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Kendall #4
Some Men's Dreams
He made her palms sweat, her heart trip. But Genevieve Kendall's dream had been bought at too high a price to sacrifice for fleeting passion in a gorgeous doctor's embrace. Jack O'Neill was her boss - her mentor - and she had something to tell him about his only child that just might break his heart.... Could he believe her? Did he have a choice? If saving his daughter meant facing his past, then Jack O'Neill would do it. With Gen by his side every step of the way. He only hoped that when it was all over, his newest doctor would help him and his little girl face their future, too.
251 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published July 25, 2003
About the author
Kathleen Korbel
62 books44 followersEileen Dreyer writing for Silhouette as Kathleen Korbel
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
October 31, 2018
Introducing yourself to your new boss by putting him into intensive care is usually not the best way for a first impression, but when Gen Kendall does exactly that during a softball game, no one can imagine the outcome. Her boss Jack, the new head of the pediatric intensive care unit is a widower with a 12 year old daughter. Chemistry between him an Gen flares almost immediately, but guilt keeps them apart. When Gen and her familiy take Jack's daughter under their wings things really become complicated.
A wonderful story, fairly realistic with inspiring characters. I had difficulties putting the book down and was saddened to finish it
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
A wonderful story, fairly realistic with inspiring characters. I had difficulties putting the book down and was saddened to finish it
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
November 13, 2018
Dr. Gen Kendall hits a homerun (not) when she accidentally knocks out her new boss, chief of staff Dr. Jack O’Neill, during their house staff softball game. Yikes, what a first meeting! But something about Gen calls to Jack, especially later when she offers to take his 12-year-old daughter home and care for her while he's stuck recuperating at their hospital. But, Gen is leaving in a month to go back home and Jack is a still grieving widower with a young daughter to care for, so they absolutely cannot give into the attraction that springs up between them. And when Gen observes something troubling about Jack's lovely young daughter, something she knows she has to tell him but doesn't want to, for fear of breaking his already grieving heart, it will just be another obstacle in the way of what could be happiness and love.
I've really been enjoying reading the Korbel Classics series, but Some Men's Dreams is head and tail above all its predecessors. It was an emotional roller coaster of a story. There are lots of heavy subjects to be dealt with here. Aside from Jack's grief, there is the distressing common link between Gen and Jack's daughter, Elizabeth, there's the serious guilt that Jack's been repressing, and even more that I won't list. But Eileen has a deft hand with all these subjects, never allowing the emotional toll to be too much for the reader or the characters. I love how well Gen, Jack and Elizabeth mesh with each other and I especially love just how well drawn the author made each of the three. There's heat here, too, but in a subtle way that doesn't overwhelm or disappear from the story. All in all, I found Some Men's Dreams to be a superbly crafted story that's not really a romance, but a journey taken by Jack, Gen, and Elizabeth. A journey of healing and love. A beautiful journey!
ARC via Booksprout for an honest review.
Full review posted on Live Through Books Blog.
November 13, 2018
Dr. Gen Kendall hits a homerun (not) when she accidentally knocks out her new boss, chief of staff Dr. Jack O’Neill, during their house staff softball game. Yikes, what a first meeting! But something about Gen calls to Jack, especially later when she offers to take his 12-year-old daughter home and care for her while he's stuck recuperating at their hospital. But, Gen is leaving in a month to go back home and Jack is a still grieving widower with a young daughter to care for, so they absolutely cannot give into the attraction that springs up between them. And when Gen observes something troubling about Jack's lovely young daughter, something she knows she has to tell him but doesn't want to, for fear of breaking his already grieving heart, it will just be another obstacle in the way of what could be happiness and love.
I've really been enjoying reading the Korbel Classics series, but Some Men's Dreams is head and tail above all its predecessors. It was an emotional roller coaster of a story. There are lots of heavy subjects to be dealt with here. Aside from Jack's grief, there is the distressing common link between Gen and Jack's daughter, Elizabeth, there's the serious guilt that Jack's been repressing, and even more that I won't list. But Eileen has a deft hand with all these subjects, never allowing the emotional toll to be too much for the reader or the characters. I love how well Gen, Jack and Elizabeth mesh with each other and I especially love just how well drawn the author made each of the three. There's heat here, too, but in a subtle way that doesn't overwhelm or disappear from the story. All in all, I found Some Men's Dreams to be a superbly crafted story that's not really a romance, but a journey taken by Jack, Gen, and Elizabeth. A journey of healing and love. A beautiful journey!
ARC via Booksprout for an honest review.
Full review posted on Live Through Books Blog.
April 4, 2026
Title / Author: Some Men’s Dreams by Kathleen Korbel
Subgenre: Contemporary Romance (Series Romance)
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐ (3 stars – read, but not worth a reread)
⭐ Goodreads Blurb (shortened)
Dr. Gen Kendall is determined to achieve her dream of becoming a full-fledged doctor—nothing, especially love, can distract her. But when she accidentally injures her chief of staff, Dr. Jack O’Neill, their lives become unexpectedly intertwined. Jack, a widower with a young daughter, isn’t looking for love either. Yet as Gen becomes involved in his daughter’s care, both are forced to confront past wounds and difficult choices—raising the question: is love enough to heal what’s broken?
🔥 1. Hook, Momentum & Trajectory
The opening is genuinely engaging and even fun: the heroine accidentally injures the hero during a softball game between colleagues—a memorable and lively meet-cute that immediately sets the tone.
However, while the premise is clear and promising, the execution doesn’t fully deliver. The story maintains a steady pace, but the trajectory becomes predictable early on, and that predictability doesn’t generate excitement—it slightly dulls it.
👉 Strong hook, but limited narrative drive.
💥 2. Stakes, Tension & Payoff
The emotional stakes are theoretically high (a widower, a child’s health, unresolved grief), but they often feel more stated than fully earned.
The tension relies heavily on the hero’s internal resistance rather than evolving relational dynamics, which weakens the payoff. The result is a sense of prolonged hesitation rather than meaningful escalation.
❤️ 3. Romance & Emotional Arc
The romance falls into the “good but not memorable” category.
Both characters develop feelings relatively quickly, but the emotional arc lacks depth on the page. The hero’s attachment to his late wife and his reluctance to move forward are central, yet his behavior often undermines the emotional credibility of the relationship.
The dynamic becomes repetitive:
→ heroine reaches out
→ hero pulls back
This creates a loop rather than a satisfying progression.
🧠 4. Character (Competence + Agency)
Hero: Irritating, inconsistent
Heroine: Highly competent, generous, engaging
The heroine is the strongest element of the novel—she is capable, warm, and proactive, and her competence is clearly shown through her actions.
The hero, on the other hand, is frequently frustrating. We are told he is admirable and accomplished, but his behavior—especially publicly rejecting the heroine’s declaration of love—creates a disconnect between what the narrative claims and what it shows.
👉 This imbalance significantly affects reader investment.
⚖️ 5. Pacing & Structure
The story moves consistently, without major structural issues. However, the central conflict (the hero’s refusal to fully commit) is prolonged to the point of repetition.
Instead of building tension, it creates stagnation.
✍️ 6. Writing Style
The writing is engaging and readable, with a pleasant tone throughout most of the book.
That said, the final portion feels slightly drawn out, which weakens the overall impact.
🚫 7. Dealbreakers (Impact on Enjoyment)
Repetitive emotional dynamic
Irritating hero behavior
Emotional payoff weakened by lack of progression
💖 8. Favorite Elements
The heroine: competent, generous, and genuinely likable
The initial setup: fresh and engaging
However, the relationship dynamic shifts into a pattern where the heroine emotionally carries—and even protects—the hero, which is not a preferred trope for me.
🔁 9. Reread / Author Trust
Reread? No
Author trust: Cautious (consistent 3-star experience)
🧩 10. Final Verdict
A promising premise with a strong, compelling heroine, but weakened by an irritating and inconsistent hero. The romance feels only partially earned, and while the pacing is steady, the emotional progression becomes repetitive. Overall, an enjoyable but ultimately forgettable read, reinforcing a cautious approach to this author.
Subgenre: Contemporary Romance (Series Romance)
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐ (3 stars – read, but not worth a reread)
⭐ Goodreads Blurb (shortened)
Dr. Gen Kendall is determined to achieve her dream of becoming a full-fledged doctor—nothing, especially love, can distract her. But when she accidentally injures her chief of staff, Dr. Jack O’Neill, their lives become unexpectedly intertwined. Jack, a widower with a young daughter, isn’t looking for love either. Yet as Gen becomes involved in his daughter’s care, both are forced to confront past wounds and difficult choices—raising the question: is love enough to heal what’s broken?
🔥 1. Hook, Momentum & Trajectory
The opening is genuinely engaging and even fun: the heroine accidentally injures the hero during a softball game between colleagues—a memorable and lively meet-cute that immediately sets the tone.
However, while the premise is clear and promising, the execution doesn’t fully deliver. The story maintains a steady pace, but the trajectory becomes predictable early on, and that predictability doesn’t generate excitement—it slightly dulls it.
👉 Strong hook, but limited narrative drive.
💥 2. Stakes, Tension & Payoff
The emotional stakes are theoretically high (a widower, a child’s health, unresolved grief), but they often feel more stated than fully earned.
The tension relies heavily on the hero’s internal resistance rather than evolving relational dynamics, which weakens the payoff. The result is a sense of prolonged hesitation rather than meaningful escalation.
❤️ 3. Romance & Emotional Arc
The romance falls into the “good but not memorable” category.
Both characters develop feelings relatively quickly, but the emotional arc lacks depth on the page. The hero’s attachment to his late wife and his reluctance to move forward are central, yet his behavior often undermines the emotional credibility of the relationship.
The dynamic becomes repetitive:
→ heroine reaches out
→ hero pulls back
This creates a loop rather than a satisfying progression.
🧠 4. Character (Competence + Agency)
Hero: Irritating, inconsistent
Heroine: Highly competent, generous, engaging
The heroine is the strongest element of the novel—she is capable, warm, and proactive, and her competence is clearly shown through her actions.
The hero, on the other hand, is frequently frustrating. We are told he is admirable and accomplished, but his behavior—especially publicly rejecting the heroine’s declaration of love—creates a disconnect between what the narrative claims and what it shows.
👉 This imbalance significantly affects reader investment.
⚖️ 5. Pacing & Structure
The story moves consistently, without major structural issues. However, the central conflict (the hero’s refusal to fully commit) is prolonged to the point of repetition.
Instead of building tension, it creates stagnation.
✍️ 6. Writing Style
The writing is engaging and readable, with a pleasant tone throughout most of the book.
That said, the final portion feels slightly drawn out, which weakens the overall impact.
🚫 7. Dealbreakers (Impact on Enjoyment)
Repetitive emotional dynamic
Irritating hero behavior
Emotional payoff weakened by lack of progression
💖 8. Favorite Elements
The heroine: competent, generous, and genuinely likable
The initial setup: fresh and engaging
However, the relationship dynamic shifts into a pattern where the heroine emotionally carries—and even protects—the hero, which is not a preferred trope for me.
🔁 9. Reread / Author Trust
Reread? No
Author trust: Cautious (consistent 3-star experience)
🧩 10. Final Verdict
A promising premise with a strong, compelling heroine, but weakened by an irritating and inconsistent hero. The romance feels only partially earned, and while the pacing is steady, the emotional progression becomes repetitive. Overall, an enjoyable but ultimately forgettable read, reinforcing a cautious approach to this author.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 29, 2018
Some Men's Dreams (Korbel Classics Book 8) By: Eileen Dreyer Writing as Kathleen Korbel
Expect The Unexpected... When "Some Men's Dreams" Shatter & Reform!!
ON the Brink of finishing her Residency is surely NOT the Time to fall in LOVE...
Especially, if it's with her Supervisory Doctor, who holds her Career in his hands...
Ohhh... let's NOT forget, she's nailed him with a line-drive while he's on the Pitcher's Mound...
That's RIGHT! She knocked him OUT leaving quite the indelible Mark...
A Mark that may just extend to HIS Heart, if he can let GO of the Past, his grief, his guilt, & his wife's Ghost...
He'll also need to accept some home bitter home Truths that'll be HARD to Swallow...
She only hopes, in the END... LOVE Heals, LOVE Conquerors, LOVE Makes Everything Possible, Including...
LOVE Making "Some Men's Dreams" Cum True!!
I was granted an ARC of "Some Men's Dreams (Korbel Classics Book 8)," by Eileen Dreyer Writing as Kathleen Korbel, via Booksprout; I recommend this book to others based upon its own merits. All opinions expressed within this review are uniquely my own & freely given!
Until next time... Happy Reading!
October 27, 2018
Unforgettable Romance
This is a wonderful story that ties in to a couple of the author's other novels; Jake's Way, Simple Gifts. This is a moving novel that is far from a simple romance. Like all of this author's work, there are several layers of plot and all are explored fully. All of the characters are deep and fully developed. The books ends well, but leaves the reader wanting more. I have read several of this author's books and have enjoyed them all. This is an author that one could buy her books without knowing anything about them and be glad they did. I received this ARC book for free and this is my honest review.
This is a wonderful story that ties in to a couple of the author's other novels; Jake's Way, Simple Gifts. This is a moving novel that is far from a simple romance. Like all of this author's work, there are several layers of plot and all are explored fully. All of the characters are deep and fully developed. The books ends well, but leaves the reader wanting more. I have read several of this author's books and have enjoyed them all. This is an author that one could buy her books without knowing anything about them and be glad they did. I received this ARC book for free and this is my honest review.
October 31, 2018
Dr. Gen Kendall first meets Dr. Jack O’Neill when she knocks him out with a softball during the attending-physicians game. There is an immediate attraction, but he fights it, not just because he’s her new boss, but he is still dealing with the pain and guilt of losing his wife and he has to put his daughter Elizabeth first. Gen, Jack, and Elizabeth have all known pain and most of it self inflicted. This is tough story that deals with drunk driving, babies dying, and anorexia. There were plenty of lighter humorous moments to balance out the darker elements of the story. Because of all that Gen, Jack, and Elizabeth went through it made them stronger in the end.
October 7, 2018
What an evocative writer! This author’s writing is almost poetic. Even the hot sexy scenes were not the raw, gritty, erotica of other romances. It was more like a sexy movie – a shadowed limb, a kiss, a sigh, a caress. I was just swept up in the story of 3 broken people who must somehow deem themselves to be worthy of love. Have a box of tissues handy!
February 2, 2024
Review
Jen known as mom in her family was the fixer in Jer family. After her mother died, her brother took care of the farm and she took care of being mom to all.
When everyone was grown she went off to be a doctor but with dream of moving back to Wyoming to practice. But she met a doctor and his daughter and fell in love.
Enjoy
Jen known as mom in her family was the fixer in Jer family. After her mother died, her brother took care of the farm and she took care of being mom to all.
When everyone was grown she went off to be a doctor but with dream of moving back to Wyoming to practice. But she met a doctor and his daughter and fell in love.
Enjoy
April 25, 2024
Absolutely delightful and unique
This story is filled with unexpected moments of tender mercy and insight into how people respond to trauma that escalates and yet can respond to overwhelming consequences. You laugh, feel and cry as the story guides you how pain and love can be overcome obstacles that seem impossible.
Absolutely delightful and beautiful.
This story is filled with unexpected moments of tender mercy and insight into how people respond to trauma that escalates and yet can respond to overwhelming consequences. You laugh, feel and cry as the story guides you how pain and love can be overcome obstacles that seem impossible.
Absolutely delightful and beautiful.
October 25, 2018
This is a great romance that's jam packed with emotions. Jack and Gen's story is full of sweetness, drama, humor, heartache and love. So very enjoyable and quite touching. This is my truthful and completely voluntary review.
October 27, 2018
An amazing story that is emotional, heartbreaking, heartwarming, emotional, full of surprises and so much more. Beautifully written and well worth reading. I recommend it. I was given a review copy by booksprout and voluntarily review it.
November 5, 2018
I loved this story. What a beautifully written and poignant story as we all want to find love but not when a child maybe sick . Such a well written storyline and the author is outstanding.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
July 18, 2024
Some Men's Dreams (The Kendall Clan)
This was absolutely the very best Romance Novel that I ever read. I want to thank this Author for sharing this beautiful love story with her readers, especially Me!!!
This was absolutely the very best Romance Novel that I ever read. I want to thank this Author for sharing this beautiful love story with her readers, especially Me!!!
November 1, 2018
A well-written story that I will be reading again as it held my interest throughout. A book I would recommend. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
March 24, 2024
Wonderful story
This is a wonderful story by a wonder author. The plot is great and so are the characters. great reading.
This is a wonderful story by a wonder author. The plot is great and so are the characters. great reading.
July 2, 2024
Great series
Loved it....made me laugh and made me cry.... The characters are strong and yet have flaws. The family dynamic is solo spot on!
Loved it....made me laugh and made me cry.... The characters are strong and yet have flaws. The family dynamic is solo spot on!
July 17, 2024
Great read
?loved it can't wait for more To come so far they have all Bern amazing stories to read great arothar
?loved it can't wait for more To come so far they have all Bern amazing stories to read great arothar
February 11, 2025
Awesome job
The storyline keeps you going. From the first words to the end of the book. You will not want to put it down
The storyline keeps you going. From the first words to the end of the book. You will not want to put it down
December 13, 2025
An okay quick read.
November 30, 2011
When I opened this book I immediately thought Meh, another doctor falls in love with superior doctor with child romance.
I was, oh, so wrong.
This book is filled to the brim with deep complex characters, humour (A Naked Michelangelo David in the bathroom eg.), feeling, and engaging issues! It seems I more and more rarely can get through books without stopping every now and then sighing about the use of overused clichés, flat characters, copycat characters, overused plots, overused themes, but once I got through the sighs in the beginning (Oh it's the new, handsome doctor; Oh he's the HEAD new, handsome doctor; Oh, he's got a kid; Oh the kid's mother is dead; Oh she just happens to be the only one who can step up and take care of the kid) I read the whole thing through with no more sighing. Why? Not because the clichés stopped coming, but because I came to love the depth of the characters (especially the heroine and the kid), the humour which is almost always there but not to the extreme this-iss-just-silly-why-am-i-reading-this-phase, and finally because of the "OMG, that cannot be true, I NEED to know this ends well".
Still, little nitpicky me is at times slightly annoyed by the very much overemphasized love(/physical attraction/obsession) our heroine at times is showing for the hero. BUT, mark my words, this is the ONLY fault I found in this book. Therefore 5 stars. Therefore I'm putting it on my very selective "to get in paperback"-list. And it also happens I'm on the hunt for the rest of the books in this series.
I was, oh, so wrong.
This book is filled to the brim with deep complex characters, humour (A Naked Michelangelo David in the bathroom eg.), feeling, and engaging issues! It seems I more and more rarely can get through books without stopping every now and then sighing about the use of overused clichés, flat characters, copycat characters, overused plots, overused themes, but once I got through the sighs in the beginning (Oh it's the new, handsome doctor; Oh he's the HEAD new, handsome doctor; Oh, he's got a kid; Oh the kid's mother is dead; Oh she just happens to be the only one who can step up and take care of the kid) I read the whole thing through with no more sighing. Why? Not because the clichés stopped coming, but because I came to love the depth of the characters (especially the heroine and the kid), the humour which is almost always there but not to the extreme this-iss-just-silly-why-am-i-reading-this-phase, and finally because of the "OMG, that cannot be true, I NEED to know this ends well".
Still, little nitpicky me is at times slightly annoyed by the very much overemphasized love(/physical attraction/obsession) our heroine at times is showing for the hero. BUT, mark my words, this is the ONLY fault I found in this book. Therefore 5 stars. Therefore I'm putting it on my very selective "to get in paperback"-list. And it also happens I'm on the hunt for the rest of the books in this series.
June 10, 2013
Dr. Jack O’Neill takes over as chief of pediatric critical care one month before Dr. Genevieve (Gen) finishes her residency in that unit. They meet at a staff baseball game when she hits a ball into his forehead and puts him in the hospital. They are at different points in their careers and each has a lot of baggage. But the current problem involves the health of his 12 year old daughter. This is the most dramatic story of the series with lots of explosive scenes revealing buried secrets, guilt and frustrations. Another emotionally satisfying story from Korbel.
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews