The Dreamer by May Nicole Abbey

The Dreamer
written by May Nicole Abbey          
published by River Valley Publishing

find it here: Barnes & Noble, Amazon, Goodreads

Why did I pick this book: I participated in the blog tour hosted by Sage’s Blog Tours in January of this year. (I received a copy of this book for review purposes. However, due to format issues, I ended up purchasing a copy of this book for my review.)

Did I enjoy this book: Unfortunately, I did not enjoy this book. 

I was looking forward to it after reading the synopsis but I just couldn’t get into it. The premise sounded so interesting and captivating. The book failed to deliver on the promises in the synopsis. I didn’t want to finish the book. (I did, but I did not want to.)

One problem I had was that I did not like the main character, Rachel. She just wasn’t all that likeable. Also, for as intelligent and educated that she was made out to be, she was rather dumb. Considering that she studied time travel and believed it could happen, you would think she would have been prepared for the event. Instead, she acted as if she were still in the present day and did not take into account that she should act according to the time period she was in. I would think that anyone who is trying to prove that time travel is possible that said person would be prepared to adapt and adjust to the time period that they find themselves in. 

Another aspect of this book that bugged me was the dialogue. It was very awkward with all of the different dialects. Rachel would sometimes talk as if she were still in the modern day while at other times she spoke according to the era she was in. The pirate dialogue seemed too fake and too cheesy. In fact, the pirates seemed too cliche to me. Come on, one pirate had a peg-leg…really?!? 

I liked Captain Tucker. I also felt bad for him. John was underdeveloped and needed more explanation. The Duke of Norcross was arrogant and unlikeable. This worked well for this character and portrayed what and who he was. Captain Frederick was funny and enjoyable. I laughed out loud at him. 

I did enjoy the ending and that twist. I wish the entire book had been that likeable. 

Would I recommend it: I would not recommend this book. 

Will I read it again: I will not.

About the book – from Goodreads: A dream in the night. A leap of faith. A quest for truth and treasure.

From term papers and instant coffee to blood-thirsty pirates and buried treasure, Rachel Madera, a gifted university professor, finds herself travelling through time on a journey of discovery and danger, all because of a simple dream. Despite the threat, Rachel is undaunted, certain she holds the keys to unlock the mystery of a Pharaoh’s treasure … and alter the course of history.

The only thing that stands between her and peril is Captain Mallory Tucker, a man with a tragic past and intractable moral code. Born of the sea, he is among the leading mariners of 18th century Europe. But the derelicts who make up his crew and the capriciousness of the ocean have taken their toll, and Captain Tucker is tired and jaded. The last thing he needs is a precocious young woman dropping onto his ship and creating havoc. But he’ll fight to the death for her honor, her beliefs…and her love.