Reviewed by Taylin
TITLE: Dreams and Reptiles
SERIES: Foggy Basin Season Three
AUTHOR: RL Merrill
PUBLISHER: Celie Bay Publications,
LENGTH: 290 Pages
RELEASE DATE: August 13, 2026
BLURB:
Francis
I refer to the events of the past year as My Demise, and now that I’ve received a significant settlement, I’m ready to move on with my life. While visiting the town of Foggy Basin for their Pride Festival, I fell in love with the vibe. Lots of folks move there to start over, so why shouldn’t I? My cousin Derek shows me a quirky property for sale just outside of town, and once I see it, inspiration hits. Why not create a retreat where folks can make their dreams a reality? I ignored mine for way too long, but not anymore, and if I happen to run into the hot firefighter I shared a kiss with at Pride, well, I’ll take it as a sign.
Kendall
My entire adult life, I’ve taken care of others, and now I’m ready to start the next phase of my journey in California. I’ve spent years learning about various species of reptiles, and it just so happens that Grandma left me the perfect place to build a sanctuary. Only, I soon discover that my passion project is a bit trickier than I thought it would be. My spirits lift, however, when the saucy young guy I met at Pride moves in next door to me. At first, I worry perhaps he’s one of those wealthy people who come to town and throw their money around, but when I learn the truth about his past, I’m determined to make him see just how deserving of love he is.
For Mature Readers due to sexual content, frisky aunties, reptilian escape artists, and meddling polyamorous firefighters.
Welcome to Foggy Basin. Nestled at the base of the foothills in Northern California, this small town is full of characters just waiting to tell you their story. Whether you’re just passing through or you decide to stay a while longer, you’ll always find a warm welcome from the townsfolk. From farmers and animal rescues to artists and small business owners. Foggy Basin has it all.
REVIEW:
Francis moves to Foggy Basin for a new start. But why should only he have a new beginning? Francis wants to create a life-changing retreat for all who visit. But what does he do with the handsome reptile keeper next door, who also happens to be a firefighter? Does he climb a pole, or use a hose to douse the flames?
Dreams and Reptiles is part of season three of the Foggy Basin books. If you love romcoms, then this tale is for you. It is packed to the brim of love, sweetness, and a community coming together to help fortify the good.
The story is told in the first person from the viewpoints of Francis and Kendall. As with all books from this author, they are a technical delight, with a seamless flow of storyline from beginning to end. The bulk of the setting is between the protagonist’s properties, whose emergence from empty and in need of repair to something in keeping with dreams was a parallel to the lives of Francis and Kendall.
The first half contains lots of backstory, which is essential in getting to know the characters and why they are at their stages of life. Nevertheless, this section is easy to put down and read another night. The reptile encounters were a delight, and their names were genius. I’d have liked to have them in more of the scenes because each encounter lit up the page. As did the antics and snark of mum and aunty.
There is an age gap between Kendall and Francis, and while Kendall is old enough to have a past, Francis has been through a lot in a short time. It has mentally made him older than his years and a good match for Kendall. They are lovely, understanding people. It is difficult to say the story is a slow burn because the protagonists acknowledge their attraction early. It’s the physicality of their relationship that takes its time, mainly due to Francis’s ‘Past Life’.
Kendall is the firefighter, but the active side of his job is kept in the background. I get that the focus is on the couple, and a more rational part of me understands why. However, I’m one of those readers who believes that if you use any member of the blue light services in your story, their job should also be an active participant. The tale is not devoid of action, but it is in the minority.
Dreams and Reptiles is the kind of book I like to read on a Sunday afternoon, under a tree, while the world continues. It isn’t an adrenaline buster, but it is sweet, saucy and full of goodness.
RATING: 
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