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Beautiful Nightmare #2
Awaken: Beautiful Nightmare
Some nightmares exist beyond our dreams
Arising from a month-long slumber after discovering she’s more than human, Damina Nicaud moves beyond her dreamscape as a brand new supernatural world unfolds. Torn between a new love and a love once lost, Damina grapples with her own predestined fate as she seeks to understand the origin of her lineage.
Coupled with Dacari’s sudden disappearance and the ticking time bomb set by Decaux, a new fight emerges and new enemies are revealed. Damina must now rely on the men at her side to aid her quest to find her cousin while battling growing threats on the horizon. But is their desire to claim her as their own stronger than the dark forces closing in all around them?
Journey back to New Orleans with Damina Nicaud as she awakens with new eyes, diving deeper into the supernatural world of the Order of Altrinion, Scourge vampires, Skull wolves and more as she wrestles with love, loss, betrayal and pain.
Arising from a month-long slumber after discovering she’s more than human, Damina Nicaud moves beyond her dreamscape as a brand new supernatural world unfolds. Torn between a new love and a love once lost, Damina grapples with her own predestined fate as she seeks to understand the origin of her lineage.
Coupled with Dacari’s sudden disappearance and the ticking time bomb set by Decaux, a new fight emerges and new enemies are revealed. Damina must now rely on the men at her side to aid her quest to find her cousin while battling growing threats on the horizon. But is their desire to claim her as their own stronger than the dark forces closing in all around them?
Journey back to New Orleans with Damina Nicaud as she awakens with new eyes, diving deeper into the supernatural world of the Order of Altrinion, Scourge vampires, Skull wolves and more as she wrestles with love, loss, betrayal and pain.
- GenresParanormalFantasy
274 pages, Paperback
Published October 6, 2025
About the author
L.C. Son
20 books131 followersWife of one. Mom of three plus a Beagle.
Well, at least that's how I'm described in the confines of my everyday life.
Writing has always been second nature to me. I spent my childhood creating short stories and my collegiate years writing for the campus paper (Go TERPS!) Jump twenty years to the present--I'm still writing. At my day job I spend most of my time writing capability briefs, white papers, proposals--you name it.
Then one day it hit me. It was time to access my own creative power and bring to life the characters lurking in my mind.
I hope you enjoy my first book, Beautiful Nightmare. It has everything you'd look to find in a paranormal romance-urban fantasy-new age novel. Vampires. Wolves. Love. And so much more!
Well, at least that's how I'm described in the confines of my everyday life.
Writing has always been second nature to me. I spent my childhood creating short stories and my collegiate years writing for the campus paper (Go TERPS!) Jump twenty years to the present--I'm still writing. At my day job I spend most of my time writing capability briefs, white papers, proposals--you name it.
Then one day it hit me. It was time to access my own creative power and bring to life the characters lurking in my mind.
I hope you enjoy my first book, Beautiful Nightmare. It has everything you'd look to find in a paranormal romance-urban fantasy-new age novel. Vampires. Wolves. Love. And so much more!
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
September 16, 2020
Son impresses once again with this engaging follow-up to Beautiful Nightmare, packing the story full of supernatural action and romantic tension.
Damina Nicaud is barely out of her month-long slumber after discovering she’s more than human, when the news of her cousin Dacari’s sudden disappearance reaches her. Torn between the love of two men, Damina must navigate the dark supernatural world of the Order of Altrinion, Scourge vampires, Skull wolves, and other supernatural forces as the connection between Decaux’s sinister motive and the reason behind Dacari’s disappearance comes to surface.
Son narrates an intense tale with a multifaceted, flesh-and-blood heroine who is wrestling with love, loss, betrayal, and pain. The supernatural world of New Orleans is intensely dark and vibrant at once, and the characters: the handsome, overly-protective Jackson; the enigmatic Dalcour; the malicious Decaux; the fierce yet naive Dacari; Damina’s loving but overprotective aunt Delia, come together to form an unforgettable cast.
Damina’s constantly changing relationship with Jackson and Dalcour lends personal interest to the emotionally-charged narrative. It’s amazing to see Son packs so much into a single book as she expands her setting, layering in more mysteries as well as unraveling many secrets.
Plenty of shocking twists, most significantly the real reason behind Dacari’s disappearance, pave the way for a surprise ending, making the reader anxious for the next installment.
Son dependably delivers fully-realized dark supernatural world filled with intense heroes, intimidating villains, and raw emotions.
This is a must-read for lovers of paranormal romance.
Damina Nicaud is barely out of her month-long slumber after discovering she’s more than human, when the news of her cousin Dacari’s sudden disappearance reaches her. Torn between the love of two men, Damina must navigate the dark supernatural world of the Order of Altrinion, Scourge vampires, Skull wolves, and other supernatural forces as the connection between Decaux’s sinister motive and the reason behind Dacari’s disappearance comes to surface.
Son narrates an intense tale with a multifaceted, flesh-and-blood heroine who is wrestling with love, loss, betrayal, and pain. The supernatural world of New Orleans is intensely dark and vibrant at once, and the characters: the handsome, overly-protective Jackson; the enigmatic Dalcour; the malicious Decaux; the fierce yet naive Dacari; Damina’s loving but overprotective aunt Delia, come together to form an unforgettable cast.
Damina’s constantly changing relationship with Jackson and Dalcour lends personal interest to the emotionally-charged narrative. It’s amazing to see Son packs so much into a single book as she expands her setting, layering in more mysteries as well as unraveling many secrets.
Plenty of shocking twists, most significantly the real reason behind Dacari’s disappearance, pave the way for a surprise ending, making the reader anxious for the next installment.
Son dependably delivers fully-realized dark supernatural world filled with intense heroes, intimidating villains, and raw emotions.
This is a must-read for lovers of paranormal romance.
July 26, 2021
Damina, who has just discovered her true self in New Orleans, is still coming to terms with who she is, and just how much power she possesses...
Also in her possession... The hearts of two males - Jackson, a Prime Alpha Wolf; and Dalcour, an Altrinion Vampire...
This book begins where Beautiful Nightmare, and Hearts Eclipsed ended... and here's where we first meet Chartreuse Grenoble...
...𝙞𝙩’𝙨 𝙣𝙤𝙩 𝙜𝙤𝙤𝙙 𝙛𝙤𝙧 𝙮𝙤𝙪 𝙩𝙤 𝙗𝙚 𝙖𝙧𝙤𝙪𝙣𝙙 𝘾𝙝𝙖𝙧𝙩𝙧𝙚𝙪𝙨𝙚 𝙛𝙤𝙧 𝙖𝙣𝙮 𝙧𝙚𝙖𝙨𝙤𝙣! 𝙄 𝙢𝙚𝙖𝙣, 𝙡𝙚𝙩’𝙨 𝙛𝙤𝙧𝙜𝙚𝙩 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙛𝙖𝙘𝙩 𝙩𝙝𝙖𝙩 𝙨𝙝𝙚’𝙨 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙢𝙤𝙨𝙩 𝙫𝙚𝙣𝙤𝙢𝙤𝙪𝙨 𝙎𝙘𝙤𝙪𝙧𝙜𝙚 𝙩𝙤 𝙚𝙫𝙚𝙧 𝙚𝙭𝙞𝙨𝙩—
Damina finally does make her choice... About who she wants to be, and whom she wants to share her life with... when she is thrown a curveball...
The book ended on a cliffhanger... And I can't wait to read the next novella in this series - Untamed, that releases tomorrow...
Also in her possession... The hearts of two males - Jackson, a Prime Alpha Wolf; and Dalcour, an Altrinion Vampire...
This book begins where Beautiful Nightmare, and Hearts Eclipsed ended... and here's where we first meet Chartreuse Grenoble...
...𝙞𝙩’𝙨 𝙣𝙤𝙩 𝙜𝙤𝙤𝙙 𝙛𝙤𝙧 𝙮𝙤𝙪 𝙩𝙤 𝙗𝙚 𝙖𝙧𝙤𝙪𝙣𝙙 𝘾𝙝𝙖𝙧𝙩𝙧𝙚𝙪𝙨𝙚 𝙛𝙤𝙧 𝙖𝙣𝙮 𝙧𝙚𝙖𝙨𝙤𝙣! 𝙄 𝙢𝙚𝙖𝙣, 𝙡𝙚𝙩’𝙨 𝙛𝙤𝙧𝙜𝙚𝙩 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙛𝙖𝙘𝙩 𝙩𝙝𝙖𝙩 𝙨𝙝𝙚’𝙨 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙢𝙤𝙨𝙩 𝙫𝙚𝙣𝙤𝙢𝙤𝙪𝙨 𝙎𝙘𝙤𝙪𝙧𝙜𝙚 𝙩𝙤 𝙚𝙫𝙚𝙧 𝙚𝙭𝙞𝙨𝙩—
Damina finally does make her choice... About who she wants to be, and whom she wants to share her life with... when she is thrown a curveball...
The book ended on a cliffhanger... And I can't wait to read the next novella in this series - Untamed, that releases tomorrow...
September 16, 2020
I was not ready!!!
Awaken is the best book in the series thus far, well-written, and very, I mean very entertaining. I am still shaking my head from the twist and turns that caught me off guard. There is no need to try to guess what is going to happen. I love how all the characters are intertwined with more secrets awaiting their final reveal. Everyone is changed by the course of events as they unfold. I was both happy and saddened at the same time. As I patiently await the next book, my Beautiful Nightmare continues…. You must start the series from the beginning; there is no way you can jump in the middle of this dream.
Awaken is the best book in the series thus far, well-written, and very, I mean very entertaining. I am still shaking my head from the twist and turns that caught me off guard. There is no need to try to guess what is going to happen. I love how all the characters are intertwined with more secrets awaiting their final reveal. Everyone is changed by the course of events as they unfold. I was both happy and saddened at the same time. As I patiently await the next book, my Beautiful Nightmare continues…. You must start the series from the beginning; there is no way you can jump in the middle of this dream.
August 10, 2020
Well worth the wait! The author gives the readers a story that will surprise you throughout the book. Just when you think you have an idea of what'll happen another twist. So much is happening that you don't want to stop reading until you reach the end and you realize you need patience again. But oh I can't wait, to find out what's going to happen!
January 14, 2021
This series is outstanding. @author_l.c.son dived right in where book one left off. Damina's love triangle is everything. To be honest, I'm not sure who I would want her to choose. I do know that when you think you are figuring things out, something happens to make you shake your head like, nope, not yet. It is shorter than the first one, but there is no way to make it shorter without making sure she gets everything in. L.C. Son did an outstanding job creating the characters with the details that she put into their abilities and the locations. You get to feel like you're there and experiencing it first hand. I can't wait to see what is next with this writer.⠀
April 19, 2021
⚙️⚙️ONE ENTHRALLING ADVENTURE⚙️⚙️
Griping gizmo goober! Son hit the motherload and making bank, breaking out the big guns, heavy artillery and ammo aplenty, serving up this tough as nails on point, rock-my-world tsunami with this heart pounding, pulse racing, adrenaline pumping, jaw dropping, block busting dynamo, dishing out some cruel facts, brutal lessons and heart-rending truths, catapulting this baby to staggering heights. Perception and ingenuity in each thread you unravel with every page, your lured into this tangled web so securely and precise, exposing the soaring ups and agonizing downs, breathtaking in it's simplicity and inspiring in it's depth, while the mischievous quirks and defying bents rock this hot little number to its core, wrapping this jewel up sleek, shiny and tight. Duplicity, betrayal, confusion and shocking confessions run amuck observing the riveting drama, gripping intrigue, underlying currents, escalating danger, electrifying suspense and spine tingling situations converge, cognizant of the perilous twists and pivotal turns unfolding, secrets are shared, revelations are unveiled and battle lines are drawn, blasting this baby to life flawlessly. The characters, interactions and charged atmosphere along with relatable qualities and individual traits add depth and diversity, transforming into amazing personalities. The scenes are abundantly descriptive with colorful details that blend and flow, creating a majestic backdrop that's so rich and lively it feels as though you're part of the story instead of on the sidelines, feeling everything the characters feel. Fabulous job Son, thanks for sharing this little treasure with us.
Griping gizmo goober! Son hit the motherload and making bank, breaking out the big guns, heavy artillery and ammo aplenty, serving up this tough as nails on point, rock-my-world tsunami with this heart pounding, pulse racing, adrenaline pumping, jaw dropping, block busting dynamo, dishing out some cruel facts, brutal lessons and heart-rending truths, catapulting this baby to staggering heights. Perception and ingenuity in each thread you unravel with every page, your lured into this tangled web so securely and precise, exposing the soaring ups and agonizing downs, breathtaking in it's simplicity and inspiring in it's depth, while the mischievous quirks and defying bents rock this hot little number to its core, wrapping this jewel up sleek, shiny and tight. Duplicity, betrayal, confusion and shocking confessions run amuck observing the riveting drama, gripping intrigue, underlying currents, escalating danger, electrifying suspense and spine tingling situations converge, cognizant of the perilous twists and pivotal turns unfolding, secrets are shared, revelations are unveiled and battle lines are drawn, blasting this baby to life flawlessly. The characters, interactions and charged atmosphere along with relatable qualities and individual traits add depth and diversity, transforming into amazing personalities. The scenes are abundantly descriptive with colorful details that blend and flow, creating a majestic backdrop that's so rich and lively it feels as though you're part of the story instead of on the sidelines, feeling everything the characters feel. Fabulous job Son, thanks for sharing this little treasure with us.
September 12, 2025
ARC Review
Awaken by L.C. Son is the second book in the Beautiful Nightmare series.
Damina wakes up determined to find answers about her missing cousin. Dalcour, Jackson, and her aunt give her what information they can while trying to keep her calm so her powers don’t spiral out of control. But the more lies and secrets she uncovers, the angrier she becomes, often fleeing in frustration. Discovering the truth about her cousin and the shocking details behind her parents’ murder leaves her reeling. Though furious, she still tries to protect those around her—until something horrific happens that changes everything. Nothing will ever be the same.
This story is filled with one twist after another. Just when you think things are improving, a shocking revelation hits. The writing is smooth, the plot well-constructed, and it ends on a strong cliffhanger. While the mood alternates between serious, romantic, and friendly moments, this installment leans more toward the revelations, with romance taking a slight backseat. My favorite scene was the meeting with Dalcour’s brother.
If you enjoy paranormal romance full of secrets, revelations, and emotional turns, this series is for you.
Awaken by L.C. Son is the second book in the Beautiful Nightmare series.
Damina wakes up determined to find answers about her missing cousin. Dalcour, Jackson, and her aunt give her what information they can while trying to keep her calm so her powers don’t spiral out of control. But the more lies and secrets she uncovers, the angrier she becomes, often fleeing in frustration. Discovering the truth about her cousin and the shocking details behind her parents’ murder leaves her reeling. Though furious, she still tries to protect those around her—until something horrific happens that changes everything. Nothing will ever be the same.
This story is filled with one twist after another. Just when you think things are improving, a shocking revelation hits. The writing is smooth, the plot well-constructed, and it ends on a strong cliffhanger. While the mood alternates between serious, romantic, and friendly moments, this installment leans more toward the revelations, with romance taking a slight backseat. My favorite scene was the meeting with Dalcour’s brother.
If you enjoy paranormal romance full of secrets, revelations, and emotional turns, this series is for you.
February 24, 2026
If you’re craving a paranormal romance that feels like candlelight flickering against velvet shadows, Beautiful Nightmare and Awaken might just be your next obsession. 🌙✨
From a reader’s perspective, this series weaves haunting dreams, forbidden love, and supernatural destiny into a story that lingers long after the final page. Damina Nicaud’s journey—from a polished art buyer in D.C. to a woman unraveling the truth of her not-quite-human lineage in sultry New Orleans—blends romance, mystery, and self-discovery with an intoxicating slow burn. Vampires, wolf shifters, ancient powers, love triangles, and family secrets unfold against a backdrop of heartbreak and awakening.
Add this to your TBR if you adore fated mates, dark curses, seductive tension, and heroines discovering just how powerful they truly are.
Bookstagram 🐈Blog
From a reader’s perspective, this series weaves haunting dreams, forbidden love, and supernatural destiny into a story that lingers long after the final page. Damina Nicaud’s journey—from a polished art buyer in D.C. to a woman unraveling the truth of her not-quite-human lineage in sultry New Orleans—blends romance, mystery, and self-discovery with an intoxicating slow burn. Vampires, wolf shifters, ancient powers, love triangles, and family secrets unfold against a backdrop of heartbreak and awakening.
Add this to your TBR if you adore fated mates, dark curses, seductive tension, and heroines discovering just how powerful they truly are.
Bookstagram 🐈Blog
August 12, 2020
Absolutely drooling!
What an amazing follow up to book one! This author held NOTHING BACK! Seeing Damina grow into such a dynamic character was nothing short of amazing! In fact all of the character development was spot on! While this book is much shorter than the first, she left nothing on the floor!
But the ending left me breathless! I can't believe the author did this to us AGAIN! Although I am happy there will be a THIRD BOOK!
I do recommend reading the first book and the short stories. If you can't tough out the length of book one, read the companion book, it gives you enough to enjoy this book.
I'm reading Awaken a second time in three days because I refuse to let it go... It's THAT GOOD! OH and if you think you know which guy you liked before...HOLD TIGHT!
What an amazing follow up to book one! This author held NOTHING BACK! Seeing Damina grow into such a dynamic character was nothing short of amazing! In fact all of the character development was spot on! While this book is much shorter than the first, she left nothing on the floor!
But the ending left me breathless! I can't believe the author did this to us AGAIN! Although I am happy there will be a THIRD BOOK!
I do recommend reading the first book and the short stories. If you can't tough out the length of book one, read the companion book, it gives you enough to enjoy this book.
I'm reading Awaken a second time in three days because I refuse to let it go... It's THAT GOOD! OH and if you think you know which guy you liked before...HOLD TIGHT!
September 23, 2025
In Awaken, book two of the Beautiful Nightmare series, Damina finally wakes up after a month long slumber. Her cousin Dacari is missing and she feels it is her mission to find her. Through the process she uncovers many secrets that shake her to her core, make her wonder if she is on the right track, and give her second thoughts about the life she has been building in New Orleans.
There are so many twists in this ones and revelations that I just did not see coming. Damina can be a bit fickle in my opinion and seemingly changes her mind at the drop of a hat, she definitely lets her emotions dictate how she approaches life. There are moments that I cheer for her, and moments where I wanted to scream out "No, how can this be happening!"
Strap yourself in cause this one takes you for a ride!
There are so many twists in this ones and revelations that I just did not see coming. Damina can be a bit fickle in my opinion and seemingly changes her mind at the drop of a hat, she definitely lets her emotions dictate how she approaches life. There are moments that I cheer for her, and moments where I wanted to scream out "No, how can this be happening!"
Strap yourself in cause this one takes you for a ride!
December 2, 2020
Detailed Review Of "Awaken: Beautiful Nightmare" By L C Son
Thanks to author for the review copy.
Genre - Fantasy
Ratings 4.7/5
Awaken: beautiful nightmare is an amazing fantasy story of about 293 pages.
he story is very intriguing and kept you hooked with it throughout the end and also it's a fast pace story.
The language of the book is very easy so even if you're a beginner reader you can read it easily. The vocabulary of the book is also very good.
Title of the book is very nice and it's a highlight for me. Author has narrated this story very nicely.
The cover of the book is also very amazing and look very cool. I really loved the way it looks.
Moreover it's an amazing read and I would highly recommend this book to all the readers.
Thanks to author for the review copy.
Genre - Fantasy
Ratings 4.7/5
Awaken: beautiful nightmare is an amazing fantasy story of about 293 pages.
he story is very intriguing and kept you hooked with it throughout the end and also it's a fast pace story.
The language of the book is very easy so even if you're a beginner reader you can read it easily. The vocabulary of the book is also very good.
Title of the book is very nice and it's a highlight for me. Author has narrated this story very nicely.
The cover of the book is also very amazing and look very cool. I really loved the way it looks.
Moreover it's an amazing read and I would highly recommend this book to all the readers.
December 18, 2025
Book two was amazing!!!! My mind is blown for real. I absolutely loved this book; I started it yesterday and finished it today because I needed to know what would happen next. Oh my goodness, Damina (Mina girl) - she is my girl and I can relate to her in all types of ways. Wow, the ending (another cliffhanger😩), the drama, the twists and turns. Dalcour (my bae) and Jackson, the allure of them both were top-notch - clearly, I have a favorite, lol. Ahhh, the reveal of the secret father... I need the third book like tomorrow because what!?
I highly recommend this book!
I highly recommend this book!
January 12, 2026
It’s getting wild in here lol. Damina has to navigate her new powers, loving two men and needing to find her cousin. And all the while, secrets are unearthed and betrayal hangs in the air.
This book had so much tension! The “will they/won’t they” push and pull was heavy throughout the whole book while Damina struggles to decide which man she’ll choose. And when she does choose, all hell breaks loose! I can’t wait to see where this goes because the cliffhanger definitely left us dangling!
Such a huge thank you to Author LC Son and QP Book Tours for a copy of the ebook.
This book had so much tension! The “will they/won’t they” push and pull was heavy throughout the whole book while Damina struggles to decide which man she’ll choose. And when she does choose, all hell breaks loose! I can’t wait to see where this goes because the cliffhanger definitely left us dangling!
Such a huge thank you to Author LC Son and QP Book Tours for a copy of the ebook.
November 22, 2020
Truthfully, I didn’t grasp this book like I did the first one. It took me a little over half way to get into it. However, after that, I couldn’t put it down. It got so interesting and the plot finally surfaced. She did really good at adding tons of details and character development for multiple of our favorites. All in all, I think this one was a bit too busy for me but I still enjoyed it.
October 29, 2020
This was a great second book in the series, I really enjoyed the characters and the plot itself. I look forward to more from the author and hopefully the series.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
January 19, 2021
I have read a few of LC Son’s novels and I can say that this one is definitely my favorite. There is drama (the good kind), left and right. There is revelation after revelation and the intensity is high!
Damina is stuck right in the middle of two amazing men. I truly could not tell who she favored. I don’t think she knew! But Jackson is a wolf and Dalcour is a vampire. The supernatural world was exciting and unpredictable. Each page was filled with something new and exciting and I never felt bored.
Son has a great way of bringing you into the story easily. We get facial expressions, smells, sights, tone of voice and thoughts. I always had a vivid picture in my head. There was action throughout. And while there were quite a few details to remember (I’m still a bit iffy on some), it made for excitement on every page. Truly!
Thank you to L.C. Son for the support she always gives! She’s fabulous to give physical books and inscribes each one. I love the extra effort she puts in to that. She also has pretty pictures of trees and more on each page. I love the extra touches.
The full review is on my blog!
https://www.theopenbooks.net/2021/02/...
Damina is stuck right in the middle of two amazing men. I truly could not tell who she favored. I don’t think she knew! But Jackson is a wolf and Dalcour is a vampire. The supernatural world was exciting and unpredictable. Each page was filled with something new and exciting and I never felt bored.
Son has a great way of bringing you into the story easily. We get facial expressions, smells, sights, tone of voice and thoughts. I always had a vivid picture in my head. There was action throughout. And while there were quite a few details to remember (I’m still a bit iffy on some), it made for excitement on every page. Truly!
Thank you to L.C. Son for the support she always gives! She’s fabulous to give physical books and inscribes each one. I love the extra effort she puts in to that. She also has pretty pictures of trees and more on each page. I love the extra touches.
The full review is on my blog!
https://www.theopenbooks.net/2021/02/...
October 21, 2025
This book took me on a ride! Damina’s search for her missing cousin unravels a web of secrets, lies, and heartbreaking truths that change everything. The twists kept me hooked, the writing flowed perfectly, and that cliffhanger left me stunned. A must read for fans of emotional, Dramatic paranormal romance. I received an advanced copy of this book all thoughts are my own and shared voluntarily.
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews