Beautiful Nightmare by Giana Darling is the conclusion to Tiernan Morelli and Bianca Belcante's story that not only takes place in the Midnight Dynasty world but builds upon the existing stories that have already been established in Lucian and Leo Morelli's books as well as Winston Constantine's. Both Tiernan and Bianca experience significant character growth and development as they navigate their feelings for each other as well as the hidden secrets of the Constantine and Morelli families. This book cannot be read as a standalone because it immediately picks up after Dangerous Temptation. Watching this dark, broody, and sexy man fall in love and coming to terms with his feelings was a heady thing to witness. I was surprised and elated by Tiernan's change because it revealed his duality—he was ruthless and violent to his enemies but possessive and passionate when it came to those he loved."He was this contradiction only my heart could decipher. A lovely monster. A beautiful nightmare."While Tiernan was dealing with his feelings for Bianca and how broken his relationship with his father truly was, Bianca also came to some realizations of her own. What she thought she wanted was merely a facade. The Constantine's were nothing like she imagined and the revelation regarding Tiernan's last name at the end of Dangerous Temptation has her angry and conflicted. I have some thoughts regarding Bianca because while I understood her wanting to uncover her family's secrets, she was also incredibly naive. I grew frustrated with some of her decisions because she was risking her own safety and needlessly worrying those who cared for her. At the same time, Bianca was also going back and forth between hating and pining for Tiernan.
"I'm a greedy man and I won't stop until I have your soul."In the end, I truly enjoyed Tiernan and Bianca's story because it was incredibly sexy, dark, and brought much light to the animosity between the Constantine's and Morelli's. Lucian and Leo made appearance in this book and it was very impactful because of their reunion with Tiernan. I do have to say that I can't wait to read Carter's book—he was intriguing, secretive, mysterious but also kind for a Morelli. Giana Darling has truly done justice in writing Tiernan Morelli's story, this broken man who simply wanted to be loved. While the age gap between Tiernan and Bianca did initially make me pause, their love and passion for each other simply burned up the pages and I completely forgot about it. Fans of Giana Darling's writing will absolutely love this book as well as those who love reading about dark and scarred heroes who simply can't live without his bold and audacious heroine.
*This ARC was generously provided by the author and publisher for an honest review*
Rating: ★★★★☆
