The Sleeping Key: A Dark Fantasy Romance

A Shroud of Nightmares, Book 1

By: Gemma Ashborne

Narrated by: Amanda Dolan

A young woman discovers dark powers lie beneath her nightmares and that her life—and love—depends on her defeating her demons in this dark romantasy.

Fey Masterson can't escape the darkness lodged in her mind. Awake or asleep, she's consumed by an anxiety that's wreaking havoc on her life. The paralyzing dread has stolen everything from her, leaving her yearning for a life of solitude.

When she enrolls at a remote art institute deep in the Redwoods, Fey believes she's finally found sanctuary. Her nightmares only grow more intense, however, as a menacing beast stalks her throughout. Her sole balm is the powerful bond she feels with her mysterious mentor, Cillian, whose strange magic, familiar green eyes, and sharp tongue all have her questioning her desire to be alone.

But as the two begin to fall more deeply for each other, a new threat arises. It seems a baneful witch seeks to unleash an army of monsters into the world, confirming Fey's greatest fear: her harrowing dreams are becoming a daunting reality . . .

Now, Fey must wield ancient magic and prove herself capable of slaying these wicked enemies. Because if she loses her battle against the mighty demon who haunts her, the consequences could be dire not only for her and Cillian but the entire mortal world.

Tropes include: forbidden love, hidden magic, secret identity, mentor/mentee, and fated mates.

©2026 Gemma Ashborne (P)2026 Podium Audio