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Beautiful Nightmares: Volume One
In the Hallows of Old New York City, the veil that separates the Myth from the human realm has fallen. Now, monsters walk the streets, and magical crime lords rule the city. But even these monsters aren’t immune to a dash of pixie dust—and the bigger they are, the harder they fall…in love.
Books in this volume
Hunt the Wood
Steal the Sky
Sacrifice the Sea
Books in this volume
Hunt the Wood
Steal the Sky
Sacrifice the Sea
618 pages, Paperback
Published April 2, 2025
72 people are currently reading
46 people want to read
About the author
Amy Pennza
61 books839 followersAmy Pennza is a USA Today Bestselling Author of steamy fantasy romance. After becoming a lawyer because everyone insisted writing wasn’t a “real job,” she stubbornly wrote anyway—and is delighted to have proved them wrong. She’s grateful to spend her days crafting dirty, swoony books about magic, swords, and unforgettable characters. She lives in the Great Lakes region with her husband and five children.
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Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
May 23, 2025
1. Hunt the Woods
I'm a huge fan of Amy Pennza, but I was not familiar with Anna Fury's books.
The combination of these 2 authors is simply amazing.
Even though it can be read as a dark retelling of Red Riding Hood, I feel there is a lot more!
The characters, the world building, the plot, the magic, the smut (and there's a lot of smut!!!), the humor, every single detail is so entretaining that I fell in love with this book.
Wotan and Ryder are perfect together, and their chemistry is steamy hot. There is another character I fell in love with, Rune/Tower, and hopefully he'll be the MC in the next book of Beautiful Nightmares series. 100% recommended
2. Steal the Sky - A Smoldering, Sassy Delight
Let it be known: I was not prepared for the delicious chaos that is Steal the Sky. Amy Pennza has taken the bones of a Rapunzel retelling, steeped them in her signature MM paranormal goodness, and then lit the whole thing on fire—in the best, hottest way possible.
Enter Tower, our mouthy, bratty little vampire with a flair for drama and zero impulse control. Then there’s Gothel—a literal gargoyle daddy, exuding that irresistible blend of dominance and deep, gooey tenderness that makes you want to climb him like a tree and also knit him a sweater. Their dynamic? Electric. Brat meets Discipline. Angst meets Healing. Bite meets... well, you’ll just have to read that part yourself.
This book is gloriously spicy—yes, you’ll need a fan—but it’s never crass. The intimacy always feels earned, rooted in character and relationship, which is what makes Pennza (alongside Anna Fury) such a gem in the MM PNR space. They get that it’s not just about the heat—it’s about why it burns.
And let’s not ignore the delicious side characters. The family drama is thick enough to spread on toast, and every interaction pulls you deeper into the found-family vibe that makes this series sing. Jasper, in particular, walks away with way too much of my attention (and heart). If he’s getting his own book, I will be first in line, metaphorical teeth bared.
Final word? Steal the Sky is sharp, sexy, and unexpectedly sweet. A sassy, supernatural romp that proves fairy tales are better with fangs, wings, and unresolved emotional trauma. I loved every minute of it.
3. Sacrifice the Sea
Darling, if you think you’ve seen everything the ocean has to offer—think again. “Sacrifice the Sea” is not your grandmother’s Little Mermaid. It’s what happens when you toss a classic fairytale into a storm of longing, betrayal, and tentacles—and then pour a gallon of spice on top for good measure.
Ursan, our soft-hearted, tentacled sea witch who has been more or less bubble-wrapped his whole life, sheltered from the sea’s murky politics by none other than King Triton and his right-hand (right-fin?) man, the mesmerizing Ari. But don’t let the pretty faces fool you—these two rule the depths with the kind of iron-finned authority that would make Poseidon weep into his trident.
The dynamic between Ursan, Ari, and Triton? Absolutely dripping in tension, tenderness, and temptation. It’s like watching a tidal wave flirt with a bonfire. Each character brings their own flavor to this ménage à mer, and as their entanglement deepens (in every sense of the word), Ursan emerges not just as a pawn but as the anchor tying everything together—emotionally, politically, and quite literally during some of the ahem more “heated” moments.
Yes, the scenes are spicy enough to turn seawater to steam. But what truly elevates this tale from fantasy fling to literary treasure is its emotional undercurrent. Power, manipulation, innocence lost and reclaimed—this book doesn’t just splash in the shallows; it dives deep.
And the retelling? Chef’s kiss. It nods to The Little Mermaid without ever depending on it. Instead, Pennza and Fury craft a world that feels familiar but entirely fresh, like stumbling into an underwater speakeasy where the cocktails are forbidden and the clientele dangerously hot.
In short: “Sacrifice the Sea” is seductive, subversive, and sea-slick with emotion. Whether you come for the romance, the reimagining, or the salt-soaked smut, you’ll be hooked by page one—and drowning in feels by the last.
Bring a fan. And maybe a life vest. 💦
I'm a huge fan of Amy Pennza, but I was not familiar with Anna Fury's books.
The combination of these 2 authors is simply amazing.
Even though it can be read as a dark retelling of Red Riding Hood, I feel there is a lot more!
The characters, the world building, the plot, the magic, the smut (and there's a lot of smut!!!), the humor, every single detail is so entretaining that I fell in love with this book.
Wotan and Ryder are perfect together, and their chemistry is steamy hot. There is another character I fell in love with, Rune/Tower, and hopefully he'll be the MC in the next book of Beautiful Nightmares series. 100% recommended
2. Steal the Sky - A Smoldering, Sassy Delight
Let it be known: I was not prepared for the delicious chaos that is Steal the Sky. Amy Pennza has taken the bones of a Rapunzel retelling, steeped them in her signature MM paranormal goodness, and then lit the whole thing on fire—in the best, hottest way possible.
Enter Tower, our mouthy, bratty little vampire with a flair for drama and zero impulse control. Then there’s Gothel—a literal gargoyle daddy, exuding that irresistible blend of dominance and deep, gooey tenderness that makes you want to climb him like a tree and also knit him a sweater. Their dynamic? Electric. Brat meets Discipline. Angst meets Healing. Bite meets... well, you’ll just have to read that part yourself.
This book is gloriously spicy—yes, you’ll need a fan—but it’s never crass. The intimacy always feels earned, rooted in character and relationship, which is what makes Pennza (alongside Anna Fury) such a gem in the MM PNR space. They get that it’s not just about the heat—it’s about why it burns.
And let’s not ignore the delicious side characters. The family drama is thick enough to spread on toast, and every interaction pulls you deeper into the found-family vibe that makes this series sing. Jasper, in particular, walks away with way too much of my attention (and heart). If he’s getting his own book, I will be first in line, metaphorical teeth bared.
Final word? Steal the Sky is sharp, sexy, and unexpectedly sweet. A sassy, supernatural romp that proves fairy tales are better with fangs, wings, and unresolved emotional trauma. I loved every minute of it.
3. Sacrifice the Sea
Darling, if you think you’ve seen everything the ocean has to offer—think again. “Sacrifice the Sea” is not your grandmother’s Little Mermaid. It’s what happens when you toss a classic fairytale into a storm of longing, betrayal, and tentacles—and then pour a gallon of spice on top for good measure.
Ursan, our soft-hearted, tentacled sea witch who has been more or less bubble-wrapped his whole life, sheltered from the sea’s murky politics by none other than King Triton and his right-hand (right-fin?) man, the mesmerizing Ari. But don’t let the pretty faces fool you—these two rule the depths with the kind of iron-finned authority that would make Poseidon weep into his trident.
The dynamic between Ursan, Ari, and Triton? Absolutely dripping in tension, tenderness, and temptation. It’s like watching a tidal wave flirt with a bonfire. Each character brings their own flavor to this ménage à mer, and as their entanglement deepens (in every sense of the word), Ursan emerges not just as a pawn but as the anchor tying everything together—emotionally, politically, and quite literally during some of the ahem more “heated” moments.
Yes, the scenes are spicy enough to turn seawater to steam. But what truly elevates this tale from fantasy fling to literary treasure is its emotional undercurrent. Power, manipulation, innocence lost and reclaimed—this book doesn’t just splash in the shallows; it dives deep.
And the retelling? Chef’s kiss. It nods to The Little Mermaid without ever depending on it. Instead, Pennza and Fury craft a world that feels familiar but entirely fresh, like stumbling into an underwater speakeasy where the cocktails are forbidden and the clientele dangerously hot.
In short: “Sacrifice the Sea” is seductive, subversive, and sea-slick with emotion. Whether you come for the romance, the reimagining, or the salt-soaked smut, you’ll be hooked by page one—and drowning in feels by the last.
Bring a fan. And maybe a life vest. 💦
May 23, 2025
I absolutely loved this series! I'd originally read each one as they were released. I loved them enough I also bought them all in audiobook. But this set has bonus chapters and I HAD to have them! lol So if you haven't read these before, they are amazing and you should definitely take advantage of the collected sets. 5 stars
Volume One contains-
Hunt the Wood
Steal the Sky
Sacrifice the Sea
And below are my original reviews-
Hunt the Wood
'He is good and kind and real. I’m a being made of nightmares. We couldn’t be more opposite. Our power imbalance couldn’t be more pronounced. Yet in this moment, I ache to be on my knees before him, claiming him as mine.'
I loved this book! I thought it was fantastic! Great world building and wonderful characters. I loved the retelling elements of Red Riding Hood in this. The chemistry between Wotan and Ryder is sizzling and I couldn't get enough. I loved the dynamic between them. Both were very deep, well developed characters. Opposites and yet complimented each other so well. There's suspense and intrigue and I couldn't wait to see where this story would go. I love Amy Pennza's work. Anna Fury is new to me and I definitely want more! 5 stars.
Steal the Sky
“You’re a gift I don’t deserve,” he whispers, then leans in and kisses me.
I absolutely loved this book. I was completely enchanted by this world and the characters in it. Yes, it is a Rapunzel retelling, but so much more than I ever could have imagined. Fantastic world building. I love the concept of different syndicates and people's powers that can be stolen, vialed, and sold. Gothel completely entranced me, and the chemistry between him and Tower was scorching. Smoldering. There's not even a strong enough word. The gym scene?? I had to read it twice! I love the dynamic between them.
As much as I loved Hunt the Wood, this book blew me away. I'm so excited for the next in this series (because MMM Little Mermaid?! OMG), but I can't imagine it topping this one. 5 stars.
Sacrifice the Sea
This book was amazing! I've always loved The Little Mermaid and this remake was so unique and imaginative! Great world building and wonderful characters. I loved Ursan the most. He was just so sweet with an air of innocence to him. I liked Ari too, and there were a lot of sweet moments between him and Ursan. Triton I had to warm up to a little, but I loved the dynamic between them. A very fun read! The previous book in this series, "Steal the Sky" was my favorite, but now I'm not so sure because this story had me hooked! I can't wait until the next book! 5 stars.
Volume One contains-
Hunt the Wood
Steal the Sky
Sacrifice the Sea
And below are my original reviews-
Hunt the Wood
'He is good and kind and real. I’m a being made of nightmares. We couldn’t be more opposite. Our power imbalance couldn’t be more pronounced. Yet in this moment, I ache to be on my knees before him, claiming him as mine.'
I loved this book! I thought it was fantastic! Great world building and wonderful characters. I loved the retelling elements of Red Riding Hood in this. The chemistry between Wotan and Ryder is sizzling and I couldn't get enough. I loved the dynamic between them. Both were very deep, well developed characters. Opposites and yet complimented each other so well. There's suspense and intrigue and I couldn't wait to see where this story would go. I love Amy Pennza's work. Anna Fury is new to me and I definitely want more! 5 stars.
Steal the Sky
“You’re a gift I don’t deserve,” he whispers, then leans in and kisses me.
I absolutely loved this book. I was completely enchanted by this world and the characters in it. Yes, it is a Rapunzel retelling, but so much more than I ever could have imagined. Fantastic world building. I love the concept of different syndicates and people's powers that can be stolen, vialed, and sold. Gothel completely entranced me, and the chemistry between him and Tower was scorching. Smoldering. There's not even a strong enough word. The gym scene?? I had to read it twice! I love the dynamic between them.
As much as I loved Hunt the Wood, this book blew me away. I'm so excited for the next in this series (because MMM Little Mermaid?! OMG), but I can't imagine it topping this one. 5 stars.
Sacrifice the Sea
This book was amazing! I've always loved The Little Mermaid and this remake was so unique and imaginative! Great world building and wonderful characters. I loved Ursan the most. He was just so sweet with an air of innocence to him. I liked Ari too, and there were a lot of sweet moments between him and Ursan. Triton I had to warm up to a little, but I loved the dynamic between them. A very fun read! The previous book in this series, "Steal the Sky" was my favorite, but now I'm not so sure because this story had me hooked! I can't wait until the next book! 5 stars.
April 21, 2025
Hunt the Wood -
Loved these two!! Wotan and Ryder have an electric chemistry that can't be escaped.
I couldn't put this one down. i loved the storyline, which is lightly baced on the little riding hood fairytale.
It has loads of drama and spice with added banter and some being chased in the woods action. This is a must read for anyone who loves MM and monster romance
Steal the Sky -
I loved this story, i was so engrossed i didn't put it down.
Gothel, the silver fox Gargoyle and Tower the batty vampire, have such a deep, intense chemistry. Add some great banter and some scorching hot dom/sub spice, you have a book to stick your teeth into.
Lightly baced on the Rapunzel fairytale
Sacrifice the Sea -
I am sucker for a mm romance but adding another m to that and well am done for 🤣🤣
I was hooked from the beginning to the end. I loved the storyline and the character development. it was steamy and full of lust in all the right places with added betrayal and dark elements.
I'd definitely recommend it's a fabulous twist on the little mermaid story.
Loved these two!! Wotan and Ryder have an electric chemistry that can't be escaped.
I couldn't put this one down. i loved the storyline, which is lightly baced on the little riding hood fairytale.
It has loads of drama and spice with added banter and some being chased in the woods action. This is a must read for anyone who loves MM and monster romance
Steal the Sky -
I loved this story, i was so engrossed i didn't put it down.
Gothel, the silver fox Gargoyle and Tower the batty vampire, have such a deep, intense chemistry. Add some great banter and some scorching hot dom/sub spice, you have a book to stick your teeth into.
Lightly baced on the Rapunzel fairytale
Sacrifice the Sea -
I am sucker for a mm romance but adding another m to that and well am done for 🤣🤣
I was hooked from the beginning to the end. I loved the storyline and the character development. it was steamy and full of lust in all the right places with added betrayal and dark elements.
I'd definitely recommend it's a fabulous twist on the little mermaid story.
April 18, 2025
Hunt the Wood-4.5
This was a great book. I really enjoyed Ryder and Wotan together with their intense and instants connection and chemistry. This was is MM PNR that will have you hooked and leave you wanting more of these two.
Steal the Sky-5
Man oh man have I been waiting for this book! I loved Tower and Gothel. These two are hot! Gothel and Tower are perfect together and I loved how they push each other. There is drama and pain for both Tower and Gothel but their love will make sure that they get and much deserved and needed HEA.
Sacrifice the Sea-5
This was a fantastic book. I loved Ursan, Triton and Ari together. This a very hot book but also emotional and gripping! I wasn't sure of this book when I started but once I was hooked, I didn't stop! I enjoyed the drama, love, connection, steam, suspense, chemistry, intrigue, and HEA that this book offered.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This was a great book. I really enjoyed Ryder and Wotan together with their intense and instants connection and chemistry. This was is MM PNR that will have you hooked and leave you wanting more of these two.
Steal the Sky-5
Man oh man have I been waiting for this book! I loved Tower and Gothel. These two are hot! Gothel and Tower are perfect together and I loved how they push each other. There is drama and pain for both Tower and Gothel but their love will make sure that they get and much deserved and needed HEA.
Sacrifice the Sea-5
This was a fantastic book. I loved Ursan, Triton and Ari together. This a very hot book but also emotional and gripping! I wasn't sure of this book when I started but once I was hooked, I didn't stop! I enjoyed the drama, love, connection, steam, suspense, chemistry, intrigue, and HEA that this book offered.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
April 20, 2025
Fantastical Fairytales
“This is one fucked up fairy tale,” I murmur, my eyes threatening to close.
Gothel pulls the sheet to my chin. “Am I the prince or the villain?”
My voice comes from far away. “No idea, but I’m sure as hell not the fair maiden.”
Take a fairytale, add a spoonful of horror, cruelty, magic and humor, let it simmer for a while and it will give you hours and hours of enjoyable reading. Incredible worldbuilding, crazy wonderful characters, lots (lots and lots!) of MM(M) hot, steamy actions and twisted stories. Complex relationships that take you along and leave you with admiration for the chosen solutions. Loved them!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
“This is one fucked up fairy tale,” I murmur, my eyes threatening to close.
Gothel pulls the sheet to my chin. “Am I the prince or the villain?”
My voice comes from far away. “No idea, but I’m sure as hell not the fair maiden.”
Take a fairytale, add a spoonful of horror, cruelty, magic and humor, let it simmer for a while and it will give you hours and hours of enjoyable reading. Incredible worldbuilding, crazy wonderful characters, lots (lots and lots!) of MM(M) hot, steamy actions and twisted stories. Complex relationships that take you along and leave you with admiration for the chosen solutions. Loved them!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
April 30, 2025
This anthology reboots classic fairy tales with a dark, monster-romance spin: a werewolf hunter and his prey-turned-lover in “Hunt the Wood”, a gargoyle and bat-vampire pairing with dom/sub heat in “Steal the Sky”, and an MMM sea shifter ménage riffing on The Little Mermaid in “Sacrifice the Sea”. Each novella balances steamy encounters with witty banter and inventive world-building, delivering a shared-world experience that you can’t put down.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
May 2, 2025
I've already read these books but was happy to revisit these reimagined fairytales and the characters in them. Having these books in a bundle makes it easy to flow from one book to another. They are standalone books but there are references to characters in previous books so I would recommend to read it in the correct order. The bonus chapters make it even more appealing to those who have already read these stories.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
May 5, 2025
ARC review. Beautiful Nightmares volume one includes; Hunt the Wood, Steal the Sky, and Sacrifice the Sea. Fairytale retellings featuring mythical creatures and those who love them. The character development was impressive in the emotional depth and scintillating personas. The world they created was diverse and uniquely refreshing. Ryder & Woton, Tower & Gothel, and Ursan & Triton & Ari all have my heart. Absolutely LOVED this reimagining of a fairytale world. On to volume two!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
May 5, 2025
This is a compilation of previously published stand-alone stories but having them all together makes them that much more accessible.
If you are looking for a sweet, fluffy retelling of fairy tales then walk away now because this compilation is not for the faint of heart. These stories are dark, gritty, often violent and by contrast incredibly moving . The spice level is off the charts, so have you fans ready.
I received a free advanced review copy from the author and am leaving this review voluntarily.
If you are looking for a sweet, fluffy retelling of fairy tales then walk away now because this compilation is not for the faint of heart. These stories are dark, gritty, often violent and by contrast incredibly moving . The spice level is off the charts, so have you fans ready.
I received a free advanced review copy from the author and am leaving this review voluntarily.
May 5, 2025
This volume combines retellings of Red Riding Hood, Rapunzel, and The Little Mermaid. They are each brilliantly written with fantastic characters, excellent world building, and engaging plots. Along with great action and depth of feeling, these stories definitely brought the heat! If you're not into open door, do not read. Each story is perfectly paced, with great supporting casts. Highly recommend.
April 23, 2025
Sweet and sexy MM versions of fairytales with some twists in the plots. The stories were well written and fun to read. My favorite was Sacrifice the Sea, a MMM version of Little Mermaid. There are also SFW illustrations before the start of the stories are a cute bonus.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
May 5, 2025
I had read these individually but when I saw an ARC for the series I jumped at it. These books are so hot! My favourite is still Steal the Sky, I mean Daddy kink but with Gargoyles and vampires! What more do you need! Though I have to say that they are all superb! Highly recommend.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
May 6, 2025
Absolutely the hottest! Great series, that follows amazing couples that are fated and absolutely HOT! The men are made for each other but it takes a fun journey to realize it. They are all amazing and sweet, hot and the retribution is well deserved. I will enjoy reading them over and over. Well done! I received an ARC and am voluntarily leaving a review.
May 22, 2025
There are three books in this volume. It has three monsters from the Myth who help the ones they love to beat the ones who want to do them harm. I really enjoyed this book.
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews