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The Nightmare Duet #1
The Nightmare King
Bones is more than the President of the Devil's Nightmares.
He's the King of Nightmares.
And his only concern is running his town and the MC with his favorite blade in his hand.
Nothing gets through his cold soul, and nothing brings warmth to his dead eyes.
Until he sees the woman with the blood-red hair being held down, forced to endure hands she doesn't want on her, with tears in her eyes. As soon as he looks down at the woman with the scars covering her body, a macabre smile on her gorgeous face put there by somebody else's cruel knife, he knows she has woken something inside of him he'll never be able to put back to sleep. She brings Jack back to life.
He saves Sally, but her demons run as deep as his, and he finds that hers are still alive and want her back.
He will do anything to end the Doctor that is a threat to her life.
But the Boogeymen step in before he can ensure her safety.
Ending the threat will take his entire club of Nightmares, and several might be lost before the dangerous game is over.
From USA Today and International Bestselling author R Sullins comes a new duet that will have you ready to curl up under a blanket sipping hot cocoa while you dive into a world that brings her favorite characters to life in a whole new world.
He's the King of Nightmares.
And his only concern is running his town and the MC with his favorite blade in his hand.
Nothing gets through his cold soul, and nothing brings warmth to his dead eyes.
Until he sees the woman with the blood-red hair being held down, forced to endure hands she doesn't want on her, with tears in her eyes. As soon as he looks down at the woman with the scars covering her body, a macabre smile on her gorgeous face put there by somebody else's cruel knife, he knows she has woken something inside of him he'll never be able to put back to sleep. She brings Jack back to life.
He saves Sally, but her demons run as deep as his, and he finds that hers are still alive and want her back.
He will do anything to end the Doctor that is a threat to her life.
But the Boogeymen step in before he can ensure her safety.
Ending the threat will take his entire club of Nightmares, and several might be lost before the dangerous game is over.
From USA Today and International Bestselling author R Sullins comes a new duet that will have you ready to curl up under a blanket sipping hot cocoa while you dive into a world that brings her favorite characters to life in a whole new world.
266 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 31, 2023
92 people are currently reading
458 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 87 reviews
January 5, 2025
4/5 Another hit by R. Sullins!
TROPES:
~dark motorcycle club romance
~dual virgins!! (AND he doesn't like to be touched!)
~bad boy/good girl
~touch her and die
~part 1 of a DUET
Sally is recovering in a small town after she was held in captivity for months by a crazy surgeon who scarred her all over her body. She gets a job at a local bar, where she waitresses. One night, she finds out the local motorcycle club is back in town after being gone for a few weeks. There she witnesses her coworkers being fucked out in public at the bar and she's traumatized, lol.
One guy tries to SA her, but is stopped by the president of the motorcycle club, Bones. He has black tattoo everywhere, only leaving bits of white skin that portray him looking like he's a walking skeleton. She's intrigued by him, and soon learns he's obsessive, possessive, dominant, and doesn't like to be touched.
Bones fights his attraction to Sally, but he eventually gives in. They get closer... much closer. ;) They're each other's one and only and I loved that aspect!
Don't get me wrong, this book is DARK. The heroine is attacked multiple times. The hero kills for her. There's some kinks thrown in, too. But it's so sweet! Bones is OTT in the greatest way. I can't wait to read the second book, it's already out on KU! <3
SAFETY:
Virgin/manwhore/celibate: DUAL VIRGINS YAAAS
OM/OW yes to both. the heroine has a crazy stalker. multiple, actually. the hero gains attention from a girl who just wants to fuck him, but he's way too obsessed with the heroine to even consider doing that.
Cheating/sharing none at all!
Triggers: dubcon, anxiety/panic attacks, captivity (by the enemy), murder, torture, gore, OM/OW drama, pregnancy, SA
Kinks: dubcon, breathplay, dirty talk, exhibitionism/voyeurism, hand necklaces galore, knifeplay, praise, primal, pushes it back inside ;), rough sex
HEA?: cliffhanger, but the second part in this duet is out on KU! <3
My bookshelves may contain spoilers.
TROPES:
~dark motorcycle club romance
~dual virgins!! (AND he doesn't like to be touched!)
~bad boy/good girl
~touch her and die
~part 1 of a DUET
Sally is recovering in a small town after she was held in captivity for months by a crazy surgeon who scarred her all over her body. She gets a job at a local bar, where she waitresses. One night, she finds out the local motorcycle club is back in town after being gone for a few weeks. There she witnesses her coworkers being fucked out in public at the bar and she's traumatized, lol.
One guy tries to SA her, but is stopped by the president of the motorcycle club, Bones. He has black tattoo everywhere, only leaving bits of white skin that portray him looking like he's a walking skeleton. She's intrigued by him, and soon learns he's obsessive, possessive, dominant, and doesn't like to be touched.
Bones fights his attraction to Sally, but he eventually gives in. They get closer... much closer. ;) They're each other's one and only and I loved that aspect!
Don't get me wrong, this book is DARK. The heroine is attacked multiple times. The hero kills for her. There's some kinks thrown in, too. But it's so sweet! Bones is OTT in the greatest way. I can't wait to read the second book, it's already out on KU! <3
SAFETY:
Virgin/manwhore/celibate: DUAL VIRGINS YAAAS
OM/OW yes to both. the heroine has a crazy stalker. multiple, actually. the hero gains attention from a girl who just wants to fuck him, but he's way too obsessed with the heroine to even consider doing that.
Cheating/sharing none at all!
Triggers: dubcon, anxiety/panic attacks, captivity (by the enemy), murder, torture, gore, OM/OW drama, pregnancy, SA
Kinks: dubcon, breathplay, dirty talk, exhibitionism/voyeurism, hand necklaces galore, knifeplay, praise, primal, pushes it back inside ;), rough sex
HEA?: cliffhanger, but the second part in this duet is out on KU! <3
My bookshelves may contain spoilers.
January 8, 2025
I was enjoying it until the point where everything happened so fast. She went from moving in with him (she got injured and he was taking care of her) and she ends up getting pregnant 😳
They barely know each other but there you go. A little unrealistic for my taste.
They barely know each other but there you go. A little unrealistic for my taste.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 8, 2024
This is a modern day retelling of the Nightmare Before Christmas. As cool as the cover is. It really has nothing to do with the story except that this is a retelling. The story is about Sally who was held prisoner by a plastic surgeon who tortured her on a daily basis (her skin is full of scars which makes her look different). She tries to get away while her case is pending trial and ends up relocating to Pumpkin Patch, Utah where she immediately gets a job as a waitress at a biker bar. The gang that owns the bar is The Nightmares and their rivals are the Boogeyman, headed by Ooogie (very clever). The nightmares are headed by Jack, aka Bones. He is completely tatted head to toe, including eyes, as a skeleton. Bones owns a dog named Zero.
The story as a whole was very clever. Tons of romance scenes. Some of them are actually really long for a 250 page novel. I wasn't big on the surprise pregnancy from the first week they got together and both being first timers.
The plot was actually really good in this book. If you've watched the Nightmare Before Christmas you be able to catch all the plot twists and connections. The author does a really good job being able to picture the events and keep you interested. It ends with a cliffhanger where both Sally and Jack are going to "rule" together to defeat the boogyman.
Fanart would be great for this book as well. There is one picture of Jack on Pinterest but that is it. It would be nice to see how the author transformed all the other characters.
Finally, it was really confusing to look for the other book. The last pages of this book state that the title is: The King and Queen of Nightmares....However, on Amazon it's just The Queen of Nightmares
Spice: 4.5/5
Triggers: animal harm, sexual assault, torture, kidnapping, control, violence, graphic language
Tropes: Surprise pregnancy, both first timers, bikers / motorcycle gang, protective, touch her and die
The story as a whole was very clever. Tons of romance scenes. Some of them are actually really long for a 250 page novel. I wasn't big on the surprise pregnancy from the first week they got together and both being first timers.
The plot was actually really good in this book. If you've watched the Nightmare Before Christmas you be able to catch all the plot twists and connections. The author does a really good job being able to picture the events and keep you interested. It ends with a cliffhanger where both Sally and Jack are going to "rule" together to defeat the boogyman.
Fanart would be great for this book as well. There is one picture of Jack on Pinterest but that is it. It would be nice to see how the author transformed all the other characters.
Finally, it was really confusing to look for the other book. The last pages of this book state that the title is: The King and Queen of Nightmares....However, on Amazon it's just The Queen of Nightmares
Spice: 4.5/5
Triggers: animal harm, sexual assault, torture, kidnapping, control, violence, graphic language
Tropes: Surprise pregnancy, both first timers, bikers / motorcycle gang, protective, touch her and die
October 26, 2025
Spice: 2
Tropes:
touch her and die
fanfic
Halloween vibes
forced proximity
dark romance
Dual POV
Trigger Warnings:
unaliving
attempted assault
violence
The Nightmare King is a fanfic or a retelling of The Nightmare Before Christmas. Okay, unpopular opinion but I wasn't a fan of this movie as a child, it scared me. And I have to say that because I was happy that I caught the TNBC references in The Nightmare King lol. Also, I did enjoy this dark romance version... maybe I should give the movie another go lol.
Sally has moved to Pumpkin Patch to escape the violent crimes that were made against her by a well-sought after Hollywood Plastic Surgeon. Here in Pumpkin Patch, she gets a job as a bartender/waitress at a bar owned by the local motorcycle club, the Devil's Nightmares. She soon catches the attention of the dark Devil's President - Bones...
Jack, aka Bones, is covered head to toe in tattoos. Why do we love a sexy tattoo man? Especially the silent, broody, dangerous ones? Then add in a biker to that... shew, that's one of my kryptonites. Jack doesn't think Sally's scars are scary or ugly, but finds beauty in them, making her feel special when everyone else is staring and whispering behind her back. Again, I love dark romance men.
I actually enjoyed the level of darkness in this story and the references to Boogie, Jack, Sally, and especially Zero! Zero is the hero lol. The book ends on a small cliffhanger and I will definitely be checking out the next book to find out what happens in Pumpkin Patch. There's a war brewing, on multiple fronts and I'd like a seat at the table to watch Jack burn it all down.
Tropes:
touch her and die
fanfic
Halloween vibes
forced proximity
dark romance
Dual POV
Trigger Warnings:
unaliving
attempted assault
violence
The Nightmare King is a fanfic or a retelling of The Nightmare Before Christmas. Okay, unpopular opinion but I wasn't a fan of this movie as a child, it scared me. And I have to say that because I was happy that I caught the TNBC references in The Nightmare King lol. Also, I did enjoy this dark romance version... maybe I should give the movie another go lol.
Sally has moved to Pumpkin Patch to escape the violent crimes that were made against her by a well-sought after Hollywood Plastic Surgeon. Here in Pumpkin Patch, she gets a job as a bartender/waitress at a bar owned by the local motorcycle club, the Devil's Nightmares. She soon catches the attention of the dark Devil's President - Bones...
Jack, aka Bones, is covered head to toe in tattoos. Why do we love a sexy tattoo man? Especially the silent, broody, dangerous ones? Then add in a biker to that... shew, that's one of my kryptonites. Jack doesn't think Sally's scars are scary or ugly, but finds beauty in them, making her feel special when everyone else is staring and whispering behind her back. Again, I love dark romance men.
I actually enjoyed the level of darkness in this story and the references to Boogie, Jack, Sally, and especially Zero! Zero is the hero lol. The book ends on a small cliffhanger and I will definitely be checking out the next book to find out what happens in Pumpkin Patch. There's a war brewing, on multiple fronts and I'd like a seat at the table to watch Jack burn it all down.
January 20, 2024
3,5 stars
A very entertaining read in which you have The Nightmare before Christmas elements woven into a MC romance. Really liked it! All in all, it’s still much of the same when you’ve read more MC romances but it was definitely enjoyable and a good one to pick up if you like biker romances! It ends in a way that has you wanting to continue asap, so be sure to get both books at once ;)
A very entertaining read in which you have The Nightmare before Christmas elements woven into a MC romance. Really liked it! All in all, it’s still much of the same when you’ve read more MC romances but it was definitely enjoyable and a good one to pick up if you like biker romances! It ends in a way that has you wanting to continue asap, so be sure to get both books at once ;)
October 29, 2023
This book is inspired off the characters of the Nightmare Before Christmas Jack, Sally, Zero, and Oogie. This book is amazing, like so good. I absolutely loved this book so much. It is a motorcycle club, and the president is the Nightmare King Bones. I can not wait for book 2. I'm so invested in this amazing book. And R. Sullins writing is phenomenal.
November 1, 2023
I actually had the privilege of beta reading this. Massive thank you to the author! I’ve been waiting for the launch date to post this.
As always, there are trigger warnings for this book. Please check them before reading! It is currently live on KU. It’s a duet with the second expecting to release in December!
“You don’t want to play with me, little girl.”
Jack and Sally, the Nightmare before Christmas. A dark romance retelling where Jack is the leader of a motorcycle club. Everyone calls him Bones and he’s wholly earned his nickname over the years. He’s savage and man, he’s had to be. He’s had a rough childhood but the MC club gave him direction and he refuses to watch his town go to pot around him.
Sally? She’s on the run. A traumatic past and experience had her fleeing her state. If no one knows where she is, no one can find her… right? And there she ends up, in Pumpkin Patch, working in a bar and living in a motel. When one guy pushes his luck, Bones and Sally meet and the heat between them intensifies. Jack never had much desire for women, though they’ve certainly fawned all over him. Especially Daisy.
Soooo we can imagine how well that went down when Daisy realised, Sally had gotten far closer to Jack than anyone else had. Jealousy is a b!tch, huh?
We have spice (not super heavy), drama and b!tchy side characters who you’d love to smack. Super short read at only 256 kindle pages long. Absolutely recommend.
As always, there are trigger warnings for this book. Please check them before reading! It is currently live on KU. It’s a duet with the second expecting to release in December!
“You don’t want to play with me, little girl.”
Jack and Sally, the Nightmare before Christmas. A dark romance retelling where Jack is the leader of a motorcycle club. Everyone calls him Bones and he’s wholly earned his nickname over the years. He’s savage and man, he’s had to be. He’s had a rough childhood but the MC club gave him direction and he refuses to watch his town go to pot around him.
Sally? She’s on the run. A traumatic past and experience had her fleeing her state. If no one knows where she is, no one can find her… right? And there she ends up, in Pumpkin Patch, working in a bar and living in a motel. When one guy pushes his luck, Bones and Sally meet and the heat between them intensifies. Jack never had much desire for women, though they’ve certainly fawned all over him. Especially Daisy.
Soooo we can imagine how well that went down when Daisy realised, Sally had gotten far closer to Jack than anyone else had. Jealousy is a b!tch, huh?
We have spice (not super heavy), drama and b!tchy side characters who you’d love to smack. Super short read at only 256 kindle pages long. Absolutely recommend.
October 4, 2025
"Did you think that the name 'Devil's Nightmares' meant I worked for the Devil? No, sweetheart, I bring Nightmares to the Devil himself. Didn't you know? I am the mother fucking Nightmare King."
This absolutely lived up to my expectations! It's such an awesome Nightmare Before Christmas retelling! STANDING OVATION!
The way R. Sullins captured the characteristics of Jack and Sally - PERFECTION. It felt so authentic. A real tribute to the original characters.
Jack, as a motorcycle club president, was the icing on the cake. The mash up vibes of Nightmare Before Christmas and Sons of Anarchy was an itch I didn't realise needed to be scratched.
The story was faced paced but not so fast that it felt rushed. I thoroughly enjoyed every moment of this story and I am diving straight into Queen of Nightmares next!
This absolutely lived up to my expectations! It's such an awesome Nightmare Before Christmas retelling! STANDING OVATION!
The way R. Sullins captured the characteristics of Jack and Sally - PERFECTION. It felt so authentic. A real tribute to the original characters.
Jack, as a motorcycle club president, was the icing on the cake. The mash up vibes of Nightmare Before Christmas and Sons of Anarchy was an itch I didn't realise needed to be scratched.
The story was faced paced but not so fast that it felt rushed. I thoroughly enjoyed every moment of this story and I am diving straight into Queen of Nightmares next!
September 27, 2025
I picked this up for free at a SYKE event and it did not disappoint! The Jack and Sally twist was fun, and I liked the darker, MC romance setting. The story moved quickly and kept me hooked.
The plot line wasn’t totally my thing (I’m more into the kink of it than breeding as a trope), but it didn’t ruin the story. The romance definitely felt a little rushed, and while I think this could have been wrapped up in one book, it still delivered a solid ending that made sense for the duet format.
I’m not sure if I’ll continue on to book two, mostly because I don’t feel like I have the energy right now, but it does sound like it will bring even more drama and depth for readers who want the full arc.
Overall, this was a solid dark MC romance with a creative twist. I especially loved the Nightmare Before Christmas elements woven into the biker bar setting, which made it even more fun.
The plot line wasn’t totally my thing (I’m more into the kink of it than breeding as a trope), but it didn’t ruin the story. The romance definitely felt a little rushed, and while I think this could have been wrapped up in one book, it still delivered a solid ending that made sense for the duet format.
I’m not sure if I’ll continue on to book two, mostly because I don’t feel like I have the energy right now, but it does sound like it will bring even more drama and depth for readers who want the full arc.
Overall, this was a solid dark MC romance with a creative twist. I especially loved the Nightmare Before Christmas elements woven into the biker bar setting, which made it even more fun.
December 31, 2023
OMG
Oh my god! I don't even have words to describe how good this book is. If you love or even just like "The Nightmare before Christmas" you will love this book. I can't wait to read the next one!
Oh my god! I don't even have words to describe how good this book is. If you love or even just like "The Nightmare before Christmas" you will love this book. I can't wait to read the next one!
September 19, 2024
Must read!
Oh my heavens! This book was phenomenal! If you love Nightmare before Christmas, you will most likely love this book as well.
🏃🏼♀️💨 to read the next one!
Oh my heavens! This book was phenomenal! If you love Nightmare before Christmas, you will most likely love this book as well.
🏃🏼♀️💨 to read the next one!
November 1, 2024
This was the perfect way to end my night for Halloween. I was hooked from chapter 1!! I’ve been very into short and easy reads recently and this one was a perfect way to wrap up October!
November 24, 2025
This is a dual virgin romance. But it is dark, there is violence and the MC has club girls that are available for secs with anyone and you read of the brothers taking them right in the main club.
The MCs are virgins. He doesn’t like to be touched. He treats her rough at the beginning, and it feels like he’s using her by the way he asks for oral and just walks away. He doesn't understand his feelings. But is fast obsessed and it’s them against the world. Their love is intense and you see how she grows. She even becomes a badass in her own way. It also, enraged me how the MC had all those security systems installed but they did nothing when it counted. It didn’t make sense.
So, if you can have a blind eye to the exhibitionism and dark stuff, it is a good read. Both books. But it’s not for everyone. I just enjoyed their romance.
There is violence, exhibitionism, it’s dark, club girls, the death of a best friend, his dog also gets hurt. It’s intense.
The MCs are virgins. He doesn’t like to be touched. He treats her rough at the beginning, and it feels like he’s using her by the way he asks for oral and just walks away. He doesn't understand his feelings. But is fast obsessed and it’s them against the world. Their love is intense and you see how she grows. She even becomes a badass in her own way. It also, enraged me how the MC had all those security systems installed but they did nothing when it counted. It didn’t make sense.
So, if you can have a blind eye to the exhibitionism and dark stuff, it is a good read. Both books. But it’s not for everyone. I just enjoyed their romance.
There is violence, exhibitionism, it’s dark, club girls, the death of a best friend, his dog also gets hurt. It’s intense.
December 23, 2023
Bones & Sally Will Steal Your Heart! Brilliant MC/Retelling!
Oh. My. Gawd! This is book five stars, two thumbs up, two snaps and a swirl! Yeah, it’s ALL THAT!
It was so damn good! Once again, Author R. Sullins hits it out of the park! If you love MC Romance and fairy tale retellings (The Nightmare Before Christmas), you will absolutely adore this story!
THE NIGHTMARE KING is an MC Romance set in the small town of Pumpkin Patch, Utah. Sally is the disfigured victim and surviving witness to the horror she sustained from a demented plastic surgeon who tortured her for months. When the doctor is released as no threat, Sally flees to the small town to lay low until his trial. It’s there she takes a job as a bar girl in a biker bar of the notorious gang, The Nightmares. It’s there that she catches the eye of dark, brooding, stoic president. The Nightmare King himself, “Bones”.
Bones is unattached and distant towards everyone, including his crew until Sally catches his eye. He’s drawn to her and finds the beauty underneath her scars. But, when their newfound love is threatened, there is nothing Bones won’t do to protect his newfound Queen, including kill or gut anyone to keep her safe.
As I’ve stated before, I love R. Sullins’ books because she gives you an entire courtship of the main characters to make their romance rich and fulfilling. Even though their feelings bloomed in such a short period of time, it has weight and credibility that you believe the characters share such a deep bond and not only through their past trauma. I’m not going to give away the plot. I’ll just say that Bones and Sally discover the feeling and meaning of “true love” together for the first time in their lives and it’s simply beautiful.
The scenes were spicy and the supporting characters were in point! Just know, this book ends in a suspenseful cliffhanger and now my looooong wait begins for the second half of this fantastic duet. How am I ever going to wait that long?! I know!!! Read another one of this author’s many amazing books! *smile* I cannot wait for the next book. Hurry up, December!
Once again… well done! I recommend this book without reservation!
Happy reading!
Oh. My. Gawd! This is book five stars, two thumbs up, two snaps and a swirl! Yeah, it’s ALL THAT!
It was so damn good! Once again, Author R. Sullins hits it out of the park! If you love MC Romance and fairy tale retellings (The Nightmare Before Christmas), you will absolutely adore this story!
THE NIGHTMARE KING is an MC Romance set in the small town of Pumpkin Patch, Utah. Sally is the disfigured victim and surviving witness to the horror she sustained from a demented plastic surgeon who tortured her for months. When the doctor is released as no threat, Sally flees to the small town to lay low until his trial. It’s there she takes a job as a bar girl in a biker bar of the notorious gang, The Nightmares. It’s there that she catches the eye of dark, brooding, stoic president. The Nightmare King himself, “Bones”.
Bones is unattached and distant towards everyone, including his crew until Sally catches his eye. He’s drawn to her and finds the beauty underneath her scars. But, when their newfound love is threatened, there is nothing Bones won’t do to protect his newfound Queen, including kill or gut anyone to keep her safe.
As I’ve stated before, I love R. Sullins’ books because she gives you an entire courtship of the main characters to make their romance rich and fulfilling. Even though their feelings bloomed in such a short period of time, it has weight and credibility that you believe the characters share such a deep bond and not only through their past trauma. I’m not going to give away the plot. I’ll just say that Bones and Sally discover the feeling and meaning of “true love” together for the first time in their lives and it’s simply beautiful.
The scenes were spicy and the supporting characters were in point! Just know, this book ends in a suspenseful cliffhanger and now my looooong wait begins for the second half of this fantastic duet. How am I ever going to wait that long?! I know!!! Read another one of this author’s many amazing books! *smile* I cannot wait for the next book. Hurry up, December!
Once again… well done! I recommend this book without reservation!
Happy reading!
August 11, 2024
Dropped at 46%!
It feels amateurish. She went through so much trauma and somehow it feels like it was there only for the sole purpose of the plot- like she was cut and sewed over and over again and she behaves like she went through a mild bullying in high school. Wtf!
And don’t get me started on the ML—he only grunts?! DNF-ing!
It feels amateurish. She went through so much trauma and somehow it feels like it was there only for the sole purpose of the plot- like she was cut and sewed over and over again and she behaves like she went through a mild bullying in high school. Wtf!
And don’t get me started on the ML—he only grunts?! DNF-ing!
November 3, 2024
Oohh ok, look the beginning of this book was perfection. Jack and Sally 🎃❤️ but then it went so fanfic so quick…. It needed more of build and then you could see the PLOT coming from a mile off… and to be honest…. Did we REALLY need it?
January 16, 2024
Good effort, great concept, love the vision and the subtle changes made to the source material to make it work in a real life circumstance. Loved the way we're all going to pretend the angelic psychopath would really have that level of emotional maturity. But I have some problems.
- I feel like the romance was rushed. I know that instant- love is a very common trope but I'm not a fan. I would have liked to see the two getting to know each other maybe even just a little before they declare their endless love. I do actually love the edgy feel of seducing a woman with your gaze alone such that she cannot help but beg for your perfect weenie. I can get down with that. But I hated that they were like weeping together over her invisible baby- bump, like... you don't even know her middle name, sir. I just kept feeling Romeo and Juliet vibes (and by that I mean two hormonal children making very serious decisions over love and urges before a background of clashing metal).
- I don't at all believe that the jack character never looked at or touched anyone sexually by the age of 25 and suddenly seeing this girl awoke the perfect lover in him. Also don't believe that the kind of gang that ties people up naked and slices of body parts off during interrogation could also be the kind of gang that wants to keep drugs out of our schools. This fellow is the bike club president at 25, I guess they all are under 30 too? He's got some serious emotional trauma from childhood. His day job requires that he maintain a flawless show of ironclad dominance while murdering people or cutting off their hands like it's nothing. He's trained his dog to rip people's throats out, but he's a really decent guy though. You've got to give me more than the old rough and tumble on the outside with a heart of gold on the inside story. He's either a life- hardened sweetheart or he's a reforming psycho, but not both.
- I feel the writer was very young at the first drafts of this story, and you can tell by the way the characters are described. Over- showing, as my old poetry professor would say. Also the metaphorical "voice" and feel of the narrator was the author's voice no matter who I was reading about. Also odd details like the girl is about to get attacked and instead of just saying that she's sweating profusely from fear, the author chose to say that she knew from experience that the temperature in the room was a steady 72 degrees... or something. Too much detail in some places and not enough in others. She's about to get stabbed... I think it's pretty obvious that she's not sweating from the ambient temperature of the room. We can figure that out, you know? Give us some credit.
- they forget to get consent all through the story, but I gather he likes to make sure he's choking his partner and that inevitably makes you unable to speak because of lack of airflow. You know what they say about assuming... to assume makes a r@pist out of you and me! No that's not right... hmmm. Listen, I'm not going to kink- shame anyone. CNC is fine, but talk details first to ensure a fun time for everyone. Furry- culture, no biggie, but don't just terrify your partner with a human sized rabbit in the dark you know? Jimmy Stewart would just die. Adult babies... you do you, baby-boo. I want people to be happy, fulfilled, safe, and self- empowered, but to avoid heart- break and permanent damage I think two peeps engaging in that deep of power play should be prefaced with some kind of discussion. Like, oh I love to choke... oh you too? Oh my goodness what a coincidence! Let's play with the possibility of accidental death by asphyxiation. I guarantee people have that conversation all the time, but these two? No. She just starts the relationship out with breath-play. No words. Thank goodness her female character is into it bc that's what she gets.
I'm not trying to be a jerk here, but I was pretty disappointed. The concept is golden and it didn't live up to my expectations.
- I feel like the romance was rushed. I know that instant- love is a very common trope but I'm not a fan. I would have liked to see the two getting to know each other maybe even just a little before they declare their endless love. I do actually love the edgy feel of seducing a woman with your gaze alone such that she cannot help but beg for your perfect weenie. I can get down with that. But I hated that they were like weeping together over her invisible baby- bump, like... you don't even know her middle name, sir. I just kept feeling Romeo and Juliet vibes (and by that I mean two hormonal children making very serious decisions over love and urges before a background of clashing metal).
- I don't at all believe that the jack character never looked at or touched anyone sexually by the age of 25 and suddenly seeing this girl awoke the perfect lover in him. Also don't believe that the kind of gang that ties people up naked and slices of body parts off during interrogation could also be the kind of gang that wants to keep drugs out of our schools. This fellow is the bike club president at 25, I guess they all are under 30 too? He's got some serious emotional trauma from childhood. His day job requires that he maintain a flawless show of ironclad dominance while murdering people or cutting off their hands like it's nothing. He's trained his dog to rip people's throats out, but he's a really decent guy though. You've got to give me more than the old rough and tumble on the outside with a heart of gold on the inside story. He's either a life- hardened sweetheart or he's a reforming psycho, but not both.
- I feel the writer was very young at the first drafts of this story, and you can tell by the way the characters are described. Over- showing, as my old poetry professor would say. Also the metaphorical "voice" and feel of the narrator was the author's voice no matter who I was reading about. Also odd details like the girl is about to get attacked and instead of just saying that she's sweating profusely from fear, the author chose to say that she knew from experience that the temperature in the room was a steady 72 degrees... or something. Too much detail in some places and not enough in others. She's about to get stabbed... I think it's pretty obvious that she's not sweating from the ambient temperature of the room. We can figure that out, you know? Give us some credit.
- they forget to get consent all through the story, but I gather he likes to make sure he's choking his partner and that inevitably makes you unable to speak because of lack of airflow. You know what they say about assuming... to assume makes a r@pist out of you and me! No that's not right... hmmm. Listen, I'm not going to kink- shame anyone. CNC is fine, but talk details first to ensure a fun time for everyone. Furry- culture, no biggie, but don't just terrify your partner with a human sized rabbit in the dark you know? Jimmy Stewart would just die. Adult babies... you do you, baby-boo. I want people to be happy, fulfilled, safe, and self- empowered, but to avoid heart- break and permanent damage I think two peeps engaging in that deep of power play should be prefaced with some kind of discussion. Like, oh I love to choke... oh you too? Oh my goodness what a coincidence! Let's play with the possibility of accidental death by asphyxiation. I guarantee people have that conversation all the time, but these two? No. She just starts the relationship out with breath-play. No words. Thank goodness her female character is into it bc that's what she gets.
I'm not trying to be a jerk here, but I was pretty disappointed. The concept is golden and it didn't live up to my expectations.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 31, 2023
A action filled retelling of The Nightmare Before Christmas.
Let me introduce you to Sally, she was tortured and stitched back together, covered in scars both internally and externally. She manages to escape from this mad man and goes to the authorities. Deciding she needs to vanish until the court date, she finds herself in Pumpkin Patch, where Halloween isn’t just once a year. Working in bar owned by The Nightmares, she tries to get her life back while trying to heal from the past, she did not plan on meeting Bones, President of The Nightmares.
Now Bones, he cares more about his people in town then he will ever let on. Coming from a rough childhood, he doesn’t let anyone close enough to know him. Although he may not have the scars on the outside, he has his own scars. Rescuing Sally from an incident from one of his pledges, he’s unable to stay away, immediately drawn to her and her patchwork..
Together these to navigate a very intimate and sexually delicious relationship while also trying to avoid letting the heart get involved. I love the character development in this book, the two tortured souls being able to find peace with each other adds a level of sweetness.
R Sullins is able to capture the audience with this story, the writing is absolutely gorgeous, and you will become invested in these characters. This is an absolute must read!
Let me introduce you to Sally, she was tortured and stitched back together, covered in scars both internally and externally. She manages to escape from this mad man and goes to the authorities. Deciding she needs to vanish until the court date, she finds herself in Pumpkin Patch, where Halloween isn’t just once a year. Working in bar owned by The Nightmares, she tries to get her life back while trying to heal from the past, she did not plan on meeting Bones, President of The Nightmares.
Now Bones, he cares more about his people in town then he will ever let on. Coming from a rough childhood, he doesn’t let anyone close enough to know him. Although he may not have the scars on the outside, he has his own scars. Rescuing Sally from an incident from one of his pledges, he’s unable to stay away, immediately drawn to her and her patchwork..
Together these to navigate a very intimate and sexually delicious relationship while also trying to avoid letting the heart get involved. I love the character development in this book, the two tortured souls being able to find peace with each other adds a level of sweetness.
R Sullins is able to capture the audience with this story, the writing is absolutely gorgeous, and you will become invested in these characters. This is an absolute must read!
October 18, 2023
This book is inspired by the Jack and Sally characters from The Nightmare Before Christmas. Think about Sally's appearance in the movie. In this book our Sally has been tortured into becoming a "patchwork doll." The Nightmare King AKA Bones or Jack thinks that Sally's scars make her even more beautiful. Bones is the Nightmare King, The Pumpkin King, most peoples worst nightmare, and the President of the Devil's Nightmares MC. Bones is a very unique person both in appearance and his lack of emotions. This book tells how Sally escaped a deranged and obsessed doctor but with scars and moved to Pumpkin Patch, UT. Sally caught the eye of Bones when no one ever did before. I don't think the hard times are over for our Jack and Sally. I'm thinking Jack is going to regret some decisions he made. One in particular. There is also a rival gang led by Oogie Boogey causing major problems. This is book 1 in a duet. This book obviously is heavy on MC romance, retelling of Jack and Sally, dark romance with violence, and steamy scenes. A good book for Halloween, if you like Halloween or Jack and Sally.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
October 31, 2023
I’m in love. I may be a little biased because Jack and Sally are one of my favorite movie couples, but I’m in complete love with how RS Sullins brought them to life. The whole town of Pumpkin Patch was very enjoyable to read about. A town based around Halloween all year long? I want to move there! Even the side characters she brought to life were very well done.
I wasn't really sure about Shock, Lock, and Barrel, but I loved how she wrote them and the trust Jack had in them made me want to trust them as well. That's not to say this story is all rainbows and unicorns. It's pretty dark without going over my gray zone (everyone's lines are different) and has some twists in it. But it was easily one of my top (if not THE top) reads of the year.
My only complaint without actually being a complaint would normally be my impatience for the next book, but this was actually left in a decent spot. That's not to say there obviously isn't more to the story, but I'm also not crying that I have to wait for the next part. Okay, maybe a little, but that's only because I love these characters and I'm not sure I'll ever get enough of them, even if they get their HEAs.
I wasn't really sure about Shock, Lock, and Barrel, but I loved how she wrote them and the trust Jack had in them made me want to trust them as well. That's not to say this story is all rainbows and unicorns. It's pretty dark without going over my gray zone (everyone's lines are different) and has some twists in it. But it was easily one of my top (if not THE top) reads of the year.
My only complaint without actually being a complaint would normally be my impatience for the next book, but this was actually left in a decent spot. That's not to say there obviously isn't more to the story, but I'm also not crying that I have to wait for the next part. Okay, maybe a little, but that's only because I love these characters and I'm not sure I'll ever get enough of them, even if they get their HEAs.
October 29, 2023
For starters, definitely check your triggers. This is a darker read, though I have read darker - but, still, for those that read dark romance but still prefer content warnings; do check them.
Like a lot of people, I am a fan of Jack and Sally. I mean, it's The Nightmare Before Christmas; it's fabulous. So, for this to be a non-fantasy modern take on Jack and Sally *chef's kiss*
So, if that is the reason, why is this not a 5-star read? That's only because Jack seemed more stalker and (I felt) he used you for his own pleasure at the beginning. I still love Jack and Sally, but that's the only thing that kept it from a 5-star read. Which, for those that do love the stalker, obsessed male -vibe...then it's absolutely perfect for you. Uh, and because of the one trope that sometimes pops up in romance novels that not everyone is fond of...that was here (you'll know). I'm guessing it's the plot base of the next book?
I will definitely be picking up the sequel, though.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Like a lot of people, I am a fan of Jack and Sally. I mean, it's The Nightmare Before Christmas; it's fabulous. So, for this to be a non-fantasy modern take on Jack and Sally *chef's kiss*
So, if that is the reason, why is this not a 5-star read? That's only because Jack seemed more stalker and (I felt) he used you for his own pleasure at the beginning. I still love Jack and Sally, but that's the only thing that kept it from a 5-star read. Which, for those that do love the stalker, obsessed male -vibe...then it's absolutely perfect for you. Uh, and because of the one trope that sometimes pops up in romance novels that not everyone is fond of...that was here (you'll know). I'm guessing it's the plot base of the next book?
I will definitely be picking up the sequel, though.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
October 29, 2023
I'm not familiar with The Nightmare Before Christmas, so I'm looking at this story from an MC romance point of view. It's certainly not the darkest story I've ever read, but it fits the genre quite well. The main characters are people who have been abused in the past. Sally is a survivor who bears the traces of her tormentor's "creativity" on her body. Bones is the president of a motorcycle club who is famous for his lack of mercy and brutality in administering punishment. To all women he was like a hypnotic dark dream - dangerous and inaccessible. However, when these two cross paths, their lives change forever.
The book is packed with action through threats from both Sally's tormentor and a rival motorcycle club. In my opinion, the story deserves 4 stars. The book is not on my top list in the MC romance genre, but I liked both characters and I would love to know their further fate, so I will definitely read the next part.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
The book is packed with action through threats from both Sally's tormentor and a rival motorcycle club. In my opinion, the story deserves 4 stars. The book is not on my top list in the MC romance genre, but I liked both characters and I would love to know their further fate, so I will definitely read the next part.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
October 21, 2024
A retelling of Nightmare Before Christmas that is worth the read!
Such an amazing book that had me hooked from chapter 1.. was so hard to put down and finished it in 2 days!
It’s a bikers romance. Sally was trying to escape from the man who hurt her and lands in a town called Pumpkin Patch. There she meets the King/President of the Devil’s Nightmares MC, the nightmare king and their story kicks off from there. It has the perfect spice and the plot is amazing. The twists and the ending keeps you wanting to read more. It ends with a cliffhanger and can’t wait to read book 2!
One of my favorite quotes in the book ♥️
“You're the most beautiful woman I have ever seen. These scars," he said, his eyes roaming over my face, taking in the lines that closely resembled stitches on a patchwork doll, "they tell me how strong you are. You are a survivor. Not everyone survives their scars. Not everyone comes out with their soul intact."
Such an amazing book that had me hooked from chapter 1.. was so hard to put down and finished it in 2 days!
It’s a bikers romance. Sally was trying to escape from the man who hurt her and lands in a town called Pumpkin Patch. There she meets the King/President of the Devil’s Nightmares MC, the nightmare king and their story kicks off from there. It has the perfect spice and the plot is amazing. The twists and the ending keeps you wanting to read more. It ends with a cliffhanger and can’t wait to read book 2!
One of my favorite quotes in the book ♥️
“You're the most beautiful woman I have ever seen. These scars," he said, his eyes roaming over my face, taking in the lines that closely resembled stitches on a patchwork doll, "they tell me how strong you are. You are a survivor. Not everyone survives their scars. Not everyone comes out with their soul intact."
October 25, 2023
I am an absolute SUCKER for a MC romance. But combining that with my love for Jack and Sally, I knew I had to dive into the ARC!
Sally, from a small town, heads to Hollywood in search of stardom. Instead, she found herself imprisoned by a crazy doctor who uses her as a patchwork doll.
Bones, who is the president of the Devil’s Nightmare MC, is a man of power and few words. No woman has ever caught his eye until he met Sally.
These two were such a match made in… hell? Pardon my terrible pun but it just had to be made! The chemistry between them was instant and I loved absolutely every second of it.
I devoured this book in one day because I just couldn’t put it down! I look forward to reading the second book to this duet and finding out how Jack and Sally overcome these obstacles together.
Sally, from a small town, heads to Hollywood in search of stardom. Instead, she found herself imprisoned by a crazy doctor who uses her as a patchwork doll.
Bones, who is the president of the Devil’s Nightmare MC, is a man of power and few words. No woman has ever caught his eye until he met Sally.
These two were such a match made in… hell? Pardon my terrible pun but it just had to be made! The chemistry between them was instant and I loved absolutely every second of it.
I devoured this book in one day because I just couldn’t put it down! I look forward to reading the second book to this duet and finding out how Jack and Sally overcome these obstacles together.
October 31, 2023
Please please note that this is a duology. I missed that at the start and was devastated with where the book ended for now. I'm deperately waiting for this to be continued.
I don't know quote what I expected but it definitely wasn't this. I absolutely loved it. For everything that has already happened to Sally, she is still a gentle and kind girl. Not so easily done. Finding a home amongst the strangest of places, one most people would run a mile from. As for Bones well you can't help but wonder how he managed to survive his own upbringing without turning into a very different person. For all he can be ruthless he has an appreciation for life and others, he tries to be honourable and protect those who can't always protect themselves. Things happen for a reason and these two are clearly meant for one another.
I don't know quote what I expected but it definitely wasn't this. I absolutely loved it. For everything that has already happened to Sally, she is still a gentle and kind girl. Not so easily done. Finding a home amongst the strangest of places, one most people would run a mile from. As for Bones well you can't help but wonder how he managed to survive his own upbringing without turning into a very different person. For all he can be ruthless he has an appreciation for life and others, he tries to be honourable and protect those who can't always protect themselves. Things happen for a reason and these two are clearly meant for one another.
November 1, 2023
5⭐ 3🌶️
I'm officially obsessed with this book... I have always loved Jack and Sally and this is a retelling that I didn't even know I needed until I read this.
Sally has been kidnapped, tortured and left with scars that leave her looking like a patchwork doll. She leaves town to escape her captor
Jack (AKA Bones) is the President of the Devil's Nightmare MC and has his whole body tattooed to look like a walking skeleton.
I admire the strength Sally has to continue to live and love and she continues to show strength until the end of this book.
I fell for Jack from the moment he empties her mop water without saying a word to her... and I continued to love him through out the entire book.
I am excited to read book 2... the cliffhanger isn't too bad but I need to know more!
I'm officially obsessed with this book... I have always loved Jack and Sally and this is a retelling that I didn't even know I needed until I read this.
Sally has been kidnapped, tortured and left with scars that leave her looking like a patchwork doll. She leaves town to escape her captor
Jack (AKA Bones) is the President of the Devil's Nightmare MC and has his whole body tattooed to look like a walking skeleton.
I admire the strength Sally has to continue to live and love and she continues to show strength until the end of this book.
I fell for Jack from the moment he empties her mop water without saying a word to her... and I continued to love him through out the entire book.
I am excited to read book 2... the cliffhanger isn't too bad but I need to know more!
October 2, 2024
I found this book by SPECIFICALLY googling “Nightmare Before Christmas Retelling” and let me tell you…. It did NOT disappoint.
I thought this was gonna be a fun / sexy sand alone that I would read and move on with my life. I was wrong.
What I got instead was a spiiiiicy ass book with an ACTUAL plot (thank the gods) and characters I was literally drooling over.
I stayed up until midnight to finish this bc I couldn’t put it down!! I feel like the rising action kept going on forever and kept me hooooked until the very last page. Also I literally teared up about a dog who almost died. I’m a cat person but I audibly gasped when I read that part.
Long story short, if you like dark romance, 🌶️🌶️🌶️ with an actual plot, NBC modern day retelling, motorcycle men, slightly toxic (but morally good) MMC, You’re gonna eat this up.
I thought this was gonna be a fun / sexy sand alone that I would read and move on with my life. I was wrong.
What I got instead was a spiiiiicy ass book with an ACTUAL plot (thank the gods) and characters I was literally drooling over.
I stayed up until midnight to finish this bc I couldn’t put it down!! I feel like the rising action kept going on forever and kept me hooooked until the very last page. Also I literally teared up about a dog who almost died. I’m a cat person but I audibly gasped when I read that part.
Long story short, if you like dark romance, 🌶️🌶️🌶️ with an actual plot, NBC modern day retelling, motorcycle men, slightly toxic (but morally good) MMC, You’re gonna eat this up.
October 22, 2023
ARC review
Speechless. I don't typically read mc, not typically for me, BUT THIS BOOK. Nightmare Before Christmas retelling? You have my full attention.
The story had my attention at the very beginning, and it was such an easy read that if life didn't get in the way, I would have finished it in 1 day. The plot was interesting, and the characters were good. Can not wait to read the next book.
Yes, there is spice but if you are reading just for that you will be disappointed.
It's part 1 of a duet, so obviously, there was a cliffhanger, but it wasn't one that was upsetting to the point where you are cursing the author for making you wait.
Zero DOES NOT DIE. I about threw my phone and had tears thinking he did.
Speechless. I don't typically read mc, not typically for me, BUT THIS BOOK. Nightmare Before Christmas retelling? You have my full attention.
The story had my attention at the very beginning, and it was such an easy read that if life didn't get in the way, I would have finished it in 1 day. The plot was interesting, and the characters were good. Can not wait to read the next book.
Yes, there is spice but if you are reading just for that you will be disappointed.
It's part 1 of a duet, so obviously, there was a cliffhanger, but it wasn't one that was upsetting to the point where you are cursing the author for making you wait.
Zero DOES NOT DIE. I about threw my phone and had tears thinking he did.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 23, 2023
This book is a perfect blend of the familiar Nightmare before Christmas with Sally, Jack, and Zero, and a brutal, MC romance. This was my first MC romance, and my first darker one as well, and I loved it so much!
Sally meets Bones, or Jack, when she leaves to await the trial for her abduction and abuse. As she figures out her new life here, Jack's has been turned on end by her presence. Having never been interested in any woman before, Jack finds himself completely captivated.
I loved watching him fall for her. I love how well they fit together and complimented one another. The loyalty of the club was really well done and it made events in the book so much more heartwrenching. I cannot wait to see what they have to conquer next!
Sally meets Bones, or Jack, when she leaves to await the trial for her abduction and abuse. As she figures out her new life here, Jack's has been turned on end by her presence. Having never been interested in any woman before, Jack finds himself completely captivated.
I loved watching him fall for her. I love how well they fit together and complimented one another. The loyalty of the club was really well done and it made events in the book so much more heartwrenching. I cannot wait to see what they have to conquer next!
October 23, 2023
The Nightmare King is a dark MC romance based off of The Nightmare Before Christmas. Come visit Pumpkin Patch and take a ride through this dark and twisted story featuring characters such as Jack “Bones” (President of the Devil’s Nightmares MC), Sally, Zero, Lock, Shock, Barrel, Dr. Stein and of course Oogie (President of the Boogeymen MC). The chemistry between Bones and Sally is undeniable, just like the pull they have to each other. They have both survived unimaginable things and have the scars to prove it. This story has laughs, sadness, fear, survival, heartache, pain, suffering and of course lots of spice. This book pulled me in from the first page to the end, I had a hard time putting it down. Can’t wait for the 2nd book in this duet, The Queen of Nightmares, to come out!!
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