This week, I’ll be digging into Hannah Grace’s newest novel, Daydream, which is part of her popular Maple Hills series. As an audiobook fan who has spent many hours listening to a variety of tales, this one attracted my attention since it bears many similarities with other romance books I’ve read. The concept of collegiate romance, along with the sports setting, instantly reminded me of The Deal by Elle Kennedy, a fan favorite from The Off-Campus series. But Daydream has its own distinct appeal, blending athletics, academic problems, and a touching story of self-discovery.
Why did you chose this one? After reviewing so many romance audiobooks, ranging from heated enemies-to-lovers to romantic friends-to-lovers, Daydream felt like a welcome change. And if you’ve like Hannah Grace’s previous works, such as Icebreaker and Wildfire, you’ll feel right at home with this newest episode. But enough of that—let’s get into what this audiobook really delivers to the table.
Plot Overview
In Daydream, we return to Maple Hills, a fictitious institution that serves as the background for this collegiate romance. This time, the spotlight is on Henry Turner, who fans of the show will remember from Icebreaker. Henry is now the new captain of the university’s hockey team, and although he shines on the ice, he fails in class. Enter Halle Jacobs, an ambitious, shy girl with excellent academic ability. Despite her own responsibilities, which include a reading group and hopes of producing a novel, Halle volunteers to instruct Henry in art history.
Their relationship begins strictly academically, since both have little time for diversions. However, as they spend more time together, tutoring sessions transform into something more, and the boundaries between friendship and romance blur. Henry’s transformation from a self-doubting team captain to a more confident leader, balanced by Halle’s path of learning to prioritize her own needs, is the emotional center of the novel.
Daydream, like its predecessors, engages the reader with a mix of lighthearted banter, tension-filled romance development, and a strong emphasis on character growth. While Daydream may be read on its own, fans of the Maple Hills series will enjoy seeing familiar characters and themes from prior volumes. The sporting context adds a competitive dimension, but the romance remains central to the story.
Audiobook Experience
Let us discuss about the audiobook itself. Daydream, narrated by CJ Bloom and Emmanuel Ingram, is brought to life via their compelling performances. As with Grace’s earlier works, the audiobook relies primarily on its dual perspective—Henry and Halle alternate narrating the chapters, and the narrators’ unique voices highlight the distinctions in their personalities.
Bloom, who plays Halle, has a quiet, contemplative tone that emphasizes the character’s shy, somewhat worried personality. Her voice changes gradually to reflect Halle’s development as she gains confidence in her relationship with Henry and becomes more aggressive about her own aspirations. Ingram’s depiction of Henry, on the other hand, strikes a balance between the character’s athletic assurance and sensitivity as he faces emotional and intellectual problems.
The audiobook is nearly 13 hours long, yet it doesn’t seem too lengthy because of the seamless pace and chemistry between the narrators. The back-and-forth between Bloom and Ingram lets listeners to see all sides of the growing relationship, heightening the emotional intensity.
Themes and Comparisons
Like many current collegiate relationships, Daydream deals with issues of self-discovery, balance, and the pressure to achieve. What distinguishes it is how it balances these heavy subjects with the lightness of regular college life. The hockey team’s camaraderie, Halle and Henry’s inside jokes, and even the faint sexual tension all seem genuine and real.
If you’ve read Elle Kennedy’s novels The Deal or The Chase, you’ll see parallels in how they represent athletes in collegiate romantic situations. While Kennedy’s works often explore more explicit topics and tensions, Daydream remains more focused on character development. Halle’s introversion and tendency to overcommit connect powerfully with anybody who has ever been overburdened by academic or social obligations.
Daydream moves at a slower, more meditative pace than Icebreaker. Daydream seems more like a gradual burn than Icebreaker, which thrived on the high adrenaline of competitive sports and cutting banter between characters. It’s less about the thrill of romance and more about getting to know each other well, with an emphasis on emotional connection rather than immediate attraction.
Character Development
Henry Turner may be the hockey team’s captain, but he’s far from the stereotypically confident athlete. Henry’s character arc is on personal development as he struggles with academic pressure and the duties of his new employment. He’s attempting to combine his hockey responsibilities with his academics, and this internal struggle is an important element of the plot. As he opens up to Halle, we see his softer, more sensitive side, and it is this emotional depth that drives his connection with her.
Halle Jacobs, on the other hand, is a textbook overachiever—someone who has always prioritized academics. But her challenge is learning how to care for herself emotionally, and via Henry, she begins to discover new aspects of herself. It’s great to watch a relationship in which both characters are equally committed to their own journeys, rather than one character being around merely to support the other.
Spoiler: Key Plot Twists
While the plot is mostly a slow-burn romance, there are a few pivotal events that propel the characters—and their relationship—forward. One important shift occurs when Halle becomes overburdened by her duties, leaving her to wonder whether she can continue instructing Henry. This moment of tension develops a gap between them, resulting in an intense argument that exposes their anxieties.
Another significant change is Henry’s awareness that he cannot accomplish everything alone. This discovery, along with Halle’s difficulties with people-pleasing, marks a turning point in their relationship. They ultimately admit their love sentiments in a sweet (if somewhat uncomfortable) confession that seems true to the characters.
While Daydream does not depend primarily on exterior drama or major misunderstandings, its emotional depth and emphasis on character development make even little developments seem momentous.
Conclusion:
Daydream is a well-written addition to the Maple Hills series, with a sweet, slow-burn romance that will appeal to lovers of collegiate romance and character-driven stories. With entertaining narrators and an emphasis on emotional development, the audiobook is a highlight in its category, offering listeners a fully immersive experience. If you loved The Deal or The Chase, or if you’re just seeking for a romance that blends athletics, academics, and genuine connection, Daydream should be next on your to-read list.
