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Crimson Covenant #2.5
Our Dark Winter Wish
A not so silent night...
Deep in the heart of an uninhabited island, covered in ancient forests and coated in inches of snow, my three lovers and I are getting ready for Christmas.
But what do you get a Dream Walker, Shadow Master and Wolf Shifter for the festive season? Especially when all they seem to want is to own my mind, body and soul in their entirety.
I’m excited to find out.
This place was once home to Archie’s pack before they were all slaughtered by the blood witches many years ago. Now, we’ve claimed it as our own. Far from civilisation, it’s a sanctuary where we can heal and learn to live a life without fighting for survival. Christmas was big with the wolves. And Archie is excited to share his favourite holiday with us all.
But the lasting scars of the brutal battles that led us all here are still raw. Trauma and terror haunt each and every one of us. And perhaps the world is not quite as ready to forget us as we hoped.
It becomes very clear that the only thing that will heal our pain is each other.
But can monsters like us ever truly heal? Or are we destined to drown in blood forever.
Deep in the heart of an uninhabited island, covered in ancient forests and coated in inches of snow, my three lovers and I are getting ready for Christmas.
But what do you get a Dream Walker, Shadow Master and Wolf Shifter for the festive season? Especially when all they seem to want is to own my mind, body and soul in their entirety.
I’m excited to find out.
This place was once home to Archie’s pack before they were all slaughtered by the blood witches many years ago. Now, we’ve claimed it as our own. Far from civilisation, it’s a sanctuary where we can heal and learn to live a life without fighting for survival. Christmas was big with the wolves. And Archie is excited to share his favourite holiday with us all.
But the lasting scars of the brutal battles that led us all here are still raw. Trauma and terror haunt each and every one of us. And perhaps the world is not quite as ready to forget us as we hoped.
It becomes very clear that the only thing that will heal our pain is each other.
But can monsters like us ever truly heal? Or are we destined to drown in blood forever.
108 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 25, 2024
55 people are currently reading
232 people want to read
About the author
M.J. Lawrie
18 books495 followersMJ Lawrie has always had a love for storytelling. Formerly a film student, she started writing her debut series, The Last Witch, shortly after the birth of her first baby. Driven mad by the boredom of nap times and avoiding housework at all costs, she decided to finally get to work on her lifelong dream of writing a book. A true lover of fantasy, dark romance and thriller fiction, she's combined the three and poured her unusual imagination into the creation of characters that you love to hate and hate to love.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 46 reviews
November 19, 2024
Chestnuts. Snowball fights. Turkey. String decorations made out of caterpillars. Could it get more festive than this? I dare you to try!
This was exactly what I needed to get me into the festive spirit (we'll not discuss what that might say about me). Back with some of the hottest, filthiest, most morally charcoal grey men you can find, just here to worship their goddess *chefs kiss*.
Archie's Christmas traditions ❤️
The gift giving scene 🥺🥺
The scene AFTER that scene 🤯🤯
Saying no more. 100% go read this if you've been missing Ashe and the boys ❤️
This was exactly what I needed to get me into the festive spirit (we'll not discuss what that might say about me). Back with some of the hottest, filthiest, most morally charcoal grey men you can find, just here to worship their goddess *chefs kiss*.
Archie's Christmas traditions ❤️
The gift giving scene 🥺🥺
The scene AFTER that scene 🤯🤯
Saying no more. 100% go read this if you've been missing Ashe and the boys ❤️
February 21, 2025
I have loved this series so much. Yes it’s very dark and possibly to some a bit disturbing but there’s just something about the main 4 characters, Archie makes me laugh so much. I really really hope there will be another book, 🤞🏻
December 7, 2024
I'm obsessed with this cozy, bloody, spicy holiday story with Ashe and her guys! They are all doing their best to heal and find peace following the trauma they all endured. Archie teaches the others all about Christmas traditions - including decorating a tree, gift giving, and roasting chestnuts 😆. Of course, the spice is spicy and there is witty banter but there is also so much emotion packed into this little novella! It seems to end in a HFN, so I'm hoping we might get more of them in the future!
May 5, 2025
3⭐️’s.. A cute little Christmas novella with an unexpected twist at the end.
February 17, 2025
ARC
My review:
Story 💜💜💜💜💜 - Amazing
Darkness 🌑🌑🌑 - Dark
Spice 🥵🥵🥵🥵🥵 - Spicy Load
Trigger warnings ⚠️⚠️⚠️ - Be careful
Note: Multi POVs, RH (MMFM), Soft Cliffhanger
Yes, you read the note right. Soft Cliffhanger. Because this short novella is an "in between." We are getting more of Ashe and her monsters.
When getting the ARC, I thought to myself, "This will be a jolly Christmas story, full of smut, easy going." While this is correct, it is not the truth. We get to see some very dark moments as Ashe, Shaw, Dorian, and Archie are dealing with their trauma. They try to face them and heal each other as a family.
As a person with my own trauma, I could really relate to the way they react and face their own trauma. How they are trying to heal.
This was a nice little read, and I can't wait for what comes next. But I know the story will be amazing, as per usual with MJ Lawrie, full of trauma, horror, darkness, and wtf moments. I do wish though for some MM between the guys. I am not going to lie :p
Last but not least, in MJ Lawrie brilliant crazyness, chestnut. She does warn you about it. So it is fair game.
My review:
Story 💜💜💜💜💜 - Amazing
Darkness 🌑🌑🌑 - Dark
Spice 🥵🥵🥵🥵🥵 - Spicy Load
Trigger warnings ⚠️⚠️⚠️ - Be careful
Note: Multi POVs, RH (MMFM), Soft Cliffhanger
Yes, you read the note right. Soft Cliffhanger. Because this short novella is an "in between." We are getting more of Ashe and her monsters.
When getting the ARC, I thought to myself, "This will be a jolly Christmas story, full of smut, easy going." While this is correct, it is not the truth. We get to see some very dark moments as Ashe, Shaw, Dorian, and Archie are dealing with their trauma. They try to face them and heal each other as a family.
As a person with my own trauma, I could really relate to the way they react and face their own trauma. How they are trying to heal.
This was a nice little read, and I can't wait for what comes next. But I know the story will be amazing, as per usual with MJ Lawrie, full of trauma, horror, darkness, and wtf moments. I do wish though for some MM between the guys. I am not going to lie :p
Last but not least, in MJ Lawrie brilliant crazyness, chestnut. She does warn you about it. So it is fair game.
December 1, 2024
Book: Our Dark Winter Wish (Novella)
Series: Crimson Covenant Series, Book 3
Author: @mjwalker_author
Will You Read More From This Author: I’m slightly obsessed
Completed Series: No
Storyline/Plot:
Here I was thinking it would be a fun little read and then, BAM, MJ got me again! The amount of depth she can place in 108 pages is incredible! And then add the spice… Just wow! Only read this book if you have read books 1 and 2. The good news for you is that you have plenty of time to read the first 2 and then get to this one by Christmas! You think it’s going to end one way, but no, the floor will be pulled out from under you. It was glorious!
Favorite Characters:
I love all of the MMCs. Archie is my favorite because he has this boyish childlike aura about him but is still… let’s say inventive… and deadly! He has a scene that was so sad to read that I wanted to jump in the book and hold him.
Spice:
Sizzle and Spice and Everything Dirty! That is this book and I love it. There is also a therapeutic or healing vibe to some parts. I found it beautiful in its own twisted way. Again Lawrie doesn’t do cute, sweet, or gentle. Fair Warning. Also, Chestnuts…
Triggers:
For the series: Torture, Emotional Abuse, Sexual Assault, Violence, Past Child Abuse, DC, Blood/Breath Spice, Graphic Sexual Content, and Kidnapping
Series: Crimson Covenant Series, Book 3
Author: @mjwalker_author
Will You Read More From This Author: I’m slightly obsessed
Completed Series: No
Storyline/Plot:
Here I was thinking it would be a fun little read and then, BAM, MJ got me again! The amount of depth she can place in 108 pages is incredible! And then add the spice… Just wow! Only read this book if you have read books 1 and 2. The good news for you is that you have plenty of time to read the first 2 and then get to this one by Christmas! You think it’s going to end one way, but no, the floor will be pulled out from under you. It was glorious!
Favorite Characters:
I love all of the MMCs. Archie is my favorite because he has this boyish childlike aura about him but is still… let’s say inventive… and deadly! He has a scene that was so sad to read that I wanted to jump in the book and hold him.
Spice:
Sizzle and Spice and Everything Dirty! That is this book and I love it. There is also a therapeutic or healing vibe to some parts. I found it beautiful in its own twisted way. Again Lawrie doesn’t do cute, sweet, or gentle. Fair Warning. Also, Chestnuts…
Triggers:
For the series: Torture, Emotional Abuse, Sexual Assault, Violence, Past Child Abuse, DC, Blood/Breath Spice, Graphic Sexual Content, and Kidnapping
November 2, 2025
So you are telling me he had a secret wife this entire time, and the only reason why he stopped loving her was because she’s dead. WORD FOR WORD this is what he said about her
“Lilith.
I loved her entirely once. I worshipped her. Protected her. She devoured
me in every way a woman can. All the best ways.
And then she died.”
THIS IS HILARIOUS HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA, OH MY GOD SOSO FUNNYYYYYYY. No but the MMCs fucking her mom, and aunts wasn’t enough, we had to add another Shadow master RIGHT when the novella was gonna end. I knew KNEW there was gonna be another book somehow, still can’t tell if I like it enough. Like I like the story, and characters, but when authors start adding more to add more books, the quality goes downhill. And not to mention that ion see an announcement for the release date.
This series better be a trilogy, and I’m hoping for me to forget this series till the next book comes out. I just think it’s odd that books 1-2.5 were released within a year, and this book was published in Nov 2024….almost a year….
“Lilith.
I loved her entirely once. I worshipped her. Protected her. She devoured
me in every way a woman can. All the best ways.
And then she died.”
THIS IS HILARIOUS HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA, OH MY GOD SOSO FUNNYYYYYYY. No but the MMCs fucking her mom, and aunts wasn’t enough, we had to add another Shadow master RIGHT when the novella was gonna end. I knew KNEW there was gonna be another book somehow, still can’t tell if I like it enough. Like I like the story, and characters, but when authors start adding more to add more books, the quality goes downhill. And not to mention that ion see an announcement for the release date.
This series better be a trilogy, and I’m hoping for me to forget this series till the next book comes out. I just think it’s odd that books 1-2.5 were released within a year, and this book was published in Nov 2024….almost a year….
November 30, 2024
Wow!!!
I was so so happy to receive this, I absolutely adore these characters and to get the chance to read more about them is an absolute must!!
The Author is correct I won't look at chestnuts the same way again!!
This is a short Novella perfect for this time of year, sat all cosy reading a super spicy dark romance, finding out what our favorite people have been getting up too since they moved to an island, what could go wrong???!........ How about the huge cliffhanger ending? Does this mean we will get more in the future? I really hope so! I love Shaw, Ashe and Dorian but Archie is just another level.
I highly recommend anyone reading this... of course, you need to read the first two books for it to all make sense. But they are so worth it. Another 5 star read from the wonderful M.J. Lawrie..... At this point, I dont think there's anything she could write that I wouldn't love. Amazing!!!
I was so so happy to receive this, I absolutely adore these characters and to get the chance to read more about them is an absolute must!!
The Author is correct I won't look at chestnuts the same way again!!
This is a short Novella perfect for this time of year, sat all cosy reading a super spicy dark romance, finding out what our favorite people have been getting up too since they moved to an island, what could go wrong???!........ How about the huge cliffhanger ending? Does this mean we will get more in the future? I really hope so! I love Shaw, Ashe and Dorian but Archie is just another level.
I highly recommend anyone reading this... of course, you need to read the first two books for it to all make sense. But they are so worth it. Another 5 star read from the wonderful M.J. Lawrie..... At this point, I dont think there's anything she could write that I wouldn't love. Amazing!!!
November 28, 2024
**This review will contain spoilers**
Well I really hoped this book was going to be there happy ending! I enjoyed the story, and I just love Archie. Archie getting to have his Christmas was such a sweet story.
I also love the fact that Shaw gets to be her husband. He's definitely husband material, and he gets his own little piece of her.
The chestnut thing? Gross. All I kept thinking was, surely that's painful!
There were some really sweet moments in this story, some seriously gross ones, and some down right filthy ones! But i always enjoy reading about these guys.
This book was gifted to me as an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Well I really hoped this book was going to be there happy ending! I enjoyed the story, and I just love Archie. Archie getting to have his Christmas was such a sweet story.
I also love the fact that Shaw gets to be her husband. He's definitely husband material, and he gets his own little piece of her.
The chestnut thing? Gross. All I kept thinking was, surely that's painful!
There were some really sweet moments in this story, some seriously gross ones, and some down right filthy ones! But i always enjoy reading about these guys.
This book was gifted to me as an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 21, 2025
❤️
***Book Review***
‘Our dark winters wish’ (a novella) by M.J Lawrie
4 x ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
4 x 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
🖤 Another GREAT enticing read that I yet again couldn’t put down!
The simple joy Christmas 🎄 brings to Ashe & her Monsters … the way they celebrate … the way they interact with each other! 💋
Their flaws are visible and accepted by all in a way you can only dream of! ❤️ it’s a beautiful story of LOVE with a side of blood 🩸 guts and gore!!
I enjoyed every second! … I will never look 👀 or think 🤔 about 🌰🌰🌰chestnuts again in any other way!! 🤣💋
I totally recommend this book and cannot wait for the story to continue!! …
***Book Review***
‘Our dark winters wish’ (a novella) by M.J Lawrie
4 x ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
4 x 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
🖤 Another GREAT enticing read that I yet again couldn’t put down!
The simple joy Christmas 🎄 brings to Ashe & her Monsters … the way they celebrate … the way they interact with each other! 💋
Their flaws are visible and accepted by all in a way you can only dream of! ❤️ it’s a beautiful story of LOVE with a side of blood 🩸 guts and gore!!
I enjoyed every second! … I will never look 👀 or think 🤔 about 🌰🌰🌰chestnuts again in any other way!! 🤣💋
I totally recommend this book and cannot wait for the story to continue!! …
November 28, 2024
Well, that was just a perfect little slice of Christmas right there!
It was very Christmassy, in an Archie kinda way, and I loved seeing them trying to heal not only themselves but each other.
Sensitive themes were still covered, so read with caution if you have triggers. Saying that, there were still light-hearted, laugh out loud moments, and the perfect amount of Christmas spice🔥
Be warned of the cliff at the end though, there is definitely more to come...oh, and you might never think of chestnuts the same way again!
It was very Christmassy, in an Archie kinda way, and I loved seeing them trying to heal not only themselves but each other.
Sensitive themes were still covered, so read with caution if you have triggers. Saying that, there were still light-hearted, laugh out loud moments, and the perfect amount of Christmas spice🔥
Be warned of the cliff at the end though, there is definitely more to come...oh, and you might never think of chestnuts the same way again!
December 14, 2024
Floored
I love a good novella, I loved books 1 and 2 of the Crimson Covenant series and this was such a nice revisit to see how our favourite foursome were doing.
I loved the banter between the boys, pixie still being the boss. It was nice to see the relaxed sides of the characters.
And the spice OH THE SPICE my jaw hit the floor right in chapter 1. Archie had carved a what out of wood and the chesnuts and while flying...... Surly that's not safe. Or maybe I'm just jealous.
If you have read books 1 and 2 I deffo recommend this.
I love a good novella, I loved books 1 and 2 of the Crimson Covenant series and this was such a nice revisit to see how our favourite foursome were doing.
I loved the banter between the boys, pixie still being the boss. It was nice to see the relaxed sides of the characters.
And the spice OH THE SPICE my jaw hit the floor right in chapter 1. Archie had carved a what out of wood and the chesnuts and while flying...... Surly that's not safe. Or maybe I'm just jealous.
If you have read books 1 and 2 I deffo recommend this.
December 23, 2024
3⭐️
2🌶️
Okay, so I didn’t realize this was part of a series when I started it—oops! If I’d known the characters from the earlier books, I think I would’ve been a lot more into it.
That said, it was still a really fun and interesting little novella. The story hooked me enough to make me want to go back and read the rest of the series to get the full picture. The characters were cool, and the plot had some good twists.
Overall, a nice quick read, and I’m definitely curious to see what else this series has to offer!
2🌶️
Okay, so I didn’t realize this was part of a series when I started it—oops! If I’d known the characters from the earlier books, I think I would’ve been a lot more into it.
That said, it was still a really fun and interesting little novella. The story hooked me enough to make me want to go back and read the rest of the series to get the full picture. The characters were cool, and the plot had some good twists.
Overall, a nice quick read, and I’m definitely curious to see what else this series has to offer!
November 26, 2024
Oh my goodness. I take my spice with a spice with a side of chestnuts
Amazing story that truly surprised me in the last couple of chapters. I thought I knew where it was going but no was not prepared.
Loved the relationships between these guys and I loved that nobody was instantly fixed. They are still fighting hard for their hea and I loved that.
Can’t wait to see where this is now going and what’s next because this story has only wetted my appetite for more
Amazing story that truly surprised me in the last couple of chapters. I thought I knew where it was going but no was not prepared.
Loved the relationships between these guys and I loved that nobody was instantly fixed. They are still fighting hard for their hea and I loved that.
Can’t wait to see where this is now going and what’s next because this story has only wetted my appetite for more
November 27, 2024
This isn’t your typical festive novella. Well, not unless your usual festive novellas involve caterpillar garlands, dead earth witches and chestnuts in.. well, actually, I think maybe you should read it to find out about the chestnuts.
No it’s definitely not your typical festive novella but if you’ve been missing Pixie and her band of morally black lovers, and need a sharp dose of the smuttiest smut with your Christmas dinner, this one is all for you. Bon appetit.
December 1, 2024
Scorching Festive themed novella!
This is one scorching hot festive themed novella, complete with snow, a Christmas tree and of course chestnuts! Pixie and her men enjoy a special time together away from the tumultuous events of the past, deepening their bonds and healing from events. The read is full of tender and passionate moments and also humour. I was not expecting the twist at the end but I am one happy bunny if it means that we get more stories of Pixie and her monsters!
This is one scorching hot festive themed novella, complete with snow, a Christmas tree and of course chestnuts! Pixie and her men enjoy a special time together away from the tumultuous events of the past, deepening their bonds and healing from events. The read is full of tender and passionate moments and also humour. I was not expecting the twist at the end but I am one happy bunny if it means that we get more stories of Pixie and her monsters!
December 1, 2024
I loved every bit of this, from just being back with Ashe and the boys, to following Archie’s Christmas memories, and all with a side order of hot and heavy spice. The gift giving really got me in the feels and the end was just so unexpected. And what I love most… we’re getting more—yay. Enough said, it was perfect!
December 14, 2024
This week I had bronchitis and my boss threatened to fire me l but even that couldn’t bring me down from how giddy this book made me. I read the gift-giving chapter twice because I loved it so much!! This series is one of my favorites and I’m genuinely so excited to hear that the story is continuing!
September 5, 2025
5 Star - Couldn't put this book down. Its stay up late reading and be late to work good.
4 Stars - Couldn't put this book down but I still got a goodnights sleep
3 Stars - An enjoyable read that took me a few days to a week finish
2 Stars - An okay book that I struggled to get through in places - next book is still on my TBR list
1 Stars - DNF
4 Stars - Couldn't put this book down but I still got a goodnights sleep
3 Stars - An enjoyable read that took me a few days to a week finish
2 Stars - An okay book that I struggled to get through in places - next book is still on my TBR list
1 Stars - DNF
December 20, 2025
Snow meltingly hot!!!
Loved it, just like I have loved all of M. J. Lawrie's books! It is a high heat segue into a continuation of the story of Ashe and her mouth watering men. Now I am impatiently waiting for the next book so I can keep reading about some of my favourite all time characters.
Loved it, just like I have loved all of M. J. Lawrie's books! It is a high heat segue into a continuation of the story of Ashe and her mouth watering men. Now I am impatiently waiting for the next book so I can keep reading about some of my favourite all time characters.
November 25, 2024
I didn't realise how much I was missing these characters, perfect winter novella to get you into the festive spirit.
I really hope that ending means we will get to see more from these characters, I'm not ready to say goodbye to them yet.
I really hope that ending means we will get to see more from these characters, I'm not ready to say goodbye to them yet.
November 26, 2024
I absolutely love this novella. I love Shaw, Dorian, Archie and Ashe! This book was dark in some ways but also made me laugh and gave me the tingles! And that ending!! Makes me wonder if there might be something else coming next?!
November 27, 2024
oooooo that end part 👀👀👀 I need more of pixie and her men like yesterday. even when you think it's going to mostly be a spicy holiday read there twists! i love when authors keep you guessing. I love it brb while I read the whole serries again
November 30, 2024
Loved it! The spice! The story the love and everything they work through of what they have been through as a pack it amazing and the ending left me going no that can’t be the end! Hopefully there will be more!
December 1, 2024
Will never look at chestnuts again the same! Loved being back with Pixie and her men. Thoroughly enjoyed & holding my breath in anticipation that a sequel will be released soon. Another great read from this author
February 22, 2025
I loved it!
What a lovely treat! Here I thought there would be no more of Pix and her monsters. I loved their journey to Archie’s home, the home they (well Pixie) made. Trying to heal, to forget.
I hope we will join them again as they battle Lilith. I look forward to it!
What a lovely treat! Here I thought there would be no more of Pix and her monsters. I loved their journey to Archie’s home, the home they (well Pixie) made. Trying to heal, to forget.
I hope we will join them again as they battle Lilith. I look forward to it!
March 18, 2025
A short and sweet novella within the universe where Archie teaches the boys and Ashe about Christmas traditions. Smutty, easy read and excitingly sets up a follow on book?? Excited + will definitely be reading.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 15, 2025
WELL! I thought that this was going to be the happily ever after epilogue type book......and it so wasn't, was it? HOW did it end like that....ugh.....so there will be more? But this twist...I so don't like it at all.....
January 21, 2026
ridiculously perfect festive novella
Love the characters as always - nice short and spicy story for Christmas - chaotic but sooo good. Leads well into whatever will come for them next!
Can’t cope with the chestnuts!!
Love the characters as always - nice short and spicy story for Christmas - chaotic but sooo good. Leads well into whatever will come for them next!
Can’t cope with the chestnuts!!
November 25, 2024
What a delicious little tease this was! I am so excited to immerse myself in the darkness that M.J. Lawrie creates. I forgot how much I missed Pix and her monsters.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 46 reviews