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Tortured Dream: Dreamwalker Series | Dark| Fantasy Romance
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Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews
May 11, 2026
Take my review with a grain of salt, as it is purely my opinion. There are currently two reviews with five star ratings, so clearly others love this book and you should not judge the work of a brand new author based solely on my preferences. The likes and dislikes of readers vary greatly and tend to be highly subjective. This is one of the very first dark romances I’ve read and I suspect I just prefer things a little more upbeat.
Tortured Dream put me into a reading slump. I really tried to like it, but it never pulled me in. Too often, I found that the author told us how the characters were feeling without really easing us into it. For example, we were told the physical characteristics of Sydney’s panic attacks, but weren’t given a relatable description of how she felt in the moment. I’m sure a doctor would have found the description helpful for a diagnosis, but as a reader, it made her seem distant.
We were told Sydney was falling for Garret after their many bedside chats, but I never felt the connection. It honestly seemed like insta-love to me. They very quickly fell for each other, but I feel as if it mostly happened off-page. Seeing them lusting for each other didn’t really do it for me either, as I didn’t have a connection with either of them, nor did I believe they were in love. In the last part of the book, with very high stakes, I didn’t even care when Garret got shot. Sydney was worried, but I never felt it.
Now, let’s talk about suspension of disbelief. I know the dream walker element is fantasy, so I’m going to leave it alone, but I’m assuming the rest of the book is supposed to be semi-realistic. Land prices in Canada are crazy right now. Sydney moves to a forested ranch in British Columbia following her traumatic incident. Where exactly did she get the likely ten million dollars or so that this would require, given her land is around 40 acres or so (if I’m remembering correctly)? Was it an inheritance? It seems like an odd thing to leave unexplained.
Additionally, Sydney is trying to remain covert so no one finds her. She doesn’t even call the police when she finds Garret close to death in the forest. However, later in the novel she goes to a small-town gun store and buys forty or fifty containers of ammunition for various guns, which the owner remarks on. Things spread quickly in small towns and I would think buying over $1000 worth of ammunition as a single woman who lives on her own would draw some attention.
Lastly, Sydney and Garret kill a bunch of people at the end of the novel in order to save her neighbours. Probably around 10 or so. While it’s mentioned that they’re questioned by the police, there’s not even a throw away line about any consequences. I know they’re secret agents, but how on Earth do you get away with killing a bunch of people without being held in custody at all? It’s very strange that nothing comes of it, as I had expected at least a call to their boss to confirm that these guys were crime lords or something.
Anyway, I digress. I feel like the buzzkill who can’t get past minor details to enjoy the novel, but I was just trying to get through it because I hate leaving things unfinished. I had zero attachment to the characters and found myself rather bored as a result, as most of the book seemed to focus on the monotony of Sydney and Garret’s relationship rather than the interesting dreamwalking bit. The dreamwalking itself actually seemed like more of a gimmick to move the plot along, if anything.
Overall, Tortured Dream was not for me. I’m not going to make any recommendations as to whether others should read it, as supporting brand new, Canadian authors is a lovely thing to do. It’s entirely possible it will be a loved book for many readers, but for me, it was a bit of a chore. Hopefully I can pass it on to someone who will love it! 2/5 May 10 2026
Tortured Dream put me into a reading slump. I really tried to like it, but it never pulled me in. Too often, I found that the author told us how the characters were feeling without really easing us into it. For example, we were told the physical characteristics of Sydney’s panic attacks, but weren’t given a relatable description of how she felt in the moment. I’m sure a doctor would have found the description helpful for a diagnosis, but as a reader, it made her seem distant.
We were told Sydney was falling for Garret after their many bedside chats, but I never felt the connection. It honestly seemed like insta-love to me. They very quickly fell for each other, but I feel as if it mostly happened off-page. Seeing them lusting for each other didn’t really do it for me either, as I didn’t have a connection with either of them, nor did I believe they were in love. In the last part of the book, with very high stakes, I didn’t even care when Garret got shot. Sydney was worried, but I never felt it.
Now, let’s talk about suspension of disbelief. I know the dream walker element is fantasy, so I’m going to leave it alone, but I’m assuming the rest of the book is supposed to be semi-realistic. Land prices in Canada are crazy right now. Sydney moves to a forested ranch in British Columbia following her traumatic incident. Where exactly did she get the likely ten million dollars or so that this would require, given her land is around 40 acres or so (if I’m remembering correctly)? Was it an inheritance? It seems like an odd thing to leave unexplained.
Additionally, Sydney is trying to remain covert so no one finds her. She doesn’t even call the police when she finds Garret close to death in the forest. However, later in the novel she goes to a small-town gun store and buys forty or fifty containers of ammunition for various guns, which the owner remarks on. Things spread quickly in small towns and I would think buying over $1000 worth of ammunition as a single woman who lives on her own would draw some attention.
Lastly, Sydney and Garret kill a bunch of people at the end of the novel in order to save her neighbours. Probably around 10 or so. While it’s mentioned that they’re questioned by the police, there’s not even a throw away line about any consequences. I know they’re secret agents, but how on Earth do you get away with killing a bunch of people without being held in custody at all? It’s very strange that nothing comes of it, as I had expected at least a call to their boss to confirm that these guys were crime lords or something.
Anyway, I digress. I feel like the buzzkill who can’t get past minor details to enjoy the novel, but I was just trying to get through it because I hate leaving things unfinished. I had zero attachment to the characters and found myself rather bored as a result, as most of the book seemed to focus on the monotony of Sydney and Garret’s relationship rather than the interesting dreamwalking bit. The dreamwalking itself actually seemed like more of a gimmick to move the plot along, if anything.
Overall, Tortured Dream was not for me. I’m not going to make any recommendations as to whether others should read it, as supporting brand new, Canadian authors is a lovely thing to do. It’s entirely possible it will be a loved book for many readers, but for me, it was a bit of a chore. Hopefully I can pass it on to someone who will love it! 2/5 May 10 2026
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 26, 2026
I was lucky enough to receive an advanced reader copy of this and definitely need it as a shelf trophy, was a fantastic read. I genuinely didn’t know if this book would be for me as my personal preference isn’t a book written in third person but it was so well written and so easy to read and enjoy. This book had it all,took me through all the emotions and i enjoyed it thoroughly. Anyone wanting a book they can binge in a Few sittings i would highly recommend.
April 1, 2026
I received this as an ARC from the author.
I loved this story and cannot wait until the next book in the series is released! I love a modern fantasy setting. JM Stockford builds a story that keeps the reader engaged with strong world-building and a steady pace, with romance and magic woven in. The dreamwalking element could have overshadowed the human element in the story; it becomes the lens through which trauma, vulnerability, and trust are explored.
What stood out most for me was how naturally the tension escalates with emotions and external danger. The relationship development never feels rushed, and the darker undertones give the story a weight that elevates it beyond a conventional suspense romance. Stockford creates scenes that feel vivid and real without becoming overworked.
For readers who enjoy romantic suspense with a fantasy element, this delivers atmosphere, intrigue and a genuine emotional element. It is immersive, distinctive and leaves the reader wanting more.
I loved this story and cannot wait until the next book in the series is released! I love a modern fantasy setting. JM Stockford builds a story that keeps the reader engaged with strong world-building and a steady pace, with romance and magic woven in. The dreamwalking element could have overshadowed the human element in the story; it becomes the lens through which trauma, vulnerability, and trust are explored.
What stood out most for me was how naturally the tension escalates with emotions and external danger. The relationship development never feels rushed, and the darker undertones give the story a weight that elevates it beyond a conventional suspense romance. Stockford creates scenes that feel vivid and real without becoming overworked.
For readers who enjoy romantic suspense with a fantasy element, this delivers atmosphere, intrigue and a genuine emotional element. It is immersive, distinctive and leaves the reader wanting more.
Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews