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Falling Awake
An expert in dream research and a talented practitioner of lucid dreaming, Isabel Wright finds her life becoming a nightmare when her boss suddenly dies, she loses her job at a sleep research center, and she becomes involved with a mysterious client, Ellis Cutler, a loner and operative for a classified government agency, who draws her into a web of passion, betrayal, and murder.
424 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 25, 2005
About the author
Jayne Ann Krentz
405 books7,273 followersThe author of over 50 consecutive New York Times bestsellers, JAYNE ANN KRENTZ writes romantic-suspense in three different worlds: Contemporary (as Jayne Ann Krentz), historical (as Amanda Quick) and futuristic (as Jayne Castle). There are over 30 million copies of her books in print.
She earned a B.A. in History from the University of California at Santa Cruz and went on to obtain a Masters degree in Library Science from San Jose State University in California. Before she began writing full time she worked as a librarian in both academic and corporate libraries.
She earned a B.A. in History from the University of California at Santa Cruz and went on to obtain a Masters degree in Library Science from San Jose State University in California. Before she began writing full time she worked as a librarian in both academic and corporate libraries.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 259 reviews
September 17, 2021
3.5 stars
October 12, 2020
4 Estrellitas. Éste libro sí que ha funcionado y muy bien. Desde la primera página me ha enganchado y no he podido dejarlo hasta terminarlo.
"En tus sueños" es lo primero que leo de Amanda Quick como Jayne Ann Krentz, su nombre para escribir novelas de romance contemporáneo. Y al igual que su fórmula funciona en novelas históricas, también lo hace en contemporáneas.
No tenía de idea de qué iba este libro y ni siquiera lo conocía cuando lo compré en una librería de segunda mano. "En tus sueños" es un thriller de romance contemporáneo con unos toques de ciencia ficción o paranormales, pero la dosis de estos últimos es muy mínima.
Éste libro nos induce en el mundo de los sueños y su investigación científica. Isabel Wright es una analista de sueños que trabaja para un prestigioso laboratorio privado, pero su vida laboral cambia cuando su jefe muere y ve cómo el hijo de él destruye todo el trabajo de su vida.
Ahí entra en escena Ellis Cutler, un inversor financiero que fue sujeto de experimentos en dicho laboratorio, debido a sus sueños extremos. Ellis trabaja para una agencia que también está interesada en el trabajo de Isabel, y Ellis hará todo lo posible para convencer a Isabel de aceptar.
Toda la trama se complicará cuando una serie de eventos y asesinatos que rodean a nuestros personajes comiencen a aparecer.
En general ha sido una novela buena y que engancha rápidamente. No he podido parar de leerla, leía un capítulo y quería otro; así es como funciona la obra de ésta escritora, y me parece genial.
La investigación del libro ha estado muy chula, no muy distinta a otras de la autora, pues como no puede ser de otra manera, alguien estará detrás de nuestros protagonistas, si no para matarlos, para conseguir algo de ellos, o de su propio trabajo.
En cuanto al romance, me ha encantado, Isabel con su inocencia y candidez, y Ellis con ésa apostura algo chulesca y arrogante, muy de los hombres de la Quick, ha conseguido crear un romance muy contundente.
El libro ha funcionado y me ha gustado mucho, leer a Amanda Quick siempre es un acierto, pero recomiendo la lectura de sus libros muy esporádicamente porque se parecen mucho.
"En tus sueños" es lo primero que leo de Amanda Quick como Jayne Ann Krentz, su nombre para escribir novelas de romance contemporáneo. Y al igual que su fórmula funciona en novelas históricas, también lo hace en contemporáneas.
No tenía de idea de qué iba este libro y ni siquiera lo conocía cuando lo compré en una librería de segunda mano. "En tus sueños" es un thriller de romance contemporáneo con unos toques de ciencia ficción o paranormales, pero la dosis de estos últimos es muy mínima.
Éste libro nos induce en el mundo de los sueños y su investigación científica. Isabel Wright es una analista de sueños que trabaja para un prestigioso laboratorio privado, pero su vida laboral cambia cuando su jefe muere y ve cómo el hijo de él destruye todo el trabajo de su vida.
Ahí entra en escena Ellis Cutler, un inversor financiero que fue sujeto de experimentos en dicho laboratorio, debido a sus sueños extremos. Ellis trabaja para una agencia que también está interesada en el trabajo de Isabel, y Ellis hará todo lo posible para convencer a Isabel de aceptar.
Toda la trama se complicará cuando una serie de eventos y asesinatos que rodean a nuestros personajes comiencen a aparecer.
En general ha sido una novela buena y que engancha rápidamente. No he podido parar de leerla, leía un capítulo y quería otro; así es como funciona la obra de ésta escritora, y me parece genial.
La investigación del libro ha estado muy chula, no muy distinta a otras de la autora, pues como no puede ser de otra manera, alguien estará detrás de nuestros protagonistas, si no para matarlos, para conseguir algo de ellos, o de su propio trabajo.
En cuanto al romance, me ha encantado, Isabel con su inocencia y candidez, y Ellis con ésa apostura algo chulesca y arrogante, muy de los hombres de la Quick, ha conseguido crear un romance muy contundente.
El libro ha funcionado y me ha gustado mucho, leer a Amanda Quick siempre es un acierto, pero recomiendo la lectura de sus libros muy esporádicamente porque se parecen mucho.
November 17, 2010
Finished "Falling Awake" by Jayne Ann Krentz. I really did not like this one, for a lot of reasons.
First and foremost, it needed another editor to clean up the language and events. There was no normal dialogue among the characters. Everything seemed a little too scripted, too wooden, including the fully-qualified names for things, such as the Belvedere Center for Sleep Research. I swear if the name if the place were "The Honolulu Branch of the Pinkleton/Belvedere University Hospital Center for Sleep Research and Lucid Dream Control Development," the characters would have said the whole thing while talking to each other, despite the fact that both characters were familiar with the entity.
I got tired of hearing the need for "context." I know what context means. There has to be another way to say it. And while I can appreciate a pun, the "dream" and "nightmare" puns were a bit too thick for me. I kept wanting the story to end, but it dragged itself on and on beyond the point where I had any interest in what happens next. Particularly at the end, the author needed to return to a "show, don't tell" mantra. There was far too much telling.
Ultimately, the sense I got from it was that it was the first draft of some housewife's daydreaming fantasy put to paper.
First and foremost, it needed another editor to clean up the language and events. There was no normal dialogue among the characters. Everything seemed a little too scripted, too wooden, including the fully-qualified names for things, such as the Belvedere Center for Sleep Research. I swear if the name if the place were "The Honolulu Branch of the Pinkleton/Belvedere University Hospital Center for Sleep Research and Lucid Dream Control Development," the characters would have said the whole thing while talking to each other, despite the fact that both characters were familiar with the entity.
I got tired of hearing the need for "context." I know what context means. There has to be another way to say it. And while I can appreciate a pun, the "dream" and "nightmare" puns were a bit too thick for me. I kept wanting the story to end, but it dragged itself on and on beyond the point where I had any interest in what happens next. Particularly at the end, the author needed to return to a "show, don't tell" mantra. There was far too much telling.
Ultimately, the sense I got from it was that it was the first draft of some housewife's daydreaming fantasy put to paper.
June 10, 2015
Author: Jayne Ann Krentz
First published: 2005
Length: 529 pages (Large Print)
Setting: Contemporary, California.
Sex: Explicit. Reasonably frequent.
Paranormalish - Lucid dreaming and dream reading.
Hero: Entrepeneur and gov. agent investigator who uses lucid dreaming.
Heroine: Interprets Lucid Dreams.
An interesting idea that didn't quite make it.
It felt like Krentz wanted to explore an idea she had a few years ago and didn't want to waste her research or the manuscript that was stashed in a bottom drawer so put everything in.
There was a lot of exposition, stilted dialogue, forcing characters into stereotypical roles/motivations/desires.
It lacked the flair Krentz has since developed.
Good enough, but could have been better.
References:
Author's website: http://jayneannkrentz.com/falling-awake/
(ISBN 9780786266418)
-CR-
First published: 2005
Length: 529 pages (Large Print)
Setting: Contemporary, California.
Sex: Explicit. Reasonably frequent.
Paranormalish - Lucid dreaming and dream reading.
Hero: Entrepeneur and gov. agent investigator who uses lucid dreaming.
Heroine: Interprets Lucid Dreams.
An interesting idea that didn't quite make it.
It felt like Krentz wanted to explore an idea she had a few years ago and didn't want to waste her research or the manuscript that was stashed in a bottom drawer so put everything in.
There was a lot of exposition, stilted dialogue, forcing characters into stereotypical roles/motivations/desires.
It lacked the flair Krentz has since developed.
Good enough, but could have been better.
References:
Author's website: http://jayneannkrentz.com/falling-awake/
(ISBN 9780786266418)
-CR-
August 30, 2025
3.5 stars, edging toward 3.75. I reviewed the hardcover edition on Goodreads in 2017,
here
.
March 19, 2018
The Belvedere Center for Sleep Research caters to the demands of two mysterious clients with the ability of lucid dreaming - the state where the dreamer knows he/she is dreaming and can alter the dreamscape to their own wishes.
Isabel Wright, herself a Level Five (the highest level of lucid dreaming) is the one in charge of interpreting their dreams. She is so intrigued by the Client Number Two that the man eventually starts appearing in her dreams. She dubs him Dream Man.
Enter Ellis Cutler, Client Number Two a.k.a. Dream Man. A Level Five lucid dreamer who uses his dreaming ability to solve crimes, and who‘s been having fantasies of his own regarding his dream analyst, Tango Dancer.
After so many books, with other authors I'd say "been there, done that, have the bookshelf to prove it", but that is never the case with Jayne Ann Krentz (or her alter ego Amanda Quick). Though the plots might be similar, there is always a different twist to the storyline to make it interesting. And believable.
Falling Awake is no exception. It's her usual cocktail of suspense, action, and romance that will keep you at the edge of your seat and turning page after page, because you have to know just what happens next. Though the "technical" descriptions did slow the pace down.
What I like most about her contemporaries is the fact she never gives a detailed visual description of the male lead, leaving the better part to the reader's imagination.
P.S. In this case, the dark sunglasses Ellis Cutler can't seem to take off just add to the mystery, intrigue, and his appeal.
Isabel Wright, herself a Level Five (the highest level of lucid dreaming) is the one in charge of interpreting their dreams. She is so intrigued by the Client Number Two that the man eventually starts appearing in her dreams. She dubs him Dream Man.
Enter Ellis Cutler, Client Number Two a.k.a. Dream Man. A Level Five lucid dreamer who uses his dreaming ability to solve crimes, and who‘s been having fantasies of his own regarding his dream analyst, Tango Dancer.
After so many books, with other authors I'd say "been there, done that, have the bookshelf to prove it", but that is never the case with Jayne Ann Krentz (or her alter ego Amanda Quick). Though the plots might be similar, there is always a different twist to the storyline to make it interesting. And believable.
Falling Awake is no exception. It's her usual cocktail of suspense, action, and romance that will keep you at the edge of your seat and turning page after page, because you have to know just what happens next. Though the "technical" descriptions did slow the pace down.
What I like most about her contemporaries is the fact she never gives a detailed visual description of the male lead, leaving the better part to the reader's imagination.
P.S. In this case, the dark sunglasses Ellis Cutler can't seem to take off just add to the mystery, intrigue, and his appeal.
August 2, 2016
Isabel is a dream analyzer in a smaller division of a big company. When the promotion she expected turns into search for a new employment, she´s disappointed. Good thing she has family that will help.
Ellis, an independent contractor, depends on the help with analyzing his dreams, so when it gets shut down they´ll have to solve it, asap. Now Ellis is sent on the mission to convince Isabel to start working for his agency instead.
When a conspiracy starts entangling them both they´ll have to work together and find the one responsible.
PNR Romance, action, suspense and smutty fluff in a great combo.
Listened to the audio version and the narrator was great as well.
Ellis, an independent contractor, depends on the help with analyzing his dreams, so when it gets shut down they´ll have to solve it, asap. Now Ellis is sent on the mission to convince Isabel to start working for his agency instead.
When a conspiracy starts entangling them both they´ll have to work together and find the one responsible.
PNR Romance, action, suspense and smutty fluff in a great combo.
Listened to the audio version and the narrator was great as well.
July 27, 2016
Everything is like in Krentz's books should be: a mysterious and dangerous Hero, enterprising and intelligent heroine , mystery and a little magic . And the feeling . Mature , evolving . Awaited and hot.
May 21, 2026
Slow start but once I got into it, couldn’t put it down. Wonder if any of the dream ideas are true?
Read
July 8, 2026Su contraportada promete un electrizante thriller romántico con ribetes de ciencia ficción. Pero el libro sólo cumple esa promesa a medias. Si bien el argumento me ha parecido ligeramente original, el desarrollo del mismo no está para tirar cohetes. Se agradece que, por lo menos, no se haya complicado la existencia y su prosa sea tan fluida.
A ver cómo resumo su argumento... Los soñadores de nivel 5 son personas capaces de controlar todo lo que sueñan e interactuar con su propio subconsciente, en una especie de autohipnosis, para sonsacarse a sí mismos cualquier información que hayan percibido sin darse cuenta. Ellis Cutler, uno de los mejores soñadores de nivel 5, trabaja para una empresa clandestina que investiga toda clase de crímenes con la ayuda de los soñadores. De modo que su trabajo consiste en recopilar toda la información posible sobre diversos asesinatos y, acto seguido, echarse a dormir para analizar el escenario del crimen en un sueño de nivel 5. Se supone que su cerebro es más receptivo en ese nivel de consciencia, lo que le permite percatarse de conexiones casi invisibles.
En contadas ocasiones, Ellis Cutler no comprende el significado de todos los elementos y símbolos que sueña. Por esa razón, su jefe ha contratado los servicios de la empresa donde trabaja Isabel Wright, otra soñadora de nivel 5 que sabe interpretar los sueños ajenos. Sin embargo, Ellis e Isabel no se conocen en persona porque ella sólo analiza los sueños que su propio jefe le transcribe como intermediario. Como no podía ser de otra manera, ambos se van imaginando el uno a la otra... en una especie de fantasía onírica.
Como se puede deducir de mis palabras, el romance ha resultado demasiado azucarado para mi gusto, pero por lo menos he percibido cierta química entre los protagonistas. A pesar de que no empatizo demasiado con ella. Por lo menos, no me cae mal. Por el contrario, Ellis es más carismático, el típico hombre traumatizado por el pasado que no quiere querer porque si nunca amaba, nunca iba a tener que lamentar la pérdida de un ser querido.
No sabemos con certeza qué sucedió en el pasado ni cuál es el verdadero objetivo de un asesino que permanece en la sombra hasta casi el final. Por supuesto, he encontrado algunos fallos durante su desenlace y unas pocas conversaciones rozan el absurdo.
Definitivamente, no le recomendaría esta novela a cualquier persona, pero me ha parecido bastante entretenida y ha logrado sorprenderme con el final. Hay muchos detalles que parecen simple relleno para que la trama sea más extensa, pero después todo queda bien hilado.
A ver cómo resumo su argumento... Los soñadores de nivel 5 son personas capaces de controlar todo lo que sueñan e interactuar con su propio subconsciente, en una especie de autohipnosis, para sonsacarse a sí mismos cualquier información que hayan percibido sin darse cuenta. Ellis Cutler, uno de los mejores soñadores de nivel 5, trabaja para una empresa clandestina que investiga toda clase de crímenes con la ayuda de los soñadores. De modo que su trabajo consiste en recopilar toda la información posible sobre diversos asesinatos y, acto seguido, echarse a dormir para analizar el escenario del crimen en un sueño de nivel 5. Se supone que su cerebro es más receptivo en ese nivel de consciencia, lo que le permite percatarse de conexiones casi invisibles.
En contadas ocasiones, Ellis Cutler no comprende el significado de todos los elementos y símbolos que sueña. Por esa razón, su jefe ha contratado los servicios de la empresa donde trabaja Isabel Wright, otra soñadora de nivel 5 que sabe interpretar los sueños ajenos. Sin embargo, Ellis e Isabel no se conocen en persona porque ella sólo analiza los sueños que su propio jefe le transcribe como intermediario. Como no podía ser de otra manera, ambos se van imaginando el uno a la otra... en una especie de fantasía onírica.
Como se puede deducir de mis palabras, el romance ha resultado demasiado azucarado para mi gusto, pero por lo menos he percibido cierta química entre los protagonistas. A pesar de que no empatizo demasiado con ella. Por lo menos, no me cae mal. Por el contrario, Ellis es más carismático, el típico hombre traumatizado por el pasado que no quiere querer porque si nunca amaba, nunca iba a tener que lamentar la pérdida de un ser querido.
No sabemos con certeza qué sucedió en el pasado ni cuál es el verdadero objetivo de un asesino que permanece en la sombra hasta casi el final. Por supuesto, he encontrado algunos fallos durante su desenlace y unas pocas conversaciones rozan el absurdo.
Definitivamente, no le recomendaría esta novela a cualquier persona, pero me ha parecido bastante entretenida y ha logrado sorprenderme con el final. Hay muchos detalles que parecen simple relleno para que la trama sea más extensa, pero después todo queda bien hilado.
October 10, 2022
Falling Awake
3.5 Stars
Dream analyst, Isabel Wright, has a unique talent for interpreting Lucid dreams and is particularly interested in the dreams of a subject known only as Client Number 2. Said client is Ellis Cutler, an agent with a classified government agency interested in the use of lucid dreaming for crime solving. When Isabel loses her job, Cutler's agency sends him to recruit her, and the connection they felt in their dreams manifests in reality. However, a series of violent incidents soon alerts them to a threat that could jeopardize both their work and their lives.
An engaging romance and a solid suspense plot, but the excessive focus on esoteric concepts related to dreams and dreaming detracts from the book. While the idea of using lucid dreams to solve crimes is very intriguing and reminiscent of Kay Hooper's Bishop series (without the psychic element), it is underdeveloped and lacking in specific details and explanations on how it actually works.
Ellis and Isabel are similar to many of JAKs hero/heroine pairings. He is dark and broody and she is smart yet quirky. Their chemistry is established early on in their dreams and is only enhanced once they meet in person.
While the identity of the villain is pretty obvious early on, the final showdown is intense and exciting and the inclusion of some of the secondary characters, even unexpected ones - , is a highlight.
Overall, this is an entertaining read but not as good as some of JAK's other books mainly due to the obscure dream elements.
3.5 Stars
Dream analyst, Isabel Wright, has a unique talent for interpreting Lucid dreams and is particularly interested in the dreams of a subject known only as Client Number 2. Said client is Ellis Cutler, an agent with a classified government agency interested in the use of lucid dreaming for crime solving. When Isabel loses her job, Cutler's agency sends him to recruit her, and the connection they felt in their dreams manifests in reality. However, a series of violent incidents soon alerts them to a threat that could jeopardize both their work and their lives.
An engaging romance and a solid suspense plot, but the excessive focus on esoteric concepts related to dreams and dreaming detracts from the book. While the idea of using lucid dreams to solve crimes is very intriguing and reminiscent of Kay Hooper's Bishop series (without the psychic element), it is underdeveloped and lacking in specific details and explanations on how it actually works.
Ellis and Isabel are similar to many of JAKs hero/heroine pairings. He is dark and broody and she is smart yet quirky. Their chemistry is established early on in their dreams and is only enhanced once they meet in person.
While the identity of the villain is pretty obvious early on, the final showdown is intense and exciting and the inclusion of some of the secondary characters, even unexpected ones - , is a highlight.
Overall, this is an entertaining read but not as good as some of JAK's other books mainly due to the obscure dream elements.
December 18, 2017
I listened to this book with my Romance Unlimited subscription. It's the typical Jayne Ann Krentz book. She seldom deviates from her predictable plots. There's a comfort in that though.
A dream analyst and a lucid dreamer from a secret government agency team up to solve a murder mystery.
3.5 - 4 *****
A dream analyst and a lucid dreamer from a secret government agency team up to solve a murder mystery.
3.5 - 4 *****
July 4, 2026
Isabel Wright is a dream reader who works for an eccentric scientist. She only has two clients and has developed a crush of her Client Number 2. Ellis Cutler is Client Number 2. He has worked for a mysterious government agency and still freelances for them around his career as a venture capitalist. He has also fallen for the unknown dream reader who is Isabel. When Isabel's boss is murdered, the new boss fires her. She and Ellis work together to track down a sociopath who is just one of a group of villains who want Ellis dead.
April 12, 2017
I'm actually kinda surprised how much I liked this book. There wasn't anything crazy spectacular about it but I liked the characters, the story line, the romance and the bit of action/suspense.
June 1, 2022
Charming
Another charming romance with plenty of twists and mysteries. Throw in dream therapy and you've got a successful novel, sure to turn the pages.
Another charming romance with plenty of twists and mysteries. Throw in dream therapy and you've got a successful novel, sure to turn the pages.
December 18, 2022
Another very enjoyable murder mystery/ romance/paranormal story from Jayne Ann Krentz
April 2, 2025
Quick read! I felt that the pacing was a little off, it seemed like there should've been more build up to the final confrontation, and more suspicion about the actions of one of the characters (who ended up being proven innocent). I also didn't appreciate how the confrontation was explained verbatum at the end, it just seemed like overkill to me. Overall, pretty enjoyable, just not my favorite from Krentz.
February 22, 2024
Fun, light beach read in February. Though it did have dark twists and turns. But for me? Candy, relaxing, all encompassing.
February 25, 2012
If you love the Arcane Series from JAK then you will love this book too. It almost seems like this is a early writing that was maybe the start of the Arcane family. Honestly with a name change it could easily have been one of the books in the series.
Isabel is a dream analyst but not what we normally think of when we think about our dreams. This is not the "this symbol means this" type of answers. This goes much deeper. She works for a man who believes she can do this but is hiding her talents under a "research sleep center" and she is being used by a gov't agency to read dreams which then help solve crimes. And she has fallen for the "Dream Man" who calls her for help. However when the owner of the company she works for is found dead she is fired.
Ellis has vivid dreams and calls "Tango Dancer" with his dreams for her to work on and has taken a liking to her. He works for the gov't agency as a detective of sorts when they need him. So when they call to say that he needs to find and secure Isabel how can he say no?
The suspense never ends in the book and while there is alot of conversation about the belief of "level 5 dreamers" it is not boring. The connection is instantious between Isabel and Ellis as if they really had been communicating before the reader picks up the book. I had this book on my TBR shelf for a while now but hadn't picked it up and man am I sorry now. I love JAK's Arcane Series and while I love all her books they do not all have that Arcane feeling to them and I thought this was one that would not and thought I would hold off to read the romance book but this is certainly as much suspense as romance and not to be missed!
Isabel is a dream analyst but not what we normally think of when we think about our dreams. This is not the "this symbol means this" type of answers. This goes much deeper. She works for a man who believes she can do this but is hiding her talents under a "research sleep center" and she is being used by a gov't agency to read dreams which then help solve crimes. And she has fallen for the "Dream Man" who calls her for help. However when the owner of the company she works for is found dead she is fired.
Ellis has vivid dreams and calls "Tango Dancer" with his dreams for her to work on and has taken a liking to her. He works for the gov't agency as a detective of sorts when they need him. So when they call to say that he needs to find and secure Isabel how can he say no?
The suspense never ends in the book and while there is alot of conversation about the belief of "level 5 dreamers" it is not boring. The connection is instantious between Isabel and Ellis as if they really had been communicating before the reader picks up the book. I had this book on my TBR shelf for a while now but hadn't picked it up and man am I sorry now. I love JAK's Arcane Series and while I love all her books they do not all have that Arcane feeling to them and I thought this was one that would not and thought I would hold off to read the romance book but this is certainly as much suspense as romance and not to be missed!
August 30, 2025
Falling Awake has all of the usual Krentz elements: a wounded alpha hero, an independent heroine who doesn’t quite fit in, and a suspenseful mystery with layers upon layers of deception and unexpected twists. Isabel and Ellis felt familiar because I’ve read so many Krentz books, but they’re both interesting and likeable characters. The plot is well-paced and kept me turning the pages, and Krentz was successful in misdirecting my suspicions on several occasions (though I did spot one of the villains pretty early on.)
I’m generally a big fan of Jayne Ann Krentz’s romantic suspense novels, yet despite its strong points, Falling Awake never completely pulled me in. I think it’s because I couldn’t quite buy into the lucid-dreaming aspect of the book, which is strange because I’ve accepted paranormal talents and other highly improbable premises in her other books. It’s not that I don’t accept the idea of lucid dreaming — those dreams where you know you are dreaming, and can control the dream to some extent. But Krentz gave it a psychic-but-not-exactly-psychic twist, and that’s where it fell down for me. . . maybe because I felt she didn’t really commit wholeheartedly to something that could have worked really well as a fantasy element, but lacked credibility for me on a more realistic level.
Bookwyrm’s verdict: I enjoyed reading Falling Awake, but it’s not going on my “re-readable” list. Edited to add (8/30/2025): I did reread it, and enjoyed it more this time. Bumping my star rating to 3.5 stars.
I’m generally a big fan of Jayne Ann Krentz’s romantic suspense novels, yet despite its strong points, Falling Awake never completely pulled me in. I think it’s because I couldn’t quite buy into the lucid-dreaming aspect of the book, which is strange because I’ve accepted paranormal talents and other highly improbable premises in her other books. It’s not that I don’t accept the idea of lucid dreaming — those dreams where you know you are dreaming, and can control the dream to some extent. But Krentz gave it a psychic-but-not-exactly-psychic twist, and that’s where it fell down for me. . . maybe because I felt she didn’t really commit wholeheartedly to something that could have worked really well as a fantasy element, but lacked credibility for me on a more realistic level.
Bookwyrm’s verdict: I enjoyed reading Falling Awake, but it’s not going on my “re-readable” list. Edited to add (8/30/2025): I did reread it, and enjoyed it more this time. Bumping my star rating to 3.5 stars.
February 19, 2012
I enjoyed this stand alone book.
The MCs were very likable, the bad guys were obnoxious, the story was good. What more do you want? LOL
The story revolves around Lucid Dreaming, and what your tax dollars are really doing. A secret govt bureau solves crime by getting its agents to dream Level 5 Lucid Dreams, and when they can't interpret them they request analysis from Isabel Wright. Isabel doesn't know for sure that she is analysing govt dreams but has pretty much worked it out.
Suddenly, her boss has died, she is fired and goes to work for her BIL as a motivational trainer. Her govt clients go looking for her; she is too valuable to loose. She is suddenly in high demand from her old job as well. Her new boss has found out she is the only person keeping the company afloat - her & her govt clients.
There are plots and counter plots, creative identities and murders. And then there is Tango Dancer and Dream Man.
The MCs were very likable, the bad guys were obnoxious, the story was good. What more do you want? LOL
The story revolves around Lucid Dreaming, and what your tax dollars are really doing. A secret govt bureau solves crime by getting its agents to dream Level 5 Lucid Dreams, and when they can't interpret them they request analysis from Isabel Wright. Isabel doesn't know for sure that she is analysing govt dreams but has pretty much worked it out.
Suddenly, her boss has died, she is fired and goes to work for her BIL as a motivational trainer. Her govt clients go looking for her; she is too valuable to loose. She is suddenly in high demand from her old job as well. Her new boss has found out she is the only person keeping the company afloat - her & her govt clients.
There are plots and counter plots, creative identities and murders. And then there is Tango Dancer and Dream Man.
August 30, 2016
This book was cheesy, simple and almost a waste of time to read. I thought it had potential during the part where it explains dream analysis and psychic dreaming to solve crimes. But honestly everything that was supposed to be "Top Secret" was spread around candidly and for as few of people as there was supposed to be who were "Level 5 Lucid Dreamers", they were sure popping up everywhere, seemed like everyone was by the end of the book. There was a lot of oh brother kind of stuff from the dark shades so nobody can get close to the pickle eating, the expensive taste in clothing, furniture, cars and well everything. I thought the mystery was solved all to easily and just dorky.
October 6, 2011
Falling Awake is an enjoyable yet ultimately forgettable book by Jayne Ann Krentz. While there is nothing glaringly wrong with the story, neither is there anything wonderful or unique. Both lead characters were likable, and there were no "big misunderstandings" or other cliched plot devices. On the other hand, the romance didn't have much zip or zing to it. The mystery plot was also decent but without much tension or suspense.
If you come across this book and have a few hours (and generally like JAK) you'll probably enjoy the ride. But I wouldn't go out of my way to look for it.
If you come across this book and have a few hours (and generally like JAK) you'll probably enjoy the ride. But I wouldn't go out of my way to look for it.
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April 22, 2016Jayne Ann Krentz is an excellent author and her writing in Falling Awake is a great emphasis on that fact. This story is a great one and a book that will keep you engaged throughout. Its so amazing that Isabel and Ellis Cutler interact and get along in the story and the ending is beautiful. I really love an author who takes the time to explain why a character did something rather than ending with nary an explanation.
September 20, 2007
This is my all-time favorite Krentz book. If you've never read it - read it. I'm serious. I loved the plot, I liked the characters. It's just a good book. If I could give it more than 5 stars, I would.
August 13, 2023
Isabel Wright is a dream researcher at the Belvedere Center for Sleep Research analyzing the dreams of others. When Dr. Martin Belvedere dies, his son immediately fires her. She has been analyzing the dreams of Client Number 2, Ellis Cutler.
June 15, 2015
It's been a long time since i read Janyne Krentz and now i wonder why????
This book has it all...romance, mystery, intrigue, murder and best of all...an unexpected happy ending.
You must read to see what i mean...enjoy!
This book has it all...romance, mystery, intrigue, murder and best of all...an unexpected happy ending.
You must read to see what i mean...enjoy!
September 18, 2015
There was a lot of good things about this book. The characters were probably the best part. They we really well developed and I liked them both. Some aspects of the book I didn't fully understand at first, like the Level 5 dreaming. But by the end, I had a clearer understanding of it.
March 21, 2009
dumb plot and foreseeable ending.
August 14, 2015
เราว่าเราค่อนข้างจะมีปัญหาเวลาอ่านงานของ JAK ค่ะ
เล่มนี้คืออ่านนานมาก และไม่จบด้วย ไม่ดึงดูดเลยอ่ะ ค่อนไปทางเบื่อมากด้วยซ้ำ
อ่านมาได้เกือบครึ่งเล่มเลยตัดใจเลิกอ่านดีกว่า ไม่ไหวจริงๆ
เล่มนี้คืออ่านนานมาก และไม่จบด้วย ไม่ดึงดูดเลยอ่ะ ค่อนไปทางเบื่อมากด้วยซ้ำ
อ่านมาได้เกือบครึ่งเล่มเลยตัดใจเลิกอ่านดีกว่า ไม่ไหวจริงๆ
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