Perfidious Passion: A Dark Valentine's Day Novella

by Y.V. Larson

All I can seem to focus on sometimes is making sure my three men are happy. Smiling. If they aren’t, well, it’s a struggle to convince myself it’s not my fault.

So, when Aaron comes home happier than I’ve ever seen days before Valentine’s Day, I’ll do anything to keep that smile on his face. Now we can celebrate a new job too. Could this week get any better?

Yes, because it’s not just any job for Aaron. It’s his dream job. I couldn’t be prouder or more relaxed at seeing the constant smile on my otherwise stoic partner.

I never expected my dedication to his happiness to be tested in the worst way possible, though. The battle between knowing I need to say something, anything about what his new boss is trying to do and the anxiety of keeping my guys happy, goes on for one day too long.

Valentine’s Day will never be the same again… all because I’ve made it my mission to protect my men instead of myself.

Author’s
This MMFM novella is meant for readers 18+ due to sexual content and possibly triggering anxiety, kidnapping, sexual harassment and more. Please check the author’s note at the beginning of the book for a more detailed list of triggers.

Genres: Why Choose

125 pages, Kindle Edition

Published February 14, 2025

Reviews

[Jjs_booknook · Rating 5 out of 5]

As much as I thought I was ready for this book, I was wrong. Leave it to the fantastic Y.V. Larson to write another beautifully heartbreaking book. Just absolutely read the Tw and authors note as this is not your run of the mill cute Valentine’s Day story.

Lilly, our FMC, has her own struggles with anxiety and self worth but has been doing her best to work through it along with the help of her guys Aaron, Dean, and Caleb. She just wanted to make them happy and her guys do truest love her but also have flaws of their own that sometimes bounce off of her own anxieties. We follow Lilly as she is placed in an impossible situation of wanting to keep her guys happy but being placed in an uncomfortable situation with multiple sources gaslighting her (including herself) and not being able to communicate it. After we see everybody trying to heal their own way before leaning on each other.

There is an authors note warning that you may find yourself annoyed with Lilly’s lack of communication but in all honesty I found her extremely relatable. As someone with anxiety as will it is a constant battle of trying keep everyone happy, and hoping they aren’t annoyed with you, but also talking yourself out of thoughts that may or may not happen. It’s exhausting to have your brain fight against you so much that you being to gaslight yourself. This author portrayed that so extremely well that I could help but sympathize.

“My mental state blinded me from what was truly happening and convinced me I was at fault. I wasn't.”

[Lea · Rating 5 out of 5]

My dearest readers, If you need me I will be in my chair with my dogs under an electric blanket nursing my book hangover. Again. Why? Because Y.V. Larson is the queen of book hangovers and it’s all her fault. Again. Perfidious Passion was so good and I hope she writes more with these characters in the future I loved them and their journey so far so very much. Lilly was just so relatable with her struggles with that fickle gaslighting b**ch that is anxiety. The story with all its feels and trauma just hits in a way as she shines a light on the every day and worst day struggles so many/too many can relate to. Beautifully written. This is NOT a Hallmark holiday. It’s better. There are the happy, almost unbearably sweet in a I’m jealous of this moment and happy for you at the same time sickenly sweet moments that feel totally hallmark worthy. Then she brings the heat and you remember why it’s not safe for Hallmark. If you have any triggers please check the list because this one gets dark and it hits hard. You will feel linked against a common enemy. You will smile and laugh. You will talk to the page. You will worry and tear up. Find me when you’re done. I made cookies. Happy reading.

[Erica · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved this one. It’s an emotional why choose romance just in time for love day. This tells the story of Lilly and her men Dean, Aaron and Caleb. Aaron just got his dream job and is beyond excited, so naturally his partners come to meet him at work for lunch to celebrate. Lilly runs into Aaron’s boss and immediately gets a bad feeling about him. This is her love’s dream job, is she just overreacting? Or are her suspicions and intuition real. This highlights what anxiety and doubting ourselves can really be like and how our loved ones can respond to those feelings. It’s told so well and really highlights what it means to love someone and what you’ll do for them. These characters all had so much depth and I related a lot to Lilly. It’s got plenty of spice and romance and witty banter. I definitely recommend for a quick emotional spicy read for love day.

[Jen · Rating 5 out of 5]

another great read

I really loved this novella. Lilly,to me, is a super relatable character. I think we’ve all been in situations where we think “did I do something to bring this on?” Or what to avoid conflict, to not rock the boat because it would affect someone we love. Her guys loved her so much but I had recently read somewhere (a talk given by someone in my church actually) where there is a difference with being loved and feeling loved. We can know that someone loves us but not feel worthy of it. I think Lilly had that problem, she knew she was loved but sometimes because of that ugly voice in our heads we believe we aren’t loved.
Y.V Larsen’s books are on my go to list. She writes FMCs exactly how I like them, sweet,shy but grow into themselves and their strength.

[Caithlin · Rating 5 out of 5]

There's something about the way that Y.V. Larson writes anxiety that is so relatable. I've read many books where I'm yelling at the fmc about not doing something. In this book, however, I can clearly see why Lilly acted the way she did and thought what she did. Anxiety sucks. When Lilly's partner lands his dream job, she's over the moon. Except when his boss starts harassing her, she's torn between wanting to tell her men what's going on, and the thought of ruining everything and the fact that they might not believe her. It's easy to say what you think she should have done, but I personally think with her anxiety, she was trying to do the best she could. My only complaint with this book is that I wish there was more haha

[Christine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Y.V. Larson has an absolute gift for writing. I've said it before, but she takes you on an emotional journey that absolutely wrecks you then pieces you back together so beautifully. This journey is no different. It's a short read, but don't let that fool you, this packs the full punch. Lilly the FMC struggles with anxiety and self worth and her men know this and do their best. BUT…..sometimes the anxiety becomes paralyzing. Communication, or lack there of, is the catalyst for Lilly. If you're looking for a quick read to put you through the ringer and somehow leave you still feeling warm and emotionally satisfied, then you absolutely need to read this!

[Salima · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book. Lilly is such a sweet selfless woman always looking after her men. Her men Caleb, Aaron and Dean love her so much and would do anything for her. I hate that she felt she could not go to her guys when she needed to due to her anxiety and putting their needs above her own.

I love that this book portrays anxiety and it’s not so easy to shake off. This book portrays it so well that you feel so much emotion for Lilly while she’s going through her anxiety that she feels worthless. My heart goes out to her.

This was a nice quick read. I’ve been reading Y. V. Larson’s books since her debut book and have loved each and every one of them. Can’t wait for more!!!

[Danielle Nielson, Book Therapist · Rating 5 out of 5]

Broken Book Therapist Reviews

125 pages.... and still managed to make me cry. When I went looking for a sweet Valentine's Day read I was excited to see this already established polycule enjoying a holiday together. I have full trust and faith in Y.V. and didn’t look at the warnings, just dove in. And I have zero regrets... but I will also say this depicts the mental turmoil for everyone after a SA of a partner on page in a very real way. There is so much people could learn from reading this, so much emotional recognition if someone didn't get it after they experienced SA. Grab some tissues, take a deep breath, and do yourself the favor of reading this.

[Laura O · Rating 5 out of 5]

Not your typical sappy, sweet Valentine novella. Lilly is in a complicated, but happy relationship with 3 men. She also has a lot of anxiety, which leads her to question things that happen. The men in her life are so understanding and work to make her life easier, whatever form that takes. I love the dynamic between Lilly, Dean, Caleb and Aaron and the fact they don't give up when she asks the same questions over and over. Y.V. Larson always writes the emotional stories that break you, then put you back together in the best way.

[Love4books · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a nice mix up after all the omegaverse I’ve been reading. It was such and emotion love story but I really enjoyed it and these characters. There were things that I felt I could relate to and it made this story that much more good.

I really loved the characters and each one of them brought something to the table that was needed. The connections grew strong and I loved that.

Overall, this story was an emotional one but oh so good for the love month. It was perfect read I’ve been needing!

[Nicketa Fox · Rating 3 out of 5]

I loved this book, and especially the writing on anxiety. How she copes with what’s happening.
I can’t speak for others but how many of us women/girls keep quiet out of fear that we don’t have evidence, be believed, whether we’ve read the signals wrong (even though deep down we know we haven’t).
I loved it!
Y V Larson is truely one of my favourite authors. This only 3* because I’ve read her other books and was comparing it to them ❤️
I 10/10 recommend this short book.

[S I · Rating 5 out of 5]

Perfidious Passion By YV Larson
Freaking so good and so captivating it blows your imagination with anticipation with how these characters will react to the situation that they find themselves in. Not to give any thing away. But you need to get this one! Every book this author has written has been wonderful.

[Scarlett Chase · Rating 5 out of 5]

Heat level: 2/5. This was a very different kind of dark story written by this author and I loved it! Fast read that makes you want to finish it in one sitting. The boss deserved worse and he's lucky none of the MMCs in this story are morally gray or he would've been toasty toast. When shit hits the fan, my heart was racing as I kept reading. Another story and job well done.

[Brandi Augustine · Rating 5 out of 5]

This Valentine’s Day Novella is so good. Just gets you in all the feels. Lilly, Dean, Caleb, and Aaron are such great characters.

Lilly is in a relationship with all the guys, and she struggles sometimes with expressing herself to them and wondering if they are happy. She also feels like maybe she intrudes on Aaton and Caleb's relationship.

The guys all love Lilly and think she's wonderful. When one of them gets great news on a job, they all want to celebrate. Unfortunately, Lilly gets some bad feelings while at his job. She doesn’t want to make anyone unhappy, so she keeps things to herself.

This book shows how much love each has for each other and how opening up is the best way to help each other. Some things happen in this book that I don't want to give away, but I was on the edge of my seat the whole time. Loved this novella!

[M Janee · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was so good. Not at all what I was expecting, and so much better.

Lilly and her guys are years into their relationship and marriage when Aaron lands his dream job.

Lilly fights her anxiety when she gets bad feelings from his new boss but doesn't want to rock the boat.

Unfortunately, all of them learn just how dangerous a lack of communication can be.

Highly recommend

[Lee Hamm · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a dark Valentine novella from the amazing Y.V. Larson. Please be sure and always check any triggers. It was so well written and I absolutely devoured it. I loved the characters and the steam was so good. I just wished it was a longer one because I enjoyed it that much.

[Cat the RH Safekeeper]

🔴 This is a poly romance, not a RH 🔴

[Grace Lieuallen · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars

[Tayloura · Rating 4 out of 5]

For this to have been a novella, it felt like a full length novel. There were no loose ends for me. I really enjoyed the representation of anxiety and trauma. It felt very accurate and like my own experiences. I highly recommend this story.