Jump to ratings and reviews
Rate this book

I.S.S. #3

Defeating Nightmares

Rate this book
I would remind the humans why they feared the dark…and why I loved it.

Our home is under threat, and I was across the country being threatened by a god terror in the Oceanic Forest. To say our situation is far from ideal is an understatement… So when Hate threatens my mates, something is unleashed in me that none of us could have expected.

Something that puts us down a path that could change the game for everyone. A path that includes confronting those threatening other nightmares, coming to the realization that the threat is so much larger than we originally assumed, and saving someone…who is a lot like me.

If the humans continue to fight by the side of god terrors trying to topple society, we’re going to have to take action. We’ll have to remind them why they fear the dark to begin with.

Join Arabella and her possessive nightmares as one human woman finds the monster within herself to protect those that she loves. The ISS series is promised to feature terrifying monsters that include everything from the literal monster under the bed to Lucifer’s overbearing son, the prince of Hell.

If you love large harems, brilliant, sassy, but slightly naive female main characters with no fear, and a thrilling adventure filled with steam, vengeance, and a happily ever after, then you are absolutely going to love this.

Warning: This medium-fast burn RH contains several dark themes from swearing, violence, and sexual themes suitable for +18.

250 pages, Kindle Edition

First published May 17, 2022

476 people are currently reading
518 people want to read

About the author

M. Sinclair

107 books3,460 followers
M. Sinclair is a USA Today Best-Selling Author who can be found writing or thinking about her characters and plots nearly every moment of the day. With over 65 published works since her debut in 2019, her work spans from paranormal to contemporary romance rooted in extensive world-building and deep character development. M. Sinclair believes there is enough room for all types of heroines in this world, and that being saved is just as important as saving others.

Just remember to love cats... that's not negotiable.

Ratings & Reviews

What do you think?
Rate this book

Friends & Following

Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!

Community Reviews

5 stars
967 (55%)
4 stars
500 (28%)
3 stars
231 (13%)
2 stars
44 (2%)
1 star
10 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 172 reviews
Profile Image for Adrienne McFarlane.
473 reviews36 followers
February 5, 2023
Stunning book 3. This is the perfect continuation of the I.S.S. series. Relationships continue to develop and progress. Arabella shows her true strength as the group continues their road trip. There is a great balance between action and character development. The story kept me engaged from start to finish. The cliffhanger ending made me want the next book now.
Profile Image for AvidRomanceReader.
203 reviews9 followers
May 17, 2022
This is book 3 of Arabella’s and her mates story and man, does M. Sinclair pack a punch in this book.

We start exactly here book two left off on the oceanic forest - no spoilers but we get some huge surprises. As we have all assumed our girl is definitely more powerful than what she seems.

We also get to know our newest addition Ashur a bit more and I absolutely love him, not that that I had any doubts. This book is a little lighter on the spice but there are a couple of smoking hot scenes that had me absolutely panting…M. Sinclair’s muse was definitely not playing around when it came to Cy.

Although our team gets some answers in regards to their mission to save mankind and create a world of peace not everything is as simple as it seems. They have a huge battle ahead of them and I can’t wait for the final book to watch everything play out.

Stars: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Heat:🔥🔥🔥
Profile Image for Siri.
1,219 reviews69 followers
May 16, 2022
3,5 stars
Profile Image for Mrs T.
382 reviews1 follower
May 17, 2022
This book (fans self).  When you think a series can't get any better,  boom, this drops and sweeps you off your feet. 


Arabella and her nightmares are back, right where book 2 left off, only now we have Ashur to add to the fold, an eighth mate. A totally scorching, primordial, eighth mate. And something now settles within Arabella and some interesting powers start manifesting.


The group still need to hunt down the other God nightmares, particularly War and rescue a young girl who reaches out to Arabella in a dreamstate, along with getting back to the institute in time to stop a full out war with humans. 


In and amongst all of that epic storyline, what I truly love about this book (and series as a whole) is the relationships between Arabella and her mates and also between the nightmares themselves.   They are all insanely possessive of Arabella,  even within their own group.  Their love is insanely extreme, they want to own, mate, breed. Violence to others is a display of affection for Arabella and they will not hesitate to maim or kill.  Despite that, they are gentle,  thoughtful and caring.


As if that wasn't enough,  the heat level ratches up a notch and these nightmares have some seriously hot body parts and totally know how to blow a girls mind (and other body parts).


It's just all round glorious. 
Profile Image for Sarah Anne.
1,880 reviews190 followers
May 29, 2022
Representation: mlm side characters

Overall: 3.75-stars

The book started a bit slow which meant it took a while to become invested in the plot. However, I liked the addition of Arabella’s new mate and the action ramps up towards the end! I’m excited to see how everything shakes out in the last book.

Safety Rating: Safe

Possible Triggers: Yes

Ending:
Profile Image for Ellen.
425 reviews4 followers
May 17, 2022
I LOVED the first two books, this one not so much. I didn’t like the pacing, and from about 75% onwards there were SO many spelling, grammar and punctuation errors that made it seem like the author was in a rush to finish this book. I’m hoping the author has time to go back and edit this book, because it has so much potential!
Profile Image for Annelie.
684 reviews25 followers
May 22, 2022
3⭐ because it's not the last book!

Yes I know this is a fallacious argument but I'm bit fed up with authors that extend series unnecessarily and that's the case here. I love M. Sinclair, I love this serie but I'm very disappointed with this book and having to discover through a stupid cliffhanger that it's not the last one🙄 Better a very good third and last book than two "meeeh" third and fourth...

So clearly this isn't the best book of the serie. Some part were slow and a bit boring, and all the mayhem with the terror gods and the MAM is getting a bit old even not much really happened in the book in my opinion.

What is good? The interactions between Arabella and her nightmares are always so interesting (steamy or not😉). These guys are so intense that I craved for their POV (too few in my opinion). That's definitely why I still read this serie and will read the last book!
Profile Image for Mandi Miller.
253 reviews5 followers
May 17, 2022
Defeating Nightmares

Absolutely loving how this story is moving forward! Ashur’s an interesting Nightmare who I don’t think we really understand yet but I’m looking forward to learning more. Truly looking forward to the God Nightmare family dynamics also, which seem to be dysfunctional in an odd sort of way. Arabella continues to amaze me with her strength, loyalty, and love. I can’t wait for her to truly understand her powers & also to share some of her mates powers with hers as well. Because I don’t want to give away any spoilers I’ll say there were different parts that had me worried, laughing, and even shocked (mostly in good ways). The ending though, wow that was a bit vicious and I can honestly say that I can’t wait for book 4 to find out how that situation is resolved, but also how they will deal with War & the humans.
Profile Image for Chrys.
86 reviews
May 17, 2022
Arabella and her Nightmares are awesome! They’re so psycho with everyone and everything but her. I love the way they’re so damn possessive and protective, but not overbearing… though sometimes a couple of the guys will try to put a toe out of line 😂
Mmm… and I do love the sexy times and those dirty mouths too lol.
Anyway, on to next: The group got some questions answered. Fighting. Definitely a bit more travel… the fact that M. Sinclair also added some quality time for Arabella and her guys on top of everything else was very well done. Nothing seemed rushed, and you could feel the emotions from each of the characters. (Dreamy sigh) and yet more surprises; with more to come, I’m sure
Ugh, the ending!! That was not very nice. Leaving me hanging for the next book. So forewarning: it does end on a cliffhanger but still worth the read.
359 reviews1 follower
May 17, 2022
I love this series and each new nightmare we encounter. Arabella is by far one of the best heroines I’ve read. I don’t know if it’s because she’s fearless when around terrifying nightmares or her obsession with shoes, but I love her. At the end of the last book we were introduced to a new nightmare and we learn more about him pretty quickly. This book makes me wish I had basilisk nightmares or nightmares with *ahem* smoke tendrils. What I think M. Sinclair is best at is making you invested. I feel connected through each character and am dying to know what happens. We have god terrors galore and now War to contend with. Honestly this is one of, if not the top favorite monster book.
Profile Image for Betteroffwithbooks.
921 reviews14 followers
July 1, 2022
This book was an excellent next installment to the series. More information is provided and plans are beginning to unravel.

I really enjoy this world and these characters. Arabella and her mates are some of my favorites that I’ve read this year. Something about these nightmares just makes you fall in love with them.

This book was spicy and sweet while still maintaining the overall plot. Sinclair had a knack for writing large harems but still being able to give each character their own voice and distinguishable personality.

I am excited to see how this series ends. Although I will be so sad to say goodbye to these characters.
268 reviews5 followers
May 17, 2022
Keeps Getting Better!

Defeating Nightmares is the third installment of the ISS series—and it absolutely does not disappoint!

With the introduction of another delightfully powerful mate, and nonstop action—I absolutely couldn’t put it down! Once again M Sinclair manages to find just the right way to leave us on the edge of our seats with this novel, without making us want to throw our book across the room. It was absolutely fantastic!

These characters are all so wonderfully unique—in a world so imaginative! I love M Sinclair’s ability to create so many different and complex worlds and characters. She’s a true talent!
129 reviews
May 17, 2022
I love the ISS series so much!! It is one of my favorites of M. Sinclairs. This book starts right off where book 2 ended and we are in the woods. Not only literally but figuratively. Arabella and her harem of Nightmares are left fighting Hate and humans alike. Arabella has grown so much and has learned to take charge and trust herself. We get to learn more about the new Nightmare that may be another mate! Will he be? You will have to read and find out! The story is fast paced and very enjoyable.  I can't wait to read more in the next one.
Profile Image for D..
91 reviews
May 18, 2022
tricksy monsters

I’m not even gonna lie, I have loved this series from book one.

Following Arabella‘s story and how she’s finding her mates is one of the coolest things ever. She is a strong FMC and she genuinely gives a crap about everyone at the Institute.

Are monsters, or I suppose mates , are so dedicated to her that it’s almost disgusting (it’s really cute). I absolutely love how they all interact with each other and have the same goal of keeping her safe.

That cliffy though. OOF
Profile Image for Dominique.
1,061 reviews7 followers
May 17, 2022
It's unsurprising that I absolutely loved reading Defeating Nightmares. I adore Arabella and each one of the unique monsters that surround her. The storyline continues to push forward and keep me interested with the many questions that arise. I'm interested in the world, period. The few steamy bits were extremely hot. I just love Sinclair's writing and can't help but look forward to each new book. There is a battle coming and I can't wait to watch Arabella and her Nightmares take down the villains. Defeating Nightmares will keep you on your toes and ready for more!
Profile Image for Andrea Green.
814 reviews8 followers
May 18, 2022
Grouchy, Over protective, Alpha Nightmares and a brilliantly written Female MC.
This series has wonderful Character dynamics - Arabella is strong and willfull yet also Vulnerable and most definately not breakable!
Mate number 8 - yes you heard right this girl doesnt even get a day off - The 8th mate doesnt upset teh balance eitherld expect Pleanty fo steam with an amazingly addictive storey!
Profile Image for Jennifer.
450 reviews26 followers
May 19, 2022
After confronting Hate in the Oceanic Forrest with Ari and her nightmares, she unleashes a new power that has put an even bigger target on Arabella’ back. However when she learns there are others like her that are in danger, Ari and her guys will risk it all the save them and stop the humans from targeting them.
Profile Image for Trish.
345 reviews4 followers
June 15, 2025
Defeating Nightmares

Arabella and her men are out saving the world, one nightmare at a time. I love this series from M. Sinclair. The action, the interactions, the spicy scenes and plot are fun and make for a good read.
Profile Image for Justin.
126 reviews
May 19, 2022
it’s dragging on but… BLACKWELL !!!
Profile Image for Jessica Scott.
286 reviews1 follower
May 29, 2022
Wow! Another amazing book by M.Sinclair. I just cannot get enough of all her books! Loved this continuation of the ISS monsters series. I can't wait for book 4!!!
Profile Image for Miki’s⚠️ Safety Reviews & Rants⚠️.
736 reviews942 followers
September 2, 2023
🤩Book 3 in a 4 book series. This would be a 5 star read but there are some things that could be more on point.

❣️Things I Liked/Loved❣️

💗My Saint- can I get more of him please!

‼️That all the guys except Amun are V 🥳

♥️Really liking the Ashur the new addition to the harem. And Amun is also become a favorite of mine.

‼️The Nightmare theme was a great interesting twist on a monster world. The world 🌎 building is good esp if you read the previous book and intro into the world of Nightmares (Mating Monsters).
‼️BUT THE PLOT IS NOT THE BEST SO FAR. It’s slow moving and shall I say… lacking? Something’s happen towards the end but it’s still kinda boring plot wise.

‼️Literally TOUCH HER YOU DIE …. It’s no joke! I LOBE LOVE LOVE THIS SO MUCH THEY ARE OTT JP EXTEME 💕

‼️THE HAREM IS SO LOYAL AND FAITHFUL AND SWOON AND PROTECTIVE AND OTT JP EXTREME AND JUST
EVERYTHING. I love how MS writes her men! The harem is on point.

Things I Did 💔 Not Like

❌Would like the more mating- or sexy times. Once they mate that’s it you never see or hear of them having sex agin and since the first book was all hormones and need I’m surprised by this.

❌Would like more action overall - often times when action is happening Arabella is somehow distracted and we only hear some stuff never really get to see or experience the fighting and action. I hate this.

❌I’m sorry MS but this storyline is weak. We need more plot and some things just don’t make sense like Ashur modern treehouse. I mean he has been in wolf form
Forever! And when he goes out to the new world he is surprised by all the technology but he created that treehouse?
We just need more from this storyline!


🦹🏻‍♂️ Hero: RH
🕸️Razar- her childhood best friend
-Night terror
-Her nickname-?

😈Damien- son of Lucifer-
-Legend Terror
-Nickname for her -Cherry Blossom

⚡️Blackwell- son of Hades
- Legend terror
-Nickname for her-Love

❤️Saint -immortal no age-💕SWOON💕
-God terror and of death ☠️
-Nickname- flower

🐍Cy-200yr old
-Creature terror/can shift into a Basilisk
-Nickname for her - Pixie

🌪️Zain-
-Apocalyptic Terror
-Nickname for her Bella

👳🏽‍♀️Amun-mummy
-A Death terror
-Nickname for her- Precious

-🐺Ashur- Shifts into a wolf
-He is a creator nightmare
-Nickename for her- My Moon

👩🏻‍🎤 Heroine:
Arabella- 24 yr old -Human & a Sis Meta
-soothing monster is her power but now we find out what she really is.
-she has no fear
-Has the hormones of a horny teenager

💭 POV:
Multiple first person
I loved getting the guys POV
I love how MS writes her men

🔥 Burn Rate:
-Medium/fast ❤️‍🔥❤️‍🔥❤️‍🔥❤️‍🔥
-We are in full on mating mode now!
-Razor finally gets his head out of his ass!

😡/😍 Angst level:
Medium low
Now I’m book to there s drama surround Razors mixed feelings about taking Arabella cause he hasn’t fully accepted his Nightmare side.

❤️‍🔥 Sexy times & Descriptive sex:
Yes 🔥🔥🔥🔥get ready for some monster/creature sexy times
She mates with 2 more of her men

🌓 Push/Pull:
No - only mild push from Razor as he learns to accept himself and allow himself to have user the way he wants

☠️ OW/OM Drama:
None 🫶🏻💗🥳
I love this about MS and this will always keep me a faithful fan! It’s SAFE and always exciting!

🤮 OW/OM Sex / Fluid or DNA Exchange:
NONE!

🤬 Cheating:
NEVER‼️ or at least I hope she never writes cheating

👰🏼‍♀️ Virgins:
-Arabella was a V in book 1
-Amun- had 3 sexual encounters over hundreds of yreas ago all ended in tragedy.
-♥️ ALL HER OTHER MEN ARE V!!!

⛈️Separation/ 3rd Act Breakup: None

Safety⚠️Triggers🗡️:
-Humans killing and torturing Nightmares including children.
-Shifting into Nightmares during sex
-Kindle ⚠️ Danger - danger of falling asleep and dropping your kindle- take precautions


🌈Epilogue:
Cliffhanger/ this is book 3 in a 4 book series

My opinion is just that… MY OPINION.
I know we all get passionate about our favorite reads and characters but we should respect each opinions a thoughts. ~Thank you
Profile Image for Cas ✨.
800 reviews7 followers
May 18, 2022
I don’t know how M. Sinclair can bang out hit after hit, especially as quickly as she does, but this was another amazing book.

It had everything I was hoping it would and blew my expectations away. The way things continue to develop within the H, the absolute adoration and devotion of her nightmares, the sinfully hot steamy scenes… although I do wish we had gotten a little more of those! But only because I’m obsessed with all of the guys lol the story wasn’t lacking sexual tension or the nightmare’s brand of romance. I even liked where she ended the book, normally I would complain about cliffies but it was kind of the perfect way to set up the final installment. Now to just cross my fingers it won’t be too long until the release. 🤞

.

More thoughts (not really review, just thoughts):

Ashur was perfect, I am thrilled with the direction she took him in. I love the dynamic between him and Amun & Saint, being the oldest nightmares. I’m really glad Razar FINALLY got the stick out of his ass. I was shocked that Cy & Blackwell were so adamant about the BC 👀 I loved that we got more Soft!Zain and Vulnerable!Damien… Also normally I don’t really give a flip about the pregnancy/children part of HEAs but I find myself hoping when the series wraps up that we get at least a glimpse at these terrifying nightmares being daddies.

Also this part is super spoiler-y so please do not continue if you haven’t read the book yet!
.
.
.
.
.
Who else called it that Arabella’s dad was a Neo terror? All her comments about how distant, efficient, methodical and *robotic* he was after we met the other Neo I was like hmmmm… maaaaybe… it wasn’t obvious or anything, the author knows what she’s doing; I just had this suspicion! It fits well. Especially how he runs the dang institute lol.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Jenna (Bookstagramer).
301 reviews8 followers
August 16, 2025
*****Series Review!!******

4 Stars
4 Spice
5 Hearts

- 8 Mates
- "NightMares" Monsters
- Spice!



M. Sinclair, Do not stop writing! This series is ❤️🔥

This Series was one that I have wanted to read for a while, but knew that I would need a few days, even a week, to read this and allow me to focus on all that was being given. That is why it has taken me a couple of years to read the whole series. (My Preference for waiting on that long!!!)

The first book will hook you in and not let you go till the end of the series. I love that M. Sinclair and her ability to describe each MMC multiple times and include each and every one in all the books, and not feel left out. It can be hard with many MMCs to include each for a whole series, and she did it wonderfully. Each MMC was thought out and made beautifully. The FMC was strong and something that I think was done beautifully as well.

Each Book in the series was done well, and I would ONLY change ONE THING which is....
The time frame of the series was only a few weeks..... and SO MUCH happens....
I want to see the plot match the timeline. I want to see how they would do long-term. We have these relationships and plots that are mixed together (which is fine), but it needs to be realistic... (In my opinion, I would have just loved to have book before the plot of War took place- I felt like it was needed to know what is going on before the series started (Hope this makes sense)

Even with the timeframe, I would so recommend this series!
Profile Image for Denisse.
184 reviews1 follower
October 13, 2024
De nuevo siento que el principal defecto de estos libros es que los “conflictos” son súper superficiales y hay cosas o acciones que ni siquiera se desarrollan ni se explican adecuadamente, pero hay otras descripciones que sobre explican y terminan siendo aburridas porque lo que sí es interesante no te lo describen pero se te describe perfectamente como es una habitación de hotel.
En general este es mi mayor conflicto con estos libros, bueno y que Arabella es súper aferrada y testaruda, entiendo que esa sea su personalidad y que sea “por el bien de la trama” pero por pura lógica me parece absurda la forma en que se lanza al peligro directamente, sin pensar realmente; hay una explicación detrás de todo eso, pero la lógica básica e inicial es la que me molesta.

Igual el romance está muy bien, aunque también siento que se quiere abarcar demasiado en el libro, entonces hay pocas escenas donde realmente se note el desarrollo de su relación como RH.

Hasta ahora el tomo que menos he disfrutado.
Profile Image for Kelly.
513 reviews1 follower
November 16, 2022
3.5 *

This was an overall disappointing read. First, my expectations were off because I thought it was the last book in the series. However, even as a third book the relationship building and payoff was really lacking. Because there are 8 men in her harem, and only 250 pages in this book it was hard to get any real relationship development. It literally would be like kiss, kiss, go do something else, move to next male character, repeat. We finally even get some payoff with Razar, but by this point I really wasn't as invested as in the first book. In my mind the first book with its low stakes and mutual pining was perfection. Books 2 and 3 have really disappointed me unfortunately. Also, the plot didn't feel as high stakes as I thought it could be. The cliffhangers of each book also feel very cheap, like the books could have just been longer and had a real conclusion. I'm hoping I'll love the final book like I did the first book, but if it's like the middle two then oh well.
Profile Image for Casi McLaughlin.
111 reviews
November 4, 2023
This book was the perfect continuation from book two to now. And that cliffhanger, damn does this author know how to lead me on and keep my coming back for more. And she definitely still knows how to keep the surprises coming, there were instances in this book I truly did not see coming.

I throughly enjoy these books, it’s such a different and refreshing read than what I normally come across and I love the slow and steadiness of how Arabella is truly coming into who she’s always meant to be but still keeping that compassion she has for nightmares and even certain humans alike. It’s awesome.

I love learning more about each nightmare in this book and their specific abilities and just how downright dangerous they all are as well as other side characters that truly fluff up the story itself and add to the plot.

This book was just awesome and I can’t wait to see just how Arabella’s story with her mates ends. On to the last one. :)
Profile Image for Marisa.
863 reviews33 followers
May 30, 2022
Love this universe

I don’t know why I thought this was the final book in the series but I was anxiously trying to figure out how everything would work out as the book was coming to an end and, surprise, cliffhanger. That would explain why more kept happening.

I have thoroughly enjoyed this universe from M Sinclair and I love that we saw some of her characters from the standalone within the universe in this novel. Not a prerequisite to read this book but it is a good read.

I fell in love with the characters in book one and following their journey as they address the conflicts while working on their relationships has been such a rollercoaster of emotions. More characters have been introduced and now I want their stories too.

I cannot wait for the conclusion of this series and hopefully more books within the universe.
Profile Image for tattooedbooknerdgirl35 (Amanda Lynn).
550 reviews19 followers
June 29, 2023
My review is on all the series of
(I.S.S books 1-4). These four books were all in my option 5 ⭐️ worthy. I haven't read many monster/ dark romances. But I was definitely feeling this series. The books are well written in my option, they have a lot for everyone... Spice, monster nightmares, human, action, war, and much more. They are action-packed and just so fun to read. I love the interaction between Arabella and all 8 of her nightmonsters. I love how she didn't fear any of them. I loved how dangerous they were and how they took care of business, all of them, but they had a soft spot for their mate. It'll just blow you away. Monsters, monsters fighting wars between humans and other God nightmares and just a lot of steamy hot scenes between Arabella and her mates as they all claim her and she claims them. This series has it all!
Profile Image for Spinneretta.
2,852 reviews20 followers
October 21, 2024
Good

WARNING! Cliffhanger! This one is a good 5/5 traumatising tale, so consider yourself warned!

Arabella and her nightmares continue to do some travelling outside of the Institute, in an attempt to find out why the humans are ready to fight, but also to free a child that Arabella believes may be like her.
Since Arabella isn’t exactly widely travelled, it’s a stressful time for her mates, and a dangerous mission for them all.

This book introduces us to a lot of new terrors, and finally reveals the driving force behind everything that has happened.
It’s a fast paced, action filled read, picking up from the cliffhanger ending in book two, and leaving off with another.
We also learn a little more about Arabella’s abilities, and see some backstory on one or two of her mates.

An engrossing read, this is for the contemporary fantasy RH fan.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 172 reviews

Can't find what you're looking for?

Get help and learn more about the design.