Queen B’s Decree: I’ve always loved the rom com While You Were Sleeping so I was 100% on board for this inspired YA novel.
I loved that While You Were Dreaming delved into some topics that you don’t typically see in romance or YA. Sonia’s mother was recently deported to India, so her also undocumented sister is working at dead-end jobs to help make ends meet while staying under the radar. Sonia just wants a date with her math class crush, but she’s also trying to avoid attention to protect her sister. But of course, when her crush falls and nearly drowns, she has to save him! And from there she somehow meets the rest of his family, including his older brother Niam.
The pacing was a little slow at first, but I really got into it once the action began to happen. There was a minor love triangle with Sonia and her math crush and his older brother, but early on communication occurs so it felt less like a triangle and more like a natural progression.
Overall, it was sweet, but not just the romantic relationship. I loved how Sonia’s family looked out for each other, and even how Niam’s family easily took her in and “adopted” her. While You Were Dreaming was a great read and I’d love some more.
Book: While You Were Dreaming by Alisha Rai
Series: standalone
Genre: YA
Hotness: no salsa
Plot Devices/Tropes: love triangle