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Murder and Mistletoe #1
Un assassino per Natale
“Ucciderò gli uomini che hanno fatto fuori la tua famiglia… a un prezzo. Sarai mio.”
Saint
Essere un sicario è il lavoro più solitario del mondo. Non abbiamo molti amici. Alcuni non hanno nemmeno una famiglia. Amanti? Prova a spiegare al tuo ragazzo perché hai del sangue sulla camicia.
Il Natale è il momento peggiore per stare da soli, ma quest’anno per me è arrivato l’amore. Tutto grazie a una lettera trovata per strada.
Si legge: Caro Babbo Natale, tutto quello che voglio per Natale è la vendetta…
All’inizio sono rimasto incuriosito dalle parole, dai dettagli macabri e dalla rabbia che usciva dalla pagina. L’autore non lo sa ancora, ma siamo in perfetta sintonia. La sua sete di sangue è pari alla mia, la sua creatività nell’escogitare modi per uccidere è ammirevole e, quando lo rintraccio, mi innamoro immediatamente dell’ira nei suoi occhi scuri.
Il suo desiderio è il mio comando, se è pronto a pagarne il prezzo: essere mio.
Rowan
La mia terapeuta mi dice sempre che dovrei lasciar andare il mio dolore e la mia rabbia. Ma io non voglio lasciar andare un bel niente. Voglio che gli uomini che hanno aggredito la mia famiglia muoiano.
Non avrei mai pensato di poter esaudire il mio desiderio. Ma c’è una fregatura. Il bel mostro che mi rapisce nella sua tana mi vuole come pagamento del lavoro.
Io, lo strano solitario pieno di amarezza e sarcasmo. Io, che non ho mai avuto un ragazzo. Io, con il mio bastone per camminare e le mie paure irrazionali.
Ma venderei la mia anima al diavolo per vendicarmi, quindi tanto vale offrire il mio corpo a un seducente assassino. Dopotutto, cucina bene, uccide le persone, mi compra il mio bagnoschiuma preferito… Cos’altro potrei volere da un fidanzato?
Saint
Essere un sicario è il lavoro più solitario del mondo. Non abbiamo molti amici. Alcuni non hanno nemmeno una famiglia. Amanti? Prova a spiegare al tuo ragazzo perché hai del sangue sulla camicia.
Il Natale è il momento peggiore per stare da soli, ma quest’anno per me è arrivato l’amore. Tutto grazie a una lettera trovata per strada.
Si legge: Caro Babbo Natale, tutto quello che voglio per Natale è la vendetta…
All’inizio sono rimasto incuriosito dalle parole, dai dettagli macabri e dalla rabbia che usciva dalla pagina. L’autore non lo sa ancora, ma siamo in perfetta sintonia. La sua sete di sangue è pari alla mia, la sua creatività nell’escogitare modi per uccidere è ammirevole e, quando lo rintraccio, mi innamoro immediatamente dell’ira nei suoi occhi scuri.
Il suo desiderio è il mio comando, se è pronto a pagarne il prezzo: essere mio.
Rowan
La mia terapeuta mi dice sempre che dovrei lasciar andare il mio dolore e la mia rabbia. Ma io non voglio lasciar andare un bel niente. Voglio che gli uomini che hanno aggredito la mia famiglia muoiano.
Non avrei mai pensato di poter esaudire il mio desiderio. Ma c’è una fregatura. Il bel mostro che mi rapisce nella sua tana mi vuole come pagamento del lavoro.
Io, lo strano solitario pieno di amarezza e sarcasmo. Io, che non ho mai avuto un ragazzo. Io, con il mio bastone per camminare e le mie paure irrazionali.
Ma venderei la mia anima al diavolo per vendicarmi, quindi tanto vale offrire il mio corpo a un seducente assassino. Dopotutto, cucina bene, uccide le persone, mi compra il mio bagnoschiuma preferito… Cos’altro potrei volere da un fidanzato?
283 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 1, 2023
620 people are currently reading
1346 people want to read
About the author
K.A. Merikan
138 books2,985 followers(Goodreads profile run by Kat)
K. A. Merikan is a duo of queer writers who don’t believe in following the well-trodden path. In their books you can dip your toe into dangerous romance with mafiosi, outlaw bikers and bad boys, all from the safety of your sofa. They love the weird and wonderful, stepping out of the box, and bending stereotypes both in life and in fiction. Their stories don’t shy away from exploring the darker side of M/M romance, and feature a variety of anti-heroes, rebels, misfits, and underdogs who go against the grain.
Be prepared for shocking twists, dark humor, raw emotions, and sizzling hot scenes.
K.A. Merikan also writes steamy M/M romcoms as Devon Doe.
e-mail: kamerikan@gmail.com
More information about ongoing projects, works in progress and publishing at:
K.A. Merikan’s author page: http://kamerikan.com
Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/kamerikan
K. A. Merikan is a duo of queer writers who don’t believe in following the well-trodden path. In their books you can dip your toe into dangerous romance with mafiosi, outlaw bikers and bad boys, all from the safety of your sofa. They love the weird and wonderful, stepping out of the box, and bending stereotypes both in life and in fiction. Their stories don’t shy away from exploring the darker side of M/M romance, and feature a variety of anti-heroes, rebels, misfits, and underdogs who go against the grain.
Be prepared for shocking twists, dark humor, raw emotions, and sizzling hot scenes.
K.A. Merikan also writes steamy M/M romcoms as Devon Doe.
e-mail: kamerikan@gmail.com
More information about ongoing projects, works in progress and publishing at:
K.A. Merikan’s author page: http://kamerikan.com
Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/kamerikan
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 376 reviews
December 5, 2023
psycho hitman killer who makes a living out of killing for revenge 🤝🏻 killer in the making who wants to avenge his family
boyfriends who kill together, stay together
boyfriends who kill together, stay together
December 3, 2023
Well, what do you know, I actually loved this!! KA Merikan is more miss than hit for me as I don’t really enjoy their type of “dark” but there have been a few books I actually loved. This one here is nothing special either,to be honest but its charm resides in its characters .They are endearing ,sweet and surprisingly they have emotional depth (especially Rowan) . And I gotta say that this proved to be a pretty Christmassy book despite the gore and the murders. Maybe even more Christmassy than the fluffy ones released this season, go figure 🤣
So yeah, I loved Saint the big psycho and Rowan the little psycho, I liked their team-work towards Rowan’s revenge and the smut was pretty hawt 🔥 It is,of course a silly book but it’s also extremely entertaining.
Be aware that it has a lot of gore, murder and morally gray characters (heed the TW ) but it also has size difference, hurt-comfort , a killer with a heart of gold and a shy, sweet apprentice killer with a thirst for revenge.
So yeah, I loved Saint the big psycho and Rowan the little psycho, I liked their team-work towards Rowan’s revenge and the smut was pretty hawt 🔥 It is,of course a silly book but it’s also extremely entertaining.
Be aware that it has a lot of gore, murder and morally gray characters (heed the TW ) but it also has size difference, hurt-comfort , a killer with a heart of gold and a shy, sweet apprentice killer with a thirst for revenge.
December 25, 2024
Saint was a crazy asshole who just wants to bake cute cookies sometimes, and Rowan was a traumatised human who straddles laps too much for someone with severe knee pain who handed out emotional whiplash like Oprah.
Srsly bro, how are you squatting on that dick with no problems but need a walking cane in real life????
I’d say like 3.5/4 ⭐️ purely because the more shit I talked about this book with my book bestie, the more I enjoyed it to be honest 😂
Was it a work of literary genius? No.
Was it a masterpiece? No.
Was it close to amazing? No.
But was it worth it? I think yes for the giggles and silly goose behaviour.
Silly, fun and very predictable but I actually liked the characters despite their flaws and the flaws of the book in general 🥰
Srsly bro, how are you squatting on that dick with no problems but need a walking cane in real life????
I’d say like 3.5/4 ⭐️ purely because the more shit I talked about this book with my book bestie, the more I enjoyed it to be honest 😂
Was it a work of literary genius? No.
Was it a masterpiece? No.
Was it close to amazing? No.
But was it worth it? I think yes for the giggles and silly goose behaviour.
Silly, fun and very predictable but I actually liked the characters despite their flaws and the flaws of the book in general 🥰
January 5, 2024
4.5 Stars
Dark, twisted, sexy and delightfully deranged, THIS was exactly the story I wanted/needed to shake up my reading this festive season.
Saint is a fairly unhinged (but quite hilarious because of it) hitman, who wants nothing more than to find a boyfriend to warm those lonely nights and perhaps even mentor in the ways of effective and efficient killing.
Rowan is an angry and lonely young man looking for revenge on the people who murdered his dear family, leaving him alone, disabled, and changed for life.
When Saint finds a discarded letter one wintery night—an outpouring of Rowan’s rage and hatred for the bastards who killed his family (and got away with it)—Saint knows he’s found his person, if only he can win Rowan over before Christmas with a plot of bloody revenge as his biggest, most grand offering of courtship.
What follows is an unconventional but addictive M/M romance, between two morally grey and deliciously complex men; a story full of dark humour and twisted thoughts (and behaviours), that had me squirming in equal parts horror and delight.
I’m not new to the oftentimes eccentric and murderous characters of the Merikan’s unique storytelling, and I’ve loved many of their books before, but I found this one so perfectly what I wanted to read this Christmas—something different and outside the usual festive and predictable holiday fare—that I daresay this was my most memorable read of the season.
If you don’t mind something a little darker (and a lot bloodier) than usual, this might just be the M/M holiday romance for you.
Dark, twisted, sexy and delightfully deranged, THIS was exactly the story I wanted/needed to shake up my reading this festive season.
Saint is a fairly unhinged (but quite hilarious because of it) hitman, who wants nothing more than to find a boyfriend to warm those lonely nights and perhaps even mentor in the ways of effective and efficient killing.
Rowan is an angry and lonely young man looking for revenge on the people who murdered his dear family, leaving him alone, disabled, and changed for life.
When Saint finds a discarded letter one wintery night—an outpouring of Rowan’s rage and hatred for the bastards who killed his family (and got away with it)—Saint knows he’s found his person, if only he can win Rowan over before Christmas with a plot of bloody revenge as his biggest, most grand offering of courtship.
What follows is an unconventional but addictive M/M romance, between two morally grey and deliciously complex men; a story full of dark humour and twisted thoughts (and behaviours), that had me squirming in equal parts horror and delight.
I’m not new to the oftentimes eccentric and murderous characters of the Merikan’s unique storytelling, and I’ve loved many of their books before, but I found this one so perfectly what I wanted to read this Christmas—something different and outside the usual festive and predictable holiday fare—that I daresay this was my most memorable read of the season.
If you don’t mind something a little darker (and a lot bloodier) than usual, this might just be the M/M holiday romance for you.
November 30, 2023
⭐️ 4 stars ⭐️
Didn’t know I needed a dark, Christmas-y, murder-filled romance in my life, but I’m so glad it now exists. The absurd mix of holiday dates and revenge plotting was absolutely intriguing and entertaining.
This murder duo adventure was perfect to mix up my holiday TBR, and I was missing me some K.A. Merikan craziness.
I loved seeing all of Saint’s different sides, from cold-blooded hitman to cookie-baking boyfriend. Killer wolves that become cuddly puppies for their SO are my fave. *sigh*
Side note: the bonus Christmas chapter was absolutely useless. There wasn’t even extra smut, just them exchanging gifts.
I received a copy of this book from Gay Romance Reviews, and this is my honest review.
CW and tropes(spoilers):
- Kidnapping
- Murder, violence & gore
- Stalking
- Hitman MC
- Size difference
- Possessive MC
- Age gap
- Disabled MC
- MC with trauma, PTSD, anxiety & phobias
- Biting
- Strict top/bottom
- Virgin MC
«Are we on a murder spree or in a holiday romcom?»
Didn’t know I needed a dark, Christmas-y, murder-filled romance in my life, but I’m so glad it now exists. The absurd mix of holiday dates and revenge plotting was absolutely intriguing and entertaining.
This murder duo adventure was perfect to mix up my holiday TBR, and I was missing me some K.A. Merikan craziness.
I loved seeing all of Saint’s different sides, from cold-blooded hitman to cookie-baking boyfriend. Killer wolves that become cuddly puppies for their SO are my fave. *sigh*
“I can be your blade for as long as you need.”
Side note: the bonus Christmas chapter was absolutely useless. There wasn’t even extra smut, just them exchanging gifts.
I received a copy of this book from Gay Romance Reviews, and this is my honest review.
CW and tropes(spoilers):
- Kidnapping
- Murder, violence & gore
- Stalking
- Hitman MC
- Size difference
- Possessive MC
- Age gap
- Disabled MC
- MC with trauma, PTSD, anxiety & phobias
- Biting
- Strict top/bottom
- Virgin MC
December 7, 2023
I liked it, but it didn't blow me away. Somehow I was expecting a lot more bloody violence and also a lot more intensity between Saint and Rowan. That's always the problem with expectations, but then it's more of a me problem.
Anyway, the story is wonderful, the idea is perfect and fits in with the weirdness of K.A. Merikan's books and the style is, as always, impeccable.
I especially liked that Rowan doesn't let Saint overwhelm him too much. Despite his vulnerability, his trauma and his slight disability, he is Saint's equal and remains himself. Well, and of course it ist HOT-T-T-T-T.
His bloodied fingers wrap around the wrist of my other hand, and in a gesture that makes my breath hitch, he pulls it between his legs. “Show me what you are. No holding back,” he rasps. His lips are so ripe for the taking, and when I squeeze his crotch, I can feel he’s getting hard already. 🤤🤤🤤
The situation with the cookies shows this very well, even if I found this scene too forced, a bit artificial, as if the intention was to create a conflict. It somehow didn't quite fit into the flow of the narrative, but again, that's me picking at the details.
Ignore my criticizing and enjoy these wonderfully bloody Christmas presents.
My favorite scene? Saint's first present while Rowan is sitting in the bathtub and is just beginning to understand who Saint is.
„I worried for a moment that I got the wrong guy. But it’s him, right? The first man you want dead? I considered putting him in a box, letting you unpack it, but it didn’t fit in the fridge that way, and I figured it would be overkill.” 🤭🤭🤭
Anyway, the story is wonderful, the idea is perfect and fits in with the weirdness of K.A. Merikan's books and the style is, as always, impeccable.
I especially liked that Rowan doesn't let Saint overwhelm him too much. Despite his vulnerability, his trauma and his slight disability, he is Saint's equal and remains himself. Well, and of course it ist HOT-T-T-T-T.
His bloodied fingers wrap around the wrist of my other hand, and in a gesture that makes my breath hitch, he pulls it between his legs. “Show me what you are. No holding back,” he rasps. His lips are so ripe for the taking, and when I squeeze his crotch, I can feel he’s getting hard already. 🤤🤤🤤
The situation with the cookies shows this very well, even if I found this scene too forced, a bit artificial, as if the intention was to create a conflict. It somehow didn't quite fit into the flow of the narrative, but again, that's me picking at the details.
Ignore my criticizing and enjoy these wonderfully bloody Christmas presents.
My favorite scene? Saint's first present while Rowan is sitting in the bathtub and is just beginning to understand who Saint is.
„I worried for a moment that I got the wrong guy. But it’s him, right? The first man you want dead? I considered putting him in a box, letting you unpack it, but it didn’t fit in the fridge that way, and I figured it would be overkill.” 🤭🤭🤭
January 4, 2024
I forgot to rate this so here are my thoughts. I hate Christmas romance books so when I saw this was a dark Christmas romance I was like hey maybe I would like this. Boy was I wrong. I didn't have a problem with this in the beginning not when saint lied and seduced rowan. I don't do dark romances with virgin mcs so it all when downhill when they had s*x. Rowan was a virgin so I thought saint will make the whole experience about Rowan but he was just chasing his orgasm he didn't even help rowan finish. Then there is the part where Saint literally promised to protect rowan only then to choke him because of a fucking cookie.
October 30, 2024
This was kinda perfect to read right now because it has creepy murder vibes mixed with festive Christmas fun - a good balance for this time of year 😂😂
Read
September 21, 2025DNF @58% — no rating. Just not clicking with me 🤷🏻♀️ Guess this one just isn't for me.
December 3, 2023
i’m sick and i don’t have the energy to write a review but this was so good!!!!!
December 13, 2023
WHEN can I sit naked in front of a cozy fire eating Pad Thai cooked by a man absolutely obsessed with me to the point of enthusiastically slaying sleighing (cause christmas) my enemies, huh? WHEN IS IT MY TURN!?
This book was a fuckin' hoot. Not to mention hot. A hot hoot. A hot holiday hoot. (Enough with the alliteration, Sarah, we get it) I am really starting to love rom-com dark romances where horrific things are happening but the vibes are either nonchalant or downright hysterical. More books like this in my life, please. (drop a rec if you know of anything similar)
Seriously, the juxtaposition of Rowan being absolutely horror-struck (at least at first) and Saint's unruffled golden-retriever-murder-boyfriend-I-brought-you-this-dead-guys-head-why-are-you-screaming demeanor is my new obsession. Who needs Saint Nick when you have Saint's DICK. (Yeah, I'm pretty proud of that one)
Were there plot holes aplenty and scenes that didn't quite make sense (*cough* cookie scene *cough*)? Sure, I guess. But I had a great fucking time and the sex scenes were hotter than a steaming cup of spiced cocoa.
Happy Hoelidays!
This book was a fuckin' hoot. Not to mention hot. A hot hoot. A hot holiday hoot. (Enough with the alliteration, Sarah, we get it) I am really starting to love rom-com dark romances where horrific things are happening but the vibes are either nonchalant or downright hysterical. More books like this in my life, please. (drop a rec if you know of anything similar)
Seriously, the juxtaposition of Rowan being absolutely horror-struck (at least at first) and Saint's unruffled golden-retriever-murder-boyfriend-I-brought-you-this-dead-guys-head-why-are-you-screaming demeanor is my new obsession. Who needs Saint Nick when you have Saint's DICK. (Yeah, I'm pretty proud of that one)
Were there plot holes aplenty and scenes that didn't quite make sense (*cough* cookie scene *cough*)? Sure, I guess. But I had a great fucking time and the sex scenes were hotter than a steaming cup of spiced cocoa.
Happy Hoelidays!
December 13, 2023
I loved this book! It is definitely one of my favorite K.A. Merikan books. It's the perfect combo of murdery revenge and hot and sexy first times.
It's kind of a combo of "Wrong Way Home", "Scum", and "Love Among Reptiles", but lighter, cuter and Christmassy. LOL.
Super enjoyable and I have no complaints! Highly recommend.
It's kind of a combo of "Wrong Way Home", "Scum", and "Love Among Reptiles", but lighter, cuter and Christmassy. LOL.
Super enjoyable and I have no complaints! Highly recommend.
December 9, 2023
Quintessential K.A. Merikan story.
This was, overall, very good and enjoyable. It wasn't stand out or anything, but certainly a fun Merikan Christmas story, with all the killers/gore/morally questionable characters you could ask for.
I really enjoyed Saint and Rowan overall. Especially at first. Honestly, I think I was enjoying the not-killers phase of their relationship more. They were just so sweet and cute and the chemistry was chemistry-ing.
Once Rowan found out Saint was a killer and he freaked out, and took awhile to wrap his head around everything, some that chemistry fell a little for me. Not too much, and ultimately it was better Rowan found out earlier, I just...they were building such a good thing - yes, I know with lies since Saint wasn't telling him who he really was - and I was so enjoying it.
Honestly, I think I would love these ladies to write a non-dark romance one day, because the potential was there. Not that I don't love the dark romances from these two, but after so many of these stories, and getting a taste of a non-dark romance from them, I'm kinda craving a little bit of a change from them.
I mean, don't get me wrong, the rest of this with the killing of the men who killed Rowan's family was so Merikan like and it didn't miss a beat, but....idk, when these two were just...Rowan and Saint, seemingly regular guys, they were vibe-ing so well together, and I was loving it.
Once all was revealed some of that spark was lost. I mean, I still enjoyed them becoming a killing team together, but I didn't love it. It just wasn't hitting the same for me. Hence my star off for this story.
It just became...good but not amazing. It just...became another Merikan dark romance, nothing out of the ordinary or all that special about it.
Still enjoyable, don't get me wrong, still engaging, just not as amazing as it could have been. As it was shaping up to be.
I mean, at the same time, these ladies shouldn't have to change their MO, but after a lot of the same type of characters in so many books, it gets a little overrated after awhile, is all.
I did enjoy that Saint wasn't just a killer, that the side he was showing Rowan before he found out was also him, so that is definitely a plus. He wasn't putting up a front, he was just being him...without the killing.
But ultimately they wouldn't have worked without Rowan knowing ALL of Saint, and really, all of himself, so it was good, in the end, that he found out fairly early and had time to process it all and come to his own choice about Saint.
And of course, I do love the "will do anything for you or hurt anyone who tries to hurt you" trope. The "us against the world" and "I will protect you above all else" tropes. Saint chose Rowan as his and nothing and no one (except maybe Rowan himself) was going to take him away from him.
So overall, this was good and it was enjoyable, it just wasn't anything stand out in these author's works. They have better out there.
But still, if you're looking for something a tad different for a holiday read - Christmas but with death and gore - then this is the book for you. And still a solid read overall.
Definitely worth a read 😘
This was, overall, very good and enjoyable. It wasn't stand out or anything, but certainly a fun Merikan Christmas story, with all the killers/gore/morally questionable characters you could ask for.
I really enjoyed Saint and Rowan overall. Especially at first. Honestly, I think I was enjoying the not-killers phase of their relationship more. They were just so sweet and cute and the chemistry was chemistry-ing.
Once Rowan found out Saint was a killer and he freaked out, and took awhile to wrap his head around everything, some that chemistry fell a little for me. Not too much, and ultimately it was better Rowan found out earlier, I just...they were building such a good thing - yes, I know with lies since Saint wasn't telling him who he really was - and I was so enjoying it.
Honestly, I think I would love these ladies to write a non-dark romance one day, because the potential was there. Not that I don't love the dark romances from these two, but after so many of these stories, and getting a taste of a non-dark romance from them, I'm kinda craving a little bit of a change from them.
I mean, don't get me wrong, the rest of this with the killing of the men who killed Rowan's family was so Merikan like and it didn't miss a beat, but....idk, when these two were just...Rowan and Saint, seemingly regular guys, they were vibe-ing so well together, and I was loving it.
Once all was revealed some of that spark was lost. I mean, I still enjoyed them becoming a killing team together, but I didn't love it. It just wasn't hitting the same for me. Hence my star off for this story.
It just became...good but not amazing. It just...became another Merikan dark romance, nothing out of the ordinary or all that special about it.
Still enjoyable, don't get me wrong, still engaging, just not as amazing as it could have been. As it was shaping up to be.
I mean, at the same time, these ladies shouldn't have to change their MO, but after a lot of the same type of characters in so many books, it gets a little overrated after awhile, is all.
I did enjoy that Saint wasn't just a killer, that the side he was showing Rowan before he found out was also him, so that is definitely a plus. He wasn't putting up a front, he was just being him...without the killing.
But ultimately they wouldn't have worked without Rowan knowing ALL of Saint, and really, all of himself, so it was good, in the end, that he found out fairly early and had time to process it all and come to his own choice about Saint.
And of course, I do love the "will do anything for you or hurt anyone who tries to hurt you" trope. The "us against the world" and "I will protect you above all else" tropes. Saint chose Rowan as his and nothing and no one (except maybe Rowan himself) was going to take him away from him.
So overall, this was good and it was enjoyable, it just wasn't anything stand out in these author's works. They have better out there.
But still, if you're looking for something a tad different for a holiday read - Christmas but with death and gore - then this is the book for you. And still a solid read overall.
Definitely worth a read 😘
January 5, 2024
3.5 stars
Is dark fluff a thing? This was definitely dark and gory and murdery but also kind of a fluffy, insta romance with cookie baking and snowball fights.
I did enjoy it, but I wanted just a little more of something that I can't quite put my finger on. Maybe I expected a bit more from the Merikan team based on past reads. There were a couple of things that left me scratching my head and I also thought that the introduction of the a*hole boss and co-worker was going somewhere, but all we got was their introduction. Good, stabby, sweet holiday fun to end my 2023 Christmas reads. On to 2024!
Is dark fluff a thing? This was definitely dark and gory and murdery but also kind of a fluffy, insta romance with cookie baking and snowball fights.
I did enjoy it, but I wanted just a little more of something that I can't quite put my finger on. Maybe I expected a bit more from the Merikan team based on past reads. There were a couple of things that left me scratching my head and I also thought that the introduction of the a*hole boss and co-worker was going somewhere, but all we got was their introduction. Good, stabby, sweet holiday fun to end my 2023 Christmas reads. On to 2024!
Read
December 26, 2024DNF 59% - started this two weeks ago and completely lost interest. The murdery thing sounded promising but something didn’t captivate me.
November 30, 2023
I would like to thank GRR for the opportunity to read and review this ARC.
Fluff meets murder husbands in a Christmas village snow globe! 🌨️🌲✨This dark does have teeth, but the lovey-dovey gloopiness really tempered the edges, making this one of the more unique and cutsey Merikan reads I've had to date! I'm happy that I've knocked off my ☃️🎄🎅Christmas Mood Read❄️🎁🦌 with my favourite ladies who never fail to deliver on intense murdery boys who go hard for love💘
Fluff meets murder husbands in a Christmas village snow globe! 🌨️🌲✨This dark does have teeth, but the lovey-dovey gloopiness really tempered the edges, making this one of the more unique and cutsey Merikan reads I've had to date! I'm happy that I've knocked off my ☃️🎄🎅Christmas Mood Read❄️🎁🦌 with my favourite ladies who never fail to deliver on intense murdery boys who go hard for love💘
December 3, 2023
Genre: Dark Romance
Type: Standalone
POV: First Person - Dual
Rating:
It has been four years of suffering from a tragedy, but Rowan’s thirst for revenge was still unsated. That was until Saint, a professional assassin, found his wishlist and made Rowan an offer he couldn’t refuse.
I loved both characters. Saint was tough, but also vulnerable. Rowan was emotionally and physically scarred. It was hard not to root for him. They were good together, though I would prefer if it was dirtier. I enjoyed the overall storyline of love and revenge.
All I Want for Christmas is Revenge is a story of finding unexpected and atypical joy. It would appeal to readers who enjoy a dark MM romance with a light, festive vibe.
🎄🎁🎄 . . . (F)BR with Twinsie CC . . . 🎄🎁🎄
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Type: Standalone
POV: First Person - Dual
Rating:
It has been four years of suffering from a tragedy, but Rowan’s thirst for revenge was still unsated. That was until Saint, a professional assassin, found his wishlist and made Rowan an offer he couldn’t refuse.
I loved both characters. Saint was tough, but also vulnerable. Rowan was emotionally and physically scarred. It was hard not to root for him. They were good together, though I would prefer if it was dirtier. I enjoyed the overall storyline of love and revenge.
“I like baking. Killing is what pays for the flour and eggs.”
All I Want for Christmas is Revenge is a story of finding unexpected and atypical joy. It would appeal to readers who enjoy a dark MM romance with a light, festive vibe.
🎄🎁🎄 . . . (F)BR with Twinsie CC . . . 🎄🎁🎄
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December 18, 2023
As someone who HATES Christmas romances, I thought hey!, here's something I'll love! Mmmm..... Not so much.
I can't pinpoint exactly where the problem was. I loved the idea but the execution fell a bit flat.
I did not like Saint. At all. Rowan was okay at the start. But as time went on, I liked him less. I think my issues started with how easily he accepted the truth of Saint's reality. I liked the book just fine until that point.
"If you have to eat me, just kill me quickly. Please.” 💀
This was Rowan immediately after finding out something was a bit off with his friendly neighborhood writer.
"It turns me on that he’s proficient."
Competence kink, hello? But the fact that it's because Saint was able to duck away from the gun and then disarm him? Rowan, honey, where's the self preservation?
This was LITERALLY later the same day. He didn't even go through the 5 stages of grief at the idea that the man he thought he knew /was into wasn't who he claimed to be. 🤦🤦🤦🤦
And then later that SAME day.... you guessed it.... They were engaged in the ol' in-and-out.
ROWAN! Down, ho!
Saint couldn’t even be bothered to help virgin Rowan towards his first penetrative orgasm? Reallyyyyy just focused on his own serial killing dick.
Yeahhhh I don't know if I'm on board. Talking about “That was… perfect,”
Maybe for you??? Rowan had to finish himself off.
Lol I started this review with 3 stars but by the end, I'm changing this to 2.
Sheesh. Even the anti-Christmas romances, I hate.
Ho. Ho. Ho. I guess.
I can't pinpoint exactly where the problem was. I loved the idea but the execution fell a bit flat.
I did not like Saint. At all. Rowan was okay at the start. But as time went on, I liked him less. I think my issues started with how easily he accepted the truth of Saint's reality. I liked the book just fine until that point.
"If you have to eat me, just kill me quickly. Please.” 💀
This was Rowan immediately after finding out something was a bit off with his friendly neighborhood writer.
"It turns me on that he’s proficient."
Competence kink, hello? But the fact that it's because Saint was able to duck away from the gun and then disarm him? Rowan, honey, where's the self preservation?
This was LITERALLY later the same day. He didn't even go through the 5 stages of grief at the idea that the man he thought he knew /was into wasn't who he claimed to be. 🤦🤦🤦🤦
And then later that SAME day.... you guessed it.... They were engaged in the ol' in-and-out.
ROWAN! Down, ho!
Saint couldn’t even be bothered to help virgin Rowan towards his first penetrative orgasm? Reallyyyyy just focused on his own serial killing dick.
Yeahhhh I don't know if I'm on board. Talking about “That was… perfect,”
Maybe for you??? Rowan had to finish himself off.
Lol I started this review with 3 stars but by the end, I'm changing this to 2.
Sheesh. Even the anti-Christmas romances, I hate.
Ho. Ho. Ho. I guess.
December 6, 2023
“Really? You want me for good?” He rasps, teasing my neck with his breath.
“For good, for bad, forever
This is why I love KA Merikan; we are never bored, and we can have fun, bake cookies, and have a human head in the freezer while also having the swoonest and hottest moments ever!
This was pure holiday enjoyment. Rowan and Saint are both so tainted but also so sweet. And while being killers, they also deserve all the happiness in the world! I loved their connection and understanding of each other's needs.
I received a copy of this book from Gay Romance Reviews, and this is my honest review.
“For good, for bad, forever
This is why I love KA Merikan; we are never bored, and we can have fun, bake cookies, and have a human head in the freezer while also having the swoonest and hottest moments ever!
This was pure holiday enjoyment. Rowan and Saint are both so tainted but also so sweet. And while being killers, they also deserve all the happiness in the world! I loved their connection and understanding of each other's needs.
I received a copy of this book from Gay Romance Reviews, and this is my honest review.
December 26, 2024
All *I* wanted for Christmas this year is something more edgy and gruesome. Rom-com Christmas books and movies are my dirty pleasure during the holidays, and this one delivered!
Yes, I mean those real shitty Hallmark style; small-town boy meets big city girl, going to Christmas market, winning some Christmas competition, some drama and happy ending kinda books and movies.
So you could say I had my expectations low. lol
Was this the best piece of literature? - No.
Was it outstanding? - Also, nope.
But damn, I had a fun time reading it.
It was a little chaotic, sometimes theatrical and I doubt I would have liked it without having the 'holiday spirit' in me, but here I am.
Yes, I mean those real shitty Hallmark style; small-town boy meets big city girl, going to Christmas market, winning some Christmas competition, some drama and happy ending kinda books and movies.
So you could say I had my expectations low. lol
Was this the best piece of literature? - No.
Was it outstanding? - Also, nope.
But damn, I had a fun time reading it.
It was a little chaotic, sometimes theatrical and I doubt I would have liked it without having the 'holiday spirit' in me, but here I am.
January 4, 2024
Nothing says Merry Christmas quite like here’s the head of your enemy… literally!
What happens when a hitman finds your letter to Santa and all it asks for is the explicitly detailed killings of the people who murdered your family? A match made in psycho heaven 🥰 A bit of stalking/kidnapping, some hot chemistry, and a lot of revenge! I loved this dark Christmas story so much and I can definitely see myself reading it each year just to get into the spirit of the holidays 🤣👌🏻
Thanks to GRR for the ARC this is my honest opinion.
What happens when a hitman finds your letter to Santa and all it asks for is the explicitly detailed killings of the people who murdered your family? A match made in psycho heaven 🥰 A bit of stalking/kidnapping, some hot chemistry, and a lot of revenge! I loved this dark Christmas story so much and I can definitely see myself reading it each year just to get into the spirit of the holidays 🤣👌🏻
Thanks to GRR for the ARC this is my honest opinion.
December 3, 2023
Lonely assassin unexpectedly finds himself a boyfriend. And as a sort of xmas present helps him kill the ones who murdered his family. Loved the blurb and perhaps my expectations was to high but this is a 2.5 ⭐⭐⭐ rounding up.
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December 31, 2023
MM Romance
Christmas Revenge Pact
3.5 Stars ⭐️
This felt like the tv show, Dexter, meets a Hallmark Christmas movie and the ridiculousness throughout it made me laugh however it just didn’t grab me like I wanted it to and I fell asleep multiple times reading it. I seem to enjoy these authors better when in audiobook form but that wasn’t an option with this one. I liked that this was in a first person POV because it fit the story and the sex scenes were hot 🥵 but kidnapping plots are hard for me because I rarely feel like the kidnapped one actually develops real feelings for their captor but saying that, I LOVED the revenge plot and it’s what kept me reading the book. And by the end, I felt like these two were a match made in heaven so ultimately I am glad I didn’t DNF it.
”He could snap me in half. But he’s my monster. And since he desires me, I know without a doubt he will protect me with everything he has. With a man like him at my side, I will never have to be afraid again.”
[…]
“But no matter how beautiful he is, I’m painfully aware that he’s fucking deranged. Which is either terrible or exactly what I need in a man.”
True love people 💗
Christmas Revenge Pact
3.5 Stars ⭐️
This felt like the tv show, Dexter, meets a Hallmark Christmas movie and the ridiculousness throughout it made me laugh however it just didn’t grab me like I wanted it to and I fell asleep multiple times reading it. I seem to enjoy these authors better when in audiobook form but that wasn’t an option with this one. I liked that this was in a first person POV because it fit the story and the sex scenes were hot 🥵 but kidnapping plots are hard for me because I rarely feel like the kidnapped one actually develops real feelings for their captor but saying that, I LOVED the revenge plot and it’s what kept me reading the book. And by the end, I felt like these two were a match made in heaven so ultimately I am glad I didn’t DNF it.
”He could snap me in half. But he’s my monster. And since he desires me, I know without a doubt he will protect me with everything he has. With a man like him at my side, I will never have to be afraid again.”
[…]
“But no matter how beautiful he is, I’m painfully aware that he’s fucking deranged. Which is either terrible or exactly what I need in a man.”
True love people 💗
December 26, 2023
I think the author made a fucking mistake when they decided to make saint choked rowan around 3/4 of the book,
Now I can't trust him, he was great he was promising, I don't know what's with the need to change him, he literally promised to protects rowan only then to choke him because of a fucking cookie, now that trust is broken, I'm just so fucking disappointed, this had such a strong start, it really was promising, after that scene I'm just on edge, the fight doesn't even make sense I swear lmaooo Its laughably funny,
The reasoning of it just another sorry ass reason, it doesn't make me sympathize or understand why he what he did, not the murder but his blowout.
Maybe it's just me but I prefer charming saint rather than insane saint, but i get why the author would go that route because it makes their relationship more, raw and thrilling and there is uncertainty there that makes it more real and honest whether it's the fact that saint treating rowan as a price to win over or rowan thinking saint will one day kill him if he got bored of him which is reasonable considering what happened.
Now I can't trust him, he was great he was promising, I don't know what's with the need to change him, he literally promised to protects rowan only then to choke him because of a fucking cookie, now that trust is broken, I'm just so fucking disappointed, this had such a strong start, it really was promising, after that scene I'm just on edge, the fight doesn't even make sense I swear lmaooo Its laughably funny,
The reasoning of it just another sorry ass reason, it doesn't make me sympathize or understand why he what he did, not the murder but his blowout.
Maybe it's just me but I prefer charming saint rather than insane saint, but i get why the author would go that route because it makes their relationship more, raw and thrilling and there is uncertainty there that makes it more real and honest whether it's the fact that saint treating rowan as a price to win over or rowan thinking saint will one day kill him if he got bored of him which is reasonable considering what happened.
November 19, 2024
I stare at him as my brain fogs up with fear. “You’re… Santa?” Saints mouth spreads in a grin, and he clicks his fingers. “No, better yet, I am your personal Santa. I deal in revenge, and that’s what you wished for, right?
Golden retriever hitman meets lonely vengeful guy and chaos and Christmas shenanigans in sue! The Christmas Pinterest craft board was so funny! Lots of humor and hot sexy times! It was cool seeing Rowan blossom with his guidance from Saint! Second book by this author and I enjoy the writing and pacing a lot.
Golden retriever hitman meets lonely vengeful guy and chaos and Christmas shenanigans in sue! The Christmas Pinterest craft board was so funny! Lots of humor and hot sexy times! It was cool seeing Rowan blossom with his guidance from Saint! Second book by this author and I enjoy the writing and pacing a lot.
December 4, 2023
This is brutal. This is bloody. This is dark. It is, somehow, also cute and festive at times. It is quite refreshing in the "holiday books" category to have something with so much bite. I really liked it.
December 2, 2023
❛ My thoughts come to a sudden halt when in a flash of lights, the house in front of me comes alive. Strings of colorful LEDs make the thick layer of snow on the roof look like a cozy comforter, and a reindeer figure twinkles at me from the front porch.
What kind of festive torture is this supposed to be? Have I become a character in one of those Christmas horror movies? Will he split me in two in a Santa costume and use my skin as gift wrap? ❜
This one is a little hard for me to decide my feelings on ‘cause while I didn’t love it, I also didn’t hate it 🤔
❛ I'm usually good at waiting. In my line of work, a man needs to sometimes stay hidden for hours on end, but he makes me feel an urgency that tingles in my gums and makes me want to close my fingers around his neck. Gently. But firmly, so he knows who he belongs to. ❜
I did love the possessiveness of Saint and even tho he’s a little crazy I loved that he was a cinnamon roll for Rowan.
Now Rowan was… weird for me, I didn’t like being in his POV and unfortunately there’s much more of Rowan’s POV than Saint’s.
They’re both crazy but I wasn’t impressed with Rowan enjoying all the things that Saint was giving/doing but still thinking about leaving after he got what he wanted 😒
I did skim some parts here and there, the ‘ily’ felt VERY rushed at the end and since I’m a big sap I would’ve liked some time where Saint wasn’t freaking out about the possibility of being alone again and I would’ve preferred the epilogue to be further out.
Some of it was funny. Some of it was dark. Some of it was weird. And some of it just missed the mark. Overall, it was just okay.
✄┈┈┈┈
My ratings always reflect my enjoyment of the story. Just because it aligns or doesn’t align with my tastes does not mean it’ll be the same for you. Try reading it for yourself ! ❀
What kind of festive torture is this supposed to be? Have I become a character in one of those Christmas horror movies? Will he split me in two in a Santa costume and use my skin as gift wrap? ❜
This one is a little hard for me to decide my feelings on ‘cause while I didn’t love it, I also didn’t hate it 🤔
❛ I'm usually good at waiting. In my line of work, a man needs to sometimes stay hidden for hours on end, but he makes me feel an urgency that tingles in my gums and makes me want to close my fingers around his neck. Gently. But firmly, so he knows who he belongs to. ❜
I did love the possessiveness of Saint and even tho he’s a little crazy I loved that he was a cinnamon roll for Rowan.
Now Rowan was… weird for me, I didn’t like being in his POV and unfortunately there’s much more of Rowan’s POV than Saint’s.
They’re both crazy but I wasn’t impressed with Rowan enjoying all the things that Saint was giving/doing but still thinking about leaving after he got what he wanted 😒
I did skim some parts here and there, the ‘ily’ felt VERY rushed at the end and since I’m a big sap I would’ve liked some time where Saint wasn’t freaking out about the possibility of being alone again and I would’ve preferred the epilogue to be further out.
Some of it was funny. Some of it was dark. Some of it was weird. And some of it just missed the mark. Overall, it was just okay.
✄┈┈┈┈
My ratings always reflect my enjoyment of the story. Just because it aligns or doesn’t align with my tastes does not mean it’ll be the same for you. Try reading it for yourself ! ❀
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 2, 2023
Sweet Christmas tradition meets murderous mayhem in this new offering from the wonderful KA Merikan duo.
Saint is an assassin. After a job, he crosses paths with Rowan who throws away a letter he has written detailing how he would kill the people that murdered his family. Reading the letter, and feeling an undeniable tug toward Rowan, he decides to offer Rowan a Christmas gift of murder. You know, as you do.
There were some actual lol moments here with Saint absolutely messing up so bad and scaring Rowan half to death. Saint has absolute instalust, deciding that Rowan is his one and only and working to make sure that happens. Rowan is not so sure and the push and pull between the two was delicious.
There are dual POVs which I always love and Saint and his Christmas traditions and domesticity were just a delight.
All in all a fun Christmas read
ARC received for my honest review
Saint is an assassin. After a job, he crosses paths with Rowan who throws away a letter he has written detailing how he would kill the people that murdered his family. Reading the letter, and feeling an undeniable tug toward Rowan, he decides to offer Rowan a Christmas gift of murder. You know, as you do.
There were some actual lol moments here with Saint absolutely messing up so bad and scaring Rowan half to death. Saint has absolute instalust, deciding that Rowan is his one and only and working to make sure that happens. Rowan is not so sure and the push and pull between the two was delicious.
There are dual POVs which I always love and Saint and his Christmas traditions and domesticity were just a delight.
All in all a fun Christmas read
ARC received for my honest review
December 22, 2024
Contemporary MM
Dark & Gory Revenge
Unhinged Hitman
Age Gap (32/20)
Virgin MC
Possessive MC
Holiday Shenanigans
I know it doesn’t sound like it would be, but this book was actually pretty fun. Dark and sometimes pretty graphic, but there are enough sweet and funny moments to balance it.
Saint is a lonely hitman that just wants someone to know the real man he is, and accept and love him. Rowan is a broken boy who has lost everyone in his life and cannot get past his thoughts on revenge. When Saint finds out about this thirst for revenge he feels he has found a kindred spirit and decide the obvious course of action is to steal Rowen, make him his and deliver his enemies to him. So romantic 🥰 Saint just cracked me up the whole time. That guy was unhinged in the most adorable way. Fun read if you are looking for a darker holiday story.
Dark & Gory Revenge
Unhinged Hitman
Age Gap (32/20)
Virgin MC
Possessive MC
Holiday Shenanigans
I know it doesn’t sound like it would be, but this book was actually pretty fun. Dark and sometimes pretty graphic, but there are enough sweet and funny moments to balance it.
Saint is a lonely hitman that just wants someone to know the real man he is, and accept and love him. Rowan is a broken boy who has lost everyone in his life and cannot get past his thoughts on revenge. When Saint finds out about this thirst for revenge he feels he has found a kindred spirit and decide the obvious course of action is to steal Rowen, make him his and deliver his enemies to him. So romantic 🥰 Saint just cracked me up the whole time. That guy was unhinged in the most adorable way. Fun read if you are looking for a darker holiday story.
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