Insomnia by J.R. Johansson

Here's a summary from the author's blog page: 

It’s been four years since I slept, and I suspect it is killing me.

Instead of sleeping, Parker Chipp enters the dream of the last person he’s had eye contact with. He spends his nights crushed by other people’s fear and pain, by their disturbing secrets—and Parker can never have dreams of his own. The severe exhaustion is crippling him. If nothing changes, Parker could soon be facing psychosis and even death.

Then he meets Mia. Her dreams, calm and beautifully uncomplicated, allow him blissful rest that is utterly addictive. Parker starts going to bizarre lengths to catch Mia’s eye every day. Everyone at school thinks he’s gone over the edge, even his best friend. And when Mia is threatened by a true stalker, everyone thinks it’s Parker.

Suffering blackouts, Parker begins to wonder if he is turning into someone dangerous. What if the monster stalking Mia is him after all?

My Take

This was such an interesting concept.  I've always thought sleep and dreams were so thought provoking.  Just dreams in themselves are somewhat mysterious.  I mean sometimes you remember them, sometimes you don't; you dream of absolutely weird things and it's all beyond your control.

Getting a free pass inside Parker's mind and going on this sleepless ride with him will have you white-knuckling your way through the book.  It's keep you up late material that is sure to keep you turning the pages well into the night.

I really loved Parker's relationships with Finn and Addie.  Finn is his best friend and Addie is Finn's sister.  The friendship between the boys is so realistic and Finn is just one cool character.  I can't wait to read the rest of this series.  I'm giving this one 4 1/2 sleepy kisses!

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free as part of an early book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Sleepless by Cyn Balog

Here's a little bite from Ms. Balog's website: Eron De Marchelle isn’t supposed to feel a connection. He is a Sandman, a supernatural being whose purpose is to seduce human charges to sleep. While he can communicate with his charges in their dreams, he isn’t encouraged to–after all, getting too involved in one human’s life would prevent him helping his other charges get their needed rest.


But he can’t deny that he feels something for Julia. Julia, with her fiery red hair and her sad dreams. Just weeks ago, her boyfriend died in a car accident, and Eron can tell that she feels more alone than ever. Eron was human once too, many years ago, and he remembers how it felt to lose the one he loved. Eron has always felt protective of Julia . . . but now, when she seems to need him more than ever, he can’t seem to reach her . . .

Sandmen are forbidden from communicating with humans outside their dreams. But will Eron be willing to risk everything for a chance to be with the person he loves?

My Take

Ever since I heard that this was about the sandman falling for one of his charges, I knew I had to read this book.  It sounded so imaginative and fun.  I was right, it was all that and more.

This is written with alternating chapters written from either Julia's or Eron's perspective.  It's a story of love.  Both giving yourself permission to fall in love and loving someone so much that letting go is the best thing you can do. 

Julia was a likable character.  I wanted to get a little closer to her.  I felt we got to know her but didn't feel terribly attached to her.  As I said, she was likable enough though.

Eron was a wonderful character.  His trying to make sense of the modern day world was humorous.  I think a guy like Eron would be easy to fall for.  He seemed dreamy to me (okay, bad pun, I know).

I'm giving this little gem 3 1/2 little kisses!