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Mystery Man (Dream Man #1)

by Kristen Ashley (Goodreads Author)

4.29 of 5 stars 4.29 · rating details · 16,349 ratings · 1,384 reviews

While drinking cosmopolitans, Gwendolyn Kidd meets the man of her dreams. Then she takes him home. Then she wakes up alone. But her fear that she lost her dream man turns into a relationship with a mystery man when, night after night in the dead of night, he comes back for more. Hoping it will blossom into something real, she lets him.

But she doesn’t even know his name.

Gwe...more

Kindle Edition, 406 pages

Published July 12th 2011

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Apr 10, 2013 UniquelyMoi *Dhestiny* BlithelyBookish rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: series-dream-man, first-in-series, hero-over-the-top-alpha, 5-stars, 2012-reads, author-kristen-ashley, author-must-buy, format-ebook-borrowed, reviewed-by-me, im-a-kristen-ashley-ho

Mystery Man is the first book in the Dream Man series and while it has Kristen Ashley written all over it - no pun intended, it’s a little more romantic suspense than the Colorado Mountain series.

Cabe “Hawk” Delgado is another hot, over the top, super alpha hero and I love, love, LOVE him! Gwendolyn Kidd is a great heroine; Smart, savvy, independent, and takes no crap from anyone. Though I love how, being wooed by three alpha males, she doesn’t quite know what to think, but that doesn’t stop he...more

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Jun 01, 2012 Aestas Book Blog rated it 5 of 5 stars

HOLY ALPHA MALES!!!!!!! Yowza!!!! *fans self*

I'm surprised this book didn't self-combust from the degree of utterly squee/drool/swoon-worthy, bossy, possessive, unapologetic, sweet, tender, badass, HOT UBER ALPHA males in it!! I mean WOW! This book is pure over-the-top deliciousness!

This book has it all: to-die-for hero, a sassy, smartass heroine, lots of action, hot hot sex, secret lairs, badass commandos, badass bikers, badass cops, drive-by's, cosmo parties, family time, romance, a few mi...more

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Apr 29, 2012 Taryn at My Secret Romance rated it 2 of 5 stars

Shelves: contemporary-romance, dnf-did-not-finish, kristen-ashley, romance, some-suspense, jerk-of-my-dreams

Sadly, this book was a DNF for me. I got half way through and had to stop. I really wanted to like this one since it has the kind of hero I love: a mean, over the top alpha jerk.

The story of how Hawk and Gwen met is not what bothered me. It's what occurred after that sent me over the edge. It was absolutely ridiculous and I just could not get past it.

Gwen has a one night stand with a man, who is presumably to be Hawk...but she's not quite sure and to be honest, neither am I. After that one nig...more

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Sep 19, 2012 Mimi Smith rated it 3 of 5 stars

3.5 stars

Dear Gwen

No, I'm not a stalker. Why would you think that? I just wanted to talk to you about all that's happened in the last couple of weeks. Since you're not available (aka won't meet me), I'll just lay it all here.

First of all I'm really sorry about Ginger. She has always been trouble, but I never thought it would come to this. Gangs, cops, FBI. I'm also very sorry you got caught up in it. But, really you could always see there's something wrong with that one...

“Ginger. A pain in my a

...more 3.5 stars

Dear Gwen

No, I'm not a stalker. Why would you think that? I just wanted to talk to you about all that's happened in the last couple of weeks. Since you're not available (aka won't meet me), I'll just lay it all here.

First of all I'm really sorry about Ginger. She has always been trouble, but I never thought it would come to this. Gangs, cops, FBI. I'm also very sorry you got caught up in it. But, really you could always see there's something wrong with that one...

“Ginger. A pain in my ass. A pain in my ass since the day she cut off all the hair on my Barbies. She was three. I was too old for Barbies but they were mine. She couldn’t leave them alone? What’s with cutting their hair?” I looked up at Dog and said, “I think that’s what psychos do. We should have known then. She’s three, wielding scissors and causing mayhem and heartbreak.” I kept blabbing as I dug in my purse, found my checkbook and then kept scrounging for a pen declaring, “She was always, always a bad seed.”

Now, I know you girls have settled your problems, so I'll let off that one.

About your Mystery Man. Sweety, a year and a half? Even leaving with him at the bar, after four words spoken is too much. He could've been a serial killer, a psycho! And then, letting him come for so long, just for sex, not knowing his name or anything? That's not all right, girl. Especially since he knew, like, everything. Oh, and don't even get me started on the lack of protection. You don't even know his name...STD, anyone? I know you had Sex Ed, girl. You need to take care of yourself.

I didn’t even give him a key. How he got in was as much a mystery as his name. But he did. He didn’t come every night, sometimes it was once a week, sometimes twice, sometimes he’d skip a week, once he’d been gone for three which freaked me out and then it freaked me out that it freaked me out.

And, that wasn't a clue for you to do something?

Well, I guess the Ginger incident was good for something. It brought you Hawk. And it could've gotten you Mitch or Tack, too. They're all such hunks. What on Earth did you do to get them interested? I can't get one guy, and you got three (4 counting Troy), just by talking to them for a minute! And they're willing to start a war for you or something! I'm sorry, I just found that hard to believe. Just tell me, did you slip them something? 'Cause, if you did I want it. And I think you flitted to them, when you and Hawk had problems, too often. You like a guy and have momentary problems, you sit down and talk to him, you don't jump to another guy's bike and hide. Geez!

Still, I'm glad to see he conquered your defense system. You always ran from intimacy, even with him (hence the biker escapade), so I'm glad he saw that and dealt with it. I think you both made some mistakes (you ran when just a hint of a problem showed up, he was, well, Hawk), but I think your love is beautiful. And it was so fun going through all those things with you.

“Sweet Pea, what do you think I do for a living?”
“Well,” I started. “You fly on your supersonic jet to hot, humid, tropical, war torn nations, execute your duties as a soldier for hire which means doing things like blowing up bridges and beating infidels into submission.”
“Hard to do that and get home to take you to dinner,” he noted.
“Hawk, your jet is supersonic,” I reminded him.

All in all, I think you're a great gal, funny as hell, and damn lucky to have Cabe.

Now, because Hawk is a controlling SOB, and is probably afraid this letter is actually just a scam, and holds anthrax or something, he's going to read it. So, I just thought I'd talk to him, just a bit, ok?

Dear Hawk

You are one of the hottest guys I've ever met. You can be sweet, you buy your girl shoes and you're good in bed. However, there are moments when your bossiness and controlling tendencies win out, and you cross the line into being too controlling and bossy. She is her own person and this isn't the 12th century. You can't just make decisions for her, without talking to her.

“I have to do what I have to do to deal with my woman, not a man in your yard will lift a finger to help you.”

“Gwen, baby, clue in. I was makin’ you mine. When I make a woman mine, I do my homework.”

And that gig at the start, you put cameras on her and had daily reports? Why not just talk to her, for Chrissake? That was just weird. And you're right, that year and a half-totally missed out.

I'm very sorry about everything that happened to you and I'm glad you found Gwennie. Keep her happy, keep her safe, and try to control her cookie dough obsession...

Love, Mimi

P.S-you might ask yourself how I know all this. That's ok, keep asking.

------------------------------------------

And I know this totally breaks the concept but I had to put it here:

The newspapers had broken the stories of their adventures, and their love lives, some time ago. This was followed by a bunch of books, a series entitled Rock Chick, that were released sharing intimate detail of these hair-raising yet romantic adventures. Books, incidentally, I owned, read repeatedly and wished I’d edited.

I love Kristen Ashley for this. Self promotion, with a dash of humor about the editing problems.(less)

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Feb 28, 2012 Kristen rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: kristen-ashley, contemporary-romance, steamy, angsty-emotional, disliked-heroine, frustrating-heroine, obstinate-annoying-heroine, playboy-womanizer, scrumptious-hero, uber-alpha, promiscuous-heroine, swoonalicious-hero, fabulous-hero, outstanding-epilogue, wishy-washy-heroine, 3-star, self-published

3 to 3 1/2 stars

The three star rating is completely due to Gwen's annoying and slutty character. Not even Hawk, the swoonalishous hero, could fully save this book for me.

I really tried to love this book but the heroine just rubbed me wrong. Really, really wrong! I understand why Hawk (swoon) was enamored by her, he's the hero after all; but I'm still trying to figure out why Mitch and Tack were so smitten with her. I just don't get it! Of all Kristen Ashley heroines I've read, Gwen had the lea...more

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Mar 02, 2012 Jill rated it 3 of 5 stars

Recommended to Jill by: Nikki

Shelves: contemporary-romance

Gwendolyn Kidd and Cabe "Hawk" Delgado.

Ordinarily Kristen Ashley's books would not be the type of romances I'd read. Let alone enjoy. Gwen is an annoying heroine at times with really slutty behaviour. She sleeps with the hero for eighteen months and doesn't know his name. Then drools over not one but two other guys. The hero is a bit of a controlling alpha. The plot is OTT and pretty unbelievable. And I am seriously beginning to think that all Kristen Ashley's heroes went to the same school - "B...more
Gwendolyn Kidd and Cabe "Hawk" Delgado.

Ordinarily Kristen Ashley's books would not be the type of romances I'd read. Let alone enjoy. Gwen is an annoying heroine at times with really slutty behaviour. She sleeps with the hero for eighteen months and doesn't know his name. Then drools over not one but two other guys. The hero is a bit of a controlling alpha. The plot is OTT and pretty unbelievable. And I am seriously beginning to think that all Kristen Ashley's heroes went to the same school - "Babe". And all her heroines swam in the same gene pool - tall, long legs, big hair and all tits and ass.

I can put aside themes, tropes and plots that I dislike or disagree with; heroes and heroines that are sometimes unlikable; descriptions and details that border on boring; dialogue that is often rambling and irrelevant. I am able to put aside all these annoyances, implausibilities, contrivances and coincidences because her stories are so enjoyable, often amusing.

Entertaining as her books are, others may take issue with her writing style that often reads like an unedited draft with typos, rambling sentences and lack of punctuation. Be prepared for an enjoyable read, albeit at times frustrating and wordy.

For the fans:

"Later, babe," he whispered.
"Later," I whispered back.

[...]I heard a deep, gravelly voice ask, "Who's this?"
[...}There were only two words to describe all that was him: Biker Yummy.

But he always came back. Always.
With Mystery Man in my life I didn't need the trouble that Tack had written on him.

"Oh no, Sweet Pea, we're not done," he whispered in a scary voice...

"Gwendolyn Kidd?" he asked in a nice, smooth, deep voice.
I nodded against my knee.
"I'm Detective Mitch Lawson."

"Hawk?" I shouted and MM's eyes dropped to me.
"Babe. What?" he clipped.

Super, double, extra uh-oh!
The hot-o-meter started ringing like crazy as hot guys descended on me, my car and Tack from two directions.

"Babe," he replied...

"What's your real name?"
"Cabe Delgado."
He grinned.
Then he repeated, "Babe."

Guess Cabe Delgado didn't verbalize his goodnight, he acted it out.

"Babe, it isn't a punishable offense not to have cookie dough."

"You with me?"

"Sweet Pea."

Hawk's superhero superpowers extended to his clothes.

"Before you go, give me the dimples," she demanded.

Steam: 2.5
(less)

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May 18, 2013 Gabriella *is awesome* rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: hard-core-romance, hilarious, fresh-favourites, thriller-mafia-fbi-lawyer, swoon-worthy-hero, reviewed

meet the boys....

ADMIRER #1 :

NAME: Mitch Lawson.
OCCUPATION: Detective Mitch Lawson ;)

photo 39fa7129-fdc3-448b-a59d-e4bba8194406_zpsef6b0bdd.jpg

"Mitch"...i whispered.
"what a perfect name ,soft and strong, things a cop need to be... Mitch."
He stared at me."is it ?", he asked.
"perfect".
He stared at me some more.

DESCRIPTION With the perfect cop name that starts with 3 silent constables and ends with 'Lawson' as in 'son of the law.' Mitch is the hot-ass,soft spoken smoldering detective put on the case to bring down Gwendoline's little sister-from-hell...more

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Feb 19, 2012 Saly rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: cops-law-enforcement-security, read-in-2012

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here. Rating 3.5
Practically all my GR friends have been reading this author & urging me to, so last evening I gave in, first off I should have started reading the book earlier since it was huge and then there were moments when I didn't understand what was being said because of the way it was written but that aside I did enjoy the book despite the problem I had with the arrogance and stupidity of some characters.

First of the heroine, in this day and age of STD's, she continued to sleep with a man w...more Rating 3.5
Practically all my GR friends have been reading this author & urging me to, so last evening I gave in, first off I should have started reading the book earlier since it was huge and then there were moments when I didn't understand what was being said because of the way it was written but that aside I did enjoy the book despite the problem I had with the arrogance and stupidity of some characters.

First of the heroine, in this day and age of STD's, she continued to sleep with a man whose name she didn't know for one and a half years, I mean fine she picked him up & after the first day he was gone, he kept returning and not finding this creepy enough to stop, she let him and then later on the book she feels dirty because she finds out that she was kind of in a line of booty calls and she never once attempted to deepen whatever they had or even talk to him.

Other things about her, she loves her dad and step-mom. She also realizes that Mystery Man(is like her dad, bossy) who acquires a name after her half sister lands herself in something that has a biker gang, FBI, police and bad guys looking for her. He actually kind of gets up in her face for walking into a biker gang lair to find out about her sister and Gwen feels angry about how he confesses that he has been keeping an eye out on her, violating her privacy when they don't really have a relationship and suddenly he is like you are mine.

Of course after this guys are all over Gwen, while the hero thinks that even when the heroine is telling him no, it actually means yes.

The hero Hawk's behaviour is something no woman would stand for in real life but I guess in fiction things are kind of okay. Also the fault for their non-relationship also lay with the heroine a bit. I didn't like the fact that Hawk says she was his but he has no problem saying there were other women during the time period she was his sex-toy.

Then, there is the fact that he wants the heroine to open herself to him completely forgetting the lessons she learnt from her failed marriage and cheating ex, even when he only offers her token from his life when he feels like.

There comes a moment he breaks up with her, just when Gwen is opening up, what I find weird was that she up & walked off with another guy & lived with him, sleeping with him in his bed(not having sex) and letting him kiss her, I dunno this just came off as weird.

Of course the hero tries to make up for it, telling her why he is the way he is, that he lost his wife and daughter and expects the heroine to immediately fall over on him, which she doesn't, she needs time to process which he doesn't want to give her.

The book was filled with flaws and despite them I did enjoy it but it went over the top with everything.(less)

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Mar 05, 2013 Lady Heather rated it 5 of 5 stars Recommends it for: Kristen Ashley fans, contemporary romance fans

Shelves: 1st-in-a-series, adult, adventure, contemporary-romance, contemporary, fiction, kindle, police, suspense, thriller-suspense, kristen-ashley, broken-women-finding-their-hea, chick-lit, crime, domineering-alpha-lead, favorites, hotter-than-hell-sex, kick-ass-female-leads, military-black-ops, mystery, re-read_because-one-of-my-personal, romance, kristen-ashley-dream-man-series

March 1, 2012

I really don't think Ms. Ashley can write a 'bad' book!
This was fricken Amazing!
Love Hawk & Gwen, and her messed up sister, and the biker dudes, the 'Hot' cops, and all the Commando type guys
..... and where in the world do you find guys that talk all Neanderthal and answer 'Babe' like that's the obvious answer, but it still comes across as Alpha and Sexy as hell?

March 5, 2013

re-read
The last couple of days I have been re-introduced to Kristen Ashley's mysterious and fantastic...more

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Jun 22, 2012 Stacia ~ Mistress of Mediocrity rated it 2 of 5 stars

Shelves: adult

2.5 stars. This will be yet another review where I will show off my fine skills of prioritizing. Forget the hero, the heroine, or the story. We have other stuff to take care of first.

Character description taken from the book itself :

I didn't expect to see tall, broad, inked-to-the-max, long blond-haired Dog standing at the other side of the counter.

HOLD THE PHONE. No one bothered to tell me that Dog the Bounty Hunter was making an appearance in this book.

Photobucket

Then...just when I thought it couldn't ge...more

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Jan 24, 2012 Splage rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: 1st-in-series, 2012-read, 3rd-party-mistress-boyfriend-girlfr, alpha, bicker-bicker-bicker, bad-bad-boy, child-from-previous-relationship, contemporary, couldn-t-put-down, divorce, emotional-made-me-cry-lump-in-thr, epilogue-totally-fab, favorite-author, favorite-books, favorite-series-1st-book-only, had-earlier-relationship-broke-up, hero-big-time-player-man-whore, hero-heroine-body-guard, hero-heroine-law-enforcment-police, hero-heroine-motorcycles, hero-heroine-writer-reporter, hero-military-ex-or-current, hero-heroine-widow-er, highly-recommended-by-others, jealousy, kidnapping, loss-of-child, love-at-first-sight, pregnant-at-end, pretends-to-be-someone-else, sex-erotica, sex-erotica-hard-sex, suspense-action

5+++ STARS -- A non-stop, wild ride! Mystery Man was the land of BADASSES and the testosterone was overflowing everywhere, I would be surprised after reading this that I don't have hair on my chest. The story had an explosive romance and tons of action plus MAJOR BONUS! another gentle and perfect epilogue. I could see this one on the big screen - heck I could see many of KA books as movies.

Hawk, the hero, was Gwen's mystery man and she had been his booty call for a year and a half. He had said...more 5+++ STARS -- A non-stop, wild ride! Mystery Man was the land of BADASSES and the testosterone was overflowing everywhere, I would be surprised after reading this that I don't have hair on my chest. The story had an explosive romance and tons of action plus MAJOR BONUS! another gentle and perfect epilogue. I could see this one on the big screen - heck I could see many of KA books as movies.

Hawk, the hero, was Gwen's mystery man and she had been his booty call for a year and a half. He had said like 3 words to her at a restaurant, I think they were"Are you coming?" After that he would just show up in her bed give her lots of "O's" coupled with wild romps and then be gone in the morning. Gwen struggled with her conscience and this pattern, but in the end gave in to it even though this submissive behavior was so far from Gwen's spunky personality. Then Gwen is threatened and dragged into a big mess because of her trashy sister's illegal actions. Gwen marches into a biker shop that houses a very dangerous biker gang to find out where her sister is. She catches the eye of the gang leader who is HOT! then is interrogated by a police detective who is HOT! and then her midnight mystery man shows up (who is HOT!) to scold her. Once Hawk opens his mouth to tell her she has just created a big mess she decides she doesn't like his high handedness and they are over...he shouldn't have opened his mouth. Hawk laughs at her, loves the attitude that she gives him and realizes how much he has missed out of over the pass year and a half with not getting to know her. Such parody, it was hysterical.

Hawk was killer, beyond arrogant, I mean if there was a scale from 1 to 10 he would be like 100 and I mean arrogant not just confident. Enter Gwen, Hawk's perfect match, she didn't take his crap (except for the the first year and a half when he didn't open his mouth, at least for talking) At the beginning because Gwen had many other potential leading men, I wasn't even sure I wanted her with Hawk, but as the story progressed there was no questions. I actually think of all of KA alpha men that I have met so far Hawk would be their leader. Mystery Man also had so many other lovable characters from family to friends, a couple a different climaxes, some heart pounders, some heartbreakers--loved them all. I can't wait to read my next Kristen Ashley book!(less)

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Jan 13, 2012 Searock rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: favorites, my-world-revolves-around-the-ka-sun, could-read-over-and-over-and-over, fabulous-in-every-way

Highest recommendation!

This book was wonderful.

Kristen Ashley is a goddess! *moment of silence*.

A lighthearted, funny romp with enough drama to take you to that deeper level we crave in romance. Ashley writes great characters: A fab hero in Hawk, a wonderful heroine in Gwen (He calls her Sweet Pea *sigh*). Sexy in all the right places *right places, snicker* and a bitchin' story as the backdrop.

Everything I love and nothing I hate (how rare is that?!)!

Read this when you want to "daydream" like...more

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Feb 29, 2012 Elizabeth rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: romantic-suspense-read, ebook-read, favorites

4.5 stars

A lot of very interesting characters, though some not always entirely likable. Pretty good story, lots of action. The second half was better than the first, in my opinion, as it had more depth. Very nice epilogue.

I understand a number of the characters who made appearances in this story are from the Rock Chick series (thanks to KA not-so-subtly tooting her own horn within the pages of Mystery Man). It looks like I'll be adding that series to my wishlist as well. Sigh;)

The two things I...more

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Jan 18, 2012 KatLynne rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: 2012-reads, g-contemporary-romance, hero-alpha-warrior, hero-favorite-smokin-hot-sexay, hero-tortured-flawed, heroine-with-backbone-smart-strong, hunkalicious, keeper, made-me-laugh, sensual-steamy, smokin-hot-steamy, tattooed-bad-boy-hotties, bodyguard-and-or-security, 2012-best-this-year, 1st-person-pov, kindle-owned

Another absorbing, fantastic read with a perfect epilogue!

Caleb "Hawk" Delgado will not disappoint in the alpha male hero department. Dreamy from top to bottom, smokin' hot sexy, another kick-ass "don't mess with my woman" my kinda man! Protective, bossy, jealous and totally hot!

Gwendolyn Piper Kidd was perfect for Hawk and I liked most things about her (and she had me on her Jimmy Choo shoes!)

This book is filled to the brim with KAs hotties! Many have their own books from the Rock Chick Series...more

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Apr 02, 2012 Stephanie rated it 5 of 5 stars Recommends it for: EVERYONE!

Recommended to Stephanie by: Dorsey aka Wrath Lover

Shelves: kristen-ashley, steamy-hot-romance-comtemp

God I freaking love this author!!!

Her ability to create an overbearing; bossy, single minded, bad ass alpha and make us fall madly in love with him. Well that is just fan-freaking-tastic! Kristen Ashley is just fan-freaking-tastic!!

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Dec 30, 2012 ♠ Sharon is an emotional book junkie ♠ rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: emotional-angsty-books, read-in-2012

4.5 ★'s

Gwen is a book editor and trying to get on with her life after a divorce from a cheating husband. She sees a gorgeous man at a bar who doesn't seem to notice her until he's leaving and asks her if "You coming or what?" After a night of wild sex in which she never gets his name, she only sees him when he sneaks into her house to have more wild sex with her...many, many nights of wild sex...make that a year and a half worths!!

So while this isn't realistic, it certainly is different and it...more

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Dec 06, 2012 Melanie rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: dream-man, 1st-person-pov, kristen-ashley, contemporary, rom-suspense, man-ho, badass-hero, what-a-jerk, aint-he-sweet, not-just-a-one-night-stand, kidnapped, girly-girl, indie-author, genre-benchmark

I enjoyed this book - not as much as 'Sweet Dreams' or 'Lady Luck', but it was still really good.

'Mystery Man', the first in the 'Dream Man' series, follows a similar formula to other books from KA: girly-girl meets über-alpha guy who decides he wants to make her his. While girly-girl comes to terms with (and learns to love) his domineering ways and über-alpha guy comes up with an endearing pet name just for her, $hit is going down that puts girly-girl in danger and it's up to über-alpha guy to...more

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Mar 06, 2012 Norma rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: kindle-ebook, read-2012, romantic-suspense, contemporary-romance

Ok. I honestly don't know how to review/rate this. I think I'm giving it 3.5 maybe even 4 stars but I don't know. I'll start by saying there are so many things wrong with this book, it would take me a week to list them. The editing was awful. Everyone spoke in these long, cirular run-on sentences. I had to read passages sometimes 2 or 3 times to understand the meaning. And the use of the word babe. HOLY COW. Wonder if my Kindle has a feature to tell me how many times the word babe is used. And h...more

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Apr 30, 2013 Joanna Tsiou rated it 1 of 5 stars

Shelves: adult-romance, why-did-i-bother

When I decided to read this book I thought I was in for something at least interesting. What I got was a messed up relationship, a shallow(and idiotic) heroine and a hero who...um, I don't know.

Why the heroine was an idiot:

1) She was having sex with a guy she didn't even know the name of. Not once or twice, but every week for 1,5 year!

2) Said sex was unprotected even though she suspected the guy had a parade of other lovers.

3) Her sister is in a ton of troubles which will lead at best in jail, a...more

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May 30, 2012 Alexis ~*Too many books, not enough time*~ rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: alpha_male, bestofthebest, contemporary_romance, danger, discovery, family-secrets-revealed, first_comes_love_then-_comes_marria, hea-included, heartbreak, hot_as_hell_male, hot_cops_fbi_soilders, interracial-love, kidnapped-kidnapping, loved-by-danger, mystery, mystery_what_happened, rescued, saved, sexy-series_read2012, stalker_or-stalker-habits, strong_female_lead, violence

Spoiler Free Review
5 STAR READ
Genre: Contemporary Romance/Romantic Suspense-Adult
Series: Book 1 in Dream Man series

"Sweet Pea, what do you think i do for a living?"- Hawk
" You fly on your Super sonic Jet to hot, humid, tropical, war torn nations, execute your duties as a soilder for hire which means doing things like blowing up bridges and beating infidels into submission."- Gwen in Mystery Man

I put all other books on pause to read this just to see what all the hype was about and i was not left...more Spoiler Free Review
5 STAR READ
Genre: Contemporary Romance/Romantic Suspense-Adult
Series: Book 1 in Dream Man series

"Sweet Pea, what do you think i do for a living?"- Hawk
" You fly on your Super sonic Jet to hot, humid, tropical, war torn nations, execute your duties as a soilder for hire which means doing things like blowing up bridges and beating infidels into submission."- Gwen in Mystery Man

I put all other books on pause to read this just to see what all the hype was about and i was not left disappointed. Mystery Man by Kristen Ashley was a fast paced book that included not one not two but three "HOT AS HELL" men vying for the affections of Gwen. While out with her girlfriends Tracey and Camille sipping Cosmos; Gwen is approached by a man who says a few words to her before they are both out the door and back at her place having sex. Without leaving his name or a number for Gwen he's gone the next day but returns in the middle of the night to give Gwen mind blowing sex for over a year. Because of this he is dubbed Mystery man(MM) by Gwen and her friends. When Darla a biker chick shows up on Gwen's door step looking for Ginger Gwen's little sister Gwen knows something is wrong so she heads to Ride a biker shop/hangout looking for Dog Ginger's boyfriend. While at Ride Gwen meets Tack, Tack is sexy an likes Gwen from the second he saw her. Gwen learns that her little sister is in some deep shit up to her eyeballs and that alot of dangerous people are looking for her. This starts a ripple effect that leaves Gwen in danger. Enter Mystery man stage left! After arriving home Gwen walks in her house and comes face to face with Mystety Man and he is pissed. MM lets Gwen know that by going to Ride she is alerting people to her presence in Ginger's life making all eyes move to her in hopes of pulling Ginger out of hiding. Death threats insue by way of firebombs and drive by's.

Thoughts
We all want our own superman and Gwen believes Cabe"Hawk"Delgado is her superman. Hawk was everything male protective, sexy, smart, badass, all alpha and no in between. I loved that he felt regret for having only a sexual relationship with Gwen and was quick to correct this error by dating her and spending some quality time. KA did an awesome job with the character dynamics and interactions i loved Tracey, Cam and Elvira even the men created some witty banter. There was no shortage of testostrone that's for sure:)We get to meet some tempting characters one being Mitch Lawson i can't wait to read more on this guy! This book was a good length the pacing was favorable and the HEA(Happily Ever After) had tears streaming down my face. I am officially a KA fan!
I can't wait to read book two!

My Ratings
Characters- Lovable and Witty
Writing Style- Savory, Solid and Fast Paced
Plot/Storyline- Steamy with some Mystery
Steam Factor- Very Steamy
Overall- My preferred cup of tea!! I recommend Mystery Man (less)

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Mar 12, 2013 Michele ~ la Smoocherina rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: march-2012-read, alpha-male, all-time-favorites, military-special-ops-seals, high-sexual-tension, hot-as-hell, real-world-problems, omg-i-loved-it, uber-alpha, character-asshole-for-a-time, a-currently-rereading

As reviewed for Read Our Lips Book Blog

Why, oh why did I take so long to read this book?! All of my friends on Goodreads have been praising the writings of Kristen Ashley for ages. She’s an author who consistently scores above 4 stars, which is almost unheard of. This book was so fantastic, it has sent me on a Kristen Ashley binge. I’m now about to start my sixth tome penned by her.

The book starts off with Gwen Kidd, freelance editor, having a “sort of” normal day when she’s visited by a friend...more

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May 21, 2012 Jane Litte added it

Adding Ashley to the list of authors that needs to read a car magazine. No self respecting bad ass over the age of 25 is going to own a Camaro

This might be the best written Ashley I have read and definitely the funniest and while i love Gwen, this book is hurting my heart. Gwen slept with a guy for a year and a half who picked her up at a bar with the words "you coming or not" and she proceeds to allow him to come into her bedroom at random times and just have sex with her. She doesn't know his...more Adding Ashley to the list of authors that needs to read a car magazine. No self respecting bad ass over the age of 25 is going to own a Camaro

This might be the best written Ashley I have read and definitely the funniest and while i love Gwen, this book is hurting my heart. Gwen slept with a guy for a year and a half who picked her up at a bar with the words "you coming or not" and she proceeds to allow him to come into her bedroom at random times and just have sex with her. She doesn't know his name and their sexual relationship is preventing her from having a real relationship.

About 40 percent into the book, we find out that Hawk has been sleeping with other women at the same time. Gwen is "filler" according to the gossips. Hawk has others that he visits on other days, like his "thursday" who actually knows his name and has his phone number. Something Gwen only recently was given.

Gwen acknowledges this makes her feel like shit and that she's responsible for her own failure in this but even after this acknowledgment, she gives in to Hawk. Worse, Hawk has not used condoms with Gwen since about the third time he visited her because he "rifled through her shit" found her birth control, figured she wasn't screwing anyone else. But Gwen doesn't even seem to care about this even after finding out that there are others. Oh, Gwendolyn. You are making me so sad.

Finished. I'm not sure what to think. Ashley does provide justification for both characters' behavior but I wasn't entirely convinced. There's a lot wrong with this book (including a line in which Ashley references her other books and says that they were so good that she wished she had edited them and I kept thinking, "I agree, Ms. Ashley, I wished you edited your books too") but it's very addictive.

I saw another reviewer compare Ashley to Linda Howard and maybe that's a good comparison only Ashley's writing isn't as polished and Ashley's heroes are neanderthals and Ashley's women can't seem to stand up right without a dick holding them up. I'm going to sleep on the star rating.(less)

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Apr 22, 2013 MrsJoseph rated it 1 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: 2012-reviewed, 2012-read, adult, hero-alpha-male, did-not-finish-abandoned, romance, hero-alpha-male-overload, romance-altlife, romance-contemporary, romance-fantasy, series, heroine-tstl, hero-ine-unlikable-main-characters

http://bookslifewine.wordpress.com/20...

Let's just start this off with a hearty "WTF!?"

So, the book starts with our "heroine" Gwen. She's currently in an eighteen (18) month sexual relationship with a man who's name she doesn't know.

He comes into her home in the middle of any random night, bangs her out and then leaves.

He doesn't have a set of keys. He just comes in.

Also, she's doing him raw. Eeewwww!

To be honest, I could have floated with that first section, it didn't really bother me as much...more

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view all 15 comments

Christine MrsJoseph wrote: "LethalLovely~RIP My Chemical Romance wrote: "I just finished reading all of your reviews for this series. You have officially become...more
updated Apr 23, 2013 08:14am

MrsJoseph Christine wrote: "They are pretty entertaining at first, but then all of the little, niggling, irritating things started to be really obtrusive (the d...more
Apr 23, 2013 08:50am

Feb 12, 2013 Christy rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: alpha-males, angst, bad-ass-heroines, favorites, jerks-that-i-love, lol-hilarious, panty-dropping-hot

5 Cabe “Hawk” Delgado Stars!!!

I LOVE HAWK! Just going to put that out there before I review this book! How can you not??? What a yummy alpha male! Okay okay now to the book...

A year and a half. Thats how long Gwendolyn Kidd has been sleeping with MM, her Mystery Man. A year and a half ago she heard these words at the bar...
“You comin’ or what?”
She took MM home with her that night, and now he makes regular weekly visits. Sneaks in at night, then disappears.
Gwen is having some issues with...more

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Feb 21, 2012 Shawna rated it 5 of 5 stars Recommends it for: Fans of romantic suspense & hot alpha heroes

Shelves: contemporary-romance, e-book, cop-bodyguard-govop-merc-military, hero-alpha‎, romantic-suspense, kristen-ashley, hero-latin-lover-heartthrob, hero-uber-alpha-domineering, kindle, cheating-hearts-fidelity-issues, i-read-kindle, 2012-reads, 5-stars, angsty-dark-heavy-lotsa-drama, badasses-hunks-in-leather, best-endings-epilogues, bikes-grease-monkey-hot-rods-racer, brothers-sisters-cousins-family, bikers-sexy-as-sin, enemies-to-lovers-opposites-attract, hero-abused-scarred-tortured-angst, hero-asshat-award-hall-of-shame, hero-attractive-handsome-heartthrob, hero-bad-boy-playboy, hero-brooding, hero-cold-cruelbrute-dark-dangerous, hero-daddy-warbucks-wealthy, hero-expert-skilled-voracious-lover, hero-i-wanna-smack, hero-im-gaga-over, hero-military-war-veteran, hero-or-heroine-italian, hero-pissed-me-off-and-turned-me-on, hero-player-manwhore-sex-addict, hero-recluse-loner-lonewolf, hero-silent-quiet-type-reticent, hero-stalk-me-baby-possessive, hero-stud-mantel-hall-of-fame, hero-walking-hardon, heroine-beautiful-bombshell, heroine-classy-lady, heroine-i-wanna-bitch-slap-annoying, hh-divorcee, hh-sweet-nice-paired-vs-gruff-cynic, hh-warrior, hh-widow-or-widower, humorous-at-times-or-fluffy-fun, i-read-own-faves-keepers, love-triangle-vying-courtships, steam-3-hot, series-dream-man, badass-kickass-motha-fucka, favorite-romance-series, favorites, best-faves-of-2012, heroine-sassy-full-of-attitude

5 stars – Romantic Suspense

All the single ladies, all the single ladies
All the single ladies, all the single ladies
All the single ladies...

Now pack your bags up!

Considering there’s not one but four yummy heroes introduced in this first book in the Dream Man series that’s set in Denver, Colorado (all of whom get their own book...YAY!), not to mention the smokin’ hot, badass alpha heroes from Ashley’s Colorado Mountain series, and it definitely wouldn’t be surprising if all the single ladies sudde...more

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Jul 15, 2012 Lazy Jeff rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: 2012-read, contemporary, suspense

So, I’m between Scylla and Charybdis… Can I use that expression here? O no, LOL, I’ve got even better analogy! In Russian folktales we always have this situation when an epic hero (we call him ‘bogatir’; he’s from simple peasant family, he’s very-very strong, he has a sword and a battle horse, his usual task is to kill a mean dragon or save king's daughter)… so the situation when ‘bogatir’ is at the crossroads and in front of him stands guide sign with three directions on it. The first says: “Yo...more So, I’m between Scylla and Charybdis… Can I use that expression here? O no, LOL, I’ve got even better analogy! In Russian folktales we always have this situation when an epic hero (we call him ‘bogatir’; he’s from simple peasant family, he’s very-very strong, he has a sword and a battle horse, his usual task is to kill a mean dragon or save king's daughter)… so the situation when ‘bogatir’ is at the crossroads and in front of him stands guide sign with three directions on it. The first says: “You go on the right you will lose your life”. The second says: “You go on the left you will lose you horse”. To my shame, I really don’t remember what says the third but I surmise something like: “You go straight you will lose something else”. Bogatir’s life sucks I must tell you, LOL. So I’m exactly like a hero from Russian folktales – at the crossroads :)

I REALLY loved the book. I read it till 4 a.m. but then my eyes and my mind shut down and it made me stop the reading. But I finished the book next morning. It was amazing. I LOVED the plot: the action, all that shooting, kidnapping, fire, Camaro, commandos, bikers. I loved it. I really enjoy the stories about Denver because they always are flashbacks to Tara Janzen Steele Street Series witch, BTW, I absolutely adore! So I liked KA story about badass man with heart wounds and Cosmogirl who lives in the dreamland.

CAUTION. Do not shoot me please after reading!

It’s funny and a bit absurd but I didn’t like the characters. Yup, I even didn’t fall in love with Hawk. It’s always amazes me how these bossy alpha-males become so freaking tempting in the books – every girl wants them!! But in real life they are unbearable, they just drive girls insane so girls find ordinary guys and live with them for the rest of their life. But it’s not my point. The point is that I know exactly why I didn’t like Hawk. He wasn’t smartass. I can’t stop comparing him with Superman Hawkins – and Hawkins was smartass. He was less alpha, ok, but he was more charming. Hawk didn’t have charisma. “He has dimples” I hear you are saying. Can’t argue with that, LOL. He was oh so tough but I didn’t see individuality in him. I do understand that it was KA point – he destroyed his personal world after that big tragedy – but still. It was not enough of real him for me. What do I know about him? He had a big tragedy in his life, he doesn’t eat fat food, he’s into lingerie and high heels. Hmm. Basically that’s all. So he is too mystery for my taste.

Gwen was complete moron. Sorry, guys, but it’s true. The perfect character for a horror movie: “don’t go there, honey, don’t go there!” But she goes there. “Don’t do it, sweetie, don’t do it!” But, yup, she does it. You have a commando base next to you – why, oh Lord, why you want to resolve the life-or-death problems by yourself?! She had a dead wish, no less. Maybe I’m wrong because, fortunately, I don’t live in Badass world and do not know the rules. But! In my book every reasonable woman understands that “gwen’s actions” (= “I’m Harry Potter and I’m saving the world today!”) may lead only to the deaths: Gwens', Hawk's and Ginger's. I didn’t like her slutinness. I was highly surprised that eventually she was banged only by Hawk. Poor girl, there were a lot of hot men around – it must be so tough to not bang them all! Seriously! She lusted after three men at the same time. Is it even physically possible? Something must be wrong with me!

So, despite my hate for Gwen and dissatisfaction of Hawk, I enjoyed the read. Don’t know how it possible but it is. I laughed, I cried, I awwed nicely then they were together and they were oh so cute, LOL. I shed a tear on the epilogue. I’m definitely going to read Rock Chick Series :) However, I gave “Mistery Man” 3 stars. Blame it on Tara Janzen. She still makes it better for me.

(less)

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Nov 27, 2012 Jennifer Kyle rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: kristen-ashley, favorites

PACKING MY BAGS AND MOVING TO DENVER...YOU GET ME?

Once there, I'm finding an abandon warehouse tying myself up and waiting for Hawk Delgado to come rescue me. A girl can dream right?

description

Gwendolyn Piper Kidd is a self-employed freelance editor whose marriage fell apart. She is out on the town having cosmos with her girls when she spots super hawt “Mystery Man”. When he gets up and leaves she fears that she didn’t catch his eye. He then stops by her stool on his way out and says:

"You comin' or what?"...more

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Dec 19, 2012 Sunny rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: reviews, über-alpha, team-commando, own, favorite-series

I know what I want when I pick up a book like this to read. I want a fun, adventurous story, a hot alpha male, a strong-willed intelligent female, and great interaction between the two. I want the story to peel the layers off the hero like an onion and I want hot romance. If I get an emotional hook or an interesting plot twist, it’s a bonus.

For the most part, Mystery Man lives up to my expectations, but doesn’t exceed it. I was originally drawn to this book because of it incredulous prologue: a...more I know what I want when I pick up a book like this to read. I want a fun, adventurous story, a hot alpha male, a strong-willed intelligent female, and great interaction between the two. I want the story to peel the layers off the hero like an onion and I want hot romance. If I get an emotional hook or an interesting plot twist, it’s a bonus.

For the most part, Mystery Man lives up to my expectations, but doesn’t exceed it. I was originally drawn to this book because of it incredulous prologue: a woman (Gwen) has a one-night stand, only to be revisited in the dark of night by the same guy for a booty call for a year and a half and did not know anything about him including his name. How was the author going to explain this without making Gwen look pathetic or a slut? The story eventually resolved itself, but it did require a little belief suspension.

My hook in this story was the promise to unravel the mystery of Cabe “Hawk” Delarosa. Hawk is mysterious, controlling and dangerous (reminded me a little of Travis Maddox from Beautiful Disaster and Christian Grey in Fifty Shades of Grey ). It would be easy for any woman who has ever dated a “bad boy” or “rebel” in her life (or wanted to) to be drawn to this character. Unfortunately, the problem is that for the majority of the book, I did not get deep insight of Hawk. Part of the problem is that the book is written in first person narrative. As a reader, I didn’t know what is going inside Hawk’s head. His character, though not superficial, lacks depth. We know from his actions and from her perception that he is strong, silent, and hella controlling (though it is later revealed that a tragedy his past has made him so guarded). But beyond that it hard to figure out who Cabe Delgado is and what he does. For example, we really are not sure what he does for a living except that he and his company are security experts whose work includes protection and surveillance (He has installed camera in Gwen’s house even before she knew who he was. Talk about a trust-buster and a dealbreaker.) All we really know about his work from Hawk is that he has “shit to do.” Thankfully we are allowed a little bit into his head in the Epilogue. That was a treat.

Because this is the first in a series, we are introduced to the primary characters for the future books. It is a pleasure to meet Kane “Tack” Allen, Detective Mitch Lawson, and Agent Brock Lucas. Each are unique characters and there are delicious hints of what’s come. But as for their participation in this book, the characters are introduced, allowed to play for a little while and then are just left to *poof* disappear. (view spoiler)

There is serious sexual tension between Gwen and Hawk and that's what kept drawing me back. There are some interesting twists in the plot, but I think it went a little overlong and the final chapter lacked a big bang. Nonetheless, because I am a serial series book reader, I will probably read the rest of the series. I’m most looking forward to Kane’s story. Reading more about a biker gang leader with a heart of gold and can make fabulous pancakes? I’m in. (less)

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Jul 26, 2012 Pamela(AllHoney) rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Recommended to Pamela(AllHoney) by: UniquelyMoi *Dhestiny* BlithelyBookish

Shelves: ebooks, 1st-pov, bodyguards-protectors, challenge-2012, contemporary-romance, cops-fbi-dea-cia-etc, dangerous-or-bad-boy, irritating-or-tstl-heroines, rs-mystery-thriller, tortured-hero, tearjerkers, the-habanero-shelf, uber-alphas, latin-lovers, military-or-ex-military, favorites, 1st-in-series, my-4-star-romances

The first in Kristen Ashley's Dream Man series and my second book read by this author. I liked it but it wasn't perfect. I had issues with a few minors things. The editing and grammar was still rough but not enough to ruin the book. The heroine was irritating at times and the hero was a borderline jerk. Not to mention his stalker tendencies. Oh, he had his moments and was definitely dream worthy but he got stupid a few times. GRRRRR! But the story itself was engaging and humorous and even heart-...more

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Jun 20, 2012 Lisa rated it 5 of 5 stars

So begins a new series with yet more hot alpha-males to swoon over and dream about. Sheez! I thought KA outdid herself with the hotties portrayed in the Rock Chick series. I. Was. So. Wrong. Oh yah!!!

It goes without saying, but, yes... I’m going to say it... I LOVED THIS BOOK! It was simply fan-freaking-tastic! If you are debating whether you should jump on this bandwagon and give this book a whirl, here are my reasons why you should definitely read this book now:

1. Cabe “Hawk” Degaldo. He is...more

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topics	posts	views	last activity
Kristen Ashley Ad...: Mystery Man (Book #1) Hawk and Gwen	296	666	May 02, 2013 05:46pm
Did not love it - wanted to but it fell short for me	13	72	Apr 18, 2013 03:56pm
Buddy Read Zone: Mystery Man 3/13/13	246	63	Mar 16, 2013 12:00pm
Oh My Shelves: April Mystery Man Buddy Read	8	13	Feb 04, 2013 12:18pm
epub or pdf?	3	113	Jan 03, 2013 02:56am

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About Kristen Ashley

Kristen Ashley was born in Gary, Indiana, USA. She nearly killed her mother and herself making it into the world, seeing as she had the umbilical cord wrapped around her neck (already attempting to accessorise and she hadn't taken her first breath!).

Kristen grew up in Brownsburg, Indiana but has lived in Denver, Colorado and the West Country of England. Thus she has been blessed to have friends a...more

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Quotes from Mystery Man

“Are you here to freak me out in any other way?"
"Nope."
"This would include asking me for a date," I warned.
"Babe, don't date," he replied.
"You don't?"
"Do tequila shots followed by 5 hours of sex count as a date? he asked.
"Um... no," I answered.
"Then I don't date."
I smiled at him.
Then, stupidly, I asked. "You can have sex for 5 hours?"
He smiled at me.
Yikes.
Moving on.” — 172 people liked it

“You're bossy, arrogant, intrusive, annoying... "
His minor grin amplified.
See! Totally unrepentant...
"Do I have anything going for me?"
"... you can be sweet, you're a cuddler, and you carried me out of a burning building..."
"I'm a cuddler?"
"You spoon."
His brows went up. "That's important enough to be on your list?"
"Uh... yeah."
[He's grinning] "Fuckin' ridiculous what women think is important.” — 156 people liked it

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Mystery Man (Dream Man #1)

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