Review: Dream Man by Linda Howard

Posted May 12, 2008 by Casee in Reviews | 6 Comments

Genres: Paranormal Romance, Romantic Suspense

Book description:

Marlie Keen was trying to lead a quiet, ordinary life. She thought the knowing — the clairvoyance that allowed her to witness crimes as they happened — had been destroyed in the nightmare of her past. Then one night it returned with a vengeance, and she desperately needed to find someone to make it stop.

Detective Dane Hollister of the Orlando police department had never met anyone like Marlie. He had doubts about her clairvoyance, but there was no doubt how much he desired her. Her soft, sweet scent set his blood afire, and he wanted to wrap her in his arms and chase the sadness from her eyes. To Marlie, Dane was all heat and hard muscle, and he made her body come alive as it never had before. But not even she could foresee where their passion would lead: a hungry quest for the elusive, dreamy ecstasies of love…and a dangerous journey into the twisted mind of a madman who would threaten their happiness and their lives….

This is a re-read for me. Dream Man was the first “paranormal” that I have ever read.

For the last six years, Marlie Keen thought her psychic abilities had forever left her. For the first time in her life, she is able to be normal. Having had to live in almost total isolation for years, just being able to go out in a crowd of people is something that Marlie never takes for granted. Everything changes on a Friday night when she’s driving home from seeing a movie when she has a vision of a murder taking place.

Not knowing who, why, or where, Marlie still goes to the Police Department. It’s there that she meets Detective Dane Hollister, who not only doesn’t believe her, but also thinks she’s in a league with the killer. Marlie has seldom come into contact with people that are skeptical as Dane is. Though she’s used to facing disbelief and reluctance, Marlie has proven herself time and time again, both to families and law enforcement.

Dane has no idea why Marlie would bring herself to the attention of the Police Department. When he digs into her past, he finds that she may be more credible than he ever dreamed. Now that Marlie is officially off the suspect list, Dane abruptly decides to pursue the feelings that Marlie stirs up in him.

Dane is a classic Howard hero. He decides what he wants in about two seconds and from then on, he’s like a bulldozer. Anything that’s standing in the path of what he wants, he just goes right over. While that abrasive manner could seem unlikable in a hero, Howard tempers it with Dane’s ability to laugh at himself and his relentless pursuit of Marlie. While Marlie isn’t my favorite Howard heroine, she is a strong female character that has had her inner strength tested time and time again. It’s only when she comes face to face with a killer for the second time in her life that Marlie must put her psychic strength to the test.

I think Howard did a great job of writing the villain as well. He was just creepy enough to be believable, but she didn’t go over the top with his character. He was a true sociopath, which came through the pages loud and clear.

Even readers that don’t generally read paranormals, should really enjoy this book.

5 out of 5.

This book is available from Simon & Schuster. You can buy it here.


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6 responses to “Review: Dream Man by Linda Howard

  1. Yeah, classic Howard. Heart pounding sexual tension combined with equally heart pounding suspense.

    And one of the most memorable epilogues ever written.

  2. I’ve been surprised over the years when people bash this book because Dane is so macho alpha. He is what he is with no apologies. He’s loyal as a hound. This was one of the first paranormals I read and I loved it. Still do.

  3. I’m with Bev about it being one of the most memorable epilogues ever. That is so true.

    Rosie,
    I had problems with Dane, but not because he was so alpha macho. I’ve read other alpha-macho heroes and been fine with them. My problem with Dane was how thickheaded he was. There was only black and white for him, and that bothered me. I need my guy to be able to think outside the box.

    That said, I did love the book and the characters. And in the end I was able to overcome my issues with Dane and enjoy this story for what it was..and intense, thrilling, emotional joyride.

  4. I love this book. Yes, it has some issues, but it’s amazing nonetheless. The kind of book that one reads again and again. And again.

    And recommends to everyone who hasn’t read it yet :evil grin:

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