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Readers` Reviews
★ ★ ★ ☆ ☆
shreya mittal
All said, I felt the book dragged because Linda Howard spent more time on detailed descriptions of the thoughts and feelings and microanalysis of the characters by each other than advancing the plot. The sex was very descriptive so add a star for that if you like.
★ ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆
faisal
I bought this book because Deanna Raybourn recommended it in an the store Daily posting under the heading of her most favorite Romance books ever. To that I say, really? I found the book to be a strange mixture of compelling and annoying. The suspense and mystery were fairly well written but the main characters were vapid and lacking in dimension. Also, the killer is named in the middle of the book thereby removing all suspense. I almost didn't finish the book. Now, not only have a wasted my time on a so-so romance/mystery, I probably won't read any more Deanna Raybourn based on this terrible recommendation.
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
christine brown
*uSAT NYT bestselling author Linda Howard has outdid herself with another romantic suspense..It's a must read!...........After six years of trying to put the past behind her, Marlie Keen is once again struck by one of her own worst nightmares....a vision! Known at one time for being a world renown psychic by working with all types of law enforcement, she gave it all up when she almost died at the hands of a demented killer vowing never to do that type of work ever again. Instead, she packed up everything she owned only to re-locate in Orlando, Fla. where she had been vision free that is until now while she found herself looking through the eyes of a killer once again. Homicide detective Dane Hollister, a tough no-nonsense cop was in one foul mood as he and his partner Alex,just left one of the most gruesome and bloodiest crime scenes they have ever seen with no forsenic evidence, fingerprints or DNA left behind. As the two of them are called into their superior's office and are introduced to Marlie Keen, she recalls her story step-by-step of the killer's movements seen through his eyes only to conclude that she is a psychic. Upon hearing this, Dane is rude, arrogant and obnoxious to her until she stands up, looks him right in the eyes and defiantly tells him off before storming out. The one thing Dane never had any trouble with was in the female department but one look into those beautiful blue eyes, he knew without a doubt that he wanted to see more of her but being a cop, he still had his suspicions of her and she was about to be checked out. After learning everything there was about her, and her infamous known notoriety regarding her past, Dane found himself slowly becoming involved with Marlie. Not only was he determined to erase some of those hidden fears she harbored so deeply but he needed her to know that she could trust him as well. When the chemistry between them comes to a mounting boil, it soon becomes a sexual relationship between the two of them and Dane realized for the first time in his life, he has fallen in love. Could she ever love him? When another exploding vision erupts on Marlie showing a horrific crime scene in its wake, it soon becomes apparent of Marlie's identity to a serial killer right on her heels. As Marlie is hunted down like an animal in the dead of night, Dane has only two purposes as he plays a deadly game of cat-and-mouse with one of the most sadistic serial killers he has ever known. First, he must find and kill the snake before he gets to Marlie first and secondly and most importantly, to tell the woman he loves how he truly feels and only prays that she feels the same way about him......thank you♡♡
★ ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆
phlecia sullivan
I stopped reading halfway through.
These two fall in love immediately, for no better reason than that they looked in each others eyes. That's it, folks. The hero was annoying, totally lacking in charm, and almost as gross as the rapist villain. I don't have a problem with overbearing heroes; in fact, I like them. This guy was creepy.
I LOVE romance, but there was none here. They may as well have been two idiot teenagers meeting at a club and deciding to go home together. The author gives no reason at all for the character's intense feelings. It's a wonder they remember each other's names.
Skip this one. Go for Outlander (and slog through the beginning, you'll be glad you did) or Whitney, My Love (that guy is overbearing and dominant, but at least he really knows her and loves her).
These two fall in love immediately, for no better reason than that they looked in each others eyes. That's it, folks. The hero was annoying, totally lacking in charm, and almost as gross as the rapist villain. I don't have a problem with overbearing heroes; in fact, I like them. This guy was creepy.
I LOVE romance, but there was none here. They may as well have been two idiot teenagers meeting at a club and deciding to go home together. The author gives no reason at all for the character's intense feelings. It's a wonder they remember each other's names.
Skip this one. Go for Outlander (and slog through the beginning, you'll be glad you did) or Whitney, My Love (that guy is overbearing and dominant, but at least he really knows her and loves her).
★ ★ ★ ☆ ☆
alexander sardanov
Great suspense story with a touch of intense romantic/sexual tension, a strong and interesting heroine, and a tough guy hero with a sense of honor and a soft heart. Nice little bromance with his partner as well.
Marlie, a psychic, has a vision of a vicious murder and is compelled to go to the police while knowing it will open her up to ridicule. She was intimately involved in a vicious kidnapping/murder resulting in a 5 year old dying and her being stabbed as well. She has lived a quiet life since. Dane, hotshot detective, is both skeptical and wildly aroused by Marlie.
Once it becomes obvious that Marlie is the real deal and not a charlatan in search of the limelight, Dane is all in. All in as he moves his clothes in; tries to support her in the search for the killer, and jumps her at every opportunity. Marlie struggles with her visions, but has a nice backbone and a temper when needed. Dane is a total guy, an alpha male and unapologetic about it. This book precedes most if not all of the current macho alpha heroes: poor misunderstood billionaire living in their high-rise or the rough and tumble amoral (immoral?) motorcycle men, but Dane is the real deal. Sex scenes are erotic without being overly graphic.
The pyscho sexual killer has his own point of view. Not knowing much about serial killers, he seemed a little paint-by-the-numbers in how the police and FBI identify him. It could be accurate for all I know, but it seemed a little Hollywood slick to me.
Heading into at least a 3.5 rating, it sadly jumped the shark when it came time for the [ big setup. We just had the lecture from Dane’s partner on what an awesome partner and detective he is, when Dane, the partner, the whole police department totally drop the ball on Marlie’s protection. She’s outed as the one who can ID the psycho killer in order to lure him out. You are going to tell me that they place a policewoman at her home as a decoy, but don’t make arrangements to cover Marlie from work? The serial killer has already proved himself to be very good scouting out victims and preventing detection. The author should have figured out another way to have him track her down.
I was also displeased to see how quickly Marlie let Dane off the hook for what she saw as his betrayal. No spoiler on that. You have to read that one.
Climactic scene. [ Loved, loved, loved the end when Marlie is in labor but Dane is the one who really experiences the labor pains. It’s all about him. Like I said, “What a guy!”
It kind of reminded me of my husband. He almost passed out my vaginal ultrasound, and the doctor had to get him a Coke. I'd known my OB/GYN for about 15 years. Where was my Coke. Men!
Marlie, a psychic, has a vision of a vicious murder and is compelled to go to the police while knowing it will open her up to ridicule. She was intimately involved in a vicious kidnapping/murder resulting in a 5 year old dying and her being stabbed as well. She has lived a quiet life since. Dane, hotshot detective, is both skeptical and wildly aroused by Marlie.
Once it becomes obvious that Marlie is the real deal and not a charlatan in search of the limelight, Dane is all in. All in as he moves his clothes in; tries to support her in the search for the killer, and jumps her at every opportunity. Marlie struggles with her visions, but has a nice backbone and a temper when needed. Dane is a total guy, an alpha male and unapologetic about it. This book precedes most if not all of the current macho alpha heroes: poor misunderstood billionaire living in their high-rise or the rough and tumble amoral (immoral?) motorcycle men, but Dane is the real deal. Sex scenes are erotic without being overly graphic.
The pyscho sexual killer has his own point of view. Not knowing much about serial killers, he seemed a little paint-by-the-numbers in how the police and FBI identify him. It could be accurate for all I know, but it seemed a little Hollywood slick to me.
Heading into at least a 3.5 rating, it sadly jumped the shark when it came time for the [ big setup. We just had the lecture from Dane’s partner on what an awesome partner and detective he is, when Dane, the partner, the whole police department totally drop the ball on Marlie’s protection. She’s outed as the one who can ID the psycho killer in order to lure him out. You are going to tell me that they place a policewoman at her home as a decoy, but don’t make arrangements to cover Marlie from work? The serial killer has already proved himself to be very good scouting out victims and preventing detection. The author should have figured out another way to have him track her down.
I was also displeased to see how quickly Marlie let Dane off the hook for what she saw as his betrayal. No spoiler on that. You have to read that one.
Climactic scene. [ Loved, loved, loved the end when Marlie is in labor but Dane is the one who really experiences the labor pains. It’s all about him. Like I said, “What a guy!”
It kind of reminded me of my husband. He almost passed out my vaginal ultrasound, and the doctor had to get him a Coke. I'd known my OB/GYN for about 15 years. Where was my Coke. Men!
★ ★ ★ ★ ☆
alayna
Dream Man It was a typical Linda Howard romance originally published in the mid 1990s with an uber alpha male. Dane Hollister would have been right at home with dominant cavemen if he had lived thousands of years ago.
But he didn't.
He was a police detective in the ever-growing city of Orlando, Florida, near Disney World. His partner, Alex Trammell, had known him for years. They were opposites in appearance but when push came to shove, they were always there for each other. I enjoyed reading about two guys that were co-workers and friends.
They first became involved with Marlie Keen when she walked into their police station and volunteered information about a murder. It needs to be said that she was a psychic in the truest sense of the word. Whether Dane believed her was another matter.
He didn't and they had words.
Unfortunately for him -he couldn't help himself- he was attracted to her. There was a good amount of chemistry between the two. Initially, Marlie put Dane in place because of his overbearing attitude but that was short-lived. [Then the story delved into monkey-sex, with him boinking her whenever and wherever possible]. Finally, he managed to do something he shouldn't have done and gets himself into really hot water with Marlie.
I know many people thought this romance was awesome. I found the suspense engaging if not a bit disturbing. I especially enjoyed the byplay between most of the characters and one of the most unusual epilogues that I have read in quite awhile. All in all, Linda Howard gave me several hours of entertainment.
But he didn't.
He was a police detective in the ever-growing city of Orlando, Florida, near Disney World. His partner, Alex Trammell, had known him for years. They were opposites in appearance but when push came to shove, they were always there for each other. I enjoyed reading about two guys that were co-workers and friends.
They first became involved with Marlie Keen when she walked into their police station and volunteered information about a murder. It needs to be said that she was a psychic in the truest sense of the word. Whether Dane believed her was another matter.
He didn't and they had words.
Unfortunately for him -he couldn't help himself- he was attracted to her. There was a good amount of chemistry between the two. Initially, Marlie put Dane in place because of his overbearing attitude but that was short-lived. [Then the story delved into monkey-sex, with him boinking her whenever and wherever possible]. Finally, he managed to do something he shouldn't have done and gets himself into really hot water with Marlie.
I know many people thought this romance was awesome. I found the suspense engaging if not a bit disturbing. I especially enjoyed the byplay between most of the characters and one of the most unusual epilogues that I have read in quite awhile. All in all, Linda Howard gave me several hours of entertainment.
★ ★ ★ ☆ ☆
alisia
Great suspense story with a touch of intense romantic/sexual tension, a strong and interesting heroine, and a tough guy hero with a sense of honor and a soft heart. Nice little bromance with his partner as well.
Marlie, a psychic, has a vision of a vicious murder and is compelled to go to the police while knowing it will open her up to ridicule. She was intimately involved in a vicious kidnapping/murder resulting in a 5 year old dying and her being stabbed as well. She has lived a quiet life since. Dane, hotshot detective, is both skeptical and wildly aroused by Marlie.
Once it becomes obvious that Marlie is the real deal and not a charlatan in search of the limelight, Dane is all in. All in as he moves his clothes in; tries to support her in the search for the killer, and jumps her at every opportunity. Marlie struggles with her visions, but has a nice backbone and a temper when needed. Dane is a total guy, an alpha male and unapologetic about it. This book precedes most if not all of the current macho alpha heroes: poor misunderstood billionaire living in their high-rise or the rough and tumble amoral (immoral?) motorcycle men, but Dane is the real deal. Sex scenes are erotic without being overly graphic.
The pyscho sexual killer has his own point of view. Not knowing much about serial killers, he seemed a little paint-by-the-numbers in how the police and FBI identify him. It could be accurate for all I know, but it seemed a little Hollywood slick to me.
Heading into at least a 3.5 rating, it sadly jumped the shark when it came time for the [ big setup. We just had the lecture from Dane’s partner on what an awesome partner and detective he is, when Dane, the partner, the whole police department totally drop the ball on Marlie’s protection. She’s outed as the one who can ID the psycho killer in order to lure him out. You are going to tell me that they place a policewoman at her home as a decoy, but don’t make arrangements to cover Marlie from work? The serial killer has already proved himself to be very good scouting out victims and preventing detection. The author should have figured out another way to have him track her down.
I was also displeased to see how quickly Marlie let Dane off the hook for what she saw as his betrayal. No spoiler on that. You have to read that one.
Climactic scene. [ Loved, loved, loved the end when Marlie is in labor but Dane is the one who really experiences the labor pains. It’s all about him. Like I said, “What a guy!”
It kind of reminded me of my husband. He almost passed out my vaginal ultrasound, and the doctor had to get him a Coke. I'd known my OB/GYN for about 15 years. Where was my Coke. Men!
Marlie, a psychic, has a vision of a vicious murder and is compelled to go to the police while knowing it will open her up to ridicule. She was intimately involved in a vicious kidnapping/murder resulting in a 5 year old dying and her being stabbed as well. She has lived a quiet life since. Dane, hotshot detective, is both skeptical and wildly aroused by Marlie.
Once it becomes obvious that Marlie is the real deal and not a charlatan in search of the limelight, Dane is all in. All in as he moves his clothes in; tries to support her in the search for the killer, and jumps her at every opportunity. Marlie struggles with her visions, but has a nice backbone and a temper when needed. Dane is a total guy, an alpha male and unapologetic about it. This book precedes most if not all of the current macho alpha heroes: poor misunderstood billionaire living in their high-rise or the rough and tumble amoral (immoral?) motorcycle men, but Dane is the real deal. Sex scenes are erotic without being overly graphic.
The pyscho sexual killer has his own point of view. Not knowing much about serial killers, he seemed a little paint-by-the-numbers in how the police and FBI identify him. It could be accurate for all I know, but it seemed a little Hollywood slick to me.
Heading into at least a 3.5 rating, it sadly jumped the shark when it came time for the [ big setup. We just had the lecture from Dane’s partner on what an awesome partner and detective he is, when Dane, the partner, the whole police department totally drop the ball on Marlie’s protection. She’s outed as the one who can ID the psycho killer in order to lure him out. You are going to tell me that they place a policewoman at her home as a decoy, but don’t make arrangements to cover Marlie from work? The serial killer has already proved himself to be very good scouting out victims and preventing detection. The author should have figured out another way to have him track her down.
I was also displeased to see how quickly Marlie let Dane off the hook for what she saw as his betrayal. No spoiler on that. You have to read that one.
Climactic scene. [ Loved, loved, loved the end when Marlie is in labor but Dane is the one who really experiences the labor pains. It’s all about him. Like I said, “What a guy!”
It kind of reminded me of my husband. He almost passed out my vaginal ultrasound, and the doctor had to get him a Coke. I'd known my OB/GYN for about 15 years. Where was my Coke. Men!
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
gabasita
*uSAT NYT bestselling author Linda Howard has outdid herself with another romantic suspense..It's a must read!...........After six years of trying to put the past behind her, Marlie Keen is once again struck by one of her own worst nightmares....a vision! Known at one time for being a world renown psychic by working with all types of law enforcement, she gave it all up when she almost died at the hands of a demented killer vowing never to do that type of work ever again. Instead, she packed up everything she owned only to re-locate in Orlando, Fla. where she had been vision free that is until now while she found herself looking through the eyes of a killer once again. Homicide detective Dane Hollister, a tough no-nonsense cop was in one foul mood as he and his partner Alex,just left one of the most gruesome and bloodiest crime scenes they have ever seen with no forsenic evidence, fingerprints or DNA left behind. As the two of them are called into their superior's office and are introduced to Marlie Keen, she recalls her story step-by-step of the killer's movements seen through his eyes only to conclude that she is a psychic. Upon hearing this, Dane is rude, arrogant and obnoxious to her until she stands up, looks him right in the eyes and defiantly tells him off before storming out. The one thing Dane never had any trouble with was in the female department but one look into those beautiful blue eyes, he knew without a doubt that he wanted to see more of her but being a cop, he still had his suspicions of her and she was about to be checked out. After learning everything there was about her, and her infamous known notoriety regarding her past, Dane found himself slowly becoming involved with Marlie. Not only was he determined to erase some of those hidden fears she harbored so deeply but he needed her to know that she could trust him as well. When the chemistry between them comes to a mounting boil, it soon becomes a sexual relationship between the two of them and Dane realized for the first time in his life, he has fallen in love. Could she ever love him? When another exploding vision erupts on Marlie showing a horrific crime scene in its wake, it soon becomes apparent of Marlie's identity to a serial killer right on her heels. As Marlie is hunted down like an animal in the dead of night, Dane has only two purposes as he plays a deadly game of cat-and-mouse with one of the most sadistic serial killers he has ever known. First, he must find and kill the snake before he gets to Marlie first and secondly and most importantly, to tell the woman he loves how he truly feels and only prays that she feels the same way about him......thank you♡♡
★ ★ ★ ★ ☆
craig louis
Dream Man It was a typical Linda Howard romance originally published in the mid 1990s with an uber alpha male. Dane Hollister would have been right at home with dominant cavemen if he had lived thousands of years ago.
But he didn't.
He was a police detective in the ever-growing city of Orlando, Florida, near Disney World. His partner, Alex Trammell, had known him for years. They were opposites in appearance but when push came to shove, they were always there for each other. I enjoyed reading about two guys that were co-workers and friends.
They first became involved with Marlie Keen when she walked into their police station and volunteered information about a murder. It needs to be said that she was a psychic in the truest sense of the word. Whether Dane believed her was another matter.
He didn't and they had words.
Unfortunately for him -he couldn't help himself- he was attracted to her. There was a good amount of chemistry between the two. Initially, Marlie put Dane in place because of his overbearing attitude but that was short-lived. [Then the story delved into monkey-sex, with him boinking her whenever and wherever possible]. Finally, he managed to do something he shouldn't have done and gets himself into really hot water with Marlie.
I know many people thought this romance was awesome. I found the suspense engaging if not a bit disturbing. I especially enjoyed the byplay between most of the characters and one of the most unusual epilogues that I have read in quite awhile. All in all, Linda Howard gave me several hours of entertainment.
But he didn't.
He was a police detective in the ever-growing city of Orlando, Florida, near Disney World. His partner, Alex Trammell, had known him for years. They were opposites in appearance but when push came to shove, they were always there for each other. I enjoyed reading about two guys that were co-workers and friends.
They first became involved with Marlie Keen when she walked into their police station and volunteered information about a murder. It needs to be said that she was a psychic in the truest sense of the word. Whether Dane believed her was another matter.
He didn't and they had words.
Unfortunately for him -he couldn't help himself- he was attracted to her. There was a good amount of chemistry between the two. Initially, Marlie put Dane in place because of his overbearing attitude but that was short-lived. [Then the story delved into monkey-sex, with him boinking her whenever and wherever possible]. Finally, he managed to do something he shouldn't have done and gets himself into really hot water with Marlie.
I know many people thought this romance was awesome. I found the suspense engaging if not a bit disturbing. I especially enjoyed the byplay between most of the characters and one of the most unusual epilogues that I have read in quite awhile. All in all, Linda Howard gave me several hours of entertainment.
★ ★ ☆ ☆ ☆
c hollis crossman
Just finished reading this. Wish I hadn't started.
Hero is a twerp. Or something that sounds like the first syllable in constable. The heroine has visions and is helping the hero (a cop) to find a serial killer. The hero shacks up with the heroine because of their raging lust, and then get this, the hero feels all protective towards her and he actually--leaks to the press who she is--so the killer can see they're using the heroine (a psychic) with the case. He throws her to the wolves. I hated the hero's guts.
Seriously, if you're okay with the hero deliberately throwing the heroine in the path of a serial killer as bait and using her for that purpose after spending so much time together then read this. I wouldn't wish him on any of my girl friends. What's to say he wouldn't continue to throw her in front of a killer as bait since she is a psychic.
Hero is a twerp. Or something that sounds like the first syllable in constable. The heroine has visions and is helping the hero (a cop) to find a serial killer. The hero shacks up with the heroine because of their raging lust, and then get this, the hero feels all protective towards her and he actually--leaks to the press who she is--so the killer can see they're using the heroine (a psychic) with the case. He throws her to the wolves. I hated the hero's guts.
Seriously, if you're okay with the hero deliberately throwing the heroine in the path of a serial killer as bait and using her for that purpose after spending so much time together then read this. I wouldn't wish him on any of my girl friends. What's to say he wouldn't continue to throw her in front of a killer as bait since she is a psychic.
★ ★ ★ ★ ☆
tramaine green
I am considering this book as one of my favourite of LH
This book has just the right ingredients for a great romance and the action balanced well with the romance part. What I like about his book is what LH did with the hero and heroin personality... speaking of which my hero to be likeable and desirable does not need to be a millionaire or a man-whore (popular theme in romance in these days), Dane was simply ordinary... not polished, paying no attention to his wardrobes, eating junk food... a typical cynical cap, but his sharp intelligence and no s*** attitude balanced him well. Add to that his possessiveness over Marlie and protectiveness was delicious to watch especially the scene when Marlie had a vision and contacted him about this, so he ran like devil and when the front door was locked... without hesitation he knocked it out because he was so worried about her! WOW that was one of my most memorable romance scene! I rather enjoy a man who's not strikingly handsome, but is complicated and very male and not sleeping around like a prostitute as a prove... his all that man, experience and can have all the women... that's just not my cup of tea. Dane is the opposite and I love it!
Marlie on the other hand was as fascinating to read! Again she did not need to have the beauty factor to be an interesting character... she was not classically beautiful, like many books emphasising on perfection not adding any dimension which does not work for me.. I need a quality, something that will make me feel for the character... so going back to Marlie, she had many qualities that gave her depth and sassy personality that I as a reader had no trouble connecting to! Her vulnerability was the most endearing quality for me and Dane was doomed from the first meeting with her!
This book has just the right ingredients for a great romance and the action balanced well with the romance part. What I like about his book is what LH did with the hero and heroin personality... speaking of which my hero to be likeable and desirable does not need to be a millionaire or a man-whore (popular theme in romance in these days), Dane was simply ordinary... not polished, paying no attention to his wardrobes, eating junk food... a typical cynical cap, but his sharp intelligence and no s*** attitude balanced him well. Add to that his possessiveness over Marlie and protectiveness was delicious to watch especially the scene when Marlie had a vision and contacted him about this, so he ran like devil and when the front door was locked... without hesitation he knocked it out because he was so worried about her! WOW that was one of my most memorable romance scene! I rather enjoy a man who's not strikingly handsome, but is complicated and very male and not sleeping around like a prostitute as a prove... his all that man, experience and can have all the women... that's just not my cup of tea. Dane is the opposite and I love it!
Marlie on the other hand was as fascinating to read! Again she did not need to have the beauty factor to be an interesting character... she was not classically beautiful, like many books emphasising on perfection not adding any dimension which does not work for me.. I need a quality, something that will make me feel for the character... so going back to Marlie, she had many qualities that gave her depth and sassy personality that I as a reader had no trouble connecting to! Her vulnerability was the most endearing quality for me and Dane was doomed from the first meeting with her!
★ ★ ★ ★ ☆
giao
Dream Man begins when Marlie has her first "vision" in six years. And this one is horrible! She's seeing the murder of a woman through the killer's eyes. Now she's putting her life on the line to let the police know what she knows. However, the police are very skeptical about her abilities. One man named Dane really didn't believe her, but he had a major attraction to her as soon as he saw her. Now while she's trying to help with the case she's also trying to figure out what is going on between her and Dane.
I really enjoyed this book. It has a very interesting plot line, with very enjoyable characters. The whole book was very good! I loved both of the main characters, and the fact that Marlie was a physic. That just added so much extra to the story. The only thing I didn't like was how quickly Marlie knew how she really felt about Dane. Other than that it was a very enjoyable read!
More reviews at Shooting Stars Reviews, [...]
I really enjoyed this book. It has a very interesting plot line, with very enjoyable characters. The whole book was very good! I loved both of the main characters, and the fact that Marlie was a physic. That just added so much extra to the story. The only thing I didn't like was how quickly Marlie knew how she really felt about Dane. Other than that it was a very enjoyable read!
More reviews at Shooting Stars Reviews, [...]
★ ★ ★ ★ ☆
dannon loveland
Great suspense, the closest read I've found to Nora Roberts. I would have given it five stars but for two things. 1. The hero wasn't that likable. The realism in this balances it out; unfortunately in real life, women do fall in love with overbearing Neanderthals like the hero in this book, Dane. He's not portrayed as anything but
a jerk throughout most of the book without the depth that ever really tempers that impression. And as romance books will have it, the heroine still lusts for his sweaty, over bulging physique even after he royally pisses her off. And predictably the book ends as romance books always do. 2. The detail that bugged me the most about the climatic scene involving Dane's house: why did he have trouble getting in when it was his house? Wouldn't he have had a key?
The book did offer great page turning entertainment and I have become a Linda Howard fan.
a jerk throughout most of the book without the depth that ever really tempers that impression. And as romance books will have it, the heroine still lusts for his sweaty, over bulging physique even after he royally pisses her off. And predictably the book ends as romance books always do. 2. The detail that bugged me the most about the climatic scene involving Dane's house: why did he have trouble getting in when it was his house? Wouldn't he have had a key?
The book did offer great page turning entertainment and I have become a Linda Howard fan.
★ ★ ★ ★ ☆
writeontarget2
Marlie Keene lost her clairvoyant abilities six years ago following a traumatic event but they have suddenly returned with a vengeance. A vicious serial killer is preying on Orlando and Marlie has a lock on him. When she reaches out to the police, Detective Dane Hollister is skeptical at best. Despite his disdain for her gift, he cannot deny his strong attraction to Marlie. Before long, he becomes a believer in her both as a psychic and a romantic interest.
Dane is like a bull in a china shop once he decides to pursue Marlie romantically. His super alpha style sometimes work but often has Marlie assert herself. While she has some fragility resulting from the aftermath of a vision, she knows how to handle Dane and the banter was humorous. There are some real steamy scenes involving the two of them as they spend most of their time together trying to capture the killer.
The tension related to the murders is high, especially as the killer escalates and Marlie is at risk. There's a nice balance between the work to solve the case and the development of Dane and Marlie's relationship. The story is interesting and was a perfect audiobook for my road trip.
I highly recommend this book, even though the narrator's voice interpretations were comical in the audio version.
Dane is like a bull in a china shop once he decides to pursue Marlie romantically. His super alpha style sometimes work but often has Marlie assert herself. While she has some fragility resulting from the aftermath of a vision, she knows how to handle Dane and the banter was humorous. There are some real steamy scenes involving the two of them as they spend most of their time together trying to capture the killer.
The tension related to the murders is high, especially as the killer escalates and Marlie is at risk. There's a nice balance between the work to solve the case and the development of Dane and Marlie's relationship. The story is interesting and was a perfect audiobook for my road trip.
I highly recommend this book, even though the narrator's voice interpretations were comical in the audio version.
★ ★ ★ ★ ☆
rice
Another good one from Ms Howard, but not her best. The suspense was lacking in this one unlike most of her others. The killer was revealed too soon. The romance moved way too quickly for my taste and in the end I wasn't real convinced that they knew each other well enough.
The killer was frightening and the scenes gory enough to make you wince, but none of the creepiness you usually get in her novels due to the fact that the killer is revealed to us early on and we know how he thinks and how he hunts.
I was surprised though that I truly began to believe in Marlie's pychic abilities almost from the start. Ms Howard makes her writing very believable and she convinced me she was truly able to sense things and feel the murders. No hocus-pocus here.
The detective in the case, Dane, was a little too pushy. He came on to Marlie so fast and so strong that I was taken back by it.
Having read alot of Ms Howard;s work, this one was a bit of a let-down. The end was disapointing and anti-climatic. If you never read her work before, DO NOT start with this one(although it is good, just not her best) start with 'Mr. Perfect' or 'All the Queen's Men'.
Marlie Keen is a clairvoyant trying to lead a normal and quiet life again when after six years of blessed silence she is seiged with a vision so horrifying that she blacks out. What does she see? A vicious murder by a madman...a madman that exudes his energy so powerfully that Marlie is stunned at the violence of it.
Was it a dream or was it real? After seeing the news the next day and seeing her vision come to life, she knows she is going to have to report the vision and be sucked into the life once again...but can she do it? After what happened 6 years ago?
Detective Dane Hollister of the Orlando Police Department doesn't believe Marlie's claim of clairvoyance. She must be involved in the murder to know that much information. But was she? After witnessing an episode of a vision, he feels chills race down his spine and immediately checks it out only to find that she was 100% correct...they have a serial killer loose in Orlando and the only link to his capture? A clairvoyant who is reluctant to help.
Dane finds himself extremely attracted to the strange woman. What happened to her to make her so afraid? What caused her scars? Dane is determined to find out and to heal them, even if she won't let him in.
The deeper they delve and the more Marlie reveals about her past and the killer, the closer they are getting to falling into the madman's lair. But when Dane goes too far to catch him...it puts Marlie's life in danger and the past comes back to haunt her....
Tracy Talley~@
The killer was frightening and the scenes gory enough to make you wince, but none of the creepiness you usually get in her novels due to the fact that the killer is revealed to us early on and we know how he thinks and how he hunts.
I was surprised though that I truly began to believe in Marlie's pychic abilities almost from the start. Ms Howard makes her writing very believable and she convinced me she was truly able to sense things and feel the murders. No hocus-pocus here.
The detective in the case, Dane, was a little too pushy. He came on to Marlie so fast and so strong that I was taken back by it.
Having read alot of Ms Howard;s work, this one was a bit of a let-down. The end was disapointing and anti-climatic. If you never read her work before, DO NOT start with this one(although it is good, just not her best) start with 'Mr. Perfect' or 'All the Queen's Men'.
Marlie Keen is a clairvoyant trying to lead a normal and quiet life again when after six years of blessed silence she is seiged with a vision so horrifying that she blacks out. What does she see? A vicious murder by a madman...a madman that exudes his energy so powerfully that Marlie is stunned at the violence of it.
Was it a dream or was it real? After seeing the news the next day and seeing her vision come to life, she knows she is going to have to report the vision and be sucked into the life once again...but can she do it? After what happened 6 years ago?
Detective Dane Hollister of the Orlando Police Department doesn't believe Marlie's claim of clairvoyance. She must be involved in the murder to know that much information. But was she? After witnessing an episode of a vision, he feels chills race down his spine and immediately checks it out only to find that she was 100% correct...they have a serial killer loose in Orlando and the only link to his capture? A clairvoyant who is reluctant to help.
Dane finds himself extremely attracted to the strange woman. What happened to her to make her so afraid? What caused her scars? Dane is determined to find out and to heal them, even if she won't let him in.
The deeper they delve and the more Marlie reveals about her past and the killer, the closer they are getting to falling into the madman's lair. But when Dane goes too far to catch him...it puts Marlie's life in danger and the past comes back to haunt her....
Tracy Talley~@
★ ★ ★ ★ ☆
vaibhav aiyar
Courtesy of CK2S Kwips and Kritiques
Marlie Keen moved to Orlando to recover from a living nightmare caused by her gifts as an empath and clairvoyant. A psychotic murderer had killed a young child in her presence as she ¡§felt¡¨ it all, almost killing her with its force. She thought her abilities had vanished as a result.
Suddenly, one night it all comes back with a vengeance, far more powerful that it had ever been before. She witnesses a brutal murder through the eyes of a killer. Unfortunately, the nightmare is far from over. In fact, it is just beginning¡K
Dane Hollister is a detective with the Orlando police department. He is investigating the serial killer whom Marlie is linked to. He scoffs at all things paranormal and initially is turned off of Marlie¡¦s abilities, to the point he believes she is involved in the killings. At the same time he finds himself drawn to her beauty, passion, and sorrow.
Before too long Dane discovers her abilities are all too real and they team up to catch a killer¡Kand love simultaneously.
Ms. Howard has another winner with this novel. She grips the reader intensely with her suspense from the first chapter and doesn¡¦t let go, for even a second. Ms. Howard once again shows her talent in writing the sensual as well, with this story. She keeps the reader on the edge of their seat with nail biting suspense, as well as the never-ending excitement¡Kout of the bedroom as well as in it.
The reader can¡¦t help but like the characters. Marlie is a fascinating blend of innocence and passion, strength and weakness. The reader marvels at her ability to be strong, all the while held under the gruesome force of her visions. Yet she manages to remain innocent and fragile at the same time.
Dane is all male, exuding masculine strength and sensuality. Yet he is driven helpless by Marlie¡¦s talents. His soft and tender side is revealed each time he helps her to deal with and recover from the aftereffects of her ¡¨sight.¡¨
The reader will become totally riveted by this story immediately and won¡¦t want to put it down until the last page is turned. They will stay right beside Marlie and Dane in their race against time to catch a killer.
Marlie Keen moved to Orlando to recover from a living nightmare caused by her gifts as an empath and clairvoyant. A psychotic murderer had killed a young child in her presence as she ¡§felt¡¨ it all, almost killing her with its force. She thought her abilities had vanished as a result.
Suddenly, one night it all comes back with a vengeance, far more powerful that it had ever been before. She witnesses a brutal murder through the eyes of a killer. Unfortunately, the nightmare is far from over. In fact, it is just beginning¡K
Dane Hollister is a detective with the Orlando police department. He is investigating the serial killer whom Marlie is linked to. He scoffs at all things paranormal and initially is turned off of Marlie¡¦s abilities, to the point he believes she is involved in the killings. At the same time he finds himself drawn to her beauty, passion, and sorrow.
Before too long Dane discovers her abilities are all too real and they team up to catch a killer¡Kand love simultaneously.
Ms. Howard has another winner with this novel. She grips the reader intensely with her suspense from the first chapter and doesn¡¦t let go, for even a second. Ms. Howard once again shows her talent in writing the sensual as well, with this story. She keeps the reader on the edge of their seat with nail biting suspense, as well as the never-ending excitement¡Kout of the bedroom as well as in it.
The reader can¡¦t help but like the characters. Marlie is a fascinating blend of innocence and passion, strength and weakness. The reader marvels at her ability to be strong, all the while held under the gruesome force of her visions. Yet she manages to remain innocent and fragile at the same time.
Dane is all male, exuding masculine strength and sensuality. Yet he is driven helpless by Marlie¡¦s talents. His soft and tender side is revealed each time he helps her to deal with and recover from the aftereffects of her ¡¨sight.¡¨
The reader will become totally riveted by this story immediately and won¡¦t want to put it down until the last page is turned. They will stay right beside Marlie and Dane in their race against time to catch a killer.
★ ★ ★ ☆ ☆
laura gesme
I bought this book thinking it was a new release. It had a prominent position on the bookshelf, and the cover had a bold reference to LH's last book: Open Season (which was very good by the way).
The first hint of trouble came when the Dane, the hero, went looking for a pay phone (why didn't he just use his cell); the second hint was when Dane was about to board an commercial airplane and decided at the last minute to leave his gun behind and just take his knife onboard instead! Wait a minute... I flipped to the front and sure enough the book was originally copyrighted in 1994. I don't mind reading older books, but I think it is just plain sneaky when a publisher tries to pass-off an older book as a new release and then has the nerve to charge the premium price of 8 bucks per copy.
Anyway, enough venting. About the story... My first observation about this book is that it was darker and much more sinister than LH's latest releases. Parts of the book were creepy and downright gory, and it lacked the humor and hilarious situations that Ms Howard normally uses to relieve the tension in the story. Secondly I found that this book moved at a must slower pace than her other works. In fact it dragged quite a bit. I found myself skipping a lot of passages, impatiently trying to find the good stuff.
I guess you can tell that I didn't really enjoy this book. If you want a good LH read, try After the Night, White Lies, Midnight Rainbow, Duncan's Bride, or Mackenzie's Mission instead.
The first hint of trouble came when the Dane, the hero, went looking for a pay phone (why didn't he just use his cell); the second hint was when Dane was about to board an commercial airplane and decided at the last minute to leave his gun behind and just take his knife onboard instead! Wait a minute... I flipped to the front and sure enough the book was originally copyrighted in 1994. I don't mind reading older books, but I think it is just plain sneaky when a publisher tries to pass-off an older book as a new release and then has the nerve to charge the premium price of 8 bucks per copy.
Anyway, enough venting. About the story... My first observation about this book is that it was darker and much more sinister than LH's latest releases. Parts of the book were creepy and downright gory, and it lacked the humor and hilarious situations that Ms Howard normally uses to relieve the tension in the story. Secondly I found that this book moved at a must slower pace than her other works. In fact it dragged quite a bit. I found myself skipping a lot of passages, impatiently trying to find the good stuff.
I guess you can tell that I didn't really enjoy this book. If you want a good LH read, try After the Night, White Lies, Midnight Rainbow, Duncan's Bride, or Mackenzie's Mission instead.
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
elias manortey
Dream Man is my idea of romance heaven. The characters are superb, the plot is cleverly constructed, and the dialogue is hot and witty.
Marlie Keen is a great female lead. She is bright, kind-hearted, brave and just a little vulnerable. She thought she had lost her clairvoyant powers six years ago when a killer attacked her, but now they have returned. She goes to the police after a terrifying vision of a stabbing murder.
At the police station she meets Dane Hollister, a vibrant, honest, cynical cop who has enough sex appeal to send shivers running up and down your spine. Dane is mocking of Marlie's claims, but after investigating her past he realises that she is genuine. As soon as Dane realises Marlie is innocent he starts a no-holes barred campaign to win her over. Dane comes across as a real ALPHA male; tough, strong and brave and yet besotted with Marlie. In other words, a man completely deserving of the title HERO.
Overall Dream Man is a wonderful book that I reread time and time again. It is clear that Dane and Marlie are meant for each other and their passion and love leaps out of the pages. The only thing I don't like about this book is the epilogue, which comes across to me as silly and makes Dane look rather weak rather than funny. I'd recommend this book to anyone who wants to read a romance with a protective, alpha male who is not a nasty tough guy but a kind and genuine guy.
JoAnne
Marlie Keen is a great female lead. She is bright, kind-hearted, brave and just a little vulnerable. She thought she had lost her clairvoyant powers six years ago when a killer attacked her, but now they have returned. She goes to the police after a terrifying vision of a stabbing murder.
At the police station she meets Dane Hollister, a vibrant, honest, cynical cop who has enough sex appeal to send shivers running up and down your spine. Dane is mocking of Marlie's claims, but after investigating her past he realises that she is genuine. As soon as Dane realises Marlie is innocent he starts a no-holes barred campaign to win her over. Dane comes across as a real ALPHA male; tough, strong and brave and yet besotted with Marlie. In other words, a man completely deserving of the title HERO.
Overall Dream Man is a wonderful book that I reread time and time again. It is clear that Dane and Marlie are meant for each other and their passion and love leaps out of the pages. The only thing I don't like about this book is the epilogue, which comes across to me as silly and makes Dane look rather weak rather than funny. I'd recommend this book to anyone who wants to read a romance with a protective, alpha male who is not a nasty tough guy but a kind and genuine guy.
JoAnne
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
farzaane
Linda Howard is one of my favorite authors. I will pretty much read anything with her name on it. Still, you have to like her style of writing. The story lines tend to change, but the basic premise is always there. Heroine meets man, he usually has a few issues, and they must learn to love and trust each other with whatever plot Ms. Howard has thrown in. I personally like the way she maneuvers these types of novels.
In Dream Man you meet Marlie Keen who is a psychic trying to live a quiet life away from everyone she knows. She is very much a loner with no friends or relatives that she enteracts with. Although Marlee used to work in the psychic field, she left because she was almost killed while helping the police solve a crime years ago. Guess what? Marlie witnesses "psychicly" a murder and feels compelled to go to the police. At the police station she meets hunky Detective Dane. Dane is your basic gruff workaholic cop who at first believes Marlie is nuts, and then believes she's a suspect. As he follows her around town and has her investigated, he ultimately comes to believe in her ability. Now he will have to work with her as they try to track down a serial killer. The characters are good, the story line flows and I read this book in one sitting. I would recommend.
In Dream Man you meet Marlie Keen who is a psychic trying to live a quiet life away from everyone she knows. She is very much a loner with no friends or relatives that she enteracts with. Although Marlee used to work in the psychic field, she left because she was almost killed while helping the police solve a crime years ago. Guess what? Marlie witnesses "psychicly" a murder and feels compelled to go to the police. At the police station she meets hunky Detective Dane. Dane is your basic gruff workaholic cop who at first believes Marlie is nuts, and then believes she's a suspect. As he follows her around town and has her investigated, he ultimately comes to believe in her ability. Now he will have to work with her as they try to track down a serial killer. The characters are good, the story line flows and I read this book in one sitting. I would recommend.
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
karyne
Howard disappeared for a period while she had back trouble, but she came back with a roar with this mesmerising book.
Marlie Keen is an empath. She feels what is happening to people in episodic black-outs, and what she is seeing now is murder in a most horrible fashion. Though she has been there done that before, she cannot withhold the information knowing the killer will strike again and again, so she puts herself through the ridicule in hopes of stopping a serial killer.
Dane Hollister wants this killer caught and will use anything and everyone in his path, including Marlie Keen. He is attracted her, and he will put himself between her and the killer, but no matter how he feels about her, he will use her as bait to stop this madman.
Marlie is deeply attracted to Dane, feels that attraction deeping into stronger emotions, possibly love. But she fights this, knowing most people cannot accept life with am empath, fearing that their every thought is laid bare. Dane swears he is different, yet when push comes to shove, he proves he, too, is not that much different than the rest.
Despite their personal problems, they are forced to work together, because Dane knows only through Marlie and her gift will be be able to bring this madman to justice. Marlie's visions grow stronger, just as her feelings for Dane, but then he betrays her. He promised her if she helped track the killer he would shield her from the public and the media. Knowing how devastating this would be to her, he deliberately alerts the press to the psychic presence on the case baiting the trap to make the killer focus his attention on Marlie. But in doing so, he may have lost the woman he was falling in love with.
Tense, gritty and emotionally draining. A book you will never forget and a fitting return for Howard.
Marlie Keen is an empath. She feels what is happening to people in episodic black-outs, and what she is seeing now is murder in a most horrible fashion. Though she has been there done that before, she cannot withhold the information knowing the killer will strike again and again, so she puts herself through the ridicule in hopes of stopping a serial killer.
Dane Hollister wants this killer caught and will use anything and everyone in his path, including Marlie Keen. He is attracted her, and he will put himself between her and the killer, but no matter how he feels about her, he will use her as bait to stop this madman.
Marlie is deeply attracted to Dane, feels that attraction deeping into stronger emotions, possibly love. But she fights this, knowing most people cannot accept life with am empath, fearing that their every thought is laid bare. Dane swears he is different, yet when push comes to shove, he proves he, too, is not that much different than the rest.
Despite their personal problems, they are forced to work together, because Dane knows only through Marlie and her gift will be be able to bring this madman to justice. Marlie's visions grow stronger, just as her feelings for Dane, but then he betrays her. He promised her if she helped track the killer he would shield her from the public and the media. Knowing how devastating this would be to her, he deliberately alerts the press to the psychic presence on the case baiting the trap to make the killer focus his attention on Marlie. But in doing so, he may have lost the woman he was falling in love with.
Tense, gritty and emotionally draining. A book you will never forget and a fitting return for Howard.
★ ★ ★ ★ ☆
marion castaldini
After six years or relative peace and quiet, Marlie is haunted once again by images of a vicious killer. In Marlie's case, it is not just a dream; she is clairvoyant, and witnesses murders through the eyes of a killer.
After relocating due to a traumatic encounter, Marlie is now living in Orlando. After reading about the murder in the paper, she decides to go to the police to tell what she "witnessed," knowing that she will be met with contempt and skepticism. She is not disappointed, but does not count on finding herself attracted to Dane Hollister, the cynical and antagonistic detective that she is put in touch with.
After discounting her as a witness, the two embark on a passionate affair that puts Marlie in direct conflict with the murderer.
Not the greatest Linda Howard novel, but the two leads are likable, and the bantering between Marlie, Dane, and Dane's partner Trammel is at times hysterical and most of the time believable. Now if she could just stop having her characters fall in love 10 minutes after laying eyes on them... I liked that Dane eventually had a little psychic ability of his own as the story unfolded.
After relocating due to a traumatic encounter, Marlie is now living in Orlando. After reading about the murder in the paper, she decides to go to the police to tell what she "witnessed," knowing that she will be met with contempt and skepticism. She is not disappointed, but does not count on finding herself attracted to Dane Hollister, the cynical and antagonistic detective that she is put in touch with.
After discounting her as a witness, the two embark on a passionate affair that puts Marlie in direct conflict with the murderer.
Not the greatest Linda Howard novel, but the two leads are likable, and the bantering between Marlie, Dane, and Dane's partner Trammel is at times hysterical and most of the time believable. Now if she could just stop having her characters fall in love 10 minutes after laying eyes on them... I liked that Dane eventually had a little psychic ability of his own as the story unfolded.
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
tissya
From the time her special gift was discovered at the age of four, Marlie Keen was destined to live a life far from the ordinary. As an empath, she has grown up suffering the scrutiny and, often times, disdain of those who think she's a freak of nature. Now after her life was nearly ended at the age of twenty by a madman, Marlie has finally lived a much-craved normal life free of her any psychic incidents - until it was shattered one Friday night by visions of a horrific murder.
With the police bereft of any evidence, Marlie knows that she's the only one who can lead them to the murderer. Armed with her vision, she walks in to the station and tells them what she saw. And as expected, she is met by disbelief. But no one was more skeptical than tough detective Dane Hollister, who is set in unveiling Marlie as the killer's accomplice. But does he find himself in a bit of a shock, the likes of which he has never encountered in his nine years in the force, for when Marlie proves herself genuine, Dane is faced with the biggest case of his life - that of stopping the serial murderer who is now after Marlie, but most importantly, winning Marlie's heart.
DREAM MAN is a suspense romance that will have you glued from the first chapter. The story flows well and Marlie's psychic visions add a lot of suspense to the story. The plot unfolds perfectly and will have you almost at the edge of your seat waiting for the killer's next move. Having read a few of her books, Linda Howard never fails to amaze me with the thorough research she puts into her work, and in this book, we see it in the way she profiles the killer that I found myself hanging on to every word and painting a picture in my head of what the killer looks like.
Now suspense part aside, DREAM MAN also offers some entertainment in the heated exchanges between the main characters, which we see from the time they meet. I absolutely enjoyed how Dane is reduced to acting like an untried teenager around Marlie and the way his partner constantly ribbed him about it. I really had great fun reading about the characters, the attraction they have for each other is quite intense and the author has included some pretty scorching love scenes that burn the pages. (And Linda Howard knows how to REALLY burn the pages!)
I cannot get enough of this author and look forward to reading her other novels.
With the police bereft of any evidence, Marlie knows that she's the only one who can lead them to the murderer. Armed with her vision, she walks in to the station and tells them what she saw. And as expected, she is met by disbelief. But no one was more skeptical than tough detective Dane Hollister, who is set in unveiling Marlie as the killer's accomplice. But does he find himself in a bit of a shock, the likes of which he has never encountered in his nine years in the force, for when Marlie proves herself genuine, Dane is faced with the biggest case of his life - that of stopping the serial murderer who is now after Marlie, but most importantly, winning Marlie's heart.
DREAM MAN is a suspense romance that will have you glued from the first chapter. The story flows well and Marlie's psychic visions add a lot of suspense to the story. The plot unfolds perfectly and will have you almost at the edge of your seat waiting for the killer's next move. Having read a few of her books, Linda Howard never fails to amaze me with the thorough research she puts into her work, and in this book, we see it in the way she profiles the killer that I found myself hanging on to every word and painting a picture in my head of what the killer looks like.
Now suspense part aside, DREAM MAN also offers some entertainment in the heated exchanges between the main characters, which we see from the time they meet. I absolutely enjoyed how Dane is reduced to acting like an untried teenager around Marlie and the way his partner constantly ribbed him about it. I really had great fun reading about the characters, the attraction they have for each other is quite intense and the author has included some pretty scorching love scenes that burn the pages. (And Linda Howard knows how to REALLY burn the pages!)
I cannot get enough of this author and look forward to reading her other novels.
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
shelle
Dream Man is one of my favorite Linda Howard novels...and there are quite a few. I read this back in 1998...and recently re-read it. Still as great as the first time. (Guess that's why it was a keeper!) I do remember the first time reading it how..'un-dreamy' the 'Dream Man' actually was. If you read this sitting up..you'll be on the edge of your seat...if you read it in bed...you'll be hiding under the covers. I have to admit...I don't think there has been one Linda Howard book that I haven't liked.
★ ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆
kaijsa
I would have given this book zero stars if possible. What we had was a jerk of a leading man who seemed to have kept an erection the entire story - is that even possible? He is initially rude to the vapid, dull and boring leading lady and then immediately screws her after telling her just what he was going to do to her. Every opportunity he got he was "penetrating" her even when she was half asleep. In one scene, he waits for her to wake up, climbs on top of her, nudges her legs apart, and penetrates her. This is supposed to be love? This is romantic. He tells her to give him an extra key because he was moving in. And she just lets him. She had no will power and was just constantly used by the jerk leading man who, in the end, sets her up so that the killer knew who she was. Even then, she couldn't stay mad at him. And why, when the leading lady knew the bad guy was breaking into the house, she just waited for him instead of try to get away. I keep hoping Linda Howard would write another book like "Kill and Tell" which, by the way, had a similar alpha leading man. I am giving up on her. I was totally turned off by this book and never cease to be amazed by all these 5-star reviews. Even in the end when the story should have been about the leading lady being pregnant and having a baby, it was all about the jerk and his morning sickness. I'm sick of him and will read no more Linda Howard mess.
★ ★ ★ ☆ ☆
brook stargazer
Dream Man was a pretty decent book. Nothing outstanding or worthy of tons of praise, but a decent read anyway. It was typical serial killer / romance book.
That 'typical' is one of the negatives about things about the book. It was entirely typical. The plot is basically that there's a guy who hates woman and wants to punish them so he goes off and kills them. That's all. It was rather unoriginal. I don't mind serial killer books, but I like a little more creativity in the storyline, something to keep it from sounding like all the other romances with a serial-killers. The psychic detail is nice, but again, not all that original. There just weren't any twists or turns in this story to give it that extra push.
Another thing that bugged me was that Howard revealed the identity of the antagonist very early. You go through most of the book knowing who the person is, what their motives are, etc. There's not surprise at all. It took some of the suspense out of the story when you knew exactly what the bad guy was doing or planned to do.
In the romance department, the book was pretty good. Both main characters are interesting. I wanted a little more background on Marlie...more about how she dealt with her strange life and what not. She had a strange childhood and Howard essentially skims over it. As for Dane and Marlie, They have a fairly nice chemistry. They made a good couple, but not a fabulous one. Dane was a little too pushy for my likes, but I did like how he tried to help Marlie over her fears and was there for her in the aftermath of her visions.
Overall, it was just a decent book, like I said. The ending annoyed me a bit. It was a little rushed, and when all was said and done, I felt like there were issues left open, that there wasn't enough closure to the story and things that had happened. I wanted just a little bit about how Marlie dealt with losing her job, and how she was dealing with the press knowing of her involvement in the case. I basically wanted a little more of the aftermath. Oh, and the epilogue was rather strange. But anyway, though I have complaints, the book wasn't a bad read. I didn't have any trouble getting through it. Though I have to say that compared to some other Howard books I've read, this one is really subpar.
Rating: 3.5 / 5
That 'typical' is one of the negatives about things about the book. It was entirely typical. The plot is basically that there's a guy who hates woman and wants to punish them so he goes off and kills them. That's all. It was rather unoriginal. I don't mind serial killer books, but I like a little more creativity in the storyline, something to keep it from sounding like all the other romances with a serial-killers. The psychic detail is nice, but again, not all that original. There just weren't any twists or turns in this story to give it that extra push.
Another thing that bugged me was that Howard revealed the identity of the antagonist very early. You go through most of the book knowing who the person is, what their motives are, etc. There's not surprise at all. It took some of the suspense out of the story when you knew exactly what the bad guy was doing or planned to do.
In the romance department, the book was pretty good. Both main characters are interesting. I wanted a little more background on Marlie...more about how she dealt with her strange life and what not. She had a strange childhood and Howard essentially skims over it. As for Dane and Marlie, They have a fairly nice chemistry. They made a good couple, but not a fabulous one. Dane was a little too pushy for my likes, but I did like how he tried to help Marlie over her fears and was there for her in the aftermath of her visions.
Overall, it was just a decent book, like I said. The ending annoyed me a bit. It was a little rushed, and when all was said and done, I felt like there were issues left open, that there wasn't enough closure to the story and things that had happened. I wanted just a little bit about how Marlie dealt with losing her job, and how she was dealing with the press knowing of her involvement in the case. I basically wanted a little more of the aftermath. Oh, and the epilogue was rather strange. But anyway, though I have complaints, the book wasn't a bad read. I didn't have any trouble getting through it. Though I have to say that compared to some other Howard books I've read, this one is really subpar.
Rating: 3.5 / 5
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
kevin michael
"Dream Man" is really a good book. I finished this book so quick, because it was so good.
The killer is really smart and so very evil. He kills women that he thinks that deserve a punishment. The killer totally hacks at women's bodies and he leaves no evidence for the police to find out about him. Luckily Marlie Keen, the psychic, can see what he's seeing, feel what he's feeling. Marlie reports it to the police. At first they don't believe her, they even believe SHE committed the murders. But slowly she proves her point.
Then there is the Detective Dane Hollister, who's really attracting. They're both attracted to each other and they feel passion and more for each other.
But Dane and Marlie are in a dangerous situation, because the killer could strike very closely to them and who knows what would happen...
This is the first time I read a book by Linda Howard. But deffinitely not the last. I think this book is suspenseful and a little bit on the cunning side.
The killer is really smart and so very evil. He kills women that he thinks that deserve a punishment. The killer totally hacks at women's bodies and he leaves no evidence for the police to find out about him. Luckily Marlie Keen, the psychic, can see what he's seeing, feel what he's feeling. Marlie reports it to the police. At first they don't believe her, they even believe SHE committed the murders. But slowly she proves her point.
Then there is the Detective Dane Hollister, who's really attracting. They're both attracted to each other and they feel passion and more for each other.
But Dane and Marlie are in a dangerous situation, because the killer could strike very closely to them and who knows what would happen...
This is the first time I read a book by Linda Howard. But deffinitely not the last. I think this book is suspenseful and a little bit on the cunning side.
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
chelsea dyreng
I enjoyed Dream Man. A reluctant clairvoyant and a sceptic detective fall in love and solve the case of a serial killer. There's plenty of action, suspense and romance to fill a few winter evenings by the fireside.
★ ★ ☆ ☆ ☆
jasmine
I've read numerous Linda Howard books and realized this was my least favorite about halfway through the story. DREAM MAN lacked the normal zing and fervor in which she usually brings to the written page.
Marlie Keen is an empath, a type of psychic, who is uncomfortable in revealing her powers to anyone, thus keeping everyone at a distance. Six years ago, she endured a killer's attempted revenge, only to be traumatized to the point of having no powers. When these return, she is thrown into mind of a vicious killer. After going to the police, she is doubted and considered an accomplice. Once her alibi is verified, Detective Dane Hollister gives in to his instant attraction.
When Marlie has another vision, she calls Dane, who immediately rushes to her side. After witnessing the trauma a vision causes Marlie, he is determined to protect her at all costs. He moves into her home and invades all aspects of her life. Invades and conquers... it was more like a Viking domineering his woman.
The problem right from the start of this book is Dane's incredible attraction to Marlie. They argue and act like children who are attracted to each other. When Dane decides that he wants to be involved with her, he snaps his fingers and expects Marlie to fall in line. At this point, she loses her spunk and becomes a dishrag doll happy to be the obedient girlfriend. The strong character the reader is introduced to is snuffed out and replaced with a shell.
The story lags when Marlie and Dane are not on the trail of the serial killer. We're given hot and steam sex scene after sex scene, with little intellectual meat. Basically if Marlie isn't having a vision of the killer stalking and/or slashing his next victim, she's tossed into bed by Dane and expected to perform.
DREAM MAN is definitely not high on my reading list. I'd much rather read MR. PERFECT or KILL AND TELL. This is an average book that isn't up to the usual excellence of Linda Howard.
Marlie Keen is an empath, a type of psychic, who is uncomfortable in revealing her powers to anyone, thus keeping everyone at a distance. Six years ago, she endured a killer's attempted revenge, only to be traumatized to the point of having no powers. When these return, she is thrown into mind of a vicious killer. After going to the police, she is doubted and considered an accomplice. Once her alibi is verified, Detective Dane Hollister gives in to his instant attraction.
When Marlie has another vision, she calls Dane, who immediately rushes to her side. After witnessing the trauma a vision causes Marlie, he is determined to protect her at all costs. He moves into her home and invades all aspects of her life. Invades and conquers... it was more like a Viking domineering his woman.
The problem right from the start of this book is Dane's incredible attraction to Marlie. They argue and act like children who are attracted to each other. When Dane decides that he wants to be involved with her, he snaps his fingers and expects Marlie to fall in line. At this point, she loses her spunk and becomes a dishrag doll happy to be the obedient girlfriend. The strong character the reader is introduced to is snuffed out and replaced with a shell.
The story lags when Marlie and Dane are not on the trail of the serial killer. We're given hot and steam sex scene after sex scene, with little intellectual meat. Basically if Marlie isn't having a vision of the killer stalking and/or slashing his next victim, she's tossed into bed by Dane and expected to perform.
DREAM MAN is definitely not high on my reading list. I'd much rather read MR. PERFECT or KILL AND TELL. This is an average book that isn't up to the usual excellence of Linda Howard.
★ ★ ★ ★ ☆
diep nguyen
Dream Man is another of Linda Howard's suspense/romances. And once again she has created an intense plot that mirrors modern society so well that when you surface from the book, you have to shake off the feelings that the book engenders. Howard likes to create strong women whose vulnerability is societal in nature. In other words, she is a psychic and gets no respect. Her heros are also strong, warrior-like men whose only vulnerabilty is the heroine. And her antagonists are real enough to be terrifying. I really enjoy her books and, if you are wondering, never even have time to break them down like this while I am reading. I am way too engrossed in the story.
★ ★ ★ ★ ☆
amy c
I've recently started reading Linda Howard's books and enjoyed this one. The plot was intriguing and fast-moving, and the tension/romance between the hero and heroine was almost perfect. The only thing that could've made it better was a decent grovel scene from the hero after setting up the heroine the way he did. He knew how painful publicity was for her (leading to a very traumatic event in the past), yet set her up anyway (professing to love her all the while). It didn't ring true, and a good grovel would've made up for a lot of it (as well as put another star in my review). :)
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
afra
THE GOOD: Good plot and pacing with murder and intrigue. Dane is a very, very hunky alpha male hero. He's smart and protective of Marlie. Marlie is not a wimp, but her abilities as a clairvoyant are making ordinary life difficult. I really believed in these characters and cared about what happened to them. Marlie is a very sympathetic character. I also liked the relationship between the two detectives, Dane and his partner.
A favorite scene: The first time Dane and Marlie meet at the police station. Dane's a skeptic, but Marlie's seen such skepticism before and knows exactly how to put him in his place.
THE BAD: I don't have anything bad to say about this book.
THE SEX: LOTS of sexual tension. Sexy scenes and some sexual encounters (not graphic). Dane is very lust-worthy.
A favorite scene: When Dane first visits her house uninvited and corners her on the porch.
THE DECISION: Very highly recommended. A keeper.
A favorite scene: The first time Dane and Marlie meet at the police station. Dane's a skeptic, but Marlie's seen such skepticism before and knows exactly how to put him in his place.
THE BAD: I don't have anything bad to say about this book.
THE SEX: LOTS of sexual tension. Sexy scenes and some sexual encounters (not graphic). Dane is very lust-worthy.
A favorite scene: When Dane first visits her house uninvited and corners her on the porch.
THE DECISION: Very highly recommended. A keeper.
★ ★ ★ ★ ☆
chris andersen
Marlie is a reluctant psychic who, after assisting the police in the past and having nearly been killed for her efforts, has been blissfully free of her visions for six years when they return with a vengence and she "witnesses" in her mind a horrific murder committed by a serial killer. She feels obligated to share her knowledge with the police, where Dane, a ruggedly handsome and gruff cop, is immediately attracted to her but scoffs at her story. He soon becomes a believer, however, as well as her lover. He desires her desperately, but is also very sympathetic and understanding of her initial fear of him. The story is very suspenseful and romantic (with, however, some pretty graphic sex scenes) and for the most part warrants a 5-star rating for me. HOWEVER, the last part of the book was like a punch in the gut. (And I'm not talking about the Epilogue, which is definitely off-putting but is so brief it doesn't detract from the rest.) I don't want to give away the plot for those who haven't read it, but at the point that Marlie became furious with Dane, I did too and much less forgiving than she. Knowing her background, and with what the reader had been led to believe was his fierce protectiveness of her, how could he possibly set her up like that with no apologies and no apparent qualms? As another reviewer pointed out, logic flies out the window then - they insist she needs to go to a safe house, but when the news report identifies her place of work, nobody worries when she goes to work alone the next day? It's the inconsistency of the story that's so startling. That said, the other parts are so good I still can't not recommend this book. It will find a place on my keeper shelf; just not quite in the lofty position that for the first 3/4 of the book I had expected it to occupy.
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
javier del campo
I have read hundreds of romance novels and romance/suspense novels. This one left me completely blown away. The dialague was fast paced and witty, the suspense was nail biting, Marlie wasn't your typical simpering heroine (She actually had some common sense.), and I completely fell in love with Dane. He's absolutely the perfect man. Tough, masculine, gentle, devoted, sexy as ALL, and sooo in love with Marlie. The book was amazing. I would also suggest picking up Linda Howard's "After the Night" for another incredible story of romance and suspense. Linda Howard never disappoints!!!
★ ★ ★ ★ ☆
lilyrose
"Dream Man" was fabulous. It was fast paced and gripping. I was home alone the night I read it and it literally had me spooked. I loved Dane..even when I hated him. Marlie was enjoyable as well, but not quite as well fleshed out. My main reason for not giving this book 5 stars was that I felt there was a distinct lack of emotion in the relationship between the h/h. It WAS there, but it focused more on their sexual attractions than anything else. Still..... I cant complain. Linda Howard is a new author for me. This was only my second book from her. Needless to say...it WONT be my last!
★ ★ ★ ☆ ☆
rizky luthfianto
I recently discovered Linda Howard and love her books! White Lies, Heart of Fire, Death Angel, After the Night, Son of the Morning...all page turners. However I found Dream Man a mediocre read. The relationship between Dane & Marlie was hard to buy into. I found Dane pushy and dominating and I just could never like him. The murder mystery was interesting but the romance never hit the right note to me.
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
milka cupac
This was definately Howard's best book. The story moves along at just the right pace and the leads are sooooo appealing. The supporting characters (especially Trammel in his Italian loafers) are just as good. Dane is strong, sexy...and appealingly goofy with his rumpled clothes and voracious appetite- for more than just Pizza! He meets his match in the sharp-tongued psychic Marlie Keen, one of Linda's best heroines to date. A sweet, richly detailed love story with a FANTASTIC ending!
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
jonathan geurts
Linda Howard created some really hot characters with amazing chemistry and a gripping storyline. I was totally impressed with Dane Hollister since the author proved that you don't have to create a stereotypical guy who is super rich or charming to be hot! Marlie was totally suited to Dane and provoked the right amount possessiveness from him. All in all, I would recommend this book as a good entertainer with some sweet romance on the side.
★ ★ ★ ★ ☆
meels
Linda Howard tells a marvelous story with Dream Man.
After six years of freedom from the "knowing", Marlie is chagrined to find that it - her clairvoyant empathy - has returned. A few days after she has a graphic and disturbing vision of a murder, she decides to go to the Orlando police to assist them in finding the killer.
Detective Dane Hollister doesn't believe a word that the woman with the compelling blue eyes tells him. But he knows that somehow Marlie knows exactly what she's talking about. He also knows that the feeling that overcomes him whenever the psychic is near is too strong to ignore.
After getting off to a rocky start and trying to deny a wild attraction, Dane and Marlie try to work together to find the Orlando Slasher and to figure out what's going on whenever they're in the same room.
Ms. Howard deserves commmendations for writing such an excellent story. I loved the scenes between Dane and Marlie, especially what each one went through as feelings were revealed. I highly recommend this novel for anyone who loves romantic suspense.
After six years of freedom from the "knowing", Marlie is chagrined to find that it - her clairvoyant empathy - has returned. A few days after she has a graphic and disturbing vision of a murder, she decides to go to the Orlando police to assist them in finding the killer.
Detective Dane Hollister doesn't believe a word that the woman with the compelling blue eyes tells him. But he knows that somehow Marlie knows exactly what she's talking about. He also knows that the feeling that overcomes him whenever the psychic is near is too strong to ignore.
After getting off to a rocky start and trying to deny a wild attraction, Dane and Marlie try to work together to find the Orlando Slasher and to figure out what's going on whenever they're in the same room.
Ms. Howard deserves commmendations for writing such an excellent story. I loved the scenes between Dane and Marlie, especially what each one went through as feelings were revealed. I highly recommend this novel for anyone who loves romantic suspense.
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
yelena zhelezov
The premise, the characters and the plot were all worth the read. Dane and Marlie had a chemistry that kept me from putting the book down until I finished it. Having a good romance that also indulges my taste for suspense and danger is all I could ask for! This book encouraged me to go back and read Howard's earlier works as well as get each new book as it has come out. Well worth the read!! (I've even enjoyed reading it again.)
★ ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆
cheng calano
A vivid description of love scenes is nice. However, a thorough account of the travails of specific sections of people's private parts is more than I needed to know. (This was also true in Howard's "After The Night." Moreover, both books had unduly rough, uncaring and unskilled sexual encounters that were entirely grimace-worthy.) In "Dream Man", the heroine is a passive, trembling flower most of the time and her love interest is a presumptuous, low-class conniver. What a charming couple. Finally, several sections of the book just didn't seem to add much to the story. They seemed to have been tossed in there for "color" but were just irrelevant. Save your time and money.
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
zabe bent
Linda Howard is one of my favorite authors since discovery of Romantic novels. This is by far my all time favorite. Living with Marlie and Dane throughout this book is just a delight. Dane
is one of those characters that you look for when walking down the street, at a gathering, or just meeting. For Marile to have
the good fortune having Dane in her life is very exciting. Marlie
physic powers are second to none. Linda, put us through an exciting path of ups and downs where you can't put the book down. I must say I've read this book several times and I still get excited reading it. Try it and I bet you'll love it.
is one of those characters that you look for when walking down the street, at a gathering, or just meeting. For Marile to have
the good fortune having Dane in her life is very exciting. Marlie
physic powers are second to none. Linda, put us through an exciting path of ups and downs where you can't put the book down. I must say I've read this book several times and I still get excited reading it. Try it and I bet you'll love it.
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
ronnie b
"Dream Man" happens to be one of my favorite works by Linda Howard. The book is packed with very specific details and Marlie's paranormal ability to "see" and "feel" what others can't. The book is packed with so much suspense that once you start reading it, you can't put it down. If you liked this book, I strongly recommend "Now You See Her."
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
khalil tawil
Another masterpiece from Linda Howard. I will definitely read it over and over again! Marlee & Dane are great characters (especially Dane) because without a doubt he IS every woman's DREAM MAN. Mix the suspence of a serial killer being on the loose and Marlee's "special sight" along with the hot romantic love scenes and you've got an awesome read. READ THIS BOOK NOW!
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
kathren
Not everyone will like this book. I read the reviews (over 75 in all) of those that didn't (approx. 10%) and I can understand their reasons. But they are not mine. I loved everything about this book. Any time I pick it up I become emersed in the story again. So be careful. As one reviewer wrote, "It's the type of book you will call out sick for". :) LH at her best!
★ ★ ★ ★ ☆
pat richmond
I enjoyed Dream Man with its tense plot, suspense and the characters were interesting and original. The attraction between the heroine and her cop protector is intense and builds into some sexy scenes.
This novel has it all and Linda Howard knows how to keep you guessing and on edge. I highly recommend this book!
This novel has it all and Linda Howard knows how to keep you guessing and on edge. I highly recommend this book!
★ ★ ★ ☆ ☆
c e murphy
I personally love most of Linda Howards stories and i really enjoyed this book but its typical Howard, in so far as the woman is to innocent, and the man is such a stud, this is the part of her books i do not always enjoy the only saving grace is that he our hero is devoted to the heroine. The plot was pretty good and kept you mostly guessing. Howard has written much better books.
★ ★ ★ ★ ☆
duarte
Linda Howard never disappoints and she definitely kept her track record with this book.
Fast paced and never quite what you expect the characters keep you on the seat of your chair nearly through out the book. Dane as the "I gotta save the day no matter what the cost" makes you want to choke him from time to time but over all he's a strong lead. His partner stole the show from his several times and I'd really, really like to see his story.
Fast paced and never quite what you expect the characters keep you on the seat of your chair nearly through out the book. Dane as the "I gotta save the day no matter what the cost" makes you want to choke him from time to time but over all he's a strong lead. His partner stole the show from his several times and I'd really, really like to see his story.
★ ★ ☆ ☆ ☆
sonic
(Originally posted [...])
This suspenseful romance revolves around Marlie Keen - a woman with a powerful psychic ability - who ends up going to the police station where she meets Detective Dane Hollister - a very cynical, domineering and cut-to-the-chase kind of man - to report a killing she had `seen' through the eyes of the serial killer himself.
The book opens with Marlie driving home after enjoying a romantic movie; a simple pleasure she was not able to enjoy until very recently. The reason for this is masterfully explained by a series of dramatic events that forces Marlie to pull her car over as she experiences strong paralyzing visions of a killer approaching his intended victim.
I loved, loved Marlie's internal struggles where she has to deal with a rather interesting ability that has now resurfaced after years of dormancy. Not only is her ability back, it's even stronger and all-consuming than it's ever been.
Some sick and twisted part of me rather enjoyed Marlie's attempts to resist the visions assailing her and remain conscious enough to talk to an officer who follows as she studiously drives home. I even delighted in the well-written quest of her epic fight to her front door, fumbling of her keys, opening her door and finally collapsing on the floor as soon as the door shuts behind her.
The intensity of the opening had me practically salivating for more. What was this strange intriguing ability of hers? Who was the sick killer of her visions and was his killings happening at the same time or was this just a dream as the title suggests?
My confidence that inflated since the first chapter sadly blew out as I was introduced to the detective slash caveman of men, Dane Hollister. I experienced an uncomfortable awkwardness as Dane is struck with the most intense sexual attraction the moment he lays eyes on Marlie. In his partner's and boss' presence no less.
So, okay, it's a romance novel; this is to be expected even if a little extreme. The sexual tension was built up pretty nicely, but by this time I've already checked out and only continued reading because 1. I like train wrecks and 2. I wanted to see where she was going with this (see reason 1.).
It has to be said that as male counterparts go, this guy was a major turn-off. Not only is he imposing and unmoving in his belief that Marlie isn't a psychic, he plots against her. Oh, and he uses her as bait. Without telling her. Yeah, any guy I like, I would totally jump his bones for that. NOT! Against Marlie's wishes, he calls the press and they hound her and broadcast her as a psychic consultant which ends up costing her her job. Mr. Romance he is not.
I would have doubts as to who was the real villain in this book if the antagonist wasn't so blaringly obvious. My first impressions of Marlie changed from admiring to despising because, after all, she fell in love with a hormone-crazed, high-handed and overbearing man (to name a few of the better qualities). Marlie didn't put up much of a fight while this man forced his way into her life, even taking up temporary residency at her home - without her permission. She was largely submissive in answer to his aggressiveness in more ways than the obvious romantic one.
The main plot revolving around the actual serial killer was okay if a bit cliché of not only a story that's overdone, but a bit of a repeat from another story by the same author. The identity and motivations of the killer were revealed earlier than expected, which crippled the mystery and escalated tension during the key, climatic ending. And speaking of endings, it was a bit anti-climatic and predictable.
Over-all it was a major disappointment for me. I had high expectations after the first well-written chapters that unfortunately weren't met. The book would have been better without the romance and instead focused on Marlie and her struggles with her abilities and more explanation of her past and the events that lead up to this new serial killer.
I love books with a big dollop of internal struggle, so I did rather enjoy that aspect of this book. But I do have to take major points for the male lead and lack of romance; which is a serious deduction considering the genre of this book.
There are other, better Linda Howard books. Please do not let this one influence you to stop reading her more masterful creations, such as Mr. Perfect.
This suspenseful romance revolves around Marlie Keen - a woman with a powerful psychic ability - who ends up going to the police station where she meets Detective Dane Hollister - a very cynical, domineering and cut-to-the-chase kind of man - to report a killing she had `seen' through the eyes of the serial killer himself.
The book opens with Marlie driving home after enjoying a romantic movie; a simple pleasure she was not able to enjoy until very recently. The reason for this is masterfully explained by a series of dramatic events that forces Marlie to pull her car over as she experiences strong paralyzing visions of a killer approaching his intended victim.
I loved, loved Marlie's internal struggles where she has to deal with a rather interesting ability that has now resurfaced after years of dormancy. Not only is her ability back, it's even stronger and all-consuming than it's ever been.
Some sick and twisted part of me rather enjoyed Marlie's attempts to resist the visions assailing her and remain conscious enough to talk to an officer who follows as she studiously drives home. I even delighted in the well-written quest of her epic fight to her front door, fumbling of her keys, opening her door and finally collapsing on the floor as soon as the door shuts behind her.
The intensity of the opening had me practically salivating for more. What was this strange intriguing ability of hers? Who was the sick killer of her visions and was his killings happening at the same time or was this just a dream as the title suggests?
My confidence that inflated since the first chapter sadly blew out as I was introduced to the detective slash caveman of men, Dane Hollister. I experienced an uncomfortable awkwardness as Dane is struck with the most intense sexual attraction the moment he lays eyes on Marlie. In his partner's and boss' presence no less.
So, okay, it's a romance novel; this is to be expected even if a little extreme. The sexual tension was built up pretty nicely, but by this time I've already checked out and only continued reading because 1. I like train wrecks and 2. I wanted to see where she was going with this (see reason 1.).
It has to be said that as male counterparts go, this guy was a major turn-off. Not only is he imposing and unmoving in his belief that Marlie isn't a psychic, he plots against her. Oh, and he uses her as bait. Without telling her. Yeah, any guy I like, I would totally jump his bones for that. NOT! Against Marlie's wishes, he calls the press and they hound her and broadcast her as a psychic consultant which ends up costing her her job. Mr. Romance he is not.
I would have doubts as to who was the real villain in this book if the antagonist wasn't so blaringly obvious. My first impressions of Marlie changed from admiring to despising because, after all, she fell in love with a hormone-crazed, high-handed and overbearing man (to name a few of the better qualities). Marlie didn't put up much of a fight while this man forced his way into her life, even taking up temporary residency at her home - without her permission. She was largely submissive in answer to his aggressiveness in more ways than the obvious romantic one.
The main plot revolving around the actual serial killer was okay if a bit cliché of not only a story that's overdone, but a bit of a repeat from another story by the same author. The identity and motivations of the killer were revealed earlier than expected, which crippled the mystery and escalated tension during the key, climatic ending. And speaking of endings, it was a bit anti-climatic and predictable.
Over-all it was a major disappointment for me. I had high expectations after the first well-written chapters that unfortunately weren't met. The book would have been better without the romance and instead focused on Marlie and her struggles with her abilities and more explanation of her past and the events that lead up to this new serial killer.
I love books with a big dollop of internal struggle, so I did rather enjoy that aspect of this book. But I do have to take major points for the male lead and lack of romance; which is a serious deduction considering the genre of this book.
There are other, better Linda Howard books. Please do not let this one influence you to stop reading her more masterful creations, such as Mr. Perfect.
Please RateDream Man