Nightmare's Dance

Dreambound #1

by Dakota Brown

Playing pretend isn’t as innocent as it seems when your “imaginary” friends turn out to be all too real.

Running wild in the woods with three amazing friends is a great way to grow up. Even if my parents think they're made up. Everything is better with them by my side—hide and seek, pirates, wedding...

Twenty years later, I have everything I’ve ever dreamed of. I travel all over the country with my circus troop and our aerial silks acts are always sold out. Time stops while I'm in the air, and I live for every daring performance of aerial skill with my best friend and lover, Geraint Knight.

That all comes to an end after our last act of the season. Bloody Mary herself forces us through a mirror and drops us into the world of dreams and nightmares. My captors claim I'm the princess of Nightmare after my childhood "wedding."

And my princes want me back.

This book is intended for mature audiences. 18+ readers only! It contains language and sexual situations. This is a medium burn reverse harem where the girl gets all the guys. Why Choose? Harem members added as series progresses.

Genres: Fantasy, Paranormal, Paranormal Romance, Romance, Monsters, Why Choose, Urban Fantasy

234 pages, Kindle Edition

Published June 14, 2022

About the author

Dakota has two passions in life: writing and cinnamon tea. Tea so strong she ought to be able to see her future when she drinks it, and the writing? Well she hopes it makes you see stars when you read it. She creates reverse harem romance novels filled with things that go bump in the night. That handsome werewolf walking down the street? The suave vampire you’re just dying to get a taste of? You’ll find them enraptured by charming, smart ladies ready to make those bad boys work for their affection. When not writing, Dakota can be found on the back of a horse out on the trail or tending the animals on her farm.

Reviews

[⋆ ⁺ ˚ ✧ i am the Dracula, look into my eye · Rating 2 out of 5]

Nightmare's Dance is poorly written. Not so bad that it's unreadable—in fact, the editing is quite good when it comes to grammar, punctuation, and spelling—but the language is stilted and sentences are frequently riddled with unnecessary words. The latter is likely an attempt at padding the word count, since the reader is also treated to such scintillating and relevant details as "The counter tops were all granite, and they designed several as easily cleanable cutting surfaces". (Please, for the love of your kitchen knives, do not do the majority of your cutting on your granite countertops. Especially if you are making "huge batches" of spaghetti sauce, as the acid of the tomatoes will break down the sealer and render them not-so-easily cleanable.) I assumed this lack of skill was indicative of a new author, but I have apparently DNF'd a number of Brown's books. DNF'd them so fast that I generously did not record them on GoodReads; 43% is a record, so perhaps she's improving.

Still, this book is uninspired and rote. It's not necessarily the worldbuilding or the characterization or the plot, but the way that's all presented. It reads as though the author has filled out some templates/questionnaires/worksheets and then simply assembled them into a book. The aerial artist MFC needs a weakness, so she has an inexplicable fear of being dropped—which of course becomes crippling due to the actions of an MMC. The characters can only portal through mirrors, but all but one are broken because the second act needs complications and rising action. The MFC needs to tell one MMC that another MMC doesn't know she's the princess but—in one of the laziest plot mechanisms I've ever encountered—decides not to because she doesn't want to mention it in front of her parents, despite having just told them the entire story of her abduction to and escape from the dream realm.

I did appreciate that the author explicitly described skin as being brown, instead of beating around the bush with flowery synonyms (although she uses those too). There's also trans representation, if you count just mentioning that someone is trans. This character is totally cool and super amazing, and the MFC gushes about them repeatedly—as if that somehow makes them three dimensional? IDK, but it's there.

[Julia · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars
This was kinda a meh for me. It was great at first but I lost interest and the plot wasn't moving fast enough but that is just preference. I just feel like a lot happened in the beginning but in the middle it was just the characters kind of just running around.

[Meagan · Rating 1 out of 5]

Didn’t finish at 59% I tried I really did but it didn’t hold my attention which sucks because I was looking forward to reading this as the premise had promise. It just fell flat to me. There’s just too much fluff and no context. It would turn into almost a stream of consciousness which is the bane of my existence.

[Bluebyyou · Rating 1 out of 5]

Overall, it was a dull read.

Good
1) Series arc was clearly established
2) Torture of the female lead was unique and imaginative
3) The jester was a great character
4) Reason behind the romantic bond was creative (and comical)

Bad
1) World-building was thin
2) World-building did not reflect a dream world
3) Settings were lacking dream-like elements
4) No dream or nightmare ambience; did not feel like a dream world
5) The female lead did not have a definitive characterization
6) The shadow prince love interest did not have a consistent characterization
7) Only two out of the four love interests were introduced
8) The whole fake Baz thing was unnecessary

So much more could, and should, have been done with the concept.

[Kaylee Jay · Rating 5 out of 5]

A unique storyline!

What happens when the pretend weddings you played out as children turn out to actually be binding? That's what happens to our FMC, Ember, and her 3 childhood friends.

This has to be my favorite Dakota Brown story to date. It's completely unlike anything I've ever read and kept me engaged throughout the entire book.

I'm rating this one at 4.5 stars. I knocked off half a star because I felt like the character descriptions weren't very thorough (like we didn't find out Geraint's hair color until we were several chapters in even though he was heavily involved in the plot the first part of the story. And I don't think we were ever told Ember's hair color -I could have missed it- so I personally had to assume the cover art was an accurate representation of Ember.) I like to be given a mental image of the main characters right away so I don't have to adjust what I was picturing later on.

I'm left pleasantly surprised by this story and am eagerly awaiting book 2!

(Side Note: While this is only book 1 of a series, the ending is NOT what I would consider a cliffhanger but more of a to-be-continued. So cliff-haters should be able to enjoy this one prior to the series being completed)

[M Janee · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received an Advanced Reader's Copy of Nightmares Dance in exchange for an honest review

4 stars

⭐ didn't like/DNF
⭐⭐ was okay but I probably won't look for any sequels
⭐⭐⭐ it was good I'll likely read the next one
⭐⭐⭐⭐ I thoroughly enjoyed it. It was great and I'll definitely be looking for any sequels
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ I loved it so much I'm adding it to my cart to buy paperback

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I couldn't put this one down I almost forgot I was proof reading as well I was that immersed in the story.

Ember as a child use to play in the woods with her three "imaginary" friends. After going to a family members wedding she comes back and the 4 kids have a pretend wedding. Little did any of them know that that "fake" wedding was binding.

Fast forward 20ish years and Ember and her lover Geraint get pulled into the Dream Realm and things go from there.

Ember is a pretty good character. She's got her shit together and her reactions to things throughout are pretty (I wanna say realistic but it's paranormal so haha) relatable.

Geraint is sweet and I love their relationship. Their time together and interactions have such good chemistry.

Nic you have to give credit to. For the 20 something years he's known that their wedding was binding and that she was to be his and his brothers' he was open to Embers side of things. Of course he didn't like that she was in love with Geraint but he did from the beginning immediately concede that it isn't his place to say anything that it was Embers heart and he very quickly opened to Geraint and Ember.

We've yet to meet the other two who will be in the harem but I am keen to read Nightmare's Fall to see what's next.

[Sierra Mackenzie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dakota has done it again!!
I have been a fan of her work since I stumbled upon her series with "The Price of Possession" and she offers such a well down mix of steam, humor, and plot that keeps your attention 100% of the time. I'd had my eye on Nightmare's Dance for a little while. So when I got it for my birthday, I was so excited to dive in!
Ember is a talented aerialist. She performs at shows with a partner she's grown up with, Knight. Together, they tell an amazing story through their dance. They also have an extremely tight bond. She trusts him without fail and he trusts her. Sounds perfect, right?
Absolutely.
Except things are about to change. The world as Ember knows it won't be the same and it all stems from important events from her childhood. Things she was so sure of become uncertain. A world she's all but forgotten is remembered. When she's ripped from the real world and taken by someone who has changed so much, another hero emerges from the shadows to help.
Now Ember must uncover buried memories and help this world she's forgotten before time runs out. And she's got to do it while balancing emotions towards her Knight and her savior from the shadows.
There is so much *chef's kiss* tension that I was all for the wild ride Dakota took us on. This book does have the start of a RH -- and I am SO here for it!! What's better than someone that doesn't have to choose?!
I legit finished this within DAYS of getting the book and I am eager to devour the rest of the series! Dakota did an amazing job!

Obviously I recommend this book!!

[Paula Sabol (Never Choose Fantasy) · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a fast-paced, fast-burn, super spicey book.  The plot is interesting and has lots of twists and turns to keep readers on their toes.  The world building is amazing with multiple realms and an interesting transportation system through the mirrors.  Since Ember is the princess of Nightmare she has control over a lot of things making Nightmare not quite as scary.  

    The only thing that threw me was how quickly Ember adapted to everything but if we go with the idea that her subconscious always knew her childhood friends were unique, then I guess the rest wouldn't have been that great a shock. This very well may have been Dakota's idea since Ember apparently drew characters from Nightmare unto her real world drawings. Maybe her bond to Nightmare is greater than she realized…just something to think about I guess. 

    This book was an amazing combination of romance, fantasy, mystery, and action.  I would give this book 5 out of 5 stars. If you enjoy a slightly dark fantasy romance that is fast-burn and super spicy right out the gate and A story with a strong main character that gradually adds to her love interests, then this is a book for you!

[Miranda May · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ember spends half of the year performing with her lover and partner Geraint in adagio and aerial shows before they return home to help her parents with their summer camp for performers. Only this year, their last private performance doesn't go as intended. They're attacked and whisked away to a whole different world—a world that she didn't know existed. All because of a fake wedding ceremony that she'd had as a child with her three friends. Turns out that it wasn't so fake and that those three friends were the princes of Nightmare. So it turns out she's a princess, but things are not all right in Nightmare.

Ember and Geraint are both sweet and sexy together. She and Nic feel a draw to one another still, but it's hard for her to understand. Through in Baz who doesn't seem himself, nor does he recognize her. And then there's still a prince missing. The world that Dakota has built is interesting and so very different. The story is intriguing, and I couldn't put down the book down once I'd started. I can't wait to find out what happens next.

[Rachael Fader · Rating 4 out of 5]

Anyone going into this thinking there’s going to be smut galore due to the RH tag this is under…. This is not that book. Not to say there won’t be more in her second book in this series, but it was not dominant in this book. With that said, aside from the grammar which was a little stilted in areas, I enjoyed reading this and will give the second book a read.

I loved the concept of Nightmare and Dream being actual places where everything that’s ever been dreamt resides. Some monsters/creatures hold more power than others. When Ember and her Knight are kidnapped into this realm, she finds out her life and some of those in it are not who they appear to be. Some of the descriptions and character building could use some work. And I’m curious how the RH factor will come into play fully in the second book.

[Darcy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I will say this is a fabulous story. It does start out a little slower but picks up quickly. It definitely has a lot of drama, suspense, and mystery. The storyline is unique and intriguing. It really does pull you in and keeps you glued to it. I really enjoy the idea of the aerial aspect. It really makes an interesting story. I liked Ember and her personality. She is tough but yet soft. Geraint is fabulous as he is strong and protective but oh so caring. Then we meet Nic and I really like how he is kind and caring as well. The descriptions are radiant and allow you to easily picture what is happening throughout the story. Then we have the mythical creatures that add that extra element to the story. The story is extremely well written and developed. It is definitely a great story and a must read.I absolutely can’t wait to read the next book.

[Labani · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was an interesting concept. One of my favorite things about this world was that so much of it though new as a concept was very familiar at the same time - Everyone dreams, most of us has had nightmares at least once in their lives, people have different sexual fantasies, we have also read so much about vampires, werewolves, monsters, dinosaurs and wish that they're real. The way both the realms work make so much sense, especially that they would've to depend on each other for their existence. I loved this concept and I also love that we got to spend good amount of time with both the guys. It makes their relationships with Ember seem more real to us. Also, for those who love gothic setting in their books, this would feel like a cozy story to them. Anyways, I do want to read the next book after this.

[Stephanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book grabbed me and didn't let go from the first page to the last. I loved everything about it. I previously read and loved this author's Pizza Demon series and thought there was no way she could top that... but she did. I'm so sad that I finished because book 2 isn't out yet.
Honestly, the only thing that could have made it the tiniest bit better for me would be not knowing in advance that it's an RH book... but that's always the case for me.
The descriptions throughout this book were amazing. Not only did I feel like I really got a taste for Nightmare but I feel like I got the inside scoop on what it's like to be an aerialist. Loved this book and book world. Loved the characters. I can't wait for more.

[Jackie · Rating 1 out of 5]

DNF - quit at 35%
This was awkwardly written, with too many descriptors for things that didn’t matter to the story, making it feel like it was added for word count. The flow is slow & the characters are flat, I never really felt like they had life infused into them. Didn’t help that it was sort of a nightmare dreamscape with loads of fear for the FMC, Ember/Spark. I don’t care much for scary type stories, & this had just enough “fear” factor to it to turn me off of wanting to continue. I much prefer stories that have a whole lot less fear to them.

At my age (60), life is way too short & my time is too important to force myself to read a book I'm not enjoying, especially when there are so many other books out there waiting to be read.

[Amanda Maria · Rating 1 out of 5]

DNF at 34%. The premise of the book was enough to grab my attention - who doesn't love the idea of being kidnapped and taken to Dream Land by evil nightmare creatures? Unfortunately, there was absolutely no worldbuilding at the FMC (who turned out to be the long lost princess) accepted everything at face value and had everything come super easily to her, with nothing but an "oh great, I must be able to fix every problem because I'm the princess they're looking for even though I've been in a cell the whole time and have no proof of anything and I can conveniently remember things on cue!" It all just felt super cheesy and there was no depth to the story at all.

[Nikki · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the first book in the Dreambound duet. Dakota does an amazing job at writing dark RH books. I couldn’t wait to start this book! The world building in this book is phenomenal. Character development eased me into loving Ember and her guys.

What happens when you play make believe? A little girl always acts out her wedding. But when Ember did, she didn’t realize it would become her future. And the boys she played with are all grown and real in this realm. As an aerial silk performer with her lover, Ember was catapulted into another realm through mirrors by none other than Bloody Mary herself after her last show. A realm where make believe, dreams and nightmares come to life.

Full of steam, twists and turns, a journey, romance, fantasy, action, danger, mystery and swoon worthy guys. Can’t wait to read the next book!!

I received this arc and am voluntarily leaving my honest opinion.

[Deborah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brilliant ideas, well written, great characters!

I love the idea of a childhood pretend wedding coming back to pull you into a nightmare world 20 years later. Brilliant concept, with loads more in this story. Nic is an amazing Prince of Shadows, I could totally visualise him and I loved the other characters especially Robby and Bl00dy Mary. Geraint and Ember were such a cute couple and I hope the sharing situation can be resolved!!!
I think we've already met Dio, but what has happened to Baz and can Ember repair the worlds? I can't wait to find out.

[Kelley Grantham · Rating 4 out of 5]

World building, intriguing plot, sex

I think the plot is interesting and different. Not being familiar with aerial acrobatic terms, I had to concentrate on understanding those scenes. But I really had to concentrate on the descriptions of the Dream world. The world is intended to be as weird and confusing as dreams are, and that makes it somewhat hard to visualize. Plus there's mention of about every fiction, legend, horror movie one can think of, and if it wasn't mentioned in this book, I imagine it will be in the next ones. Otherwise, lots of sex.

[Jacquelynn♡Elise · Rating 4 out of 5]

I absolutely loved this start to this series by Dakota Brown. I am about finished with one of her other series & and I loved it so much of course wanted to try another one from her. Let's just say I am not disappointed at all and literally can't wait to start the next book, thank God it's completed & I am just late to the party.

Anyway, I loved this unique plot she presented us with right off the bat. The back story to the characters and world building was really good and such a fresh idea but still has all the great vibes of any pnr or rh I've come to love.

[rebecca brown · Rating 5 out of 5]

Who don’t love a book where your nightmares and dreams come out to play. I love very about this book from embers strong will and loving heart the loving and caring knight. The always there jester and of course Nic. Following these guys on their journey to uncover what’s going on and dining the other two princes has just completely captured me and I will be sitting here (not so) patiently waiting for the next.

[Tanya · Rating 5 out of 5]

So unique and so GOOD‼️

Usually I get my book recs from booktok but I found this one when I was looking for a book on Amazon. Sometimes I hate being a mood reader. In this case, I am happy because it led me into finding this book.

The amount of imagination that went I to this, is incredible. The world building was stellar. I read it all in one sitting. Run 🏃‍♀️ don't walk🚶‍♀️ to buy this book!!

[Heather · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dream a Little Dream

Wow, I really enjoyed this book! I kind of went into this one blind, not even reading the blurb because the cover is just so darn wicked, and I'm so glad I did. I found the Nightmare/Dream world a very exciting concept and there were so many really interesting ideas in this book. The aerial performance component of the story was fascinating and I enjoyed it thoroughly. I am now totally invested in Ember's story and I can't wait to see what happens!!

[Naomi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing

From the summary I thought this was going to be a bit of shameful read. I mean, it seemed like it was going to be all smut between an insanely flexible female lead and her reverse harem. Which, I mean, I would have enjoyed it for what it was if that was the case, but it blew my mind with an amazing plot, complex characters, great writing, and realistic (but good) smut scenes.

[Tracy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved!

I hadn’t read anything by Dakota Brown before and just happened upon this book and it looked intriguing. I’m so glad I tried it! The story line is refreshing and the character’s occupations are something I’ve never read about, but I’ve love watching performances like these! I think these types of acrobatics are so beautiful, it was fun to read and imagine it all. I’m excited to continue this series!

[Angela Pope · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved this book! I tried not to but finnished it in a few hours because I couldn not put it down. I was constantly thinking that I new what was about to happen and then boom I was so wrong, and then i would get so excited about what had happened and it would throw another twist. I would definitely recommend! It's killing me having to wait for the next book

[Viviana · Rating 4 out of 5]

Must read18+

This story give me dark throught looking glass but instead of wonderland its dreamland and it all start with a game of prtend that became very real. I had hard time putting the book down to adult. But when i picked it up i was hook. Every time i thought i knew what an outcome was i was wrong. Which i like and i cant wait for book 2. This 18+

[M.F. Moody · Rating 5 out of 5]

Welcome to the Nightmare

We've all played the game where we 'marry' a friend/cousin/childhood crush as children. But what happens when that 'marriage' is deemed legal and binding?
Dakota Brown has done it again, creating a world which draws you in, and characters you'll love (and love to hate). This is the first in a planned trilogy, and I cannot wait to see what comes next!

[Chrissy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Glad there's a book 2!

For a reading enthusiast like me I thought it was exciting to find a story truly unique from what I've read thus far! Nightmares Dance definitely has some fun Alice in Wonderland vibes with a nice steamy twist and side characters that you love, I can't wait to see where Ember's choices take her next!

[Claudia Coenen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great story

Its a new tale one I haven't come across as far as I can remember and I love reading about new things, the worldbuilding is slow going as most happen in this world for the biggest part of the book, but the nightmare/dream world sounds gray and blend (as it should, you have to read it to understand) and I'm loving the 2 mmc's so far, and can't wait to meet the rest.

[Starla B · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book! I thought the characters were compelling, and the story was fascinating. I'm hooked! This was my first Dakota Brown book, and I was not at all disappointed. I have a few theories about Dream, and I can't wait to see if my theories are proven correct!