In "The Ideal Man" by Julie Garwood, the protagonist grapples with the moral complexities of violence after committing murder. Initially, her first act of taking a man's life leaves her feeling nauseous and conflicted about her actions. This highlights her humanity and the emotional weight of such a drastic decision.

However, by the second encounter where she kills again, her emotional response shifts significantly. The change in her feelings suggests a desensitization to violence, indicating a troubling transformation in her character and raising questions about the effects of trauma and the nuances of self-defense versus aggression.