Psychotic Nightmares

by D.E. Ranged

Natalie Baker is a nobody, or so she thinks. She gets bullied because of her scar, assaulted regularly by her boss and her colleagues. All she wants to do is die.
That is until one random Tuesday when the bank is closing down for the night and they get ambushed by a group of men in masks. The leader decides to take Natalie away with him, but what does he want with her? And why does Natalie not feel afraid of him?
Julian - Boss of the Masked bandits vigilante group and Natalie's stalker. Having had enough of watching her slowly break, he decides to take her away. Until he finds the true source of her pain when he discovers her diary. and he vows to make every single one of them pay.
Dante is Julian's best friend. and hates Natalie. so when Julian brings Natalie back to their hideaway, he vows to make her life a living hell - that is until he realises he doesn’t know the whole story. So when secrets are shared and feelings grow stronger, can he take Natalie for himself, or can they share her?

Kindle Edition

Expected publication September 1, 2026

Reviews

[Megg0na]

POV: multi person, 1st person POV
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
MMC: There are at least 2 mains and they are absolutely everything you can want in either of them. First is Julian, sweet, psycho Mr Stalker. Then comes Dante, the literal sweet beast full of hate and a secret.
MFC: again, multiple but the two mains- Natalie: a deeply flawed woman who takes shit since she’s been through so much. She’s not a pushover necessarily- she just shuts down to cope after being too strong and wanting to just stop feeling. Later comes Pea, Peacock. A fierce package who will kick ass before she knows names.
MF/MFM
Tropes: masked men, stalking, shmurder, SA including child SA, rape, abuse, torture, why choose
HEA: …
Liked: I absolutely LOVED it all. It’s dark, it’s sexy, it’s emotional, it can’t be put down. The story starts and you don’t have much of an idea of where it’s about to go. Then you’re reading along and BAM! A twist. Ok, keep going and BAM another shocker! They just keep coming… just like the characters do! Truly- the story keeps you hooked and the sprinkled in spice only gets better as it goes on.
Dislike: the way I am left with my jaw on the floor! Ahhhh

[Shaiimehri Krukow · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

ARC Review

Psychotic Nightmares completely hooked me from the start. Dark, intense, and emotional, this story doesn’t hold back. Natalie’s pain feels raw and real, while Julian and Dante bring all the morally gray tension and chaos I love in a dark romance.

Messy relationships, heavy themes, and a plot that keeps you on edge the whole time—definitely not a light read, but so addictive. If you like dark, twisted romance, this one is 100% worth it.

This is the best way I can write about it without giving any spoilers!

[Lisa clarke · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you enjoy chaotic dark romance with morally gray men, obsessive protection, and a heavy dose of psychological horror, Psychotic Nightmares delivers exactly that. The story leans fully into its unhinged energy from the beginning, mixing suspense, twisted humor, and possessive romance in a way that feels intense but entertaining.

Natalie was probably my favorite part of the book. Even while trapped in a bizarre and dangerous situation, she still has personality and humor, which keeps the story from becoming overwhelmingly dark. Julian’s obsession with “protecting” her creates a constant tension between creepy and oddly emotional, while Dante adds conflict and sarcasm that balances the dynamic well. The MFM relationship develops through chaos, trauma, and shared secrets rather than instant romance, which fit the tone of the story.

The strongest aspect of the book is the atmosphere. There’s this constant feeling of instability where you never fully know who’s in control or how far the characters will go. The vigilante justice elements and the “touch her and die” energy will definitely appeal to readers who love possessive antiheroes and dangerous devotion.

That said, this is absolutely a darker read. The characters are messy, morally questionable, and emotionally damaged, so readers looking for a softer romance may struggle with the intensity. Some scenes feel intentionally over-the-top, but for me that matched the wild tone of the book.

Overall, Psychotic Nightmares is a fast-paced blend of erotic horror, dark romance, and psychological chaos that knows exactly what it wants to be. Perfect for readers who enjoy obsessive MMCs, morally black characters, and relationships built in the middle of madness.

[Bitzreads · Rating 5 out of 5]

(I received and ARC copy of this book. All views are my own)

Wow! This was somehow one of the most darkest and twisted books while also being one of the most fun books I have ever read, there is one scene that is one of the most brutal yet fun. I know there are a few songs I will never listen to the same way. (Read the trigger warnings)

I mean all of this in a good way, I loved it and I loved the characters and I mean all of them (The Bandits), the main three being Natalie/Grace, Julian and Dante. But I think Pea and Bull also make it that much better. So Natalie/Grace, my heart just broke for her, I loved her from the beginning and enjoyed watching her grow. Julian is one of the most unhinged characters I have read, I wanted to be on his side always but well he is unhinge and Dante is complicated (not giving any spoilers) but I loved them both too. The three of them balance each other and compliment each other Tbh they are all a bit unhinged at least. The main side characters Pea and Bull are amazing and add a lot of humour and fun to the group.

The plot is dark and interesting and kept me interested and on the edge of my seat at times, I was gripped by it, it was so tense and brutal. As I said trigger warnings are important, look after your mental health. Though I think everything was written well and thoughtfully with just enough detail to make it horrific without going too far. There are also many surprises and secrets with many tender and loving moments also.

Almost forgot the spice, tbh there is not a huge amount, which makes sense, it becomes a sensitive issue and would be weird to have had it aside from where it is. But what there is is worth it and I hope we get more in the future because the three of them together are hot!

I cannot wait to see what comes next from the Bandits!

[Toxic Tomes · Rating 5 out of 5]

Review of advance copy from author

Reading Psychotic Nightmares as an ARC reader was honestly an experience I wasn’t prepared for—in the best way possible.

From the very first page, this book doesn’t just pull you in… it grips you and refuses to let go. The pacing is intense, the atmosphere is heavy, and every chapter leaves you needing more. This is the kind of story you tell yourself “just one more chapter” with… and suddenly it’s hours later.

What really stood out to me was the growth of Natalie, Julian, and Dante—not just as individuals, but as a trio. Their development feels raw and real, shaped by everything they endure. You see their strengths, their flaws, and the way they evolve both separately and together. Their bond isn’t perfect, and that’s exactly what makes it so powerful.

And then there’s Pea and Bull—without them, the dynamic just wouldn’t hit the same. They bring balance to the group in a way that feels natural, grounding the chaos while still adding their own depth and presence. They don’t just exist in the story—they complete it.

Emotionally, this book is a rollercoaster. One moment you feel torn, conflicted, questioning everything… and the next you’re filled with pure rage, completely invested in what’s happening. It pulls you into the characters’ world so deeply that you don’t just read it—you feel it.

If you love books that are dark, gripping, and impossible to put down—this is absolutely one to pick up. It’s intense, addictive, and leaves a lasting impact long after you’ve turned the final page.

[Hayley Clark · Rating 5 out of 5]

Review of Advanced Reader Copy from the author

Holy wow this book was dark!! First off all I have to say is if you’re thinking about reading this book please please please read the trigger warnings!!! Natalie is such a strong FMC who went through traumatic events time and time again from her young age to even now. She grew up with childhood abuse and tries to still be happy afterwards other than trying to commit a few times she tries to put on a happy face even at work where she gets humiliated by her coworkers due to her scars. These scars other than the ones from her childhood she gets by saving someone in a car wreck. Julian a broken but strong MMC becomes obsessed with his savior after being saved by her from a car wreck. He becomes so obsessed he becomes her stalker and is known to her as MR. Stalker as he wears a mask around her. He’s not your ordinary stalker though as he cooks and cleans and protects this fragile woman. He’s sexy, unhinged and full of darkness. Dante Julian’s best friend and the slightly less unhinged sweet one of the bandits despises her but all that changes. He’s funny and has a light personality and balances out Julian’s darkness. I fell in love with both the guys!! Also can we talk about the other bandits! Pea is such a bad@ss and I love bull!!! Also that cliffhanger has me on the edge of my seat because what?!! I can’t wait for the next book

[Angelica Ybarra · Rating 5 out of 5]

ARC Review
Release date: 9.1.26

PLEASE READ TRIGGER WARNINGS

Tropes:
Stalker
Why choose 🖤🩶
Hate to Love you
MFM 👨🙍‍♀️👨
Vigilante/Hitman
Touch her and die 🔪
Dark Past
Unhinged
Forced Proximity
Captivity
Physical Scars
Emotional Scars
Found Family

WOW!!! WOW!!!!!!

Psychotic Nightmare just consumed me from page one. It was very dark, emotional and had me on the edge with the twists.

I loved the range of characters in this story. The banter, the protectivenss, and friendship the characters have made me love them so much. Especially at times when i wanted to dislike the MMCs.

Natalie is the strongest FMC that I've read. She was groomed from an early age and is fighting to move on in her adult life. Her stalker (Julian) is helping her recover.

Julian has undiagnosed mental health problems so he has his moments where you dont want to like him or trust him. But he has his team (friends) that keep him in check.

Dante is Julian's best friend and part of the team. He has his reasons to dislike Natalie and I didnt see this twist coming.

You will love Bull and Peacock.


Found family stories are some of my favorite books when it comes to trauma stories like Psychotic nightmare.

Thank you DE Ranged for letting me be a part of your ARC team. I cant wait for part 2.

[Dawna Yorty · Rating 5 out of 5]

Here’s a polished full 5-star review you can use:

Psychotic Nightmares is a chilling and immersive read that pulls you deep into the darkest corners of the human mind. From the very first page, D. E. Ranged creates an atmosphere that is both haunting and captivating, making it nearly impossible to put the book down.

The storytelling is intense and unpredictable, filled with twists that keep you on edge and constantly questioning what is real and what isn’t. The author does an incredible job of building tension while also giving readers a glimpse into complex emotions and psychological depth. Each chapter leaves you wanting more, drawing you further into the unsettling world that has been so vividly crafted.

What truly stands out is the way the book lingers with you even after you’ve finished it. It’s not just a story—it’s an experience that challenges your thoughts and stays in your mind long after the final page.

If you enjoy dark, psychological thrillers that push boundaries and keep your heart racing, this is a must-read. Psychotic Nightmares is easily a five-star book that I would highly recommend to anyone looking for something gripping, eerie, and unforgettable.

[Amanda · Rating 5 out of 5]

ARC copy received:


I loved this book! The plot was great, Natalie was a strong FMC. I highly recommend you check your triggers! This is on the darker side.

Natalie is my favorite character. Having survived childhood abuse, (in every form) she still maintains her happy disposition. Her character is complex, her Pain is raw and real. She attempts suicide a few times, you can feel her despair, you can understand why she feels safe in a stalkers arms.

Julian is also a broken man, a survivor who quickly becomes obsessed with his savior. A tiny woman who battled a fired to save him from a car wreck. His need to protect her trumps all. He’s completely unhinged, sexy as hell and is the perfect key to Natalie’s darkness.

Dante is the sweet slightly unhinged one of the bandits. His goofy humor and light personality perfectly balances out Julian’s darkness. He keeps the light shining in Natalie when her darkness gets to be too much.

Ordinarily I don’t mention the side characters but I LOVED Bull and Peacock. Their banter was to die for. I better see them together in the next book because the sexual tension between them left me drooling!

[Bonnie James · Rating 5 out of 5]

Psychotic Nightmares is one of those books that just drags you straight into the dark and doesn’t let you go. From the first few lines, D.E. Ranged pulls you into this heavy, unsettling atmosphere that sticks with you the whole way through. I genuinely struggled to put it down.
The story is tense, unpredictable, and full of twists that keep you second guessing everything. It really leans into the psychological side of things, digging into obsession, trauma, and those messy grey areas where nothing feels clear cut. It all feels a bit too real at times, which just makes it hit harder. Every chapter pulls you deeper in.
What got me most is how much it lingers. Even after finishing, it stayed stuck in my head like a nightmare you can’t fully shake. It’s not just a quick read, it actually leaves an impact.
Check trigger warnings before reading.

[Chelsey Black · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is heavy! Read the TW carefully. You will probably go between a range emotions. It has funny moments but it also has parts that will have you want to rage or cry. The FMC has been through so much trauma and that saying that someone's life will only have so much misfortune... you just hope that the rest of her life is smooth. Julian is unhinged and takes care of her while not showing who he is (typical stalker) lol. Dante is a single dad to a sweet funny nico and is the other male lead. The friends are so good to have your back. Peacock is an amazing funny unhinged girls girl! Bull was so gentle and understanding to everyone. The villians and predators are truly awful and they do get what is deserved. It is a rough ride emotionally and the ending had me go "oh no!" So understand there is a cliffhanger and there will be another book.

[Renea Feldman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wowwwww… I completely fell in love with this book. From the very first page, it had me hooked and refused to let go. The tension, the chemistry, the mystery, everything about it was so addictive.

And can we talk about the guys for a second? Who is actually perfect for her? Dante? Julian? Because I was torn the entire time. Every chapter had me changing my mind. This is hands down one of the BEST “why choose” romances I’ve read in a long time.

But seriously, read the trigger warnings before going in. This book dives deep into the darkness and never really lets up, but somehow that’s what made it so good. It’s intense, emotional, twisted, and completely unforgettable.

If you love dark romance with obsessive tension, morally gray characters, and relationships that keep you questioning everything, this book will absolutely consume you.

[Liza · Rating 3 out of 5]

First check those trigger warnings! This was a graphic story.

The second half of the book had me glued to the pages...so if you get that far definitely be ready for the twists and turns. I liked the character development of the fmc. She is a strong survivor. I also really liked that consent and communication was discussed openly. Mental Health was another topic that was listed in the trigger warnings list.

Unfortunately the first half of the story was not my preference. It felt a little disjointed in reference to the story. Yes, the second half answers the questions from the first half...its just not my cup of tea.

Thank you D.E.Ranged for sending me this copy of a heart wrenching story. All opinions are my own.

[Sarah Barry · Rating 5 out of 5]

ARC READ FROM AUTHOR........

OMG! WHAT A READ.
This author deffinately knows how to get you hooked.
To start with i wasn't sure what I was reading or where this book was heading (if you have triggers make sure you read the trigger list as the first few chapters will hit you in the face emotionally)
But as the storyline went on it was harder to put the read down.
The amount of plot twist this book produces i ended up with whiplash as I didnt see them come. And to end the book that way, really left my jaw on the floor and me throwing my phone across the room lol
I look forward to seeing where the story goes from here

[Lucy Galvin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow i didnt not expect that to be so emotionally damaging. I cried and laughed all the way though. The story was beautifully written and heart breaking at the same time. Definitely read the triggers VERY carefully. I absolutely loved every second of it, the spicy scenes were magnificent, they were an addition to the story and not the story which some dark romance books dont do well. Now that cliff hanger was a b*tch, i literally had my hand over my mouth when I read it. I wasn't expecting one at all and my god was it good

[Cindy Luebke · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! Such a beautifully written story! I literally couldn't put it down. It had me from the very start. At times it made me angry and. But great books do that. We meet Grace who has had an unfortunate upbringing. Insert an accident and amnesia and a stalker. In comes Dante and Julian. Two smoking hot masked for hire killing machines. They both love her, she loves them. She starts to get some memories back and realizes Dante is her boyfriend from her before her accident. Choices are made and a perfect MMF situation is born🤣🤣. That cliffhanger at the end about Julian's dad...OMG! I NEED BOOK 2

[Sammie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book! I love the characters so much! I love how the Author intricately writes them. You are drawn into each character for different reasons. You will hate to love one of them but he is overall a big softy in my opinion (for the right people) I loved reading this book. This book was high emotions, and funny laughters as well. And the song don't get me started on that song ! And the ending gimme more please 😉😘

Dark themes in the book even thou there is funny bits, check your TW

[Lydia Thew · Rating 5 out of 5]

OMG I just finished reading and wow! I was hooked from the beginning and there’s a perfect balance of story and spice! The FMC’s backstory and the MMC’s stories. Lots of twists and turns and the ending! Well! I need book 2 immediately! I won’t put any spoilers but deffo would recommend this! I’m not very generous with my 5 stars but this deserves it!

[Cindy Penner · Rating 5 out of 5]

Psychotic Nightmares was an intense rollercoaster from start to finish. Dark, emotional, and full of suspense, it pulled me in immediately and refused to let go. The shocking twists kept me guessing the entire time, and the characters were unforgettable. Definitely a thriller that lives up to its name.

[Ashley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beta Team Review

I couldn't read this fast enough! I love the dynamic between all the characters! Pea is definitely the perfect bestie!

Emotions were all over the place with this one! Very well written and I cannot wait for book 2! Talk about cliffhanger 😬

Spice level was perfect!

[Arden Willow · Rating 4 out of 5]

Woah! What did I just read? This is daaaarrrk, reader is to be mindful of the trigger warnings as it hits hard from chapter one. Eloquently written it draws you in to want to know more, to see if there is a HEA.

[Andrea Gleditsch · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a story of trauma, tension and a emotional roller coaster. But it’s oh so good, well written. Loveable characters, banter and an ending that will leave you hungry for more🖤

- Multiple POV
- Difficult Romance

🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

[Carolijn · Rating 5 out of 5]

First of all thank you for letting me read this ARC!

⭐️ 6+
🌶 3,5

After all she went thru she came out stronger, sometimes a little psychotic!
And I think I fell in love with both man!

Can not wait to see what they are going to do next!

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing such a cliff hanger, loved the why choose element, very dark lots of trigger warning abuse and assaults, but it was an dark epic love story and I'm so looking forward to the next book. Fmc and mmcs were so good.

[Laura Fitzgerald · Rating 5 out of 5]

An absolute gem, it was an emotional rollercoaster and I loved it from start to finish. It had me laughing in the car park at work like a lunatic and bawling my eyes out crying.Highly Highly recommended giving it a read.

[Rae · Rating 5 out of 5]

Review TBA.. yeah it’s like that again DE ;)

[April Biggs · Rating 5 out of 5]

Omg this book was dark and beautifully written I can't wait for the 2nd one

[Lori · Rating 4 out of 5]

Pretty good book. I was a bit skittish about reading this book thinking it might too dark for but it wasn't. And the ending oh boy I can't wait for part two

[Elicia Zebroski · Rating 5 out of 5]

Read via advanced reader copy from author

Seriously good stalker romance that kept me guessing until the end and I still didn't anticipate the ending.
Cannot wait to see what happens next!!!!

[Rachae Luce · Rating 3 out of 5]

Loved the ending but it felt a little jumbled up throughout the rest of the book. It almost felt like early 2000s wattpad, which was very nostalgic to me. All in all I enjoyed the book and think people should give it a try. Go in with an open mind and absolutely look at trigger warnings before starting. The ending is worth the chaotic parts.