La Pesadilla

The Mist #2

by Regine Abel

Ella era su obsesión.Durante años, Zain ha acechado a Naima hasta que se le escapó de las manos. Anhela el delicioso sabor de su terror y el divino sonido de sus gritos. Ella ocupa cada uno de sus pensamientos, y él siente ansia por ella. Deseoso de recuperar a la única mujer que puede completarlo, Zain planea cuidadosamente su paso al Plano Mortal. Sin embargo, cuando la Niebla se levanta, en lugar de esconderse de la Pesadilla de ella, Naima le hace la proposición más improbable. ¿Su mujer se está entregando realmente a él, o se trata de una trampa para eliminarlo definitivamente?Él era su deseo más oscuro.Durante mucho tiempo, Naima temió a la Niebla que envuelve el mundo durante tres días de cada mes y, sobre todo, a los monstruos que habitan en ella. Tras enfrentarse a sus propios demonios, se convierte en psicoterapeuta para ayudar a otros a superar sus traumas. Cuando se le ofrece la oportunidad de unirse a la agencia gubernamental que se ocupa de la Niebla, no lo duda. Sin embargo, nunca pensó que eso significaría enfrentarse a su mayor pesadilla. Él es un psicópata sediento de sangre, sin ningún sentido de la compasión o la empatía. Entonces, ¿por qué no puede resistirse a él? ¿Por qué le hace desear cosas que no debería?

Genres: Fantasy, Romance, Paranormal, Monster Romance, Paranormal Romance, Dark, Monsters

300 pages, Kindle Edition

First published August 29, 2020

About the author

USA Today bestselling author Regine Abel is a fantasy, paranormal, and sci-fi junkie. Anything with a bit of magic, a touch of the unusual, and a lot of romance will have her jumping for joy. She loves writing hot alien warriors meeting no-nonsense, kick-ass heroines. Her novels are steamy, action-packed, and with the twists and turns you never saw coming.

​Before devoting herself as a full-time writer, Regine had surrendered to her other passions: music and video games! After a decade working as a Sound Engineer in movie dubbing and live concerts, Regine became a professional Game Designer and Creative Director, a career that has led her from her home in Canada to the US and various countries in Europe and Asia.

Reviews

[Bree Lauren · Rating 5 out of 5]

♡ Fantasy Romance
♡ Interesting WOrld
♡ Enemies to lovers
♡ Morally gray hero
♡ Worshipping hero

This book was the whole reason why I read the first book in this series and I was no disappointed. I loved every second of this book and am completely obsessed with this romance. I mean, it's a romance between a woman and her nightmare personified. A nightmare who is absolutely obsessed with her, for better or worse. I'm telling you, Regine Abel wins for most unique romances.

[Elena Rodríguez · Rating 2 out of 5]

“My nightmare had found me again”.

No tengo mucho que decir, la verdad. Solo que en general me ha gustado el doble y el triple que su primera entrega por varias razones:

La primera es que se te dan respuestas sobre que ocurrió en la Tierra. Me explico, en la primera entrega se te explicaba que de repente el mundo empezó a llenarse de una niebla misteriosa y que tres días al mes aparecían estos seres. Nada más. Sin embargo, aquí te explican, que fue lo que ocurrió y que son los Mistwalkers o Nightmares.

En segundo lugar, el argumento está muchísimo mejor hilado y tiene sentido. Sin embargo, con esto quiero decir que sea una obra maestra, al contrario, deja mucho que desear. Además, yo he venido aquí a pasar el rato no para encontrar el santo grial de la literatura.

“You are a pshychopath, my psychopath, hungry for the fear of others, for power, for dominance. You can kill without hesitarion, without remorse, and even derive pleasure from it. I don’t want to change that in you. I want you to use your Powers to stalk those Nightmares who threaten humans. Cross over and become humanity’s champion”.

En tercer y último lugar, el protagonista masculino no da asco y tiene personalidad. Sí, es un sociópata de cabeza a pies, pero está mejor creado y llega a ser carismático. No pedía más, tampoco. Además, había escenas que me hicieron reír por lo cuadriculada que era su mente.

No siento que haya perdido el tiempo leyéndolo porque siento que he leído libros muchísimo peores que este. Sin embargo, no creo que los recomiende de primeras.

PD: Marie, encontraremos mejores lecturas.

[Serena Buffaloe · Rating 5 out of 5]

My Nightmares aren't like THIS !!!!

What a story !!!
I especially liked that it was so different then the first Mist walker story

Naima is a woman who has faced her prior trauma' s. First from her parents dysfunctional relationship and later with her then boyfriend
throwing her out into the Mist. Only to be attacked himself.

Zain is Naima's Nightmare. Years ago he would terrorize her in her dreams. But as she grew older and wiser , she didn't frequent the dream realm anymore....
He Missed her.

But as she grew out of her PTSD, and learned how to push it aside, a
" special op's " agency gives her a chance to not only use her Doctors degree, but to use her old fear - her Nightmare - as well.
They are Both needed for a special case that may harm both of their worlds......
I thought this story was wonderful and really made you think . What would My perfect mate look like ?? How about my worst nightmares??

And what limits our fears put on us in the real world.....

The sex scenes weren't as wicked as I thought they would be , but a pleasure to read just the same !!!

And that's what our imaginations are for anyway !!!

There was quite a bit of action and , as always , incredible twists and turns, that make this book another treasure to read over and over !!!

[•Kate•/ · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thought I loved the first book, but this one was SO. FUCKING. GOOD. I was glued to it from the first pages. I could not put it down. There was such a unique world created in the first book and I was ecstatic to see it expanded upon in this one. Also, if you haven’t read Mistwalker you need to go read it. It’s not necessary to understand what’s going on, as a lot of the world dynamics are explained again in this volume. It’s a good story on its own.

Who wouldn’t want to meet their Darkest Desire? 🦇🖤 I know I would. 😈 I love the way Regine Abel toys with the idea that some of us are a little in love with our own Nightmares. And why wouldn’t we be? We hand-craft them ourselves.

It's a difficult thing to make a villain not only into a hero but into a romantic lead, without thoroughly de-fanging them. And Abel does just that. It's pretty impressive.

Copy received for free in a giveaway, leaving a review of my own volition.

[Bon · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.5 rounded up. Came for the cover, stayed to...Start skimming with a frown on my face. 

I haven't read the first book in this world, but I gather this one is supposed to be the dark romance counterpart to it. That checks out, considering the potentially squicky foundations of this pairing; Zain's a nightmare who can read Naima's thoughts, she's vulnerable to him when she sleeps, and he's super powerful and only she can control him, so their romantic escalation felt mandatory and unsexy. IDK. There was such a noncon vibe to the setup that I was pretty offput, and the worldbuilding was handwavey.

Also, tired of monster romances overusing "male" and "female", not the least of which as a nonbinary reader lmao. Ended up flipping to the steamy scenes, but even those were ehh. "I began inserting myself within the burning heat of her sheath." My man, this sounds a) painful and b) so clunky, as if you're a metal part within a combustion engine or something. Decidedly inorganic and unsexy. 

I wish I had enjoyed this more, but on to the next monsterfucking adventure. 

[Zuzana899]

dnf at 71 %

I have no idea what happened. Did I skipped a chapter? No. But suddenly there is an unexpected change in their relationship and it really keeps irritating me. The beginning was super interesting. But somewhere around 68-71 %? i read about “i am your woman, your are my man...” what? When did that happen? There is literally no progress shown in their relationship (not talking about sex here) that leads to this point, it just happens, suddenly. I’m a bit disappointed to be honest.

[Shea ☾⚂ · Rating 4 out of 5]

Why do I now have any my own psychopath?? That makes me sound crazy but if you read it, it would make sense. Also idk if she’s still writing this series butttt I like it especially the newer covers too (they’re pretty, VERY pretty). Also I want Riley’s story, so basically what I’m saying is that if there was another book to this series I would be happy and read it asap

Annotations

Chapter 1

(1)

NOTE • PAGE 23
Is he like hypothetical nightmare as in like you fear him so he's your nightmare, or is he the actual nightmare like the opposite of that one guy in the first book
.... Because
I'm confused

Chapter 7
HIGHLIGHT (YELLOW) • PAGE 92
Who would have thought that being wanted could be more intoxicating than being feared?
目
ADD NOTE
Chapter 9
HIGHLIGHT (YELLOW) • PAGE 128
"No, I'm not touching you, and you're not getting a hug," Naima said in a tone that brooked no argument.

Chapter 10
HIGHLIGHT (YELLOW) • PAGE 149
my Nightmare replied in a tone that brooked no argument.
目
ADD NOTE
Chapter 11
HIGHLIGHT (YELLOW) • PAGE 159
It then struck me, with a clarity I couldn't explain, that this very human mishap made me more approachable and endearing to her.
Maybe I shouldn't fight so hard those weaknesses of my new vessel, and use them to my advantage to seduce my mate.
画
NOTE • PAGE 159
Now I see the psychopath
Chapter 12
HIGHLIGHT (YELLOW) • PAGE 177
I commanded in a tone that brooked no argument.
ADD NOTE

Chapter 16
HIGHLIGHT (YELLOW) • PAGE 250
"I've got this," I said in a voice that brooked no argument.
目
ADD NOTE
Chapter 17
HIGHLIGHT (YELLOW) • PAGE 260
Nightmare," I replied in a tone that brooked no argument.
目
ADD NOTE
HIGHLIGHT (YELLOW) • PAGE 260
"THAT'S A LIE!!"
目
NOTE • PAGE 260
00000o nice twist that Darryl is
Thompsons Nightmare
HIGHLIGHT (YELLOW) • PAGE 261
nd that if they haven't yet, they will soon, without steady stress and PTSD therapy."
NOTE • PAGE 261
Lmao as if therapy cures everything.

HIGHLIGHT (YELLOW) • PAGE 264
"Okay, I can definitely do that," Naima said, her eyes flicking from side to side as she mentally reviewed the agents she had already started having sessions with.
A NOTE • PAGE 264
Not her breaking the
confidentiality agreement mao
HIGHLIGHT (YELLOW) • PAGE 270
"Apex Alpha Zain,
A NOTE • PAGE 270
Lmao not all the alpha talk

[Jennifer · Rating 3 out of 5]

I found this romance novel deeply unsatisfying. As someone who has a parent with narcissistic personality disorder, I was unable to believe in the fantasy of a happy or fulfilling romantic relationship with a being who has strong sociopathic characteristics. I was also horrified at the end when the heroine was thinking of perhaps having children with the sociopath in question. If she was somehow fulfilled in a relationship with someone incapable of empathy or a moral code, more power to her, but don’t bring helpless children into that situation, when her sociopathic partner would be incapable of bonding to said children in a healthy way. I just seem unable to believe in the possibility of a true HEA ending involving a relationship with a sociopath. I wanted to like this novel, because I love this author, but was unable to like it. I far preferred the first novel in this series. I hope the author does not continue the rest of the series in this vein, considering I enjoyed the first novel so much. If the author continues having sociopathic heroes, I will no longer read any more novels in this series.

[EYLEEN · Rating 3 out of 5]

Algo que siempre logran estos libros es hacerme querer leer un poco más sobre los demás personajes, sus vidas después del final. Letho, Riley, Julia, todos ♡

[✧ FLINN ✧ (Semi-Hiatus) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very nice! I like this book much more than the previous one about The Mistwalker! 3.8 stars ⭐️

[Zen · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.5 ish stars

I had high hopes for this one, considering the blurb, but it fell a little flat for me. I liked the nightmare aspect of it and Pain was a great character. I liked so much Thompson, as he was one of my favorite characters from the first novel. I didn't like the circumstances the nightmares were brought into. I didn't like the heroine. It felt like it was intended to be a suicide squad type grouping, but didn't work that way for me.

[Yany · Rating 3 out of 5]

3 ⭐️ Better than the first book! The plot and world building is a bit convoluted but I enjoyed the story for the most part. Sometimes, I felt it dragged but I think overall decent addition in Regine Abel’s backlist.

[Amanda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another solid work by Abel, and I think I like her Mist series the most of what what I've read.

While she didn't plan to write more books set in this world, I'm glad she did. The Nightmare fleshes out the world of Earth after The Mist shows up one day, and 15 years later, no one outside of Earth governments knows why it did and what started it.



I do find Abel's MMCs a bit too marshmallowy for my personal taste, and her heroines are always on the eye-rollingly squeamish side when it comes violence and action, but...they're such minor things in otherwise decently crafted characters that I can't get it up to complain. ( 😛 ) Her style doesn't quite work for writing a truly monstrous monster, but Zain is hardly the worst attempt I've read. I really rather enjoyed him if I didn't focus on his supposed monstrous-ness. He was more of a self-absorbed but lovable dick than anything else.

I just accept that the heroines are going to be a bit sanctimonious and the heroes real gooey, real fast in her works. C'est comme ça.

Like most of her works I've read, this is a pretty low-stakes work with a bit of tension/suspense and no "shenanigans" or unnecessary drama. And a totally pleasant way to pass a few hours.







---------------------------
I will tag this one as problematic for a fair amount of misogynist language choice (worst from the villain, but there is some from both the hero and heroine) and some slut-shamey in-passing commentary that wasn't necessary. It would not have taken anything away from the story not to be nasty about other women. Just sayin'. It's there, just an fyi.

[Arielle · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is about Naima, a trained psychologist/therapist who is selected to be interviewed by a government agency dedicated to studying the monsters of the mist.

Once a month for three days, a mist descends over the entire world, opening a doorway into another plane of existence. Monsters and other creatures from this plane have free reign over Earth for the entire three days. It's a lot like The Mist by Stephen King, but it doesn't focus on a group of people stuck inside a confined space, and the bigger picture isn't a longitudinal study in human behavior when placed in certain situations.

The deadliest creatures from the mist are called Nightmares, and they are the culmination of the human mind's subconscious thoughts, with some being trauma bonds. Unbeknownst to Naima until she gets to the gov't agency building, her own Nightmare has been stalking her since it murdered her abusive ex-boyfriend after he tried to kill her himself by throwing her out to the mist, and it has followed her here. This ends up being the reason she was brought to the headquarters and recruited. Naima and her Nightmare, under her new boss, the director, end up spearheading a task force to stop another Nightmare that has taken a human form and is committing a series of mass murders throughout the city, growing stronger each day.

First and foremost, I absolutely love the concept behind this book. It was my first one by the author and the first one I read in the series (although that didn't stop me from understanding what was going on). This book touches on various psychological concepts, such as subconsciousness and active participation. The Nightmares not just that of Naima, but those of her friends and the director himself are a product of their creator's traumas Julia's Nightmare was created when she was a POW in the Middle East, and Naima's Nightmare was created as a result of witnessing her parent's arguments turn physical and subconscious thoughts.

With that being said, there were several aspects of this book that, if implemented, would have made it better.

Character descriptions didn't go a long way as far as the secondary characters went. I had a good idea of what Riley looked like, but the director's face kept changing in my head every chapter or so, and I settled on an older and pudgier Dennis Quaid by the time I was done with the book. The character reactions to events happening to and around them felt genuine and real, but some of them could have had a bit more emotion given the circumstances like the director when he realizes Darryl is his Nightmare, and the nurse when she's telling Naima about her brother who was murdered by Darryl, to name a couple.

There were repeated gestures and phrases throughout the book that made me lose count, the biggest one being whenever Naima learns something unsettling and she "hugs her midsection".

The epilogue also left much to be desired. The author described what Riley and Julia's Nightmares looked like before their human births, but we get no description of their human appearances afterwards despite the fact that Riley entered a relationship with his Nightmare. Aside from a repeat of what Naima and her Nightmare had done previously while they were dreaming, there's no hint at there being another book in the series (although that could have been the case with the first book as well).

Aside from a few grammatical and punctual errors, this was well written and a very entertaining read. I found it hard to put down, and I was anticipating what would happen next. The driving theme of the book seems to be that it is extremely terrifying to think of what our minds are capable of creating - subconsciously or not.

[Davette Spencer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow

Seriously WOW! I totally didn't see how submersive this book would be. I'm not a person who is into dark or horror based books, so I read the sample only because of how much I like the author. I'm SO very glad I did. Every part of this book is on point. From the character development to the plot, this book took me on an action and emotional ride..

[Sofia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow
What an amazing story of an antihero and a heroine who makes peace with her dark side
to help the world
worth it

[Mary S. · Rating 5 out of 5]

This author never disappoints the series is definitely an amazing read if you love the The Mistwalker you will definitely love this one as well. I found Zain to be more intense and a bit more obsessive then Kazan story was they both are just so protective and so obsessive in love with their mates. I just love all this whole new universe of the dreamlands they are just a perfect and exciting read.

[Kaila · Rating 5 out of 5]

Losing sleep never felt so good

Loved the first book I’ve re read it a couple of times on kindle unlimited.... bought the second that way I always own a copy. This book wrecked me. Downloaded it right before bed, I innocently thought I would read a couple chapters and nod off to sleep. I ended up reading it through the night. I hope she writes more dark romances like this because I couldn’t stop reading. Zain was the perfect balance of dark and romantic. 10/10

[Kourtney McClain · Rating 5 out of 5]

Freaking Amazing and Addicting!!

I know Regine was not expecting to write another Mistwalker novel but I’m so so glad she did!! It was so good and the perfect buildup from the original! I can not say enough goodness about this book!!

[Jannie Cv · Rating 5 out of 5]

A most unusual and intriguing story!
Have you ever wondered what might result from our fears, our nightmares? Read, and let Naima and Zain fill you in.
So disturbing - and yet, a romance. Definitely not a ‘girl-next-door’ romance. Unusual, unique, captivating. How appropriate for a nightmare!

[Krista · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have to say, this book blew away my expectations. The 1st book of the Mistwalkers was interesting, sweet and scorching but it pales in comparison. Because a Wish is nothing compared to a Nightmare.

We see Zain transform to Naima's reactions and desires and he is amazing. It is true intimacy to be able to share your darkest desires with your lover and for them accept and love you now matter what. It is even better when your mate already knows what you want and anticipates doing them with you. Amazing.

Yes- I do know it is fiction and no human can ever meet these expectations, but it opened up some interesting dialogue (in my head) for me to ponder about intimacy. I really enjoy this world and hope the author has plans for more books in this series.

BTW- the cover does not do justice to the form Zain takes on to be in this world. Drool.

[Colette · Rating 3 out of 5]

DNF 80%. Started off very, very intriguing. Got a bit more duller once he became like a somewhat sadist human and not that menacing nightmare he was built up to be. I also didn't like how she was insta-hot from him but just "holding back because it's wrong" but then she gives in and it's like "oh, yes, I love you you're my mannnn I was just holding it back!" All the "my man" stuff, btw, super cringe.

But don't get me wrong. This author is amazing and has some great hits, like Unfrozen and most of the books in the "I married a xxx" series for example. This one just didn't do it for me.

[Shae · Rating 5 out of 5]

This second installment in The Mist series, was even better than the first.

The first book is all about the dreams, book 2 is a reincarnation of Naima's Nightmares. Zane has been stalking her for a long time now, but he doesn't expect her to surrender to him. Naima faces Zain, and does what she can to help where she lives, along with Zain. Will there be more between them?

The angst and the higher stakes of this one made it so electric that I couldn't put it down. Would highly recommend it!

[Nicole · Rating 4 out of 5]

https://app.thestorygraph.com/reviews...

[Sharon]

Spoiler free

This was fabulous!! This is a well thought out well written story.
Regine Abel well done!! I am looking forward to the next story!

[Laura · Rating 4 out of 5]

El primero me gustó mucho, pero este me ha encantado. Me fascina lo mucho que hemos ampliado el mundo y todo lo que hemos aprendido de la Cuarta División. Ojalá la autora decida seguir publicando libros en este mundo porque estoy deseando seguir leyéndolos.

[Jennifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

omg!!

This was the best story I’ve read in a long while now. It was full bodied and rich . It gave you enough information without going over board. Zane was my ideal alpha not too soft but careful. The male character and female character complimented each other beautifully. They was able to communicate without one feeling judged and I just loved this story.

[Christal · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story will keep you on the edge of your seat until you've read it. Zain was Naima's nightmare for years until she overcame those nightmares. Zain can only think of Naima and missing her forces him to make a decision that impacts everything about him but he'll do it for Naima, that is being born into the mortal world with a human body and incredible powers. Naima still thought Zain was vicious but, after some time when he helps to kill the evil nightmares in the Mist, she grew to know of his compassion for the humans he was saving and the humans he worked with in a special government agency. This story does have a happy ending with lots of action and unbelievable twists.

[Michele Blanchard · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really like this world. I hope there will be more.

[Lazy Steph · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is an OK sequel to The Mistwalker. It expanded on the universe from an insiders point of view. It answered some of the questions still hanging from the first book but I also felt like it didn't really have the impact the first one did.

Since I listened to the audiobook while I was working I was confused about who was the actual creator of Daryl but I didn't really care enough to check out. I feel like the plot would have been better had it actually focused on the couple instead of on Daryl. I would have loved to figure some details of the actual main plot by myself and would have liked to see the couples growth actually shown intead of told most of the plot.

It started strong and then after they get together (and that was so fast I might add!) it just completely shifts to training and catching the bad bad guy. I would have liked to have seen them get to know each other. Seen her struggling to come to terms with having feelings for her nightmare and for him to have to slowly learn to change onto someone for himself, instead of just something just for her. I wanted her to actually help him experience things besides sex.

But all we get is info dumps. Never-ending info dumps.

Comparing Zane to Kazan, Kazan had time for himself, to get to know himself without his creator and build a life for his own apart from hers. He was also stronger, creating a vessel over and over just to reach his mate. Zain was more of a coward that way. He had to be convinced to create a vessel and kept complaining about its limitations, yet he is supposed to be the strongest. He even gets a shortcut and allowed to kill humans by the government. The same crime they are trying to kill Daryl for. It just was brushed off so easily too. and even though with Kazan the getting-to-know-each-other with Jade started good, it also became a tell-dont-show. But with Zain there was not even a start.

It just felt like this one had so much more potential and it came up short which is such a let down because I really love Regine Abels books. It’s not a bad book, but it could have been so much more than what it was.