ARC Review - Publish Date: September 17, 2023
Author: Lindsay Murray
Series: Beautiful Nightmare Series book #1
Category: Monster Romance
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Spice: 🌶️🌶️
"The idea of something in the house that I couldn't explain was the easiest answer for the oddities. But that sound....it chilled me to the bone." - Ava
I loved the essence of this storyline, it just needed a little more structure towards the end to tighten up the plot and flesh out the world. I have so many questions about this world and not enough answers! There were a couple of repetitive sentences and incorrect tenses used, but overlooking those, this book was easy to devour.
Ava hadn't had the best life since an assault in high school, but she felt drawn to an old house she rented despite it being slightly in disrepair. Bad things in her past have shaped her reading preferences, turning horrible memories into dark fantasies that she did feel some level of shame over. Slowly coming to the realization that her house had a monster living in it who was becoming increasingly obsessed with her, Ava was surprisingly curious about this hidden world of monsters she had no idea existed.
"I even seriously considered leaving and getting a hotel for the night. But I knew I wouldn't. Because even though I'd never been this terrified in my life, I'd never felt this alive." - Ava
Even after reading the book, Ava's monster was still ambiguously defined and his backstory murky. Monster fed off nightmares, but more than that he was able to control and even destroy using them as weapons. I loved how protective he was over Ava and constantly gave her affirmations when she wasn't feeling the best about herself.
"You poor, dear, beautiful thing. Oh, your dreams are so delicious. I am so pleased with you." - Monster.
Lovely Dreamer isn't monster smut, in fact, there wasn't a whole lot of spice at all when it came down to it. I'd classify the book as more of a paranormal romance with a monster love interest. Though the book was a decent length, it needed to be twice as long to include all the things missing from the storyline.
Who or what the hell is Luce?
What is happening with the sentient tree in the backyard?
How are the paranormal creatures hiding from humans?
Is Ava just a human who dreams more than most? What’s her back story aside from the trauma she endured?
In what world are magical spells powered by orgasms?
I never had a true grasp of the whole picture, but I enjoyed the book nonetheless. All that being said I'm definitely interested in reading and reviewing the next book in the series, starring Axel.
Note: Please be kind to yourself and check the trigger warnings for this book, while I've certainly read darker books there are still some questionable scenes on the topic of sexual assault.
Tropes and Themes: Sexual Abuse, Monster, Paranormal, Urban Fantasy.
Blurb
There's a monster living in my house.
I can't see it, but I hear it. Creeping around at night, shuffling through my things, and digging through my trash. It fixes the leaks in my roof, snuffs out the candles it doesn't like, and only occasionally growls at me from under the bed. But then the dreams start... and they're a little too real. The Monster is doing things to me. And I don't know if I like it or not.
And then I learn what it is. Noćnamora. Dream Walker. Nightmare.
I live in the house of The King of Nightmares... and he wants me as his pet.
*I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own, thank you BookSirens for the opportunity.
**As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases on Amazon links.
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