A Quick Glimpse into the Story
“Daydream” is the third installment in the Maple Hills series by Hannah Grace, and it brings together the fan-favorite Henry and a new face, Halle Jacobs, as they navigate the ups and downs of their junior year in college. Henry, unexpectedly appointed as the captain of the hockey team, finds himself in a challenging class with a tough professor, while Halle, an overachieving academic, juggles her studies, job, book club, and her own novel writing. They join forces to help each other overcome their respective struggles, but things take a turn when they find themselves on the brink of falling in love. The rule is simple: help each other, but don’t fall in love. How long can they stick to their rulebook?
What I Loved About “Daydream”
Engaging Characters with Depth
Hannah Grace has created wonderfully layered characters in “Daydream.” Henry, with his unexpected leadership role and quiet charm, and Halle, with her overthinking tendencies and determination, make for an engaging duo. I found myself rooting for them not just as romantic interests but as individuals on their personal growth journeys. The chemistry between them is palpable, and their friendship forms a strong foundation that blossoms naturally into romance. The exploration of neurodivergence and mental health representation adds a refreshing depth to the characters, making them more relatable and endearing.
Sweet and Heartfelt Romance
The romance between Henry and Halle feels easy, safe, and natural. There’s a sweetness to their interactions that warmed my heart. The friends-to-lovers trope is done beautifully, and there’s an authenticity in how their relationship develops—from tentative friendship to a deeper connection. The absence of the high levels of spice seen in earlier books in the series makes sense for these characters and their story, allowing the focus to remain on the emotional aspects of their relationship.
Compelling Themes of Growth and Self-Discovery
What sets “Daydream” apart from typical romance novels is its exploration of themes beyond love. The book delves into the importance of finding joy in one’s authentic self, setting healthy boundaries, and prioritizing oneself. Both Halle and Henry are on their individual journeys of self-discovery, and they learn valuable lessons from each other about overcoming challenges, embracing their true selves, and thriving in the relationships that matter most.
A Few Bumps Along the Way
Pacing and Repetition Issues
While I thoroughly enjoyed the book, I must admit there were moments when the pacing felt off. The first half of the book was quite slow I think, with some repetitive scenes that made it feel like the story was dragging. It picked up towards the end, but I wish the earlier parts had been more dynamic to keep the momentum going.
Some Predictability and Political Correctness
There were parts where the plot felt predictable, and I found myself waiting for something more significant to happen. Additionally, the writing occasionally seemed overly focused on being politically correct, which, while well-intentioned, sometimes felt a bit forced and detracted from the flow of the story.
My Personal Reflections on “Daydream”
As someone who hasn’t read the first two books in the Maple Hills series, I was pleased to find that “Daydream” can be enjoyed as a standalone. The references to previous characters like Aurora and Anastasia were minimal, so I never felt lost or disconnected. Listening to the audiobook version while commuting added an extra layer of enjoyment—the narrators did an excellent job bringing Henry and Halle to life!
I found Halle’s character particularly relatable. Her overthinking tendencies and struggles with people-pleasing resonated with me, making her journey of self-acceptance all the more impactful. And let’s not forget her grandma-core aesthetic, which I found both unique and charming.
Highlights and Standout Moments
Strong Female Friendships
One of my favorite aspects of “Daydream” was the focus on Halle’s female friendships. These relationships added richness to the story, offering support, humor, and genuine connections that felt real and unforced. In many ways, Halle’s friendships with her female peers were just as compelling as the romantic plotline.
An Inclusive and Diverse Perspective
I appreciated the diversity and inclusivity present in the book. The representation of a neurodivergent male main character (MMC) and a plus-size female main character (FMC) was handled with care and authenticity, which is rare in contemporary romance novels. These elements added layers to the story and made it more reflective of real-world relationships.
Final Thoughts: A Sweet Journey Worth Taking
Overall, “Daydream” is a delightful addition to the Maple Hills series. It may not be as action-packed or dramatic as some might expect, but it offers a sweet, heartfelt, and thoughtful exploration of love, friendship, and self-growth. While there were moments where the story felt slow or overly cautious in its political correctness, the genuine charm of the characters, the depth of their personal journeys, and the celebration of diverse relationships make this book a worthwhile read. If you’re a fan of slow-burn romances with strong character development and themes that go beyond just falling in love, “Daydream” is definitely worth picking up. And who knows, you might just find yourself dreaming along with Henry and Halle!
