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The King's Pawn
Noah...
I hate him. Always have. The way he looks through me, then pretends I don't exist...
There's something wrong with him. More wrong than the rest of my father's men... It's a good thing Killian Donovan doesn't think about me at all.
But when I'm on my knees, staring down the barrel of his gun, accused of a crime I did not commit, Killian is all that's left between me and a shallow grave.
He must have a weakness... and I've got five seconds to find it.
Killian...
Kill Noah King.
Those are my orders.
It's about time the boss's brat was put in his place. Too loud, too stupid, too... tempting, and when he betrays the family, I get to shut that sassy mouth forever.
A damn shame, because when he's on his knees with my gun between his lips, his pleading silence isn't the only thing that stops me pulling the trigger.
I've got five seconds to choose...
Five seconds that change both our lives forever.
*
King's Pawn is a dark mafia romance between two men who really shouldn't fall for each other, but can't seem to resist temptation. An enemies-to-lovers, grumpy-sunshine, age-gap, hate-f*ck, capture kink, touch-him-and-die (literally) novella.
I hate him. Always have. The way he looks through me, then pretends I don't exist...
There's something wrong with him. More wrong than the rest of my father's men... It's a good thing Killian Donovan doesn't think about me at all.
But when I'm on my knees, staring down the barrel of his gun, accused of a crime I did not commit, Killian is all that's left between me and a shallow grave.
He must have a weakness... and I've got five seconds to find it.
Killian...
Kill Noah King.
Those are my orders.
It's about time the boss's brat was put in his place. Too loud, too stupid, too... tempting, and when he betrays the family, I get to shut that sassy mouth forever.
A damn shame, because when he's on his knees with my gun between his lips, his pleading silence isn't the only thing that stops me pulling the trigger.
I've got five seconds to choose...
Five seconds that change both our lives forever.
*
King's Pawn is a dark mafia romance between two men who really shouldn't fall for each other, but can't seem to resist temptation. An enemies-to-lovers, grumpy-sunshine, age-gap, hate-f*ck, capture kink, touch-him-and-die (literally) novella.
Unknown Binding
First published September 19, 2024
32 people are currently reading
422 people want to read
About the author
Ariana Nash
51 books2,243 followersBorn to wolves, Ariana Nash only ventures from the Cornish moors when the moon is fat and the night alive with myths and legends. She captures those myths in glass jars and returning home, weaves them into stories filled with forbidden desires, fantasy realms, and wicked delights.
Her debut novel Silk & Steel hit Amazon's:
#1 LGBT Bestsellers Horror
#1 LGBT Bestsellers Fantasy
#1 LGBT Fantasy Hot New Releases
#1 LGBT Horror Hot New Releases - for 3 months!
Join her Goodreads group here: https://www.goodreads.com/group/show/...
Sign up to her newsletter here: https://www.subscribepage.com/silk-steel
Her debut novel Silk & Steel hit Amazon's:
#1 LGBT Bestsellers Horror
#1 LGBT Bestsellers Fantasy
#1 LGBT Fantasy Hot New Releases
#1 LGBT Horror Hot New Releases - for 3 months!
Join her Goodreads group here: https://www.goodreads.com/group/show/...
Sign up to her newsletter here: https://www.subscribepage.com/silk-steel
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December 23, 2024Please note: This book is now available to buy at all good bookstores, and also as a free download to my newsletter subscribers.
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To get a feel for the vibe, check out the moody playlist here.
May 8, 2025
I was provided an e-copy of the book by the author in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
✅ Age gap (10 years)
✅ MM smut
✅ Forced proximity
✅ Mafia vibe
✅ Pace and action
✅ Kind of grumpy/sunshine dynamic
✅(🆗) Plot (only because it was too short)
✅🆗 Romance / Felt like insta-love
❗️❗️Trigger warnings: attempted murder, murder, mention of drugs
When Killian Donovan is tasked by the mob’s boss to kill his own son, Killian sets out to carry out his mission as usual. Only, when faced with Noah King on his knees and ready to die, Killian can’t pull the trigger. Noah has been a painful presence in his life for the past 5 years, but Killian is secretly attracted to him, and he can’t bring himself to kill him.
I struggle with novellas, and that’s a “me” problem. Too often, I find them to be too short to really get involved in the plot or care deeply about the characters. I also find that in this particular case, the story started out great, it was engaging, intriguing, and complex, and then it’s as if the author realized that she only had 30 pages left and the last part felt rushed and underdeveloped. It was also harder in that case because this novella is not connected to another book, so the author had to introduce completely new characters, flesh them out, and tell their story in less than 100 pages.
Honestly, with all the ideas and the complexity we saw in only a few chapters, there was potential here to write a whole novel about Killian and Noah, instead of a too-short novella. Because of the shortness of the book, the romance does not truly have time to develop, so we go from Noah not really caring about Killian, but finding him very attractive, and Killian being secretly attracted to Noah too, to them giving in to their urges, having spicy and kinky sex, and then in the epilogue it almost felt like insta-love because we didn’t spend nearly enough time with them to appreciate the development f their feelings and building of their relationship. But again, this might have more to do with my struggle with novellas and short stories.
This is not my favorite book from Ariana Nash, but it is fast-paced, engaging, sexy, and a fun quick read. I recommend giving it a try if you are looking for a spicy (and kinky) novella with a mafia vibe.
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✅ Age gap (10 years)
✅ MM smut
✅ Forced proximity
✅ Mafia vibe
✅ Pace and action
✅ Kind of grumpy/sunshine dynamic
✅(🆗) Plot (only because it was too short)
✅🆗 Romance / Felt like insta-love
❗️❗️Trigger warnings: attempted murder, murder, mention of drugs
When Killian Donovan is tasked by the mob’s boss to kill his own son, Killian sets out to carry out his mission as usual. Only, when faced with Noah King on his knees and ready to die, Killian can’t pull the trigger. Noah has been a painful presence in his life for the past 5 years, but Killian is secretly attracted to him, and he can’t bring himself to kill him.
I struggle with novellas, and that’s a “me” problem. Too often, I find them to be too short to really get involved in the plot or care deeply about the characters. I also find that in this particular case, the story started out great, it was engaging, intriguing, and complex, and then it’s as if the author realized that she only had 30 pages left and the last part felt rushed and underdeveloped. It was also harder in that case because this novella is not connected to another book, so the author had to introduce completely new characters, flesh them out, and tell their story in less than 100 pages.
Honestly, with all the ideas and the complexity we saw in only a few chapters, there was potential here to write a whole novel about Killian and Noah, instead of a too-short novella. Because of the shortness of the book, the romance does not truly have time to develop, so we go from Noah not really caring about Killian, but finding him very attractive, and Killian being secretly attracted to Noah too, to them giving in to their urges, having spicy and kinky sex, and then in the epilogue it almost felt like insta-love because we didn’t spend nearly enough time with them to appreciate the development f their feelings and building of their relationship. But again, this might have more to do with my struggle with novellas and short stories.
This is not my favorite book from Ariana Nash, but it is fast-paced, engaging, sexy, and a fun quick read. I recommend giving it a try if you are looking for a spicy (and kinky) novella with a mafia vibe.
Follow me on Instagram 🙂
September 21, 2024
3.5 stars. I’ll be honest, I requested this cause I was curious about Ariana Nash’s writing style after seeing so much positive stuff about her other writing… the fact that this was a mafia romance was just an extra bonus.
Novellas are such a special art to get right and I think this one just misses the mark a little bit. It’s like if the bones of a good full length mafia romance had all the background story and character/romance development stripped out of it and just covered the major plot points that were essential for the story to make sense. As a result it just meant that while I enjoyed it, I kind felt disconnected from the whole endevour and was left wanting more meat.
A nice introduction to Nash though, I can see why people enjoy her writing.
Thank you to GRR for the opportunity to read this eARC
Novellas are such a special art to get right and I think this one just misses the mark a little bit. It’s like if the bones of a good full length mafia romance had all the background story and character/romance development stripped out of it and just covered the major plot points that were essential for the story to make sense. As a result it just meant that while I enjoyed it, I kind felt disconnected from the whole endevour and was left wanting more meat.
A nice introduction to Nash though, I can see why people enjoy her writing.
Thank you to GRR for the opportunity to read this eARC
November 18, 2025
the fact that this is a novella is what hurt this story. no chance to build up any semblance of a real connection between the main characters. i was bored
September 16, 2024
3.75
This was a fast-paced book, full of action and dark themes. Ariana in these few pages can make us run; it manages to blow our minds with plot shenanigans and hot sex, and we end up loving morally gray characters, as one should! We have 2 people who have been attracted for years, and in the look of death, they find love <3 Typical Ariana!
Because it's short, we can't really understand the extent of this love; suddenly they're attracted to each other, and then they fall completely in love with each other...
I also admit that mafia, in which in the end the characters lie, this "job" is not something I like very much. I would have preferred them to leave completely and go live on a desert island!
I received an eArc copy of Ariana and this is my honest opinion.
This was a fast-paced book, full of action and dark themes. Ariana in these few pages can make us run; it manages to blow our minds with plot shenanigans and hot sex, and we end up loving morally gray characters, as one should! We have 2 people who have been attracted for years, and in the look of death, they find love <3 Typical Ariana!
Because it's short, we can't really understand the extent of this love; suddenly they're attracted to each other, and then they fall completely in love with each other...
I also admit that mafia, in which in the end the characters lie, this "job" is not something I like very much. I would have preferred them to leave completely and go live on a desert island!
I received an eArc copy of Ariana and this is my honest opinion.
September 25, 2024
"I’d seen him in various stages of nakedness, but never like this, and why the fuck was my heart pounding? Noah King was everything I shouldn’t want, and everything I craved."
Ariana Nash is one of my one-click authors, so even though I don't like novellas, I will always read one of Ariana's! The King's Pawn is totally my genre and has all of my fave tropes, so it was always going to be a winner for me - would I have preferred it as a full-length novel well duh, yes, but will I mark it down a star because of my personal preference when I knew it was a novella going in - no!
This is Killian and Noah's story and I was totally here for it. And if Ms Nash writes a full-length version I will be inhaling that too!
What To Expect:
❥ MM mafia romance
❥ novella
❥ enemies to lovers
❥ bodyguard turned assassin
❥ forced proximity
❥ opposites attract
❥ age gap (not huge)
❥ ALL THE STEAM
❥ HFN
Loved it!
Ariana Nash is one of my one-click authors, so even though I don't like novellas, I will always read one of Ariana's! The King's Pawn is totally my genre and has all of my fave tropes, so it was always going to be a winner for me - would I have preferred it as a full-length novel well duh, yes, but will I mark it down a star because of my personal preference when I knew it was a novella going in - no!
This is Killian and Noah's story and I was totally here for it. And if Ms Nash writes a full-length version I will be inhaling that too!
What To Expect:
❥ MM mafia romance
❥ novella
❥ enemies to lovers
❥ bodyguard turned assassin
❥ forced proximity
❥ opposites attract
❥ age gap (not huge)
❥ ALL THE STEAM
❥ HFN
Loved it!
January 22, 2025
2.5⭐️ This would have worked well as a full novel, I liked the premise and the idea of the characters. But as a 100 pg novella it was just too rushed. Everything happened too fast, and the plot and love story just weren’t believable.
May 6, 2025
TOOOOO SHORT 😪
September 19, 2024
2.5
another novella that should’ve been a regular book.
nobody is surprised.
another novella that should’ve been a regular book.
nobody is surprised.
September 20, 2024
I was given an arc of this book by the author in exchange for an honest review.
Perfect like everything Ariana writes!
This was originally supposed to be published along with other short stories by some different authors, but it got cancelled for undisclosed reasons. So just be aware that the book is shorter and more fast paced than normal for Ariana’s books if you are like me and never check the page count of the book you’re reading.
I’m not a big fan of short books especially if it’s romance (but I’m happily going to read everything Ariana publish) because you don’t really get to know the characters and there isn’t that much time to build an engaging set up, plus the romance feels hurried. You will have to be a really skilled writer to be able to pull of writing a romance in only 90 pages.
But that is exactly what Ariana is. A skilled writer. She pulled this off perfectly, keeping me hooked and wondering what was going to happen throughout the novella. The fist pages is enough to keep you reading to the end. And reading this was like reading any of her other books. The writing never felt hurried or like the story got to long and needed to get cut down. Everything was paced perfectly and nothing felt forced. Although the romance was very fast paced it was not something that bothered me overly much, since I don’t believe Ariana could have done a better job with the 90 pages she was given.
Perfect like everything Ariana writes!
This was originally supposed to be published along with other short stories by some different authors, but it got cancelled for undisclosed reasons. So just be aware that the book is shorter and more fast paced than normal for Ariana’s books if you are like me and never check the page count of the book you’re reading.
I’m not a big fan of short books especially if it’s romance (but I’m happily going to read everything Ariana publish) because you don’t really get to know the characters and there isn’t that much time to build an engaging set up, plus the romance feels hurried. You will have to be a really skilled writer to be able to pull of writing a romance in only 90 pages.
But that is exactly what Ariana is. A skilled writer. She pulled this off perfectly, keeping me hooked and wondering what was going to happen throughout the novella. The fist pages is enough to keep you reading to the end. And reading this was like reading any of her other books. The writing never felt hurried or like the story got to long and needed to get cut down. Everything was paced perfectly and nothing felt forced. Although the romance was very fast paced it was not something that bothered me overly much, since I don’t believe Ariana could have done a better job with the 90 pages she was given.
September 11, 2024
My first venture with this author and I really enjoyed it, this quick peak into this author's writing and way of telling a story has me eager for more.
Noah is a powerful mob boss's son, but he isn't loved or appreciated by him. Because he's different, because he's isn't ruthless and isn't one who wants to take over someday.
Killian works for Noah's father as an enforcer, basically - and for the last 5 years since he showed up, the one to kind of save Noah from himself on countless occasions - and he seems to be his lap dog, who does whatever Noah's father says and never asks questions. But there's more going on with Killian than he lets on.
When he's tasked by Noah's father to kill Noah, off a story that he betrayed the family - when he didn't - he ends up not being able to do it, and hides Noah away in a cabin instead while he tries to figure things out.
Over those few days in the cabin, things change between these two and get steamy, as well as lay the foundation for more.
This was really interesting, really well done, and the chemistry was very on point.
So the only reason I gave this is a star off is because it was too short. I don't know why this was a novella, honestly? It had too much story, too interesting of character, to just be a novella.
I zoomed through this and that's great, but I was wanting to so much of this by the end. Not even more of these two - although I definitely enjoyed them so I definitely wanted that - but more of the plot.
They get relatively safe by the end of this, but it's far from over, and Noah's father's still in play, still a threat, and I think this should have been a full length novel.
Like...is this author planning to write more of these two and their story? Is there going to be a full length follow up? If not, that's very disappointing. And it left me feeling bereft at the end of this. I needed so much more of this story and these two.
Also, because it was so quick, we didn't quite get the best lead up to Killian getting to the "you're mine and no one else can touch you" phase. Like sure, these two have known each other for 5 years, but we didn't get to see any of it. We didn't get to see exactly why Killian jumped into such fierce possessiveness right away. "It's how he is" sure, but we should still see him get to that place with Noah first.
It's just, if this is all we get of these two and this story, it was like we got a tease but that's it. We could have so much more, and I want it. This is like the makings of an amazing story, but we just didn't quite get that amazingness.
This was still a very enjoyable story, with an intriguing plot and very intriguing characters. Noah and Killian's chemistry was something I felt off the bat and they sucked me in. That's all good.
We just needed more. Some stories really work as a novella...and this wasn't one of them, overall.
But still, this is definitely worth a read, and if this is your first try with this author like it was for me, it'll definitely make you want to read more from them. I can't wait!
Onto the next! 😍
I received a copy of this book from Gay Romance Reviews, and this is my honest review.
Noah is a powerful mob boss's son, but he isn't loved or appreciated by him. Because he's different, because he's isn't ruthless and isn't one who wants to take over someday.
Killian works for Noah's father as an enforcer, basically - and for the last 5 years since he showed up, the one to kind of save Noah from himself on countless occasions - and he seems to be his lap dog, who does whatever Noah's father says and never asks questions. But there's more going on with Killian than he lets on.
When he's tasked by Noah's father to kill Noah, off a story that he betrayed the family - when he didn't - he ends up not being able to do it, and hides Noah away in a cabin instead while he tries to figure things out.
Over those few days in the cabin, things change between these two and get steamy, as well as lay the foundation for more.
This was really interesting, really well done, and the chemistry was very on point.
So the only reason I gave this is a star off is because it was too short. I don't know why this was a novella, honestly? It had too much story, too interesting of character, to just be a novella.
I zoomed through this and that's great, but I was wanting to so much of this by the end. Not even more of these two - although I definitely enjoyed them so I definitely wanted that - but more of the plot.
They get relatively safe by the end of this, but it's far from over, and Noah's father's still in play, still a threat, and I think this should have been a full length novel.
Like...is this author planning to write more of these two and their story? Is there going to be a full length follow up? If not, that's very disappointing. And it left me feeling bereft at the end of this. I needed so much more of this story and these two.
Also, because it was so quick, we didn't quite get the best lead up to Killian getting to the "you're mine and no one else can touch you" phase. Like sure, these two have known each other for 5 years, but we didn't get to see any of it. We didn't get to see exactly why Killian jumped into such fierce possessiveness right away. "It's how he is" sure, but we should still see him get to that place with Noah first.
It's just, if this is all we get of these two and this story, it was like we got a tease but that's it. We could have so much more, and I want it. This is like the makings of an amazing story, but we just didn't quite get that amazingness.
This was still a very enjoyable story, with an intriguing plot and very intriguing characters. Noah and Killian's chemistry was something I felt off the bat and they sucked me in. That's all good.
We just needed more. Some stories really work as a novella...and this wasn't one of them, overall.
But still, this is definitely worth a read, and if this is your first try with this author like it was for me, it'll definitely make you want to read more from them. I can't wait!
Onto the next! 😍
I received a copy of this book from Gay Romance Reviews, and this is my honest review.
September 13, 2024
Dark, gritty and memorable.
Wow, this book was amazing. I enjoyed every part of it, from the beginning to end.
This is a quick afternoon read and leaves you with no questions. The story follows Killian, a Mafia's lapdog, and Noah, a Mafia's irresponsible son. Killian has been sent to kill Noah but in the heat of the moment decides against it. He keeps him hostage and although this isn't what Killian had expected, he found himself giving himself fully to Noah.
“Stop thinking, Killer. We’re just two fucked- up guys, wearing only towels, in a cabin in the woods, and there’s nobody here to tell us no.”
Noah King is every bit of a bottom I love. He is sassy, snarky, quick-witted and is surprisingly a good listener and as loyal as a puppy. I was able to get to know Noah's character. What made him who he was and why he acted the way he does. The author has managed to give us a fully developed character within a short space of time and I found it quite rare to do (atleast from the countless novellas I've read).
“If you wanted romantic, you should have found a poet to fuck.”
Killian Donovan is the type of guy who'd manhandle you the way he wants. When he is driven by desire, he is a beast. He has his own agendas but I'm happy that it didn't clash with his relationship with Noah. Killian's character was so fun to get to know (or it may just be the fact that I like reading about confident, well put together top) and is unique in his own way.
The Kings Pawn is a low angst, high heat, forced proximity read that has dark themed elements and a man who fancies being tied.
//ARC Review//
Wow, this book was amazing. I enjoyed every part of it, from the beginning to end.
This is a quick afternoon read and leaves you with no questions. The story follows Killian, a Mafia's lapdog, and Noah, a Mafia's irresponsible son. Killian has been sent to kill Noah but in the heat of the moment decides against it. He keeps him hostage and although this isn't what Killian had expected, he found himself giving himself fully to Noah.
“Stop thinking, Killer. We’re just two fucked- up guys, wearing only towels, in a cabin in the woods, and there’s nobody here to tell us no.”
Noah King is every bit of a bottom I love. He is sassy, snarky, quick-witted and is surprisingly a good listener and as loyal as a puppy. I was able to get to know Noah's character. What made him who he was and why he acted the way he does. The author has managed to give us a fully developed character within a short space of time and I found it quite rare to do (atleast from the countless novellas I've read).
“If you wanted romantic, you should have found a poet to fuck.”
Killian Donovan is the type of guy who'd manhandle you the way he wants. When he is driven by desire, he is a beast. He has his own agendas but I'm happy that it didn't clash with his relationship with Noah. Killian's character was so fun to get to know (or it may just be the fact that I like reading about confident, well put together top) and is unique in his own way.
The Kings Pawn is a low angst, high heat, forced proximity read that has dark themed elements and a man who fancies being tied.
//ARC Review//
September 26, 2024
Five years, I’d been cleaning up after Noah King. After tonight, he wouldn’t be my problem ever again.
This spicy little delight of a mafia novella was exactly what I needed to start considering Ariana Nash's Forgive Me series! I've been holding out - now, I love AN's angsty reads, but I wasn't sure I was ready for that mafia/priest/contemp setting. But after reading the zany SOS Hotel series more recently, this darker novella showed me exactly what I was missing ;)
I loved Noah's blend of sass, snark, and his healthy dose of fatalism. I really felt how close he got to
And if we played the game right, Noah King would be on the throne beside mine, ready to burn his father’s kingdom down or reign over it.
The length was perfect for what this way - I wonder if there will ever be a part 2 novella to finish up the -ahem- unfinished business? I enjoyed the epilogue too - <3
September 19, 2024
A Joyfully Jay review.
4.5 stars
This is a new novella from author Ariana Nash. The author states the story was originally supposed to be part of an anthology, but it is now being released as a standalone. It’s a quick visit to the organized crime world with violence, deception, and two men with great chemistry who think they should not be involved with each other—but maybe they should.
The story has a great pace for a shorter book, as we get some background on both men and how they find themselves in the situation they are in. The tension rolls off of them in violence and in lust and it’s interesting to see how the men will resolve their predicament and be able to move forward together.
Read Michelle's review in its entirety here.
4.5 stars
This is a new novella from author Ariana Nash. The author states the story was originally supposed to be part of an anthology, but it is now being released as a standalone. It’s a quick visit to the organized crime world with violence, deception, and two men with great chemistry who think they should not be involved with each other—but maybe they should.
The story has a great pace for a shorter book, as we get some background on both men and how they find themselves in the situation they are in. The tension rolls off of them in violence and in lust and it’s interesting to see how the men will resolve their predicament and be able to move forward together.
Read Michelle's review in its entirety here.
September 19, 2024
Wow! I absolutely loved this book. Amazing characters and wonderful plot. Very beautifully written and easy to read.
Noah King has always disliked Killian Donovan. Killian pretended that Noah doesn’t exist. But when Noah gets accused for something he didn’t commit, only Killian can save him.
Killian is only too happy to complete the order, the get rid of the boss’s son. Only he can’t resist the temptation anymore. And that decision will change the course of both of their lives. I loved Theo chemistry and passion between Noah and Killian. They were made for each other.
Overall I loved this book very much. If you’re looking for a MM, dark romance then you’re going to love it.
Noah King has always disliked Killian Donovan. Killian pretended that Noah doesn’t exist. But when Noah gets accused for something he didn’t commit, only Killian can save him.
Killian is only too happy to complete the order, the get rid of the boss’s son. Only he can’t resist the temptation anymore. And that decision will change the course of both of their lives. I loved Theo chemistry and passion between Noah and Killian. They were made for each other.
Overall I loved this book very much. If you’re looking for a MM, dark romance then you’re going to love it.
September 19, 2024
The King’s Pawn
A short high stakes, fast-paced story that stole my breath! I loved it. It was dark, gritty, dirty, and not your sweet cozy romance.
The story was full of spice and sass. Noah was certainly a bratty mafia’s son. He was a shameless flirt and full of sunshine to Killian’s darkness.
If you enjoy dark mafia romances with spicy, age-gap, opposites attract, grumpy/sunshine, captive kink mm romance then do yourself a favor and check this one out!
A short high stakes, fast-paced story that stole my breath! I loved it. It was dark, gritty, dirty, and not your sweet cozy romance.
The story was full of spice and sass. Noah was certainly a bratty mafia’s son. He was a shameless flirt and full of sunshine to Killian’s darkness.
If you enjoy dark mafia romances with spicy, age-gap, opposites attract, grumpy/sunshine, captive kink mm romance then do yourself a favor and check this one out!
September 15, 2024
I was provided a free e-copy of the book by the author for review. All thoughts and opinions are my own. Thanks, you for this!
My problem with novella is that I always find them too short and want more! Same thing happen when I finished reading this book, I was wondering: where is the rest?
This one contains a bunch of my favorites tropes: enemies to lover, age gaps, grumpy-sunshine, touch him & die, dark mafia romance.
Noah is the son of a powerful mob leader, and always gets into troubles, Killian, his father right hand man haven been checking over him and “babysitting him” for the last five year.
Rumor goes around that Noah spilled the family secrets and betrayed them to a enemies clan. Killian get the order to kill him, but cannot pull the trigger.
Instead of following orders, Killian take into a remote cabin, not sure why he is keeping the youngest man alive. A part of himself desired Noah. The young man is a brat with a smart mouth that keep pushing his buttons. Noah is clearly attracted to Killian and is not shy to flirt with him, even if his life is in danger.
Someone from inside the mafia wants to get rid of him, and Killian will not allow any harm to come to Noah.
When those two finally get together, it is explosive, but I wish we would have spent a little bit more time seeing the romance developed, it went straight to sex and possessive behavior. Those characters know each other for years, but the romance felt a little bit on the insta love once it started.
I still liked it, it was short and had some hot moments but I was not my favorite book by this author.
My problem with novella is that I always find them too short and want more! Same thing happen when I finished reading this book, I was wondering: where is the rest?
This one contains a bunch of my favorites tropes: enemies to lover, age gaps, grumpy-sunshine, touch him & die, dark mafia romance.
Noah is the son of a powerful mob leader, and always gets into troubles, Killian, his father right hand man haven been checking over him and “babysitting him” for the last five year.
Rumor goes around that Noah spilled the family secrets and betrayed them to a enemies clan. Killian get the order to kill him, but cannot pull the trigger.
Instead of following orders, Killian take into a remote cabin, not sure why he is keeping the youngest man alive. A part of himself desired Noah. The young man is a brat with a smart mouth that keep pushing his buttons. Noah is clearly attracted to Killian and is not shy to flirt with him, even if his life is in danger.
Someone from inside the mafia wants to get rid of him, and Killian will not allow any harm to come to Noah.
When those two finally get together, it is explosive, but I wish we would have spent a little bit more time seeing the romance developed, it went straight to sex and possessive behavior. Those characters know each other for years, but the romance felt a little bit on the insta love once it started.
I still liked it, it was short and had some hot moments but I was not my favorite book by this author.
September 8, 2024
3.5 rounded down because this is definitely not a 4. Strong start, but trips over itself towards the end.
This suffers terribly from the same issue I feel most novellas have. Too complex of a story, told in too short of a time. Pacing feels fine until you get halfway through, and the novella remembers it's got less than 50 pages to wrap everything up.
Perfect? Absolutely not. Is this the best thing I've read from Ariana Nash? Not a chance. But it's fun. Sexy. And, true to the author's usual strengths, it hands over two characters you cannot help but be charmed by.
Worth a read if you enjoy Ariana Nash, or want a quick fix of the mafia trope/genre!
This suffers terribly from the same issue I feel most novellas have. Too complex of a story, told in too short of a time. Pacing feels fine until you get halfway through, and the novella remembers it's got less than 50 pages to wrap everything up.
Perfect? Absolutely not. Is this the best thing I've read from Ariana Nash? Not a chance. But it's fun. Sexy. And, true to the author's usual strengths, it hands over two characters you cannot help but be charmed by.
Worth a read if you enjoy Ariana Nash, or want a quick fix of the mafia trope/genre!
September 16, 2024
3.5 ★
I love novellas, especially when I’m sensing that a reading slump is nearby. I think it’s also a great way to know if you're going to like an author’s writing style without having to compromise with a longer reading. While this is not my case, I'm well aware that I love Ariana Nash’s stories, this is a great way to get to know her books. And even though this is a subjective topic, I think it’s not a dark story compared to previous series, so if you're not into this genre you’d definitely give it a try.
With only 100 pages we get to read a well rounded story between Killian and Noah. I loved their dynamic so much, I mean bratty bottom and grumpy top it’s just the perfect match IMO. I really liked that their relationship didn't feel rushed despite all the many things that were going on in just a few pages.
A quick read perfect to discover a new author or just enjoy another amazing story by Ariana Nash!
*Disclaimer: I received an ARC of this book in exchange for a free and honest review*
“You’ve never been his enemy, just a pain in my ass.” His eyes widened. I knew what was coming and nipped it in the bud.
“Say anything about asses and I’ll tie you up again.”
“Is that a threat or a promise?”
I love novellas, especially when I’m sensing that a reading slump is nearby. I think it’s also a great way to know if you're going to like an author’s writing style without having to compromise with a longer reading. While this is not my case, I'm well aware that I love Ariana Nash’s stories, this is a great way to get to know her books. And even though this is a subjective topic, I think it’s not a dark story compared to previous series, so if you're not into this genre you’d definitely give it a try.
With only 100 pages we get to read a well rounded story between Killian and Noah. I loved their dynamic so much, I mean bratty bottom and grumpy top it’s just the perfect match IMO. I really liked that their relationship didn't feel rushed despite all the many things that were going on in just a few pages.
A quick read perfect to discover a new author or just enjoy another amazing story by Ariana Nash!
*Disclaimer: I received an ARC of this book in exchange for a free and honest review*
November 1, 2024
Writing an enemies-to-lovers arc is a brave choice for a novella, because it risks not being able to properly explore their hate and what draws them to each other. This would have been an amazing read in full-length form (but hey, there's always Vitari and Francis in Forgive Me!), yet it was still very enjoyable - Noah's insolent snark, Killian's intensity, and the scorching moments between them.
I read in two delicious sittings!
I read in two delicious sittings!
September 23, 2024
The King’s Pawn is a mafia novella
This is your vibe if you like
Capture kink
Grumpy/sunshine
Age gap
Mafia
Touch him and die
First time reading Ariana and it won’t be my last. This was a great novella and I hope there’s more from this world
Perfect balance of plot and smut. I really enjoyed the characters and the writing is easy reading.
This is your vibe if you like
Capture kink
Grumpy/sunshine
Age gap
Mafia
Touch him and die
First time reading Ariana and it won’t be my last. This was a great novella and I hope there’s more from this world
Perfect balance of plot and smut. I really enjoyed the characters and the writing is easy reading.
September 22, 2024
A quick Mafia read.
September 24, 2024
Ooh I could read so much more of these guys!
September 26, 2025
Yep.
I was correct.
This had NO business being a novella. It was A LOT of meat (pun intended), and no potatoes. I love meat, but I NEED POTATOES!
I was correct.
This had NO business being a novella. It was A LOT of meat (pun intended), and no potatoes. I love meat, but I NEED POTATOES!
September 20, 2024
Ariana Nash entered the mafia romance space with her Forgive Me series, and hopefully this novella is an indication that she has decided to stay. Not as angsty or tragic as Forgive Me, there's a flair of the playfulness that defines her SOS Hotel series. It's doesn't rise to that level of silliness, but there's a bit more fun mixed in here than her darker stories.
Noah King is the maligned son of one of Boston's most powerful mob families. Killian is his father's enforcer and hitman, who has been barging in to cart Noah away from his bad choices for the past five years. But this time, he's come to execute Noah for a betrayal he didn't commit. Lucky for Noah, Killian can't bring himself to pull the trigger, so now they have to figure out how to keep Noah alive without getting Killian killed for disobeying orders. And the cabin they're hiding out in gives them no room to hide their mutual secret attraction.
It's only a novella, so there's not a lot of page time to do deep development of character, but there's enough on the page to get a decent feel for both Noah and Killian as well as the general stakes and mild mafia storyline happening in the background. That being said, there is plenty of time for some incredible dirty sex -- I wasn't expecting it, given the page count, but I am here for it! Noah is sassy and Killian is a honed beast that once unleashed gives Noah the time of his life, and then some. Killian's intensity and one-minded focus isn't limited to mafia business, it's how he views relationships, too.
I don't want to say more, but this was a quick, sexy read with space for more exploration of this world and of Noah and Killian's future. I hope Ariana Nash sticks around in this world.
| I received an ARC, and this is my honest, freely given review. |
Noah King is the maligned son of one of Boston's most powerful mob families. Killian is his father's enforcer and hitman, who has been barging in to cart Noah away from his bad choices for the past five years. But this time, he's come to execute Noah for a betrayal he didn't commit. Lucky for Noah, Killian can't bring himself to pull the trigger, so now they have to figure out how to keep Noah alive without getting Killian killed for disobeying orders. And the cabin they're hiding out in gives them no room to hide their mutual secret attraction.
It's only a novella, so there's not a lot of page time to do deep development of character, but there's enough on the page to get a decent feel for both Noah and Killian as well as the general stakes and mild mafia storyline happening in the background. That being said, there is plenty of time for some incredible dirty sex -- I wasn't expecting it, given the page count, but I am here for it! Noah is sassy and Killian is a honed beast that once unleashed gives Noah the time of his life, and then some. Killian's intensity and one-minded focus isn't limited to mafia business, it's how he views relationships, too.
I don't want to say more, but this was a quick, sexy read with space for more exploration of this world and of Noah and Killian's future. I hope Ariana Nash sticks around in this world.
| I received an ARC, and this is my honest, freely given review. |
September 26, 2024
This is a short fast read with some fast romance. It's not your average Mafia story. It's a Novella so you are getting everything at once.
Killan works for the mob boss and does the dirty work for him. He has been doing it for so long and when he gets tasked with babysitting the boss's son Noah, he just can't understand why the kid won't grow up. When he is tasked with having to take end Noah, he goes to do the job but then something happens when Noah looks at him in a way that makes Killan second guess himself. He knows that if the boss finds out, a storm will brew for it.
Noah just wants his dad to pay attention to him and do things with him. He isn't cut out to be a Mafia boss and wishes his father would accept that. He gets treated differently because he isn't cut like the rest of them. The only one that he ever thought was different was Killan but even then he still hates him. When he is accused of betraying the family, he doesn't understand why anyone would think that. It's his only rule he never would break, no matter how bad his father is to him.
Killan & Noah have attraction and when someone else tries to hurt Noah, Killan goes to instant protector mode and anyone else who thinks of hurting Noah, will not live very long. Killan holds Noah in a cabin until he can speak to the boss but he knows it probably won't make a difference. He still needs to try. When things hit the fan, Killan tells the boss the truth and whatever comes, he will be ready.
Noah & Killan are so good together. They are opposites but are made for each other. The fast paced romance and hotness in this book just goes to show how good they are for each other.
I received an ARC through Gay Romance Reviews and this is my honest review.
Killan works for the mob boss and does the dirty work for him. He has been doing it for so long and when he gets tasked with babysitting the boss's son Noah, he just can't understand why the kid won't grow up. When he is tasked with having to take end Noah, he goes to do the job but then something happens when Noah looks at him in a way that makes Killan second guess himself. He knows that if the boss finds out, a storm will brew for it.
Noah just wants his dad to pay attention to him and do things with him. He isn't cut out to be a Mafia boss and wishes his father would accept that. He gets treated differently because he isn't cut like the rest of them. The only one that he ever thought was different was Killan but even then he still hates him. When he is accused of betraying the family, he doesn't understand why anyone would think that. It's his only rule he never would break, no matter how bad his father is to him.
Killan & Noah have attraction and when someone else tries to hurt Noah, Killan goes to instant protector mode and anyone else who thinks of hurting Noah, will not live very long. Killan holds Noah in a cabin until he can speak to the boss but he knows it probably won't make a difference. He still needs to try. When things hit the fan, Killan tells the boss the truth and whatever comes, he will be ready.
Noah & Killan are so good together. They are opposites but are made for each other. The fast paced romance and hotness in this book just goes to show how good they are for each other.
I received an ARC through Gay Romance Reviews and this is my honest review.
September 19, 2024
4.5 stars - This is a pretty hot little afternoon delight I read in one sitting. Turns out that these two have had their eyes on each other for quite some time, but neither was very much aware. When Killian is tasked with taking out Noah, things take a bit of a turn. Unable to follow through and needing some time to figure things out, Killian hides Noah away in a remote cabin. Things are not what they seem in more ways than one with this story which we quickly learn as things unfold. I really liked these two together. They had great chemistry, and I am always up for a bit of a sassy brat being tamed. Or was he the one doing the taming? LOL
My biggest issue with this story was that it was way too short. I really wanted it to be longer and more fleshed out, as I didn’t feel like we got nearly enough time with these two. I really hope to see more in this realm from Ms. Nash, because she really teased with this one. One of the things I enjoyed about this was the storyline that made it different from others, especially the ending and how things turned out. So, while I was quite satisfied with the small meal we were given, I wish there had been a few more courses to enjoy as well. Grab this if you’re looking for a taste of mafia afternoon delight.
Review written for Love Bytes Reviews.
September 23, 2024
This was my first experience with Ariana Nash, and I really enjoyed it! Noah, the son of a powerful mob boss, feels unloved and unappreciated by his father because he lacks the ruthless ambition expected of him. Killian, an enforcer for Noah's father, has been saving Noah from trouble for the past five years, seemingly loyal to the mob boss without question. But Killian hides deeper feelings for Noah.
When Noah is falsely accused of betraying the family, Killian is ordered to kill him. Unable to follow through, he hides Noah in a cabin while figuring out what to do. Over the next few days, their relationship shifts dramatically, with intense chemistry building between them.
The plot was intriguing and the characters compelling, but the story felt too short. It left me wanting more—especially more development in Killian's fierce protectiveness and their growing bond. The novella ended with unresolved plot points, particularly the ongoing threat of Noah's father. This story had the potential to be a full-length novel, and it left me disappointed that it wasn't.
That said, the chemistry between Noah and Killian was immediate and captivating. The dark themes, fast-paced action, and morally grey characters kept me hooked, even though I wish the romance had more depth. If you're new to this author, this novella will make you eager for more. Just be prepared to crave a longer, more developed story!
When Noah is falsely accused of betraying the family, Killian is ordered to kill him. Unable to follow through, he hides Noah in a cabin while figuring out what to do. Over the next few days, their relationship shifts dramatically, with intense chemistry building between them.
The plot was intriguing and the characters compelling, but the story felt too short. It left me wanting more—especially more development in Killian's fierce protectiveness and their growing bond. The novella ended with unresolved plot points, particularly the ongoing threat of Noah's father. This story had the potential to be a full-length novel, and it left me disappointed that it wasn't.
That said, the chemistry between Noah and Killian was immediate and captivating. The dark themes, fast-paced action, and morally grey characters kept me hooked, even though I wish the romance had more depth. If you're new to this author, this novella will make you eager for more. Just be prepared to crave a longer, more developed story!
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