Dream Student by J.J. DiBenedetto
Series: Dream Series #1
Published by Indie
Published on: November 26, 2013
Genres: Paranormal Romance
Pages: 287
Format: eBook
Source: Freebie
Amazon | Book Depo | Chapters | Kobo | GoodReads
College junior Sara Barnes thought her life was totally under control. All she had to worry about was her final exams, Christmas shopping, applying to medical school – and what to do about the cute freshman in the next dorm with a crush on her. Everything was going according to plan, until the night she started seeing other people’s dreams.
It’s bad enough that Sara is learning more than she ever needed to know about her friends and classmates, watching their most secret fantasies whether she wants to or not. Much worse are the other dreams, the ones she sees nearly every night, featuring a strange, terrifying man who commits unspeakable crimes. Now Sara wonders if she’s the only witness to a serial killer – and the only one who knows when and where he’s going to strike next.
Dream Student is the first book of the Dream Series.
My reading this book, was a direct result of my avoiding reading something from my huge TBR pile. I received it from one of the freebie book sites that I get daily emails from, just this week. This book combined my love of the supernatural, with a serial killer read, also a favorite of mine.
Sara is twenty one, and a premed student at a Cleveland college. The year is 1989. She lives with her best friend, Beth, in a dorm. Out of the blue, she dreams about a young man that she doesn’t know, and he in turn, dreams about her-at the same time. While he is dreaming about her, they are aware of each other, as if it was really happening. One night, while out with her friends, she actually sees the man from her dreams, and they both know each other. And they immediately fall for each other-insta-love, and all that. At that point, Brian becomes a main character, along with Sara and Beth. It’s not long before Sara dreams of another man, one that is murdering young girls. Not only is she seeing it, but actually feels like she is in the room, while it is happening.
This is told in the first person of Sara for the most part, but the dreams are told in the 3rd person. That was really different for me. It worked because I wasn’t confused, but at first it took a bit to get used to. The character of Sara was smart, pretty, and although she goes after Brian when she first sees him, that’s not the type of person she normally is-an introvert. Brian is two years younger than Sara, and only a freshman. He is already smitten with Sara before he meets her, so he is more then willing to get involved with her. Beth is the beautiful one, but she is a great best friend, and sidekick for Sara. Both Sara and Beth, are pretty fully realized by the author, but at the end of the book, I still didn’t feel like I knew Brian that well. He’s just a nice young guy, with a controlling mother, and other then that, I kept waiting for more from him. He does have his sweet moments with Sara, of course, but I just wanted more from him.
Nightmares happen throughout this book, and actually carry over into real life, courtesy of a serial killer. When Sara realizes who the killer is, there is a lot of back story to explain the whys, and that was a good thing. However, I knew who the killer was very early on in the story. I really don’t like figuring things out that early. Another aspect I wasn’t a fan of, was the insta-love thing. I know it is used a lot in books, but I think that part could have been done a bit better. I also, would really like to better understand why no one bothers to go to the police? At times, I just wanted to yell at the characters to do so!
This book reads as young adult at times, but due to sexual situations, is actually an adult read-although nothing too specific. At times, it was a bit slow, and I think it could have benefited from some more of the serial killer, or paranormal aspects. However, that being said, I actually,for the most part, enjoyed the story. The use of the year 1989, was kind of fun, as it pointed out how we used to live without cell phones, or decent computers. It is part one of eight books, but I am not sure yet, if I will be continuing on with it-which brings me back full circle to my huge TBR pile, for my reason not to continue. If you enjoy psychic mysteries, that take place at college, this could be a good read for you.
I’m Lorna and I live in Maryland. Since retiring, I spend my time mostly reading and reviewing books. My favorite reads are Paranormal Romance, Urban Fantasy, and Young Adult. I read a lot of indie books in addition to traditionally published books. Favorite paranormal creature? Vampires, but I am really liking werewolves more everyday.
Sounds like this books was just Meh for ya. I will probably skip it. Thanks for your honest review.
Karen Blue recently posted…Blog Tour & Giveaway: The Sexy Librarian’s Big Book of Erotica
It actually was very readable, and pretty well written, just some of it didn’t work for me in the end 🙂
Thanks for taking the time to read my book and to post a review!
I’m glad you mention the year the book was set, because the lack of google, cell phones, etc was actually the primary reason I set it then.
You’re welcome. I did like the use of 1989 as well. Of course I was an adult back then, and how I would have loved a computer or a cell phone!
Glad you liked this even if it will never be a favorite. It is good to avoid that overwhelming TBR pile once in a while. 😉
kindlemom1 recently posted…Review: In Your Dreams by Kristan Higgins
Yes, but some of those books, I paid for a long time ago, I really need to, and want to read more of them! Not enough hours in the day sometimes 🙂
I like reading books set int eh 80’s. It still feels modern – yet the lack of some technology adds tension.
I do hate when people won’t call the cops though. especially teens. I just read another thriller like that and it drove me crazy. lol
Yes, there are lots of moments when a cell phone, in particular, would have been really handy in this book 🙂 And I was talking to the book at times, wanting someone to call the police already!
You had me at Paranormal, serial killer and nightmares. Three of my favorite things to read in a book. I have had nightmares for years so reading about others also having them for some reason just is my thing. lol I’m weird that way. Sounds like it will be a good read.
Mary Kirkland recently posted…Weekly Rat Facts: Accessories and Toys
I hope You like it 🙂
Lorna recently posted…Review: Dream Student by J.J. DiBenedetto
The slow parts worry me, I am easily bored
blodeuedd recently posted…The Obsidian Empire by Mark T Barnes and Book Blog Walkers: Weekly Check-in Sept 12 2014
Yes, I am not a fan of slow either 🙂 But it was very readable, and actually I read it really fast.
Lorna recently posted…Review: Dream Student by J.J. DiBenedetto
i don’t like discovering the identity of teh culprit too easily and i’m often too good at that so it takes the fun off ( and it bothers my brother when it’s from a tv shows like ncis, criminal minds etc^^;;)
miki recently posted…Witch Song ( tome1) par Amber Argyle
Yes, sometimes it’s just too easy to figure out!
Lorna recently posted…Review: Dream Student by J.J. DiBenedetto
I started reading this one and picked something else up. I didn’t get to the insta-love so I guess I didn’t make it too far.
I’ll finish it one day, but your review makes me think that I shouldn’t rush to do it!
Have a good weekend Lorna!
Amber Elise @ Du Livre
Thanks Amber, you too! Maybe when you get a little extra time sometime, it’s not a bad read, and actually I read it fast 🙂
oops I messed up, your answer is below this.
Lorna recently posted…Review: Dream Student by J.J. DiBenedetto
I have been on a fast read binge lately! I’ll try to get to it sooner than later! 🙂
Amber Elise @ Du Livre
I have so many books to read that I know how hard it is to get to everything for sure!
I like reading mysteries and thrillers so this sounds like an enjoyable quick read, even with the predictability. Ah, the simplicity of the 80s, when you actually had conversations…before cell phones, Facebook and Twitter…haha I’ll have to check this one out but I seriously don’t need another series on my shelf..LOL Great review Lorna.
Lori recently posted…Cover Reveal: RICOCHET by Keri Lake + Giveaway
Yes I like thrillers too. I think you might like it 🙂 and hey it’s free!
What kind of nightmares happen? Sounds scary
The serial killer ones 🙂
Lorna recently posted…Review: Dream Student by J.J. DiBenedetto
Thanks for sharing.
sherry fundin recently posted…Kindle Fire Giveaway
You’re welcome!
I love serial killer stories but I don’t like to read mediocre ones. It has to be GREAT otherwise I’d skip it. Nightmares transitioning to real life sounds creepy exciting, shame this lacked some oomph.
Braine recently posted…Loved It: Cold Blooded and Red Blooded by Amanda Carlson
I know what you mean, and there are some great ones out there.And you are right, it should have been more creepy exciting! It was readable, and the author definitely knows how to write though.
This sounds like it was a nice escape and a enjoyable read despite a few things that could have been better. Sometimes we just need a *me* read (not on the tbr list) to enjoy. Wonderful review Lorna 🙂
Sorry I thought I had answered this. It really wasn’t a bad read, so yes a nice escape :)Thank you!
Lorna recently posted…Review: Dream Student by J.J. DiBenedetto
I don’t like it when I figure out the culprits early either… But the suspense in this one sounds awesome! Great review!!
Naomi @ Nomi’s Paranormal Palace
Naomi recently posted…Review ~ Damaged Goods by Nicole Williams
Thank you!
Lorna recently posted…Review: Dream Student by J.J. DiBenedetto
Thanks for your honest review. Interesting point about how some common things available now weren’t in 1989, so have to keep that in mind when reading the book.
Yes, and they sure needed a cell phone several times!
Lorna recently posted…Review: Dream Student by J.J. DiBenedetto
Sounds like this one might have been better had the mystery been more mysterious 🙂 and the author more clearly defined her audience. Still, I do like psychic reads. I might check it out…sometime, when I’m avoiding something from my ginormous tbr! LOL
Bookworm Brandee recently posted…**Blog Tour Review & Giveaway ~ Beyond the Orange Moon ~ Adrienne Frances**
I definitely understand the tbr pile for sure! It’s a free read if you ever get the chance to read it 🙂
Lorna recently posted…Review: Dream Student by J.J. DiBenedetto
The premise sounds really interesting, but insta-love is such a big meh factor. Plus it sounds like that relationship is big in the story, and it’s not even mentioned in the summary. I would hope and want the focus to be mostly on the serial killer aspect.
Sarah recently posted…Guest Post: Stephanie Cole explains Why Alaska + Giveaway
He sort of is mentioned in the summary-the cute freshman in the next dorm. But that really wasn’t the way it happened in the book anyway,so not sure why it’s worded that way in the summary to be honest. The serial killer aspect is fairly big in the story, but you are right there should have been more!