Nightmare

by Bethany Winters

VIOLET

He’s spent the last seven months in prison for assaulting the guy who hit on me.

I’ve spent the last seven months wishing I could forget about him.

I ignored my parents and friends when they told me he was bad for me. I loved him in spite of his crazy. Maybe even because of it.

But when the cops dragged him away that night, I decided I needed to do whatever it takes to get over him. I ignored his calls, refused to visit him and pretended he didn’t exist. I froze him out, hoping that would be enough to get him to leave me alone.

It wasn’t enough.

ATTICUS

She’s all I’ve thought about for months. The entire time I was locked up, I was out of my mind thinking about her alone out here without my protection. Not being able to see or speak to her almost killed me, but I survived. Barely.

She thinks ignoring me will get me to disappear, but she should know me better than that.

It’s Joker Night—my first night of freedom—and I plan on making her pay for what she did. Right before I do whatever it takes to remind her how much she loves me.

Living a life with me won’t be easy. I know this. But living one without me just isn’t in the cards for her.

I’m taking my girl back and keeping her this time.

This is a 21,000 word novella with themes some readers might find offensive. It is book 1 of the Joker Night series but can be read as a complete standalone.

Genres: Dark Romance, Dark, Novella, Romance, Second Chance, College, Erotica

136 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 13, 2022

About the author

MF & MM contemporary romance author.

Reviews

[Kursed Reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

Seven months after going to prison, Atticus Lee is released and intends to find his girl. Meanwhile, Violet Sinclair has done her best to move on from the toxic relationship she and Atticus had.

No fcuks given.

Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Burn: 🔥🔥🔥
Darkness: 🖤
Heat: 🌶️🌶️🌶️
Range of Emotions: 😬😳🥵🥵😍
Ending: 💗 {HEA}
POV: 👫🏻 {Dual}

🗂 Genre: Dark Romance

✨ Tropes: Alphahole Hero, OTT J/P, College, MINE!, Second Chance

💋 Kinks: Domination, Dirty Talk, Primal, Hand Necklace, Breath Play

⚠️ Warning: This book may cause blushing, squirming, combusting panties, and/or self-care. It’s definitely NSFW or with a kiddo by your side. In fact, I would highly recommend you read this one after dark to avoid side eye or awkward conversations.

🚩 Safety Squad: Dub-Con and other triggering elements. If you have any hesitation, check the warnings before diving in. Otherwise, blind is best!!

📣 Type: Nightmare is part of the Joker Night series of interconnected standalones.

🛑 Be Advised: My Goodreads shelves are … explicit in both senses. As such, they could be considered spoiler-y.

[anouk♡ semi-hiatus · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is the book equivalent of pornhub.
There's a very small amount of plot and it's just there to lead up to the smut.
Sometimes that's exactly what we need though. 😌

[Iqra · Rating 3 out of 5]

A hot short story with the boy obsessed trope and I liked the ‘plot’ too <3

[Lori [semi-hiatus] · Rating 5 out of 5]

So glad I took a chance on this. It’s short but it’s better developed than most 300+ page books out there so kudos to the author for that.

Safety: both each other’s first and only

[aleksandra · Rating 3 out of 5]

3/5

A boy obsessed trop never disappoints

[Gloria (in a slump? idk) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Alexa play Quit by Cashmere Cat ft. Ariana Grande ... That song encapsulates this book to a tee 😭😭

OHMYGAWD THIS NOVELLA!!!! It should fully come with a caution label that reads: do not open this unless you are sitting in a refrigerator cause you are prone to combusting. Thanks.

In this short, we are given a glimpse into a moment in time. From the beginning, we know that there is a boatload of history between our protagonists, Atticus and Violet. And while we aren't exactly privy to their entire history, this snapshot moment in their lives tells us all we need to know about their dynamic. Their relationship is in no way a picture of perfect health. I meannnn it's messy, it's toxic, it's OTT dramatic but honestly choke me with it, and they're both certifiable and should prolly contact a therapist as soon as possible 😂 But I freaking loved them together. Their obsession with each other, the utter possessiveness we've come to know and love from this author, and THE STEAM (I never, in my entire life, thought I would be into reading voyeurism 🥵🥵) I think I can label this novella as an erotica, it was hot hot hot!

He invades every thought I have. He’s a part of everything I do, of every decision I make.

And while I don't often read MF, at this point, I'll read anything Bethany Winters writes. We know this 😅 This novella was filled to the brim with pure passion, some angst, and enough feels to cause heart palpitations.

Also wtf is going on with Andie and Trystan?!? It's giving enemies-to-lovers and I need it 😩

[Melluvsbooks]

DNF @ 30% Meh. Delinquents - h is a druggie and the H is a drug dealer. Passing out pills at a party like it’s candy at a parade. He’s too blood thirsty and unhinged and she’s crass and trashy. I thought maybe I could stick it out for a novella… but nah.

I don’t think I’m the target market for this author. 😬😬😬

[Darlene I read WAY to many books · Rating 4 out of 5]

I gotta say I ate this book UPPPPP!!! Two toxic ppls who shall always love eachother.

Atticus is coming home from being locked up for 6 months for beating the crap out of some guy who hit on his woman. But he's also mad at her since she ghosted him when he was in there now on this Jokers night he's going to make her beg for him. As for Violet she's been grumpy and sad since her man been gone but she fakes it tries to be okay and how he surprised her when he showed up she doesn't want this relationship there toxic he won't change she won't change either.

Atticus isn't showing his baby any mercy (lol thats a lie he took it easy on her) he's chasing her in the woods playing truth or dare and leaving his marks on her like old times. Driving Violet crazy when they play there games and catch a few dirty shows along the way ;).

I really wanna see what happens with the other side characters. I also wish there was a Epilogue 🥺🥺🥺

No ow drama tiny tiny om drama (mentioned ),No cheating, Secondary charas, Drama, sexy times, no virgins

Recommend-yes
Cover-⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Heat level-🌶🌶🌶

Instalove (they were a couple before)
Push away from h
Seperation 6 months
Mentions drugs
Tiny tiny Violence
Primal play
Edging
Praise kink
Degradation
Voyagerism
No condom
Tiny anal play
HEA

[Lisa · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was real smutty wish it would’ve been longer!

[Dani (Daniiireads) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Finally free after spending seven months in jail with no word from his girl, Atticus Lee is on a mission. Find her, fuck her, and claim her... If Violet's not his then she'll be nobody else's.

Atty is a whole ass red flag-- he's toxic, a little psychotic, beyond possessive, and 100% is of the 'touch her and die' mentality. I love him.

[Yas · Rating 4 out of 5]

Perfect as a quick & filthy Halloween Novella

This is a kinky Novella with an OBSESSED OTT MMC and Halloween vibes. And for being this short, it was not only smutty, but I could also feel the deeper connection between the MCs.
I’m a sucker for second-chance, so this just worked for me.

”I’ve been lying here with my girl in my arms and investigating every inch of her body, dying for her to wake up because I fucking miss her already.”

I liked the “Joker Night” aspect but wished there would've been more. But this is part 1 of interconnected stand-alone Novellas, so I guess we’ll get to see more in later books.

Happy Halloween 🎃

🗂Genre: Contemporary Romance
📕Type: Interconnected stand-alone Novella

🏷Tropes:
- Costume/ Halloween party Novella
- Second-Chance
- possessive/obsessed MMC
- “Look at her and I’ll kill you”
- Kinky: praise & breeding, marking, primal play, dub-con
- Friend group

⚠️Safety: Dub-con, toxic relationship, H is ott possessive of the h and doesn’t even let other males look at her, no condom/ protection

📖eBook: eBook 1st Person, dual POV

🎧Theme songs: forget me too - MGK ft. Halsey & Fire Up the Night - New Medicine

📚If you loved this, check out: Scream For Us (why choose Halloween Novella), Kian, Imperfect Intentions

"You’re a nightmare.”
“I’m your nightmare.”

[Julia (bookish.jka) · Rating 4 out of 5]

"He invades every thought I have. He's a part of everything I do, of every decision I make."

Well now, wasn't this a dark, dirty, explosive little MF novella from the fabulous Bethany Winters!

Nightmare is set during one evening - Joker Night - and gives us an insight into the messed up relationship between Violet and Atticus, recently reunited after Atticus has spent 7 months in prison for reacting badly to another dude hitting on his girl.

If you love toxic relationships, voyeurism, outdoor activities, dirty talk, possessive 'mine' behaviour and all the hot steam you can handle in 12 chapters, then you are gonna LOVE Nightmare.

Personally, I would like to see these divine characters expanded into a full-length novel, along with separate books for a couple of the side characters we are introduced to (Andie, Nova, Trystan) and for the record Bethany Winters, my MM brain would love to read about some Atticus and Trystan side-action too!😈

Enjoy the ride!

4 steamy stars ⭐⭐⭐⭐

[Juju · Rating 3 out of 5]

I thought this novella was good.

But I would have preferred full length story for this couple, rather than a snapshot. Because it does focus mostly on the sex.

Triggers - Dub Con, Breath Play, Toxic relationship, voyeurism, Rough sex

[♡Gabi♡ [life & work is chaotic hiatus] · Rating 3 out of 5]

unhinged boy obsessed with his girl ftw 😋

[Claire · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars. This is a short hot read about Violet, who's been ignoring her boyfriend Atticus, ever since he went to jail for her. (When another guy hit on her, he set the guy's dorm room on fire. As one does!) Their relationship is toxic, since Atticus is over the top jealous and possessive. But when he gets out of jail and comes for her, she gives into him easily. And they’re in the woods for some primal vibes. That’s pretty much it.

This isn’t bad at all. I just gave it around 3 stars because it was mostly telling and not showing. It felt like it should be a full length novel instead of a short novella – it made me want to see them first get together, and see how Violet’s family and friends thought they were toxic, and see her agonized choice to cut off contact with Atticus after he did one too many crazy things. All of that stuff was interesting and sounded like a great story! But we didn’t get to see any of it play out on the page. That all happened "offscreen" before this story, and we're just told about it.

But, it's well written and the author did a great job of diving into the story quickly without making it feel like an info- dump. She also does a great job of introducing several characters who all feel distinctive from each other in a short amount of time. Since it’s labeled as part of a series, I assume it’s setting up a continuation of stories about their friends. It made me interested enough to stick around and read the rest of the books when they come out. And, even though I wanted more from it, you'd probably like it if you just want a short hot read. Also, if you're a fan of Penelope Douglas or Rory Ireland, it's got vibes similar to their stuff.

[samantha ఌ · Rating 2 out of 5]

This was some crazy ass smut, but definitely has a boy obsessed hero

[eyeless jack · Rating 4 out of 5]

I couldn’t decide between 3 or 3.5ish stars so I felt generous and rounded up. I loved her writing, I just didn’t quite love the story as much as I wanted to.

Plus I’m a nosy bitch so Bethany PLEASE I need to know why you dedicated a filthy dark romance book “to my brother-in-law, Keiron. You know why <3”

[Eunoia · Rating 3 out of 5]

wow, okay this was smexxy asf. the reason for giving this three stars was bc, it fell short. This has no epilogue and just abruptly ended like, "that was it" vibes. this was promising though if it was a full-length novel and has an epilogue. It ended with HFN like, literally. I was also vv uncomfortable of h getting turned on watching her bestie fvcking one of their besties while h and H were getting at it at the same time lol. Also when H mentioned that he alr saw his bestie's cock. Kinda bothered me, ngl bc I was paranoid af. Though, I knew that it was normal since I believed they are besties since diapers. Don't mind me, it was just me being uncomfy w. everything.


This includes Dual Virgins. Though it was just mentioned by the h at the last chapter that they've both been only with each other.
First time was also off-page and was just mentioned.

" We get up to the first floor, almost tripping as we go, and he takes me along the hall to his bedroom—the same one we had sex in for the first time back in high school. I’ve only ever been with him, and he’s only ever been with me. It’s always been just us, ever since we were old enough to realize we were more than just childhood friends."

All in all, I felt like I was hanging on a cliff because I honestly need more of this couple.

Safety : Personally, I was scared asf thinking h/H might do shit like go into a threesome. Idk it gave me the vibe but i come to an understanding that it was just how they are as I progresses through reading the book. H and h were both so possessive of each other and it was just, their romance was DARK and has their way of showing their love to each other. so I'll rate it 3/5

[PeaceOfGod]

“What do you know, Vi?” I bite out, my patience wearing thin.
“I know you’re fucking crazy. I know your obsession with me is toxic as fuck and I needed to get out. I know you’re bad for me and I’m better off without you.”
“That’s your mother putting words in your mouth. They’re not yours.”
She shrugs, not denying it. “Maybe she’s right.”
“Maybe she’s a cunt.”
“Atty.”
“I’m sorry.”


Call me a huge-ass mommy's girl, but no boy will ever be worth listening to THESE kinds of words for my mom. Idc if she's right or wrong. Idc if that boy is toxic or not.


No stars from me.

[Valentina · Rating 3 out of 5]

If over the top jealousy is what you want in your hero, meet Atticus “Atty,” bad boy and recently back in town and out of jail where he was incarcerated for his actions for said jealousy. Because nobody talks to his girl Violet. This was a spicy (4/5) novella showing their passionate, fated relationship. A bit of push and pull because Atticus merited it with his over the top behavior.

While I expected more revenge and toxicity from Atticus, in truth, he adored each other, and she loved him, so there wasn’t much angst. I also wanted more of their backstory. The hot spice, the grittiness and the alpha behavior more than made up for the lighter plot though, with Vi’s sass being the perfect match to Atticus.

I am intrigued by the side characters and friends to the main characters, particularly Andie and Trystan, enemies to lovers.

Fast pace and first-person, dual points of view, the story was a steamy, entertaining read even if it could have contained more substance. I am interested in the next books.

[ikram · Rating 3 out of 5]

this man was absolutely unhinged but he was serving the boy-obsessed trope so who am i to judge?? he also threatened to piss on the fmc to “claim his territory” but for the sake of my mental health we’re pretending that didn’t happen 🥰🔫

[. (rip) · Rating 1 out of 5]

good to sleep

[nika · Rating 3 out of 5]

you just can’t go wrong w the boy obsessed trope

[Jessie ツ · Rating 5 out of 5]

“I love every fucking thing about her, even when it hurts.”🧎‍♀️

THIS HAD NO BUSINESS BEING SO GOOD 😭

the tension. the history. the longing. the fucking longing 😩. ugh i was siiiick (in a good way)

Aboslutely criminal this was so short. I need more! I need books for the rest of the friend group asap too.

😪😪😭😩😩🖤‼️🌶️👀🙌🙌🙌🙌

Tropes & Such
•H & h have been together ab 6 yrs (since 14) and H is OTT j/p; so much so he ends up srsly hurting something bc of their interest in h & lands himself in jail. the h ‘breaks up’ w him bc of how OTT/dangerous he acted

•the H, obv, decides they never broke up & that the h is his. as he’s released 7 months later, hearing not 1 word from h, he’s determined to get back to her & stake his claim… and stake something he does😝

-setting: party/in the woods vibe

-friend group, college

-no cheating, no owd

-no real omd just 1 person showed interest in h & she immediately rejected — aka the person H hurt landing himself in jail

-hfn (feels like hea (there’s no epilogue yrs later) but im confident they’ll be together always)

NOTES

-”Phoenix sent me a picture of her to keep in my cell after I threatened to kill him on day five, but nothing will ever be as good as the real thing.”

~ this made me lol. encapsulates Atty (Atticus) perfectly.

~also, nova x phoenix 👀👀👀 (that’s my guess, it would be perfect grumpy h x golden retriever H)

~andie x trystan: NEED YESTERDAY!!!!!!!

[LifeReader · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well, this novella is pure dirty sex. Sex, sex and more sex with a dash of crazy angry possessiveness and a huge dose of red flags.

This was a fun read about Atticus or should I say Atty, and his crazy obsession with Violet. He is not rational nor sane when it comes to Vi, he has zero fucks to give and I love that.

Bethany knows how to write about dirty fucking, no romance to it, it’s like ownership and claiming sex, it’s pure fantasy of stamina that’s for sure!

It’s a short story, but it is full of raw need for Atty to possess his girl, whether she wants him to or not. It’s actually made me quite excited for this series. Bethany did a great job introducing a few characters with not a lot of scenes, but made me want to know more of their story. She really teases you with them so you want to see more. Especially Nova, she really has my interest.

[Heather · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh My! If there was ever going to be a description of the perfect example of an Over the Top, Obsessive, Jealous Alphahole Atticus Lee is it! This book was sexy as hell and I was all in. 🔥

You know those times when you spot a book accidentally, one that just grabs your attention even though you've never heard of it or the author?!? Well, that's what happened here. I am so glad I picked this up because I am already going to be 1-clicking Bethany Winters books from this moment on. 💜

Please, please, please let there be a sequel bc I NEED more of these characters! 🙏🙏🙏

[25 Readings Or More · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.75
Oh Atticus 🔥🔥🔥

Nightmare is a short steamy/kinky novella, and it's a great introduction to this new series.
Atticus and Violet have a deep twisted bond. It's obsession, need, passion... and I loved it!!
Reading the blurb, I expected Atticus to be meaner. But in reality the guy is a goner for his girl.
I can’t wait to read about the other couples 😌

[Jamie · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.6 stars

This would literally be the perfect book for me or it was longer. It actually makes me sad it’s not longer because I know I’m missing out on an amazing story. Also wish this little version that we did get had an epilogue, sadly it didn’t

[emtee · Rating 4 out of 5]

Therapist: “You saw the red flags though, right?”
Me: “I thought it was a carnival.”
- Unknown

At the start of this novella, the author has a playlist to accompany the story. Fire Up The Night by New Medicine is on the playlist, and it’s the *perfect* song for this book. The perfect vibe. Great song… but the novella’s even better 😉

”You’re a nightmare.”

“I’m your nightmare.”

Filthy dirty fun, indeed.

[Isa Centeno · Rating 4 out of 5]

IT was soooooooooooo cute ♥️