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Season's Readings #2
X Marks The O's: A Valentine’s Day Romance Novella
“Who did this to you?”
As the reincarnation of Cupid, ex-special forces, Valentin is forbidden from getting involved with humans. His job as the defender of love is to protect mortal relationships, and unlike the stories, his bow is not a cute deliverer of romance but a brutal weapon of war, intended to guard the sanctity of love.
But the moment he lays eyes on Amorette, the beautiful café owner, his discipline wavers. She’s forbidden fruit, but Valentin can’t stay away. He resolves to watch from a distance until she arrives injured at her café, and his protective nature rears its head. He can no longer abide by the rules. No one touches what’s his.
Amorette and her ex-boyfriend were having problems, but when men break in on Valentine’s Day looking for the money he stole, her life is suddenly in danger. Given twenty-four hours to return the money or both she and her parents pay the price, a desperate Amorette races against the clock to rescue her family. With her deadline fast approaching, she fears her life is forfeit until the hulking, gorgeous blond who frequents her café and captured her heart appears with a golden bow and arrow of vengeance.
Valentin vows to protect her. She’s his, even if his kind forbids it. He can’t fight destiny anymore, and together, they paint the town in red X’s for justice and hot O’s of true love.
A vigilante, forbidden romance Valentine’s Day novella, X Marks the O’s is intended for mature audiences. Please see the Author’s Note inside the book for more info.
As the reincarnation of Cupid, ex-special forces, Valentin is forbidden from getting involved with humans. His job as the defender of love is to protect mortal relationships, and unlike the stories, his bow is not a cute deliverer of romance but a brutal weapon of war, intended to guard the sanctity of love.
But the moment he lays eyes on Amorette, the beautiful café owner, his discipline wavers. She’s forbidden fruit, but Valentin can’t stay away. He resolves to watch from a distance until she arrives injured at her café, and his protective nature rears its head. He can no longer abide by the rules. No one touches what’s his.
Amorette and her ex-boyfriend were having problems, but when men break in on Valentine’s Day looking for the money he stole, her life is suddenly in danger. Given twenty-four hours to return the money or both she and her parents pay the price, a desperate Amorette races against the clock to rescue her family. With her deadline fast approaching, she fears her life is forfeit until the hulking, gorgeous blond who frequents her café and captured her heart appears with a golden bow and arrow of vengeance.
Valentin vows to protect her. She’s his, even if his kind forbids it. He can’t fight destiny anymore, and together, they paint the town in red X’s for justice and hot O’s of true love.
A vigilante, forbidden romance Valentine’s Day novella, X Marks the O’s is intended for mature audiences. Please see the Author’s Note inside the book for more info.
114 pages, Paperback
Published January 23, 2023
32 people are currently reading
231 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews
March 5, 2025
Cupid is a ripped, 6’5 fae that kills the men who attacked her with a gold bow & arrow
March 3, 2025
This is a 104 page Novella that will make you wish it was 900 pages longer.
You know what you’re going to get out of this? A damn good time.
Cupid is real… but he’s Fae, 6 foot 5, he’s a total hottie, and he comes from a Fae Special Forces background so let’s just say…. He’s a warrior in every way. His job as the defender of love is to protect mortal relationships. His bow is not a cute deliverer of romance but a brutal weapon of war, intended to guard the sanctity of love.
One day he see’s Amorette through the window of her cafe… and the moment he lays eyes on her, his discipline wavers. She’s forbidden fruit but he can’t stay away. He resolves to watch her from a distance until one day… she arrives to her shop injured. His protective nature rears its head. He can no longer abide by the rules. No one touches what’s his.
“Slowly he lowered his forehead to hers. He had to stoop to reach, but the moment their skin pressed together, he spoke low and clear and deadly. “Who did this to you?”
He’s protective. He’s so delicious. His proclamations of love and passion and protection are… jaw dropping.
“Give me your blessing,” he whispered, his lips hovering just out of reach. “And I will hunt down your enemies and make them regret the day they learned the name Amorette Ellis.”
Also Amorette… the sweetest most competent capable little lady around. I loved these characters instantly.
The chemistry is smoking hot. I just fell into this story so fast and loved every minute of it, I didn’t want it to end!
“Her forehead leaned on his thickly muscled chest as her fists clutched his shirt, a life vest in the storm, and he wrapped her in his powerful embrace. He held her close, possessively, longingly, and the intoxicating scent of his skin reminded her of home.”
I love novellas that are a perfect story that make you so happy and fulfilled but at the end you can’t help but go… aw man… that’s it?
There’s a “your wish is my command” moment that makes me melt into a puddle.
The character growth in this short of a story is absolutely fantastic! Amorette’s strength comes from handling tough situations on her own and feeling that she has the trust and support to do so. The courage to tackle something on her own knowing that someone strong has her back no matter what.
“That man was a warrior, a demon, a monster, and his wrath was aimed at all who harmed her.”
This is a fantastic palate cleanser. If you’ve been reading some large books or series and what to dive into something short and addicting… open this book up… immediately.
I’ll be dreaming about cupid for… a long time to come.
You know what you’re going to get out of this? A damn good time.
Cupid is real… but he’s Fae, 6 foot 5, he’s a total hottie, and he comes from a Fae Special Forces background so let’s just say…. He’s a warrior in every way. His job as the defender of love is to protect mortal relationships. His bow is not a cute deliverer of romance but a brutal weapon of war, intended to guard the sanctity of love.
One day he see’s Amorette through the window of her cafe… and the moment he lays eyes on her, his discipline wavers. She’s forbidden fruit but he can’t stay away. He resolves to watch her from a distance until one day… she arrives to her shop injured. His protective nature rears its head. He can no longer abide by the rules. No one touches what’s his.
“Slowly he lowered his forehead to hers. He had to stoop to reach, but the moment their skin pressed together, he spoke low and clear and deadly. “Who did this to you?”
He’s protective. He’s so delicious. His proclamations of love and passion and protection are… jaw dropping.
“Give me your blessing,” he whispered, his lips hovering just out of reach. “And I will hunt down your enemies and make them regret the day they learned the name Amorette Ellis.”
Also Amorette… the sweetest most competent capable little lady around. I loved these characters instantly.
The chemistry is smoking hot. I just fell into this story so fast and loved every minute of it, I didn’t want it to end!
“Her forehead leaned on his thickly muscled chest as her fists clutched his shirt, a life vest in the storm, and he wrapped her in his powerful embrace. He held her close, possessively, longingly, and the intoxicating scent of his skin reminded her of home.”
I love novellas that are a perfect story that make you so happy and fulfilled but at the end you can’t help but go… aw man… that’s it?
There’s a “your wish is my command” moment that makes me melt into a puddle.
The character growth in this short of a story is absolutely fantastic! Amorette’s strength comes from handling tough situations on her own and feeling that she has the trust and support to do so. The courage to tackle something on her own knowing that someone strong has her back no matter what.
“That man was a warrior, a demon, a monster, and his wrath was aimed at all who harmed her.”
This is a fantastic palate cleanser. If you’ve been reading some large books or series and what to dive into something short and addicting… open this book up… immediately.
I’ll be dreaming about cupid for… a long time to come.
November 15, 2024
November 2024
Kindle edition
Alphabet challenge - X
The choice for X was pitiful on my kindle. It was either this or an alien romance. I couldn't get into this one. Second in the series, so think the first one was about Paris and Venus? It was insta-love on Valentin's front and it looks like that makes me recoil from books at the moment. Nice and short, but a bit strange. You've got Cupid running around like a special shoulder, with not only a betraying boyfriend, but a money collecting crook. It was a mixed bag that got very stabby.
Kindle edition
Alphabet challenge - X
The choice for X was pitiful on my kindle. It was either this or an alien romance. I couldn't get into this one. Second in the series, so think the first one was about Paris and Venus? It was insta-love on Valentin's front and it looks like that makes me recoil from books at the moment. Nice and short, but a bit strange. You've got Cupid running around like a special shoulder, with not only a betraying boyfriend, but a money collecting crook. It was a mixed bag that got very stabby.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 23, 2024
2.5 stars
A friend of mine recommended this book to me to help me fulfil the "X" prompt in the a to z challenge. She told me ahead of time that she wasn't a fan of it, but I decided to go ahead and read it because it was a short quick read and that's what I needed. It's been a couple days since I've finished this and honestly, I don't have any words. I didn't realize this when I read it, but this is the 2nd book in a series but I'm pretty sure each one follows different couples. This was insta love to the max. I don't normally mind insta love but this was too insta love like to the point where it wasn't believable. It was also a bit repetitive. This kind of read like the author didn't know what she wanted the book to be and all of the aspects of just didn't completely work for me or come off as believable. This just was not for me.
A friend of mine recommended this book to me to help me fulfil the "X" prompt in the a to z challenge. She told me ahead of time that she wasn't a fan of it, but I decided to go ahead and read it because it was a short quick read and that's what I needed. It's been a couple days since I've finished this and honestly, I don't have any words. I didn't realize this when I read it, but this is the 2nd book in a series but I'm pretty sure each one follows different couples. This was insta love to the max. I don't normally mind insta love but this was too insta love like to the point where it wasn't believable. It was also a bit repetitive. This kind of read like the author didn't know what she wanted the book to be and all of the aspects of just didn't completely work for me or come off as believable. This just was not for me.
February 26, 2023
Steamy, Exciting and Fun
I am loving these seasons romances! Such clever use of the lore and legends while also making them have a unique spin.
I adore the way she has transformed Cupid from the cherub like child to a character that much more resembles Eros from Greek mythology. I love the use of Fae and how it relates to her previous Wreck the Halls!
Our main couple is adorable and I love how they interact. In just w few short scenes, we are fully behind them getting together, no matter the odds!
Oh, and plenty of steam for your pleasure!
I am loving these seasons romances! Such clever use of the lore and legends while also making them have a unique spin.
I adore the way she has transformed Cupid from the cherub like child to a character that much more resembles Eros from Greek mythology. I love the use of Fae and how it relates to her previous Wreck the Halls!
Our main couple is adorable and I love how they interact. In just w few short scenes, we are fully behind them getting together, no matter the odds!
Oh, and plenty of steam for your pleasure!
December 17, 2025
While X MARKS THE O'S focused more on plot than the previous book I did find myself a little bored with the insta of everything. I did like both Valentin and Amorette as characters and I generally don't mind insta-love but the over-the-topness of their declarations felt a bit much for how little they knew about each other. On a really positive note I loved the idea of Cupid as a warrior who protects love rather than a cutesy cherub.
February 9, 2023
I’m seriously loving this series of fun, spice-filled, holiday novellas. There’s action and originality, a sprinkling of spice dusted over the story with a heavier dose at the payoff. Quick & satisfying. Definitely recommend.
December 21, 2024
First smut book read at work! The action was more well written than the sex scenes and build. And that’s not me knocking it, the action scenes rocked hard. Though if Amorette described Val as an Adonis one more time, the book would be thrown.
October 5, 2025
had so much potential but it's too short to fully flesh out a good story.
Read
August 12, 2025dnf @41%
February 4, 2023
Short and Sweet
This was a quick little novella but I enjoyed it. You had a little bit of everything. There was suspense, humor, spicy scenes, and everything in between packed into 103 pages!
This was a quick little novella but I enjoyed it. You had a little bit of everything. There was suspense, humor, spicy scenes, and everything in between packed into 103 pages!
October 19, 2025
If this was a full length novel it would be a new Roman Empire for me
June 4, 2024
💘Short Story/ Novella (~100 pages)
🏹Forbidden Love
💘Fae MMC x Human FMC
🏹Vigilante Cupid
💘Touch Her and Die
I wasn’t really sure what to expect from this but I enjoyed it! Cupid is a fae, and is more protector of love instead of creating love. He has recently be named the newest Cupid and understands it will be a long lonely life. He never expected to find Amorette. He tries to stay away but can’t and so he is determined to stay aloof and distant with her. It works until she is in danger. Then Cupid becomes a vigilante all because she was hurt! 🫠 I loved the names in this book, Valentin and Amorette, very fitting!! I love how these two are forbidden to be together but are clearly meant for one another! I would recommend!
—‘With reverent fingers, Valentin brushed his thumb over her bloodied bottom lip. Crimson stained his finger, and never had the color of love been so vile.’
—‘Cupids, like the race of Santas, were Fae warriors. Men of incredible power, they were the guardians of love, protectors of marriage, and while they aided humankind in binding their souls together, it was a ruthless job.’
🏹Forbidden Love
💘Fae MMC x Human FMC
🏹Vigilante Cupid
💘Touch Her and Die
I wasn’t really sure what to expect from this but I enjoyed it! Cupid is a fae, and is more protector of love instead of creating love. He has recently be named the newest Cupid and understands it will be a long lonely life. He never expected to find Amorette. He tries to stay away but can’t and so he is determined to stay aloof and distant with her. It works until she is in danger. Then Cupid becomes a vigilante all because she was hurt! 🫠 I loved the names in this book, Valentin and Amorette, very fitting!! I love how these two are forbidden to be together but are clearly meant for one another! I would recommend!
—‘With reverent fingers, Valentin brushed his thumb over her bloodied bottom lip. Crimson stained his finger, and never had the color of love been so vile.’
—‘Cupids, like the race of Santas, were Fae warriors. Men of incredible power, they were the guardians of love, protectors of marriage, and while they aided humankind in binding their souls together, it was a ruthless job.’
February 15, 2023
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
🌶🌶/4
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
We are back with another sexy holiday retelling, just in time for Valentine's Day. Fast paced, sexy, spicy, everything you want in a holiday novella.
Cupid is the icy haired Geralt x Malfoy visual of dreams, tasked with protecting the sanctity of love. Amorette is a chocolate shop owner who's fallen victim to the misdeeds of an unworthy ex. Not only does Cupid come in to save the day, but he also empowers Amorette to be her own savoir at the same time. What a team!
Check out this spicy novella for some delightful seasonal fun.
🌶🌶/4
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
We are back with another sexy holiday retelling, just in time for Valentine's Day. Fast paced, sexy, spicy, everything you want in a holiday novella.
Cupid is the icy haired Geralt x Malfoy visual of dreams, tasked with protecting the sanctity of love. Amorette is a chocolate shop owner who's fallen victim to the misdeeds of an unworthy ex. Not only does Cupid come in to save the day, but he also empowers Amorette to be her own savoir at the same time. What a team!
Check out this spicy novella for some delightful seasonal fun.
June 14, 2025
Nicole is one of my favorite authors—everything I’ve read by her has been a five-star experience. She never disappoints!
This is a short novella that you can devour in one sitting. And who would’ve thought that Valentine’s Day, a Fae, a FORCE member, a Cupid title, mafia, an adorable café owner, and chocolate cakes with strawberries could blend so perfectly? But what a mix—and it works.
I only wish it were longer. Nicole's imagination is unmatched, and her writing is incredible. Reading this made me smell hot coffee and freshly baked chocolate cake. Absolutely delicious in every way.
This is a short novella that you can devour in one sitting. And who would’ve thought that Valentine’s Day, a Fae, a FORCE member, a Cupid title, mafia, an adorable café owner, and chocolate cakes with strawberries could blend so perfectly? But what a mix—and it works.
I only wish it were longer. Nicole's imagination is unmatched, and her writing is incredible. Reading this made me smell hot coffee and freshly baked chocolate cake. Absolutely delicious in every way.
July 28, 2025
2.5 ★
I honestly wanted to like this way more than I did.
The concept? Solid. The writing? Not an issue. But novellas are super tricky and this one just tried to do too much in too little time. And the result was a story that felt more scattered than swoony.
The plot, the romance, the spice — it all showed up but none of it had enough time to breathe. Everything was happening all at once, and instead of feeling swept up in it, I kind of got lost instead.
There was definitely something there but it just didn’t come together the way I hoped.
I honestly wanted to like this way more than I did.
The concept? Solid. The writing? Not an issue. But novellas are super tricky and this one just tried to do too much in too little time. And the result was a story that felt more scattered than swoony.
The plot, the romance, the spice — it all showed up but none of it had enough time to breathe. Everything was happening all at once, and instead of feeling swept up in it, I kind of got lost instead.
There was definitely something there but it just didn’t come together the way I hoped.
February 6, 2024
Impossibly cute, with just a hint of spice
Impossibly cute, with just a hint of spice
📖 4/5 okay so the ending was a bit obvious from the jump, but the story is well written and sweet. You like the people you are watching fall in love.
🌶️3/5 not overly sexual but where it was made sense and who doesn’t love being edged by a fae.
Off you go, grad a cup of hot chocolate and settle in for a quick and cute read.
Impossibly cute, with just a hint of spice
📖 4/5 okay so the ending was a bit obvious from the jump, but the story is well written and sweet. You like the people you are watching fall in love.
🌶️3/5 not overly sexual but where it was made sense and who doesn’t love being edged by a fae.
Off you go, grad a cup of hot chocolate and settle in for a quick and cute read.
November 29, 2024
X's and O's
I absolutely loved this book! It is short just over 100 pages and I ate through it! I definitely read this one out of season but I love how we get to see there interactions! The story is separate but there are mentions of characters from.past books which I absolutely loved! Definitely recommend this great Valentines read!
5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
2 🌶️🌶️
I absolutely loved this book! It is short just over 100 pages and I ate through it! I definitely read this one out of season but I love how we get to see there interactions! The story is separate but there are mentions of characters from.past books which I absolutely loved! Definitely recommend this great Valentines read!
5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
2 🌶️🌶️
November 2, 2023
so sweet!
I enjoyed this one so much! It’s so sweet! It’s super action packed! I love that Amorette fought for herself and Valentin let her! Ugh! I’m a fan of instalove so of course this Valentine’s novella hits the spot!
I enjoyed this one so much! It’s so sweet! It’s super action packed! I love that Amorette fought for herself and Valentin let her! Ugh! I’m a fan of instalove so of course this Valentine’s novella hits the spot!
March 5, 2025
Either simplify the plot or extend the length of the book so that it didn’t feel so rushed. This could have been a really cute story about Cupid falling in love - forbidden love with a god yearning for a mortal woman. Sadly the execution wasn’t there…I wasn’t mad about the bike scene though 👀
March 6, 2025
Short and Spicy!
This was a great novella that kept me reading from start to finish! A lot happens in the 100 pages that make you love the characters and hate the villains. The spice is just enough to keep you on edge 😉 highly recommend as a quick read
This was a great novella that kept me reading from start to finish! A lot happens in the 100 pages that make you love the characters and hate the villains. The spice is just enough to keep you on edge 😉 highly recommend as a quick read
May 5, 2025
An ok read
This was a quick easy read, nothing too dramatic, not the most impressive writing but it was a good filler book before starting a new series and after finishing a heavy series and being in a bit of a book slump
This was a quick easy read, nothing too dramatic, not the most impressive writing but it was a good filler book before starting a new series and after finishing a heavy series and being in a bit of a book slump
February 11, 2023
Super cute, fast-paced, spicy, fae romance! This was an easy to read book, with easy to love characters. Pick it up if you need a small break from your Epic fantasy reads! Very enjoyable ❤️
March 2, 2023
Fantasy romance between Cupid and a chocolate store owner. Also included: mafia and Valentine's Day.
August 3, 2023
My only complaint is that this book wasn't longer.
October 23, 2023
Sexy, adorable, and packs a punch. This had so much action—in multiple ways—especially for how short it was. Highly recommend, and I’m looking forward to the next installment.
December 2, 2023
For a 103 page novella, it pack a good punch. The plot was really good and the romance hit the stop just right. And when the smutty scene came it was just right.
March 6, 2024
I loved this take on Cupid. Action packed, romance, and spice. Short, but fast paced.
August 4, 2024
Enjoyable face tale
A quick fated mates story about a human and a fae. No back and forth just love and faith. Touch her and you die vibes
A quick fated mates story about a human and a fae. No back and forth just love and faith. Touch her and you die vibes
Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews