Blurb:

ADDY
I thought the suffocating loneliness of the last two year were bad, but then I was sent to Lakeridge Psychiatric Facility.
On the outside it’s disguised as helpful brochures and friendly doctors who have vowed to help, but the real truth is just below the surface, lurking in the shadows, and haunting my dreams.
At night he comes—taunting and abusing me. Bending me to his will, and making sure no one believes me.
That is until Dylan.
I can touch him and see him, but if my mind is capable of creating such horrors like my nightmares, can I trust that he’s real?

DYLAN
I’m no stranger to breaking rules and living on the edge. I guess it kind of comes with the territory of being a rockstar. But when I’m forced to attend Lakeridge, to serve my time and get sober, I’m met with the one thing I know I can’t have.
Addy.
I know we don’t have a chance, not unless I want to get kicked out of here, and made to finish my sentence in a proper prison. Still, something about her calls to me.
There is more to the marks on her pale skin than the doctors say, and her nightmares seem to be a little too real.
Digging deeper into the madness, I’m left to question, can nightmares really leave scars? Or am I becoming mad too?

My 4* Review:

This was my first book by Emma Luna and I couldn’t have chosen a better one to read. This is a dark, romantic suspense story about Addison ‘Addy’ Mitchell and Dylan Matthews, who meet when they are both sent to the Lakeridge Psychiatric Facility. Part of the Twisted Legends Collection, a series of standalone by different authors. They are all dark and twisted retellings of infamous legends. Emma’s story is a harrowing and heartbreaking love story based on the chilling and shocking tale of The Slender Man. We first hear about him when the Mitchell family are camping and Addy’s father tells his children the frightening story one night.

“I’m the Slender Man, and I’m your worst nightmare.”

Eight years later we find a very different Addy. She has been sent to Lakeridge because she is 

finding life extremely difficult, drowning in grief and loneliness. She is being treated for anxiety and depression but instead of getting better, she is getting worse. Her dreams have become nightmares as she is being haunted by a man visiting her most nights. Just like the tale her dad used to tell her, she is positive it is the Slender Man. No-one believes her that he could be real, even though she has unexplained injuries, so her grip on reality is slipping away.

Dylan is a rockstar whose behaviour has spiralled out of control. He is the drummer of The Catastrophists but has found life hard since they became famous. He is now an alcoholic and addicted to pills and drugs. He has been ordered by the court to attend Lakeridge for six months of rehab. The only people in his life are the other band members but they have threaten to replace him if he doesn’t clean his act up. 

The moment Addy and Dylan meet the chemistry between them is electric. Both are shocked by the instant connection and how they are inexplicably drawn to each other. She is amazed that he has a positive effect on her and makes her feel safe. He can’t stop thinking about her but knows they are not allowed a relationship in the facility. If he breaks the rules, he will be sent to finish his sentence in prison. This means there is no chance they can be together but it doesn’t stop them becoming friends after a few heated exchanges. Can they keep how they feel a secret and help each other heal. 

“Maybe together two broken people can become whole. I think I was always meant to find you.” 

They both have to deal with what has happened in their past and battle their demons. Their backstories are sad and my heart went out to both of them. The secondary characters are a mixture of interesting and creepy.  I really liked Sin and how she befriended Addy. There is some angst as Dylan struggles with what he thinks he should do but throughout his heart is in the right place. As their relationship develops, Dylan feels really protective towards Addy and wants to help her, especially as he beings to suspect there is more to her nightmares.

Some readers may find what happens to Addy distressing as the story builds to a climax. Her night terrors are getting worse and she thinks she is going mad because she’s not sure what’s real and what’s not. Only reason this is not a 5* is because I figured out the twist early on, which was a shame. However, their love story and finding out about them kept my interest. The epilogue was funny and sweet and left me positive that this couple have enough to survive in the real world.