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Dreaming in Color
The sight of the red door saves Colin Baxter in his dream, but very quickly a man appears and the dream becomes a thing of raw sexual need with a person Colin can’t identify. He just knows the man needs him, and Colin aches to find and heal his lover…even if the man doesn’t really exist.
Marek Donovan just wants to be left alone to lick his wounds and recover from a terrible loss. The rundown house in Fiji suits his minimal needs just fine. He doesn’t want to face the world again, and on a small, secluded island figures he’s safe from everyone and everything. Particularly guilt from his past.
Dreams of this nameless man and his house plague Colin for two years, but he’s come to care about his phantom lover so deeply he doesn’t want them to end. Then Colin visits Fiji and comes face-to-face with the house from his visions, prompting him to believe these dreams just might be his destiny.
Colin knocks on the door, determined to find answers. What he finds is a man he already knows.
Marek Donovan just wants to be left alone to lick his wounds and recover from a terrible loss. The rundown house in Fiji suits his minimal needs just fine. He doesn’t want to face the world again, and on a small, secluded island figures he’s safe from everyone and everything. Particularly guilt from his past.
Dreams of this nameless man and his house plague Colin for two years, but he’s come to care about his phantom lover so deeply he doesn’t want them to end. Then Colin visits Fiji and comes face-to-face with the house from his visions, prompting him to believe these dreams just might be his destiny.
Colin knocks on the door, determined to find answers. What he finds is a man he already knows.
181 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 14, 2009
12 people are currently reading
415 people want to read
About the author
Cameron Dane
31 books879 followersI am an air force brat and spent most of my growing up years living overseas in Italy and England, as well as Florida, Georgia, Ohio, and Virginia while we were stateside. I now live in Florida once again with my big, wonderfully pushy family and my three-legged cat, Harry. I have been reading romance novels since I was twelve years old, and twenty years later I still adore them. Currently, I have an unexplainable obsession with hockey goaltenders, and an unabashed affection for The Daily Show with Jon Stewart.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 69 reviews
May 12, 2011
I really liked these characters and the story was solid
The sex though... where to begin first there was way too much of it. Second it the terminology used was disgusting most of the time and it was the least sexiest sex i have ever read, at the same time it was also the funniest
I don't know what was up with Collins asshole but the way it was always hungry, convulsing, fluttering, flaming, winking, and who knows what i forgot I had to wonder was his asshole possessed by an epileptic demon or something?
"Colin had his hand on his cock in an overhanded pull, and his hole pulsed with a beat all its own, enticing Marek to slide down to the bounty he knew it hid."
"Marek eased a third finger inside in steady increments, mindful of the continuous spasms wreaking havoc in Colin's ass."
Was it just me or was anyone else waiting for an exorcism for the havoc demon possessing Collins butt?
The sex though... where to begin first there was way too much of it. Second it the terminology used was disgusting most of the time and it was the least sexiest sex i have ever read, at the same time it was also the funniest
I don't know what was up with Collins asshole but the way it was always hungry, convulsing, fluttering, flaming, winking, and who knows what i forgot I had to wonder was his asshole possessed by an epileptic demon or something?
"Colin had his hand on his cock in an overhanded pull, and his hole pulsed with a beat all its own, enticing Marek to slide down to the bounty he knew it hid."
"Marek eased a third finger inside in steady increments, mindful of the continuous spasms wreaking havoc in Colin's ass."
Was it just me or was anyone else waiting for an exorcism for the havoc demon possessing Collins butt?
May 12, 2011
3.82 Stars
This was 1st book by Cameron Dane and I had aways heard that her stuff was pretty erotic. But then someone also told me that this is her least smexy book. Hmm. I did lose count of the number of sex scenes because there were a lot!
So the book started off with dream sex, and of course I hate dream sex. But the dream sex really wasn't that bad compared to the real life sex. The terminology used to describe the sex was quite hilarious, especially in describing the activities of the men's assholes.
So here are a few quotes I'm posting as tribute to Marek's ass:
Scene 1
"His ass channel fluttered with anticipation at feeling a real penis inside him again, and his dick jumped in his pants..."
"Marek's rectum barely stopped rippling before Colin sent it into another shiver by withdrawing his digit..."
"Marek's ass pulsed wildly"
"Colin pounded away at Marek's ass, sending his rectum into a confused state of tender discomfort; sweet, sharp pleasure; and uncontrollable, rippling spasms"
Scene 2
"His passage quivered as his body vividly recalled the one time he opened himself up to Colin for the taking"
"Long, steady strokes created insane friction along Marek's anal walls, and each plugging of his chute shot a line of pleasure to his balls and dick, pushing his sated body to swell and harden again."
"Colin continued to fuck him with agonizing, slow control, filling and emptying his squeezing channel that wanted to hold some part of the man permanently within."
"Marek concentrated his full focus into all the muscles around his anus and sucked in for everything he was worth, so hard he was damn near sure he imprinted the shape of Colin's dick into his rectal walls."
"...his channel rippled in crazy spasms as he came..."
So, now looking past all the sex, I really did like Marek and Colin and their story. It was really sweet and I almost cried in a few places.
Good Story; Bad Sex!
This was 1st book by Cameron Dane and I had aways heard that her stuff was pretty erotic. But then someone also told me that this is her least smexy book. Hmm. I did lose count of the number of sex scenes because there were a lot!
So the book started off with dream sex, and of course I hate dream sex. But the dream sex really wasn't that bad compared to the real life sex. The terminology used to describe the sex was quite hilarious, especially in describing the activities of the men's assholes.
So here are a few quotes I'm posting as tribute to Marek's ass:
Scene 1
"His ass channel fluttered with anticipation at feeling a real penis inside him again, and his dick jumped in his pants..."
"Marek's rectum barely stopped rippling before Colin sent it into another shiver by withdrawing his digit..."
"Marek's ass pulsed wildly"
"Colin pounded away at Marek's ass, sending his rectum into a confused state of tender discomfort; sweet, sharp pleasure; and uncontrollable, rippling spasms"
Scene 2
"His passage quivered as his body vividly recalled the one time he opened himself up to Colin for the taking"
"Long, steady strokes created insane friction along Marek's anal walls, and each plugging of his chute shot a line of pleasure to his balls and dick, pushing his sated body to swell and harden again."
"Colin continued to fuck him with agonizing, slow control, filling and emptying his squeezing channel that wanted to hold some part of the man permanently within."
"Marek concentrated his full focus into all the muscles around his anus and sucked in for everything he was worth, so hard he was damn near sure he imprinted the shape of Colin's dick into his rectal walls."
"...his channel rippled in crazy spasms as he came..."
So, now looking past all the sex, I really did like Marek and Colin and their story. It was really sweet and I almost cried in a few places.
Good Story; Bad Sex!
March 28, 2013
When I started this book it has so much promise, I mean it’s set in Fiji, an island of sunny beaches, and tropical landscapes. Seriously how can you go wrong with that, well this author surely did.
I mean this book is so filled with angst, sex, angst filled sex, and an ending so disappointing I wanted to cry.
All throughout the book Marek feels sorry for himself, for what happened to his dead lover, and for what he did to Colin way back in High School. As the reader you don’t get to know what he did until the ending, and let me tell you that it was enough for me to want him to die in a fire.
Yeah, he was getting on my nerves with all his emo bullshit, and then he let what he did surface, and that was it I was done.
Colin should have kicked him in the balls then left while Marek was puking his guts out on the floor. This would have been an appropriate HEA, not the crappy one where he takes the looser back.
I mean this book is so filled with angst, sex, angst filled sex, and an ending so disappointing I wanted to cry.
All throughout the book Marek feels sorry for himself, for what happened to his dead lover, and for what he did to Colin way back in High School. As the reader you don’t get to know what he did until the ending, and let me tell you that it was enough for me to want him to die in a fire.
Yeah, he was getting on my nerves with all his emo bullshit, and then he let what he did surface, and that was it I was done.
Colin should have kicked him in the balls then left while Marek was puking his guts out on the floor. This would have been an appropriate HEA, not the crappy one where he takes the looser back.
December 30, 2013
3.75 Just Because It's Fiji Stars
It's Cameron Dane. What else is there to say? She's like cheesecake or crack...you understand intellectually it's bad for you, but frankly you don't give a flying damn, cause it's yummy and addicting, and helps you forget your sorrows for a while.
I'm not particularly spiritual (I don't spend a lot of time thinking about things I can't see), but I had no issues with the metaphysical concepts in this book. Colin dreams about a house and a hot man. He has sex with said man in these dreams for two years. And one day while in Fiji for his BFF's wedding, Colin finds him. Except Marek doesn't want to be found. But Colin feels a connection to the house and Marek, and won't be put off easily.
Angst? Check
Passion? In SPADES
HEA? Obviously
Was the plot a little over the top? Sure, and the prose was a little purple too. But I don't care. Because it's Cameron Dane. And hammocks on an island in Fiji. And sex behind a waterfall. FIJI, people, FIJI.
Nuff said.
It's Cameron Dane. What else is there to say? She's like cheesecake or crack...you understand intellectually it's bad for you, but frankly you don't give a flying damn, cause it's yummy and addicting, and helps you forget your sorrows for a while.
I'm not particularly spiritual (I don't spend a lot of time thinking about things I can't see), but I had no issues with the metaphysical concepts in this book. Colin dreams about a house and a hot man. He has sex with said man in these dreams for two years. And one day while in Fiji for his BFF's wedding, Colin finds him. Except Marek doesn't want to be found. But Colin feels a connection to the house and Marek, and won't be put off easily.
Angst? Check
Passion? In SPADES
HEA? Obviously
Was the plot a little over the top? Sure, and the prose was a little purple too. But I don't care. Because it's Cameron Dane. And hammocks on an island in Fiji. And sex behind a waterfall. FIJI, people, FIJI.
Nuff said.
June 28, 2012
I usually enjoy Cameron Dane's books. She has this ability to create likable characters that resonate with you, even though they tend to be a tad too dramatic and overly emotional.
This story felt a little imbalanced though. Colin has been having very vivid and explicit dreams about Marek for two years, so he feels like he knows the guy, he's almost already in love with him. Marek, on the other hand, hasn't seen Colin in decades, he barely knows him, he's very suspicious of him and, if you take into account his many other issues, he shouldn't really want to get involved with Colin.
What would you do? If a total stranger came up to you one day and told you he's been dreaming about you for years and that he feels he's there to save you? Wouldn't you consider him a wacko? I know I would.
But Marek's suspicions don't last long and he finds himself deeply, though reluctantly, involved with Colin within a couple of days.
So there. In the first half of the book I couldn't get myself to believe in the romance. I couldn't feel the chemistry between the characters. Colin felt too gushy and enthusiastic and Marek too reserved, too reticent.
I won't comment on the sex scenes, others have done it in detail in their reviews. I guess that's Cameron Dane's style. The private parts of her characters are sentient and they tend to quiver and get confused and even scream. I got over it within the first couple of her books. Though I do think the sex scenes drag a bit.
The second half of the book was better, the things the characters did and said and thought, their reactions, felt more natural but again a bit exaggerated. Still, more times than not I realized I was sniffling, caught up in the drama.
But I guess that's just Cameron Dane for you.
This story felt a little imbalanced though. Colin has been having very vivid and explicit dreams about Marek for two years, so he feels like he knows the guy, he's almost already in love with him. Marek, on the other hand, hasn't seen Colin in decades, he barely knows him, he's very suspicious of him and, if you take into account his many other issues, he shouldn't really want to get involved with Colin.
What would you do? If a total stranger came up to you one day and told you he's been dreaming about you for years and that he feels he's there to save you? Wouldn't you consider him a wacko? I know I would.
But Marek's suspicions don't last long and he finds himself deeply, though reluctantly, involved with Colin within a couple of days.
So there. In the first half of the book I couldn't get myself to believe in the romance. I couldn't feel the chemistry between the characters. Colin felt too gushy and enthusiastic and Marek too reserved, too reticent.
I won't comment on the sex scenes, others have done it in detail in their reviews. I guess that's Cameron Dane's style. The private parts of her characters are sentient and they tend to quiver and get confused and even scream. I got over it within the first couple of her books. Though I do think the sex scenes drag a bit.
The second half of the book was better, the things the characters did and said and thought, their reactions, felt more natural but again a bit exaggerated. Still, more times than not I realized I was sniffling, caught up in the drama.
But I guess that's just Cameron Dane for you.
April 13, 2013
4.0 Stars
I really enjoyed this one. Once you accept the premise (i.e., Colin is drawn to a particular house in Fiji based on recurring dreams he's been having about its owner/occupant, Marek), the story is pretty engaging. It was a lot to swallow at first because Colin came crashing into Marek's life after having all these smexy, intimate dreams about him. Any reasonable person would've kicked that nut-job to the curb! But Marek lets him come around and the two hit it off. When old secrets from years ago and Marek's corresponding guilt nearly derail their blossoming relationship, Colin and Marek must fight to gain their hard-won HEA.
This book was classic Cameron Dane (whom I LOVE to pieces): angst, hot sex, more angst, more sex, and then ... more sex. It was a charming story and I for one would like to revisit with Marek and Colin one day. And, I'd love .
Bottom line: another winner from Cameron Dane.
I really enjoyed this one. Once you accept the premise (i.e., Colin is drawn to a particular house in Fiji based on recurring dreams he's been having about its owner/occupant, Marek), the story is pretty engaging. It was a lot to swallow at first because Colin came crashing into Marek's life after having all these smexy, intimate dreams about him. Any reasonable person would've kicked that nut-job to the curb! But Marek lets him come around and the two hit it off. When old secrets from years ago and Marek's corresponding guilt nearly derail their blossoming relationship, Colin and Marek must fight to gain their hard-won HEA.
This book was classic Cameron Dane (whom I LOVE to pieces): angst, hot sex, more angst, more sex, and then ... more sex. It was a charming story and I for one would like to revisit with Marek and Colin one day. And, I'd love .
Bottom line: another winner from Cameron Dane.
June 25, 2015
To be honest, I was pretty disappointed.
It's not that I can't get behind the whole house/dream (for two years!) calling out to Colin, or even that when he gets to it he reconnects with someone from the past, but man...it just felt...weird. And truth is, I guess I really didn't buy the "calling" from the house and the way Colin felt the house's pain?
I could get behind him and Marek though. But I was bothered there too...
First because Colin sounded crazy as fuck to be honest.
Second because of passages like: "his steaming, damp channel rippled..."
and "...slammed his flaming tunnel down to receive Marek's piercing length."
and Third, and I reckon this is the biggest one...I was pissed at Marek for keeping his deep dark, guilt-ridden secret and then I was pissed at Colin for his reaction to learning it. I don't think it was the correct response either, but that's how I felt.
It wasn't all bad. There was some moments in there that were sweet and emotional and I adored, but overall, well the sex was...ew....I don't know.
I am a fan of Dane's but this was just a miss for me
It's not that I can't get behind the whole house/dream (for two years!) calling out to Colin, or even that when he gets to it he reconnects with someone from the past, but man...it just felt...weird. And truth is, I guess I really didn't buy the "calling" from the house and the way Colin felt the house's pain?
I could get behind him and Marek though. But I was bothered there too...
First because Colin sounded crazy as fuck to be honest.
Second because of passages like: "his steaming, damp channel rippled..."
and "...slammed his flaming tunnel down to receive Marek's piercing length."
and Third, and I reckon this is the biggest one...I was pissed at Marek for keeping his deep dark, guilt-ridden secret and then I was pissed at Colin for his reaction to learning it. I don't think it was the correct response either, but that's how I felt.
It wasn't all bad. There was some moments in there that were sweet and emotional and I adored, but overall, well the sex was...ew....I don't know.
I am a fan of Dane's but this was just a miss for me
July 15, 2009
Colin has been having a recurring graphic dream about a house and a man on a tropical island. In the dreams he doesn't ever see the man's face.
When he suggests a colleague and old friend holds her wedding on one of the Fijian Islands he goes along too.
From a tourist boat he sees the house he has been dreaming of and arranges to rent a boat so he can go there himself. He finds the man is someone he knew as a boy. Marek.
Marek is consumed with guilt over both his last lover and from something he did indirectly to Colin as a teenager. The premise of the story is that it is this extreme guilt that has generated the powerful dreams.
There is an interesting side story about the history of the house, who built it and why and subsequent owners, but the main story is about the rescue of Marek from his guilt and the renovation of the house back to it's former glory which is what Colin could see in his dreams.
A pleasant enough tale. I got fed up with Marek dithering, but the HEA is a good one.
When he suggests a colleague and old friend holds her wedding on one of the Fijian Islands he goes along too.
From a tourist boat he sees the house he has been dreaming of and arranges to rent a boat so he can go there himself. He finds the man is someone he knew as a boy. Marek.
Marek is consumed with guilt over both his last lover and from something he did indirectly to Colin as a teenager. The premise of the story is that it is this extreme guilt that has generated the powerful dreams.
There is an interesting side story about the history of the house, who built it and why and subsequent owners, but the main story is about the rescue of Marek from his guilt and the renovation of the house back to it's former glory which is what Colin could see in his dreams.
A pleasant enough tale. I got fed up with Marek dithering, but the HEA is a good one.
February 12, 2013
Couldn't get into this at all. I kept putting it down for ages until to be honest it became a DNF and for me that IS unusual. Perhaps it was the frame of mind I was in at the time. Who knows!
December 22, 2009
Every book I read and love resonates with me. As I'm sure it does for others who enjoy a good book. This one, as I read it, made me think of my relationship with my husband and the power of a transcendent love.
What I liked about this book: This is one of the Cameron Dane books that is not just smoking hot but grips your heart, clenches it in a tight fist and doesn't let go from start to finish! I have to admit that I had a harder time reading this one than the other books because it deals with such a huge loss and the pain that guilt from losing someone you love because of your own pride causes and I was not prepared emotionally to delve into that quagmire.
But Marek and Colin kept drawing me to their story and with every step into their budding and troubled relationship, I fell deeper into the hope of their "happily ever after". Cameron Dane has that wonderful ability to not just make the characters come to life, but their raw emotions slam into you with such fierceness, you find yourself gasping and verbally outing yourself while reading her books in public.
Summary: The sight of the red door saves Colin Baxter in his dream, but very quickly a man appears and the dream becomes a thing of raw sexual need with a person Colin can’t identify. He just knows the man needs him, and Colin aches to find and heal his lover…even if the man doesn’t really exist.
Marek Donovan just wants to be left alone to lick his wounds and recover from a terrible loss. The rundown house in Fiji suits his minimal needs just fine. He doesn’t want to face the world again, and on a small, secluded island figures he’s safe from everyone and everything. Particularly guilt from his past.
Dreams of this nameless man and his house plague Colin for two years, but he’s come to care about his phantom lover so deeply he doesn’t want them to end. Then Colin visits Fiji and comes face-to-face with the house from his visions, prompting him to believe these dreams just might be his destiny.
Colin knocks on the door, determined to find answers.
What I liked about this book: This is one of the Cameron Dane books that is not just smoking hot but grips your heart, clenches it in a tight fist and doesn't let go from start to finish! I have to admit that I had a harder time reading this one than the other books because it deals with such a huge loss and the pain that guilt from losing someone you love because of your own pride causes and I was not prepared emotionally to delve into that quagmire.
But Marek and Colin kept drawing me to their story and with every step into their budding and troubled relationship, I fell deeper into the hope of their "happily ever after". Cameron Dane has that wonderful ability to not just make the characters come to life, but their raw emotions slam into you with such fierceness, you find yourself gasping and verbally outing yourself while reading her books in public.
Excerpt: Colin melted beneath Marek, and Marek sank all the way down into the solid presence beneath him, settling his weight over every square inch of hard, male body. It had been so long since he shared closeness with anyone that the fuel of aggression immediately pumped hot inside him, demanding he take charge and dominate. Right then, Colin sighed and trembled, reminding Marek of the vulnerability he'd so recently felt in the man he carried to his bed.
Marek pulled back from taking over Colin's mouth and brushed his lips across his jaw, cheek, and into his hair instead, ending at the man's ear. “Just relax.” He nipped the lobe and tugged. “Let me do everything.”
Colin only dug his fingers into Marek harder.
Kissing his way down Colin's neck, Marek felt the tension and stopped. “What is it?”
Colin exhaled, ruffling the hairs on top of Marek's head. “I'm not used to letting go.” His hands let up the grip on Marek's shoulders, though, and slid down to his biceps.
Marek smiled against Colin's shoulder, suppressing a chuckle. “I believe you.” He figured Colin's relentless pursuit for answers to his dreams was probably a good indicator for the rest of his personality. “Give it a go anyway.” He nudged his groin against the bulge already forming in Colin's sweats, biting down a moan of pleasure as his own cock stiffened even more in response. “I'll make it good.”
The man shook a little bit again but let his hands fall to the bed. “Okay.” He folded one leg up into a butterfly position and rolled his hips into Marek's crotch. “God.” A low noise rumbled through his whole body. “I want to feel you inside me again.”
Still pushing for a little bit of control. “I'll get there soon enough.” Marek bit Colin's collarbone and dragged his mouth across his skin, tasting once more. The smell of rain and the salty taste of spray from the ocean still lingered, infecting Marek's senses and tingling on his tongue. Closing his eyes, he let Colin's body warm his sensitized lips as he teased his way down the man's chest, licking, enjoying, and blindly searching for a nipple. His chin grazed against the tiny, hardened protrusion, and when it did, Colin inhaled at first touch. Oh yeah. Dipping down, Marek opened wide and latched onto the textured circle of skin, swirled his tongue over it, and took the whole area into his mouth. Marek suckled, and Colin bucked, jamming his lower body right up off the bed.
Colin tilted his head back into the pillow and tunneled his hands into Marek's hair, holding Marek down on his chest. “Mmm…” He rubbed his straining cock into Marek's stomach, burning his shape into Marek's skin. “More.” Colin guided Marek across the span of his chest until Marek's lips found and tugged on his other nipple. “Yeah…bite it.”
Growing more aroused with every verbal and physical command, Marek sank his teeth into Colin's chest and swiped the flat of his tongue across the man's flesh, all the while wondering if, when he finished, his teeth marks would linger. Marek bit again, telling himself he did it because Colin wanted it, but deep down he knew something primal in him craved evidence on this body tomorrow of what they did tonight.
“Oh fuck, that's good.” Colin moaned and pushed Marek's hand to his neglected nipple, closing Marek's fingers around him. “Keep going. Don't stop.”
My little director. The thought popped into Marek's head unbidden, scaring him with another layer of possession. There wasn't anything little about Colin, and Marek didn't have him, no matter the sex they were having and Colin's dreams.
With the unspoken betrayal between us, I never will.
Marek had started this seduction wanting to go slow, to give Colin something gentle to soothe his earlier upset. But fear of discovery ate at his conscience and did battle with every other piece of his mind and body that needed to be close to Colin, to absorb his heat and life. Marek ripped Colin's arms off him and pinned them to the bed. Where before he intended to linger, now Marek licked straight down the centerline of Colin's stomach to his sweatpants and shoved his face in the man's crotch, inhaling deeply, shooting him the rest of the way to a consuming desire to fuck.
December 11, 2009
This is a contemporary romance filled with angst and themes such as redemption, forgiveness, and guilt topped with a touch of paranormal. Fans of the author will enjoy this lovely and romantic story, while those romance erotica fans that enjoy a healthy dose of angst to their men and a paranormal push combined in an exotic setting should be satisfied with this offering.
The premise of the story is that Colin travels to Fiji with his closest friends for their wedding and discovers the man and house of his dreams on the island. Determined to hold onto the mystery man that’s been staring in Colin’s very intimate and sexual dreams, Colin pushes his way into the man’s life. A distant, shared history as teenagers is a thin connection that serves as a starting point between these men as the attraction and emotional connection grows.
The story is told in third person point of view, alternating between Marek and Colin. It requires suspension of disbelief both for the paranormal elements and the ending, which resolves the tension and issues with a tidy resolution. However, the story has a good pace that moves between sex scenes to emotional outbursts and back again. There are a several scenes with friends and other activities thrown in to break up the angst and ultimately this is a rather evenly paced, if not terribly exciting, story. There are several erotic scenes that don’t advance either the story or relationship but serve to increase the heat and sexuality of the telling. The writing is tight and clean with familiar phrasing and descriptions. Some of these descriptions may be familiar for fans of the author and may or may not be off putting to new readers.
These include some of the erotic descriptions and choice of words, which are visually unattractive. Examples repeated often are: “his steaming, damp channel rippled all up and down” and “coating the deepest parts of his bowel with hot cum.” There are numerous references to the men’s channels fluttering, pulsing, quivering, spasming, needy, and so on. There are also the non-erotic chute and rectum used too often. This choice of terminology is unfortunate as the author can certainly write a sizzling hot, erotic sex scene. This will be reader specific as not all readers will be bothered by the inclusion of these terms into sex scenes.
The characters themselves are well developed and fully realized giving a solid depiction of Marek’s grief and relating emotions. Although Marek’s emotional angst is more from guilt than lost love, his grieving and subsequent slow emergence is well crafted and understandable. Although some may be annoyed by Marek’s back and forth behavior, his character stayed true to his emotions and personality ultimately creating a fully three dimensional, sympathetic man. Colin is more easy going and throws himself into the relationship recklessly and later reacts with the same exaggerated emotion. Each of the facets of his personality is relatable and well drawn though, giving a depth and weight to the growing relationship.
The relationship and connection between the men makes up the majority of the action and story, even with the unnecessary but cute paranormal element. The aside with the history of the house is interesting but distracting and irrelevant. The strength of the book comes from the men and their journey to a HEA ending. Colin and Marek have chemistry that easily translates in the story, even if their ability to communicate is almost non-existent. When the men lack the capacity for conversation, it’s made up for with hot sex. This runs slightly long for the story but is ultimately emotionally satisfying for romance fans.
Overall, this is another solid, if not spectacular, story for the author and fans. The few problems are likely to be overlooked in the face of the intense relationship and scorching hot sex scenes. If readers aren’t put off by the choice of terms and phrases exemplified above, be sure to check out this offering. It’s a sweet, lovely story full of passion and romance.
The premise of the story is that Colin travels to Fiji with his closest friends for their wedding and discovers the man and house of his dreams on the island. Determined to hold onto the mystery man that’s been staring in Colin’s very intimate and sexual dreams, Colin pushes his way into the man’s life. A distant, shared history as teenagers is a thin connection that serves as a starting point between these men as the attraction and emotional connection grows.
The story is told in third person point of view, alternating between Marek and Colin. It requires suspension of disbelief both for the paranormal elements and the ending, which resolves the tension and issues with a tidy resolution. However, the story has a good pace that moves between sex scenes to emotional outbursts and back again. There are a several scenes with friends and other activities thrown in to break up the angst and ultimately this is a rather evenly paced, if not terribly exciting, story. There are several erotic scenes that don’t advance either the story or relationship but serve to increase the heat and sexuality of the telling. The writing is tight and clean with familiar phrasing and descriptions. Some of these descriptions may be familiar for fans of the author and may or may not be off putting to new readers.
These include some of the erotic descriptions and choice of words, which are visually unattractive. Examples repeated often are: “his steaming, damp channel rippled all up and down” and “coating the deepest parts of his bowel with hot cum.” There are numerous references to the men’s channels fluttering, pulsing, quivering, spasming, needy, and so on. There are also the non-erotic chute and rectum used too often. This choice of terminology is unfortunate as the author can certainly write a sizzling hot, erotic sex scene. This will be reader specific as not all readers will be bothered by the inclusion of these terms into sex scenes.
The characters themselves are well developed and fully realized giving a solid depiction of Marek’s grief and relating emotions. Although Marek’s emotional angst is more from guilt than lost love, his grieving and subsequent slow emergence is well crafted and understandable. Although some may be annoyed by Marek’s back and forth behavior, his character stayed true to his emotions and personality ultimately creating a fully three dimensional, sympathetic man. Colin is more easy going and throws himself into the relationship recklessly and later reacts with the same exaggerated emotion. Each of the facets of his personality is relatable and well drawn though, giving a depth and weight to the growing relationship.
The relationship and connection between the men makes up the majority of the action and story, even with the unnecessary but cute paranormal element. The aside with the history of the house is interesting but distracting and irrelevant. The strength of the book comes from the men and their journey to a HEA ending. Colin and Marek have chemistry that easily translates in the story, even if their ability to communicate is almost non-existent. When the men lack the capacity for conversation, it’s made up for with hot sex. This runs slightly long for the story but is ultimately emotionally satisfying for romance fans.
Overall, this is another solid, if not spectacular, story for the author and fans. The few problems are likely to be overlooked in the face of the intense relationship and scorching hot sex scenes. If readers aren’t put off by the choice of terms and phrases exemplified above, be sure to check out this offering. It’s a sweet, lovely story full of passion and romance.
March 31, 2012
Another solid, erotic read from Cameron Dane.
Colin has been dreaming of a house with a red door, a sexy guy that is in pain and seems to need him for the past 2 years. He finds himself in Fiji after suggesting it to his best friend, Jordan, as a great location for a wedding. Whilst there...voila there is said dream house. The home owner, Marek, is the man in Colin's dreams, even though Colin has never seen his face, he just knows it's him.
Marek is depressed. He has lost his lover to tragedy that he blames himself for and his existence is just suriving not actually living. The house he has bought in Fiji has been neglected as he grieves. Enter Colin into Marek's life - he gets under Marek's skin by being upbeat, inquistive and full of life. The thing is Marek can't help but be drawn to Colin and they embark on a relationship as lovers. However, Marek has another guilty secret, one which affects Colin directly, but he just can't tell him for fear of losing him.
I liked both of the MC's. They worked together and alone, so that was a bonus. What I really liked was the 'house', the history of it and the fact that Colin could read the house and it's vibe. To Colin it was like a living entity with emotions. I believed it because I feel that a house picks up the sorrow or joy that is within its walls. Having lived at quite a few different houses I always noticed the warmth or frigidity of the house and decided which one to buy based on its aura, its warmth. So, I very much connected with that part of the book.
Overall, there was a lot of sex. It was indeed an erotic M/M book, no complaints but I truly enjoyed the other aspects a little more than the erotic writing here. It was emotional, I teared up at the emails Marek sent via Tag and Jordan to Colin, they were so beautiful. I would have loved more on the journal left behind by the wife that the 'house' was built for too, but all in all I thoroughly enjoyed Dreaming in Colour. Me + Cameron Dane's books = addiction.
Colin has been dreaming of a house with a red door, a sexy guy that is in pain and seems to need him for the past 2 years. He finds himself in Fiji after suggesting it to his best friend, Jordan, as a great location for a wedding. Whilst there...voila there is said dream house. The home owner, Marek, is the man in Colin's dreams, even though Colin has never seen his face, he just knows it's him.
Marek is depressed. He has lost his lover to tragedy that he blames himself for and his existence is just suriving not actually living. The house he has bought in Fiji has been neglected as he grieves. Enter Colin into Marek's life - he gets under Marek's skin by being upbeat, inquistive and full of life. The thing is Marek can't help but be drawn to Colin and they embark on a relationship as lovers. However, Marek has another guilty secret, one which affects Colin directly, but he just can't tell him for fear of losing him.
I liked both of the MC's. They worked together and alone, so that was a bonus. What I really liked was the 'house', the history of it and the fact that Colin could read the house and it's vibe. To Colin it was like a living entity with emotions. I believed it because I feel that a house picks up the sorrow or joy that is within its walls. Having lived at quite a few different houses I always noticed the warmth or frigidity of the house and decided which one to buy based on its aura, its warmth. So, I very much connected with that part of the book.
Overall, there was a lot of sex. It was indeed an erotic M/M book, no complaints but I truly enjoyed the other aspects a little more than the erotic writing here. It was emotional, I teared up at the emails Marek sent via Tag and Jordan to Colin, they were so beautiful. I would have loved more on the journal left behind by the wife that the 'house' was built for too, but all in all I thoroughly enjoyed Dreaming in Colour. Me + Cameron Dane's books = addiction.
July 16, 2017
More like 2.5 stars.
I really really REALLY liked the idea, and the story itself is not quite what I had in mind but nevertheless good. If it weren't for the sex scenes, I'd probably give it 3.5 stars.
They were boring. The descriptions are almost clinical. Terms like 'quivering bud', 'stabbing his penis in X's hot wetness', 'Give it to me' and the like made me want to puke and laugh at the same time, and in this book, they were over-used. Some of them were about 10 pages long. I have rarely been so tempted to skip the sex and just read the plot.
Later I checked out the writer - Cameron Dane - and realized that I've only ever read one of her books before this one (Quinn Security #1) and I had problems with that book too, so I guess Ms. Dane's books just aren't my thing. I don't know if I'll be reading any more of them.
I really really REALLY liked the idea, and the story itself is not quite what I had in mind but nevertheless good. If it weren't for the sex scenes, I'd probably give it 3.5 stars.
They were boring. The descriptions are almost clinical. Terms like 'quivering bud', 'stabbing his penis in X's hot wetness', 'Give it to me' and the like made me want to puke and laugh at the same time, and in this book, they were over-used. Some of them were about 10 pages long. I have rarely been so tempted to skip the sex and just read the plot.
Later I checked out the writer - Cameron Dane - and realized that I've only ever read one of her books before this one (Quinn Security #1) and I had problems with that book too, so I guess Ms. Dane's books just aren't my thing. I don't know if I'll be reading any more of them.
August 24, 2012
The story was nice but it was the sex scenes that dropped stars for me. I don't find words like chute, rectum, pulsing hole sexy and there are plenty more in the sex scenes. The sex scenes were even good until I would read something and cringe. Cameron Dane writes some good stories, unfortunately this didn't do it for me.
"Marek concentrated his full focus into all the muscles around his anus and sucked in for everything he was worth, so hard he was damn near sure he imprinted the shape of Colin's dick into his rectal walls."
"Marek eased a third finger inside in steady increments, mindful of the continuous spasms wreaking havoc in Colin's ass."
"his hole pulsed with a beat all it's own"
"Marek concentrated his full focus into all the muscles around his anus and sucked in for everything he was worth, so hard he was damn near sure he imprinted the shape of Colin's dick into his rectal walls."
"Marek eased a third finger inside in steady increments, mindful of the continuous spasms wreaking havoc in Colin's ass."
"his hole pulsed with a beat all it's own"
January 3, 2011
Dreaming in Color is an interesting story and for the most part I enjoyed reading it. The characters are well drawn and likable, the sex is very hot, there is angst and even a bit of paranormal activity as well. The story starts out a bit slow and then conversely feels a bit rushed in the end but it's the author's word/phrase choices during the otherwise well written sex scenes that take away from my enjoyment of the story. For me personally the use of words such as "bowels", "chute" and "rectum" is not sexy at all and really pulls me out of the story when I read them. This may not bother other readers as it does me and despite it I still enjoyed the story overall.
January 30, 2013
The first four words of this book stand out immediately, “Oh God, I’m drowning.” Colin Baxter is going under. He knows how to swim; he just needs to figure out which way to go. Off in the distance he spots a flash of red and begins heading toward it. He hears a voice crying out, “Help me,” but he doesn’t know where or how. Colin finds himself at a cherry red door, with a man he can’t see pressing in from behind him, thanking him for saving him. After a very erotic encounter the man whispers to him, “You need to find me. I won’t make it without you.”
Please see Mr. P's complete review on February 16, 2013 at http://mrsconditreadsbooks.com/index....
Please see Mr. P's complete review on February 16, 2013 at http://mrsconditreadsbooks.com/index....
September 18, 2009
On the angsty side. Liked the characters, thought the story had substance. Events in the protags' past were slowly revealed. Decent secondary characters that weren't caricatures. Hot sex!
March 16, 2011
This story is poignant and gut wrenching. Both main characters have issues and sorrows to overcome and they figure it out together. This is definitely a tearjerker with an HEA.
October 21, 2011
Wow, this one was a real tear jerker...great read though!
July 15, 2021
I couldn’t do this book. It got annoying really fast. The dreams were promising at first I guess if you overlook all the sex and the very beginning of the book but then it just got annoying to me with the back and forth. I skipped ahead to figure out what Mareks deal was with Colin and then I was really over it.
February 1, 2013
3.5 stars
Can dreams come true…? Can you fall in love in a dream and make it happen in reality…? Can the past come in your dreams and sweeten its way into you so you finally let go…?
Colin Baxter is in love. The man of his dreams is perfect, sexy and sexual in so many ways he has Colin wanting for more. The man of his dreams is suffering though a great emotional pain and Colin is determined to help him through it, make him happy. The man of his dreams for two years remains faceless and nameless for he exists only in Colin’s dreams. But Colin is in love. With him and with his house with the red door.
Marek Donovan’s sadness, pain and guilt have not lessened one bit. For two and a half years his nightmares go round and round grabbing pieces of his lover’s death and mixing it with that one thing from his teen days that kills him every single night. He is meant to be alone; he deserves no kindness or love. He is guilty for so many things.
Going down to the Fijis for his best friend’s wedding, Colin is shocked to the core when he sees the white house, with the blue tiles and the red door in one of the little islands. He recognizes it immediately as his dream house and he is positive the owner is a man, his man, the man he’s meant to be with. His surprise heightens when he finds out that the owner, the man of his dreams is Marek. They know each other from their teen days, but now the adult Marek is a reclusive, in a lot of pain and nearly unreachable. How can Colin tell him that he’s been having dreams about the two of them and the house for two years without coming as crazy? And how can Marek let him around, slowly taking hold of his house when he has so much to hide?
This book was so peculiar it had me in a grip constantly. The mystery/suspense aspect of the dreams coming reality was very good. I was always wondering “what’s next” and was not disappointed. I loved the fact that reality did not happen exactly like the dreams. Colin although being in a much exited state, and who wouldn’t be in his case, tried and managed for most of the time to distinguish dreams from real life. However it surprised me that Marek accepted him in his life so easy. They might have known each other in the past briefly, and yes Marek has his huge amount of guilt for the terrible bashing that happened to Colin back then, but they are near strangers now and for me he opened his house and let Colin in way too easy.
The same goes for his side of love. Colin had two years of falling in love with the man in his dreams, and then feeling the man in flesh and blood only enhanced that love and made it stronger. Albeit he didn’t know the man at all, he still had lots of time to form some emotions. Marek was in Colin’s presence for only one week and the actions he takes later in order to bring him back for ever, well that was too idyllic for my taste. Too fast, too unbalanced a relationship, it was what made me roll my eyes and lose some interest.
I do have to acknowledge the bashing scene though. It was crude, it was fierce and it didn’t shy away emotionally. Very well portrayed and it managed to make me cringe inside, not a very easy thing to accomplish.
But the most important part in this book beyond the paranormal activity the house played on Colin was the pair’s sexual life within that one week the met. It was hot and sexy, yes, and it was perhaps a bit too much. I kept thinking that while there are aspects of paranormal activity in the house, it is also set on a contemporary world, and these two men may have a bit too much activity going on there for it to be realistic enough. And my biggest complaint of them all; what was wrong with the damn bed? I don’t recall a single scene in it. And it looked like the perfect bedroom *sigh*. But what with this being fiction I’ll excuse any over the top activity, because it worked well for the pair and they did have this touch between them, this too intense feeling that reaches you beyond the typed words.
The ending of this novel though, THAT didn’t work for me, at all. If I had to use one word for it, it would be “sentimental” and I don’t like that word much. It was so the cliché, overly sweet, romantic ending one’s used to see in a Jane Austen book.
As I said though it was indeed a very peculiar book and even there were things that didn’t work for me, I enjoyed it a lot. I would certainly recommend it to the “forever romantic” fans.
Can dreams come true…? Can you fall in love in a dream and make it happen in reality…? Can the past come in your dreams and sweeten its way into you so you finally let go…?
Colin Baxter is in love. The man of his dreams is perfect, sexy and sexual in so many ways he has Colin wanting for more. The man of his dreams is suffering though a great emotional pain and Colin is determined to help him through it, make him happy. The man of his dreams for two years remains faceless and nameless for he exists only in Colin’s dreams. But Colin is in love. With him and with his house with the red door.
Marek Donovan’s sadness, pain and guilt have not lessened one bit. For two and a half years his nightmares go round and round grabbing pieces of his lover’s death and mixing it with that one thing from his teen days that kills him every single night. He is meant to be alone; he deserves no kindness or love. He is guilty for so many things.
Going down to the Fijis for his best friend’s wedding, Colin is shocked to the core when he sees the white house, with the blue tiles and the red door in one of the little islands. He recognizes it immediately as his dream house and he is positive the owner is a man, his man, the man he’s meant to be with. His surprise heightens when he finds out that the owner, the man of his dreams is Marek. They know each other from their teen days, but now the adult Marek is a reclusive, in a lot of pain and nearly unreachable. How can Colin tell him that he’s been having dreams about the two of them and the house for two years without coming as crazy? And how can Marek let him around, slowly taking hold of his house when he has so much to hide?
This book was so peculiar it had me in a grip constantly. The mystery/suspense aspect of the dreams coming reality was very good. I was always wondering “what’s next” and was not disappointed. I loved the fact that reality did not happen exactly like the dreams. Colin although being in a much exited state, and who wouldn’t be in his case, tried and managed for most of the time to distinguish dreams from real life. However it surprised me that Marek accepted him in his life so easy. They might have known each other in the past briefly, and yes Marek has his huge amount of guilt for the terrible bashing that happened to Colin back then, but they are near strangers now and for me he opened his house and let Colin in way too easy.
The same goes for his side of love. Colin had two years of falling in love with the man in his dreams, and then feeling the man in flesh and blood only enhanced that love and made it stronger. Albeit he didn’t know the man at all, he still had lots of time to form some emotions. Marek was in Colin’s presence for only one week and the actions he takes later in order to bring him back for ever, well that was too idyllic for my taste. Too fast, too unbalanced a relationship, it was what made me roll my eyes and lose some interest.
I do have to acknowledge the bashing scene though. It was crude, it was fierce and it didn’t shy away emotionally. Very well portrayed and it managed to make me cringe inside, not a very easy thing to accomplish.
But the most important part in this book beyond the paranormal activity the house played on Colin was the pair’s sexual life within that one week the met. It was hot and sexy, yes, and it was perhaps a bit too much. I kept thinking that while there are aspects of paranormal activity in the house, it is also set on a contemporary world, and these two men may have a bit too much activity going on there for it to be realistic enough. And my biggest complaint of them all; what was wrong with the damn bed? I don’t recall a single scene in it. And it looked like the perfect bedroom *sigh*. But what with this being fiction I’ll excuse any over the top activity, because it worked well for the pair and they did have this touch between them, this too intense feeling that reaches you beyond the typed words.
The ending of this novel though, THAT didn’t work for me, at all. If I had to use one word for it, it would be “sentimental” and I don’t like that word much. It was so the cliché, overly sweet, romantic ending one’s used to see in a Jane Austen book.
As I said though it was indeed a very peculiar book and even there were things that didn’t work for me, I enjoyed it a lot. I would certainly recommend it to the “forever romantic” fans.
September 3, 2017
Theme 8 - Fiji
I kind of knew what was coming, but the build up and the aftermath were worth it. The house's vibe and Colin's connection to it were a hit with me, to say nothing of the diaries and Marek's emails. I bet Jordon got a laugh at the butt plug reference. Tag was adorable and smart too.
I kind of knew what was coming, but the build up and the aftermath were worth it. The house's vibe and Colin's connection to it were a hit with me, to say nothing of the diaries and Marek's emails. I bet Jordon got a laugh at the butt plug reference. Tag was adorable and smart too.
November 27, 2017
Is it possible for a house to possess a heart and soul? One strong enough to bring two men together? For two years, Colin Baxter has dreamed of a beautiful house and the man who lives in it. Colin knows the faceless stranger whose troubled soul calls out to him is his destiny, but he has no idea where to find him. Fate lends a hand when Colin travels to Fiji for his best friend’s wedding. On a tour of the islands Colin spots the house of his dreams…but neither the house nor its owner are what he expected.
His house in Fiji has given Marek Donovan the solitude he’s wished for ever since the death of the man he loved. Wracked with guilt over his past, the last thing Marek wants is a man showing up on his doorstep; especially if it’s Colin Baxter. Marek may believe Colin’s crazy story about dreaming of him and his home, but that doesn’t mean Marek is open to giving Colin what the man wants from him. Yet, something about Colin calls to him and Marek finds he can’t quite return to the half-life he was living. It’s up to Marek to decide if he can take a chance on Colin and risk his heart for the chance at a life and a love that could last forever.
Heart-wrenching despair mixes with happiness and hope in the stunning Dreaming in Color. Cameron Dane is a master at creating characters who grab your heart in such a way that you cannot stop reading until they find happiness. Marek is a man deeply tormented by his past. His life, such as it is, seems to have been frozen at the state of his loss and it takes Colin’s arrival, and his opening himself to Colin, to bring Marek fully back to life. I loved every minute of reading about his journey. Colin, in turn, is impossible not to love. He’s passionate, determined, and full of hope, all of which are beautiful traits in a hero. Colin and Marek’s path to happily ever after is tumultuous, but also intensely erotic and filled with unexpected moments of pure joy.
Quite simply, I loved Dreaming in Color. All of the characters come to life on the page, giving them a realistic feel and making the story all the more compelling. I admit, given the teasers in Dreaming in Color about how Colin’s best friend, Jordan, fell in love with her husband, I am desperately hoping Cameron Dane writes Jordan and Tag’s story. Still, until that wish is realized (if ever it is), I am more than happy to curl up with Marek and Colin’s romance again and again. Dreaming in Color is everything I have come to expect from one of Cameron Dane’s books. In short, it’s perfect.
Reviewed for Joyfully Reviewed
His house in Fiji has given Marek Donovan the solitude he’s wished for ever since the death of the man he loved. Wracked with guilt over his past, the last thing Marek wants is a man showing up on his doorstep; especially if it’s Colin Baxter. Marek may believe Colin’s crazy story about dreaming of him and his home, but that doesn’t mean Marek is open to giving Colin what the man wants from him. Yet, something about Colin calls to him and Marek finds he can’t quite return to the half-life he was living. It’s up to Marek to decide if he can take a chance on Colin and risk his heart for the chance at a life and a love that could last forever.
Heart-wrenching despair mixes with happiness and hope in the stunning Dreaming in Color. Cameron Dane is a master at creating characters who grab your heart in such a way that you cannot stop reading until they find happiness. Marek is a man deeply tormented by his past. His life, such as it is, seems to have been frozen at the state of his loss and it takes Colin’s arrival, and his opening himself to Colin, to bring Marek fully back to life. I loved every minute of reading about his journey. Colin, in turn, is impossible not to love. He’s passionate, determined, and full of hope, all of which are beautiful traits in a hero. Colin and Marek’s path to happily ever after is tumultuous, but also intensely erotic and filled with unexpected moments of pure joy.
Quite simply, I loved Dreaming in Color. All of the characters come to life on the page, giving them a realistic feel and making the story all the more compelling. I admit, given the teasers in Dreaming in Color about how Colin’s best friend, Jordan, fell in love with her husband, I am desperately hoping Cameron Dane writes Jordan and Tag’s story. Still, until that wish is realized (if ever it is), I am more than happy to curl up with Marek and Colin’s romance again and again. Dreaming in Color is everything I have come to expect from one of Cameron Dane’s books. In short, it’s perfect.
Reviewed for Joyfully Reviewed
July 15, 2013
Dreaming in Color is a pretty good read with an interesting paranormal aspect and back story that I found very original. The writing style was solid and nice to read and the characters were believable - even if the drama was laid on a little too thickly for me.
The main reason for the 'pretty good read' instead of 'really good read' was the abundancy of sex scenes in the first two thirds of this book. It felt to me as if there was a sex scene every few pages - Colin goes to sleep, he has sex with Marek in his dreams; Colin and Marek go hiking, they have sex on the way; Colin and Marek stay in, they have sex in the house. I wanted to yell sometimes "I get it! They have sex A LOT! They have awesome physical chemistry. Now, let's go on with the story, please?".
I found Marek sometimes frustrating with his evasion of the truth - although I was glad to find out that the omission really was something pretty bad (in my opinion anyway) and not just a small little thing that can be easily forgiven and resolved in two seconds straight. It made the whole thing a lot more believable.
A character I really didn't like in this book was Colin's best friend, Jordan. This is really on me, though, I'm sure most people won't have a problem with her (or might even like her), but I can't really stand it if people don't know when to back off and to me she felt like a character thinking she has the right to stick her nose into everything. Later in the book, she definitely endeared herself to me more, but she was still too... meddling for me, too protective maybe.
I guess I didn't find a connection to these characters as much as I could have which is probably mostly due to the amount of sex (that I simply started to skip at some point). However, the original premise and idea of this story is really great - it's a paranormal facet I hadn't encountered before and I really liked that!
So, if you're not put off by a lot of sex and have no problem with a sweet, paranormal story that is about as realistic as your everyday Cinderella fairy tale (but then, it's fantasy, so who cares, right? ;-D), go for it!
The main reason for the 'pretty good read' instead of 'really good read' was the abundancy of sex scenes in the first two thirds of this book. It felt to me as if there was a sex scene every few pages - Colin goes to sleep, he has sex with Marek in his dreams; Colin and Marek go hiking, they have sex on the way; Colin and Marek stay in, they have sex in the house. I wanted to yell sometimes "I get it! They have sex A LOT! They have awesome physical chemistry. Now, let's go on with the story, please?".
I found Marek sometimes frustrating with his evasion of the truth - although I was glad to find out that the omission really was something pretty bad (in my opinion anyway) and not just a small little thing that can be easily forgiven and resolved in two seconds straight. It made the whole thing a lot more believable.
A character I really didn't like in this book was Colin's best friend, Jordan. This is really on me, though, I'm sure most people won't have a problem with her (or might even like her), but I can't really stand it if people don't know when to back off and to me she felt like a character thinking she has the right to stick her nose into everything. Later in the book, she definitely endeared herself to me more, but she was still too... meddling for me, too protective maybe.
I guess I didn't find a connection to these characters as much as I could have which is probably mostly due to the amount of sex (that I simply started to skip at some point). However, the original premise and idea of this story is really great - it's a paranormal facet I hadn't encountered before and I really liked that!
So, if you're not put off by a lot of sex and have no problem with a sweet, paranormal story that is about as realistic as your everyday Cinderella fairy tale (but then, it's fantasy, so who cares, right? ;-D), go for it!
August 16, 2012
After corresponding with the author about another book, she was so kind to send me a copy of "Dreaming in Color". I honestly didn't think I was going to like it based on some tags I wasn't too sure about. What a surprise.
Ms. Dane once again has written incredibly powerful, believable characters and what I love the most about here writing is that she doesn't spoon feed the reader. She works hard on establishing her characters and then let's the reader imagine how the dialog might transpire. There not a lot of "he said while frowning" or "with a smirk on his face". If a writer does his/her job, the reader doesn't need to be told exactly how a character said something or how they looked when they said it.
The premise/plot of "Dreaming in Color" was different. I was skeptical. But I got it. I understood it. And the characters were again, believable, and the reader has no choice but to bond with both of them.
The only part about this book I didn't like involved the other characters in the book who were on vacation with one of the main characters. The main character has almost no contact with this group of people with whom he traveled half way around the world, once they got to their destination. I don't know about you but if I traveled in a pack with my friends and one of them essentially disappeared for most of the trip, I thik I'd worry a bit. Other than that, I thoroughly enjoyed it.
Ms. Dane once again has written incredibly powerful, believable characters and what I love the most about here writing is that she doesn't spoon feed the reader. She works hard on establishing her characters and then let's the reader imagine how the dialog might transpire. There not a lot of "he said while frowning" or "with a smirk on his face". If a writer does his/her job, the reader doesn't need to be told exactly how a character said something or how they looked when they said it.
The premise/plot of "Dreaming in Color" was different. I was skeptical. But I got it. I understood it. And the characters were again, believable, and the reader has no choice but to bond with both of them.
The only part about this book I didn't like involved the other characters in the book who were on vacation with one of the main characters. The main character has almost no contact with this group of people with whom he traveled half way around the world, once they got to their destination. I don't know about you but if I traveled in a pack with my friends and one of them essentially disappeared for most of the trip, I thik I'd worry a bit. Other than that, I thoroughly enjoyed it.
April 20, 2013
Colin has been having dreams for two years about a guy and a house he feels connected to; that he feels like he needs to save! His best friend is getting married and he suggests Fiji and in the process finds the house and the man.
Marek is the man in Colin's dreams and he's someone from Colin's past. Colin was beaten within an inch of his life when he was seventeen and it turns out Marek is the one who set the ball rolling with that without ever meaning to and he holds the key to Colin figuring out what these dreams mean.
Marek has lost his partner because of his inability to be out and when Colin shows up, Marek feels like living again for the first time. He doesn't want to let Colin go but he also can barely live with the guilt he feels as it is...
Marek needs to decide which he is able to live with more and together they have to figure out if true love is enough to conquer the past hurts they've been dealt or if they can't handle it and end up alone.
I loved this story and I love Cameron Dane, as she was the first author I read when I started in the M/M genre... she will always hold a special place in my heart. This was another knockout story by a fabulous author! Give it a shot, it's a good one!
Marek is the man in Colin's dreams and he's someone from Colin's past. Colin was beaten within an inch of his life when he was seventeen and it turns out Marek is the one who set the ball rolling with that without ever meaning to and he holds the key to Colin figuring out what these dreams mean.
Marek has lost his partner because of his inability to be out and when Colin shows up, Marek feels like living again for the first time. He doesn't want to let Colin go but he also can barely live with the guilt he feels as it is...
Marek needs to decide which he is able to live with more and together they have to figure out if true love is enough to conquer the past hurts they've been dealt or if they can't handle it and end up alone.
I loved this story and I love Cameron Dane, as she was the first author I read when I started in the M/M genre... she will always hold a special place in my heart. This was another knockout story by a fabulous author! Give it a shot, it's a good one!
November 12, 2013
For two years Colin has had dreams of a house with a red door and a sexy man who lives there. He feels such a strong bond with his dream guy that he hasn't dated in all that time. On a trip to a friend's wedding in Fiji, Colin sees the house and finds the man of his dreams. Unfortunately, Marek wants nothing to do with him.
I usually love Dane's books, and I did like this one. However, it was difficult for me to get into at first. I like Colin; he's sweet and tenacious. Marek's guilt over two events in his life make him angsty, and I do love some angst. That being said, there was just something about this book that didn't make it an "OMG! I love it" kind of story. Part of that may be because it was supposed to be a paranormal, but that part of the story was a bit flat for me. Yes, Colin has weird dreams and the house does have that "vibe," but I really expected more of a paranormal element.
I usually love Dane's books, and I did like this one. However, it was difficult for me to get into at first. I like Colin; he's sweet and tenacious. Marek's guilt over two events in his life make him angsty, and I do love some angst. That being said, there was just something about this book that didn't make it an "OMG! I love it" kind of story. Part of that may be because it was supposed to be a paranormal, but that part of the story was a bit flat for me. Yes, Colin has weird dreams and the house does have that "vibe," but I really expected more of a paranormal element.
April 6, 2012
This book was a pleasant surprise.
When I first got it, I was expecting something sappy
and received a consistent love story with great characters
and just the right amount of suspense instead.
Both Colin & Marek are incredibly strong men, each with
their own history, issues and buggage. They start as the
absolute opposites and end up drawn together after a series
of events.
I liked how Marek seemed like a rogue quitter, who is not to
be messed with, but he was only trying to hide the pain and
a more vulnerable side to him. And then delicate Colin made
the big surprise, proving himself not being the hopeless
push-over, he seemed to be in the beginning. The house being
somewhat 'special', also gave the book just the right note of
mystery, making it perfect and irresistible.
When I first got it, I was expecting something sappy
and received a consistent love story with great characters
and just the right amount of suspense instead.
Both Colin & Marek are incredibly strong men, each with
their own history, issues and buggage. They start as the
absolute opposites and end up drawn together after a series
of events.
I liked how Marek seemed like a rogue quitter, who is not to
be messed with, but he was only trying to hide the pain and
a more vulnerable side to him. And then delicate Colin made
the big surprise, proving himself not being the hopeless
push-over, he seemed to be in the beginning. The house being
somewhat 'special', also gave the book just the right note of
mystery, making it perfect and irresistible.
August 27, 2014
I’ve had this book on my to-read-list for like the longest time and I can’t believe that I’ve waited so long to have a go in it. The book was wonderfully written and I’m rather pleased that my preconceived idea about it was proven wrong.
The setting in Fiji was beautifully imagined and it’s such a great but ironic backdrop for the rather painful pasts of Colin and Marek. It’s a novel that feels like it came out of a movie first. The history behind the house, Colin’s dream, Payton’s death and all – it’s such a perfect script for a movie which somehow rendered the novel a bit cliche but the good kind of cliche.
The setting in Fiji was beautifully imagined and it’s such a great but ironic backdrop for the rather painful pasts of Colin and Marek. It’s a novel that feels like it came out of a movie first. The history behind the house, Colin’s dream, Payton’s death and all – it’s such a perfect script for a movie which somehow rendered the novel a bit cliche but the good kind of cliche.
August 7, 2010
I was a little leery of this book at first, but I ended up really enjoying it. The relationship between the two main characters is filled with tension, and they must each come to terms with each other and how they got to where they are in their life.
If I had a complaint, I would say that their issues are resolved a little too quickly and a bit too cleanly, I would have liked to have seen a bit more in the turmoil they faced.
That said, it is an excellent book, and I really enjoyed it.
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