Nightshades: A Dark Monster Romance

by January Rayne

I’m a monster DNA experiment and her nightmares are mine.

In a world full of daydreams, I am the nightmare who haunts them.
Being kidnapped and experimented on violated me, but I love the power I have been given.
I get to inflict pain. Suffering. Fear.
And my favorite, death.
I will rid the world of the bad, even if it means having to kill the good.
Remorse? Humanity? Kindness? The little I had as a human died the day I became what people fear.
Mmm, I’m hard just thinking about it.
I do love when people are terrified of me.
Especially her.
Detective Lula Sanchez.
Her case files are a threat, and I have to protect her from the people she is hunting.
The only one allowed to install fear in her is me.
Her terror? I own.
Her thrills? They belong to me.
Her nightmares? Claimed.
When her eyes close every night, Lula will succumb to my darkness.
She’s mine.
And all my beasts agree.

This is book four in The Monster Stalker Series. The author recommends reading in order and asks that you please read the trigger warnings which are located at the very front of the book as this is a dark romance.

Genres: Dark, Monsters, Dark Romance

326 pages, Kindle Edition

Published December 18, 2025

About the author

January Rayne is a pseudonym I decided to use because it sounds better than my given name. I’m a lover of all romance and write in the genres I love most because why limit myself? I want to write anything and everything, from badass men and women to characters who want to rip each other’s clothes off. I plan to ‘take it all’ like the good little girl I am.

Reviews

[Audi♡ · Rating 3 out of 5]

"I think you’re the only person in the world that I love. I would kill everyone else, slaughter them, feed off their screams, if it meant you got to breathe for another second.”

This was my least favorite of the series.
I didn't feel that strong connection like in the other books.
Every time they got freaky, they fucked till she bled out her other holes.
She was a awful detective.
Just a whole lot of nothin goin on.

[Jeliza Torres · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was definitely the darkest book January has written and I loved it! Her body was breaking itself to accommodate him!!! THE SIZE DIFFERENCEEEE! Not only that but he’s a hybrid of Rhino, vampire, anglerfish, nightmare, etc!!! Regardless of what those mad scientists made him, she loved her mate and now pregnant with a hybrid baby! I thought it was so cute that her womb glows and how protective Shade is over her! Cannot get enough of this series! I need moreee!

[Emms-hiatus(ish) · Rating 3 out of 5]

While a fun addition to the series, it's my least favorite. I need more connection with the MMC and FMC.

[Intel Chicky Reads Romance (Kara Merideth) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Pretty good

Story: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Trope: monster stalker
Angst: 😱😱
Smexy: 🔥🔥🔥🔥

I enjoyed the story, it was super dark. I loved the other ones, but maybe this is hitting my dark limit? Similar kind of tale as the others too, but I love them all and love seeing all the old MCs hanging out in the diner with their kids, lol. If she keeps making them, I'll keep reading them!

[Kimberly Rahr · Rating 5 out of 5]

Unhinged, dark, spicy, pierced 🍆, what more can you ask for?! This book is gold! I enjoyed every unhinged moment. Shade is definitely morally black and will do anything to make sure Lula’s attention is all on him, even if she doesn’t know it yet. January does an amazing job with this one and I can’t wait to see what kind of monster she cooks is next.

[Camie Jagemann · Rating 3 out of 5]

January’s writing is so beautiful. I absolutely love this series, but this one was probably my least favorite just because I feel like there wasn’t much of a connection between the FMC and MMC, which is something I LOVED in the previous 3 books.

[The.SmuttyBookClub · Rating 3 out of 5]

***Please note that this review is mainly for my benefit as it is more of a summary of the book and may contain spoilers.***

🌶🌶🌶🌶
[ ] Abduction
[v] Actor M
[v] Addiction (M's mother)
[v] Adopted Siblings
[v] Adoption of neice
[v] Adult breastfeeding
[v] Age Gap (28 F & 47 M)
[v] Age play
[v] Airplane Sex
[v] Alien M
[v] Alpha/Bega/Omega (omega F, 3 Alpha Ms)
[v] Amnesia
[v] Anal
[v] F to F anal
[v] F to M anal
[v] M to F anal
[v] M to M anal
[v] Anal Beads
[v] Anal Felching
[v] Anal Fisting
[v] F to F anal fisting
[v] M to F anal fisting
[v] M to M anal fisting
[v] Anal Gaping
[v] Anal Hook
[v] Anal Knotting
[v] Anal Play
[v] F to F anal play
[v] F to M anal play
[v] M to F anal play
[v] M to M anal play
[v] Anal Rimming
[v] F to F anal rimming
[v] F to M anal rimming
[v] M to F anal rimming
[v] M to M anal rimming
[v] Anthology
[v] Anxiety Attacks
[v] Arranged Marriage (marriage contract)
[v] Arrangement
[v] Artist F (tattoo artist)
[v] Assault
[v] Auction
[v] Auralism Kink (sounds and voices)
[v] Author F
[v] "Baby Girl "
[v] Bar Sex
[v] Baseball/MLB, former MLB player
[v] Bath Sex
[v] Bathroom Sex
[v] Begging
[v] Ben Wa Balls
[v] Belt
[v] Best Friend's Brother
[v] Best Friend's Dad
[v] Best Friend's Daughter
[v] Best Friend's Mom
[v] Best Friend's Son
[v] Bi-Awakening
[v] Billionaire M
[v] Birth Control Tampering
[ ] Biting
[v] Blackmail
[v] Blood Kink
[v] Blood-Play
[ ] Blue Collar (detective F)
[v] Body Guard
[v] Boat sex
[v] Bookstore Sex
[v] Branding (Forced tattoo)
[v] Brat
[v] Breast Binding
[v] Breath-Play
[v] Breeding Bench
[v] Breeding Kink
[v] Brother's Best Friend
[v] Bully to Lover
[v] Butt Plug
[v] CSA (Child Sexual Assault) in F's past, off page
[v] Cage
[v] Candaulism Kink (desire to show off one's partner)
[v] Cane
[v] Car Sex
[v] Carriage sex
[v] Cat of Nine Tails
[v] Chastity Cage
[v] Cheating (
[v] Chef M
[v] Child Abuse
[v] Childbirth (Epilogue, on page)
[v] Childhood Friends
[v] Choking
[v] Christmas
[v] Church Sex
[v] Classroom sex
[ ] Claws
[v] Clit Clamp
[v] Closet Sex
[v] Cock and Balls Harness
[ ] Cock Piercing(s)
[v] Cock Ring
[v] Cock Sleeve
[v] Cock Warming
[v] CNC (Consensual Non-Consent)
[v] Collar
[v] College Romance
[v] Communication Barrier
[v] Cousins (not blood related)
[v] Cowboy M
[v] Cozy
[v] "Crawl to Me"
[v] Crime (mafia
[v] Cuckhold
[v] Cum Kink
[v] Cumming in his pants
[v] Cutting
[v] Dad's Best Friend
[v] "Daddy"
[v] DAP (Double Anal Penetration) with two cocks
[v] DADVP (Double Anal and Double Vaginal Penetration)
[v] DAVP (Double Anal and Vaginal Penetration) with fist (P) and anal hook and cock (A)
[ ] Dark Romance
[v] Daughter's Boyfriend
[v] Death of a Child (in M's past, off page)
[v] Death of Parents, off page
[v] Death of a Sibling
[v] Death of a Spouse (F's fiance in past, off page)
[v] Degradation
[v] Demisexual M
[v] Dentist F
[v] Dildo
[v] Dining Room Sex
[v] Disability (M, cant feel pain due to nervous system damage
[v] Dissociation
[v] Divorced M
[v] Doctor M
[v] Dom and Sub
[v] Dom and Subs
[v] Doms and Sub
[v] Doms and Subs
[v] Domme and Sub
[v] Domme and Subs
[v] Dommes and Sub
[v] Dommes and Subs
[v] Domestic Voilence (F's exhusband)
[v] DP (double penetration) with cock (P) and tentacle (A)
[v] DP (Double Penetration) with cock (P) and vibrator (A)
[v] DP (double penetration) with vibrator (P) and fingers (A)
[v] DP (double penetration) with cock (P) and butt plug (A)
[v] DP (double penetration) with cock (P) and finger (A)
[v] DP (double penetration) with two cocks
[v] DP (double penetration) with fingers
[v] DP (double penetration) with cock (P) and tail (A)
[v] DP (double penetration) with vibrator (P) and cock (A)
[v] DP (double penetration) with fingers (P) and butt plug (A)
[v] DP (double penetration) with cock (P) and fingers (A)
[v] DP (double penetration) with fingers (P) and cock (A)
[v] DP (double penetration) with fist (P) and anal hook (A)
[v] DP (double penetration) with ben wa balls (P) and butt plug (A)
[v] DP (double penetration) with knife hilt (P) and fingers (A)
[v] DP (double penetration) with tongue (P) and tentacle (A)
[v] DP (double penetration) with fingers (P) and Tail (A)
[v] DP (double penetration) with two tentacles
[v] DP (double penetration) with tools 😬
[ ] Drinking Blood
[v] Drug Use (weed)
[v] Drugging
[ ] DUBCON (Dubious Consent)
[v] DVAP (Double Vainal and Anal Penetration) with two cocks (P) and cock (A)
[v] DVP (Double Vaginal Penetration) with cock and fingers
[v] DVP (Double vaginal penetration) with vibrator and fingers
[v] DVP (Double vaginal penetration) with vibrator and cock
[v] DVP (Double Vaginal Penetration) with cock and dildo
[v] DVP (Double Vaginal Penetration) with two cocks
[v] DVP (Double Vaginal Penetration) with fingers and tentacle
[v] Eating Disorder
[v] Edging
[v] Electrical Stimulation
[v] Elevator Sex
[v] Enemies to Lovers
[v] Ex's Dad
[v] Ex's Uncle
[v] Ex-Convict
[v] Exhibitionism
[v] F Masturbation
[v] F Virgin
[v] FF
[v] F to F oral
[v] FFF
[v] FFM
[v] FMF
[v] FFFF
[v] FFFM
[v] FFMF
[v] FFMM
[v] FMFM
[v] FMMF
[v] FMMM
[v] FFMMM
[v] FMMMM
[v] Face Fucking
[v] FaceTime Sex
[v] Fairy
[v] Fairytale Retelling (Cinderella)
[v] Fake dating
[v] Fall/Autumn
[ ] Fangs
[v] Fantasy
[ ] Fated Mates
[v] Feet Fucking
[v] Flogger
[v] Food Play
[v] Foot Fetish
[v] Football/NFL NFL player
[v] Forced Marriage
[v] Forced Orgasms
[v] Forced Proximity
[v] Four cocks
[v] Free Use
[v] Friends-to-Lovers
[v] Friends with Benefits
[v] Frotting (Jacking off two dicks together with one hand)
[v] Fucking machine
[v] G-Spot Stimulator
[v] Garage Sex
[v] Gaslighting
[v] Glory Hole
[v] "Goddess"
[v] Gods (Dragon shifter god M)
[v] Golden retriever M
[v] Golden Shower (peeing on/in someone)
[v] Grumpy and Sunshine
[v] Gun-Play
[v] Gym Sex
[v] Hair-Pulling
[v] Halloween
[v] Harness
[v] He falls first
[v] Heat/Rut
[v] Hidden Cameras
[v] Hidden Identity
[v] Hockey/NHL player M
[v] Hood
[v] Horns
[v] Horror
[v] Hospital Sex
[v] Hot Tub Sex
[v] Hotel Sex
[v] Humiliation
[v] Imprisonment
[v] Incest
[v] Infertility
[v] Interracial (Asian M, 2 black M's & white F)
[ ] Jacob's Ladder Piercings
[v] Kendo Sticks
[v] Kinging (face-sitting)
[v] Kitchen Sex
[v] Knife-Play
[v] Knot
[v] Labia Clamps
[v] Lactation Kink
[v] Lake Sex
[v] Laundry Room Sex
[v] Lawyer M
[v] Leash
[v] Library Sex
[v] Limo Sex
[v] Lip Piercing
[v] "Little Girl"
[v] Locker Room Sex
[v] Love triangle
[ ] M Masturbation
[v] M Virgin
[ ] MF
[ ] F to M oral
[ ] M to F oral
[v] MM
[v] M to M oral
[v] MFM
[v] MMF
[v] MMM
[v] MFFM
[v] MFMM
[v] MMMF
[v] MMMM
[v] Make-a-Baby Arrangement
[v] Marriage of Convenience
[v] Married Couple
[v] "Madame"
[v] "Master"
[v] Mask
[ ] Mating Mark
[v] Medical experiments
[v] Medical play
[v] Mental illness (agoraphobia F
[v] Military (veteran M
[v] Milking Machine
[v] Miscarriage (in F's past, off page)
[v] "Mistress"
[v] Mistaken identity
[v] "Mommy"
[ ] Monster (experimented on human: rhino, nightmare, nightshade, anglerfish, and vampire)
[v] Motel Sex
[v] Motorcycle Club
[v] Mouth Gag (
[ ] Murder
[v] Mutual Masturbation
[v] Nanny
[v] NBF
[v] F to NB oral
[v] NB to F oral
[v] NBM
[v] M to NB oral
[v] NB to M oral
[v] NBFM
[v] Necrophilia kink
[v] Needle Play
[v] Neighbors
[v] Neurodivergent M, can't process or name emotions
[v] Nipple Clamps
[v] Nipple Enlargers
[v] Nipple Piercing(s) F
[v] No Happily Ever After
[v] Non-Binary (NB)
[v] NC (non-consent)
[v] Novella
[v] Nurse F
[v] Office Sex
[v] One Night Stand
[v] Orgy
[v] Outdoor Sex (Beach)
[v] Overdose
[v] Paddle
[v] Panic attack(s) M
[v] Paralytic Poison
[v] Pegging
[v] Period Sex
[v] "Pet"
[v] Pet Play
[v] Phone Sex
[v] Piercing
[v] Pillory
[v] Pleasure Dom
[v] Plus Sized FMC
[v] Plus Sized MMC
[v] Pocket Pussy
[v] Police Officer F
[v] Politics (president M, first lady F, and vice president M)
[v] Polyamory
[v] Pool Sex
[v] Postapolyptic
[v] Praise
[ ] Pregnancy
[ ] Pregnancy Sex
[v] Prehensile Cock
[v] Prehensile Tail
[v] Priest/Preacher M
[ ] Primal Play/Kink
[ ] Prince Albert Piercing
[v] Professor M & Graduate student F
[v] Prostate Massager
[v] Psychosis
[v] PTSD
[v] Public Bathroom Sex
[v] Public Sex (bus
[v] Punishment
[v] "Pup"
[v] Pussy Pump
[v] "Queen"
[v] Queening (face sitting)
[v] Reincarnation
[v] Remote Controlled Vibrator
[v] Restaurant Sex
[ ] Restraints (
[v] Reverse Age Gap (25 M & 34 F F)
[v] Reverse Harem (1 F & 3 M's)
[v] Riding Crop
[v] Rock Star M
[v] Role Playing
[v] Roommates
[v] Rose Toy
[v] Royalty (princess & prince
[v] SA (Sexual Assault)
[v] Saw Horse
[v] Schizophrenia
[v] Scissoring
[ ] Scratching
[v] Second Chance Romance
[v] Secret baby
[v] Secret Society
[v] Selective Mutism
[v] Self harm (in F's past)
[v] Sentient Object(s)
[v] Serial Killer M
[v] Sex Club
[v] Sex in a Corm Maze
[v] Sex in the Woods
[v] Sex lessons
[v] Sex on a Carousel
[v] Sex on a Motorcycle
[v] Sex on a Piano
[v] Sex Swing
[v] Sex Tape
[v] Sex trafficking (in F's past)
[v] Sex Worker (prostitute M
[v] Sexting
[ ] Shape-Shifting
[v] Shibari
[v] Shock Collar
[v] Shower Sex
[v] Single Dad
[v] Single Mom
[v] "Sir"
[v] Sissy Man
[ ] Size Difference
[v] Slapping (breasts
[v] Slit
[v] Slow burn
[v] Small Town
[v] Snowballing (passing cum from one mouth to another)
[v] Soccer (pro team owner)
[v] Social Media Influencer
[v] Somnophilia
[v] Sounding
[v] Spanking
[v] Spanking Bench
[v] Spitting
[v] Spreader Bar
[ ] Squirting
[v] St. Andrew's Cross
[ ] Stalking
[v] Stepdad
[v] Strap-On Dildo
[v] Step Cousins
[v] Step Siblings
[v] Stepbrothers
[v] Stepsisters
[v] Stockade
[v] Suicide (not a main character)
[v] Suicide Attempt (in F's past, off page)
[v] Suspension
[v] Swingers
[v] Tail
[v] Tangy Dinger (giving blow job after doing anal)
[v] Tattoo Artist
[v] Teacher F
[v] Teenagers
[v] Temperature Play (ice
[v] Tentacles
[v] Terminal Illness
[v] Thanksgiving
[v] Therapist
[v] Titty Fucking
[v] Tongue Ring M
[ ] Torture
[v] TVP (Triple Vaginal Penetration) with three tentacles
[v] Two Cocks
[ ] Unplanned Pregnancy
[v] Vaccuum Play
[v] Vaginal Felching
[v] Vaginal Fisting
[v] Vaginal Gaping
[v] Vaginal Knotting
[v] Vaginal penetration with tequila bottle
[v] Vaginal Piercings (clit
[v] Vanilla
[v] Vibrating bullet
[v] Vibrating cock
[v] Vibrating egg
[v] Vibrating Tongue
[v] Vibrating Wand
[v] Vibrator
[v] Vision Deprivation (blindfold
[v] Voyeurism
[v] War
[v] Watching Porn
[v] Wedding
[v] Wet Dreams
[v] Whip
[v] Why choose
[v] Widow
[v] Wings
[v] Workplace Romance
[v] Yacht Sex

1 M
12 MF

[neeshreads · Rating 5 out of 5]

Stars: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️ (for its type of spice? not the frequency…it’s not your average…idk anywhere from 2.5-5 because it’s dark and unhinged and this is subjective, so imma just go balls to the walls because it’s the farthest thing from vanilla🤣)

Hold up and wait a minute! *SCREAMING* January Rayne just upped the ante in The Monster Stalker Series because our MMC is dark AF and his fated mate lives for the twisted thrill and fear he instills! This was a match made in Hell and I’d jump on Shade’s motorcycle made of bones and welcome the darkness. Would I let Shade invade my nightmares with his questionable methods? That’s between me and Shade (*whispers “yeah” discreetly* 🤣)

Now, I did not read the TWs, which won’t work for some of y’all out there. I let Shade sweet talk me through the intro leading up to the TWs (nice touch btw having those be from his POV), but didn’t want to spoil anything for myself. Full transparency, this one is darker than the rest of the series, and your mental health comes first!

☠️Monster MMC x Detective FMC
🦴MMC Follows FMC
☠️He Induces & Invades Nightmares
🦴Only He Gets Her Fear
☠️Only Her 🩸Tastes Good to Him
🦴MONSTER SIZE PIERCED 🍆
☠️He Heals Her (Violent Smex/Oral)
🦴Sømnø, NC & CNC, 🩸Play, Br33d!ng

Shade is what lurks in the shadows, the reason your skin prickles with fear, and your worst nightmare. Becoming a monster DNA experiment bestowed power Shade embraces — power to dole out pain, suffering, fear and ☠️. He’s ridding the world of the bad just like those scientists destroyed what little humanity he had left. He gets off on people’s fear…especially hers.

Detective Lula Sanchez.

The only one who should be consuming her fear, her terror, her thrills, her thoughts and nightmares is Shade. So if he has to protect her from those in her case files, he will, but there’s no protecting her from him. She’s been claimed, whether she knows it or not, and all his beasts agree.

Holy. Nightmares. Shade did not mess around, okay? When he came into his full power, he was the final boss. Shade got his revenge on those who harmed him. And once he was free? Well, those committing bad acts with no remorse have something new to fear and Shade has no mercy. His methods? Terrifying. I would NOT want to be on his bad side, but would I say yes to having him protect me? Yes. Who doesn’t want a monster who legit hates the world, and only loves you? He takes the “only nice to her” trope very seriously 🤣 And underneath that rhino hide (yes, 🦏) is a man who hasn’t ever known love — his backstory is filled with trauma which will ultimately endear you to him, and make you glad he found the one person who loves him and embraces what he has to offer…in all his glory (I mean, my man’s got a 2.5ft schlong that legit rearranges her guts. But don’t worry, he shares his healing ability and she loves toeing the line of ☠️). Without Lula? I would fear for the town and maybe the world because she tampers his urges for destruction and ☠️ like no one else can.

What a crazy, dark ride — cannot wait to see what January Rayne cooks up for us next!

[spicy_book_nook · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thoughts: wow… this was 10/10 definitely recommend! Although, a bit darker than the first 3 in the series, still a banger! I sure hope there is more of Shade! I have to know how his child turns out!!!! Love this series!!!

Overall Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Plot / Storyline 👩🏻‍💻: 📑📑📑📑📑
First Spicy Scene: 23%
Darkness: 🖤🖤🖤
Red Flags: 🚩🚩🚩🚩🚩
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
HEA: YES
POV: Dual

⚠️⚠️⚠️spoilers - whole story***
Shade is a huge tatted biker that is an enforcer in a MC. He had a traumatic child hood. His dad loved to use his fists on both his mom and Shade. Shade always held back because his mom wanted better for him. But when his dad unalives his mom for trying to protect him, Shade unalives his dad. The Shallow Sinners MC finds him and takes him in.
Shade is nabbed by evil scientists and experimented on. He has rhino, vampire, nightmare, nightshade, and angler fish DNA in him. He finally feels strong enough to escape and unleashes his powers. He sha vampire speed, can heal, and drinks bl%d. He has rhino tough skin and horns… and has a 2.5 FOOT appendage!!! He has nightshade that grows on him allowing him to poison or immobilize his victims, also roots grow out of him too. His nightmare dna allows him to capture peoples minds and make them live their deepest darkest fears and unalive them this way. His angler fish dna hides his 2.5 foot appendage in its mouth. It also allows him to latch onto his mate and the dangly light allows him to see into her womb.
When Shade gets out of the facility, he immediately sense Lula, his mate.
Lula is a aspiring detective from a big city. She tried real hard to become detective, but kept getting past over being told by her family to just wait. She found an opening for detective in a small town called shallow Cove. Lula’s secret is that she loves to be scared. She craves it.
Shade immediately approaches her and plays with her fear. Shade walks the town openly and can’t understand why nobody sees his true form. Lula can because she has what her family calls the gift. But she’s not afraid of him, she is very much attracted to him. After they mate, he is inseparable from Lula. He does try to help her get her bad guys. In the end, the other monster experiments try to help and Hells harvester come offering Shade a job.
Lula is pregnant and clearly the child is like his daddy.

[Rachel · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭐⭐⭐⭐.25 / 5
Heat level: 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️ / 5 (4 for content, maybe a 3 for frequency)



I feel a little speechless after reading this. January Rayne writes some of the most creatively obscure characters that are refreshing in their individuality. Every time I think we have the most morally black monsters, January goes and writes a new book that dazzles me with an MMC even darker than before. Have you ever been sort of horrified and intrigued at the same time? No? Well that describes my thoughts for the first half of this story. Super interesting, but it's dark and rather disturbing. Check those content warnings and don't take them lightly, in fact for anyone who has triggers maybe read them twice.

Shade had a rough life, made tougher by being a science experiment. A monster that is a monster for a reason. I had mixed feelings in the beginning, he was nothing but rage and nightmares. The nightmare aspect of his spliced DNA is incredibly intriguing, I honestly wanted to find out more and how his powers/talents would evolve. The angler DNA....ahem... the teeth (IYKYK) I just need a visual, for science....


Lula is the most recent arrival in town. Overall I enjoyed her character. I have never loved the female cop/detective in romance just because I don't usually enjoy the dynamic, but I will say that I think it worked with the storyline. I think she handled all of Shade's otherness like a badass.



I really loved seeing all of the past characters from the other books in the series in the background of this story. I am really hoping to see Caden getting his own HEA in a future book, or even a subplot of him finding his mate within a story if he can't have his own. If I had one complaint it would be that I wanted more. I wanted to see more of Shade and Lula's life together, but that's just me being greedy.


I recommend this book to all of my dark monster romance readers, but PLEASE read those content warnings because this book is not for the faint of heart. I will be eagerly awaiting any future books in this series.

[April Nicole · Rating 5 out of 5]

January by far is one of my authors who's creativity knows no bounds. This book is a testament to that. She has again for the 4th time created something so unique and unheard of. First I have to warn y'all this is dark. Luke dark dark horror movie meets romance. in dark romance there's no such thing as too dark so let's just get that out the way. if you can't handle the blood and gore as well as just the overall animalistic and primal nature of the MMC then this isn't for you.

Now that we've established the darkness what truly matters is the cohesiveness and detail as well as world building. Look past the savageness and see what she has created.

Shade was already a little broken as a human. Than he was taken and broken completely only to be rebuilt. Rebuilt as something out of literal nightmares. Despite the so called "evilness". he went after the people who deserved it. The fact he derived pleasure and sustenance from it is another matter.

That's where the FMC enters. Lula is literally the other half of him. She completes him in a way no one or thing could possibly hope to. She is accepting of him and who/what he is. For the first time in over 10 years he experiences to be loved again. Watching the evolution and growth of their relationship was just beautiful. She accepts him for who he is and doesn't try to change him.

So many FMC will be squeamish or appalled at his behavior. Our dear Lula just loves it and him.Sje accepts him for he is and even goes so far as to help with his feeding needs. Turning the other cheek.


I want to end with telling y'all Shade makes creed look like a teddy bear. I can hardly wait for the next book. It'll be so fulfilling to see how their child comes out. I remember in of the other books they had to put a leash on creeds son. I'm hoping for an absolutely feral crotch goblin from these 2.


I received this an arc and am under no obligation to leave this review.

[K · Rating 5 out of 5]

😲😲😳😍😏
My flabber has been gasted!
Plot 5/5
Spice 2.5/5- but my goodness this isn't your run of the mill spice!
Monster / Human
CHECK YOUR TRIGGERS!

I'm a little lost for words on this.. Shade isn't anything like we have seen in previous books in this series. He is definitely darker, from his past to what they changed him into, he is the definition of nightmare! Lula has a few screws loose ( don't we all) as well and seems to be the perfect match for Shades brand of insane!

This book has my jaw dropping on numerous occasions! First and foremost, Homeboy has a 30 in 🍆.... I don't know if you are like me and need visuals but let me put that into perspective... from my shoulder to my finger tip is 29 inches ( yes I measured 🤣) meaning HIS 🍆 IS BIGGER THAN MY ENTIRE ARM!!! Then there are the numerous times he basically unlives Lula during their sexy times because again bigger than my arm!!! Then the rhino horn scene 😳😲 my god...

Anyways to end this... 💯 read this book! just do it! Totally worth it!!

Favorite quote:
“I am your worst nightmare,” his voice softens for the first time, “and you are my sweetest dream"

[Marina Maia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Depravity? ✅ Dark romance? ✅ Angler fish inspired appendage? ✅

Shade is the the newest addition to the monster DNA experiments living in a Shallow Cove. He's got trauma (who doesn't love a man with some trauma?) and feeds off people's fear.
Lula is fantastic, and Shade is perfect for her in every way.
You get a good backstory from Shade, and you get a morally gray FMC who loves him no matter what.
Don't go into this book expecting a realistic, wholesome romance full of fluff. This is dark, depraved, gorey, and just all around a little messed up - but I mean that in the best way possible. Make sure to check the trigger warnings before you indulge; this one is the darkest of the series so far.
You don't need to read the rest of the books to understand what's going on in this one, but I recommend reading them in order anyway. There are a few mentions to other characters from the first 3 books, and the experience is more worth it when you start at the beginning to see how Shallow Cove is evolving throughout the series.
Overall, this is a great addition to the series and I can't wait for more!

[Mary · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars, I might even lower the rating bc the book was really boring when the characters aren't together. There was like three smut scenes in the entire book and the rest were just the MMC killing random people and criminals for fun and getting into their heads and worst fears but it gets so old. I just skim past it all when he starts to kill anyone. I really think the book would have been way better with more smut and more interactions with the MCs. I liked the MCs' personalities and looks but I couldn't care about his tragic backstory that spanned like an entire chapter or more and everything was in italicize that annoyed me.

I like size difference but this def took it a bit too far and other than the shock factor I didn't really like it. And I feel like we could have gotten some more fun scenes given his genes but we didn't. I liked this even less than book 1, since book 1 had more noncon and smut and a more coherent plot than them going on murder sprees for no reason. I didn't think this book was darker at all just more gory. I don't think I'll read more works by this author as it falls flat and doesn't entertain me.

[Britany | SouthernAsianReads · Rating 3 out of 5]

Would Recommend

When I heard there was a new addition to the Monster Stalker series, I knew I had to read it. Sometimes you just need some monster smut to get you through the week.

Shade, like the other leads before him, became a monster due to experimentation. HOWEVER as this is the darkest of the series, he is the first lead that wasn’t what you’d consider a good person prior to being taken. He seemed to enjoy some of what was done to him in the institute and when he gets out, he’s not exactly excited about a fated mate since she's distracting him from what he wants to do, which is unalive people.

Don’t worry. He becomes just as obsessed with Lula as the others do their mates.

Now if you’re looking for a 7.5 ft tall green MMC, with a 2.5 ft long third leg that will literally break your body and blow out the back of your head during sexy times, then this is the book for you! Don’t worry, he’ll put you back together afterwards. 🤣

Sadly this was my least favorite of the series and I feel like it had a little less plot. BUT it’s still a good time. I don’t think anyone will ever top Creed for me though.

[MaCayla Oliver · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow!! Just Wow!!

From cover to acknowledgement this book was unhinged perfection. This was my most anticipated book of the year and it blew my mind away with how phenomenal it was. I knew I would love it but hotttt sins on a cookie.

Lula: We get to see her darker side, her sweet side, and how she just handles all the crazy things Shade throws at her. She is absolutely perfect for our little supernatural town and for Shade.

Shade: what a monster, what a monster what a monster. (In my best singing voice) I cried, gulped and giggled so much during his chapters. I normally don't blush while reading but I sure did during his scenes. He could come into my nightmares anytime he decides. I need more of his conversations with the other experiments. (IYKYK)

Caden: get my man his mate already!!! I don't cried for him!!

I think this has become my favorite Monster Romance book of the year, because my soul says so. Thank you so much author for this amazing experience!!


Highly recommend this book and the author.

[mangotango]

Nightshades by January Rayne

This wasn’t my favourite book in the series. I enjoyed the first three books and I loved Snapdragons and Hollyhocks, so my expectations were fairly high.

My main issue was that Shade and Lula don’t really meet until around the 50% mark, and this book is already on the shorter side. I understand that Shade spends the first half stalking her, but I kept wishing for actual interactions between them and for some kind of relationship to begin earlier. When they finally do meet, everything feels rushed.

There is a moment when Shade meets the rest of the monsters and then the demon MC group, and while that scene was fun, it only highlighted how much I wanted more interaction overall. This book felt like it was missing the camaraderie that worked so well in previous installments, especially between Lula and the past heroines.

Even so, I still like this author and I will continue reading her future books. This one just didn’t quite hit the mark for me.

3 Stars ⭐⭐⭐

[GracelinaReads · Rating 5 out of 5]

Shade and Lula

Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️

This book was such a rollercoaster ride! I was torn between supporting the MMC and not, but by the end, I knew Shade had won me over. Is he really the bad guy? Depends. Will you understand his methods? Debatable. But I get it. I do.

Shade is much darker and more cruel, and I thoroughly enjoyed every moment of it. Throughout the book, I found myself questioning my own thoughts. The red flags were actually green, and I couldn’t have been happier about that. January pushed my limits and I would gladly beg her to do it again.

Those spicy scenes were intense, and I know I should be worried, but I’m not. Lula was meant for Shade, and I don’t know who else could handle the pain he inflicts. Still, I salute her!

If you crave something darker, not gentle or cozy, THIS IS IT. Shade is ROUGH! He loves roughly , brutally, harshly , and painfully. If you love pain, then he is for you!

Lastly, read your Tw. It’s not for the faint of the heart.

[Ashley Van Durmen · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a bloody good time this was! Nightshades is Book 4 in the Monster Stalker series.

If you are a fan of Monster Romance with an Unhinged Monster DNA Experiment, Morally Grey FMC Detective, Massive Size Difference, Praise, Breeding and so much more, this one is for you!

In this story we meet Shade, who has been experimented on and turned into a blood hungry monster of a man who feeds on nightmares. Then when he catches the most intoxicating scent he won’t let anything come between him and what is his.

Lula is a new detective in town and trying to find her footing when all these gruesome murders start happening, little does she know the monster lurking in the shadows is her mate.

What I loved most about this story is how Lula accepts Shade no matter what, it doesn’t matter he is a gigantic monster with an interesting angler fish nether region 👀 She sees him for who he truly is and the nightmares he has overcome. Shade without a doubt is obsessive/possessive, the epitome of touch her and be unalived - no one can fuel her nightmares but him 😏

Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️

[Amy · Rating 5 out of 5]

January has outdone herself with Shade. She always flawlessly puts together these monsters with their mixed DNA. Their abilities and everything just make the story. And come in, nightmare!? That's fantastic! I absolutely loved the nightmare part of him. It definitely seemed to be the strongest part of him. He was a super dark character, but I enjoyed him immensely. Lula was awesome too. She's strong. She has a supernatural ability as well. But she also has a secret and it makes her so well matched to Shade. They complete each other perfectly. I was so sucked into the story that I was shocked when I got to the end. I didn't even realize I was that far through. 😂 Shade was a perfect addition to Shallow Cove. I really hope we see more of him and the rest of the monsters talking, etc. Creed and him were especially funny. They are so much alike. I absolutely loved every bit.

I received a complimentary copy and am voluntarily leaving my honest review.

[Alicia Bish · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thought creed was the best but I think he’ll just have to hold a special place in my dark demented heart now…

Shade I would describe as sick, depraved, and bloody.
Lula I would describe as stubborn, determined, and quick witted.

These two were worlds apart literally and I was here for every wicked, dirty, and explosive word of it. January you my friend are my demonic little hearts love interest. This book was promised to be absolutely the darkest yet and you did not miss the mark. Please for all that is in black in the world of romance give me just a chapter in the future at some point because I see creed and shade getting into a hell of a good time together years from now!

If you don’t have a hard stomach for dark romance do NOT read this book but if your like me and have a wicked dark mind and love to read about the deranged minds of the villains in this world do yourself the favor and read the book you won’t regret a word of it 🖤

[Cheryl · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lula is a detective. She is trying to solve a string of murders. Shades never asked to be turned into an experiment but now he would never go back to being a "regular" human. He is stronger, more powerful, can self-heal, to name a few.

Shades is a walking, talking red flag. Yet, I can't help but fall in love with Shades. His relationship with Lula definitely felt like a hate to love relationship. Only Lula can get away with calling Shades "Shadey". I will be dreaming of Shades. No nightmares for me.

"He might be a nightmare, but he is my absolute dream. My soul says so."

Having recently watched Guillermo del Toro's version of Frankenstein, I am shouting it out loud that January Rayne is the female version of Guillermo del Toro. There you have it. I said it. If you love your monster romances...Extra Extreme, then you are going to love January's writing. This newest book is amazing.

[Christy Davisson · Rating 5 out of 5]

BE READY THIS ONE IS DARKER & MORE TWISTED THAN THE OTHERS!!

Well I can't believe I'm saying this but January brought a even more twisted and disturbing story with Shade & Lula and I'm so here for it!!

These two are perfectly matched for one another where she craves his nightmares and he feeds on her fears making them a twisted pairing.

What can you expect with this latest spliced DNA experiment: He's dark, twisted, and craves violence even after he finds his mate. He is a mixture of some seriously wild DNA and he has the most unique manly area so far lol. The FMC is a detective who has her own dark secrets with her twisted need for fear bringing her desires to life. You will have a lot more gore, darkness, and twists in this one!! So make sure you check TW beforehand and read responsibly!!

If you want a twisted witty dark PNR this is A Must Read!! Grab it now and get lost in the madness that only this author can deliver!!

Overall: 5/☆☆☆☆☆
Spice: 🌶🌶🌶🌶

[Rissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book four of the Monster Stalker series is just as amazing as all the others.. this is hands down my favorite monster series everrrrr
This story is about Shade and Lula, both of their pasts aren’t easy but that’s what make them so strong. I had mixed feelings about Shade at first, but once his story comes to light you understand why he is the way he is. Nightmares is all he knows. Until his dream comes along…
Lula is the newest detective in town, looking for something to satisfy her hunger for the thrill. She wasn’t expecting it to be a monster, her monster.
I typically don’t find myself reading female cop lead stories but I really enjoyed this one. Lula really showed her strength and independence, let alone her devotion and love to her mate. She would do anything for him and vise versa
I also really enjoyed the tie in of all the other characters from previous books! It was such a cool little addition to see where they are now and hearing about their families growing!

[Paige Reading Books · Rating 5 out of 5]

Once again, I’m absolutely blown away. I have loved all of Januarys characters, but these monster experiments hold a special place in my heart. Shade was no different, and fits right in with Creed, Rhett, and Holly.

Learning about Shades backstory literally had me sobbing. He did not deserve any of that, and I’m so glad he has Lula to help him deal/heal how he wants to. Lula is also a badass in her own right. She can hold her own against basically anyone (human at least). She was built for and compliments Shade so well. I love that they balance each other out, that he can be softer and a little vulnerable with her and she is able to get the thrill and “excitement” she craves.

I was on the edge of my seat while reading Nightshades, and I am again waiting patiently for what comes next from January 🖤

[Amber · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Darkest Monster yet!

Shade is another DNA experiment and he’s darker than the rest. Part Rhino, Shadow, Vampire, Anglerfish and experiment like Shade should not be unleashed into the world, but as a human he lived by a code from the MC club that took him in and now as a nightmare that code still holds true. He goes after the “Monsters” in human form. Oh the irony he might be a monster created in a lab but he hunts those monsters that made him and do worse. And Shade at first does his thing and hunts using his Shadow of Nightmares and feeds but one whiff of Lula and he hunts for his mate even before he knows what the term means. Shade’s trajectory changes completely when he goes after Lula. It’s cute the way he’s so protective of her and how he just goes after all her suspects so he can have more time with her.

It’s a must read but beware it’s Dark.

[Laura Chandler · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very, very well written. I feel that there should have been more...

***NO SPOILERS***
As far as "monster romance" story wise - 5⭐.
There are a few smexy scenes - 2🌶
Characters and world building are top tier. Nightmare scenes are excellent!
The story overall has a stable pace.
I feel that the interactions with established characters and new characters started strong, then ended stilted. Leaving me wondering why those scenes have zero follow up.
The feeling that there is potentially soooooo much missing from the overall story is really bumming me out.
All in all, it is a great well written book. Just wish there was more to it.

[Reba Densley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Holy crap, this book left me utterly speechless! I absolutely love everything by January Rayne and this book is among the others that in no way disappointed me. I am obsessed.

As soon as I dove in, I could not put this down. I was hooked from the very first page. I am not sure that I can even put into words how off the charts this book is. It's just that good. It's something you need to just dive on in and start. You won't regret it.

[Rose G · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! Just Wow! January Rayne you did it again girl👏🏻 This book hit it right out of the park with every page! Shade and Lulu together was just right and how they were fated mates to one another made it better❤️
All the little surprises in it, made it worth wild and I can’t wait for more. From the first page to the end😉
Remember everyone to read the trigger warnings because this book might not be for everyone.

[Angel · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've been DESPERATELY waiting (not so) patiently for this book and not that it's here I've devoured it! I think this one has replaced my favorite in the series! I feel that this one is a little bit (a pinch) darker than the other but you know what, I'm here for it! Shade is incredible! Lulu is as well, I lived how she handled everything. I will not be giving any spoilers away, you'll have to read this for yourself, so run and grab your copy today!