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The Dark Dreamer #1
The Dark Dreamer
For as long as she can remember, Rebekah Clayton’s life has been dictated by her dreams. As a dream interpreter, she has become privy to her clients’ deepest and darkest secrets. Affairs, financial ruin, even murder—nothing shocks her anymore. But Grant Raskin’s dreams are unlike any she has heard before.
If Rebekah’s interpretation is right, Grant has foreseen the end of the world. A plague is coming and everyone Rebekah cares about will succumb to the illness. And Grant can trace the origin of the disease back to two men: Dr. Mark Holman and his son Drew.
Grant enlists Rebekah to track down the Holmans and determine their connection to the viral outbreak. But uncovering Drew Holman’s secrets will lead her down a dangerous path—unearthing a deadly conspiracy she never could have predicted.
The first book in a two-part series from bestselling romance author Heather Topham Wood.
If Rebekah’s interpretation is right, Grant has foreseen the end of the world. A plague is coming and everyone Rebekah cares about will succumb to the illness. And Grant can trace the origin of the disease back to two men: Dr. Mark Holman and his son Drew.
Grant enlists Rebekah to track down the Holmans and determine their connection to the viral outbreak. But uncovering Drew Holman’s secrets will lead her down a dangerous path—unearthing a deadly conspiracy she never could have predicted.
The first book in a two-part series from bestselling romance author Heather Topham Wood.
442 pages, Paperback
First published April 12, 2015
2 people are currently reading
1209 people want to read
About the author
Heather Topham Wood
17 books1,252 followersHeather Topham Wood’s obsession with novels began in childhood while growing up in a shore town in New Jersey. Writing since her teens, she recently returned to penning novels after a successful career as a freelance writer. She loves creating imaginary worlds where people behave exactly how she wants them to.
Heather graduated from the College of New Jersey in 2005 and holds a bachelor's degree in English. Her freelance work has appeared in publications such as USA Today, Livestrong.com, Outlook by the Bay and Step in Style magazine. She resides in Trenton, New Jersey with her husband and two sons. Besides writing, Heather is a pop culture fanatic and has an obsession with supernatural novels and TV shows.
Follow Heather on Facebook, Twitter and her blog to keep posted on her upcoming works:
https://twitter.com/woodtop255
http://authorheather.com
https://www.facebook.com/HeatherTopha...
Heather graduated from the College of New Jersey in 2005 and holds a bachelor's degree in English. Her freelance work has appeared in publications such as USA Today, Livestrong.com, Outlook by the Bay and Step in Style magazine. She resides in Trenton, New Jersey with her husband and two sons. Besides writing, Heather is a pop culture fanatic and has an obsession with supernatural novels and TV shows.
Follow Heather on Facebook, Twitter and her blog to keep posted on her upcoming works:
https://twitter.com/woodtop255
http://authorheather.com
https://www.facebook.com/HeatherTopha...
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April 29, 2015Now Available!
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October 16, 2015
I was gifted a copy of “The Dark Dreamer” by the author in exchange for an honest review.
“The Dark Dreamer” by Heather Topham Wood just broke me – into tiny, little pieces and I don’t think I will be put back together until I get my hands on the sequel. I want to, no, I need to find out what happens next.
It’s not easy to fill you in on what the book is about, without giving too much away.
Rebekah, a young woman who has experienced way too much loss for her age, works as a dream interpreter. Clients tell her their dreams and she tells them what those mean – often warning them of upcoming events or false people in their lives. Not really a thankful task, she mostly keeps to herself, especially since people are freaked out by her ability.
One night Grant shows up at her doorstep, recounting his nightmares for her to interpret. What they both learn is less than thrilling. Grant’s dream prophesies the end of the world, a zombie-like plague that will kill everyone – including the people they care about.
Deciding they have to attempt and stop it, they set out to gain more information – especially about the two people who are responsible for the outbreak according to Grants’s dream. Dr. Holman and his son Drew.
The initial attraction Rebekah felt for Grant quickly fades when she meets Drew. The lines between their investigation and real feelings for Drew get blurred quickly and she finds herself drawn to him, feeling happy for the first time in her life. Too bad he’s one of the two people who will cause the apocalypse, but even that doesn’t stop her from falling for him – torn between her duty and her heart.
Things aren’t always as they seem though and neither are people – a lesson that Kate has to learn in a painful way and that could cost all of their lives.
The story is absolutely breath-taking. It kept me at the edge of my seat, biting my nails and reading and the speed of light. Full of suspense and twists and turns, it kept me guessing, hoping and pleading for things to go well. At the same time, it was toying with my heart – making it all fuzzy and warm, just to crush it in the next minute. I might be slightly obsessed with the story and the characters at this point. But fact is, they were awesome.
Rebekah, also called Becca, was absolutely endearing. She had her emotional baggage, no doubt and it affected her life and her relationships, but she wasn’t whiny or wallowing in self-pity. She tried to make the best of her life and her circumstances, while guarding her heart against any more loss, without realizing that this way she was also locking out love and happiness.
Despite her psychic abilities, she was down-to-earth and fairly laid-back. Due to her upbringing, she had a hard time coming to terms with her abilities and the way her life was, but it didn’t keep her from trying to help others and especially from attempting to save the world.
The change in her once she met Drew was significant though. It was almost as if part of her was finally brought to life and it was thrilling to see that change.
Grant was and still is a bit of enigma. At the beginning, I really liked him and was drawn to him, just like Becca. But as time went on, I found him to be a ruthless, heartless vigilante. Despite his confession of making really crappy decisions in his past and feeling guilty for them, I couldn’t stop getting angry with him when he was trying to push his view on Becca. His good looks and great body didn’t make up for the fact that he didn’t have a conscience in his quest for information, putting way too much pressure on Becca, especially when it came to Drew.
Drew on the other hand seemed like a douchebag at first, but it became very clear that he was haunted by something – a broken, young man who had a hard time to come to terms with his life.
He appeared like a spoiled, rich kid with not a responsible bone in his body but it became quickly apparent that there was more to him. And once he met Becca, he allowed his true self to show. He was charismatic and sweet, sexy and attentive. He made me swoon something fierce and I totally understand why Becca couldn’t resist him. He was actually more than family money and good looks.
Trust me, your heart will break for him and with him and you’ll never be the same again.
Heather Topham Wood just absolutely rocks paranormal romances that still seem real. She makes you believe this is happening right now, somewhere in your neighborhood. It’s creative and original, detailed and elaborate.
The Dark Dreamer lives up to that.
5+ dreams-are-real stars.
“The Dark Dreamer” by Heather Topham Wood just broke me – into tiny, little pieces and I don’t think I will be put back together until I get my hands on the sequel. I want to, no, I need to find out what happens next.
It’s not easy to fill you in on what the book is about, without giving too much away.
Rebekah, a young woman who has experienced way too much loss for her age, works as a dream interpreter. Clients tell her their dreams and she tells them what those mean – often warning them of upcoming events or false people in their lives. Not really a thankful task, she mostly keeps to herself, especially since people are freaked out by her ability.
One night Grant shows up at her doorstep, recounting his nightmares for her to interpret. What they both learn is less than thrilling. Grant’s dream prophesies the end of the world, a zombie-like plague that will kill everyone – including the people they care about.
Deciding they have to attempt and stop it, they set out to gain more information – especially about the two people who are responsible for the outbreak according to Grants’s dream. Dr. Holman and his son Drew.
The initial attraction Rebekah felt for Grant quickly fades when she meets Drew. The lines between their investigation and real feelings for Drew get blurred quickly and she finds herself drawn to him, feeling happy for the first time in her life. Too bad he’s one of the two people who will cause the apocalypse, but even that doesn’t stop her from falling for him – torn between her duty and her heart.
Things aren’t always as they seem though and neither are people – a lesson that Kate has to learn in a painful way and that could cost all of their lives.
The story is absolutely breath-taking. It kept me at the edge of my seat, biting my nails and reading and the speed of light. Full of suspense and twists and turns, it kept me guessing, hoping and pleading for things to go well. At the same time, it was toying with my heart – making it all fuzzy and warm, just to crush it in the next minute. I might be slightly obsessed with the story and the characters at this point. But fact is, they were awesome.
Rebekah, also called Becca, was absolutely endearing. She had her emotional baggage, no doubt and it affected her life and her relationships, but she wasn’t whiny or wallowing in self-pity. She tried to make the best of her life and her circumstances, while guarding her heart against any more loss, without realizing that this way she was also locking out love and happiness.
Despite her psychic abilities, she was down-to-earth and fairly laid-back. Due to her upbringing, she had a hard time coming to terms with her abilities and the way her life was, but it didn’t keep her from trying to help others and especially from attempting to save the world.
The change in her once she met Drew was significant though. It was almost as if part of her was finally brought to life and it was thrilling to see that change.
Grant was and still is a bit of enigma. At the beginning, I really liked him and was drawn to him, just like Becca. But as time went on, I found him to be a ruthless, heartless vigilante. Despite his confession of making really crappy decisions in his past and feeling guilty for them, I couldn’t stop getting angry with him when he was trying to push his view on Becca. His good looks and great body didn’t make up for the fact that he didn’t have a conscience in his quest for information, putting way too much pressure on Becca, especially when it came to Drew.
Drew on the other hand seemed like a douchebag at first, but it became very clear that he was haunted by something – a broken, young man who had a hard time to come to terms with his life.
He appeared like a spoiled, rich kid with not a responsible bone in his body but it became quickly apparent that there was more to him. And once he met Becca, he allowed his true self to show. He was charismatic and sweet, sexy and attentive. He made me swoon something fierce and I totally understand why Becca couldn’t resist him. He was actually more than family money and good looks.
Trust me, your heart will break for him and with him and you’ll never be the same again.
Heather Topham Wood just absolutely rocks paranormal romances that still seem real. She makes you believe this is happening right now, somewhere in your neighborhood. It’s creative and original, detailed and elaborate.
The Dark Dreamer lives up to that.
5+ dreams-are-real stars.
May 20, 2015
I really enjoyed this book I wanted to learn all about Drew as well. He is one of my favorite characters. I also really like Rebekah Clayton and I think she is a good person. I loved the surprised ending even though I had it figured out with the author by the end. I look forward to the next book in this series. I would love to know what happens next. * I received this book from the author in exchange for an honest review*
April 29, 2015
From the very start of the beginning, The Dark Dreamer was delightfully entrancing. It's certainly one of those books that keep you reading and reading and you'll stop when you need a bathroom break. For those of you who are picky, I can agree with the other reviewers about the pace of the book: face-paced but kept steady enough to allow you to soak everything in. Anyways, I was pleased with what I've read. Nothing kept my attention from straying. Rebekah's ability is certainly nothing that hasn't been done before, but the author doesn't make you bored of it or feel like "been there, done that." The romance wasn't particularly my interest but the author plays it out well to bring out some character development in Rebekah, so not much of a big problem there!
Much more so, I find the dynamic of the plot and its characters very thrilling. It was enough to put me on the edge of my seat.
All in all, though, you can't know any more about the book without giving it a try. I give it 5 out of 5 stars as a paranormal book.
Much more so, I find the dynamic of the plot and its characters very thrilling. It was enough to put me on the edge of my seat.
All in all, though, you can't know any more about the book without giving it a try. I give it 5 out of 5 stars as a paranormal book.
May 11, 2015
This is an amazing read !!!!
I was so pleased to see heather had a new book out and as always I was not disappointed...... it had it all the unknown the romance the paranormal .. I feel in love with the characters and wanted so much the happy ever after....... but I never saw the ending coming ........ now here i am wanting more........... let's hope part two is soon very very soon..... one of her biggest fans left want more .......
I was so pleased to see heather had a new book out and as always I was not disappointed...... it had it all the unknown the romance the paranormal .. I feel in love with the characters and wanted so much the happy ever after....... but I never saw the ending coming ........ now here i am wanting more........... let's hope part two is soon very very soon..... one of her biggest fans left want more .......
May 17, 2015
THE DARK DREAMER had me on the edge of my seat the entire time. Rebekah Clayton, aka the dream interpreter, is a feisty and smart protagonist who I cheered for from the start. I love her backstory and how it intertwines with the main plot - and what a surprise ending! The passionate and sexy scenes between Rebekah and Drew were hot and increased the tension and drama of the whole story. I enjoyed the surprises, twists, turns, and mystery of the whole novel. Can't wait to read Volume 2!
April 20, 2015
WOW!!!! What just happened??? I can't even think to write a clear review after the ending. Cliffhanger, but so worth the CRAZY ride. Loved the characters, plot, and romance. Final book can't come soon enough
April 27, 2015
love.love.love this book :)
April 17, 2015
It is an interesting perspective of what could/might someone dreamed the end of the world as we know it , It is a it edgy and will keep you guessing and wanting to keep turning pages
January 7, 2018
Very Very Very good, fabulous, incredible book!!!!!!!!!!!
June 27, 2015
I received a free copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review. Thanks Heather!
I am a huge fan of Heather's Second Sight paranormal romance series. If you haven't checked that out yet then you really should. My love for her other series is what had me beyond excited for this new duology! The Dark Dreamer didn't disappoint.
The Dark Dreamer starts off with action and thrills and continues at this pace for most of the book. When the action does slow down we get romance instead. I wasn't complaining since both aspects of the novel were done extremely well. The idea of dream reading was beyond interesting. I loved the concept and the idea. Basically I liked everything about it. Haven't you ever wondered what your dreams were telling you?
Becca is a dream interpreter and she is awesome. I like her spunk. I had no trouble connecting with her as a character because she seemed real. Grant was an interesting character as was Drew. Both sexy men have a mystery around them that we don't fully grasp until the end of the novel. I love a good mysterious boy.
Heather once again convinced me as to why I need to keep reading her stuff. Her paranormal romances are wonderful. She mixes the perfect blend of paranormal and sexy steaminess. They are quick fulfilling reads that give me an escape from the real world.
I read this book in just about one sitting. It was that good! I will warn you... the ending is crazy! I am now waiting for the next book. Impatiently may I add. It may kill me just a little. I look forward to reading many more of Heather's books in the future.
I am a huge fan of Heather's Second Sight paranormal romance series. If you haven't checked that out yet then you really should. My love for her other series is what had me beyond excited for this new duology! The Dark Dreamer didn't disappoint.
The Dark Dreamer starts off with action and thrills and continues at this pace for most of the book. When the action does slow down we get romance instead. I wasn't complaining since both aspects of the novel were done extremely well. The idea of dream reading was beyond interesting. I loved the concept and the idea. Basically I liked everything about it. Haven't you ever wondered what your dreams were telling you?
Becca is a dream interpreter and she is awesome. I like her spunk. I had no trouble connecting with her as a character because she seemed real. Grant was an interesting character as was Drew. Both sexy men have a mystery around them that we don't fully grasp until the end of the novel. I love a good mysterious boy.
Heather once again convinced me as to why I need to keep reading her stuff. Her paranormal romances are wonderful. She mixes the perfect blend of paranormal and sexy steaminess. They are quick fulfilling reads that give me an escape from the real world.
I read this book in just about one sitting. It was that good! I will warn you... the ending is crazy! I am now waiting for the next book. Impatiently may I add. It may kill me just a little. I look forward to reading many more of Heather's books in the future.
April 17, 2015
I was torn on giving this book 3 or 4 stars, but the last 25% of the story got really exciting, so it gets a 4 from me. But if you are a cliffhanger hater, be warned, it ends on a big one.
I've read almost all of Heather Topham Wood's books, I am definitely a fan. But the blurb about this one threw me a little bit, it thought it was going to be a thriller with a touch of the paranormal, but there is a lot more romance in the story than I anticipated. Not that it's necessarily a bad thing, but I felt like took too much time away from the more interesting parts of the story.
Rebekah can interpret dreams, therefore "see" into the future. When Grant comes to her with a dream that foretells the apocalypse, they decide to join forces to save the world. Rebekah is attracted to Grant from the start, but then Drew comes into the picture and there's a bit of a love triangle. And that's where the book drags a little. I wanted less of the romance and more of the coming apocalypse stuff.
The last quarter or so of the book, things get much more exciting and I couldn't put it down. There are a lot of social issues that are touched on in the book: religious zealotry, stem cell research, questionable medical ethics...
The end left me dying to know what comes next, fortunately the next book will be out in the summer so the wait won't be too long.
I've read almost all of Heather Topham Wood's books, I am definitely a fan. But the blurb about this one threw me a little bit, it thought it was going to be a thriller with a touch of the paranormal, but there is a lot more romance in the story than I anticipated. Not that it's necessarily a bad thing, but I felt like took too much time away from the more interesting parts of the story.
Rebekah can interpret dreams, therefore "see" into the future. When Grant comes to her with a dream that foretells the apocalypse, they decide to join forces to save the world. Rebekah is attracted to Grant from the start, but then Drew comes into the picture and there's a bit of a love triangle. And that's where the book drags a little. I wanted less of the romance and more of the coming apocalypse stuff.
The last quarter or so of the book, things get much more exciting and I couldn't put it down. There are a lot of social issues that are touched on in the book: religious zealotry, stem cell research, questionable medical ethics...
The end left me dying to know what comes next, fortunately the next book will be out in the summer so the wait won't be too long.
June 7, 2016
Wood is one of my favorite authors and I was immediately pulled into The Dark Dreamer. I love her stories with paranormal themes and Becca's ability as a dream interpreter is perfect. Becca meets Grant early in the book when he comes for an interpretation of a recurring dream. Becca and Grant team up to discover the truth behind his dreams, but what Becca discovers is far beyond her wildest imagination. Orphaned at eight when her mother died in a house fire, Becca has spent her life missing her mother. As the story unfolds Becca learns some hard truths about her mother and her own future. My only vice with this story right now is that the sequel was suppose to be released Summer of 2015 and it is now June 2016 with no sequel. Sadly The Dark Dreamer is a total cliff hanger and I have no clue when book two will actually come out, that being sad I wouldn't recommend reading this book until the next one has been published. Sad day.
April 29, 2015
I do not read a lot of paranormal books, but i love the apocalypse idea and to combine the two is very intriguing to me and i really enjoyed this book. I must say it was quite slow to start i felt and it took me longer than normal to get into it. But once i did it was a very entertaining read. There is most certainly chemistry with the central characters and its an unusual take on the paranormal side. Usually i see it is wolves,vampires etc, but a dream reader that to me is very different. This book has a serious cliff hanger but it does state in the blurb it is a two part story and i cannot wait to see what happens next.
May 23, 2015
It has potential but I couldn't get pass the writing. Why is there a need for so much description? It filled 30% of the book before anything happened. This is going under my "did not finish," unfortunately.
May 31, 2015
I really enjoyed this book. Grabbed my attention from the first page and didn't let go. I look forward to the next book!
Want to read
March 13, 2015Saw the teaser and can not wait for this one!!!!
April 24, 2015
it was a great read, a little slow to start but by the end I couldnt put it down!
cant wait for the next book
cant wait for the next book
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews