His Pretty Little Duet: The Orphan & The Mafia Don

by Nicci Harris

The #1 Bestseller in Women’s Crime Fiction & Organised Crime is available for the first time in one convenient, discounted edition. It combines His Pretty Little burden and His Pretty Little Queen, with over 6000 5-star reviews on the individual books.
A little deer walks into the wolf’s den.

I want answers.

I know nothing of love, family, or stability, having been raised in the foster system and spat out at eighteen, pregnant, and with no memory of how that came to be.

I try to find my estranged father, a man rumoured to be in the Mafia, hopeful he will use his influence to discover what really happened the night someone took my innocence.

But I don’t find my father. I walk straight into the den of his associate, the Don of the Cosa Nostra.

Clay Butcher.

He is a cold, calculated killer. An emotional island in a perfectly tailored suit.

He orders me to stay in his mansion and wait for my father to return. But living with Clay Butcher stirs feelings deep inside of me. Starved of attention all my life, I find his possessive gaze intoxicating. His rules ground me, his discipline holds me accountable, and his praise sets my skin ablaze.

But he is a liar.

What I don’t know is that he plots to use me. I am not just the daughter of his colleague, but a girl with a powerful heir in her belly.

The heir to part of Clay Butcher's legacy.Author His Pretty Little Burden is part of The Kids of The District series. A series of interconnecting standalones that follow the infamous Butcher brothers. His Pretty Little Duet features a powerful Mafia Don and his endearing tortured heroine. His Pretty Little Burden has an age gap dynamic that some people may find uncomfortable. It is an epic romance story, with spice, and dark themes. Enjoy.

Genres: Dark Romance, Mafia Romance, Romance, Found Family, Forced Proximity, Fantasy, Dark

738 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 19, 2024

About the author

I write about women who make unattainable men fall hard and forever.

♥ Stalk me please:

https://linktr.ee/author.nicciharris

♥

"She (Nicci) shines in crafting novels that toe the line between dark and dangerous, and sweet and sexy, which culminates into a deliciously sinful story of passion, truth, and acceptance." - Jessica @jessicareadsit

Reviews

[auds thoughts {hiatus} · Rating 5 out of 5]

Exceptional, exquisite, astounding

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️

Full of growth and love, His Little Duet is enthralling from the go. Jumping into a mafia universe with the Don, Clay, and his family; finding a little deer, Fawn, who needs their help. This book was spicy, the plot was entertaining and intriguing, and the romance was top tier. Highly recommend this book, but be aware of the Trigger Warnings! It is definitely dark, with mentions of past emotional & physical abuse, blood, gore, death, murder, and details of a past SA. The smut itself is very much dominant/submissive, and their age gap is large. But if you love dark romance? This is for you!

[Sandra R · Rating 2 out of 5]

The writing etc is good, with dark scenes which I like, but this book just isn't for me. It drags and I did read a good chunk, but DNF. Fawn was a mystery - supposedly innocent, but not... Don't get me started on the name reference to a real fawn. I didn't connect with this particular eighteen year old heroine. Sorry, other readers love this book.

[Ari Lozada · Rating 5 out of 5]

the Don and his innocent little deer

I love Clay’s arc. The guy has had it so hard. Always looking out for his brothers…from a far most times and that was heartbreaking.

Clay was raised to rule and was told he’d always be alone. He was also raised to hold family close. Loyalty is rooted in their family. They’re known for their fierce love.

On top of everything, I think that’s what I love most. It’s their love for each other, their protectiveness.

Fawn is so innocent but so strong. She wasn’t raised around love and nobody protected her. She loves just as fiercely though which makes her perfect for this family.

If this is your first Nicci Harris read, do yourself a favor and read her other books. The kids of the district series (including the prequel) are so beautiful. She makes you feel all the feels. Born for Silk is dystopian and written perfectly. She knows how to break you and stitch you back up, all while still loving her. I’m a true fan.

[Audrey · Rating 5 out of 5]

my favorite duet now combined!

When I tell you I devoured that bonus chapter like my life depended on it…I have missed these two!

Clay and Fawn are so special to me! My favorite couple of the Kids of the District series! Clay/Sir is protective, fiercely so, and his pretty little burden, Fawn, seeks answers, family, a purpose.
What starts as a mild interest turns into a burning passion, breathtaking need. This age-gap mafia romance is everything you could want in a dark romance!

[Burberi · Rating 5 out of 5]

A reread. It's one of the best books I've ever read.

[Louise · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love a duet and so happy Nicci made this for Sir and his Little Deer and that added bonus scene is amazing!!

From the beginning of the Butcher Boy series I really wanted to love Clay, I saw potential for him and little moments in his brothers books and Nicci did not disappoint. I fell hard for Clay.

I love Fawn, she is tough like the other Butcher women even if she can't see it straight away. Her strength grows throughout the story.

As the duet progresses we get to see more of Clay and understand his character more, we got to delve in to how complex he is and how he adiusts to his feelings for Fawn.

I don't have enough words for how good the spice is and Clay has an extremely dirty mouth that I've become obsessed with.

Some of my favourite moments are the whole family together and their dynamic with one another. I love all these Butcher Boys, Nicci really makes it hard to choose a favourite!

[Sarah Crawford · Rating 2 out of 5]

Was not rocking with it. Don’t like pregnancy tropes. Don’t like babying tropes. The sir thing got old. Little deer is cute but he is treating her like a child. Which I guess she is since she’s only 18. I just wasn’t feeling it. It was a lottttttt of spice. All the time. A little too much for me but alas I read it all anyway. I wouldn’t read it again but I finished it

[wendy kairschner · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sir and his little deer

Nicci Harris has managed to make Butcher magic again! I am such a sucker for a man opposed to love being brought to his knees by a woman. Fawn was desperate for affection and turned out to be everything Clay needed to thaw his heart.

[Amalia-Aaliyah · Rating 2 out of 5]

Dnf sadly :( I wanted to like it soooo badly

[Alina Fuchsia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Я залишу відгуки окремо на кожну з книг.

Його маленька мила Ноша

Події книги відбуваються одразу після фіналу 3 частини (плюс, мінус). До будинку старшого брата Клея Батчера приходить дівчина Фаун. Вона шукає свого батька (який не підозрює про її існування). Фаун - сирота з бідної сім'ї. Все що вона знає про свого батька - він член мафії Коза Ностри. Але вона не знає, що батько ховається і, що вона потрапила прямо до рук його найлютішого ворога😈
Клей. Займає посаду мера міста. Паралельно - дон Коза Ностри. Має дружину (фіктивний шлюб). На його плечах лежить обов'язок піклуватися про всю його родину (батько, мати, троє братів). Клей дуже владний, але ж як він піклується про Фаун🥹.
Він звертається до неї "моє маленьке оленятко". Це так мило🥹. Те як він бере на себе повну відповідальність за неї - підкупає. До нього питань немає😌.
Фаун. Ну тут все доволі очікувано. Їй 18 років. Вона сирота. Вона вагітна, і не пам'ятає як це сталося🥺. Вона називає його "Сер"😈.
Я читала цю дилогію двічі, і в мене після другого разу не повертається язик сказати, що героїня мене бісила. Коли я починаю вдумуватися через що вона пройшла в свої 18 років, в мене відпадають всі питання. Давайте подивимося разом: вона росла в бідності; після смерті матері її вдочерили; вона закохалася в зведеного брата; зведений брат накачав її наркотою, зґвалтував її з іншими двома братами та записав це на відео; вона нічого не пам'ятає, але після цього одного з хлопчиків знаходять мертвим; вона завагітніла. Тож так, вона трохи "причепа" або як ми кажемо "ліпучка". Але я її не звинувачую.
Подій саме в цій частині практично ніяких немає. Моя маленька мила Ноша - історія про становлення взаємовідносин між Клеєм та Фаун, і спроби Фаун пригадати та з'ясувати що з нею сталося. Тож моя оцінка за 4 книгу - 3/5⭐️

Його маленька мила Королева

Тут стає вже трохи цікавіше. Клей вже не заперечує своєї прихильності до Фаун. Поводиться доволі владно. Все контролює, але тут я не бачу мінусів. Він відкриває повністю їй всю свою темну сторону, і мені сподобалося що він одразу їй каже наскільки він погана людина. Батько Фаун нарешті робить свій хід. І Клею доведеться знову приймати ВАЖКІ рішення. Які не всі брати розуміють. Робить вчинки які важко пояснити. Нас очікує фінал з останнім лиходієм цієї історії. І це криваво. Ай лайк іт🌚. Щодо Фаун в цій частині - все без змін. Але вона стає трохи сміливішою. І вже трохи розуміє яку владу вона має над Клеєм. Також ми побачимо в цій частині інших братів разом з дружинами. Бронсон, просто😍😍😍
Цю книгу я оцінюю в 4/5⭐️.

Ще багато чого можна було б сказати. Але це будуть спойлери як і до попередніх частин, так і до цієї книги.

[cuore__di__carta · Rating 5 out of 5]

Una dilogia dark mafia piena di colpi di scena e due protagonisti meravigliosi, pronti a tutto pur di stare insieme.

TRAMA
Fawn ha diciotto anni, è incinta e sola al mondo. Così decide di cercare suo padre, che ha scoperto essere un potente criminale. Alla sua porta, però, trova Clay Butcher. Sindaco e boss del District, Clay farebbe di tutto per proteggere la sua famiglia e i suoi interessi, anche usare la bellissima ragazzina dai capelli biondi come esca per l'uomo che l'ha tradito. Solo che Clay non si aspetta di essere così colpito dall'innocenza e dalla dolcezza di Fawn. Non si aspetta di avere intaccata la sua armatura. Non si aspetta l'amore.

Posso dire onestamente che Clay è uno dei protagonisti di mafia romance più belli e meglio riusciti di cui abbia mai letto. Non è solo duro, possessivo e protettivo, ma il modo in cui sostiene Fawn e la incinta ad amarsi, a scoprirsi e a crescere è la miscela perfetta per un personaggio perfetto. E i loro baci. Credo siano la parte migliore di entrambi i libri.

La trama è ben strutturata, con personaggi secondari che non stancano, intrighi da sbrogliare e una buona dose di violenza e cocente passione. Bellissimi! Quest'autrice merita davvero.

VOTO: 5/5

After you read this, you'll be so in love with Clay Butcher that you'll be unable to go on without the thought of him! The perfect dark mafia duet is waiting for you.

BLURB
Fawn is eighteen, pregnant and alone. When she finds out her father is a powerful criminal, she seeks his help, only to find Clay Butcher. Clay is the mayor and mob boss of the District. He's domineering and powerful, cruel and unhinged for his Family and associates. And while he decides to use Fawn as bait for the man who betrayed him, he does not really expect to fall so obsessively in love with her.

I can positively say that Clay Butcher is one of the best MMCs I've read about. He's not always possessive and protective, but also caring towards Fawn. He helps her grow up into a woman who loves herself. And their kisses... I think they're the best part of the whole duet.

The plot is very well-built, with suspense, intrigue, treason and scorching passion and amazing side characters. Now I really must read everything this author writes!

RATE: 5/5

[The Caffeinated Grimoire · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Butcher & his Little Deer 🦌

I never thought I'd love another Butcher boy as much as I loved Max with Cassidy. But Clay was definitely a different breed altogether. There is no comparison they're both amazing. I loved Fawn. Despite having a meek appearance, she would only let Clay push her around and only in the sheets. My heart truly broke for her and all she'd endured. Despite Clay never wanting children or desire to settle down for love, Fawn cracked him wide open, and he fell to his knees before her. Literally. There is an age gap between them, so sometimes I'll admit phrases gave me the ick, but they were few and far between 🤣
I honestly want to run and read Xanders book now because I love him already.

A night she can't remember, and yet the child growing inside her paints a vivid picture. But what exactly is her mind shielding her from. It was a night that left one of her foster brothers no longer breathing. With little options, she seeks out the mayor who, through whispers she believes, controls the underworld also and may have a possible lead to the father she never met who is also a part of that world. Her plan? Hand her baby over to him to raise. At only eighteen, she has neither the means or will to take care of her unborn child. But she unknowingly walks into the hands of her father's enemy. One who has no shame as using her as bait to exact a revenge long overdue.
He may be married in name, but Clay's marriage has never been anything other than business. Never physical. He's never had the desire to settle for love. Fawn is everything his wife isn't. Soft, meek, and sweet. Yet he can't seem to let his thoughts stray far from her. Forcing her to live under his roof until they force her father out of hiding. But he quickly realizes something bad happened the night someone put a child in her without permission, and now he'll do anything to make it right. She burrowed her way deep under his skin, and now she'll never be free of his clutches. Not that she ever wants to be.

[Danielle · Rating 4 out of 5]

Highly rated but very conflicted on my final thoughts. I truly enjoyed the story and enjoyed the fact that the authored allowed the FMC to be a soft and loving character in a mafia setting. As much as I enjoy I badass lead that kicks ass and takes on the world Fawn was allowed to be soft and take on her internal trauma more than she ran out trying to save everyone else.

I did keep having a moments wondering if I was completely off believing there was going to be a HEA ending. At multiple times during the book the line was toed a little too heavily between “Dom sub control” and straight up abuse between a extremely controlling main male lead and extremely traumatized infantilized young woman, so I don’t think this dynamic would be for everyone but if morally grey and pitch black are in your wheelhouse I think this would be what you are looking for.

There were beautiful quotes through out the book that I loved and those in the end made the story worth reading to me. Be ready for some serious kink because this book is very heavy handed and you are as thrust into it with as much explanation as the FMC is (which is none)

***Author has not included triggers in the main book instead having you go to her website and I think that is a HUGE disservice to her readers considering how dark this story is, there is a slight blurb in the beginning but simply saying a book is dark is not the same as being transparent about extreme graphic triggering events that are in the book. The content included ( graphic miscarriage and child loss ) is not enough of a spoiler that it would “spoil” the story and is dangerous to not mention up front that the start

Triggers are not spoilers they are necessary and should be given at the beginning of books with the level of subject matter that is included in this, point blank period.

[Rose · Rating 5 out of 5]

Everything I Wanted it to Be

You know when you start a series, and maybe at first you struggle, but not so much you outright quit, and then the more you get into it the better it gets?
For me, that has been this this whole series.

Every story has been better than the one before.
I've loved every couple more than the one before.
And since I dove into this series because I wanted to read Clay and Fawn's story, I am SO happy that they have proven to be my absolute favorite!
(As much as I love Bronson)

I was anxious about Fawn as an FMC, given that she is 18 and I didn't love the series previous 18-year-old FMC. But I was pleasantly surprised. Fawn is entirely different, and while her youthful immaturity does still pop up, she was generally wonderfully rational if not a bit too reserved. But that was a very masterful aspect of her growth throughout the overall story, as we see her grow - learn to use her voice more - and so it is fitting.

And then there's our male lead, eldest brother Clay Butcher.
Fawn is right, he IS everything. OMG.
I mean, I'm not a huge fan of his cigar smoking, but I guess no character is perfect...
Otherwise, though? He's pretty darn close as far as dark romance book boyfriends go. Tall, powerful, commanding, seems to see all / know all, fierce in all the best and most terrifying ways. You probably know what genre this is, you get the idea.

Fawn and Clay grow together beautifully, in a slow and sometimes tragic, but nonetheless passionate way that forges an undeniable and unbreakable bond. She starts off the story as the obviously disadvantaged one, but it turns out, Clay has a lot of growing to do, too.

But none of their growth is easy. For them or us, the readers. There are some very potentially triggering scenes in these pages.
Still: So. Worth. It.

[Lyssa's Reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

SERIES/ORDER: Kids of the District #4 and 5
GENRE: Dark Mafia Romance, Romantic Suspense
TROPES: Age gap (35H, 18h), Possessive Hero (MINE! Vibes), Protective, found family, family secrets, touch her and die vibes
SPICE: 🌶️🌶️🌶️
KINKS: Praise, Submission, Daddy-ish, Breeding
SMUT TO PLOT RATIO: 70/30
POV: Dual
COUPLE: Fawn and Clay
CLIFFHANGER?: No
VERSION: Kindle

Holy Freaking COW!
It took me so long to start this read because I normally avoid duets because of the length and I can lose interest but this was so good. I didn't want to put it down. I had to sit down and marathon read to finish it so I could then get things done because all I wanted to do was find out what happened next.
Clay is protective, possessive, demanding, commanding, and super caring ( in his bossy way). I absolutely love him. I didn't know that this is actually in the middle of a series (4th Butcher brother's story, I think) and there is one more after this so I'll have to go back and read their stories as well. He's not a good guy, except for his devotion to his brothers and Fawn.
Fawn is young, naive, and submissive but she is not a pushover. She has been through a lot and goes through even more throughout this read and we see her grow more into herself and gain confidence in who she is.
I will probably be rereading this once a year... it was that good.

[K · Rating 5 out of 5]

His Pretty Little Duet by Nicki Harris was such an incredible read, a very close second to Our Thing for me. I absolutely fell in love with Fawn and Clay and the dynamic between them. Their relationship had so much tension, chemistry, and depth that I couldn’t help but get completely wrapped up in their story.

This book was so well written and captured my attention from the very first page. I especially loved seeing Fawn’s growth throughout the story, watching her transform from a meek, unsure girl into a powerful woman who knows exactly what she wants was beyond satisfying. Her journey felt so real and empowering, and it made me love her character even more.

I re-read His Pretty Little Duet often and recommend it to everyone I know who loves a good, emotional, and steamy romance. It’s definitely in my top five favorite books of all time. Honestly, the entire Butcher Boy series will forever be at the top of my list, Nicki Harris has created a world and characters I never want to let go of.
5/5⭐️
4/5 🌶️

[Brittany Marie · Rating 5 out of 5]

His Pretty Little Duet by @author.nicciharris 5 ⭐️ these 2 books were EVERYTHING. His Pretty Little Burden starts off with the lost and innocent Fawn meeting the Devil’s prototype, Clay Butcher. At first, Clay sees a pawn, an opportunity. But then his little deer becomes something more. Then in His Pretty Little Queen, we get to see Clay’s path change, and see his more vulnerable side. The character development in these books was immaculate. Clay was possessive, obsessive, and absolutely sinful. And my girl, Fawn, overcame the hell she experienced and embodied resilience and beauty. These books covered some dark stuff, so mind your mental health while you read. I highly recommend this duet if you want the deepest love, spice, angst, and growth that you can only find in the pages of a good ass story. 🖤

[MommaBerd · Rating 5 out of 5]

Second read - even better!

I read all of the Kids of the District series as it was released, and loved it so much. Like many others, I love Bronson and his story with Shoshanna. But, Clay and Fawn are the couple whose story I have thought about often. So, I decided to give it a re-read, and I think the second time through was even better. Not ashamed to say that for me, their D/s dynamic was all kinds of 🔥…but it isn’t gratuitous. Fawn’s willingness and even desire to relinquish control to Clay makes so much sense given her life to this point.

If you haven’t read the other books in the series, I STRONGLY urge you to read them first. The dynamics in this book between the brothers will be so much more impactful. Plus, they are such good books. I remember being really sad the series was over, and I’m sad all over again! 😂 Loved these characters so so much.

[Romana · Rating 3 out of 5]

I love mafia books, overprotective heros and dark romance and this book had controlled and overprotective hero, but for me he was just too much and she bcs of her age was meak. In some parts of books I got bored and the plot was behind and spice was in front and there was loooots of spice. I love my books spicy, but in this book it was just too much, especially in second book there was spice in almost every chapter and ot felt too much. I will not be reading more books from this series but if you like mafia books, overprotective heros and meak heroine with tons of spice, than this book is for you and the writting style is very good.

[Tamotha clark · Rating 5 out of 5]

Butcher, Clay

Clay and Fawn . Clay was a cold man, ruthless and have not know the love of a mother or father. He was taught to be a killer. He killed with ruthlessness. He meet a woman with beautiful, and unique Eye, one blue eye and one green eye. Fawn, with Clay he has stricken blue eyes. He wanted to be with Fawn she was different, Fawn, she wasn't afraid of Clay, she wanted him for himself. This is a emotional great reading.

[Bree · Rating 4 out of 5]

jesus. fucking. christ.

my head and heart are seriously conflicted. this was really good, the spice was spicing, and the plot was pretty decent. the only thing I will say is the age gap is a little taboo, but I didn't hate it? I mean, she's an adult, but also, it's a little weird. I still absolutely devoured this book, though.

again, I don't normally like the pregnancy trope, but this was done pretty well. it was a little bit like a breeding kink, but who doesn't love a breeding kink?

[Sarah · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book I almost DNFd at 50%. The first half was so good and then it abruptly slowed down. The first scenes were really intense of a subject theme and then the second half of the book was super duper lovey dovey like every sentence. I forced myself to skim read because I wanted to find out what happened to the father but it was such a basic ending

Fav line: they live in Australia and I like Tame Impala so: "Just let it happen, sweet girl."

[Elianah · Rating 3 out of 5]

Overall I enjoyed the first book more than the second one. But both were a good read and they both had a good story to them. Even though it could be very long and dragged out sometimes. However I thought the ending of the series was kind of a let down. It felt almost unfinished in the AAU the author chose to end the story where it did. Anyway this is why I gave this book 3.9 stars⭐️.

[fragilehoneybee · Rating 3 out of 5]

I feel like the book has changed. When I first read it, there were scenes that seemed to be missing now. One scene depicted Aurora and Clay’s divorce, with Aurora leaving the house while Fawn cried in sadness. Another scene mentioned Fawn giving birth at home. Am I missing something? Without these scenes, it feels like something is ruined. What happened to the storyline about marriages, Aurora’s divorce, and everything related to that?

[Tiffany · Rating 5 out of 5]

An Age Gap Romance to Die For

Previously read in the separate editions, I ran over to KU to read the bonus chapter.
Fawn and Clay and the rest of the Butcher family at some of my all time favourite book characters.

[Loz Books · Rating 5 out of 5]

love the combined duet

You can catch my reviews for each on the separate books.
Loved that this duet comes with a sneaky bonus chapter! Can never have enough of Sir and Little Deer!

[Lizzie Sandner · Rating 4 out of 5]

it’s more of a 3.75, i’m curious enough to read another brother’s book but there were some things that just didn’t click for me in this book but it’s not bad by any means, there aren’t many if any writing or grammar errors, i went in not reading the first book so that probably didn’t help.

[Blanca · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nicci I love you

This extra chapter was the right amount of spice needed for the ending of Clay and Fawn’s story and a lovely way to wrap them up again. I can never get enough of Clay so if you ever want to write some more snippets of them I’ll gobble it all up

[Kirstin Dinan · Rating 5 out of 5]

1 pretty little package packed with all the explosive goodness that is Clay butcher and his pretty little deer! Whats better than 1 Nicci Harris book? 2! This amazing collection houses both books in the Clay / Fawn series and makes diving into the story easy and convenient!

[Chloe Mattson · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’ve already read both books in this duet and I mainly reread them because I know I like them and they’re not insanely long. Overall I definitely like the first book better than the second but I still enjoy both books and love the story.