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?

Genres: M F M, Dark Romance, Dark, Stalker

268 pages, Kindle Edition

Published August 1, 2026

Reviews

[RyssaReads]

I'm not rating this as I will be soft dnf-ing. I may return to this at a later date. The pacing wasn't doing me any favors but I just genuinely think that I'm not in the right headspace for this book right now so to avoid doing a disservice to the book, I'm going to step away for now. I may return to this at a later date.

[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]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

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!

[Altha Victorino]

Holy cow this book so went sideways. I mean who knew she had a past with Dante when she was in love with her Stalker Julian?!?? Talk about curveball. Then we find out about the daughter?

In all Julian is an ass and Dante is so loving. Weird I no but alas we can not all have perfection.

The writing was good, not a fan of time jumping ahead but it worked in this book. I read thru it quick cause I mean it was one thing after another.

Do check your triggers though cause there were alot.

[Curt Dunnam]

"Psychotic Nightmares" by D.E. Ranged is a 5-star dark romance! Natalie has lived an extremely rough life, and her struggles began when she was just a young girl. One night, she does a good deed for Julian and is rewarded with a stalker. Julian also happens to be the leader of a group of bandits. Dante, Julian's right-hand man, just happens to hate Natalie.

Things get tense right from the beginning, so it won't take long to become hooked on this story. The story is told from three different points of view: Natalie, Julian, and Dante. Dark doesn't even begin to describe some of the subject matter in this book. If you have any triggers, be sure to check the content warnings because this book has some serious ones. If you're looking for spice, this book also has some blazing-hot scenes.

I felt so many emotions while reading this book, from happy to sad to angry and then back to happy. There are quite a few surprises along the way, including the fact that the book ends with a "To Be Continued." I can't wait to see what happens next!

If you're looking for a book with morally gray characters and a complicated relationship, your search is over. You need to read this book today!

Thanks to D.E. Ranged for providing me with the opportunity to read this ARC and share my honest review.

[Jyoti Sonagara]

Psychotic nightmares
Author -

Arc read review-

What an absolute honour it was to have the opportunity to have read this and be able to review it. From the very beginning you will become hooked. It has so much to offer, humour, traumatic events, a lot of steamy stalker romance. Natalie has gone through so much and has come out so strong and ever so induced in each other. I can’t write much without giving it away. This is such a gripping book and will leave you wanting more. Cannot wait for the second book. Utterly loved reading this and even more craved a stalker like Julian.

This is officially being released in august 1st.

😈😻 👺

[Yahnna Cunningham]

⭐️ARC Review!⭐️

I absolutely loved it! The twist! *chiefs kiss*
I need a Pea in my life! This book has had me hooked since page 1!!!!

[Lydia Thew]

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!

[Hayley Clark]

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

[Jessica]

✨ARC Review✨

Fair warning, this book is absolutely a heavy hitter. Is very much IMO pushing pitch black in the aspects of how heavy some of the topics are talked about. For myself, I love a vigilante trope/story and this absolutely met my expectations! Throughout the book you will encounter moments where our FMC, Natalie, is talking directly to us as the reader….which I loved! I would like to see this in more books honestly! It kept engagement in a completely different way than I would usually be as the reader. Pea is probably my favorite character! She reminds me of Harley Quinn in a way! I will say I was sooooo frustrated at Julian, our MMC, many times!! lol He was such a dick!! And frankly I understood where Natalie’s fear of him comes from cause geez!! The way trauma is just completely in our veins, it’s tough. The twist at the end? HA!! I didn’t see that coming at alllllll. And now I need more of this crew please😊
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️

[Josiane Valiquette]

Had me completely hooked from page 1. It was dark, intense and emotional. The spice was spicy. Had me wondering what was going to happen next. Really hope the second one come out soon. Can’t get enough of Julain and Dante. Definitely not a light read, but so addictive.

[Courtney Shrubsole]

This has to be the best book I’ve read this year! The way it’s been written is amazing! An I must admit the spice level is top tier (MFM) 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️!!!! If you love a masked stalker romance with a slight twist where she is almost as dark as he is this book is for you!

Loved ❤️ - everything about this book

Disliked 🥹- the way my jaw was left on the floor at the end😱

[Brandi Holland]

I was given an ARC. As there are currently grammar and punctuation issues, I’m sure they’ll be fixed before release. This is a slow burn, traumatic and unhinged why chose love and obsession story that ends with a cliffhanger. This is my first read from this author.

[Heather Seba]

This book had me in all the feels. The authors writing style for this book was everything and then some. This is a book that will definitely set with me. I love that Natalie overcame all over her past trauma. Just a great book all around.

[Sasha]

- Stalker
- Why choose
- MFM
- Unhinged/obsession
- Touch her and ☠️ vibes
- Hate to love

If you like a bit of everything in your men (yes plural, there is more than one😉) whether he’s unhinged, obsessive, stalker tendencies or golden retriever vibes then this book has it all for you! A good read, lovable characters and a little plot twist at the end! This will be another one to add to your TBR🖤

FMC Natalie has had a traumatic upbringing and was brought up in a foster home who never treated her kindly and gave her emotional/physical scars. She is very lonely and depressed, but over the years Natalie finds herself having a stalker who watches over and cares for her, but here’s the thing..he never hides but also still never reveals himself…intrigued?👀
-
Normally you would be quite concerned having someone follow your every move knowing your routine, where you go, even entering your home, but not Natalie. She finds comfort when her stalker is around and feels safe under his watchful eye. Natalie doesn’t know it but she has protected her stalker in more ways than one, she doesn’t know until she does..

There is twists and some things in your past can’t stay buried forever…

MMCs
Julian - stalker, unhinged but protects and cares for Natalie deeply.
Dante - calmer and more level headed one, really deep and keeps his walls built high

Natalie finds herself falling into her stalkers world and she really doesn’t know what she’s getting herself into. He needs to protect her, even if it is means bringing her into the den of vipers. It is dark and dangerous and once you’re in, there’s no way out! This is where she meets the gang and this is where we meet Dante, her stalkers best friend. It is a why choose because one is simply not enough🤪 Dante has got his skeletons in the closest that brings him and Natalie closer, but he knows that bringing her into their world will change everything.
-
Can Julian and Dante come to a compromise and both have Natalie or will they fight for her one love? There are complications and big decisions to be made. Make sure to get your copy to find out!

As always, please check your TW list if you are new into dark romance, and familiarise yourself with to make sure you are comfortable before diving in!

[Ry Reviews]

Hey squirrel friends. Time for another one. And hold your socks for this one. First off, this book is FUCKED up, so check, double check, and triple check your trigger warnings before diving in.

Now that that’s settled… I LOVED this book. I have never resonated with a book more. I have also never cried while reading. And this fucked up pile of words left me sobbing. My jaw hit the floor multiple times throughout the arc of the story due to the plot twists. As messy as this book was, I can see how it would be astonishingly healing for survivors.

The gore and torture within the book are exactly what you’d expect you’d want to do to someone who abused you. The fact that the writer doesn’t make it feel “wrong”, sucks you in even more. Like a disturbing scene you can’t peel your eyes from. The smut is also smutty, especially if you have masked kinks, why choose kinks, or praise kinks. This book is good for anyone who loves pitch-black romance.

But what I enjoy the most about this book is the way the writer plays with the characters, emotions, and relationships. The writer explores found family and ideals of healing in a very charismatic way. The vigilante aspect of this book makes you question your own sanity, and you are treated as if one of the characters is speaking to YOU, which is a super fun literary trick that keeps you submerged in the story.

You find yourself hating the characters and rooting for them all in one, and worse… Understanding them. By the end of this book, I felt like I was a part of the Masked Bandits family, and it gave me some sort of hope for humanity and healing.

I cannot wait to see where this story goes. For any survivor who feels they need to regain control, this book could be extremely therapeutic for you. You can tell through the pages that the writer cares about and advocates against abuse and sexual assault. Which makes the story more beautiful.

Bravo D. E. Ranged. You’ve created a super fan.

[Lisa clarke]

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]

(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!

[Melanie Mulloy]

D.E. Ranged
Psychotic Nightmares
Coming September!

Arc Read!
4.9/5 ⭐
The kind of book that you cannot stop thinking about.
-̷-̷-̷-̷-̷-̷-̷-̷-̷-̷-̷-̷-̷-̷-̷-̷-̷-̷-̷-̷-̷-̷-̷-̷-̷-̷-̷-̷-̷-̷-̷-̷-̷-̷-̷-̷-̷-̷-̷-̷-̷-̷-̷-̷-̷-̷-̷-̷-̷-̷-̷-̷-̷-̷-̷-̷-̷-̷-̷-̷-̷-̷-̷-̷-̷-̷-̷-̷-̷-̷-̷-̷-̷-̷-̷-̷-̷-̷-̷-̷-̷-̷-̷-̷
- 𝗥𝗲𝗮𝗱 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝘁𝗿𝗶𝗴𝗴𝗲𝗿 𝘄𝗮𝗿𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴𝘀 🙏
-̷-̷-̷-̷-̷-̷-̷-̷-̷-̷-̷-̷-̷-̷-̷-̷-̷-̷-̷-̷-̷-̷-̷-̷-̷-̷-̷-̷-̷-̷-̷-̷-̷-̷-̷-̷-̷-̷-̷-̷-̷-̷-̷-̷-̷-̷-̷-̷-̷-̷-̷-̷-̷-̷-̷-̷-̷-̷-̷-̷-̷-̷-̷-̷-̷-̷-̷-̷-̷-̷-̷-̷-̷-̷-̷-̷-̷-̷-̷-̷-̷-̷-̷-̷
Julian has my heart, no matter his vices.
Natalie, our poor sweet Natalie.. a tough women despite her misfortunes.

I literally cannot wait to finish this!
𝐄𝐝𝐢𝐭 1** * 𝐒𝐨𝐨 𝐈'𝐦 𝐚𝐥𝐦𝐨𝐬𝐭 𝐟𝐢𝐧𝐢𝐬𝐡𝐞𝐝! 𝐍𝐨𝐭𝐞𝐬 𝐛𝐞𝐥𝐨𝐰
- ᴊᴜʟɪᴀɴ ʜᴀs ᴍᴇ sᴛʀᴇssᴇᴅ
- ɪ ʟᴏᴠᴇ ᴘᴇᴀ?!
- ᴅᴀɴᴛᴇ?? ᴇxᴄᴜsᴇ ᴍᴇ?!
- ᴀɢᴀɪɴ, ᴏᴜʀ ᴘᴏᴏʀ sᴡᴇᴇᴛ ɴᴀᴛᴀʟɪᴇ 😫

𝓔𝓭𝓲𝓽 2***
𝓢𝓸𝓸𝓸, 𝓘𝓶 𝓯𝓲𝓷𝓲𝓼𝓱𝓮𝓭!

- Julian still has me stressed but he still has my heart.
- I STILL LOVE PEA
- Dante? Yes! Wait... What was the question? It doesn't matter... yes, Yes, YES!
- This is very much a 'why chose' however its a slow burn with a whole lotta story.
- The Darkness? I have never read anything quite like this before but i loved every dark detail. The dark is also very much required to show us the light but do not fear! We get a whole found family and every single one of them i fell in love with.

This is a healing book. It healed (And awakened) hate i didn't know i was holding back.

The story is from 3 POVs. Grace, Julian, and Dante. and every single POV opens up more depth to the story and i loved discovering everything WITH the characters rather then waiting for them to discover what you as the reader already know. It kept me hooked on the story! It does end on a rather annoying cliffhanger though(what do you mean i have wait for the author to write?! I can't believe she won't let me see inside her brain!).
Book 2 is in the works ✨

I highly recommend Psychotic Nightmares but i also HIGHLY recommend reading the trigger warnings 🙏

[Valeria Campos]

First off, PLEASE read the trigger warnings before going into this book because this story does not hold back. It’s dark, brutal, emotional, and honestly one of those books that keeps getting more chaotic the deeper you get into it.

What surprised me most was how addictive it was. I started this thinking I’d read a few chapters and suddenly I was completely consumed by these characters and their messed up world. The tension, the secrets, the twists… every time I thought I had things figured out, something else happened that had me staring at my Kindle in shock.

Julian and Dante were two completely different kinds of unhinged and somehow I loved them both for different reasons. Julian gave off obsessive stalker energy that was equal parts terrifying and impossible to look away from, while Dante had this darker emotional complexity that kept pulling me in. Natalie/Grace absolutely broke my heart at times, and watching her try to survive and grow through everything made me even more attached to her.

The dynamic between all of them was messy, toxic, emotional, intense, and weirdly beautiful at the same time. Even with how dark the story gets, there were moments of humor, tenderness, and connection that balanced everything out perfectly.

The spice isn’t constant, but when it happens it HITS. The emotional tension and obsession honestly made it even better.

If you love dark romance with morally gray characters, stalking, masked men, captivity, emotional damage, “touch her and die” energy, and chaotic why choose dynamics, this book will absolutely pull you in.

I already need the next book because I am nowhere near ready to leave these characters beh

[Toxic Tomes]

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.

[Kayla Markland]

ARC review

5/5 ⭐️
4/5 🌶

I love the stalker trope and was hooked right from the start, but this had all kinds of twists and turns to keep the reader hooked.
Natalie had gone through so much trauma in her life that Julian aka Mr Stalker was able to help her through, even saving her from a suicide attempt. The reader immediately gets to see how the two of them care for and love each other, however unconventionally. Then you get to meet his bad ass group of friends, the bandits. Each member of the group, Julian, Dante, Peacock, and Bull have such drastically different personalities that all complement each other so well and they all have such an instilled sense of justice, wanting to protect everyone that they care about. Natalie creates a bond with each bandit, and remembers more about her past through her bond with Dante, leading to the inevitable debate of who to choose, Dante or Julian.
I honestly loved everything about this. The characters and the writing kept me hooked, it felt like a new twist on the stalker trope that I haven't read before and it felt so refreshing.
There were really only two things I didn't like about this book. The first is how much I couldn't stop thinking about it while I was forced to stop reading so I could go to work, and that it ended on a cliffhanger and I cant start reading book 2 immediately.
If you enjoy masked stalkers, why choose, and a book that will keep you on the edge of your seat I highly recommend this one.

[Angelica Ybarra]

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.

[Zany.Rin.Reads]

D.E. Ranged is a new to me author and I am so glad I gave Psychotic Nightmares a chance because this book had me in such an emotional chokehold that it literally felt like my heart was stuck in my throat. My feelings were all over the place. One moment I'm laughing from Natalie's inner monologs and the banter amongst Julian's crew members to feeling like my heart was being ripped out of my chest.

Like most books l read I went in totally blind. I know this approach isn't for everyone but it's what makes everything more impactful for me as a reader. I get so immersed in the story that I forget that reality is going on around me. That being said without giving anything away I will say this book contains some difficult scenes to swallow. So if you have concerns I would strongly recommend checking the trigger warnings beforehand. That is unless you want the raw experience like I do then dive right in because this book is possibly my one emotional ugly cry book of the year.

So many of my favorite tropes are in this book. From found family and heart wrenching trauma to hilarious banter and stabby unhinged characters. Who doesn't love a slightly disturbed and possibly psychotic MMC? I know I do.

[Lauren]

Thank you to the author for providing me with an advanced reader copy.

Psychotic Nightmares is a DARK and addictive ride. The story pulls you into a twisted world filled with obsession, tension, humour, trauma and chaos!! I loved how unpredictable the plot felt, which kept me guessing at every page. If you're anything like me, you will become hooked from the beginning.
The chemistry between the characters was magnetic creating a constant sense of anticipation. Without giving anything away, Natalie’s pain feels raw, while Julian and Dante bring pitch black spice and chaos which I love! The gore and horror elements perfectly complement the found family and revenge elements of the story in the best way! It's chaotic and gory, but provides scenes which drag you in even further.
As for spice, this book DELIVERS. The smutty scenes are frequent and well written adding to the intensity of the story without overshadowing the storyline.
This book is more than well suited to readers who enjoy pitch black romance with morally questionable masked men, obsessive behaviour and psychological horror. Please check trigger warnings before reading!!
Also, that ending!!!!!! 😮

PLOT - 🔥🔥🔥🔥
SPICE - 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️

[Twisted Chapters]

This was a ride! I honestly couldn't guess where this book was going at any point... And I'm here for it! 


I did get a little annoyed with the FMC at times, but as you read more of her story you understand exactly why she is how she is, her backstory (and honestly... current story) is heartbreaking and filled with some of the worst things imaginable that you're left wondering how someone survives that much trauma. It's no wonder that she becomes dependent on the worst stalker in the world. Julian absolutely needs one of those "how to... for dummies" books because I too would LOVE a stalker that does my washing up and COOKS! This is obsessive turned nurturing in the best way.


Whilst there is an element of dark humor, this book does deal with some heavy themes so please please check your triggers warnings with this one. D E ranged chooses violence with your emotions all the way through - this is not designed to be a comfortable read and just as you feel safe with only two pages left to go on your Kindle, BAM - you get slapped in the face by a killer cliffhanger. 

 

My favourite character award goes to Pea- we love an unhinged defender of women and champion of justice.... Who cares if she's a bit gun happy?? Everyone needs a Pea.

[Amanda]

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!

[The_first_last_page]

This story brought all the feels. The FMC is the subject of MANY different forms and levels of abuse. With that said. This is a DARK romance. There is no sunshine. There is no roses. This is raw, emotional, unfiltered and uncut. Check all the TWs if you have any.
The MMC is overly protective, unhinged, illogical and emotionally driven. Not all emotions are good to be in the driver's seat. Life lessons present themselves through the book and the characters corresponding actions determine their growth or not.
The Mask Bandits are family. Point blank, period. Together all the characters make up one of the most eccentric chosen families I have had the pleasure of reading. The plot was well developed, and as unhinged as the characters, but in a way that absolutely worked. The characters were so well diverse and developed you can't help but have a spot in your heart for most of them.
Know that the ending is a bungee jump and the shock cords are old, weather rotted and untested. May you survive the fall. Until book 2 I bid adieu.

Thank you D. E Ranged for letting me read your story a head of time, be a part of your ARC team and get to know you!

[alexis Wallace]

Holy cow was this book fun! This arc was definitely one I can see me picking back up and devouring again. It’s a pitch black, why choose dark romance with several delicious triggers as well as a menu of fine wine men. I enjoyed the plot, the characters, as well of the scenes my favorite is the “locked room” scenes lol. I loved all the characters but my favorite is Pea! She is fun, majestic in her own way and don’t take no crap. She’s also our Fmc bestie so of course she’s a girls girl! What stood out to me is the fact the author didn’t just specify one gender being brought into the assaults. She specifically states men an woman, boys and girls! As a mom of both it felt so much more than a normal dark romance. I felt every emotion that was handed on a silver platter. I was crying, screaming, giggling as well as shook. The end of the story will have you asking so many questions but don’t worry book two will definitely answer if not all then most of them. If you love spice and everything sinful this is the book for you!

[Shawna Morrison]

This book was very different from any others I’ve read. Multiple 1st person POV’s through out the book, with 4th wall breakage (to an imaginary friend). It begins with a stalker and sort of “victim” but she’s totally fine with it, in fact she enjoys his presence and looks forward to it! I enjoyed the varied cast of characters in this book, all of whom are heavily flawed and at times you hate them, question them, or adore them. It’s dark, has heavy themes, emotional and at times difficult to read (mostly during child SA flashbacks). It can get a bit slow at parts but the twists are surprising and the spicy scenes are definitely spicy spice!! We’re talking mask kinks, why choose, praise, S&M, forced org@sms, blood play, and a bit of 2 in 1 if you know what I mean. The final twist in the story ends it on a cliffhanger with lots of unanswered questions. This book is messy, chaotic, at times overwhelming, heartbreaking, with a touch of humor. Overall I liked this book and look forward to reading book two!