Beware of Nightmares

by Sierra Marie

Come out, Come out, wherever you are hiding. Come play with me there is no use in fighting. Let's cry and scream and let me do whatever I please, because the demon in me wants to inhale you as your nightmares become more than they seem.

Genres: Erotic Horror

Unknown Binding

First published June 1, 2025

About the author

Hello!
I wanted to share a little about me. I am a huge book loving nerd- I read all kinds of genres. Definitely a mood reader! I just released my debut novel Unmarked Grave and am currently working on a couple more books. I have ADHD and am bouncing around the two stories- so I am also a mood writer!
I love all bookish things, but I am also a mother of three and I work full time in the Emergency Room as a tech. I keep busy and I do not know what a day off is. I am socially shy, but pushing myself out there and I am very excited to embark on this new journey!

Reviews

[MortyPie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was such an amazing novella. It was much shorter than I thought it was going to be and I finished it in a few hours (I’m a slow reader). It is dark and spicy. It is also graphic. It has a good balance of plot and smut.

I love the world it is set in and it honestly has great potential for becoming a full length novel. I found the world really intriguing even with how short it was.

I love that the FMC was the obsessed one and pursued him first. I can hardly ever find recs like that. I also love that she was the “monster” and he was the human.

Tropes & Things:
Freddy Kruger retelling
Obsessed
Insta lust
Touch him & d!€
Magic
Unhinged
Succubus x human

[Taylor (Ganio) Walker · Rating 3 out of 5]

⭐️3.5⭐️ Got this on recommendation from a local bookstore owner. It was a quick, easy read and not usually my style, but I oddly enough enjoyed it.

[Manuela · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was such a fun and short Novella! Definitely check those trigger warnings before starting ✨
I loved the Freddy Krueger vibes of it all and also how unhinged it was from beginning to end.
Serenity was such a hilarious and likeable character all throughout and I loved how she knew exactly what she wanted from the get go and was completely unapologetic about it.

I can't wait to reread this during Halloween! 🗡️🗡️🗡️🗡️🗡️🗡️🗡️❤️‍🔥❤️‍🔥❤️‍🔥

[Dee | myliteraryera · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was so fun to read! 😅😘
-oh my dark romance is showing.

This pocket rocket of a story was so unexpected and so good. Something completely different to what Sierra has written before!
⛓️ Succubus x human romance
⛓️ Thrilling dreams
⛓️ Different realms
⛓️ Very spicy
⛓️ Possessive

Serenity is a badass, sassy, petty little lady who’s ’just a girl’ and knows what she wants.

If you need a little funny, darker palette cleanser. Then this is for you 🖤

Thank you for the arc Sierra 🫶🏽

[Jess · Rating 4 out of 5]

this is a fun erotic horror novella, it’s like, a lady Freddy Krueger but make her a succubus and add some spicy time with her latest human(ish) obsession

[Anna · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am so glad that I got the opportunity to ARC read this novella. It kept me on my toes the entire read. Thai book has so many twists in the short amount of pages that this novella has. I’m actually kind of speechless writing this. Serenity was such an awesome character. I’d love to get to know more of her backstory. Asher has so much dimension to his character even though the book is so short. I would like to see this turned into a 300+ page book. I would devour that in one sitting. Definitely would recommend if you have the stomach for some gore.

[Denise · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 ⭐ My second read by this author and I enjoyed it.  It was the perfect paranormal dark and 🌶️ novella.

[Tara · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you're in the mood for something truly different and exciting, this novella needs to be on your radar. It’s a rapid-fire read that’s brimming with dark energy and a surprising amount of depth for its length. The author has a real knack for storytelling, pulling you into a world that’s both eerie and alluring. From the moment you dive in, you’re in for a wild ride that keeps you hooked, ensuring there’s never a dull moment. It’s perfect for breaking up a reading slump or just for a quick, exhilarating distraction.
The dual viewpoints really elevate the experience, giving you a comprehensive look into the minds of both Serenity and Asher as their paths intertwine. Serenity, with her intense and shadowy nature, is a character you won't soon forget. She brings a unique kind of power and determination to the story that’s captivating. The blend of dark themes and undeniable chemistry makes for a truly compelling read that you’ll want to revisit, especially if you enjoy stories that push boundaries.

[Behind the Squiggles · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was super nervous going into it because it was an arc and I didn't want the book to be bad because then I wouldn't want to review it. Turns out I loved "Beware of Nightmares" and had an amazing time reading it!

First - I instantly fell in love with Serenity. ♡ Her chapters were definitely my favorite.

Second - I found that Asher's character could use a little more detail. I definitely found myself craving more of his backstory.

I'm not going to lie, I am quick to judge. What? I have preferences. 🤷‍♀️
In the beginning I did have to question my liking of the book. The wording of certain aspects were not to my personal taste, but quickly turned around by the halfway point of the second chapter. Overall, I would definitely recommend this if you would like a quick and highly enjoyable read! The romance was lovable and the story was entertaining! Four stars!! ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Just for a little extra ✨

My favorite quote: "I need him as much as I need to breathe. I need this for the rest of my life"
-Serenity ♡♡

[Candi Lynn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Shirt, sweet, spicy and Dark!

I was so excited to get an ARC copy of this amazing Erotic Horror. You meet Serenity days before Friday the 13th when the Vail between the moral and immoral world is the thinnest. Serenity is a succubus who invades dreams and feeds on fears. She comes across across Asher, a man who has his own demons who for being moral can sense her. She becomes obsessed, and will do anything. .. and I mean anything to have Asher and her be together... forever... and well ever.

I loved this, the play on the obsessed woman and being a girl that Freddy Kruger is my favorite slasher, I saw hints of him in this with the dream aspects of the story. This is a short but spicy with 85 pages of Spicy and Blood. Please check your triggers. I would recommend this to anyone who is wanting to dip their toes into Erotic horror as though it's dark and has graphic scenes, it gives you an introduction to the genre that I am glad we have!

[Alexandra Johnson]

“I am Serenity, and I am your worst nightmare.”
It’s the touch him/her and you die trope, both ways. Serenity may be unapologetically a psycho and a serial unaliver, but she’s also unapologetically herself (we love her for it). And, she’s also a badass goth succubus who loves and accepts the darker parts of herself. Asher, our mmc, struggles with his dark past and accepting who he truly is.
The spice, spices. Five out of five chili peppers. And yes, I marked the spicy chapters so you don’t have to: 1, 5, 7, 11, 13. Yes. It starts with spice. And Sierra’s spice is definitely for the smut lovers out there. She knows what she’s doing 😉
This novella is a dark erotic horror with plenty of twists (read the trigger warnings), but we can all follow Serenity’s lead and accept the darker parts of ourselves as we read (and enjoy) Beware of Nightmares.

[Megan Moser · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’m bummed this was only a novella! I wanted more!

What had started out as being a story in an anthology turned into being a spooky novella of its own. This will be the perfect October vibe book as it takes place around a Friday the 13th in October when the veil is thin.

A shadow walker takes a liking to a human on her rounds of scaring people in their dreams and decides to claim him as hers, but first he must willingly hand over his soul to her. She also is besties/ hook up friends with a vampirina.

This was spicy, dark, spooky, and a total different vibe from her previous writing and I really like it so much so that I wish it was a fully length story because I’m nosy and want all the intricate details! 😆

[Coree, The Book Devourer · Rating 4 out of 5]

First and only issue… why was this a novella? I wanted this book to be so much longer. It was amazing. Definitely check your trigger warnings and if you’re good, dive in. Serenity was the FMC that we all needed. She was unapologetically herself and she was going to get what she wanted, period, point blank.

Serenity is a succubus that gives off Freddy Krueger vibes and I was here for it… and Asher, let’s just say, he’s not as innocent as he thinks he is. I love that this alternated between both of the POVs.

I can’t wait to re-read this during Spooky season… I mean, if I can’t get the full book by then, I guess I’ll have to just count down to October. The storyline and the spice – totally on point. Pick this up as soon as it comes out.

[Dani · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a fun, intriguing and spicy erotic novella! I’m usually not a huge fan of novellas but I really enjoyed this one. It managed to have an interesting plot and characters in only 80 pages.

I love that it was the FMC who was possessive and unhinged. It was such a nice change as normally it’s the MMC who acts that way. I was living for it.

I would definitely read more of this if it ever evolved past a novella. With that being said I was still fully satisfied with it and didn’t necessarily feel like it needed more. But I would not be opposed if she did continue it! The world was very interesting and I love that it reminded me of Freddy Krueger.

I’ve had the opportunity to ARC read for Sierra’s other books and absolutely loved them. I love her writing and how well it flows. I would definitely recommend reading this for all the dark and paranormal vibes. Not to mention the spice was super hot.

[Cane (FeelinNoCane) · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is short and sweet now I want a full on story! I’m not sure if I can explain this the right way, but I’ll try. While reading, the story felt bigger than its 84 pages. So much is packed into a short span, yet it never feels jammed in, everything flows seamlessly. The best way I can describe it? Imagine Freddy Krueger as a hot succubus obsessed with you… who also kills people. 😈 If you love erotic horror and an unhinged female main character, pick this up!

[Samreadsbooks28 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
Oh my god!! This was such an amazing erotic horror novella! Sierra has done it again and I had the opportunity to read this ahead of its release and I will admit, I know I’m terrified of spiders but with this novella, I overcame my fear (slightly). If you love a novella with a Freddy Krueger vibe but with a goth succubus and a college boy who thinks he’s innocent, this is your go to!
This novella releases on June 13th!

Until next time,
Sam 📚🖤🎮

[Alyssa Hoff · Rating 4 out of 5]

Dark, Unhinged, Spicy Succubus Story🖤🌶️💀

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️🌶️

I loved the dual POV alternating between the FMC & MMC. This FMC is a super dark & unhinged succubus so be sure to check your trigger warnings! This novella centers around the FMC helping the MMC embrace the darkness within him. This was a quick, fun, creepy read which would be perfect for a pallet cleanser, to get you out of a reading slump, or to have a pleasurable distraction.🖤

[Stephanie Manzano · Rating 5 out of 5]

This novel was unhinged from start to finish and I was glued. Serenity, FMC, is demon straight from your nightmares. Shes a combination of terrifying and pure lust. There was no dull moment in this novella. Before reading, I highly recommend you read the trigger warnings. I definitely felt it had inspiration from the concept of nightmare on elm Street which made me even more excited to read. I need more!!

[Brittany Palmer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Plot ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Spice 🌶️ 🌶️ 🌶️ 🌶️
This dark and spicy novella took me on a ride (or should I say sucked me into a nightmare!?) I loved the plot of the book from beginning to end, and honestly wishing there was more! Serenity was such a funny and bad*** character to fall in love with. I love how she had the touch him and 💀 vibes! The whole Dreamworld concept definitely did give off those Freddy Kruger vibes! I would highly recommend this book to all my spooky book friends!

[Scotti · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was never a Freddy fan but could not wait to read this!! Serenity is just a Shadow Walker who has scars on her face and long nails she does use to harm Wanderers in their dreams. She is looking for a partner that fulfills her when she meets Asher...but can Asher be what she needs him to be.

I loved the writing of this short novella. Sierra always has the best writing. I love the way you can just picture exactly what is going on and really feel the characters emotions.

[Shayleen Korvemaker · Rating 5 out of 5]

This novella was absolutely captivating and it definitely kept pulling me in. There was so much going on and it kept you on your toes wondering what would come next. This was like a hot spicy and sexual female version of Freddy Krueger and I loved every minute of it. It was easy to read and written really well. I have read other Sierra Marie books and she definitely never disappoints.

[Rosie Brady · Rating 4 out of 5]

I just stayed up until 5am to read this🤣
I loveeeee Serenity and her pet Nyx soooo much!
You get Friday the 13th with spice!👻🌶️
I really like how both Serenity and Asher have a backstory and they both also grow (well, grow darker🤣) in this short novella.
The writing, spice level, and character development were amazingly written☺️

[TxMelly · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the 2nd book of Sierra Marie’s that I have read and while it was a wild ride, I did read it in one sitting (and think I’ve broken my neck from looking down so long 😂). It is more heavy on the smut than the plot but the plot is interesting and I’d like to know Serenity’s back story and what their lives are like after this book ended.

[Shanna Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was such a fun novella and Sierra out did herself again!!!

I fell in love with Serenity from the beginning. Someone who enters your dreams/nightmares and feeds of them. When she happens upon Asher and sees what he is hiding changes Serenity's forever. From the beginning to the end, you are taken on a ride of wanting. However, I will say my favorite character was Nyx...IYKYK!!!

[Charity Riddle · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm not sure I could handle having the friends Serenity has.......
What a creepy, spicy, erotica, horror, Novela. I had goose bumps 90% of the time. But I couldn't put it down. Beware of Nightmares definitely gave your 80s horror films a run for their money. While being a Novela, you still had a full story with your twist and turns.

[Nita · Rating 4 out of 5]

I went into this because I didnt remember what it was supposed to be about. For me it end up being a 3.5 star read but I can see how for some it'll be a 4 or 5 star read. The plot was interesting enough and it had nice spice.If you like FMC to be the morally black one in the relationship then this will be a fun read for you

[Bookktrovertedd · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Beware of Nightmares" by Sierra Marie is a haunting exploration of obsession and the blurred lines between reality and nightmare. The story centers on a shadow walker consumed by an intense fixation on a young boy, weaving a narrative that is as disturbing as it is enthralling. Marie masterfully crafts an atmosphere of dread, making the reader question what is real and what is merely a figment of the shadow walker's twisted desires. What I loved most was how the novella played with my perceptions, never letting me fully settle on what was truth and what was fantasy.

The strength of the novel lies in its ability to delve into the psyche of its characters. The shadow walker's obsession is not just a superficial infatuation but a deep, unsettling need that drives the entire plot. Marie's prose is evocative, painting vivid images of the dark world the shadow walker inhabits, making it impossible to look away. The erotic elements, while present, serve to amplify the sense of unease and forbidden longing, rather than to titillate gratuitously. I found this particularly effective because it made the story feel more psychologically complex and less like a simple horror tale.

Overall, "Beware of Nightmares" is a compelling read for those who enjoy dark and psychological horror with a touch of the erotic. It's a story that lingers in your mind, prompting introspection about the nature of desire and the dangers of obsession. Sierra Marie has crafted a world that is both terrifying and beautiful, making this novel a standout in its genre. The way it kept me guessing and questioning everything made it an unforgettable read.

[Harriet · Rating 5 out of 5]

holy shit, best ever even though shorter than i hoped and i was listening to 4runner right at the end and it matched the vibes when she said come play with me. this is a chiefs kiss i need more books like this in my life

[AJ · Rating 4 out of 5]

This quick and spicy erotic horror, was absolutely perfect to get me out of a slump.
Serenity fully embodies the saying “touch him (her) and 💀 Then there’s Asher that really has no idea what he’s getting himself into, but dives head first into the darkness that is Serenity.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️

[Chaotic Bookworm · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was such a fun read, being under 100 pages this erotic horror novella packs a punch with obsession, gore and spice. I loved the Freddy Krueger vibes and how it’s the FMC with the obsession.
Great little dark pallet cleanser and definitely recommend