The very fact that I have to wait a whole year for the third instalment to the Devil's Cradle series honestly hurts my heart. I mean I absolutely will. I know it will be worth the wait. But good lord it hurts my soul.

Ok so coming into The Nightmare in Him you should already be aware that this is not a standalone but just in case you were not, you are now. Don't read this without book one. It wont make sense and you will be spiting yourself the luxury of getting to know these characters from the beginning and the crazy that happens from then until now.

I wasn't sure what to expect with this book. I mean I knew the obvious but in terms of secrets getting revealed and how Suzanne would develop this plot and these characters and just how much she would string us along with the unknown? That I wasn't sure off.

Safe to say she has the string with cheese and I'm the merry mouse after my snack.

Wynter is my favourite kind of character. She has her own mind and it's unshakable. She's strong, loyal and just absolutely genuine. Her circle is small but she loves hard and she isn't just there for a good time. She sees more than she maybe should. Doesn't take anything at face value and even when facing the absolute crazy she does.. It doesn't shake her. She isn't stupid enough to not fear but she is strong enough to look past that and see under the surface. She came from nothing and build her family of crazy who would, despite the dysfunction of it all, move mountains for her.
She also has her own special kind of crazy that I just loved hard.

Cain is a master of manipulation. He excels in getting his own ways. He understands he is the monster and that life is not a fairy tale. He is cunning, arrogant and at times an all round turd. However he is not unfair. He is not cruel for no good reason and whilst he will use everything to his advantage, he is not careless with those around him. He is quite the mystery that did answer a few questions in this story however. I was expecting some but I was still flabbergasted at the full picture we got here about the delicious Cain. His powers of seduction, His cravings for his lovely witch. His need to own her inside out. I mean I was not complaining. Cain is one of my favourite hero's of Suzanne. All dark, delicious and brooding.

There story is a continuation from book one so them being a them was not a shock. The palpable chemistry. The need for each other. They are a raging storm that consumes everything around them. I was here for it ALL. Wynter and Cain are perfection together. The bickering, the banter, the all consuming need. The loyalty. Even with all the secrets between them, there was understanding and acceptance. Something that neither had had from anyone else. I didn't once feel any kind of disconnect between them. There was no drama, or stupid fillers. It felt like them against the world with a understanding that the time would come, secrets would be revealed and they would be there still regardless. I loved that for them. I felt that connection. I rooted for them. I was invested.

The Ancients and Aeons are a huge enigma in this series and you of course will be glad to know that some questions are answered as well of course, as some more questions being made. I love the development of this world and what that could mean for the future. I think things as interesting as they are, are about the get more intriguing. With many secrets unfolding I really do wonder where she will take this because I imagine the possibilities are endless and I have a feeling the peoples will want all the characters and their story.

I freaking love the Bloodrose coven and everything they represent. The absolute dysfunction of them. The outrages shenanigans. I cried tears of laughter so many times at our old Hattie and her love of dirty romance novels. I adore Xavier and his fibbing shenanigans as well as his need to raise the dead to get himself out of tricky situations. Anabel never ceases to amaze me being the contradiction she is with her crazy fear of death and paranoid rants trying to get the others to understand the impending doom. As well as her crazy Mary murderous streak. Then we have Delilha and her karma potions along side her wicked sarcasm. They are the epitome of crazy and dysfunctional and yet their loyalty and love for one another is unmatched. Oh and the bickering and banter is just next level excellence.

Then we have out Ancients. I am so intrigued about them and with the developments in this story I am even more curious about them individually. I wonder if they'll all get stories?. I'll of course hold reservations until we at least get some more information but at least for Seth and Azazel, I am so curious.

Oh and of course Noah and Rima... maybe the other.. but I shall keep that name to myself for now.

Now in the name of not spoiling things I'm going to wrap this up here.

The Nightmare in Him did not disappoint. We started off with a bang and the surprises kept coming whilst Suzanne teased us like crazy with the possibilities of what Cain could be, what was going on with Wynter.. What their future, if they had one at all would look like.
She did a great job of progressing the plot and developing the characters in a way that felt organic to them. I mean Cain moves quick and he wasn't going to hang around in his efforts to keep Wynter but it was fun watching the game of cat and mouse and Wynter schooling Cain in the art of patience. The chemistry was crazy and the connection they have is undeniable but I loved getting to see those more vulnerable moments between these two very hard faced characters.
I love the secondary characters and the large space they hold within this world. The endless laughter. The love and the loyalty. It all plays it's part with the world tying everything and everyone together. Then of course we have the betrayals and the distrust as well as the what if's.
Suzanne had me on the edge of my seat waiting, wondering and trying to guess who it could be. It was a rollercoaster to say the least but I was here for it all and am beyond excited to see where she takes this. The only bad part is the wait for the next one!.

Loved it!.

Now to finish I will say this.. This is far more drawn out than The Dark in You series. Where we had a whole lot of questions answered in book one and then what was left in book two. This one is not that. I find myself with more questions that I had to start with and whilst I love that, I will say the unknown leaves my mind going crazy. I will say you do get to know what Cain is but there is still so many things we don't know and its exciting but also ... it's going to drive me crazy ! bahaha.

Either way I know people will just devour this story. This author had a crazy gift in writing these paranormal worlds with larger than life personalities and sucking us readers in for the long ride. I am here for it .

I’m a huge fan of Suzanne Wright and enjoyed reading this book (still finished it in one sitting), but for whatever reason, still feel somewhat disconnected from this specific series and its characters. While I felt that this book did a better job of highlighting and focusing on the chemistry between Cain and Wynter then its predecessor, their relationship lacks the warmth and intimacy that seemingly exists between characters in Suzanne’s other books/series. The motley crew comprising Wynter’s coven are a laugh riot, and not only provide some comedic relief, but her interactions with them also give Wynter’s character more warmth/depth then I feel she’d otherwise possess on her own. Cain just seems…cold and not simply due to his ‘nature’, if you will, but I don’t feel like we ever get a true description or picture of his character’s personality, outside his interactions with Wynter and his need to suppress his monster.

I liked the book, but it just felt…lacking in some way that I’m struggling to articulate. Will continue to follow the series and hope the next installment brings more life to the characters and story.

I enjoyed this romantic fantasy as it's well plotted, the fantasy side is stronger than the romance and the characters are well developed.
I didn't read the first book in this series and I want to read it as it will help to understand some details of the novel.
Recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher for this ARC, all opinions are mine

Loved this instalment. Suzanne never fails to amaze me with her writing and imagination. This series is building such a unique world and cannot wait for the next book.

Exploring the backstory of the two groups added an enjoyable dimension to the story. Overall, I liked the narrative, but I noticed a significant uptick in the number of explicit scenes. While I appreciate some steaminess, when it takes up a substantial portion of the book, it tends to become repetitive.

Wynter, a lively and formidable character, carries a bit of a Mary Sue quality, which doesn’t bother me. However, I’ve encountered several books with female main characters who come back to life after dying, and while it initially seemed intriguing, it became somewhat tiresome. Many of these series, especially those featuring phoenixes, led to a point where the constant resurrections lost their impact. In contrast, other urban fantasy, fantasy, and paranormal romance protagonists manage to navigate their challenges without dying repeatedly.

The resurrection trope not only grows predictable but also diminishes the overall dramatic tension. If the main character can’t die, it removes a significant element of concern from various encounters. In this series, Wynter’s situation remains precarious, as a goddess sends her back to life without clear communication about the reasons. This uncertainty introduces an element of unpredictability, and Wynter could potentially alter the course of events.

Despite these observations, I found the series enjoyable. However, the Aeons are portrayed as extreme antagonists, and it’s somewhat unbelievable that anyone would view them differently.

This was definitely darker than book one.

Learning more about Cain's monster, the whole family and all the crazy battles with the covens and the different families was good fun.

I liked that we got to know more about Wynter's monster and more about her links to Kali.

This is 5 peppers spicy with Wynter and Cain being driven by their respective inner monsters so it is not a sickly sweet romance at all. There probably were a few too many spicy scenes to make it easy to read but it was ok nonetheless.

Interested to see what happens after a certain reveal has happened near the end.

Ohhh my days 🤗 it was bloody brilliant! This author can do no wrong everything I read of Suzanne Wright's is pure gold, great characters and world building I want to be Wynter or Annabel Hatty is hoot and xavier, just read it you won't be dissapointed! Actuly start at the beginning of this Author's catalogue I guarantee you will love them she is a one click pre order for me.
I received a copy of this book for a honest review then I went and bought it 😊

Loving this story. Was so excited to read the second book. Cannot wait to see how this series progresses and for all secrets to be revealed

I love Suzanne’s writing and I feel like she just keeps getting better and better. I can’t wait to dive head first into her new series!!

Suzanne Wright again produces another stellar read. Her world building is always so surreal I always feel like I’m in the world when I’m reading. The chemistry was so hot and 🌶️ was soooooooooo well written it deserves a separate review on its own. I highly recommend this read!

This second book in the Devil's Cradle series and I’m a huge Suzanne Wright fan, I was so excited to read this and now I’m at that sad point where I have to wait for the next. Like all Suzanne’s fantasy it has a great plot and wonderful characters full of dark humour and great spice you don’t want to miss out on this

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

The Nightmare in Him
Author: Suzanne Wright
Publisher: Piatkus
Release date: 18th January 2024
Known as the Home of Monsters, Devil’s Cradle gives refuge to many preternatural beings. Criminals, outcasts, crazies, fugitives. With only one price – sell half of your soul to the ‘Ancient’ who helps you.
Annabel and Wynter – part of the newly formed coven Bloodrose – live underneath the city, protected by the seven Ancients who rule. Their souls and allegiance belong to Cain, whose brother Abel is currently out for revenge against him.
One of the Aeons – Saul – is intent on killing Wynter as vengeance for her killing his sister Lailah - there’s a lot of bloodshed and brooding in this – and Cain is enraged.
Since arriving at Devil’s Cradle in the first book, Wynter and her coven have built themselves a great little business in trade based in their cottage, a reputation as fierce troublemakers, and Wynter has become entangled with Cain.
Though the town may be a haven for some, for the Ancients it’s a prison; they are trapped in the town by the Aeons, who are also after Wynter’s blood; she’s a very popular woman.
The chemistry between Cain and Wynter sizzles, and the steps he would go to in order to protect her, are monumental.
I love their dynamic as a couple – they are devoted yet each their own person, with secrets and lives and jobs of their own. Even if some of those secrets are disturbing. Cain fears revealing his inner monster to her, so tries to keep it secret, just as she can’t reveal some secrets her goddess has forbidden her to reveal. Yet their connection and loyalty is obvious. Even if Wynter might have previously shown in the strangest ways, with a few naughty curses.
Though the powerful rulers of the town can be fickle, argumentative or dangerous, it’s Wynter’s collection of misfits that brightens up the book.
Hattie is – once again – a highlight of the novel. She’s a cheeky, feisty, erotica loving elder woman and I’m all here for it. Xavier, who lies to everyone for fun is sort of a magical Walter Mitty, Annabel has a second – very bloody – identity hidden beneath a sweet veneer and Delilah is just a ball of hilarious vengeance spells and anger.
The plot in this second instalment rattles along terrifically with a solid finale, some shocking reveals and a great hook for the next book.
I adored this, and can’t wait for more.

“I'm just saying that those kind of books should come with a warning label”

Published: January 18th, 2024.

I'm so disappointed - this was my first ARC of the year and though I had my concerns after book one, I was hoping things would pick up.

Unfortunately, this book took a steep nosedive in terms of plot and writing. I still maintain that this series would be better off losing the explicit scenes and going for a YA market instead. I think the found-family, kooky coven could find its feet with a younger audience.

I do hate to put down a book but I just couldn't finish this one.

Normally, fantasy and pnr are my go-to genres but this just wasn't for me.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an ARC in exchange for an honest review..

This second book in the Devil's Cradle series follows on very quickly from the first .
Wynter's coven are up to their usual tricks , dark humour abounds , will they ever behave themselves ?
Her relationship with Cain goes from strength to strength , both knowing the other is keeping secrets but accepting that they will be revealed in due course .
Further attacks and attempts to capture Wynter are being made by the Aeons who need her to lift the curse on their land but to no avail .......... Cain will do anything to keep her safe .
This is a great plot and character driven fantasy book with dark humour at the most inappropriate moments - which lead to laugh out loud moments . With surprising developments and secrets revealed this book kept me enthralled throughout - I cannot wait for the next book in the series

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own

Suzanne Wright is one of the few authors I know will never disappoint me and The Nightmare in Him was further proof. The second book in the Devil’s Cradle series and this book definitely had a darker and more intense vibe than her other books while still maintaining that rich vein of dark humour readers have come to expect mostly provided by the members of the Bloodrose coven who have claimed the heroine Wynter, as their high priestess. Wynter was strong, confident and with a smart mouth to match leading to her engaging in some some wicked banter filled exchanges with the hero Cain. Before Wynter Cain was bored but her arrival, even though she brought a whole host of trouble with her, fulfilled a deep desire in him. The chemistry between the pair was as deliciously dark as you would expect from two beings who carried something within them, but Cain’s secret was something completely unexpected. The action filled story moved at a fast pace with further attacks from the Aeons, more attempts on Wynter’s life and a touch of levity provided by Cain’s former bed bunny Ismani as she attempted to goad Wynter but she was no match for her sharp tongue. Toss in strong friendships and character dynamics, secrets and revelations, a couple of which were doozies, witty banter and lots of steamy times and I can’t help but want more of the same. Now I just have to wait a year for the release of the next book.

Already one of my favourite reads this year! I’m really enjoying this series! This sequel to The Wicked in Me is just as hilarious with all the crazy coven members a person needs and steamy because Cain 🔥🔥🔥 along with a dash of action and an ending that has me so excited for the next book! Highly recommend but make sure to read the first book before starting this one!

Despite her popularity in the KU world, I’ve never dipped my toes into the works of Suzanne Wright, but that all changed when I decided to take a trip to Devil’s Cradle.

The Nightmare in Him picks up right where The Wicked in Me finished and I loved getting to explore more of the Ancients’ history and how they came to be trapped in Devil’s Cradle. Their history is so intricately built and I cannot wait to see what the next instalment has planned for Wynter, Cain and the rest of Devil’s Cradle.

My favourite parts of both books has to be the action scenes…they’re just so explosive - you truly don’t know what is going to happen as you turn each page. Wynter’s coven were still as snarky as ever, although slightly less present than in the first book, they provide a light relief for the impending doom about to be unleashed on the town.

The Nightmare in Him is an action packed, addictive read that I struggled to put down.

Suzanne Wright does it again. What an amazing ride from start to finish. I love Cain and Wynter together not only are they steamy but also just perfectly imperfect for each other.. I love that I want to research the biblical characters and stories because of the book. I can’t wait for the next one. I was given this book as an ARC for a review

This is the second installment of the Devil's Cradle series, and I absolutely LOVED it!!! I really enjoyed the first one, but this one had me hooked from the beginning. The second book we get to see how the relationship between Wynter and Cain has developed more and do I love their storyline! We also get to see a little more into the personalities of those closest to them. The Nightmare in Him picks up after the battle between the Aeons and the Ancients. Wynter and Cain both have some very big secrets, but they don't let that get in the way of their bond growing, and boy do they have an amazing bond! I love how they just get each other and love the other for who they are no matter what. Throw in some revenge seekers, big secrets being revealed, some good plot twists, and you won't be able to put this one down! I can't wait to see what happens in the third book of the series!

This is the second installment in the series and while you could read this book as a stand alone, the storyline is definitely enriched by having read the first book. As mentioned there is no cliff hanger at the end of the book but you will definitely be ready to preorder the next book the minute it’s available. Suzanne Wright creates such enjoyable worlds to read about. Her characters are well developed and by the time you finish reading about them, you want to read more and you wish they were actual people because you think you want to know them. If you’re wondering if you should pick up this book, the answer is a resounding yes and I would tell you to pick up the first book in the series as well. (And then go look at this author’s entire library of books because her writing is that enjoyable).