sister who needs her, who relies on her. One day while working, in walk three rich boys. You can just feel the better than thou vibe rolling off them. They are not in the shop to buy anything though, they are looking for a dealer hookup. It is here where we first meet Theo, Deacon, and Daniel. Daniel is a walking red flag. Deacon isn't much better. But Theo, he's a bit different, and convinces the guys to leave before Helen attacks. It is also here where Helen's life is about to change. It is here where she meets Mads, and Mads has a proposition for Helen. Flash forward a year. Helen's life has changed, in someways for the better, and unfortunately someways for the worst. But here she is moving into the dorms at Savage U. Little does she know that in a matter of days, she's going to run into Theo again. Theo's life has changed also. He's no longer on the wrestling team, he's single, and he's living at the frat house with his friends. Turns out Theo and Helen share a class together, and he comes to her rescue the first day. From here, a curiosity is piqued. A spark has been ignited, and these two opposites are drawn together. One thing leads to another, and both agree to a FWB relationship.  Can they find a way to take their current relationship to the next level? Will Helen be able to find a way out of her situation? What will Theo's dad think about all this? What was Helen's opportunity with Mads? All of that is revealed in this wild ride of a story.

As I started reading Soft Like Thunder, I immediately had this preconceived scenario playing in my head. Yes it's hate to love, maybe a little bit of enemies to lovers, but it is more than that. It is these two people who have similar life experiences, yet because of Theo's current situation that it appears as though they are opposites. These two make each other whole. It sounds cheesy but it's true. 

The scenes with Amir and Reno were a bit harder to read about. Knowing what Helen's mom had agreed to, and how that affected Helen's life, was just a lot. It was intense. It was freaking selfish. Yet here's Helen making it happen. Doing things she doesn't really want to do at her job in order to pave the way for her future plans. 

Theo has knocked down her walls quite a bit. She finds him easy to talk to, and ends up confiding in him quite a bit. He's Fort Knox though, and he isn't giving up much information about his past. Slowly things creep out, but it isn't until after the big dramatic moment that the walls crumble down.

Let's back up just a smidgen. I was a bit confused by Theo in the beginning. He has this air about him that was different than the circle he was running with. There was compassion. There was understanding. There was little judgement. When he and Helen began their FWB relationship, Theo's mask began slipping even more. We saw the person he truly was, and that person is amazing. That person has been through a lot, and he's just trying to stay away from the past. At the same time he's trying to walk a fine line with his dad. His dad just happens to be the president of the university, and he's sketchy as shit.

There is so much that happened in this book that I can't even begin to touch on. From Helen's second encounter with Deacon (well the second that we know of), to everything with Daniel the walking red flag, and to the situation with Reno outside the club, it just was all very intense. It showed the reality of Helen's situation though, and how crap just keeps getting piled on.

I want to tell you about the moment when Helen called Lachlan for help. How he was by her side, and went into protector mode. How the moment he heard about Theo's plan, he was right by his side going into battle. I also want to tell you about Elena and Zadie who are Helen's roommates. I had my doubts about Elena in the beginning, but she quickly changed her tune, and became a character I actually liked. Zadie I loved from the first introduction. I also really want to tell you about the amazing speech that Helen gave. It was full of emotions, and I may have teared up a bit. I want to tell you all about the stolen moments that Helen and Theo had. I want to tell you everything, but I can't do that.

Here's what you need to know...Helen is a fighter. She is strong. She is fierce. She will do what she needs to do to protect herself, her sister, and anyone she holds dear. Theo is very similar to this. He is protective. He is willing to do whatever is necessary to make things right. Together these two are that much stronger. They are two halves becoming whole.

I adored this book. Yes the topics discussed were not always easy to read about. They were dark. They were hard hitting. Yet at the same time, it's experiences that people deal with in real life. Go into this book with an open mind knowing that sensitive topics are discussed. If you're anything like me, you'll find yourself falling for Helen, Theo, Zadie, Lachlan, and Elena. You'll also want to be a fly on the wall during a couple scenes. Yet you may also find yourself wondering how things played out with Helen's mom. I know that is one question that I haven't had answered yet. But that's okay. All in all I enjoyed this story, and cannot wait for the next installment. I'm hoping it is Zadie's story, yet at the same time I want to see if Lachlan ends up with who I think he will.

Julia Wolf has created an interesting little world here at Savage U, and I cannot wait to revisit.

Oh, rating wise, 4.5 stars. Helen and Theo's story is going to stay in my mind for some time. I just know it. So dang good.

Thank you for taking time to read my thoughts on Soft Like Thunder. Now, go pick up this dark college romance, read it, and discuss it with me.

Laura 

Cover Design: Kate Farlow
Cover Photo: Wander Aguiar

Helen. What a sweet name for a girl who is anything but.

The first time I laid eyes on Theo Whitlock, I chased him and his frat boy friends with a bat.


I’m no white knight.

I’m broke. He’s rich. I destroyed his car. He chooses not to rat me out.

I was never supposed to go to college, but especially not one like Savage U, where only the wealthiest need apply. One might call this a lucky break, only I don’t feel so lucky with a drug dealer breathing down my neck, and a gangster threatening to burn my house down.

You have a face that could launch a thousand ships.

Theo and I don’t make sense, but being with him feels good, and I need more than my books and classes to distract me from the chaos and violence in my life.

I know you’re my good girl. Aren’t you, Helen? Tell me.

We’re casual. No complications. We have to be. I’m keeping secrets, and I have a feeling behind Theo Whitlock’s twinkly blue eyes is a whole world of darkness.


Do you think about me?

Too much…


Did I hurt you?

He will...if the other savages don’t get to me first.

One Click Now!

Add Soft Like Thunder to your Goodreads TBR!

Meet Julia Wolf

Julia Wolf is a lover of all things romance. From steamy, to sweet, to funny, to so dirty you’ll be blushing for days, she loves it all.

Formerly a hair stylist, she spent years collecting stories her clients couldn’t wait to spill. And now that she’s writing full time, she’s putting those stories to use, although all identifying characteristics have been changed to protect the not-so-innocent!

Julia lives in Maryland with her three crazy, beautiful kids and her patient husband who she’s slowly converting to a romance reader, one book at a time.

Connect with Julia

Facebook | BookBub | Instagram | Twitter | Reader group | TikTok

Hosted by:

Thank you to Julia Wolf, and Wildfire Marketing Solutions, for providing me with an advanced review copy of Soft Like Thunder.     

Soft Like Thunder by Julia Wolf {cover reveal}

Soft Like Thunder is the first book in the Savage U series by Julia Wolf. Save the date for February 3, and do not miss out on this dark college romance!

Pre-order today!

Helen. What a sweet name for a girl who is anything but.

The first time I laid eyes on Theo Whitlock, I chased him and his frat boy friends with a bat.

I’m no white knight. I’m broke. He’s rich. I destroyed his car. He chooses not to rat me out.

I was never supposed to go to college, but especially not one like Savage U, where only the wealthiest need apply. One might call this a lucky break, only I don’t feel so lucky with a drug dealer breathing down my neck, and a gangster threatening to burn my house down.

You have a face that could launch a thousand ships.

Theo and I don’t make sense, but being with him feels good, and I need more than my books and classes to distract me from the chaos and violence in my life.

I know you’re my good girl. Aren’t you, Helen? Tell me.

We’re casual. No complications. We have to be. I’m keeping secrets, and I have a feeling behind Theo Whitlock’s twinkly blue eyes is a whole world of darkness.

Do you think about me?

Too much…

Did I hurt you?

Add to your Goodreads TBR

Pre-order now!

Bloggers, sign up for release events here!

Meet Julia Wolf

Julia Wolf is a lover of all things romance. From steamy, to sweet, to funny, to so dirty you’ll be blushing for days, she loves it all.

Formerly a hair stylist, she spent years collecting stories her clients couldn’t wait to spill. And now that she’s writing full time, she’s putting those stories to use, although all identifying characteristics have been changed to protect the not-so-innocent!

Julia lives in Maryland with her three crazy, beautiful kids and her patient husband who she’s slowly converting to a romance reader, one book at a time.

Connect with Julia

Facebook | BookBub | Instagram | Twitter | Reader group | TikTok