Wicked Little Nightmare: Shattered Souls: Book One

by Stephanie Swann

He calls me his beautiful little psycho. I call him the only thing worth saving.

The cult that raised me carved obedience into my skin and silence into my soul.

Cam Axley burned all that to ash.

He’s the wildcard with a bloodstained smile, and the only one who ever saw me and still stayed.

Now the past we tried to outrun is coming for us, clawing at the fragile life we built out of wreckage and rage.

They wanted a monster.

They made two.

And we’ll tear them apart, piece by bloody piece.

Tropes include but are not limited

Masks & Bikes

Religious Cult

Revenge

Unhinged and lovable psychos

Dual POV, first person

This is Book One in the Shattered Souls Series and ends on a cliffhanger

Genres: Dark Romance, Dark, Romance, Fantasy, Contemporary

458 pages, Kindle Edition

Published January 24, 2025

Reviews

[❥ KAT ❥ Kitty Kats Crazy About Books · Rating 5 out of 5]

📚'𝙼𝚈 𝚁𝙴𝚅𝙸𝙴𝚆 𝙰𝙽𝙳 𝙾𝚃𝙷𝙴𝚁𝚂'📚 can also be found on my blog:
╰┈➤KITTY KATS CRAZY ABOUT BOOKS

'W𝐈C𝐊E𝐃 𝐋I𝐓T𝐋E N𝐈G𝐇T𝐌A𝐑E' Is the first full length friends to lovers romance book within the (Shattered souls) series by new to me author Stephanie Swann. Spoken in 'dual perspectives.' Lakey (27) & Cam (28)

This was recommended to me on IG, seems like it’s right up my alley, twisted and sick. New to me author so let’s see what she throws at me..

This easily gets my 5 stars, check triggers with this one, for some it will be dark, for others this is our playground of grit. Meaning I think I’m broken and desensitised to dark books, so be careful when jumping in, what others will claim as dark, I claim as semi with a sprinkle of some f‼️cked up sh‼️t thrown in which made this book jump to that 5 star rating..

This grabbed my attention straight away, these two have a toxic kind of love, they have rules, she allows him to sleep with other girls but afterwards she’s their executioner. Over the cliff they go to become shark bait.

F#ck, Chuck, Kill..

....'𝙻𝚊𝚔𝚎𝚢 𝚠𝚊𝚜 𝚊𝚍𝚊𝚖𝚊𝚗𝚝 𝚝𝚑𝚊𝚝 𝚝𝚑𝚎 𝚘𝚗𝚕𝚢 𝚠𝚊𝚢 𝚏𝚘𝚛 𝚑𝚎𝚛 𝚝𝚘 𝚜𝚝𝚊𝚢 𝚞𝚗𝚍𝚎𝚛 𝚌𝚘𝚗𝚝𝚛𝚘𝚕 𝚠𝚊𝚜 𝚋𝚢 𝚜𝚕𝚒𝚍𝚒𝚗𝚐 𝚑𝚎𝚛 𝚔𝚗𝚒𝚏𝚎 𝚞𝚗𝚍𝚎𝚛 𝚜𝚘𝚖𝚎𝚘𝚗𝚎'𝚜 𝚜𝚔𝚒𝚗 𝚊𝚗𝚍 𝚠𝚊𝚝𝚌𝚑𝚒𝚗𝚐 𝚝𝚑𝚎𝚖 𝚍𝚒𝚎.'

A win win, for both.

That seemed to have worked for them for a while, but what neither tell the other is that, it’s becoming monotonous, he wants just her, she wants to feed that hunger of killing that breeds chaos within.

They just might get what they both wish for..

These two were foster kids, side by side for years, both suffered and many others when unthinkable torture was inflicted upon them at the hands of nuns and fathers, until he went inside and she was left to fend for herself.

He was released
She escaped
Finding each other again.

Now together they are going to reign down terror on those accountable.

Email ಇ Twitter ಇ Instagram ಇ Blog ಇ Facebook ಇ Amazon 
ಇ Pinterest 

[Amber · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am in total awe of this book. It is one of my favorite reads ever!!! I quickly fell in love with the main characters cam and Lakely.. their love and loyalty.For each other is unmatched !!!if you love dark romance/suspense Books you are going to want to pick this up !!It is a unique story that I have never heard of before ,written so well, and I was completely immersed in this book from start to finish. This book has everything you could want in a dark romance, suspense, thriller, and then some.. I am blessed to have been able to be an arc reader for this book and I cannot wait to read more From her!!! I I love reading books about vigilantes that go out and get revenge for themselves and their loved ones..

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wicked Little Nightmare is a good dark romance.

What you get....
♡Dark Romance
♡Dark Cult Romance
♡They're Both Unhinged
♡Touch Him and ☠️
♡Touch Her and ☠️
♡Revenge Plot
♡Searching For a Religious Cult
♡Motorbikes and Masks
♡Traumatic Memories
♡Do Anything for Each Other
♡Foster Care Siblings
♡Childhood Trauma
♡Good Banter
♡LOL Moments
♡Spicy

I love Cam and Lakey! They are unhinged and loveable!! You get suspense, drama, twists, and turns. Their story sucks you in, and you can't put it down, needing to know how it would turn out!

Stephanie does a great job at character and world building. I can't wait for the next book!

[Doris Scales · Rating 5 out of 5]

twisted This was really a quite a good book. My first thought was wow these two are really psycho but at least they totally admit it then I’m like well it’s no wonder they’re crazy or psycho. I think the people that did all the horrible stuff to them are worse than they’d ever be highly recommend this book but it’s most definitely not for everybody.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Kira · Rating 5 out of 5]

Feel like questioning your mentality? Love Dark Romance? No triggers? Enjoy and also hate cliff hangers ? If you answered yes to any above, then you are in for a treat of epic proportion . Stephanie not only brought it, but mic dropped it! I devoured Lakey and Cam's story. deranged psycho and sociopaths are my jam! I love it when an author makes me question myself, and Stephanie did just that! This is by far my favorite and best book Stephanie has done yet. To say it's a 5 star is not giving it the credit it deserves. It's definitely a top read for me. I can't wait to see what's next.

[Sammyll · Rating 4 out of 5]

For the first half of this book I struggled. I found that Lakey and Cam constantly called one another babe annoyimg, borderimg on obsessive. Also I found that it was almost like reading a marathon, like what it must feel like on speed, as it flitted about so much, I never drew breath for awhile. It was exhaustimg trying to keep up with what they were doing and how they were acting. But I'm glad I did persvere as Stephanie is a fantastic writer, and she found her grip better in the second half. The storytelling wss calmer, more focused and I really enjoyed it.
Lots of twists and turns that added to the imitial story, finding allies and discovering past secrets. I totally recommend this book, and to perserve with it as it does get so much better as you continue readimg. Will look forward to reading the next book, and will certainly look up Stephanie's other books.

[Hanna]

DNF - the whole ‘I love her so I’ll cheat on her cause it’s what she wants’ thing was not for me

[Brita Mackay · Rating 5 out of 5]

We can never keep the secrets of our past buried. She's always known, even from childhood, that her body was never her own and would never be her own. She used her mind to keep her safe. Her mind shielded her from everything that was better left in the dark. And she can honestly say that she doesn't remember her life before she met Cam Axley, and she's honestly not sure she wants to.

And it's Cam who holds the key to whatever is left of the shards of this tattered heart of hers. Every piece of her was forged by those who saw her as nothing more than a toy to be used, except him. He never saw her as a toy to be used.

Cam loves to call her his beautiful little psycho. Sadly, now with the truth clawing its way to the surface, she's forced to confront the monster she was made to be. She's not just a weapon they bred, though. She's the darkness that they programmed into her, the madness, the insanity. And she knows that if she's going to survive this wicked game of theirs, she's going to have to face her past, even if it means burning the last pieces of light in her soul.

She is the monster they created to be. She feels like the rage is all that's left of her, the only thing that's left to keep the demons at bay. She's the wildcard. She's the monster hiding in the dark.

Lakey Aldrich...the only one who will really see him still really sees him – maybe that's why he's still here. Holding on together, they've made it this far, holding on to each other through hell and high water. They are bound by the fires that tried to destroy them.

Once upon a time, there was a time when they tried for a normal life, wanting the same things that everyone else wanted and have. The they remember, the more they realize that there's no escape from the person they've become. The past isn't something they can get redemption from. There's nothing they can do to earn forgiveness. This is the one thing that defines them, and it's coming for him, piece by piece.

Together, though, we'll be waiting.

But, our love isn't gentle, soft, or tender.

It's fire, blood, hot, and volcanic.
It's screams at everyone to get out of our way and burns those who get in our way.

This is a Dark Cult Romance.

Tropes include but are not limited to: masks & bikes, religious cults, religious cults, revenge, unhinged and lovable psychos.

Lakey and Cam = Designed to Kill

This is such a powerful, dark, spicy, depraved, fun book. Lakey and Cam are a psychotic package from the jump, and they leave you dripping for more. I adored the hand necklace. I have to say that Stephanie does such an amazing job of bringing these characters and the world to life and giving death to life.

In this volume, we are following Lakey and Cam as they are facing the demons of their past. This is such a beautiful and poignit story of growth, and it evolves into so much more than what we thought we were going to get in the beginning.

I think that Stephanie said it best herself, “They might be monsters, but even monsters can choose to be more. Very much a touch him or her and die book you will love.”

YOUR MENTAL HEALTH MATTERS!!! Know your triggers and know the CW. There are a lot of warnings in this book. Consider them before you commit to this book. There are some that could trigger you that you may not consider right away that you realize after a moment or two.

There is a humor in this book that does help break up the darkness, and I did laugh several times. There was a moment in the book where Cam says “Calm? Sweetheart, I'm about as calm as a cat in a room full of catnip.” I still laugh every time I even think about that line. It just breaks up all the darkness.

All the descriptions they fit in with the darkness, it just oozes from the pages. It was just so amazing. I loved how in-depth the storyline went with its plot lines, and the subplot was superb. The character development was on par. I was so impressed. I can't wait to get my hands on book 2, Twisted Little Dream.

[Michelle Frater · Rating 5 out of 5]

A psychopath and a sociopath walk into a bar… Okay, I’m kidding, but injecting a touch of humor feels more than necessary before diving into this intense and utterly consuming story. Humor, as it turns out, is a lifeline in Stephanie’s masterfully crafted tale, offering fleeting moments of respite amidst the bedlam that is Cam and Lakey’s story. And trust me, their world is one you won’t soon forget. What these two endured? Oh. My. Goodness. Stephanie has done the impossible by giving us two characters who are certifiably insane—killers, broken and twisted beyond repair—and yet, somehow, you’ll find yourself rooting for them with every fiber of your being. Cam is Lakey’s anchor, though his methods of keeping her tethered might raise more than a few eyebrows. He’s the only one who truly sees her, not as something to exploit but as someone worth saving. And in return, Lakey is Cam’s reason for holding on, his only tether to the fragile thread of sanity. Their love is dark, raw, and utterly unhinged. As their shared trauma slowly unravels, revealing shards of a horrifying past they’ve barely survived, you can’t help but feel every bit of their pain and their fierce need for vengeance. It’s not a pretty story. In fact, it��s downright haunting. If you thought cults were all about brainwashing and control, Chimera will show you a whole new level of evil. Stephanie spares us the gorier details, but trust me, there’s enough here to make your skin crawl. And just when you think you’ve wrapped your head around one thing, another twist knocks you off balance, leaving you desperate for more. My head was spinning—literally—but every revelation only pulled me deeper into this wickedly addictive tale. The cliffhanger ending was almost a relief, a much-needed pause from the chaos Cam and Lakey unleash. But with Chimera making a fatal mistake, you know the next installment will be nothing short of explosive. I, for one, am ready for the reckoning. Bring on the storm.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[A. Adams · Rating 4 out of 5]

The 2 main characters in this novel are definitely Little psychos in their own way. "Emotion is weakness. Weakness is death." Even though technically that's Cam's nickname for Lakey. They bonded through horrible abuse in foster homes, and who knows where else. It definitely included sexual abuse at the hands of grown adults responsible for them. Now they live for killing and getting revenge. It's almost like a game to Lakey. Cam really puts Lakey up on a pedestal. I don’t think there would ever be a reason they would ever give up on each other. They both seem to be thriving, not just surviving their rough surroundings. Make no mistake, I think they're both sadistic in their own ways. Together they are a deadly combination! If Lakey tries to remember her past too much, she dissociates. But the past is still very much unclear and muddled for Lakey. I don’t know that Lakey's need for vengeance will ever be sated.

All roads lead to a warped religious cult. What did these sick people do to kids? Truly horrible! I liked to think that Cam and Lakey were the "perfect pair" for this sick cult because they were truly in love with each other. Not because they were perfect from all the experimentations and mind manipulation. "No matter what, you’ll always choose me." Her answering laugh was dark. “Oh, Cammy, you are everything. I’d choose you a thousand times, in a thousand lives, even if every fucking one was worse than the one before.” I'm afraid finding out what happened to them might just finally destroy them. The wicked little nightmare can represent so many people and things in this novel, but Lakey and Cam were made into nightmares of someone else's creation. Please keep in mind this book ends unresolved and with a cliffhanger.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Rachel Berosik · Rating 5 out of 5]

Potental Spoilers
CHECK TRIGGER WARNINGS!!!!!!!!!!!!
Again I say check your trigger warnings. This was 463 pages of a roller coaster that you can't see which way the loops are going to take you next. Its incredible, at the beginning I would probably say 30% or so of the book was pretty much death and sex. Now I like smut and going into it knowing it's a dark romance, but I was starting to wonder if this was the whole book, when the plot came to light. Oh the twist and turns of this story made every chapter seem crazier than Lakey and Cam themselves. There were times things got too much for me and I needed a breather. I would just set it aside and come back to it. Not in a bad way, just would get too intense and some of the scenes she wrote were just described in such detail. Now remember how I said all the first 30% of the book was death and sex, it seemed, whether the author meant it or not as Lakey and Cam found out more and more they got less frantic for each other. Not that they didn't want eachother but almost like the psycho-ness or they are just in a sense of place they don't know how to deal. Or maybe it was all just happening off page. Who's to say? I have so many theories and notes going, so much to talk about but can't without spoiling anything. Wicked Little Nightmares did leave off on a cliffhanger, so one thing is for certain. I will be stalking the author, Stephanie Swanns social pages, for any nuggets of info she will give on book 2. Well Done.

[Chasity Trimble · Rating 5 out of 5]

“I felt the rage and pain start to ebb. My grip on her throat loosening. Her presence beneath me became a lifeline, pulling me back from the edge of that dark abyss in my mind. ‘I’ve got you,’ she murmured, her fingers tracing the scars on my back. I shuddered, burying my face in her neck. ‘F*ck, Lakes,’ I breathed. My movements became less frantic, more deliberate.”

Oh my! Where to start .. whew! This is such a powerful, twisted, dark, spicy, depraved and alluring book. Did I cover it all?? Between Lakey the psycho and Cam the sociopath, these two have you mesmerized from the first page. From uncovering their traumas, fighting past demons and seeking revenge it has your emotions off the chart. And let’s not forget the heat of their relationship… several times I had to close the book and get some air! 🥵

Stephanie does an excellent job bringing the characters to life and her writing is phenomenal. The emotions, suspense, danger all have you at the edge of your seat throughout the book. I also enjoyed the sprinkled in humor of their banter to help your pulse get back to normal throughout your read.

This book may not be for everyone, so make sure you check out the triggers - there are many! This is the first book that I’ve read of Stephanie’s and it will not be the last. I am already geared up for book 2, Twisted Little Dream in the Shattered Souls Series. If I could give this book more than 5 stars, it definitely would get more! Just wow!

*Disclaimer - I received a free copy of this book from Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Hayley Rader · Rating 5 out of 5]

Genre: Dark Romance
Triggers: Murder, Religious Cult, Graphic Violence, Sexual Scenes, Mentions of Assault/CA/CSA.
5/5

Wicked Little Nightmare by Stephanie Swann is a dark romance that unfolds with gripping intensity, revealing layers of trauma, survival, and vengeance. The protagonist, raised in a cult, has been conditioned to obey and remain silent. Their world is shattered when they meet Cam Axley—a wildcard with a bloodstained smile who refuses to let them fade into the shadows.
As the story progresses, Swann deepens the emotional complexity of the characters. The protagonist’s journey is one of self-discovery, as they struggle to break free from the psychological chains of their past while navigating the dangers that still lurk. Cam, on the other hand, is not just a reckless savior—he carries his own demons, making their bond one of mutual destruction and salvation. Their relationship is raw, intense, and built on a foundation of shared pain and unhinged devotion.
The novel masterfully intertwines themes of revenge and survival, with the past clawing its way back into their lives, threatening the fragile existence they’ve built. The cult’s influence remains a looming shadow, forcing them to confront their deepest fears and fight for their freedom. The dual POV and first-person narration immerse readers in the characters’ minds, making their emotions feel visceral and real.
If you enjoy dark romance with complex characters and high emotional stakes, this book is a must-read.
#bookloungereviewteam

[Kayla B · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you love an unhinged dark romance that keeps surprising you with twists, then this book is for you! I love how unhinged Lakey and Cam are and just how perfectly safe and normal they feel together. But please check your trigger warnings before reading. The beginning is a little slow to get into and to get sucked in but once you get to that point you don't want to put it down. But be warned you will be left with a cliffhanger leaving you wanting more.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️🌶️

🖤Dark Cult Romance
🖤Childhood Trauma
🖤Revenge Plot
🖤Touch Him/Her and 💀
🖤Foster Siblings
🖤Dual POV
🖤Mystery/Suspense
🖤Secret Trafficking Project

Lakey and Cam may not be every one's cup of tea, and that's ok. But, I loved them. As twisted and dark as they may be, they calm each others demons together and don't back down from fear. Both have been dealt a terrible childhood, much of which they can't even remember but one thing they both are certain on is their need to 💀. While Cam set off to surprise Lakey with a hit list for her birthday of everyone who had harmed her, they uncover a network of pain and trauma far more than either were expecting. And with every clue uncovered comes an even bigger surprise. Some of the news comes as an unbelievable twist while other lead to allies in the same fight. I absolutely can not wait until book 2 comes out, as we are left on a cliffhanger that leaves you wanting more right now.

A huge thank you to Stephanie as I was gifted this book to read. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Little monster · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh wow!!! What a rollercoaster of a story!!! This is DARK! please be careful and know your trigger warnings as this is not for the faint of heart. What you're getting is......

Dark Romance
Dark Cult Romance
Touch Him or Her and Die
Revenge
Trauma and Childhood Trauma
Foster Care Siblings
Spicy

I honestly couldn't put this down it was sooo good this is how dark I like my books. In this story we meet Cam and Lakey they are unhinged but you can sorta understand with what they both went through. These two aren't just after revenge they are two deranged people Lakey the Psychopath and Cam the Sociopath and boy oh boy do they love to kill......😍 These two have been through hell they are broken beyond repair but somehow you find yourself loving these two and routing for them all the way through this.

Now the first 30/40% is pure sex and that's fine to me lol but from then on these two go on a revenge murder spree and wow all I can is I'll never look at a bath tub the same again lol. From the uncovering of past traumas, fighting past demons for them both to going on a revenge plot to bring down the sickos who did what they did to both of them.

Stephanie did an amazing job of really pulling you in and bringing these two to life her writing is 👌🏻 the emotions, the depth of trauma, the ups and downs will have your head spinning...I honestly can't wait for book two now.

[Kendra Klapheke · Rating 5 out of 5]

Designed to kill!

Wow, that was a powerful book! Dark, spicy, and depraved fun! Lakey and Cam a psychotic package from the start leaving you dripping for more. Love me some hand necklaces. Stephanie does an excellent job bringing the characters and world to life or death. We follow Lakey and Cam as they face the demons of their past. A story of growth and evolving into more than what they were designed for. Stephanie said it best, they might be monsters, but even monsters can choose to be more. Very much a touch him or her and die book you will love.

Make sure to read the triggers though, there are a lot. I had one that I hadn’t encountered in a book before. The pain of not being able to have a baby hit me hard, but the scars show that we’ve survived, kept me going strong. The humor in this book also helped break up the darkness and laughed out loud several times. Like when Cam says “Calm? Sweetheart, I’m about as calm as a cat in a room full of catnip.” I still laugh every time I read that.

I enjoyed that the descriptions fit with the darkness oozing from the pages. And I have never had so many favorite quotes in a book than I did with this one. A roller coaster of emotions and I cannot wait to do it again when we find out what happens next with book two, Twisted Little Dream.

[Melissa Matti · Rating 4 out of 5]

I just finished reading Wicked Little Nightmare by Stephanie Swann and these are my thoughts. This book had me questioning my morals and my sanity from the get go and I absolutely love that about it.

There wasn’t a single dull moment within these pages. The plot is constantly evolving and throwing you through a loop, you start to think the story is taking you in one direction just for it to surprise you and go in an entirely different direction. You get to the point where you just give up and stop trying to anticipate the next plot twist heading your way.

Wicked Little Nightmare is the first book in the Shattered Soul series by Stephanie Swann. It is a dark romance with conspiracy and cult themes. We have our FMC who is a pocket rocket of psychotic and sociopathic energy, and our MMC who is the handsome narcissist sociopathic devil at her side. Two self proclaimed monsters, who use unaliving and violence to manage their trauma.

The more this story unfolded the more I was hooked! And to top it all off with a perfect little bow, there was a great amount of juicy spice. This was a 4 star read for me with a 3.5 chilli peppers spice rating. I am so desperate to read book 2!

[Lily Williams · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received a free eARC of this book, and this is my honest and voluntary review.

I absolutely LOVED this! Stephanie is one of my favourite and most-read authors, and I will continue to DEVOUR her books until the end of time! I absolutely fell in love with Cam and Lakey and had a particular soft spot for the latter. Lakey, as dark and twisted as she is, took a piece of my heart and is still holding on - and to be honest, I’m not mad. Cam and Lakey are a match made in hell, both some 50 shades of f*cked up yet absolutely perfect for each other. I loved Rose and everything she brought to their messed up family, though again, my heart broke for her! I wasn’t sure it was possible for Stephanie to right something or someone as twisted as Chimera, but she proved me wrong! I was gripped the entire way through and I’m waiting on tenterhooks over here for book two 💜.

The eBook for this is 460 pages long which took me 3 hours and 40 minutes to read. I highly recommend it to any thriller or dark romance lover!

10/20

[Yoneidis · Rating 5 out of 5]

While it is true that for someone who has just started dark romance this is not a book I would recommend, but if you are like me and have been swimming in these waters for a while, you will love this book.
From the beginning, our 2 protagonists are psychopath and sociopath, so do not expect a typical romance because some of their games are somewhat twisted. But the truth is that these 2 have survived unthinkable torture. At first, I was shocked by them, in the end I found myself cheering them on in their hunt.
I love Lakey, you never know where she is going to turn out, just when you thought she could not become more bloodthirsty, she surprises you.
And Cam, although at first the game he plays with Lakey does not seem very normal to me, the truth is that this man is head over heels in love with her.
He is calm and she is the opposite but together they are perfect.
I can't wait to find out how the story ends. Cam's birthday present turned out to be one to remember.

[Chante Heaven · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cam and Lakey grew up in and out of foster homes, being hurt and abused caused them to not only lose their memories, but to also turn into sociopathic killers, dealing with their trauma while covered in blood.

This book has it all, blood, gore, psychological thriller and suspense, spice and a dark and twisted love.

I couldn't decide if I wanted to devour this book in one sitting or to drag the suspense out.

My favorite quote that shows just how amazing this story is. "Two broken pieces forming one perfect, jagged whole. If he wanted to jump, I'd tell him how high. If I needed to jump, he'd bend down so I could use him to vault to the stars."

Seriously I'm not sure I could praise this book, story and author any more..it blew my mind and dear lord I'm hanging out for the next installment.

Overall, Spice, 5/5 but really it's through the roof. Plot 5/5, Suspense 5/5.

This is a must read!

[Kassia DeVane · Rating 5 out of 5]

Most authors color their characters artificially, giving them at least the veneer of polite civility. Stephanie doesn't do that here. Honestly, I am not sure Lakey would let her. There are lots of things both author and FMC have in common, but their deep hatred for a fake smile is pretty high on that list.

This book isn't soft and fluffy. It's not just dark for the sake of being dark. There is a raw connection and a deep trauma bond that ties Lakey and Cam together and they are both self aware enough to admit it.

You will laugh. That cold, dead, frozen place in your heart will crack open whether you want it to or not. And you will absolutely find yourself cheering on their violent streaks.

Dark isn't usually my thing, but this story hooked me right away. Stripping away the naughty bits and the violent parts and you have a fast paced mystery that keeps the pages turning. Just wow.

[Rebecca Unsworth · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wicked Little Nightmare is the first book in the Shattered Soul series. It is a dark romance with cult themes and childhood trauma. It features Cam and Lakey. They grew up being shipped between foster homes where they were abused. After being able to flee these people, they reunite but have no recollection of their childhood memories. They are both seeking revenge and have to face the demons of their past, but the more they seek revenge, the more their memories return and their trauma get unravelled.

This author is new to me, but this story won't be the last of hers I read. This story was well written, it flowed well. It was difficult to read at times but it is such a beautiful story of growth. Cam and Lakey are killers and broken but love each other fiercely, perfect for each other. This story is full of twists, just when I thought I knew where it was going it twisted again. After the revealing of their appalling past I can’t wait for them to seek vengeance in book two.

[Nikki B. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cam and Lakey have to be the first psychotic, murderous couple I have ever read about that have so much humorous banter between them. I feel like the little jabs they make at each other really gave the story a whole different dynamic because even though they are literally pychotic unalivers, it made them relatable. The way they love each other is so endearing and border line obsessive. This story is dark and some pretty dark things happen to the characters but the story line is so compelling. The first half of the book, honestly, I got a little bored. They were basically having sex after completing every task and while it was spicy and intense, it became a little boring after the first 2-3 times. Between that, and them just restating how much they love each other and how loyal they are to each other, I was losing interesting. But when the story picked up, it took off full speed. I can't wait for the next book in the series!!! Definitely add this one to your tbr!

[stephanie cox · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wicked Little Nightmare has completely blown me away and quickly became one of my favorite reads ever! This dark, spicy romance is a perfect mix of fantasy and suspense, and I couldn’t get enough of it. The main characters, Cam and Lakely, had me hooked from the start. Their love and loyalty for each other are unmatched, and it’s their intense bond that drives the story forward.

At first I could only think of these two as psychos—but the more I read, the more I understood them. Their actions make sense when you realize the horrors they’ve been through, and it’s hard not to sympathize with them, especially when the people who hurt them are even worse.

If you love dark romance with a lot of suspense and edge, Wicked Little Nightmare is definitely a book you should pick up. But be warned, it’s not for everyone—it’s intense, raw, and unapologetically twisted. If that sounds like your kind of read, you won’t want to miss this one!

[Sarah Seelbaugh · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is undeniably dark, so brace yourself. However, once I got started, I found it so compelling that I couldn't stop until I reached the end. Cam and Lakey are fascinating characters; they are wonderfully unhinged and extraordinary in their own ways. The chemistry between them is incredible! Now, they are driven by a thirst for vengeance and killing. The twists and turns in this story make every chapter feel even more chaotic than Lakey and Cam themselves. This book does conclude with a cliffhanger, and it offers a balanced mix of smut and violence. The intensity of this book is palpable. Stephanie is an outstanding writer, and I thoroughly enjoyed her style. If you appreciate dark romance filled with suspense and intensity, this book is for you but do check the trigger warnings before diving in! It may not be suitable for everyone. I'm eagerly anticipating what she will create next.

[Kacie Mummawh0reads.x · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐️4🌶️3💧0

One thing I walked away from this book thinking? Lakey and Cam are next level crazy!! Like full on batshit.
Check triggers before you even consider this book, as the list is long! And boy is it intense. I love these kind of book and even I was like oooof that’s disturbing!

I did predict one epic twist early on but still, What a roller coaster ride! I can’t wait for book two so we can see what happens next!


#wickedlittenightmare #stephanieswann #steamybooks #bookrecs #steamyreads #audiobook #bookaholic #readingtime #bookshelf #instabooks #bookblogger #bookreview #booktok #reading #booklover #bookworm #booknerd #goodreads #aussiebookstagrammers #aussies #australianreaders #darkromance #reading #bookstagram #bookstagrammer #readersofinstagram #instabook #booksofinstagram #booksarelide#darkromance #spicybooklover

[Cheryl · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wicked Little Nightmare is the shocking story of Cam and Lakey. These two are, basically, machines…created for a purpose….a purpose they both excel at. But, they have questions…as those questions slowly get answered…they have even more questions. There are also more people involved now…and they aren’t sure they trust everyone. But, it is…what it is….

Shocking, unexpected twists and turns make this story even more thrilling. However, I felt like the story was sooooooooo long. Lots of this could have been covered in a shorter time. Unusual, unexpected situations and people made this more memorable. Sort of felt like I was missing a part of the story at the beginning...but, apparently not? Iit ends in a MAJOR cliffhanger. With the length of this portion…not sure I want to continue with more. Nevertheless, a very, very good read!!

[Abby Houghton · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was different from what I usually go for, this is a revenge story about two absolute psychos who have one thing in common, they both went through a horrifying past that has molded them into the killers they are today! While they are one toxic couple.The feelings they have for each other are something that isn't normal, but for them, it is all they know, and they both would burn this world for each other!

You follow Cam and Lakey on a revange rampage, which is full of blood, torture, and even some jokes as they uncover un answered questions about their childhood and the Colt they escaped from!

There were some chapters that I felt had too much world building, but other than that, as this is the author first dark romance book, it was a good read!

Thank you Stephanie for sending me the your book 🫶

[Danielle Brown · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well this book is insanely intense and such a wild ride.. dark doesn't even cover it.. it amazes me how the mind works... Cam and Lakey are everything you want in a psychopathic duo full of bloodlust and oh so much steam... take a journey with them as they uncover that maybe not everything is as they thought it was growing up as they uncover the deepest darkest secrets of each other and a sick twisted organisation hidden under the depravity of it all..

Stephanie has definitely found her niche with this book and I cannot wait to see what else her mind thinks of as more of Cam and Lakey comes to light.

[Toxic · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh my goodness!

What an amazing book this is!

I can’t believe the ending, I need more.

Our FMC, Lakey, is a feisty little pocket rocket has lived through traumas. Some she can remember and some she’s fighting her hardest to remember.
She does remember the love of her life, Cam, though.

Our MMC, Cam, is a force to reckoned with. To him, the sun shines out of Lakeys arse. The gal can do no wrong.
He’s also working through his own traumas, and there’s something buried deep within.

This gave me Shantel Tessier vibes and I’m all for it. I can’t WAIT for the second instalment.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Cult/trafficking/human experiment
Touch her and die
Cliffhanger