Dream Man

I thought that "Dream Man" was an exciting story that combined both romance and suspense. I have read several of Linda Howard's books and I have enjoyed all of them, however in this book I thought there was a thick dose of lengthy descriptions of rape and murders. The more I read the more I was thoroughly caught up in Marlie and Dane's story! These characters had a chemistry that kept me from putting the book down because Ms. Howard captured their love story, and yet she wove it into a tension-filled adventure. I think that this book is one of Linda Howard's best. I would gladly recommend it to all my friends.

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

One of LH's older books. Marlie is a psychic who has visions through the eyes of a killer, and Dane is a cynical police detective. Fairly fast moving for me. Loved the book.