While She Sleeps

The Dirty Heroes Collection #3

by Dani René

Dangerous. Unstable. Obsessive.She believes in fairytales and awaits her prince. But I arrive at her doorstep and I'm far from royalty. The shiver down my back tells me he's there. As if he were touching me. Cold, angry, aloof-he's everything I don't need. But I can't turn off my attraction when he's near.My sleeping beauty doesn't realize just how dangerous I am. She trusts so easily, smiles so beautifully. And while she sleeps, I watch. With each passing night, I become more addicted. Until I'm a man obsessed. I feel his gaze on me, watching while I sleep. He pushes me away in the light, but in the dark, he comes to me like a moth to a flame. I crave it. He doesn't know just how broken I am.I believed she was the light to my darkness. But it turns out my sleeping beauty likes to dive into the shadows alongside me. She's mine, but that decision could kill us both.

Genres: Dark Romance, Dark, Romance, BDSM, Erotica, Retellings, Smut

392 pages, Paperback

First published April 27, 2020

About the author

Dani is a USA Today Bestselling Author of dark and deviant romance with a seductive edge.

Originally from Cape Town, South Africa, she now lives in the UK where she explores old buildings and cemeteries while plotting her next book.

When she's not writing, she can be found binge-watching the latest TV series, or working on graphic design either for herself, or other indie authors.

She enjoys reading books about handsome villains and feisty heroines, mostly dark, always seductive, and sometimes depraved. She has a healthy addiction to tattoos, coffee, and ice cream.

You can find more information on her website, www.danirene.com, or find her on social media, Instagram and Facebook being her favorites. Along with her newsletter, which you can sign up for here - https://bit.ly/DaniVIPs

Find me online: Facebook Page | BookBub Page | Instagram | Amazon Page | TikTok | Pinterest

Reviews

[Ꮗ€♫◗☿ ❤️ ilikebooksbest.com ❤️ · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sleeping Beauty and her Broken Prince!



A twisted fairy tale of a Mafia prince who was promised a ten year old girl to marry on the day she turns eighteen. The arrangement set up between his father, the King of Chicago and his father’s best friend. The Prince decided he wanted nothing to do with the kind of kingdom his father ruled over and ran away but never forgot the girl that was promised to him.

I enjoyed this twisted fairy tale but there were certain things about the story that didn’t quite make sense or maybe were over-complicated or even a bit too coincidental to make sense. So I’m trying to figure out how to structure this review and be able to give you that information without saying too much.

What I liked about this book:

The way the romance between Logan (Screen Name: Broken Prince) and Vera (Screen Name: Sleeping Beauty) began as an online relationship on a web site for people with fetishes or kinks that are outside the norm. They seemed to have the same fantasy in common and while Sleeping Beauty sees it as dark and deviant but basically allows herself to fantasize, Broken Prince thinks it makes him a monster.

When they got together the romance between Logan and Vera was extremely hot. Though Logan seemed overly tortured at times. I liked the pace and the background given. I liked that Logan stalked her and wanted to protect her. I liked that Logan was afraid his deviant desires would overtake him and he would hurt her so he was cautious despite the fact that Vera was unafraid.

What I didn’t like about this book:

I didn’t like the fact that Vera seemed so much more grown up and clear headed than Logan. I get tortured and moody, but sometimes he seemed a bit of a wimp. I mean he went on about hurting her when she was sitting right there saying look at me, I’m fine, you didn’t hurt me. Though I did like the pace of the relationship, it took Logan a bit too long to see that he wasn’t really a monster.

There were several things that needed further explanation. For example when the were first online as SB and BP, it seemed that they just found each other randomly on a dark site because they had similar fantasies and needs. However when Logan comes to the town where Vera lives and sees her, it seems like he’s been keeping tabs on her ever since she ran away from Chicago when she turned eighteen. So was he stalking her on the web or was it all a coincidence?

Then I just didn’t get some of the things that happened later in the book. I didn’t understand all of the motivations behind why certain people did certain things. Like when his father finally caught up with them. Why did he do what he did at the cabin? It didn’t really make much sense to me with how things turned out later. Though I have some thoughts, I just wish it was made more clear.

Overall I liked the story, it was a good twisted fairy tale/stalker/captive romance with a bit of strange kink added in. I am going to check out the rest of the books in this series!

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Blog|Goodreads|Facebook|Instagram|Twitter|BookBub

[JadeC · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 stars! unique read! the front part was really good but it kinda fell flat towards the middle and end.

“I know. I mean, I brought your breakfast, and then I saw you lying there, beautiful, dreaming, and I couldn’t stop myself." His words are pained.

so basically, this is the dark and twisted version of 'Sleeping Beauty'. Logan, aka Broken Prince, first met Vera when she was just 10 years old. he later learns that she will be his future bride but he felt disgusted about the entire situation and walked off. Vera always thought that Logan despises her but little did we know that Logan had never forgot about Vera, even after so many years.
fast forward to some years later (i can't really remember), Logan and Vera met again but its through this website that allows people with a 'unique' fetish/kink to share. Logan thinks that he's a monster. He has somnophilia and basically becomes aroused by someone unconscious (it's referring to sleep in this context btw). At the same time, Vera revealed her desire to be taken in this manner. She fantasizes to be taken like a rag doll and to wake up with the scent of him on her skin.

but of course, Logan refuses to give in because he's so sure that he will only put Vera in danger. however, the repetition of him being a "Broken Prince' and his stubborn attitude really makes me wanna slap him because it's too much! Logan then proceeded to kidnap Vera in an attempt to keep her safe.

Also, we do get some family drama starting from the middle till the end. but there's quite some parts which doesn't flow very well.
all in all, i like the idea of Logan's character and basically how you're exposed to a new world of.. fetish? hmm anyways, when Logan finally gives in to his desires, it's really hot. recommended for anyone who enjoys dark retelling or captive romance!

[Philomena Callan Cheekypee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh wow. This is a brilliant retelling of Sleeping Beauty. If you’ve read anything by this author you will know she has her own unique way with words and she certainly wrote an amazing story here.

Logan believes he will never find a woman that will agree to his certain needs. He doesn’t realise that Vera has her own needs. These two are wicked together.

Fantastic storyline that had me gripped from start to finish. Can’t wait to read more from this author. I highly recommend this story.

[Sonia · Rating 4 out of 5]

A take on Sleeping Beauty- somnophilia galore!

I didn’t know I liked somnophilia until earlier this year, and this book’s storyline centers around it, but in this case, Sleeping Beauty craves it…

Vera has been chatting online with a man, a man that has uncommon interests, a man nicknamed BP (Broken Prince) who gets turned on by sleeping women, more specifically, watching Vera sleep. She also has “unusual” sexual fantasies , and she’s always wanted to explore them. She likes to be watched, especially if she’s sleeping and if the man she’s with does somnophilia. BP, or Logan, has been watching her for two years, ever since she turned 18, and he wants her. They agree to meet in a place and when they do, he makes sure she doesn’t see his face- because if she does, she’ll recognize him.

10 years before, when Vera was 10 and Logan was 20, there was a contract drawn for an arranged marriage for them- except that Logan saw a 10 year-old and decided he couldn’t do it. Well, that forced his dad’s hand and he ended up influencing some things that were set to happen when Vera turned 18, so Vera ran away… but Logan found her… and he wants her now…

Somehow, they end up gravitating toward their kinky likes; it’s almost like they were fated to be together. Buuuuut… Logan hates that he only gets turned on when his woman is sleeping. He’s watched Vera sleeping, and he instantly gets aroused; he thinks he’s sick because of it (and he continues to think this through most of the book 😏).

There is so much buildup to smexy times. The beginning was intense, with their back-and-forth messages and even their quick meet-ups. Then, he’s forced to kidnap her- and I expected things to get steamy quickly, but it doesn’t.

There’s some appetizers that happen along the way, and although Logan doesn’t hit a home run, he makes sure that Vera feels pleasure 🔥🥵😅. We have some somnophilia, tying up, some CNC, some chasing scenes 🔥🥵some breath play, some throat grabs, shoot- she even passes out from how intense her O was once. Finally, at about 80%, we get some home runs😬😅💦🥵🔥. How he uses her underwear… as a helping hand for himself and as a way to shut Vera up… was very 🔥💦.

There was a twist towards the end I didn’t see coming- the “mastermind” behind their union/arrangement- but even this needed more details. The ending felt rushed to me- but I still enjoyed it.

I loved the epilogue ❤️. Overall, I wish the book was longer, that there was more darkness when it came to the somnophilia (he always restrained himself- but I wouldn’t have minded if he just unleashed the beast 💅lol🙈), and that the ending wasn’t rushed.

⚠️safety squad⚠️
-no cheating/owd/omd
-although he’s been watching her for two years, it’s unclear if he was with ow. It seems like he was celibate.
-people get killed (it’s dark and the mafia world)
-somnophilia
-breath play
-CNC

[mia · Rating 2 out of 5]

Somnophilia of sleep (a paraphilia in which an individual becomes sexually aroused by someone who is unconscious, as defined in this book) is a theme that is becoming more prominent in books. And I of course was interested in this since the title itself had some promise of it. Or so I thought.

⚠️: kidnapping, stalking, one scene of chase play, breath play

The blurb was interesting - a retelling of Sleeping Beauty in a twisted way with the man having stalker-ish vibes, like doesn't it call out to you? But the book did more telling than showing, unfortunately.

I liked that both Vera and Logan were into the same fantasies because similarities would help them to build their relationship faster. They met each other on a website for people with different kinks/fantasies and connected, I liked the initial banter between them. But all of this was short lived.

It was a lot of "I wish" instead of "I'll do it". By the time some action actually showed up it was half way through the book, which was a little too late to make up for the low rating. I also felt like there was discrepancies in the plot because some of the events were told as something in a previous chapter and then told as another in the next chapter, I was confused on what am I supposed to follow. In comparison to Vera, Logan seemed a little immature to me because it was the same theme of "I'm broken, I'm not good for you" for 80% of the book. Even when Vera was ready to move forward with Logan, he always took his space and left her alone especially when communication was needed. I felt like he was slowing down the pace of their relationship development because he was really hesitant to move forward. Vera definitely wore the pants in their relationship 🤣 I also didn't really like the plotline of them knowing each other when they were younger and then reuniting again. There would have been a greater impact if they remained strangers, because then the unnecessary family drama wouldn't have happened which dulled the whole book.

Smut wise, it wasn't as taboo as expected either. I felt like it was really borderline smut. Maybe it's too late to save my smut expectations 🤣

Overall, the book title explains how I felt about this book - I'd rather sleep.

[Steph's Romance Book Talk · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.25 Stars / 4 Steam Fans

While She Sleeps is a dark fairytale retelling of Sleeping Beauty.

Video review available in Week 25: Jun 14 – 20 weekly book reviews.

For other video book reviews, check out my YouTube Channel: Steph's Romance Book Talk.

[Jac K · Rating 3 out of 5]

I thought this was ok, but didn’t have the awesome experience so many other reviewers did. It’s not bad; I just found parts boring AF. This is the third book in the Dirty Heroes Collection, a multi-book, multi-author series of fairytale re-tellings. A wicked queen opened a box that unleashed evil on 14 heroes making them dark. I love a re-telling like nobody’s business, so I was pumped to start this one. While She Sleeps takes on Sleeping Beauty and twist the shit out of it. Logan is the son of a crime lord, when he was 18, (I think) he was introduced to a 10-yr old Vera as his betrothed. Disgusted he left her, and his father behind. This part gets fuzzy, because it’s a bit conflicting… Logan reconnects with Vera on a fetish website on the dark web under screen names Broken Prince and Sleeping Beauty. I say fuzzy, because parts say he’s been keeping tabs on her, and another eludes that this was a random interaction. Regardless, it really doesn’t make a difference to the story, and the rest is their journey to HEA.

Now for the boring part. Logan has a fetish of getting turned on/jerking off to females that are lying still/sleeping. Maybe I’ve just read too much messed up stuff, but although weird; I didn’t see what the big deal was. He goes on, and on, and on about being a demented monster; he acts like he eats people. The author might have been trying to keep his debauchery in the “acceptable” range, but the action/reaction wasn’t balanced, and I got SUPER bored of the I’m not good for you cycle repeat.

Bottom Line- I just couldn’t really connect with this book. The characters were a little flat; at one-point Logan receives REALLY bad news and he replies… “Thank you for telling me” 🤷‍♀‍ There’re a few plot holes, and I felt like I was supposed to know the secondary characters. (Are they from another series?) Which I didn’t, so I felt like I was missing some connection or backstory…BUT…There’s 14 of these bad boys, and they’re free to read with KU, so I’ll probably give a different one a shot.

[Ansruta(Adulting wont let me read) · Rating 2 out of 5]

The blurb made me so excited but the story fell flat. There was constant “I’m a monster” “I’m a bad man” whining from the MMC and even the FMC got tired of it, like dude SHE ALREADY CONSENTED TO TRYING YOUR KINKS AND WENT OUT OF HER WAY TO SEDUCE YOU AND CONSTANTLY REASSURED YOU THAT SHE WAS LIKING IT, STOP WHINING!!!! Also his monstrous persona was less show and more tell

[Diana · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Refreshing Twist To An Old Tale
*arc generously provided by the promo team in exchange for an honest review*



“I'm tired of feeling like I'm f*cking crazy.”
Ride – Lana Del Rey

What’s this book about? (I'm trying to give as little spoilers as possible)
He watches her as she sleeps. She becomes his addiction. She wants to give in, but he won’t let her in. They’re wrong for each other, or so he attempts to convince himself…

I’ve already read Black Fox by Brianna Hale from the Dirty Heroes collection and I sensed that this would turn out to be sweet. I was proven right. Dani René has done it again! I loved this story! For a on old tale flipped into dark romance, this was supremely refreshing! I read this book in one go as this was a definite page turner for me. This was fast-paced and easy to read. The chemistry between the leading characters was undeniable and completely captivating. The lead girl was clever and she wasn’t ashamed of her preferences, definitely not a naïve wallflower. The lead guy… he was a different shade from your average bad boy. I enjoyed reading about these two. I was unsure of what I’d think of the sleeping aspect of this story, but, HELLO, it was brilliantly explained here. Therefore, I was invested in the concept!
I recommend this to readers of romance who want to read something old with a refreshing new twist to it, feisty lead girls who know what they want and tortured bad boys with curious preferences.

“Been trying hard not to get into trouble
But I, I've got a war in my mind.”
Ride – Lana Del Rey

Instagram
Facebook
Goodreads
Bookbub
Amazon

[Cierra McCauley (Cierra's Corner) · Rating 5 out of 5]

OMFG!!! While She Sleeps will give you goosebumps! First, let me start with you MUST go into this book with an open mind. It's different, it's intriguing and it's dark in a twisted kind of way. A very interesting/perverse spin on sleeping beauty. This book brings a lot of attention to something I've never heard about. This makes the book so interesting. I don't want to spoil it so I'm just going to stay vague. I was so curious and trying to wrap my head around this new discovery. It leaves you blurred with the lines somewhere between right and wrong. Our Dirty Hero struggles daily with his own mind and his past, Gosh I could just eat him up! Logan was a phenomenal character. The Broken Prince and his Sleeping Beauty. I really enjoyed this story, It opens your mind to things you've never thought about. Things outside of your norm and you fall in love with two very damaged individuals that piece each other back together. The storyline was gripping when you learn that these two were destined for each other, you get that fairytale warmth. The chemistry between Logan and Vera was explosive! Once again it's so unique because you start reading and you find yourself consumed by these characters, and you're getting all hot and bothered because it's steamy and sensual and in the back of your mind you feel like you should be slightly disturbed by these things. I love a book that opens my mind to new things or makes you see something differently. That's what makes this book incredible... when an author can reach their reader on this level it's fantastic! It's really one of my all-time favorite things, and it's special. The ending had a thrilling twist that shocks you! Hand down and great read! I'm looking forward to more from this author. *While She Sleeps is a part of The Dirty Heros Collection and my first book by this author. I received an arc in exchange for an honest review.

[Aggis · Rating 1 out of 5]

DNF & 20%

MC: my hidden desires are so *taboo* I just want to look at sleeping ladies but I can never share this dark secret

FMC: I’m in hiding from my evil arranged marriage husband but I’m lost and broken so I’m going to spend my time on a hook up chat room for other broken souls like me. What could go wrong!?

MC: oh? A lost soul who might understand my darkness! Let me stalk her and leave gifts on her door step but I can’t show her my face because….more secrets….

FMC: what a creeper! And yet…I like it. What’s your secret taboo sexual desire mr. internet stalker?

MC: I can never tell! It’s too *taboo* but here’s a large paragraph of a very specific niche fantasy that may or may not be related…

FMC: Guess I’ll never know 🤷🏼‍♀️ also I love you.

MC: Your mine! Your evil husband to be that I know because of “secrets” can never have you!!

Cue the eye rolling. I’m really beginning to wonder what past me was smoking to put these last couple of books in my shelf…

Most of this book is set up in internet style chats like the above. Also there are secrets - beware.

[Janell Lovell · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sleeping beauty and her twisted prince! This is the fairy tale we all know from being kids This is a twisted version of sleeping beauty in many ways, her prince has many flaws who doesn’t want to become his father.

I enjoyed the storyline it had many twists and turns but at the heart of the book is two souls who need each other and who were destined from the start, the family backgrounds are mafia a contract was formed to bring the two families together in marriage but Vera being 10 and Logan older the first meeting didn’t go as planned. Many years later Vera has enough and runs.....

Little does Vera know Logan has been watching her from afar.

The book did leave me asking questions ones I wish were answered more clearly and certain lines I wasn’t sure on but in all a great story one I know many Dani René fans will absolutely love.

[jenn · Rating 2 out of 5]

Rating: 🌟🌟/5
Steam: 🔥🔥🔥🔥/5
AVAILABLE ON KU

- sleeping beauty retelling
- stalker/captive vibes
- age gap
- lil squirt squirt action
- Somnophilia
- breath play

Im baffled by the high reviews this book got because while it had great potential... it was really lacking. I mean YALL SEE THAT^ SQUIRTING... BREATH PLAY.... & it's two stars
Logan meets the Vera when she's 10 & he's 18. They have an arranged married for when she turns 18. The H is of course disturbed by being introduced to his child bride & walks away. This sticks w the h for the rest of her young life and she turns 18 & finds out that since her first arrangement didn't work out, she's been promised to another man.. the H's dad. Now apparently has been stalking vera and they speak online thru a “dating” service & confide in each other their darkest desires. Logan finds out that his dad has taken his place in marrying Vera and
he kidnaps her & takes her to a cabin to keep her face from him... Logan likes the idea of using a partner while she is unconscious & Vera likes the idea of someone using her whiles she's not aware of it... perfect, right? Apparently not, bc logan spends the entire time hating himself and the shit he likes while Vera begs for him to use her and unleash his “true" self on her. And when he does, he's immediately cold, distant and angry bc although she loved it & all
over him, it's not enough to convince him that she liked it.
I wish Logan would've owned his kink & embraced it! The back & forth really killed the spice for me. And the plot? Y'all. I have no idea wtf was going on. There was a plot twist at the end that didn't explain anything just made me more confused Imao

[Diana · Rating 3 out of 5]

Meh. I got bored around 60%, started skimming around 81%. Didn’t really connect with the characters.

[april ♡ probably reading smut - safety reviews · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m his Sleeping Beauty, and he’s my Broken Prince.

Wow, this book was a roller coaster ride! This is a twisted, dark fairytale retelling of Sleeping Beauty. Vera was promised to Logan when she was ten but he rejected her (he was 18). They meet later on a website for kinks. Logan enjoys somnophilia and Vera wants to be used. They eventually figure out who the other person is. Logan then kidnaps her to “keep her” but he doesn’t believe she can truly love him because of his hang-ups.

”I’m a fucking depraved asshole, and all I can think about is using you. About watching you sleep and toying with you like a limp fucking doll made for my pleasure.”

I really enjoyed reading this book. It has everything- angst, kink, romance, drama, and action.

I’ve fallen in love with my Sleeping Beauty, and I don’t know if I can ever let you go.

important bits:
somnophilia
kidnapping/captivity
breath play/choking
tiny bit of anal play
violence
no cheating
no OM/OW
HEA with an epilogue four months later!

[Wonder Tre Reads -Tre Harris · Rating 4 out of 5]

A dark twist on a traditional fairytale is what Logan and Vera have provided while we take a ride through the past and into the present day with them. While She Sleeps is filled with passion, suspense and of course dark and dirty desires. No matter how Logan saw himself I couldn’t bring myself to feel the same way at times, I understood Vera’s point of view at times but also wanted to scream to open up her eyes. There’s a point in this tale that took me for a complete loop and left my jaw slack from the twist and secrets revealed. Make sure you add this book to your TBR list, you will not be disappointed.

[Prottasha♡︎ · Rating 3 out of 5]

First of all, no this book was pretty messy and I was a little bored.

And how could the FMC trust a guy she does not even know? It's the trust we are talking about. The smut wasn't that smutty and dark enough. The guy only tells he is bad but tbh he is plain and bipolar.

I loathe the amount of time he pushed away from her and left her alone. She wasn't a doormat but not strong enough.

And obviously, his infamous other women were that... Other women were this type of monologue. We don't want to know how and who you had fucked.

[Mandie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a fun, twisted retelling of Sleeping Beauty. So dark and depraved!

[Rozanna's fantasy romance & smut corner · Rating 2 out of 5]

started great, before we even hit the middle it wasn't great and the last 20 % was ott unbelievable way to many loose ends and just bad.
ow and for a tainted cursed hero he was way to prince charming. and having him huffing and puffing he's so evil and him bieng almost a puppy in the end ruined a lot for me.

[Brooke · Rating 2 out of 5]

1.5… Jesus H Christ this book 😮‍💨.

I didn’t have HIGH hopes for this book, but it does touch on one of my favorite kinks/fetishes, somnophilia, and all I wanted from this were good somnophilia scenes. Did I get that? Kinda maybe but…


Lucas our MMC hates himself and feels like a depraved sick bastard. I’m talking full on, this man treats his proclivities on the same level as pedophilia or loving Snuff films. I’m all for a little humiliation about a kink but this self hatred is next level and I despised Lucas. He didn’t enjoy the sex because he was internally monologing about how he’s the worst human on earth 😤. As someone who enjoys this kinda thing it is irritating to CONSTANTLY read about how much the leading man thinks he’s a sick fuck for having these appetites.

In addition to the sex scenes often being Debbie downers, the actual writing is pretty bad by the end. I started off giving this book around a C or 2.5 rating when I first read the intro chapters it wasn’t bad. However, everyone in this book is absolutely stupid and makes stupid choices that are honestly mind boggling. There are constant inconsistencies and endless flip-flops on how the characters think they feel about each other. For example, the same person thinking within the same run on sentence conflicting feelings of affection. Additionally,The main antagonist in this book has no reason to do what he’s doing more by the end of the book. It’s as if logic didn’t come in to play at any point during the author crafting the story.

*Side note a huge part of this book relies on a “contract” that states that Lucas will marry Vera. Now I’m not sure if the author even thought about this or if it would be relevant, but the contracts that are discussed in this book are totally illegal and therefore not binding. It would’ve been much easier just to say that there was an agreement between the families because the contract that they’re discussing is in no way enforceable other than by illegal coercion why bother? Sure, both of these families are involved in criminal organizations such as the mob, but it’s absolutely stupid that they would rely on this contract as if it had any authority at all..

Honestly, this reads as if the author put together a really good plot as well as a decent outline and then drunkenly field in the bits in between with filler. Overall this was disappointing, but I’m not completely shocked. However, I did round up to two stars rather than down to one because ultimately I read this in one sitting although at times I was pretty angry at it.

I do appreciate that the author picked up a fetish that is rarely written on, and I would try this author again because my hatred of Logan was a big source of my dislike for this book. The other inconsistencies and illogical/poor use of reality or realistic situation could be overlooked because ultimately the Sexy times we’re ❤️‍🔥 when Logan stfu and gave in to what he wanted.

[Chalice · Rating 4 out of 5]

The couple: Logan and Vera

Romance genre: Fairy tale retellings
Series: The Dirty Heroes Collection
Length: 397 pages

Plot: Logan and Vera have connected via a website for dark kinks. Vera is looking for someone to hurt her and Logan is turned on by somnophilia - he wants to watch and touch (and maybe more) a woman only while she is asleep and helpless. Vera thinks they have made a connection, but there is so much more going on here. Vera is on the run after her father went to prison; she's been promised in marriage to a cruel man that she wants to stay away from. Logan is hiding from something as well, and their two secrets are intricately interwoven.

Commentary: Poor Logan - he was the gloomiest hero ever. He absolutely could not believe that anyone could accept him, and as a result, was trying to push away the one person who did accept him. There is something to be said for the trauma a parent inflicts on a child when they neglect or abuse them, even if they "loved them in their own way" or "did it for their own good." It is lasting and doesn't just affect the child, ultimately. We see this here with both Logan's dad and Vera's mom (and I would argue his mom and her dad as well, in more subtle ways).
I thought the structure of the story was interesting, the way it went from the two characters connecting online as strangers to the point where we realize that they know who the other person actually is (although I think maybe Vera took a bit longer to figure it out where Logan always knew who she was). It's the ol' unreliable narrator trope!

“I’m serious. Marry me,” I say once more, hoping she’s not considering refusing me. If she is, I’ll just stalk her ass again. She’s not getting rid of me that easily.

Next book in the series: Bound in Sacrifice

[Zainab M. · Rating 3 out of 5]

While She Sleeps is the third book in The Dirty Heroes Collection and written by the ever charming Dani René. Upon hearing this author's name, I always get weird butterflies because of her content and imagination. I have read almost each and every book from this author until now and have a wide knowledge of how depraved yet graceful her writing could be. Her storylines are mostly inquisitive and makes you crave for more.

While She Sleeps is a retelling of Sleeping Beauty fairytale with a strange fetish of a man, who loves and gets off upon watching women sleep. When he gets mesmerized by this young woman, he couldn't help but try to connect with her in ways unknown. What follows is their unique trail of catch & release, every thing consensual of course. My only problem with this story was, the female kept throwing herself at the male any chance given. She literally begs him to take her often while he refuses as always. Yes, a man has his control and I understand every way how it works but with this story, it just seemed dragging on some point like I wanted to get the deed already over with. The female seemed so so ready to jump his bones while the male, no matter what kept his distance for almost 3/4th part of the book. It was just them craving each other and declining hence this story sadly didn't work out for me.

Thank you to Enticing Book Journey Promotions for the arc.

[Gsmitty · Rating 5 out of 5]

HOLY HOT TAMALE! This was the interpretation of Sleeping Beauty that I never knew I needed and have been missing my whole life and I am so glad that it is now something I can revisit over and over!
Logan and Vera are intense, deviant, delightful, and imperfectly perfect for one another.
They're both on the run from their pasts, and the question is, will they ever be able to stop? To find someone that accepts them for who they truly are, even that darkness inside of them?
The story is shmekshay as all get out, their needs different from anything I have read before, but would definitely be intrigued to explore some more. And I love how Dani approached and tackled it! It isn't for everyone, but it definitely is for me!
The importance of honesty, of trust in your partner, of the exhilaration of trying new things, all of it and so much more is explored, and I loved falling right into the thick of it alongside them! And those vows. Those vows! Swoonworthy.
So, if you're looking for a slightly devious and dirty and twisted take on Sleeping Beauty, look no further! It'll leave you satisfied even as you crave more!

[Tiffany Readz · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 Stars-Not Much of a Connection...

In Dani Rene's twist on Sleeping Beauty, we meet Logan and Vera. Two completely lost souls that quickly realize they have more in common than they originally thought.

Logan is looking for a woman that fits his particular set of "needs" and finds her on the dark web. This Sleeping Beauty is the perfect fit for his dark Prince Charming, as she's got a bit of a dark side as well. Yes, they use these names and yes, it started rubbing me the wrong way quickly.

I wasn't a fan of either character. They are very one dimensional and lacked enthusiasm in thier conversations. It was bland, as the first half of the book was "I want you, but can't have you". While I like me some angst, this back and forth became boring quickly.

The book is well written, however didn't spark my interest. There are other factors surrounding Logan and Vera, but it wasn't enough to draw me into thier story. The book is part of The Dirty Heros Collection and can be read as a stand alone.

Reviewed for Renee Entress's Blog.

[Tai Nelson-Barnes · Rating 5 out of 5]

While She Sleeps is unlike anything I have ever read. Now if you have ever read Dani that is not an unusual sentence. But Dani brings to light something I have never heard of before in a sexual need and I have to say it is very interesting. And to bring it into a sleeping beauty theme, it is genius!

Logan and Vera are your Prince and Beauty and man they are awesome. I feel for both of them right away. I want them to be together, I want them to fall in love no matter what and to see each other for what they could have not for the problems and issues they have. That is the kind of feelings you feel for them while reading. Dani draws you into their lives and makes you want to stay.

While She Sleeps is a wonderful story to this collection and I was so happy to read it!

[Crystal · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.5 stars
I spent the first 65% of the book intrigued by the plot idea, but not really interested in the story. This book is classified as a dark retelling, so I wish that Logan had just owned his kink, instead of spending the entire book whining about it. Thankfully the last bit finally picked up with the darkness and actually smexy bits, enough to keep my interest. But I think there was too much lacking in the first two thirds to keep me from really enjoying the book as a whole.

[Patti · Rating 1 out of 5]

DNF, found it to be too slow and just couldn't get into the book or characters.
Stopped at 61%

[S.M. Harshell · Rating 3 out of 5]

**I received a free copy of this book to read and review for Wicked Reads.**

While She Sleeps is part of The Dirty Heros Collection and can be read as a stand alone.


While She Sleeps is a take on Sleeping Beauty with a dark suspenseful twist.

Logan has a fetish for sleeping woman. He can't get off without it. He loves the vulnerability that presents itself when the woman is asleep and he can do as he pleases.

Vera was promised to someone when she was very young. She hated the idea of marrying someone she didn't know. When she turned eighteen she moved away from everyone. She knew there had to be people out there that were like her so she looks on the dark web for men that can fulfill her love of being watched.

When they meet on the dark web he thinks all his dreams have come true. Could it really be the perfect woman for him? Has he found his princess?

This one was a miss for me. I couldn't find a connection with either character. Logan didn't come across as the "Alpha" and Vera came across wiser than her years knowing exactly what she wanted (which wasn't a bad thing!) I do enjoy this author and the book was well written but I just couldn't find my footing with it.

[Jeanette Oglesby · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is not your normal fairy tale by far. This is a dark and twisted fairy tale of sleeping beauty mixed with some mafia. I went into this one blind and I actually do not do any kind of modern retelling of fairy tales, but being that this is written by one of my favorite authors, I had to give it a try. I won't lie this took me by surprise. The first glimpse of Logan had me wondering what I got myself into because of his fetish, but getting to know his story and how broken of a man he thinks he is broke my heart. Vera is a mafia princess running from that kind of life only to run smack dab into the very arms that had her running in the first place. This is a fast pace, dark, twisted, heart racing, steamy read. A story that not only took me by surprise, but one that became addicting to read. Give this book a try even if you don't like modern day fairy tales because you just might be surprised as I was.

Happy Reading Everyone!!!

[Beyond The Covers Blog · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well here is a twisted take on a much-loved fairytale.  While She Sleeps by Dani Rene is a stand-alone story that is part of the Dirty Heroes Collection and to say it is interesting would be an understatement.  I have read several hundred books and a lot of them were erotic and each time I learn something new, While She Sleeps definitely taught me some things I had never heard of.  There is a little bit of repetition on the dirty hero’s part with him stressing over his particular affliction, but other than that the story was different, and I can dare say refreshing?  Dani Rene has demonstrated a unique skill with story telling and her retelling of Sleeping Beauty is one I have never heard before.  Not only is this a sexually erotic book but there is an underlying story that you feel compelled to get to the bottom of.  I have to say I was pulled in once puzzle pieces started coming together because I just needed to find out what exactly was happening.  I am sure a certain set of Grimm brothers would appreciate this story as much as I did. 4-stars for While She Sleeps by Dani Rene.