Pack Nightmare

Midnight Wolves of Smoky Falls #2

by Laurel Night

As if I don’t have enough problems with classes, Homecoming, pack politics, and claiming my fated mates, Derrek showing up here as my new professor puts everyone in an uproar. I haven’t seen him in over a year, and something about his explanation just doesn’t add up. Even so, we have a connection I can’t deny. Of course my fated mates don’t like him, and no one in the pack trusts him at all. They say I’m crazy for listening to his ideas, but they’re nuts if they think I’ll just lie down and accept being cursed for the rest of my life. There has to be a way to break the curse, and if Derrek is the only one who will help me, maybe he’s the only one I can trust. Even if it costs me the love of my fated.

Pack Nightmare will be released April 2023

Genres: Shapeshifters, Paranormal, Fantasy, Why Choose, Romance, Paranormal Romance

338 pages, Kindle Edition

Published April 26, 2023

About the author

Hi! I'm Laurel, I love all things fantasy, magic, and sci-fi, so you may find that my books have surprising twists that you didn't see coming.

I'm an avid traveller and adventurer, and I find my travels inspire stories I want to write! I have an amazing daughter and we currently live in the shadows of the Smoky Mountains. I love a good craft cocktail, sunny beaches and snowy slopes, and a cozy chair with a nearby fireplace for the perfect read.

Reviews

[Laura (lady_h_reads) · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5/5
Pack Nightmare was a great sequel to Pack Dreams! It was an easy one-sitting read that I could not put down. I was already enamored with Layla and her fated mates, but I fell more in love with them as they navigated Layla’s new status as pack Alpha and learned more about one another. Throwing a new/old player into the mix kept things interesting – past enemies became friends, and pack secrets were unveiled.

I like knowing what I am getting into when I read a Laurel Night story. Her books are plot-driven, emphasizing strong relationships over high steam. I enjoy this change of pace from the heavy smut I often read.

This book remains slow burn, though the MCs do start exploring their increasing attractions for one another. Layla takes the time and effort to learn who her fated mates are outside their bonds rather than allowing the inherent bond attraction to pull them together. She falls in love with them as a person, more than a bondmate. And in the process, she learns how to open up and trust.

The cliffhanger is a shocker! A ‘you might want to toss your Kindle across the room because the book ends there’ kind of ending. I cannot wait for the next book!

Genre: Fantasy Romance
Tropes/Features: Wolf shifters, female alpha, fated mates, family curse, teacher/student, magic
Narrator: Multiple 1st Person POV (primarily in FMC’s POV)
Relationship Type: Why Choose MFMM, Slow burn
Book Type/Ending: Book Two in series, cliffhanger ending

[Sassafrack · Rating 4 out of 5]

I do love how this story is going. Layla is struggling with both wanting to embrace life as alpha of a pack she didn’t know existed until recently, and wanting to break the curse that is forcing her to be there. I like that she is seeing the good side of being part of a community, and getting to know her guys better is beautiful. Layla starting to take an active roll and seeing more of the issues happening that she can help with was good, I only wish she was a little more proactive about addressing things. But mostly because I’m impatient and wanted her to prevent issues before they exploded.
We got a lot more details about the pack that cursed them, but in the end there is so much more to figure out. There’s definitely a few more mysteries that I want answers to now.
While I loved the character and relationship growth happening in this book, a few times I wasn’t a fan of how Layla handled things. It stopped me from really connecting with her.
I’m giving this one about a 3.5-4. Still very curious to see what happens next.

[Rachel · Rating 4 out of 5]

Pack Nightmares is a good follow-up to the first book. Layla is getting used to pack life but I like that she doesn't just take things at face value. Mistakes are made but at least she tries. I enjoyed the development of the guys' personalities this time around, I feel like they rounded now.


The best part was the plot development. We get answers about Uncle Dom which I was dying to know about, we get a deeper understanding of the curse, and some interesting new characters are shown. That included enemies coming from all angles and there were some surprising new developments, and I looking forward to seeing how things wrap up in the final book.

[Charlotte · Rating 4 out of 5]

Things get complicated for Layla (FMC) in the 2nd book in The Midnight Wolves of Smokey Falls. When Derrek turns up, a face from her past it stirs up tensions between her and her mates. Add to that her finding her feet as Alpha, a feuding pack, witches, curses...........so much was packed into this book. With cliff-hanger ending had me shouting at my kindle noooooooooooo you cant end it like that!!! Bring on book 3 now because Ill be fuming until then, lol.

[XxLaVampiresaAlexisxX · Rating 4 out of 5]

Pack Nightmare is the second book in the Midnight Wolves of Smoky Falls. This cannot be read as a standalone and also ends in a cliffhanger.

Woooow!!! For being a slow burn, I'm really loving the emotional development between Layla/Lex/Lily/Lilliana and her mates. There's something unique and simple, yet exciting about this story. Once we get answers, we are hit with more questions, that I'm dýîng to have answered. I have to say I'm fully invested in Layla's journey on becoming alpha. Definitely looking forward to the next book!

[Stefanie · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was still OK. It just seemed to lose the sparkle that book one had. The first 50% of the book felt like nothing really happened, and to be honest, by the end of the book, I really didn't like Layla. It's such a shame as I adored book one. I'm still interested to see what happens in book 3. I'm just no longer as gripped by the series.

Wolf shifters
Slow burn
Why-choose
She's the Alpha
Found family

[Darcy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story/series is amazing. I love Laurel Night’s writing and story developments. They are always extremely well written and developed. Her stories always pull me in and do not let go. This one was no different. It is extremely well written and developed. It has a unique storyline with these amazing characters that are cursed. Layla/Lilliana is growing throughout this story, However, there are times I feel that she gets too big for her britches attitude as she tends to let the I am Alpha cloud her judgement a bit. That does not distract from her personality of characteristic at all. I think it is just a young alpha just coming into herself attitude. I also do not think she thinks enough before she speaks. However, I am also thinking that is just the case of being young and needing to grow more. I think we will eventually see this coming. The guy are great. They are still very protective and wanting to the light of her life. I absolutely love the change in personalities with some of the pack members. I think it is amazing how things in our lives (characters lives) can make them act a certain way, but to change the bad to good is amazing. The descriptions throughout this are amazing. We get to the end and boy what a major cliffhanger. I absolutely cannot wait for the next book in the series.

[Carol Rupprecht · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lilianna's story continues! She really has a lot on her plate and she steps into more roles as Alpha and begins to accept more responsibility within the pack and she learns her new place. It's incredible to see the pack accept her as Alpha at her young age, showing it is more important to have the potential to grow, the ability to protect the pack, and the power to keep the pack thriving than to have the experience but nothing to back it up. Lilianna still has a lot to learn, but she shows a lot of promise in her abilities, compassion, and decision making.

Having Derrek introduced in this book sure made things interesting, both with the feelings it brought out in Lilianna and her guys and with the history he brings along with him. Without him being involved, I don't think the necessary steps would have been taken in regards to the curse that the pack is connected to. Although his presence brings a lot of unknown information and connections to the past, it also brings a lot of drama too. 

The next book should be pretty intense. I don't think the ending of this book will settle well with Lilianna and I am excited to see what path she takes in order to set things back on track again. History plays a big part in this story and I hope Lilianna gets the answers she needs so the curse can finally be broken.

[Diane · Rating 5 out of 5]

I voluntarily reviewed a copy of "PACK NIGHTMARE". This truly pulled me in from the start so much mystery, intrigue, magic, shifters, struggles, curses, steam, trust issues, pack politics, fared mates, secrets, enemies, twists that has you turning the pages.
Lillianna with her Uncle now gone it's up to her to try her best to save the pack & break the curse as she is now the ruler of the pack an Alpha female who's struggling accepting who she is, accepting her fated mates, they have so much learn it's a painful journey with plenty of mistakes.
Derek an old friend of Lilianna's has returned back into her life bringing a whole lot of concerns & secrets get revealed that he's kept to himself, the attraction between these two well it'll bring done drama.
I definitely recommend to get this interesting journey Lillianna & her Nate's take you in she's grows into Alpha role, the drama between her mates, jealousy but they try to put her first, is there more to come for come.
I'm so looking forward to ""DAWN OF THE PACK" after that cliffhanger to see what's going to happen next its a must read you don't want to miss.
INTRIGUING SHIFTER REVERSE HAREM ROMANCE YOU CANT PUT DOWN 🖤🖤🖤🖤🖤

[Ines · Rating 5 out of 5]

* 4.5 star review

“Pack Nightmare” is the second book in the “Wolves of Smokey Falls” series and picks up right where the first book ended. This isn’t the series you should read if you want to find surprises behind every corner, but it’s an easy and cute read where it’s nice to watch Layla grow in her role as alpha. I do like the dynamic between Layla and her men; there's a bit of harem-drama involved while they struggle with jealousy, but they always try to put Layla first. It has a bit of a young adult feel to it, but the spice is slowly adding up in this second book.

This second book is giving us some answers to questions lingering from the first book, but there is still a lot left to unwrap. I'm mostly curious to find out whether there was more to Layla's mom leaving, and whether there are more mates waiting for our young alpha in book three... Even though this series isn't packed with action and suspense, I can't help but wonder about the story at times, and think about possible answers to the questions I still have. So in a way, this story fascinates me, and I'm looking forward to finding out more in the next book.

[Mrs R · Rating 4 out of 5]

Pack Nightmares is book 2 in the series and you need to have read book 1 to know what is going on. This book does end on a cliffhanger and continues into book 3. I'm assuming that this will be a trilogy, it seems to be heading that way.

This is a slow-burn RH, and the main characters are 18 years old and in college. Not a huge amount happens in the first half of the book, it's Layla getting on with her life and learning how she should act and deal with everyday things, but the second half starts to get interesting.

Layla/Lex/Lily/Lilliana is settling into her role as pack alpha and getting to know her fated mates better. She is glad of the helpfulness of her mates but I like that she wants to find things out for herself, she is free eyes to a town that is so stuck in its own ways they don't seem to question anything anymore.

I've enjoyed Derrick coming back into Layla's life, there is still some uncertainty as to why and how, but she does find out more towards the end and he is a big part of the cliffhanger so I am looking forward to seeing where that goes in the next book.

[Heather · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic 2nd book!

This was a fantastic follow up to the first book. Not only has Layla had her entire world turned around, but now her first crush, Derrek, is in town as her new professor. He claims that he was the one who notified her uncle of her whereabouts after being attacked and that the uncle told him to finish his degrees and he would have a job at the local college. Layla is crushed that he lied to her about not knowing she was a shifter, but she still cares about him for everything he did for her.

Layla and her mates are getting closer and she is working to try to figure out how to get out of the curse that has befallen her family… and a new antagonist has joined the fight against her. But this time, she isn’t sure she can fight back against the magic she has.

More secrets get revealed and I love that her uncle make an appearance!! The ending though… WOW – I did not see that one coming! Cant wait to find out what happens next.

I received a free copy of this book via the author and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Lexi · Rating 2 out of 5]

Unfortunately, every twist and plot point is so painfully obvious that I could tell what was going to happen from the first couple of chapters.

All of the character are so devoid of personality that I couldn't tell any of the guys apart except Derrek just because he's the older guy. Speaking of Derrek, the charm of the student/teacher romance is the forbidden aspect and the façade of them having to act normal at school while they're so insanely attracted to each other. There's none of that here. Having him be a professor at the college was pretty much pointless and used just because it's a popular trope.

Most of the tropes used are like how the student/teacher is. The very baseline is there and it's all surface level. Nothing is deeper than a kiddie pool, when the reason some tropes are so beloved are because of the nuance. Here, they're all flat.

The cliffhanger ending was meh, mostly because it was glaringly obvious since the first book.

[TheSugaredBookworm · Rating 5 out of 5]

So in book 1, Layla is finding out who and what she is and adjusting to that revelation. All while also realizing what and who her fated are. This book was Layla starting to come into her own power, solidifying friendships/relationships and accepting her role in her pack/community. I love how she views things. As an outsider, she doesn't see things in black and white, like the rest of the pack does. She's able to view things outside of the box, seeing things in the grand scheme and not just on a small scale. While she's still learning the history and her power, she really is a perfect leader. This is a slow burn and things are starting to heat up!! I also LOVED how her guys fight their yearning to smother her, and instead respect her boundaries and need to be independent. Make no mistake, they'll still do whatever it takes to protect her. That ending was such a good cliffhanger! You don't see it coming and it will leave you anxious and excited for the next book!!

[Helen Gray · Rating 5 out of 5]

Pack Nightmare - I think this just about sums it up for Layla, or Lilliana as she is now embracing her formal name. By the end of the book she is facing a nightmare of epic proportions.
As this looks to be a trilogy this is a perfect middle book. We get a lot more story coming in, the pack dynamics are showing as she steps more into her role as Alpha- who are her enemies that will betray her and who are her friends and supporters that may be prepared to give their life to save their Alpha. Fated mate bonds strengthen and there is also the introduction of some new characters that turn the story on its head.
The book is really well written, Laurel Night is a great storyteller, and while I did guess some things that were going to happen as they were heavily hinted at there are are few shocks to contend with too. Really looking forward to the release of the next book as I am totally hooked on this story and really want to see what happens next

[C. Mercie M Crystal · Rating 4 out of 5]

With everything that’s happening, Layla has to get herself put together. She needs to figure out what purpose Derrick fills in her life, or if she just feels close to him because of her past. She has a pack, people, and herself to protect. Unfortunately, with her uncle gone, and having no prior education, she’s still not sure how best to save her pack, break the curse….or just be the “ruler they need.” The leader she still has to figure out how to be…..the characters are starting to change into who they need to be as leaders, instead of teenagers, it is a painful process for anyone. I love the way this writer brings us into the turmoil of their growth, and helps us see them become who they really are. That can mean making a bunch of mistakes, and the adventure of figuring out how to fix them. Looking forward to book 3.

[Amanda Tremblay · Rating 5 out of 5]

omg!! I KNEW IT!!!!,

Ahhhhhhhh!!!! I feel like I’m going to explode!! I absolutely KNEW that twist at the end was gonna happen and now I wanna cry because it was a heck of a cliffhanger and I NEED ANSWERS darn it!!!! I need her and the boys to save Leaf and bring him home and break the curse and I need them all to live happily ever after!!!!!! Also, I’m still hooked on this series and there has only been very minimal spice, like only making out and some heavy petting and one very nice scene of Milo ummmm….“eating” his meal. Lmfao I really hope she gets to claim ALL her fated in the next book (but honestly I’m actually REALLY enjoying this series even without the spice which is typically unheard of for me!) anyways…..I’m gonna go and sit in the corner and wait patiently for book 3 to come out now…..

[TXBRITGAL · Rating 4 out of 5]

Secrets, secrets everywhere 😉❤✨...

Layla/Lilliana and her guys are back in this second exciting book of the series. Get ready for a read *filled* with magic, curses, suspense, action, twists and turns, mystery, and more than a few secrets.

• Shifters
• Fated Mates
• Why Choose
• Slow Burn
• Found Family

I thoroughly enjoyed this second book. Our FMC is slowly growing into her role as alpha, and of course there are growing pains. Interesting seeing the growth of the characters relationships from book one. The world building has also been opened up a bit more in this book. Introducing characters from the Montrose Pack, and not having them as just an "idea". I can't wait to learn about the actual origins of this curse. Especially after that ending 😉. Twists and turns, and secrets galore peppered these pages....can't wait to see what's next!

[Book Life With Jen · Rating 4 out of 5]

With so many secrets and suspense surrounding Layla and her guys i couldn’t wait to dive back in to this fabulous fated mates paranormal world that Laurel Night created with her Midnight Wolves of Smoky Falls series and this time I was ready for it all! All the twists, the turns, the slow burn connection and of course all the mystery and secrets surrounding our drank alpha Layla and her fated mates.

This nook definitely was easier to get in to than the first, and I love how Layla has found herself, her strength and how she’s definitely evolving and adapting to her role as the female alpha of her pack. And while we finally get a bit more in depth look into other characters and the overall story i can’t wait to find out more about the curse and what’s to comes! And that ending?!? Book three better come fast!!!

[Tara Syrnyk · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a great addition to the series. We get to see a lot of character development and growth. I have really enjoyed getting to know Layla and her fated mates more and this book does a great job of that. Layla is learning how to be an alpha while adjusting to a new life ina new town, but we has her fated mates beside her , helping her and supporting her. It was really great to see them all grow together. Not only is she learning to balance alpha life with teenage life, She is wanting to try and fix the curse that is on her pack. The authour did a great job with these characters and their development. I am enjoying how this story is going, The plot is solid and engaging, the last couple chapters really added some suspense and shock! This book flowed well and was an easy read. Once I started ,this second book really hooked me and I am eager to read the next instalment!

[Sue Harbers · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well to say that our FMC has a lot on her plate at a very early age is an understatement. She’s struggling with accepting herself, identity issues, accepting her mates and trusting an old friend who decided to just pop right back into her life. All while balancing being an alpha who was brought up as a human and trying to free her pack from a curse. So admittedly I liked Derrek from the start and would have felt unfulfilled if he never came back. However, dude has brought on a whole gambit of concerns just by being there not to mention all the secrets he’s kept. The boys are all great and I love how supportive of L they are and how focused they are on deepening their connection. I’m excited to see what happens in the next book!

[nat _lovestoread · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm hooked and need more! ❤️‍🔥

Damn it, this was an unexpected and wild ride!!! 😱🤯
I'm loving the guys so much, for a shifter fated mates, they are really behaving and been thoughtful towards Liliana; they are really trying and that makes me love them more! 🥰
Liliana is being a little annoying sometimes, but then I remember everything is new to her, she was raised as a human and I'm so glad she finally understood her place and importance in her pack! 💕
Derrek, a big surprise, I'm still thinking about him; I believe he is going to play a big role in Liliana's and the pack lifes. 🤔
An amazing second book with a jaw-dropping cliffhanger; can't wait for the next one! 😍❤️

[DeeDeeWReads · Rating 5 out of 5]

Let me say first, be warned. If you are like me and fall right in love with the characters of a book, the last page of this book will destory you. My heart is bleeding and I write this with tears in my eyes.

Layla, Lex, Lilliana, Lily.... One girl, one alpha, so many names is finding her way in her new world. Learning how to be the best alpha she can be and bonding with her mates. There is so many wonderful parts in this book, but also warning, a few that will tear you apart as much as it does the characters. Loss is normal, but it is never easy.

The last 8% is amazing, it guts you, you gasp, and if like me you cry so much. I can't wait to see Laurel takes us in book 3 and I don't know how long it will be, but I will wait for what I hope is the best HEA ever.

[Hannah · Rating 5 out of 5]

After reading the first book in the series, I knew I had to read the second to read where the story would go.

The FMC has grown more in this book and you can see her starting to connect more with her mates and bond. She's still hesitant due to the curse but, she can't deny her mates have been there through all the "bad" that's occurred to date.

A blast from the past comes to town and throws a "wrench" in the whole connection thing the FMC is feeling with her fated mates that complicates things. You'll find out what it all means in the ending of this book, which ends on a cliffhanger.

I can't wait to read the next book and conclusion of the story. It's a great series so, definitely check it out!!

[Julorie Siefert · Rating 5 out of 5]

Layla thinking she has left the street life and the person who protected them Derrek, in her class there he is the new professor in her class. The memories of those times come rushing back, what is he doing here? As Layla is learning her way as the new Alpha of Smoky Falls, along with her fated three Jared, Milo and Landon, many event are happening that leaves her finding out strange secrets and all is not as it should be. This second book, is taking us into the heart of the curse, the secrets and surprising turn of events concerning Derrek. Will Layla be able to handle the turn of events, and resolve key issues? I devoured book 1 to get to book 2 could not wait to see how things would turn out. I hope you enjoy this book as much as I did.

[Tasha Goulet · Rating 5 out of 5]

Witches, wolves, and betrayal

This second book brings Layla's past back into her life, but it might bring answers too. It was great to see Layla stepping into the alpha role more and to see her connect with each of her mates. They each had some really sweet moments. I also liked that she called them out on some of their stuff. They need to be real with each other and communicate with each other. And I loved how most of her pack really is there for her.

There were some very tense moments in this book. And I don't want to spoil anything so I'll just warn you that Layla will face betrayal. But you'll get some answers in this second book and a heavy cliffhanger that will leave you begging for the next book.

[Lauren · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a great sequel that picks right up from the big cliffhanger in the first installment of the series. Layla’s entire world has been turned upside down and everything she ever knew has changed.

I loved the slow and steady bonds she continued to grow with each of her mates. It’s refreshing to read a story that really builds relationships. The romance and spice is growing, but this book is definitely more centered around the plot.

Layla is trying to embrace her role as Alpha, form relationships with her mates, trying to break a longstanding family curse, and dealing with Derrek - a blast from the past.

Although we learn a lot in this book I feel like there is still so much mystery and secrets to be solved. I’m ready for book 3!

[Margarida · Rating 4 out of 5]

After the events of the last book I was really looking forward to learning what happened next. In this book Layla is struggling to become the Alpha everyone needs her to be after only just finding out she's a shifter. She also finds about her family and what the curse keeping her in the land actually means... And of course it only makes her want to take action on it! And she should! I definitely shared in her frustration for everyone's inaction in this regard, but really enjoyed seeing Layla take charge of something.
I also really enjoy the paces at which the relationships are developing and the importance the guys put on getting to know Layla, even though they're fated mates.
OMG, I actually can't deal with the ending though... I NEED to know what happens next!

[Kristen Lewendon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Holy moly. I kind of don’t even know what to say about this book that won’t give away all the secrets that get revealed. I guess what I can share is that we get to see Layla growing into her position as Alpha and solidifying some of her connections to the pack – particularly with her fated mates. There are betrayals and discoveries around every corner for Layla. And perhaps the biggest of all comes right at the very end and has left me snarling in frustration that I can’t immediately start reading the next book to find out the rest of that story. But, it guarantees that I’ll be one of the first in line to get my hands on it as soon as the author has completed it.
I received a complimentary advance copy of this book from the author.

[Sarah Foster · Rating 4 out of 5]

Settling in

Layla and her 3 fated, Jared, Milo & Landon, are becoming more than just friends. Layla realizes she doesn't want to be away from them too long but still struggles if they truly want her or if the compulsion of the alpha/ fated mate pull is what really draws them together. Layla has trouble finding herself in this new reality of being alpha at only 18 years of age.
The mystery of the curse that surrounds the Harridan line becomes Layla's or should we say Lillianna's focus. Just as she thinks she has a plan in motion it gets derailed. The cliffy left me slack-jawed and I really can't wait for the conclusion of the trilogy.