isa_readss's review against another edition
5.0
After leaving off on a cliffhanger, it was so nice to be stepping back into the world of the Morellis and the Constantines and their epic fued. Tiernan and Bianca were left in a rough and dark place and it was so thrilling to see them come back to each other throughout the story! The swoon…. girl you ain’t ready. Tiernan Morelli is SWOON GALORE. This man is so dark and attractive… just how we like them
kfriend's review against another edition
4.0
Beautiful Nightmare, the epic finale to Tiernan and Bianca’s story is here, and holy moly Giana dials up all the feelings and all the steam. Giana always so effortlessly marries emotional intensity with fast-paced action in her stories, and paired with the dynamic and addictive world of the Midnight Dynasty world, it’s an intoxicating mix. While the first book in the duet is saturated with edgy taboo tension, book 2 really dials up the romanticism, courtesy of the transformation of our leading man Tiernan. The broken anti-hero becomes a healing hero- and he’s, dare I say, SWOONY. Not to mention, Giana gives us all the sexy Tiernan controlling sexy times. I love nothing more than a redemption arc, and Beautiful Nightmare is really that, as both of our characters recognize the “dream” they’ve so handily and cruelly been denied is more of a nightmare.
Whereas book one was all dark, edgy tension and intimate in scale, book 2 has more of a romantic suspense, sweeping quality to it. We have a whole lot more action, the pace is quick, and the twists are abundant, perhaps a bit too much so in places. But it’s highly entertaining, and the emotive connection I’d been craving more depth on in book one does come through here, in part because Tiernan falls so epically and intensely for Bianca and will do anything to have her- including opening his heart. Tiernan turns into a bit of a broody gummy bear in this story- and I was all about it. He’s still got his broken edge, but he’s a much softer alpha, and for much of the second half of the book he even takes a backseat to the story and the action. This worked for me to highlight the real evolution of Bianca as she rewrites her destiny and takes charge of her life for the first time, but I do wish they’d had less time apart in the back half. We do get some important closure and healing for Tiernan though, but he is most certainly a softer character than in book one- but he’s still a yummy alpha in the sheets. He starts as a reluctant hero, and he fights hard to reclaim his girl and keep her safe.
Overall, I really liked both characters arcs’, we see one embrace their inner darkness and the other edge into more of the light. The sweetness comes in seeing them battle the darkness around them (and for Tiernan within himself) to start to create a new dream, a love and family that is somehow suddenly just in reach, with each other and the scene-stealing found family. (I love those Gentlemen and Brando, and I wish we’d had more of them in this book) But securing that life requires them to confront what matters most, to take chances they never expected, and to choose between the warring sides of their hearts. For Tiernan to embrace love and to feel worthy of it, and for Bianca to learn to trust him again, while also trying to figure out herself. Of course, we have plenty of Morelli and Constantine drama to round out the tale- and some cameos from a few favorites too.
There were some third act frustration- not only having our lovers so separate in a lot of the action, but the abundance of twists gave us a lot to process and perhaps some open ends. And I am curious how the Midnight Dynasty- it’s becoming increasingly challenging for authors to deliver satisfying endings to the epic romances that feature the same subset of villains. Some, I’m sure, will be redeemed in star in their own stories (ala the Terror Triplets) but others have so much comeuppance in the bank that books may start to feel anticlimatic if true revenge isn’t served. And this book teetered on that- the story really boxed us into wanting an outcome that isn’t possible when these characters are prominently featured in other stories at the moment. Fortunately, instead Giana leans into the theme of family and love- so even if our villains don't get what they deserve, our heroes DO- and that part is so very gratifying and quite adorable. Overall, a sexy, swoony finale and much deserved HEA for the estranged Morelli son.
Giana has a poetic and practiced prose that is made of the Midnight world- and the type of hero she writes- broken, misunderstood, edge, only devoted to his lady- is pitch perfect for these two feuding families. I do hope she has plans to return to this world- I really enjoyed how thoughtfully she evolved these characters and the uniquely sweet and tender flavor she brought to this world.
Whereas book one was all dark, edgy tension and intimate in scale, book 2 has more of a romantic suspense, sweeping quality to it. We have a whole lot more action, the pace is quick, and the twists are abundant, perhaps a bit too much so in places. But it’s highly entertaining, and the emotive connection I’d been craving more depth on in book one does come through here, in part because Tiernan falls so epically and intensely for Bianca and will do anything to have her- including opening his heart. Tiernan turns into a bit of a broody gummy bear in this story- and I was all about it. He’s still got his broken edge, but he’s a much softer alpha, and for much of the second half of the book he even takes a backseat to the story and the action. This worked for me to highlight the real evolution of Bianca as she rewrites her destiny and takes charge of her life for the first time, but I do wish they’d had less time apart in the back half. We do get some important closure and healing for Tiernan though, but he is most certainly a softer character than in book one- but he’s still a yummy alpha in the sheets. He starts as a reluctant hero, and he fights hard to reclaim his girl and keep her safe.
Overall, I really liked both characters arcs’, we see one embrace their inner darkness and the other edge into more of the light. The sweetness comes in seeing them battle the darkness around them (and for Tiernan within himself) to start to create a new dream, a love and family that is somehow suddenly just in reach, with each other and the scene-stealing found family. (I love those Gentlemen and Brando, and I wish we’d had more of them in this book) But securing that life requires them to confront what matters most, to take chances they never expected, and to choose between the warring sides of their hearts. For Tiernan to embrace love and to feel worthy of it, and for Bianca to learn to trust him again, while also trying to figure out herself. Of course, we have plenty of Morelli and Constantine drama to round out the tale- and some cameos from a few favorites too.
There were some third act frustration- not only having our lovers so separate in a lot of the action, but the abundance of twists gave us a lot to process and perhaps some open ends. And I am curious how the Midnight Dynasty- it’s becoming increasingly challenging for authors to deliver satisfying endings to the epic romances that feature the same subset of villains. Some, I’m sure, will be redeemed in star in their own stories (ala the Terror Triplets) but others have so much comeuppance in the bank that books may start to feel anticlimatic if true revenge isn’t served. And this book teetered on that- the story really boxed us into wanting an outcome that isn’t possible when these characters are prominently featured in other stories at the moment. Fortunately, instead Giana leans into the theme of family and love- so even if our villains don't get what they deserve, our heroes DO- and that part is so very gratifying and quite adorable. Overall, a sexy, swoony finale and much deserved HEA for the estranged Morelli son.
Giana has a poetic and practiced prose that is made of the Midnight world- and the type of hero she writes- broken, misunderstood, edge, only devoted to his lady- is pitch perfect for these two feuding families. I do hope she has plans to return to this world- I really enjoyed how thoughtfully she evolved these characters and the uniquely sweet and tender flavor she brought to this world.
ria_destiney's review against another edition
4.0
4-Nightmare-⭐️‘s
Giana Darling did not disappoint yet again, this is a stunning conclusion to Tiernan & Bianca story and it was so soooo good.
We start of right where we left off in dangerous temptations and honestly the stress was HIGH for this book, but everything came together in one nice little package and I’m so happy with how this duet has ended.
The more we learned about Tiernan character in this book the more my heart hurt for him, this man, he has been through so much. And just seeing him learn to love, not just Bianca and Brando but himself? That was some fantastic character development right there! Also finally getting to see Bianca be a vicious bad bitch and stand up for herself, love love love.
I still stand by the fact that Tiernan and Bianca are just made for each other, they just fit so well together and everything is perfectly balanced, the tension between them, their banter, sweet and angry moments, just everything, perfect perfect perfectionnnnn.
And if it was even possible the side characters, they grew on me even more and I’d honestly love a book just about them! All the relationships between the characters just work perfectly and I absolutely adore this found family trope here.
I really just wish this book was longer! I’d love to see more plot points fleshed out and just so much more of these characters, I’m so sad we are at the end.
All I can say yet again, as I do with all of Giana Books, go and pick this duet up!! If you are looking for a enemies-to-loves, taboo and forbidden romance with lots of high stakes then this is the duet!
*I was kindly gifted an e-ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.*
Giana Darling did not disappoint yet again, this is a stunning conclusion to Tiernan & Bianca story and it was so soooo good.
We start of right where we left off in dangerous temptations and honestly the stress was HIGH for this book, but everything came together in one nice little package and I’m so happy with how this duet has ended.
The more we learned about Tiernan character in this book the more my heart hurt for him, this man, he has been through so much. And just seeing him learn to love, not just Bianca and Brando but himself? That was some fantastic character development right there! Also finally getting to see Bianca be a vicious bad bitch and stand up for herself, love love love.
I still stand by the fact that Tiernan and Bianca are just made for each other, they just fit so well together and everything is perfectly balanced, the tension between them, their banter, sweet and angry moments, just everything, perfect perfect perfectionnnnn.
And if it was even possible the side characters, they grew on me even more and I’d honestly love a book just about them! All the relationships between the characters just work perfectly and I absolutely adore this found family trope here.
I really just wish this book was longer! I’d love to see more plot points fleshed out and just so much more of these characters, I’m so sad we are at the end.
All I can say yet again, as I do with all of Giana Books, go and pick this duet up!! If you are looking for a enemies-to-loves, taboo and forbidden romance with lots of high stakes then this is the duet!
*I was kindly gifted an e-ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.*
theromancespace's review
3.0
3.5 stars
I have mixed feelings about this book for some reason. I'm usually not a stickler for these things but there were a ton of typos that irked me a bit. Overall I enjoyed the book but felt it was missing something. I kind of felt more of an ick from this book with Bianca and Tiernan's relationship since she still doesn't turn 18 in this book and they started molding into "parents" over Brando. I just thought that was weird. I love taboo and I love Giana's writing but I didn't feel so compelled to love Bianca and Tiernan while reading this book. As I said, I did enjoy the book. I liked how Bianca got revenge and how Tiernan attempted to grovel for Bianca. The spice ... was SPICY i must say. I knew there wouldnt be an issue there. I just wish I loved this book a little more.
I have mixed feelings about this book for some reason. I'm usually not a stickler for these things but there were a ton of typos that irked me a bit. Overall I enjoyed the book but felt it was missing something. I kind of felt more of an ick from this book with Bianca and Tiernan's relationship since she still doesn't turn 18 in this book and they started molding into "parents" over Brando. I just thought that was weird. I love taboo and I love Giana's writing but I didn't feel so compelled to love Bianca and Tiernan while reading this book. As I said, I did enjoy the book. I liked how Bianca got revenge and how Tiernan attempted to grovel for Bianca. The spice ... was SPICY i must say. I knew there wouldnt be an issue there. I just wish I loved this book a little more.
lucy_qhuay's review against another edition
4.0
The things I enjoyed in the first book were the exact same things I enjoyed in this one, mainly the sexy ass (and crazy ass) asshole antihero, the strong heroine and the fucked-up family dynamics. However, the things I didn't like as much also persisted. I was still left thinking everything between Bianca and Tiernan happened very fast, especially in his part.
Also, am I supposed to believe that after more than 10 years of estrangement from his brothers they would suddenly appear just to "hold hands and sing kumbaya" with Tiernan? And the loose ends concerning Tiernan's mother and his real father, plus Bianca's ties to the Constantines? I wanted to know more.
At last, and this is something that pains me since I am a huge lover of age gaps, but I can't say I was comfortable with the one between Bianca and Tiernan. I'd prefer if Bianca was already 18. With her being 17 years old, I'd rather that Tiernan was in his 20s and not in his 30s. I mean, he was already a very experienced man in all areas of his life, including sexually, plus a millionaire and her guardian. That big of an age gap just added to the power imbalance in their case.
All things considered, this was a great introduction to the Midnight Dynasty world. I am very much looking forward to reading more about these fucked-up individuals.
the_literary_rebel's review against another edition
5.0
Such a beautiful ending to the Dark Dream Duet
series. After the jaw dropping cliffhanger in Dangerous Temptation, I was crazy to get my hands on this conclusion. My heart is so full rn reading about Tiernan, Bianca and sweet little Brandon. And oh my! I couldn't stand Tiernan but then he completely melted my heart throughout the entire series. If you love to love a villain with a golden heart, then you're gonna fall for this brooding man. There was amazing character arc, especially in Bianca's part, family reunion, angst, suspense, revenge and of course very very steamy.
✔️Age gap
✔️Ward romance
✔️He has a secret dark past and scar on his face thar only makes him more attractive
series. After the jaw dropping cliffhanger in Dangerous Temptation, I was crazy to get my hands on this conclusion. My heart is so full rn reading about Tiernan, Bianca and sweet little Brandon. And oh my! I couldn't stand Tiernan but then he completely melted my heart throughout the entire series. If you love to love a villain with a golden heart, then you're gonna fall for this brooding man. There was amazing character arc, especially in Bianca's part, family reunion, angst, suspense, revenge and of course very very steamy.
✔️Age gap
✔️Ward romance
✔️He has a secret dark past and scar on his face thar only makes him more attractive
dellyreads's review against another edition
5.0
I have been so excited to get back into Bianca and Tiernan's story and let me tell you it didn't disappoint. In this book we pick up where we left off with Bianca learning about Tiernans lies and betrayal and let me tell you I was so excited to see how Tiernan was going to fix this because who doesn't love a good grovel from their fictional men! and my god did my heart swoon for him this book! I loved how he realised what he had in front of him how there was a life, love and family. In book 1 Tiernan was so harsh and cold but in this one we get to see him finally let some of those walls down, his love for Brando how he treated him as if he was he own honestly made me love him more.
Bianca is just so wise beyond her years, she had to grow up before her time and it shows in her actions and her strength, she's so determined to uncover the secrets being hidden from her and get answers about what her dad was hiding from his family. No matter how she tried she can't help but love Tiernan and the connection between the 2 of them is *chef kisses!!
Beautiful Nightmare has so much character growth, suspense, action, love, family and some of the best spice and dirty talk! I didn't want this story to end and I can't wait to get the epilogue to see what lay ahead for one of my favourite couples!
Bianca is just so wise beyond her years, she had to grow up before her time and it shows in her actions and her strength, she's so determined to uncover the secrets being hidden from her and get answers about what her dad was hiding from his family. No matter how she tried she can't help but love Tiernan and the connection between the 2 of them is *chef kisses!!
Beautiful Nightmare has so much character growth, suspense, action, love, family and some of the best spice and dirty talk! I didn't want this story to end and I can't wait to get the epilogue to see what lay ahead for one of my favourite couples!
yessikachu's review against another edition
1.0
she is a child. he was literally her mom’s boyfriend. like he fucked her mom then took her and her brother in for revenge and led her straight to the arms of FUCKING CAROLINE. he is a piece of shit. blah blah blah he was abused. YEAH! THAT IS EXACTLY WHY ONE WOULD ASSUME HIM TO BE ABLE TO UNDERSTAND HOW THE GAPING DISPARITY BETWEEN THE TWO OF THEM WOULD MEAN THAT THEY ARE NOT FIT TO BE TOGETHER BECAUSE THE POWER DYNAMIC PUT HER AT DISGUSTING ODDS OF BEING HARMED BY HIM. OH WAIT SHE ALREADY HAS! NOT TO MENTION THE FACT THAT HE WAS FUCKING HER MOM A BOOK AGO. HIS DICK WAS LITERALLY STILL WET WITH YOUR DEAD MOTHER BIANCA
also what do these people have against using a condom. like just one time. PUHLEZE !!
also what do these people have against using a condom. like just one time. PUHLEZE !!
sbauer16's review against another edition
3.0
“I’ve done countless things in my life that I should not have done, but loving you is the best mistake I ever made.”
I knew at the start that I was going to just skim Beautiful Nightmare since that's basically what I did with the previous book. I was invested enough in the characters and story to see how it ended. I loved seeing a different, kinder side from the MMC. Brando and The Gentlemen were still my favorites. I also thought the ending was a bit abrupt.
I knew at the start that I was going to just skim Beautiful Nightmare since that's basically what I did with the previous book. I was invested enough in the characters and story to see how it ended. I loved seeing a different, kinder side from the MMC. Brando and The Gentlemen were still my favorites. I also thought the ending was a bit abrupt.
booksumed's review against another edition
3.0
I enjoyed it but didn’t like it as much as Book 1. And the plot kinda got too convoluted toward the end.
Beautiful Nightmare was even more spicy than Book 1, and I loved the flip of their relationship! Like Tiernan did a 180, and I was not mad about it. Who doesn't love an obsessed MMC?
However, book 2 felt to drag on a little, and the plot felt all over the place.
But overall, the Dark Dream Duet was a fun, taboo dark Romance and delivered most of the things I was looking for.
Beautiful Nightmare was even more spicy than Book 1, and I loved the flip of their relationship! Like Tiernan did a 180, and I was not mad about it. Who doesn't love an obsessed MMC?
However, book 2 felt to drag on a little, and the plot felt all over the place.
But overall, the Dark Dream Duet was a fun, taboo dark Romance and delivered most of the things I was looking for.