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Mindhunters #1
Waking Nightmare
FIRST HE LEARNS YOUR DARKEST FEARS...
THEN HE MAKES YOU LIVE THEM.
With a serial rapist loose on the streets of Savannah, hotshot detective Ryne Robel needs all the help he can get for his task force. And he needs it now, before another woman falls victim. But Abbie Phillips isn't what he bargained for. Sent from an exclusive group of the best criminologists in the country, she's smart, fierce...and distracting. She may be a brilliant forensic profiler, but Ryne needs answers, not psychobabble and head games.
However, Abbie convinces him that head games are exactly what this elusive suspect is all about. The seemingly random acts of torture are actually calculated to match each victim's darkest fears. And the stakes are rising. While they study the devious psychopath, he's watching them -- the next objects of his horrifying obsession.
THEN HE MAKES YOU LIVE THEM.
With a serial rapist loose on the streets of Savannah, hotshot detective Ryne Robel needs all the help he can get for his task force. And he needs it now, before another woman falls victim. But Abbie Phillips isn't what he bargained for. Sent from an exclusive group of the best criminologists in the country, she's smart, fierce...and distracting. She may be a brilliant forensic profiler, but Ryne needs answers, not psychobabble and head games.
However, Abbie convinces him that head games are exactly what this elusive suspect is all about. The seemingly random acts of torture are actually calculated to match each victim's darkest fears. And the stakes are rising. While they study the devious psychopath, he's watching them -- the next objects of his horrifying obsession.
343 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published August 28, 2009
About the author
Kylie Brant
77 books550 followersThe mother of five children, Kylie Brant claims she began writing to save her sanity. Plotting stories became her method of escape from the reality of constant ball games, chauffeuring kids, and refereeing "minor" disagreements between her perfect offspring.
In 1992 she was elated to get a call from Silhouette offering to buy her second novel. Home with laryngitis at the time, she still managed to croak out agreement, and her career was born. A few months later she went on to sell Rancher's Choice, the first manuscript she’d written.
Kylie is married to her high school sweetheart, and they make their home in Iowa. She insists that all her heroes are based on her husband of 23 years because he possesses that most heroic of make qualities — ironing skills. Those abilities come in handy, as she juggles a full time teaching job with writing and a family.
Doing things the easy way has never held much appeal for this multi award-winning author. She graduated with high honors from the University of Northern Iowa. A graduation photo shows her in cap and gown holding her two sons, one aged 16 months and the other three weeks. She went on to obtain a teaching job working with learning-disabled children while completing her master’s degree at night and during summers.
"There was a time in my life when I could imagine myself as a life-long student," she recalls. "I actually toyed with the idea of pursuing a doctorate. But instead, my life took a spin and I ended up writing romances. I’ve never regretted it!" Her family has since been completed by the birth of another son and a set of twins, a boy and a girl.
Kylie’s books are regularly featured on bestseller lists such as Waldenbooks and B. Dalton Bookseller. With over a million copies of books in print, her novels have been distributed in 20 countries and released in seven languages.
Family and friends are the main focus of Kylie’s life. When she isn’t writing or teaching, she enjoys reading and flower gardening. She loves traveling, preferring beach, ocean, and room service.
In 1992 she was elated to get a call from Silhouette offering to buy her second novel. Home with laryngitis at the time, she still managed to croak out agreement, and her career was born. A few months later she went on to sell Rancher's Choice, the first manuscript she’d written.
Kylie is married to her high school sweetheart, and they make their home in Iowa. She insists that all her heroes are based on her husband of 23 years because he possesses that most heroic of make qualities — ironing skills. Those abilities come in handy, as she juggles a full time teaching job with writing and a family.
Doing things the easy way has never held much appeal for this multi award-winning author. She graduated with high honors from the University of Northern Iowa. A graduation photo shows her in cap and gown holding her two sons, one aged 16 months and the other three weeks. She went on to obtain a teaching job working with learning-disabled children while completing her master’s degree at night and during summers.
"There was a time in my life when I could imagine myself as a life-long student," she recalls. "I actually toyed with the idea of pursuing a doctorate. But instead, my life took a spin and I ended up writing romances. I’ve never regretted it!" Her family has since been completed by the birth of another son and a set of twins, a boy and a girl.
Kylie’s books are regularly featured on bestseller lists such as Waldenbooks and B. Dalton Bookseller. With over a million copies of books in print, her novels have been distributed in 20 countries and released in seven languages.
Family and friends are the main focus of Kylie’s life. When she isn’t writing or teaching, she enjoys reading and flower gardening. She loves traveling, preferring beach, ocean, and room service.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 163 reviews
November 12, 2014
3.5 stars
This is my first time reading this author and I must say I did like it. Have been on a bit of a Sandra Brown kick lately but wanted to switch authors but not genres.
Set in Savannah, Georgia. Jaded, tough Detective, Ryne. Strong, but petite Criminologist, Abbie.
I was kept guessing right to the end.
Love scenes when we got to them were quite hot. But I felt the relationship development was a bit lacking. Not sure what I really wanted but I wanted something more. Think that is why it was not a 4 star read for me.
Abbie's sister makes an appearance in the book.
Overall an enjoyable read but it lacked the WOW factor of other suspense books. I think I have been spoiled by other authors. I will definitely check out more by this author.
This is my first time reading this author and I must say I did like it. Have been on a bit of a Sandra Brown kick lately but wanted to switch authors but not genres.
He'd be the sort of man to appeal to most women, she supposed, if they liked the lean, lethal, surly type ... the hard line of his jaw was beginning to show five o'clock shadow
Set in Savannah, Georgia. Jaded, tough Detective, Ryne. Strong, but petite Criminologist, Abbie.
"Never figured someone your size could move that fast. It was like trying to keep my eye on a hummingbird."
I was kept guessing right to the end.
Love scenes when we got to them were quite hot. But I felt the relationship development was a bit lacking. Not sure what I really wanted but I wanted something more. Think that is why it was not a 4 star read for me.
He knew how to kiss a woman. Deep.
Demanding.
Devastating.
Abbie's sister makes an appearance in the book.
Callie would draw a man's attention
but Abbie would keep it.
Overall an enjoyable read but it lacked the WOW factor of other suspense books. I think I have been spoiled by other authors. I will definitely check out more by this author.
January 29, 2015
5 stars – Romantic Suspense
I didn’t know anything about this author or series until I got a recommendation on Amazon based on my past reading preferences and ratings, and I’m glad because it’s an excellent romantic suspense read that I might have otherwise overlooked. I read it in one sitting because I simply couldn’t put it down.
There’s a sadistic serial rapist at large in Savannah and the police are at a complete standstill in the investigation. Former New York homicide cop Ryne Robel is heading up a specialized task force and requests that an additional investigator be added to his team to work on the case, but when Abbie Phillips is assigned from the outside to assist, he gets much more than he bargained for. Abbie is a forensic profiler from an elite, private consulting group known as the Mindhunters that consists of the best, most brilliant criminologists in the country, all trained by ex-FBI top profiler Adam Raiker.
Ryne is frustrated (and distracted) by Abbie’s presence, and although she’s a smart profiler and capable investigator, he and the other cops on the task force want immediate results, not her psychobabble and head games. But Abbie is convinced that the rapist their hunting is different and that the outwardly random acts of torture inflicted on the victims are intended to inflict their darkest fears and phobias. With his team in a desperate race to catch the psychopath before another woman falls victim, can Ryne and Abbie solve the puzzle before it’s too late?
Ryne and Abbie share a deep, mutual respect as they work together to solve the case and their attraction and chemistry is intense and explosive, but they’re both emotionally damaged from painful past events that make them hesitant to begin an intimate relationship or to open up and trust each other. Even though it’s a police procedural, suspense/thriller, there is a good dose of romance as well, and it’s believable and nicely balanced. There’s also a subplot involving Abbie’s volatile relationship with her bipolar sister Callie that adds some emotional twists and turns, and is both genuine and heartbreaking.
Waking Nightmare reminded me a little bit of a cross between CSI, Law and Order: SVU, and a Karen Rose novel. It’s a very well written, intense, gripping, chilling, and clever romantic suspense read with a taut, well crafted plot and intriguing characters. The story has lots of twists and surprises and kept me engaged and guessing until the very end. This is the first book in the Mindhunters trilogy, and I’m looking forward to book two, Waking Evil, that comes out in Oct’09. 5 stars!
I didn’t know anything about this author or series until I got a recommendation on Amazon based on my past reading preferences and ratings, and I’m glad because it’s an excellent romantic suspense read that I might have otherwise overlooked. I read it in one sitting because I simply couldn’t put it down.
There’s a sadistic serial rapist at large in Savannah and the police are at a complete standstill in the investigation. Former New York homicide cop Ryne Robel is heading up a specialized task force and requests that an additional investigator be added to his team to work on the case, but when Abbie Phillips is assigned from the outside to assist, he gets much more than he bargained for. Abbie is a forensic profiler from an elite, private consulting group known as the Mindhunters that consists of the best, most brilliant criminologists in the country, all trained by ex-FBI top profiler Adam Raiker.
Ryne is frustrated (and distracted) by Abbie’s presence, and although she’s a smart profiler and capable investigator, he and the other cops on the task force want immediate results, not her psychobabble and head games. But Abbie is convinced that the rapist their hunting is different and that the outwardly random acts of torture inflicted on the victims are intended to inflict their darkest fears and phobias. With his team in a desperate race to catch the psychopath before another woman falls victim, can Ryne and Abbie solve the puzzle before it’s too late?
Ryne and Abbie share a deep, mutual respect as they work together to solve the case and their attraction and chemistry is intense and explosive, but they’re both emotionally damaged from painful past events that make them hesitant to begin an intimate relationship or to open up and trust each other. Even though it’s a police procedural, suspense/thriller, there is a good dose of romance as well, and it’s believable and nicely balanced. There’s also a subplot involving Abbie’s volatile relationship with her bipolar sister Callie that adds some emotional twists and turns, and is both genuine and heartbreaking.
Waking Nightmare reminded me a little bit of a cross between CSI, Law and Order: SVU, and a Karen Rose novel. It’s a very well written, intense, gripping, chilling, and clever romantic suspense read with a taut, well crafted plot and intriguing characters. The story has lots of twists and surprises and kept me engaged and guessing until the very end. This is the first book in the Mindhunters trilogy, and I’m looking forward to book two, Waking Evil, that comes out in Oct’09. 5 stars!
December 29, 2015
Second Read - June 29, 2015
- I still enjoyed this book! Nicely written and excellent suspense! Great character building! Took it to the beach with me to re-read during vacation. :-)
First Read - January 15, 2010
Excellent suspense had me gripping the pages. My only regret was that I didn't read this book in a time when I could be uninterrupted. Would have read it in a day--day and half--tops! No slow parts. Great characters, Ryne Robel and Abbie Phillips. Both had emotional baggage and their backstories were given out one morsel at a time. There are other characters that also keep the story rolling along. Abbie's sister, Callie, their horrible childhood (molestation), a police officer with a "problem," another officer who acted like Don Juan and more.
The criminal in this was hard to figure. I like that! Several possibilities and a nice surprise. Some gruesome scenes, but the author did not elaborate too much on the how the victims were tortured and raped. The "waking nightmare" element was truly horrible. Sick and twisted.
The romance was good, but not a large part of the book. For anyone who enjoys a Karen Rose thriller-suspense, this one would be for you!
Kept this review short and sweet--no spoilers--that would ruin EVERYTHING. Enjoy!
4 1/2 Stars
- I still enjoyed this book! Nicely written and excellent suspense! Great character building! Took it to the beach with me to re-read during vacation. :-)
First Read - January 15, 2010
Excellent suspense had me gripping the pages. My only regret was that I didn't read this book in a time when I could be uninterrupted. Would have read it in a day--day and half--tops! No slow parts. Great characters, Ryne Robel and Abbie Phillips. Both had emotional baggage and their backstories were given out one morsel at a time. There are other characters that also keep the story rolling along. Abbie's sister, Callie, their horrible childhood (molestation), a police officer with a "problem," another officer who acted like Don Juan and more.
The criminal in this was hard to figure. I like that! Several possibilities and a nice surprise. Some gruesome scenes, but the author did not elaborate too much on the how the victims were tortured and raped. The "waking nightmare" element was truly horrible. Sick and twisted.
The romance was good, but not a large part of the book. For anyone who enjoys a Karen Rose thriller-suspense, this one would be for you!
Kept this review short and sweet--no spoilers--that would ruin EVERYTHING. Enjoy!
4 1/2 Stars
June 24, 2010
Very good first book in trilogy. I know KB has wrote books in the category romance arena and this is first out in mainstream. Very well done. It took me awhile to warm up to Annie. But in the end it was well worth it. Looking forward to the next in the series.
January 20, 2016
3.5 stars
November 18, 2015
A good romantic suspense.
I really enjoyed the suspense in this book, and I was very impressed with the author’s technique in keeping me guessing on the identity of the serial rapist. When this person was finally revealed at the end, I was quite surprised.
I really liked Abbie. She was tough, and very good at keeping her professional composure amongst all the hostility from the other cops, who did not like having a consultant and profiler on their case.
In the beginning I found it hard to like Ryne. He came across as a jerk with quite an ego. I didn’t like how he acted towards Abbie once he found out that she’s a profiler, and I quite enjoyed it when she showed him just how valuable an asset she is to any team.
Their romance was slow starting, mainly because of Ryne’s rudeness, but I did start to like him later in the book. Ryne sure did like to push Abbie’s buttons, and he did sometimes infuriate me because of this. Their chemistry was quite intense, but I wasn’t really wowed by their romance.
I think the most interesting part of this book was the relationship between Abbie and her sister Callie. Their past, and the effect it had and still has on both of them broke my heart.
“You know I’ve never cared for what you do,” Callie said suddenly. “All those cops and bodies.” She wrinkled her nose. “But you must be good at it. And that makes me proud. Sometimes I think you’re the only good thing I’ve ever done, Ab.”
November 12, 2012
I liked this story.
The writing and the storyline were good, but I found the characters a little 'dry' for my taste.
It took awhile for me to warm up to the leads Abbie & Ryne.
* It felt like it took me 'forever' to really get into the story so that I didn't feel like I wanted the put it down... but once I 'really got into the story, I was hooked. *
I really enjoyed the ending (I would never have guessed who the 'villain' was in this story).
The writing and the storyline were good, but I found the characters a little 'dry' for my taste.
It took awhile for me to warm up to the leads Abbie & Ryne.
* It felt like it took me 'forever' to really get into the story so that I didn't feel like I wanted the put it down... but once I 'really got into the story, I was hooked. *
I really enjoyed the ending (I would never have guessed who the 'villain' was in this story).
June 7, 2016
2.5
Waking Nightmare has one of the sickest villains I've come across. He isn't content just to be an ordinary rapist. Oh, no. He uses a drug that enhances the torture and I am not talking about rape alone. His victims get to experience their phobias at a whole new level while being raped. And to add to the horror, he leaves them alive. It is very important to him that they continue living in whatever state he'd left them.
You can't exactly say you liked something like this, but the rapist and the way he commits his crimes is what stands out in this book.
Then, there is a subplot where Abbie's sister comes to Savannah and find out about Abbie's childhood. That part was also interesting.
My choice of genre was deliberate. I was in a mood for a suspenseful crime story with romance. So, I'm not going to start with 'oh, there was romance and I don't like that'. However, it was weak and a couple of sexy scenes (there weren't many) were kind of too long. It was awkward at times. And boring.
Next, I like when an author decides how they would call certain body parts so they don't end up calling penis 'his sex', 'manhood', 'cock' all in one book. Make up your mind. It is hilarious like this. Twice he watches 'her eyes go to smoke'. Yes, we know they are greyish. It took me out of the book.
Overall, I did like parts of the book and I wanted a romantic suspense. Only, the romantic part wasn't really good.
Waking Nightmare has one of the sickest villains I've come across. He isn't content just to be an ordinary rapist. Oh, no. He uses a drug that enhances the torture and I am not talking about rape alone. His victims get to experience their phobias at a whole new level while being raped. And to add to the horror, he leaves them alive. It is very important to him that they continue living in whatever state he'd left them.
You can't exactly say you liked something like this, but the rapist and the way he commits his crimes is what stands out in this book.
Then, there is a subplot where Abbie's sister comes to Savannah and find out about Abbie's childhood. That part was also interesting.
My choice of genre was deliberate. I was in a mood for a suspenseful crime story with romance. So, I'm not going to start with 'oh, there was romance and I don't like that'. However, it was weak and a couple of sexy scenes (there weren't many) were kind of too long. It was awkward at times. And boring.
Next, I like when an author decides how they would call certain body parts so they don't end up calling penis 'his sex', 'manhood', 'cock' all in one book. Make up your mind. It is hilarious like this. Twice he watches 'her eyes go to smoke'. Yes, we know they are greyish. It took me out of the book.
Overall, I did like parts of the book and I wanted a romantic suspense. Only, the romantic part wasn't really good.
December 20, 2016
Savannah is plagued by a sadistic serial rapist, later dubbed Nightmare Rapist, and the police task force assigned to the case is chasing ghosts around town. The guy is methodical, doesn’t leave any clues, and there appears not to be any link connecting his victims. Ryne Robel, ex-Boston homicide detective and head of the task force has finally gotten his wish – another investigator assigned to the case, but his hope quickly dwindles when Abbie Phillips enters the conference room. She doesn’t look like an investigator, she’s tiny and dainty. She actually isn’t an investigator, but an "outside consultant", a profiler Ryne’s boss hopes will be able to figure what makes the rapist tick and help put him away for good.
Despite his initial resistance at working with her, Ryne quickly develops a deep respect for Abbie and her "psychobabble BS" regarding the rapist and his methods. And something more. Their attraction is surprising and explosive in its intensity, even more so with their mutual painful pasts and dark secrets. And that same attraction could also prove a fatal distraction as the rapist is getting a little too close for comfort.
This intense, gripping, chilling, and fast-paced page-turner had (almost) all.
The cast of characters was great. I loved the leading pair in all their contrasting glory. Where she was small and dainty, he was tough and gruff, but both had quite a similar core of steel underneath...And secrets that shaped their lives, past and present. I liked their individual characters, how they worked together, and how they complimented each other. I also liked how their relationship progressed from initial animosity (on both parts) through respect for each other’s abilities and professionalism, explosive attraction to something steadier and stronger. I wouldn’t categorize it as love, since the pace the story (and the two of them) went through was quite grueling, but I guess they were on a good way there once it all ended. But most of all, I liked how they were equal to each other throughout the story; they might not have had the same skill set, but they acknowledged each other’s strengths, and worked very well together once that initial dislike passed. They were able to have actual conversation about serious topics (beside the investigation) without one of them treating the other as inferior or simpleminded. How refreshing.
If this story didn’t have the strong romantic (or whatever you want to call it) subplot smack in the middle of it, it could’ve easily be classified as a straightforward thriller with its hefty dose of police procedural, lab talk, different investigative angles and trajectories, and the chilling insights into the villain.
Romance or not, it would’ve worked either way, but with its romantic angle I can say, it was a more “rounded” story, covering every angle.
The pacing was spot-on, the speed slowly building as the story progressed and the villain started to unravel. I loved the voice and narrative style, giving the story a slight “edge”, keeping things gripping and intense throughout, the characterization was great (even with the supporting cast who didn’t appear there only to serve as backdrop to the main story). The suspense was gripping and nail-bite worthy with so many twists and turns to make your head spin.
The only thing that bothered me was the heroine’s sister driven subplot, that worked mostly to create additional conflict between h/H and to provide the big climax scene, and the slightly unsatisfying ending. After more than 300 pages everything was resolved and explained in a matter of paragraphs. After page upon page of plot twists and red herrings, the measly few pages and a rather deus ex machina resolution left a slightly bitter aftertaste.
Despite his initial resistance at working with her, Ryne quickly develops a deep respect for Abbie and her "psychobabble BS" regarding the rapist and his methods. And something more. Their attraction is surprising and explosive in its intensity, even more so with their mutual painful pasts and dark secrets. And that same attraction could also prove a fatal distraction as the rapist is getting a little too close for comfort.
This intense, gripping, chilling, and fast-paced page-turner had (almost) all.
The cast of characters was great. I loved the leading pair in all their contrasting glory. Where she was small and dainty, he was tough and gruff, but both had quite a similar core of steel underneath...And secrets that shaped their lives, past and present. I liked their individual characters, how they worked together, and how they complimented each other. I also liked how their relationship progressed from initial animosity (on both parts) through respect for each other’s abilities and professionalism, explosive attraction to something steadier and stronger. I wouldn’t categorize it as love, since the pace the story (and the two of them) went through was quite grueling, but I guess they were on a good way there once it all ended. But most of all, I liked how they were equal to each other throughout the story; they might not have had the same skill set, but they acknowledged each other’s strengths, and worked very well together once that initial dislike passed. They were able to have actual conversation about serious topics (beside the investigation) without one of them treating the other as inferior or simpleminded. How refreshing.
If this story didn’t have the strong romantic (or whatever you want to call it) subplot smack in the middle of it, it could’ve easily be classified as a straightforward thriller with its hefty dose of police procedural, lab talk, different investigative angles and trajectories, and the chilling insights into the villain.
Romance or not, it would’ve worked either way, but with its romantic angle I can say, it was a more “rounded” story, covering every angle.
The pacing was spot-on, the speed slowly building as the story progressed and the villain started to unravel. I loved the voice and narrative style, giving the story a slight “edge”, keeping things gripping and intense throughout, the characterization was great (even with the supporting cast who didn’t appear there only to serve as backdrop to the main story). The suspense was gripping and nail-bite worthy with so many twists and turns to make your head spin.
The only thing that bothered me was the heroine’s sister driven subplot, that worked mostly to create additional conflict between h/H and to provide the big climax scene, and the slightly unsatisfying ending. After more than 300 pages everything was resolved and explained in a matter of paragraphs. After page upon page of plot twists and red herrings, the measly few pages and a rather deus ex machina resolution left a slightly bitter aftertaste.
June 7, 2016
Читаю уже вторую книгу, решила добавить пару слов о первой.
Думаю, эта серия что-то вроде «Отдела Ноя Бишопа» у Хупер. Тут даже свой Ной имеется – Адам Рэйкер, суперкрутой профайлер, ушедший в отставку из-за тяжелых травм и открывший свое агентство. Именно его ученики стали героями серии. Паранормал тоже обещают, но в первой книге его абсолютный ноль – тут чистый романтик саспенс. Хотя дальше вроде и пророческие сны будут, и многое другое. Посмотрим.
Итак, в этом романе речь о серийном насильнике. Во время нападения он пытает жертв их самыми жуткими страхами, а потом оставляет в живых, наслаждаясь их дальнейшими мучениями. Героиня – даже не сотрудница органов, а просто консультант. Психолог-профайлер, ученица того самого Рэйкера. Ее приглашают в целевую группу местных копов, когда те сами не справляются. Естественно, поначалу хрупкую на вид девицу воспринимают в штыки, но она обязательно докажет свою профпригодность.
Очень удачное сочетание триллера и любовного романа. Атмосфера напряженная, расследование динамичное, и несмотря на целых 3 любовные сцены (что для меня обычно в триллерах перебор), отношения не забивают эфир, а развиваются вполне реалистично. Не возникало мысли, мол, когда ж вы делом успеваете заниматься, если только о сексе и думаете. Автор весьма грамотно переплела линии, избежала сплошной хочучки, еще и умудрилась поделиться безрадостным прошлым героев. У каждого свои скелеты и тараканы, что добавило персонажам красок и жизни.
В общем, мне очень и очень понравилось. Претензии только к концовке. Она слегка смазана, и я не до конца поняла все закидоны главного злодея, но это, наверное, из-за невнимательности))
И да, еще мощным получился образ Келли, способной защитить любимую сестренку от чего угодно, кроме себя и своего безумия.
Думаю, эта серия что-то вроде «Отдела Ноя Бишопа» у Хупер. Тут даже свой Ной имеется – Адам Рэйкер, суперкрутой профайлер, ушедший в отставку из-за тяжелых травм и открывший свое агентство. Именно его ученики стали героями серии. Паранормал тоже обещают, но в первой книге его абсолютный ноль – тут чистый романтик саспенс. Хотя дальше вроде и пророческие сны будут, и многое другое. Посмотрим.
Итак, в этом романе речь о серийном насильнике. Во время нападения он пытает жертв их самыми жуткими страхами, а потом оставляет в живых, наслаждаясь их дальнейшими мучениями. Героиня – даже не сотрудница органов, а просто консультант. Психолог-профайлер, ученица того самого Рэйкера. Ее приглашают в целевую группу местных копов, когда те сами не справляются. Естественно, поначалу хрупкую на вид девицу воспринимают в штыки, но она обязательно докажет свою профпригодность.
Очень удачное сочетание триллера и любовного романа. Атмосфера напряженная, расследование динамичное, и несмотря на целых 3 любовные сцены (что для меня обычно в триллерах перебор), отношения не забивают эфир, а развиваются вполне реалистично. Не возникало мысли, мол, когда ж вы делом успеваете заниматься, если только о сексе и думаете. Автор весьма грамотно переплела линии, избежала сплошной хочучки, еще и умудрилась поделиться безрадостным прошлым героев. У каждого свои скелеты и тараканы, что добавило персонажам красок и жизни.
В общем, мне очень и очень понравилось. Претензии только к концовке. Она слегка смазана, и я не до конца поняла все закидоны главного злодея, но это, наверное, из-за невнимательности))
И да, еще мощным получился образ Келли, способной защитить любимую сестренку от чего угодно, кроме себя и своего безумия.
January 5, 2022
As good as a Lisa Gardner or Karin Slaughter novel, though this writer incorporates the sensual bits usually reserved for the romance genre. They were written well, but honestly, I skipped the last few encounters because I just didn’t want to engage with the characters during such moments. I mean—good for them!—but it didn’t feel like any of my business. LOL. I swear I’m not a prude! It’s just a mixing of genre conventions I’m not entirely comfortable with. Detectives researching horrific sexual assault crimes just don’t strike me as the randy types—or at least—I don’t want to think of them outside of the crime in such moments. Something incongruous (for me!) there.
However: I found the mystery intriguing, and the protagonist’s personal struggles with a bipolar sister quite engaging and interesting. I liked this book better than the third (wish I read first by accident). The whole series is available through the Audible Plus catalog, so I have them queued up while I wait for my libby app books to come up. So: decent filler?
File Under: The Books You Read While Waiting for Other Books
However: I found the mystery intriguing, and the protagonist’s personal struggles with a bipolar sister quite engaging and interesting. I liked this book better than the third (wish I read first by accident). The whole series is available through the Audible Plus catalog, so I have them queued up while I wait for my libby app books to come up. So: decent filler?
File Under: The Books You Read While Waiting for Other Books
April 6, 2010
This book is very procedural. If you like CSI then you might like this book. I say might because I love CSI, and I really didn't care for this book. I guess I just like to watch how they solve crimes, not read about it.
The characters are flat; there is just not a lot to make the reader like them. Both have very dark tortured pasts but, IMO the author did nothing to make you feel for them.
In all honesty I skipped about 50 pages of this book so that I could get to the end and see "who done it". Even though I was completely surprised at the bad guy, the reveal was flat and somewhat dull.
The characters are flat; there is just not a lot to make the reader like them. Both have very dark tortured pasts but, IMO the author did nothing to make you feel for them.
In all honesty I skipped about 50 pages of this book so that I could get to the end and see "who done it". Even though I was completely surprised at the bad guy, the reveal was flat and somewhat dull.
August 31, 2022
A little dated but a good listen in the car on audio. I didn't figure out who it was.
3.5 ⭐
3.5 ⭐
November 12, 2024
This was fine, but not the best serial killer book I’ve read so far.
March 20, 2016
Originally reviewed at The Book Adventures.
Waking Nightmare is Brant's first novel in her Mindhunter series. This is a series that revolves around a private company that assists the police with investigations that can't be handled with local resources. The purpose and set up of this company is a little foggy, but it ultimately has little to do with the larger plot. The main focus of Waking Nightmare is one of those "mindhunters" landing in Savannah to assist the local police with the profile of a serial rapist terrorizing the city.
Abbie Phillips is used to animosity from the local police. She's a profiler, and as an outside in most investigations she's not always welcome. However, Abbie is going to do her job and that means delving into the mind of a disturbed individual who is assaulting woman and forcing them to live through their worst nightmares. Ryne Robel is the local cop who is leading the task force in tracking down the rapist. He's not convinced that Abbie is what his team needs, but he reluctantly comes around when she starts to prove her worth. It doesn't hurt that he also thinks she's hot.
With Waking Nightmare you've got the basic set up for the romantic suspense genre. There's a mystery and there's romance. For the most part, I thought both elements were done fairly well. While reading, I was very much reminded of Laura Griffin's Tracers series because of the types of characters used as well as the concept of a private company becoming involved in the investigation. Griffin has the Delphi Center, Brant has Raiker Forensics (known as the Mindhunters). If you're a fan of Griffin's series, Mindhunters is a must read.
In terms of romance, I liked Waking Nightmare. The dynamic between Ryne and Abbie was great. It started off confrontational and slowly developed into something more. Both characters had stuff in their past that held them back in the relationship and I liked that these elements were not easily brushed aside. That said, I think I would have liked a closer look at each character's individual issues. Both Abbie and Ryne were dealing with some pretty heavy duty stuff and I don't know that it ever really got resolved at the end, just acknowledged. The mystery took precedence when it came to the personal, which makes sense in reality, in romancelandia, well, I was looking for more.
Ultimately, I finished Waking Nightmare invested in the series. I liked the combination of procedural details with the interpersonal. I liked it so much that I've already started book two, Waking Evil. If you're a fan of Laura Griffin, this is the series for you.
September 16, 2009
Sorry I can't do a review a la SBTB. I do not have the true snark-ability. However--here goes:
Waking Nightmare by Kylie Brant--Grade D
And OMG I actually read the whole thing so I could find out whodunnit.
Number one thing wrong--both the hero and the heroine are carrying serious emotional baggage. And then the author (number 2) drags the heroine's bipolar sister into the mix and (number 3) has the obligatory sleazy cop involved with a prostitute and (number 4) the captain/chief of police who also has baggage that ties into the hero's baggage. Oh yeah--story is supposedly set in Savannah--no atmosphere! Could have been set in Havre de Grace,MD for all she did with Savannah.
And then can we mention the lack of chemistry between the hero and heroine? And let's not even get into the ID of the perp??
Somewhere in there was an interesting twist on the serial criminal trope--but OMG, trying to find it. I shall not be bothering with the other two.
Waking Nightmare by Kylie Brant--Grade D
And OMG I actually read the whole thing so I could find out whodunnit.
Number one thing wrong--both the hero and the heroine are carrying serious emotional baggage. And then the author (number 2) drags the heroine's bipolar sister into the mix and (number 3) has the obligatory sleazy cop involved with a prostitute and (number 4) the captain/chief of police who also has baggage that ties into the hero's baggage. Oh yeah--story is supposedly set in Savannah--no atmosphere! Could have been set in Havre de Grace,MD for all she did with Savannah.
And then can we mention the lack of chemistry between the hero and heroine? And let's not even get into the ID of the perp??
Somewhere in there was an interesting twist on the serial criminal trope--but OMG, trying to find it. I shall not be bothering with the other two.
August 6, 2010
I liked the parts of the story with the characters working the case. Good mystery/cop procedural style book. However the book was classified 'romantic suspense' and it didn't have a lot of romance. There were some sex scenes that just seemed thrown in. What was missing was building romantic tension. Just wasn't feeling it. The relationship development could have been done a lot better.
February 4, 2017
In Kylie Brant's Waking Nightmare, the first installment in the Mindhunters romantic suspense series, this debut would keep you at the edge of your seat. Be careful on who you tell your darkest secrets and fears too. For Abbie Philipps, she's the newest member of Detective Ryne Robel's task force team in Savannah, when they deal with a serial rapist/murder on the scene. With a lot of emotional baggage from her past and her sister's mental health issues, she had a lot on her own plate to deal with. Being criticized by Robel and his fellow task members shouldn't be one of them. They needed her to profile this UNSUB's mind and to get inside to make him tick. One by one, she began connecting the dots to what drew his victims together, while she tried not to get too close to Ryne. For Robel, Abbie was more than a pretty face to join his team. But when they worked together to establish victimology, he had his own heated feelings for her on a more intimate and personal nature. He also carried a darkest secret of his own that he had to live with. As they discovered closer to identifying the perp, it hit too close to home when Abbie's sister had brought home the killer and put their own lives in danger, when they had to find for themselves in the end.
July 16, 2021
This was a pretty good read and my first time reading this author. Detective Ryne Robel leads investigation into a serial rapist. He is not happy being forced to work with forensic profiler Abbie Phillips of Mindhunters. Abbie quickly proves her worth as a criminologist she figures out the motive of the sociopath. They also learn that the predator uses a designer drug that induces extra fear for the victims because the rapist customizes the cocktail to the person. As they begin to work on how a person is chosen they also find themselves attracted to one another. This was a romantic suspense thriller that I listened to on audio. This was also my first time reading anything by this author. I am looking forward to reading or listening to the next book in this series.
December 11, 2018
Great start
Great start to the Mindhunters series but Kylie Brant. Suspenseful, sexy, and completely un-put-down-able. It kept me guessing the whole way to the shocking end. Looking forward to more in this series!
Great start to the Mindhunters series but Kylie Brant. Suspenseful, sexy, and completely un-put-down-able. It kept me guessing the whole way to the shocking end. Looking forward to more in this series!
November 11, 2020
I listened to the audiobook and the narrator was ok. I like the story and H/h.
July 11, 2018
Regardless of how well you construct the background or create the characters, if the plot doesn't work, the whole thing doesn't work for a detective novel and this is exactly what happened with this book. I think both Abbie and Robel are cool characters and the idea of forming a team of Mindhunters is still great, despite lacking novelty. Unfortunately, the damning plothole really killed what would have been an entertaining novel.
Make sure you read the spoiler AFTER you read the book or never plan to read this book.
Make sure you read the spoiler AFTER you read the book or never plan to read this book.
February 11, 2017
Waking Nightmare
4.5 Stars
A serial rapist is terrorizing Savannah and the police call in private profiler, Abbie Phillips, for assistance on the case. Abbie clashes both personally and professionally with the lead investigator, Ryne Robel, and the two must develop a workable relationship if they are to stop the sadistic monster before he strikes closer to home.
Brant’s writing style is reminiscent of Cynthia Eden’s Deadly Fear and Die for Me books. The plot is well-constructed with some exciting twists and turns, fast-paced action scenes and an intense climax.
Abbie and Ryne are a compelling couple and the development of their romance from resentment to respect to attraction and then commitment is believable and engaging. Both are appealing characters coping with traumatic pasts although Abbie’s background as a profiler and he work for Adam Raiker could have been more detailed.
The villain’s identity comes as a surprise, but that isn’t to say the clues aren’t there rather they are cleverly interwoven into the storyline so it is easy to miss them. This gives the book bonus points as I am usually able to guess the killer quite quickly.
All in all, an entertaining romantic thriller that is not to heavy on the gritty and gruesome descriptions.
4.5 Stars
A serial rapist is terrorizing Savannah and the police call in private profiler, Abbie Phillips, for assistance on the case. Abbie clashes both personally and professionally with the lead investigator, Ryne Robel, and the two must develop a workable relationship if they are to stop the sadistic monster before he strikes closer to home.
Brant’s writing style is reminiscent of Cynthia Eden’s Deadly Fear and Die for Me books. The plot is well-constructed with some exciting twists and turns, fast-paced action scenes and an intense climax.
Abbie and Ryne are a compelling couple and the development of their romance from resentment to respect to attraction and then commitment is believable and engaging. Both are appealing characters coping with traumatic pasts although Abbie’s background as a profiler and he work for Adam Raiker could have been more detailed.
The villain’s identity comes as a surprise, but that isn’t to say the clues aren’t there rather they are cleverly interwoven into the storyline so it is easy to miss them. This gives the book bonus points as I am usually able to guess the killer quite quickly.
All in all, an entertaining romantic thriller that is not to heavy on the gritty and gruesome descriptions.
June 11, 2021
Did We Listen to the Same Book???
I'm really surprised by the number of reviews that ripped up the narrator on this book. I'm actually wondering if there is more than one version out there, because I listened to the audiobook narrated by Bronson Pinchot and it was one of the best narrations I have heard in a while.
As for the book itself, it's a nice psychothriller with some crazy twists and turns. Plus, it does feature a pretty intense romance between the two main characters. This didn't bother me in the slightest, although it is definitely on the steamy side, so it might not be for everyone. But I enjoyed the main characters and their disparate views of the case as well as the uphill battle Abbie faced working with a group of "old school" detectives who didn't think much of her particular science...or of her, for that matter.
I enjoyed this story enough that I downloaded the next book in the series before I even finished this one. I look forward to seeing what else Ryne and Abbie will face.
I'm really surprised by the number of reviews that ripped up the narrator on this book. I'm actually wondering if there is more than one version out there, because I listened to the audiobook narrated by Bronson Pinchot and it was one of the best narrations I have heard in a while.
As for the book itself, it's a nice psychothriller with some crazy twists and turns. Plus, it does feature a pretty intense romance between the two main characters. This didn't bother me in the slightest, although it is definitely on the steamy side, so it might not be for everyone. But I enjoyed the main characters and their disparate views of the case as well as the uphill battle Abbie faced working with a group of "old school" detectives who didn't think much of her particular science...or of her, for that matter.
I enjoyed this story enough that I downloaded the next book in the series before I even finished this one. I look forward to seeing what else Ryne and Abbie will face.
July 21, 2015
A Surprise in the Who Done It
This is the first book that I have read by Kylie Brant. I enjoyed the intelligent writing style and the intelligence of the characters. Ms. Brant gave you little OMG moments in regards to the characters personal lives. This story is an more about the suspense and mystery than the romance of the characters. I found this a little disappointing. Just when I thought there was true building of a romance the tone of the story changed back to the investigation. So it was difficult for me to see a strong lasting relationship in the end even though that is what the author was going for. I understand this is the first in the series. I will read the others and hopefully they will have more depth in terms of Abbie and Ryne's relationship.
This is the first book that I have read by Kylie Brant. I enjoyed the intelligent writing style and the intelligence of the characters. Ms. Brant gave you little OMG moments in regards to the characters personal lives. This story is an more about the suspense and mystery than the romance of the characters. I found this a little disappointing. Just when I thought there was true building of a romance the tone of the story changed back to the investigation. So it was difficult for me to see a strong lasting relationship in the end even though that is what the author was going for. I understand this is the first in the series. I will read the others and hopefully they will have more depth in terms of Abbie and Ryne's relationship.
September 28, 2010
Nothing mind-blowing here. It was a fairly predicatable sequence taking the reader through the steps of an investigation into a serial rapist from the point of view of stand-offish profiler Abbie Philips. I couldn't wait to get to the end and be done with it. The plot was well done. The twists and misleading possibilities were all in place. What was lacking? Hard to put a finger on it but it simply wasn't a high-charge read for me. The wrap-up was dull, maybe because I was never invested enough to care about the loose ends.
January 5, 2010
After receiving a recommendation on a reader's blog this morning, I promptly set about finding this series of books. I have just finished the first book "Waking Nightmare" and it was fantastic. Well-drawn characters with a storyline that kept me on the edge of my seat guessing who the "bad guy" was. Will start reading Book #2 in the morning!
June 15, 2011
I unfortunately read this one right after I Can See You which had a similar storyline but was, IMO, better and more gripping.. I still found it to be a good book, 3.5*, and will give the second in the series a try... I was surprised at the twist at the end though:-)
October 28, 2009
Shades of Kay Hooper, but with a little more romance. Kept my interest. Need to read more from the author.
July 23, 2015
I listened to this book.
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