A while ago on Twitter, I mentioned to Smokin’ Hot that I had never read a Linda Howard book before. She was shocked and appalled and started telling me all the reasons why I needed to try this author. On the defensive, I asked her if she had ever read Ann Aguirre (at the time I was reading Doubleblind) and she said no. So the Howard-Aguirre challenge was on. I told her to read Grimspace, she told me to read Dream Man. Here are my thoughts:
“He was as fractious as a stallion scenting a mare.”
When I read the above quote, which is Marlee describing Dane, I burst out laughing. Who talks like that? Really. However, I like a strong stallion, and Dane is one I would help break-in, any day…just sayin’.
Dane Hollister, a homicide detective has thought he has seen it all, until Marlee Keen walks into police headquarters. She tells the detectives she is a psychic and gives details to a recent murder only someone who was present at the crime could know. Dane wants nothing to do with her, but at the same time, he has not a shred of evidence to go on in the case. Feeling very suspicious of Marlee (and physically attracted) he pursues her past to get answers. What he discovers shocks him – Marlee was a known psychic out west helping police solve crimes, until six years ago and tragedy struck her. Since then, she has led a very low profile life. When she see a vision of a gruesome murder, she knows she cannot keep it to herself. She tells all to the police, knowing she will be ridiculed.
It is not until she “sees” another murder, and describes the events in complete detail before a body is even found that Dane starts to understand exactly the kind of talent Marlee has. It is also when his physical attraction goes into overdrive and his need to keep Marlee safe and to satisfy both of their sexual cravings comes to the forefront.
Dream Man is a fun romantic suspense. Before we can even talk about the romance, I have to hit on the suspense part. Carroll Jane, the murderer, is c-r-e-e-p-y! Linda Howard gets in his head and I didn’t want to be there. His disgusting, dirty thoughts are so raw and riveting, I think I held my breath through most of his scenes.
Dane is intense, gruff, and a work-aholic. Overbearing and always invading and trying to intimidate Marlee. After he realizes she is not the serial killer, or a loony tune, he lets his feelings for her come to the surface and BAM! He doesn’t waste anytime. He is there for her, both physically and emotionally.
It seemed as if Marlee could not make up her mind as to whether to be shy and quiet or ballsy and sarcastic. She stands up to Dane in the beginning when he doesn’t believe her, but with just a tiny push, I think she would break and fall apart. Her psychic condition drains her physically, so as the reader you do see her as a weaker character throughout the book. I would have liked to see her throw some punches more, but Dane was so intense, there may not have been room for her.
The ending action scene was a little bit of a let down, however, for those that have read it, I really liked the twist with Dane’s involvement of the set-up at the end. I was not expecting that.
Rating: 4 stars
So Smokin’ Hot – I am no longer a Howard virgin. Bring on her suspense and stallions any day!
Hop on over to Smokin’ Hot’s blog to see how she fared with Grimspace and for extra fun, check out the Smexy-Hot Book Challenge. Have you read a raving review of an author you have never tried? Smokin’ and Smexy says now is the time. Try a “new to you” author and come back and tell us about it, because if you haven’t noticed, we both love to talk about books! Besides our blogs, here is where to find us:
Howard who?
I've heard of her books but haven't read them, but hey! good to hear you liked it. :)
Great review :D
And sounds like a fun challenge, I have sure heard a lot of Howard too
You two are going to have to answer to Smokin!! ;)
Pfft. I'm not scared of her! (OMG, is she behind me?! Eeeek!)
I am so pleased you have finally read a Howard book..
I love her work – Mackenzie Mountain series… so good..
You made one point about her heroine, they can be like that , but I find Howard is a better story crafter than pining down details of her characters..
She really knows her way around the bad guys territory..
good roundup…
My mailman and hubby still hate you so I have to go do some serious kiss ass before I innundate the house with anymore books…
*** than again I am a close friend of the neighbours, I wonder if he will store a package for me****
E.H>
Oh this sounds good Mandi!! I've got a few Howard's on the shelves and I love my bad guy creepy in suspense. Lurking at shelves if I've got dream man or other titles by Howard….
What a fun challenge you two concocted!
Sam, get your butt back to the Club…I know you want to read Howard!!! Sorry Mandi…this usually NEVER happens LOL
Anyway, I don't think I have Dream Man on the shelves but I'll borrow some Howard titles from Sam because it sounds very good! Thanks for the wonderful review and challenge ;)
Hiya Sam – glad you could take a break from the Beefcake Club ;)
Hey!! Don't take Sam away yet! It isn't every day we get a smexy man over here :) He does seem to be enjoying himself over at your place though….
I've read one Linda Howard book and I enjoyed it (time travel, of course!) but thought she wrapped the end up too quick and haven't tried another. Maybe I'll give tis one a try – thanks!
Hey girl, liked your review and now you've lured me to twitter too. It sounded like so much fun with the Smexy & Smokin' Challenge going on that I couldn't resist going over!
I was just looking… and a few clicks later I became a tweep (or how are they called?)!! But help!! I don't know what I'm doing *grin*.
:)
Janna
ERR – Yay for Twitter. I am so addicted it is quite sad ;) I will give you a list of fun Tweeps to follow…
Only after one hour (or is it two already? ;)) I can relate to that. I'm so easily addicted :)
A list of fun tweeps would be great!
Mandi I'm so proud of you *hug* you read one of Howard's best in my opinion. It has to be said wasn't the sexual tension awesome between these two characters, several years later I'm still tingling.
You've converted me to an Ann Aguirre fan. I bought every single one of her books!!!
Thanks for the awesome rec Smokin. I really enjoyed it. I have a feeling Julie Garwood is next?
I have to buck up and read a LH novel. It's been on my to do list for a while just based on the fact that SHB says I should. Now I'm really feeling the peer pressure! Great review Mandi.
Yes Mandi, you know me so well. I challenge you to read Julie Garwood's Highland historicals. The Secret is probably one of my favorites. I swear you'll want to dress your hubs up in a kilt and ask him to "take you".
Cool idea! 'Dream Man' was more of a 3-star read for me but I still have fond memories of it as it was one of my first Linda Howard books.
Thanks for the review. I've not read this Howard book. Now you have to read Mr. Perfect, To Die For and Drop Dead Gorgeous.
I like Linda Howard but I find I enjoy her charecters and the RS portion lacking.
Just my .02
I've heard good things about Mr. Perfect. I thought Dream Man had good suspense until the end. Then it withered away.
Leslie Parrish is another awesome Rom Suspense author
Okay, I have 30 books checked out from the library. STOP. You are not helping. LOL.
Good luck with your challenge, I will go hide under the desk now, never read a Howard book, never read Anne Aguirre either. Now I did read all Julie Garwood books LOL…
i love it when people do personalized challenges like this! every time i feel like there is a "finite" number of great romance novels out there and worry im going to read the last one someday, one of our compatriots comes up with a great suggestion!
if you like time travel i would HIGHLY recommend Howard's Son of the Morning. The first 100 pgs go a little slow but it is SO worth it!
I popped my Linda Howard cherry earlier this year (okay, that just sounded wrong)
I read and loved 'Mackenzie's Mountain' – very romantic. I also really enjoyed 'Duncan's Bride' and 'Shades of Twilight'. But it really bugged me that *all* of Howard's female protagonists came to their relationships as virgins. It became a bit ridiculous that all of her leading men were 'stallions', but her women were blushing virgins.
I've kind of given up on Linda Howard since then… but I might give 'Dream Man' a chance. Good review (and good job pimping Aguirre! Jax + March = HOT!)
Marisa – So you are a Garwood fan too? I will def have to try her out.
Lusty – LOL – I used to have that worry- no more my friend. Thanks for the rec!! Never heard of it but going to check it out now!
Danielle – Yeah – I have heard that about her heroines. I will come back to read her every now and then. Jax and March are verra hot indeedy
I have never read a Linda Howard book–and based on that excerpt, I don't want to. A stallion scenting a mare? That brings up a whole host of pleasant images. :P
NEIGH – Heidenkind ;)
*flutters eyelashes*
Mandi/Danielle – can I suggest Linda Howard's Cry No more. While I thought Dream Man was OK *ducks* I loved Cry No More. It's a very raw book IMO.
Oh, and my first ever Linda Howard book was Mackenzie's Mountain and I adore it still. I'm with EH – great series!
Thankies for the rec!
Award at my blog!
This sounded like my kinda of creepy read! I've never heard of Linda Howard.
Mandi, you and KC kill me! Loved reading both of your posts. You both are great. Thanks!
I read a bit Howard but haven't read this one! Perhaps I should!
Loved your review!
I haven't read this one in a lonnng time, but I remember it being one of my favorites by her! What a great challenge-I'm going to have finish a few in a hurry so I can join it!
You are addicted to challenges ;)
Mandi, you and K.C. crack me up and I've very much enjoyed your challenge.
Howard is a fave of mine but I have to say that DREAM MAN was not. I've never been a fan of the psychic gifted heroine and like you, I thought of Marlee as very weak. I've never really understood why its such a favorite of Howard fans.
For me, my favorite Howard book, well I have two, are AFTER THE NIGHT and MR. PERFECT. Both really excellent reads.
Oh, and I have to agree, Howard writes some of the absolute creepiest villians. Yikes!
I can't wait for you two to challenge each other again!
Hugs, VFG
I hear Mr. Perfect get brought up a lot..and I will add After the Night too!
Will have to think of a really hard challenge for Smokin' next time ;)
I'm glad you read a Howard book and enjoyed it! I'm a huge fan of hers and am almost guaranteed to pick up anything with her name on it :) I think I'm going to pull this one off my shelf and dust it off! Like Orianna said, Cry No More is one of the grittiest Howard books so if you liked this one, you'll love that one.
i've read a lot of linda howard books but i haven't read this one yet. i'll have to look this one up.
you should read shades of twilight–that one was very smexy i thought yet there's still that creepy, nasty bad guy linda howard is so good at writing :)