Sweet Little Devil: A Dark, Morally‑Gray, Serial‑Killer Romance

by Kristy Ozolina

Hayden

As a serial killer, I've always lived in the shadows, navigating a world filled with danger and shrouded in secrets. When my boss, Mario, tasks me with protecting Scarlet Evans, I approach it with typical detachment—a job to keep her safe and nothing more. But the moment I lay my eyes on her, everything changes. An unforeseen attraction ignites within me, defying the boundaries of my clandestine world.

Scarlet

Embarking on a journey of self-discovery, I find myself grappling with the aftermath of a harrowing car accident and the sudden loss of my father. As I navigate through the debris of my shattered life, I encounter Hayden, a strange man whose charming presence and protective instincts both intrigue and terrify me. Yet, as our lives intertwine, I can't deny the pull between us, setting the stage for a tumultuous journey fraught with secrets too dangerous to share and a passion too intense to resist.

With buried truths unravelling and danger lurking around every corner, our forbidden romance is put to the ultimate test. Will our undeniable bond be enough to overcome the insurmountable challenges that threaten to tear us apart?

Genres: Dark Romance

288 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 1, 2024

About the author

Kristy Ozolina is a UK-based author originally from Latvia, known for her gripping dark romance novels that explore the depths of desire, obsession, and the human psyche.

With a passion for stories that blur the line between love and destruction, Kristy weaves sensuality and darkness into every page. Her books pull readers into intense, emotionally raw worlds where nothing is as it seems—and no one escapes unscarred. Complex characters, twisted relationships, and high-stakes passion are her signature.

When she’s not writing, Kristy finds inspiration in reading, traveling, and losing hours to Netflix marathons. These quiet escapes help fuel the haunting, emotionally charged narratives her readers can’t put down.

Her work captures love at its most dangerous—unrelenting, messy, magnetic. Kristy invites you to step into the shadows with her… and discover just how beautiful darkness can be.

Reviews

[Jamie · Rating 4 out of 5]

the ending?!

What a cliffhanger. This had good spice and a tragic story line that keeps you reading. Can’t wait to read the next one.

[Kerry-Anne Nabb · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had the privilege of arc reading this and damn I’m so happy I did.

!!!CHECK YOUR TRIGGERS!!!
Explicit Content: foul language, torture, murder, graphic violence, parental death, child death, explicit consensual non-consensual activities for 18+, age gap, firearms/ knives, human and s3x-trafficking (mentioned), child abuse, mentioned grape, slight mention of grooming, near-death experience, and stalking...

Dual POV
Enemies to Lovers
Secret Identity/Society
Obsessive MMC
"Touch her and die"
Standalone
Vigilante/Assassin Vibes
Serial Killer
Forbidden Romance
Insta-Love
Morally Grey MFC
Dark Secrets

Ends with a cliffhanger (that I may add had me screaming, which makes me even more excited for the next book)

Hayden catches the eye of Mario and brings him onto his team, becomes the best of the best. He is given an assignment to protect Scarlet from a far for the time being. Which he calls “babysitting” until he catches sight of her. He takes protective to the next level. When it’s “touch her and die” he really means it with his own words “ no one touches what belongs to me”.
He comes obsession just from a picture of her.
There is a lot of twists and secrets the come out throughout the book and WILL NOT disappoint.

"There are no gods in this world. There is only evil, and you, my darling, are a sweet little devil." 🥵 exf#ckingcuse me.

Spice ✔️ romance ✔️action✔️twists✔️and many more.

Hayden my sweet tattooed protective hunk WELCOME TO BOOK BOYFRIEND CLUB.

🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️

[Gwhiz · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was chosen as an ARC reader for this book.

I absolutely loved this book! It had a good storyline and I loved the main characters and the chemistry between them.
There’s many twists in this book and the ending!! I need to know more!!

Would highly recommend if dark romance is your kind of book!

[Sinead · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m not good at writing reviews but I loved this book and could not put it down. That ending! Like what! Can’t wait for book 2 I need it in my hands asap!

[Victoria Readman · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Hello, my little devil."

What a cliff-hanger 😮 ... excuse me!! wtf.

Please check the trigger warnings before reading. It is a dark romance and this book is back-2-back with triggers. Troupe: Dual POV, Enemies to Lovers, Obsessive MMC, Serial Killer, Touch Her & Die.

Sweet Little Devil is spectacular, Hayden *chefs-kiss* now he hasn't quite made the book boyfriend list but he's a man haunting my dreams anyways ... I am relucant to call him a vigilante as his morale compass is still questionable and intentions are purely selfish! But, it goes without say Kristy Ozolina knows has to write dark romance, and a twisted story with many layers to peel back. Enter Scarlet ...

"I dreamed about him for the first time tonight. In fact like a horrifying nightmare. Despite running for my life, there was a hidden desire within in me for him to catch up. I wanted to know his intentions towards me. From what it seems, I'm clearly not mentally stable"

Girl 👀 neither am I -- I love their relationship as it develops through the story. There are so many romantic moments, it's an emotional rollercoaster what starts as an obsession and need to possess grows into something meaningful. The spice was good, didn't feel like the story was rushed it is fast-paced but flows really well. I am chosen for the ARC team for the second book, so excited to see where this story continues.

[Crimsondragon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love it each page wanted me to read more and ending was amazing I cannot wait untill the next book to find out 🫶

[Tehmeena · Rating 5 out of 5]

〰️I'm voluntarily leaving an arc review❤️🔥〰️

What a cliff-hanger. Hello?! Anyways. Spoiler free review ahead...

~"Hello my little devil."~

⚠️ CHECK YOUR TRIGGERS ⚠️
Be warned this is a dark romance and triggers are riddled within this book if you venture forward, hence please keep this in mind. You have been warned and informed.

⛓️🥀 Dual POV
⛓️🥀 Enemies to Lovers
⛓️🥀 Secret Identity/Society
⛓️🥀 Obsessive MMC
⛓️🥀 "Touch her and die"
⛓️🥀 Standalone
⛓️🥀 Vigilante/Assassin Vibes
⛓️🥀 Serial Killer
⛓️🥀 Forbidden Romance
⛓️🥀 Insta-Love
⛓️🥀 Morally Grey MFC
⛓️🥀 Dark Secrets

Hayden. Spectacular, give me fourteen of them😏 (or however that saying goes.) I'm in love with this man. A man covered in blood, under the steaming shower, just does something to me🫣. And that's how chapter one begins. Beautiful.

So, yes. ❤️Meet Hayden, the handsomely dark and twisted man (tatted, too). A sort of a vigilante who does what he can to protect those in need. He's very good at what he does, and on top of that, it attracts the attention of an important figure, Mario, who hires Hayden as his assassin to take out targets. After extensive training, Hayden accepts the tasks given to him over time and eventually lands on one who piques his interest. A beautiful girl called Scarlet. Given the order to protect and keep a close eye on the oblivious girl he follows her, knowing where she works, who she hangs out with, and even gets rid of two perverts for her in the darkness of the night. Without her even knowing, the man is literally her guardian angel.

My anger intensifies as I see both men grabbing their beers and laughing while she gets away. All I want to do is make them lose their teeth.They will face consequences for touching something that doesn't belong to them.

Without her even knowing, the man is literally her guardian angel.

Gripping his collar tighter, I plunge the knife into his stomach, then his face, repeatedly, until his identity is unrecognizable. Blood splatters onto my face as I let go of his lifeless body, watching it crumple beside his friend.
No one touches what belongs to me.

And yes, he is instantly enthralled by her, obsessively, possessively. Also, mans got hard stalking her Instagram even when he wasn't supposed to. Ugh, why do I find that so attractive? I need a Hayden. Anyway, I digress.

Now meet Scarlet, a young woman a troubling past who wants to get through life without any more hurdles, however, unbeknownst to her, as I've already mentioned, Hayden brings all the twists and turns for her instead. He brings out the parts of her she never knew existed within her, pushing her boundaries little by little🫣. He wants to make her his under any circumstances. That's not to say that he's forgets his initial duty to protect her first, that he does, but he will also have her in ways he's been fantasising. Oh yes. He's a man who knows who he wants. And he's going to have her.

I crave to devour every part of her, to savor her, and to leave with a bittersweet sensation. I yearn for her to grasp the unimaginable ecstasy of reaching heaven when she is on the verge of death. Soon, I am going to experience the freedom to engage in any desired action with her, and she shall plead for mercy.

Scarlet soon starts falling for his dark, mysteriously alluring aura. Dreaming about him as he takes over her mind without even trying.

"I dreamed about him for the first time tonight. In fact like a horrifying nightmare. Despite running for my life, there was a hidden desire within in me for him to catch up. I wanted to know his intentions towards me. From what it seems, I'm clearly not mentally stable.

Girl.👀 Me neither.

"There are no gods in this world. There is only evil, and you, my darling, are a sweet little devil."

Ughh, the emotional rollercoaster! My sweet Devil will take you on a wild ride of twists and turns, shocking discoveries and secrets that come are revealed as the story develops. What starts as an obsession of lust and a need to possess grows into something meaningful, a thing that is more than just surface level. The ending was emotional. The heat was palpable, and the spice made me fluster. The pace of the story does not drag, is fast paced without being rushed, and it flows very well. I NEED THE SECOND BOOK PLEASE.

(Yes. I read this in one sitting.🥵)

OUT OF FIVES;

Cover: ✨✨✨✨✨
⛓️🥀 Heat: ️‍🔥️‍🔥️‍🔥️‍🔥️‍🔥
⛓️🥀 Darkness: 🖤🖤🖤🖤
⛓️🥀 Romance: ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
⛓️🥀 Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
⛓️🥀 Action: 💥💥💥💥
⛓️🥀 Suspense: ❗❗❗❗
⛓️🥀 Heroine: 🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹
⛓️🥀 Hero: 🦋🦋🦋🦋🦋.
⛓️🥀 Overall Star Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
⛓️🥀 Character Development: 👍👍👍👍👍
⛓️🥀 World Building: 🌍🌏🌍🌏🌍
⛓️🥀 Would I recommend? Hell yes.

[Miss Mona · Rating 4 out of 5]

Dark and dangerous, just as we like it

One thing that always catches my attention is a thick and intense plot. And SLD delivered all the way till the end!
At first, my lack of patience was making me anxious about the jumping timeline, but when the action started, it captivated all of my senses, leaving me completely immersed in Hayden's and Scarlet's story. The intensity and seriousness of the situation sometimes left me breathless, and I had a few moments of shock, where I had to stand up and take a long breath after realizing what was happening. Love when this happens, it means you really get to feel and experience the plot.

The story intricately weaves together the lives of Hayden and Scarlet, two characters whose experiences draw readers into their world. The unpredictability of the plot, combined with the depth of the characters, creates a narrative that is both compelling and emotionally resonant.
The author builds suspense, with each chapter escalating the tension and pushing the characters into new and more challenging situations. The relationship dynamics between Hayden and Scarlet are particularly noteworthy, as their interactions are filled with raw emotion and complexity, making their journey all the more gripping.

I am eagerly anticipating the release of Book 2, especially after the intense cliffhanger at the end of the first book 😊

[Victoria · Rating 3 out of 5]

Sweet Little Devil definitely has so much potential, and I am very intrigued after that cliffhanger! How? What? Huh? HOW??.

However I do think this could have gone through another round of editing as there were just too many typos- now if there is only a few I can ignore them because we are only human, but this did have too many to be ignored.

I feel like I need to mention that, while I'm triggered by much when it comes to fiction... WHERE WAS THE LUBE!! I swear that was the one scene that really took me out because there had previously been so much detail in describing how large he was and had multiple piercings (and had no plans of anal) yet then many chapters later, mid session he pulls out of one hole and promptly pushes himself in the other using her bodily fluids (including the 🩸 from lack of preparation) honestly my face was actually reminiscent of this emoji 😳

In terms of plot, it did jump around a fair bit, so occasionally, it could be hard to follow.

At less than 300 pages, it is a quick read, and as mentioned, it has the potential to be the start of a popular duology.

When the sequel is released, I will be checking it out because I am intrigued as to what is in store for Scarlet and Hayden and their future together.

[Spice_and_Spine · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was asked to read the second book as part of an ARC review, so I figured I’d start with the first one to get up to speed.

This story has a lot of potential. The plot was engaging, and the spice factor definitely isn’t for the faint of heart! The chemistry between the main characters was undeniable, and their dynamic kept me hooked.

However, there were some inconsistencies. There were characters who appeared only briefly and then seemed to vanish, almost forgotten, which left me wondering about their purpose in the story. Also, some character traits felt a little off. For example, Scarlet was portrayed as a generally calm, shy person who knew her own mind—but then, without warning, she went off on her mother in a way that felt out of place. It just seemed a bit over the top.

The writing itself could also be a little jarring at times. Some word choices didn’t quite match the tone of the rest of the narrative, making it feel a bit disjointed in certain spots.

That said, the cliffhanger at the end?! WHAT?! I need to know what happens next. I can't wait to dive into the second book to see how it all plays out!

[Fran_reads1007 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hot, spicy and kinda romantic in a stalker kind of way.
Scarlet lives a normal life but she's had a terrible childhood. Hardly speaks to her mum the only family she speaks to is her siblings. Her dad dies and she goes down to where he lived and finds something out which shocks her. So she ups and leaves her life behind.
Hayden worked for her dad knowing he was her father but had other plans. He still continued to work at the house even after his passing.
Scarlet is a bit scared and intimidated by him at first but that soon changes.
Upon finding out his secrets she loves him more despite everything he has told her. They start to build a life together......Things never turn out the way people want them to.
The ending I was not expecting in the slightest and im so glad I had book 2 ready and waiting for me so I could continue reading as soon as I finished this one.
The writing in this book is incredible. The world setting was amazing and I could imagine every chapter in this book.

[Samantha Robertson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sweet Little Devil is an intense and captivating romance that had me hooked from start to finish. The chemistry between Hayden and Scarlet is the heart of the novel, and I thoroughly enjoyed the depth of their connection. Their dynamic is filled with tension, passion, and a push-and-pull that keeps the reader engaged.

Hayden’s intensity contrasts beautifully with Scarlet’s vibrant personality, making their interactions all the more compelling. The way their relationship develops—through challenges, misunderstandings, and undeniable attraction—feels natural and emotionally charged. Kristy does a fantastic job of creating a romance that feels both exhilarating and heartfelt.

Overall, Sweet Little Devil is a gripping read for anyone who loves a romance with strong character connections and a bit of an edge. I’d highly recommend it to fans of passionate, tension-filled love stories.

[LozzyLouReads · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.75 ⭐️ I really enjoyed this book!
This is a dark romance duet and my first read by Kristy Ozolina.

I loved both main characters, Scarlet and Hayden.
Scarlett is smart and feisty and is trying to find her place in the world where she's comfortable and is also trying to discover more out her family.
Hayden is the perfect, morally grey man who sees what he wants and will do anything to obtain it.

I found the plot to be very interesting and does require you to focus and concentrate as it goes back and forth from the present to the past. I thought it was very well written and it is steady-paced, fun and thrilling. It's not too dark and an enjoyable novel.

I listened to it on Spotify. I wouldn't recommend the audio it wasn't the best experience and delivery of the story. I definitely would recommend to read it instead as it was narrated in a digital voice and it didn't flow well, and there were quite a few errors, sadly.
The cliffhanger ending left me wanting to dive straight into the next book.

l would recommend to read it!
I am glad to have discovered this author and I look forward to reading more from her.

[MaRissa Williams · Rating 4 out of 5]

I found Sweet Little Devil from the author’s TikTok and just had to purchase.

Starting off, the cover is gorgeous. Also, that dedication inside, perfection.

Dark and Dangerous stalker MMC’s are the best.
The plot was intense! The timelines had me confused at first because I wasn’t reading the top but then I went back and was rereading the time frames to make more sense.

We are brought into the lives of Hayden the MMC, a hired hitmen who is given a job to watch Scarlet the FMC, he becomes extremely obsessed.
Scarlet the FMC, has a normal life but a terrible childhood past. Her father dies, and she decides to go to her hometown and finds out something which shocks her.

When these two finally come together, it is extremely captivating. The tension, the spice, the twists, everything.

If you love spicy dark stalker romances then this is for you.

[maria · Rating 2 out of 5]

short fast placed fmc stupidity

While I love a dark romance this story was fast paced, predictable and left far too much questions for the readers the lead characters were two split personalities the female lead started off strong independent and then ended with a unbalanced stupidity that didn’t make sense to the reader the main character male has spilt personality one minute your reading the story he’s playing the next he’s balls deep then he’s back to his job lots of guessing work to do in between the story they’re are others who also don’t play a role other than siblings they’re is a sudden appearance of the mothers and no one seems to hold the story. Ending is a cliff hanger overall disappointing

[Lottie1996 · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️

I kind of feel like we aren’t supposed to love this man, cause like reg flag🚩 but omg do we love himmmm😍

He is the literal definition of touch her and 💀

The spice was…. Chefs kiss👌🏻 I enjoyed the plot (I liked Hayden’s work side of the plot the most) I also enjoyed the going back in time chapters to really get an understanding and a back story going.

And then omg that ending… what a cliffhanger!! Like how? Like what? 🫣 I’ve got to jump straight into the second book cause there’s is definitely something much bigger going on here🤔

[Louise Gould · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book! I can't wait to see how book 2 pans out as it ended on such a cliff hanger!!!!😳🖤


Over all a really good read, clever storyline & some twists/ parts I didn't expect.

The things that rated this lower than 5 stars for me was some parts felt slightly rushed, some chapters were slightly confusing as there is a lot of different timelines in it & the name/cover didn't resonate too much with the storyline for me.

Loved the characters of Scarlet & Hayden. 🖤

[Ainslie · Rating 5 out of 5]

✨ Sweet Little Devil ✨

Rating! 10/10

⚠️ Please check trigger warnings before reading this book! ⚠️

I really enjoyed the first part of The Devil's Duet by Kristy Ozolina

This book follows 2 characters named Hayden and Scarlet with a great storyline, which ends on a huge Cliffhanger!! I'm desperate to find out what happens next!!

If you liked the cat and mouse duet then this will be right up your street!

Contains spice 🌶️ romance🖤 twists and dark themes 🖤

[Yas Yarnall · Rating 3 out of 5]

The cliff hanger and the spice was the only thing that kept me reading. The whole plot was a PG version of Haunting Adeline. The characters were meh, the whole love story was a let down, one minute Scarlet was scared of Hayden and then the next she’s in bed bouncing on his junk.

I will read more of the series but I’m not going to rush back into the world. If you want to start reading dark romance then read this book.

Overall, the book was Meh.

[Lucee · Rating 2 out of 5]

I feel like scarlett was always crying which was a little annoying.
Also everything moved way to fast with her and hayden.
She took what he did to her dad and what he did as a profession with a pinch of salt like it was no big deal.
It was instalove and I have realised im not a fan of that trope.
I will be reading book 2 to see if it can redeem itself.
I will say the cliffhanger was unexpected.

[Nadine Massey · Rating 3 out of 5]

When Hayden, a hired hitman, is given the job of protecting Scarlet, he becomes obsessed..
This book is fast paced from the start, full of both action and spice.
The main characters are fun and enjoyable.
Even with darker themes it doesn’t feel too heavy.
A good read with a great cliff hanger ending that makes you eager to delve into the next book. I thoroughly enjoyed!

[Alex Millington · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.75 ⭐️

I really did enjoy this book! I’m part of the arc team for the second book so I thought to catch up beforehand.

Spicy and very fast pace with the plot of the story. If you want a book that gets to the point then this is for you!

Love the ending of the book! Not what I thought would happen! Cannot wait for the next book.

[Leah-Marie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Delicious smut, but wow—the plot! I stayed up way too late because I had to keep turning the pages. And that cliffhanger? Absolutely brutal! The second book can’t come soon enough!!

Dark, intense, and oh-so-lovely—this one is a must-read!

[Sarah Jackson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved this book, with a gripping storyline and added spice i was hooked! Twists and turns and the ending!!! 😱😱

[Aimee Tavener · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely loved this book! I couldn’t wait for sweet little revenge to come out! The ending had me so baffled!!!

[Lauren Stevenson · Rating 3 out of 5]

good storyline

Good storyline, and I like the characters and the progression. I felt the story was missing chapters as the escalation of the events happened extremely quickly.

[heather helsel · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved reading this book, it has some very intense moments but I was on the edge of my seat and read this book in just a couple days. Definitely recommend reading this book. Thank you to the author for letting me read this ARC.

[Natalie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was amazing... Honestly I cannot say anymore, totally loved the characters

[Kerrie Kennedy-Averall · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this book as I signed up for an ARC for the second book in the series.

I enjoyed the book and finished it quite quickly.

The cliffhanger at the end was a fab ending to get the reader eager for the next book.

I enjoyed the spice in the book, but there could always be more lol

Overall, it's a good read.

[Ellie Tucker · Rating 2 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book, I like Scarlett and Hayden as characters, I just don’t think I’m a dark romance girly.

I’m not here to yuck someone’s yum as I can see why girlies LOVE this, it just wasn’t my fave.

I’d still recommend this book to people, especially if they’re into dark romances!!

Like I say I still enjoyed the main characters and the overall story line just wasn’t my absolute faves!

⭐️⭐️⭐️ 3/5