One

The Towns Syndicate #2

by Mandy Muse

Christmas Town used to be my prison, but now it’s my empire.

The old leader is gone, and I have two men by my side as I establish my reign.

Boogie and King are monsters, but I don’t care. They’re my monsters.

They hunt me. They protect me. They’d even sacrifice themselves for me.

But with every change of power comes the possibility of unrest.

I thought I was safe, but men don’t like a woman in charge and not even Boogie and King can protect me.

Now I’m forced to run Christmas Town or live peacefully with the men I love.

I used to be Ally. But now, they call me Noelle and I bow for no one.

***MUST READ ZERO BEFORE****

Genres: Why Choose

272 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 12, 2025

About the author

Mandy Muse writes spicy adult romance. Born and raised in Texas, she is a stay at home mom with an imagination that has always left her daydreaming. When she is not writing, she is trying to keep three kids from playing with her laptop and keep them from learning how to read, so she never has to explain what mommy writes.

Reviews

[Lynn_G · Rating 5 out of 5]

In this sequel to Zero, Ally, Boogie, and King’s story continues. Ally is now called Noelle, and she runs Christmas Town in the wake of Kris’s defeat. Having a woman in charge, however, doesn’t sit well with many of those to whom she provides their products. Also problematic is having her two men so far away from her in Halloween Town. As threats mount, the trio’s bond strengthens, their passions reaching new heights.

Those was such a satisfying follow up to Zero, and it was fun to dip back into this morally pitch black universe centering around a very erotic variation on The Nightmare Before Christmas. I loved reading about Ally/Noelle coming into her true power, her smoking hot men, and the unhinged but brilliant triplets being introduced was darkly hilarious.

I was fortunate to have received an advance reader copy from the author and The Author Agency, and I’m pleased to share my honest review.

[dj&books · Rating 4 out of 5]

Literally obsessed with this little duet! These 3 are so fun and hot and just a good fucking time. I Love it so much 🥹

[❤️Tina❤️ · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

If you love spicy little re-imaginings and The Nightmare Before Christmas, then this is for you!

Some tropes we have are:
✨️Protective MMC's
✨️Why Choose
✨️Crime World

Zero is book one and was shorter and without as much plot, but in this book, we get a more in-depth look into how the changeover of management in Christmas town goes!

Ally has taken over, but now she has to fight for her life to keep her newfound power. There are plenty of men who can't stand to see a woman in a position of power and will try all they can to take her out!

Caught between running Halloween town and wanting to help and protect Ally, Boogie and King must make some serious decisions!

I really enjoyed this. There was drama, plotting, and plenty of spice 🔥

Thank you to the author agency for the arc for me to review 🫶

[Danielle Beckham · Rating 4 out of 5]

When I saw that this sequel to Zero was coming I knew I HAD to read it! You should definitely read Zero before One to truly appreciate Ally, Boogie and King’s relationship. I loved their whole dynamic, and loved learning more about their histories and how they got where they were. And the triplets, they almost stole the show! Not to mention the cameo of characters from another of her books! I LOVED that!!! It’s a great series!

[the_bibliophagist · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this book. It picks up right after book 1. I love how everyone underestimates Ally but she proves them all wrong. I like Boogie and King except when they decide to treat Ally as not their equal and decide to do something they can't take back. I like how Ally doesn't forgive them right away. In other books, the characters always forgive each other way too quickly, and it makes for a rushed feeling in the plots. I like how this story is based on The Nightmare Before Christmas and with the addition of the twins and Zero makes it even better. Overall great book.

[Amber · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved this Nightmare Before Christmas retelling! Ally came into power, taking over Christmas Town and she had to work hard to prove herself. King and Boogie while running Halloween Town, tried to help Ally as much as they could. Maybe too much, they protected their Little Doll too much.
Secrets and lies within her men puts Ally in danger.

[Rachel Harrod · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

This was the first book I’ve read by Mandy Muse and the dark romance didn’t disappoint! It follows on from the novella Zero which is a Nightmare Before Christmas retelling.

In the first book we meet King and Boogie who run Halloween Town. They’re already in a relationship together and they quickly become infatuated with Ally who visits the town each year. But in One, the whole drama is turned up to 11!

King, Boogie and Ally are a throuple and all seems right in their little spooky world until Ally becomes the leader of Christmas Town. If you enjoy a strong FMC then One is for you! Ally is girl bossing all over the place, and taking no sh*t from the men around her. Amongst all the drama expect plenty of spice!

TL;DR
✨MMF
✨Dark romance
✨Touch them and d!e
✨Found family
✨🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️

(I received an ARC book to review)

[Kelsey · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a sequel to Zero. I did not read book one and was a little confused. If you retellings and The Nightmare Before Christmas then you will love this book. It's a why choose dark romance. I thought this book was amazing.

[Becky Skylar_Hui · Rating 5 out of 5]

❤️ Title: One (The Towns Syndicate #2) by Mandy Muse

🌟 Stars: Definitely 5 out of 5

🌶️ Spice: 5 out of 5 too!

🖤 Troupes: MMF, Protective MMCs, Dark romance

🫶 My Review/Summary:
Another Spectacular book from Mandy Muse! Not gonna lie, it took me a while to finish reading it because it was a bit dark at the start so I read other books that captures my interest more but I'm glad that I pushed through and finally finished it today on 14 Nov 2025.

I really like how the characters are interconnected even if they were from different series it doesn't matter cause you don't know where or when suddenly an character from her past books will show up! Haha I had fun reading guessing! Also, the name Atlas and I felt it was so familiar until the end, it hit me that oh, it was the 'Atlas' Atlas, another MMC from 'Somewhere We Belong' !!!

☠️ Spoiler Alert!!! Proceed with caution!!!

Right, back on One, what I really like about the book is that we see new characters like the triplets and Lance also Saint who he had mentioned about his wife and their lover which makes me wonder if they also had a book about their story. I don't recall his name but who knows, it might be a surprise egg from Mandy on a future book😏 I will keep guessing until I get answerssss haha! 🤣

Between Lance and Maverick and Winchester makes me also wonder if they'll have an story, I would also like to know more about the connection between the triplets because it doesn't seem like they are romantically together but more like siblings that kind of family strong bond but I could be wrong as well cause at a scene, Maverick and Winchester was casting gazes at Ruger which makes me wonder if they had some sort of romantic relationship as well.

But of course, how silly of me to not mention about our FMC, Noelle and MMCs, King and Boogie, I'm happy that they are still together at the start and at the end, loved their dynamic since 'Zero' but what I don't really like is the guys locking her up for her safety despite knowing her backstory. But what I do really like about this second book is that, it has been a Privilege and Honor to watch Ally grow into Noelle and I wish there was just more scenes of her being badass, rulling over her own town and I love it, I love her for being strong for who she is, sticking up to those men, defending herself and demanding respect for herself. Showing the world the queen she is! You go Gurl! 👸

Overall I would still give it a 5 star, it has been a great journey with this book and I love how all if I'm not wrong, if not then most of Author Mandy Muse's books are polygamous couples and that they love each other so so much and that these characters they are not just a line scribble or just names because each other, the story behind the characters are in depth that there are so much more about these characters and I just love Mandy for that!

My journey with her books have been pleasant so far and I hope for more to come, can't wait to see her next book, Jude, Sam and Forest's story in 'Somewhere Together'. Cheers and Praises to Author Mandy Muse for these amazing books and for more to come! Signing off! Can't wait for my next book read!

Oh I forgot, and ps: I wished that there was more of King and Boogie groveling scenes, I would love to see them kneeling on the floor for Noelle and regret even more and keep on grovel and grovel until she gives them grace.

[Cigi cini · Rating 5 out of 5]

🔥 Dark Romance
👑 Woman in Power
💀 Morally Gray Characters
🖤 Antiheroes
🔪 Violence & Revenge
🏙️ Criminal Underworld
💔 Love vs. Power
👥 Menage / Why Choose
⚔️ Power Struggle
🕵️‍♂️ Loyalty & Betrayal
🎭 Identity Transformation
🚫 Forbidden Love

Star: ⭐⭐⭐⭐.5

Mandy Muse delivers a dark, addictive sequel that raises the stakes in every possible way. One is not just a continuation of Zero—it’s a transformation, both for the protagonist and the world she inhabits. Where Zero introduced us to Ally, a woman trapped in a brutal underworld, One gives us Noelle: a queen forged in blood, betrayal, and survival.

The story begins with a seismic shift in power. The old leader is gone, and Noelle steps into a role no one expected her to take - least of all the men who now have to answer to her. This is where Mandy Muse shines: the tension between gender and power is palpable. Noelle’s rise is met with hostility, not just from rivals but from the very fabric of a world that doesn’t tolerate women in control. Mandy Muse doesn’t sugarcoat this reality; instead, she leans into it, creating a narrative that feels raw and authentic.

Boogie and King remain central to Noelle’s journey, and their dynamic is as intoxicating as ever. They’re not romanticized heroes - they’re predators, killers, and yet, their loyalty to Noelle is absolute. Mandy Muse crafts this relationship with nuance: it’s not just about passion, but about survival, trust, and the blurred lines between love and possession. The chemistry is electric, but it’s the emotional complexity that makes it compelling. These men would burn the world for her, but can they save her from the storm that comes with power?

The pacing is relentless. Every chapter feels like a ticking time bomb, with threats lurking in every shadow. Mandy Muse doesn’t shy away from violence or moral ambiguity, and that’s what makes this series so addictive. You’re constantly questioning: who can Noelle trust? How far will she go to keep her throne? And at what cost?

What elevates One beyond a typical dark romance is its exploration of identity. Noelle isn’t just a name change; it’s a rebirth. She bows to no one, but that strength comes with isolation and sacrifice. The choice she faces—love or power—isn’t just a trope here; it’s the beating heart of the story.

If you loved Zero, One will consume you. It’s darker, bolder, and unapologetically fierce. But be warned: this is not a standalone. You need the foundation of Zero to fully appreciate the depth of Noelle’s transformation and the stakes at play.

[Crystal Jackson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Where to even start. First off, I love the Nightmare Before Christmas movie. I love Halloween and Christmas. I love why choose. I LOVE dark romance and protective MMCs who will shoot first and ask questions later. I love obsessive love. I love possessiveness. Touch her and ☠️, yes please. When I saw this book offered, I jumped at the opportunity to read before the release and I could not put it down. You should read the prequel novella, Zero, first IMO for the best experience. A lot of the same “characters” from the movie, but a different premise and plot.

King and Boogie are 2 peas in a pod. They need each other like they each need air, but they are surrounded by darkness in Halloween town and don’t know any different. They spy a broken doll, Ally, and become obsessed immediately. They meet up one Halloween and instant fireworks. They are all obsessed with each other. There is minimal hesitation and the only reason for the hesitation is for valid reason. Ally is a KICK A$$ FMC! She has been through it. Her and Boogie’s souls speak to each other on a deeper level because of the past childhood trauma they both endured. And King cares for both of them. Protecting them. Caring for them. Giving them what they each need. I love the dynamics between each of them and then all together. The primal play….🥵🥵🥵

King and Boogie rescue her from the awful leader of Christmastown and she takes over. No one wants a female leading this town so hits keep coming and coming. Some betrayal. Lots of shooting and stabbing. In the midst of all that, we meet Boogie’s triplets- Winchester, Ruger, and Maverick. I don’t want to give anything away or spoil this but I LOVE the nods to the movie.

Some scary stuff happens, they save each other, overcome some serious obstacles, but they get their HEA. It’s hard won but more than earned. I could have read another 75-100 pages of just them together.

Please read the prequel novella, Zero, first for the best experience. Both are on KU. Do check TWs, as this is a dark romantic story. Highly highly recommend. Perfect spooky reason read.

“‘We forget that we don’t walk alone in our darkness’, I whispered. ‘I’ll never leave you alone in your darkness’, he said against my lips. ‘I’ll stand by you until you’re ready for the light and even if you aren’t, I thrive in darkness, Doll. I was made in the shadows, and I will protect you anywhere.’”

[Grace Machuca · Rating 5 out of 5]

One is book 2 in The Towns Syndicate (2 book series). You must read book 1, Zero. This is a dark MMF retelling of The Nightmare Before Christmas.

Ally is learning how to run Christmas Town after the previous leader vanished. She is facing a lot of resentment from male leaders/buisnessmen because she is a female leader. Boogie and King are by her side, while running Halloween Town.

They are even more protective than before, afraid to lose the one thing that brings light to their darkness. They are helping her out where they can, recuiting the triplets as guards. They are faced with trying to trust her choices and wanting to keep her safe.

Ally encounters a lot of danger and someone is trying to get rid of her. Boogie and King are even having problems keeping her safe, placing all three of them in danger. Their ust in each other and love are tested when all they want to do is keep Ally safe and alive.

Book 2 is filled with so much twist and turns, betrayal, secrets revealed, reunions and spice. I love how Ally found herself becoming Noelle, even though at times she was being difficult and selfish with Boogie and King, and careless with trying to prove herself.

Ally beats the stereotype of a woman not able to run a Town on her own. She makes a name for herself in a "man's world." I love how King and Boogie will sacrifice all they have worked for to keep the woman they love happy, safe and close to them. The ending was perfect!

I would love to see a glimpse of how things are running after the ending. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ The spice in book 2 gets hotter from book 1. King is as dominant as ever, with Boogie and Ally being bratty and defying. King and Boogie loves to hunt their doll down and making her scream. Mandy is so talented with her writing, describing ever scene in detail. 🌶🌶🌶🌶🌶

[Rachel Nahabedian · Rating 5 out of 5]

Obsessed

I’m so freaking happy this book was longer than Ｚｅｒｏ because I needed more of these three! Not only was there more plot, action, and drama, but it also built on the world and took the story so much farther.

Ally completely came into her own—running Christmas Town like a boss and stepping into the badass queen she was always meant to be. The support she had from Boogie, King, the Triplets (please give them their own book(s)), Lance, and the Mayor was so amazing. None of them doubted her; they just did everything they could to help her rise...even if their methods weren’t always perfect.

And the spiiiiiiiice? Whew. A total level-up from Ｚｅｒｏ! Boogie, King, and Ally together were 🔥🔥🔥. I’m obsessed with how they know each other’s needs and give everything in return. It’s romantic as hell. Boogie and King absolutely owned it too, going scorched Earth on anyone who dared to threaten Ally. Choosing having Ally alive versus having Ally in general.

Boogie, though, completely stole the spotlight for me. While this book was very much Ally’s story, his vulnerability and healing journey were my favorite part. My heart clenched so many times.

And that epilogue twist?! Atlas from Somewhere We Belong is Boogie’s brother?! Mandy, you made me so happy with that tie-in. I seriously wish this series wasn’t over…but hey, there are more towns, right? Fingers crossed!

🔥 Dark Romance
👥 Why Choose
👑 Woman in Power
💀 Morally Gray Characters
🔪 Violence & Revenge
🏙️ Criminal Underworld
⚔️ Power Struggle
🕵️‍♂️ Loyalty & Betrayal

Thank you, Mandy and The Author Agency for the ARC.

[Jess · Rating 3 out of 5]

I’m really torn on this one.
Let me start by saying I’ve enjoyed several books by this author in the past and will continue to do so.
But this one, well, there were parts of it I enjoyed. The premise was interesting, the story kept me engaged and I really enjoyed getting to know the side characters.
I enjoyed learning more about the world this author is creating. I really enjoyed the crossover with another look of hers that I thoroughly enjoyed.
But parts of it I really struggled with.
I love me an unhinged MMC, like LOVE it, but sometimes they do something unforgivable and I find it really hard to come back from that. These two did just that so no matter that the FMC forgave them, I just couldn’t.
I found the spice to be repetitive and at times just unnecessary which I rarely say, particularly in a MMF dynamic.
There were some issues with the writing this time that I also had a hard time with. The repetition of the characters names got a bit tedious. On one page (on Kindle app on PC), Ally's name appeared 24 times. Both in speech and in storytelling. It completely took me out of the story each time which was frustrating.
I acknowledge that I read an ARC and there are likely still some edits happening, so it might not be an issue in the final version.
So all in all, this was not a bad read by any means and this author is one I’ve enjoyed stories from many times, this one just didn’t quite hit the mark for me.

[☆ Cosmic's Library ☆ · Rating 3 out of 5]

"It was time to become the woman who ran Christmas Town, Ruthless and cunning and someone who bowed to no one."

I stumbled upon Zero by chance one night in march and devoured it in a day so you could imagine the excitement when I saw the arc sign up for book 2. Thank you so much to The Author Agency & Mandy Muse for the opportunity! 🫶🏻

This was such an amazing follow-up to Zero! Seeing Ally becoming a absolute top boss bitch, swooning over King and Boogie once again (also kinda wanted to punch them at one point, what were they thinking?) and being introduced to Lance and the completely unhinged Triplets was fantastic!!😘🤌🏻

I think I love this one a little bit more than the first. There was more detail and depth, and the plot didn't seem to get totally overtaken by the spicy scenes, which I really enjoyed. Don't get me wrong, I'm all about that spice, especially when it comes to King and Boogie in or out of the bedroom 😉 but during reading the first one I was really hooked on Ally's story and King and Boogies background. Getting a deeper look into it, more world building, and being packed full of action made the reading experience a lot more interesting. 🤩

Overall, it was fun and sometimes funny, twisted, erotic, morally grey, or should i say black retelling of The Nightmare Before Christmas, and i didn't want it to end. 🖤

[Mikaela (risqué.romance) · Rating 4 out of 5]

One - Mandy Muse
4.25/5

I absolutely loved this story and it was definitely different than one of her other books I read, which I’m glad because we get cameos from different books Mandy has written. I’m glad I read Zero because I would have been so confused.

I loved Boogie, Ally and King so much. They all had their traumas and I loved to see how they handled it.

I was so here for the spice because it was hot as anything. It didn’t surprise me because with these three, you just know it’s going to be everything times 1,000!

I loved how the guys would do anything to protect her where at one point, they went so far where she was not even sure she could forgive them. I loved the whole dynamic of a woman in charge because man, she was more powerful than she realized herself and proved herself time and time again she could handle anything put in front of her.

I’m a sucker for a why choose romance but it’s even hotter when the two MC’s are together too. I absolutely loved this series and loved how we got to see some of the characters from Somewhere We Belong!

I received a copy of this book and this is my honest review.

[Crystal D · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the continuation from Zero as we once again follow Ally(now Noelle) Boogie and King. Noelle is now in charge of running Christmas Town and it’s going to prove to be extra difficult. In a world where men hate when women thrive at anything that they feel they can do better odds are against her as she tries to get everything in place before everyone know she’s taken over for Kris after his death.

The triplets…. Ommgg I absolutely love them and I must have a book for them and ______ no spoilers here 😊 they have such a connection with boogie but to see them rise and extend loyalty to Ally was touching…I’m pretty sure they would pick her over boogie any day.

Gosh there’s so much more I wanna say but I really wanted to do this spoiler free. I will have to say we see some other people that if you’ve read other books by Mandy you will remember them ❤️ if after you’ve this book you realize you have no clue who they are go read their book(info is at the end of the book)

All in all it was a great conclusion to their story w a HEA(while they had to work for it at times cause well MEN! lol)

[Laura Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

One By Mandy Muse ARC Review

King, was the darkest male main character I read the first book in the series the spice between each other was beautifully put together and written and I would say I loved this but nothing could compare to it! It’s horror and it’s just so dark which is why I enjoyed reading it. His character and the way they turned out together was beautifully executed and well put together.

Ally, was a strong female character who had two men who I loved her in the best way and darkest way possible it thrilled me to read about her character and the way they came together in the end. I’m hoping for more stories in the series because this was put together beautifully and it had horror in this story.

I wish we had more chapters for Boogie but he was perfect and I would say the best book boyfriend and the best part of his character was the way of how he held his ground and knew how to pursue Ally, and King I was loving the chemistry along with the plot and I can say this in the best way possible the smut was perfection and the plot was what kept me going as well as the fantastic story that was in it as well.

[Little monster · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the second book in The Towns Syndicate Zero was the first book and I really did enjoy that it was short and sweet and just enough to wet your appetite.....in this sequel I just felt something was lacking don't get me wrong it was still good as you can see from my rating but I just felt like the story could have been told in one book still it was good story.

Ally, Boogie and King..... Their story continues....Ally is now called Noelle and she now runs Christmas Town ( all of this as well as the old master of the town Kris and what happens to him is explained in the first book hence why you definitely need to read that one first ) Having a woman in charge doesn't sit well with the folk of the town what she lacks also is her two men who live in Halloween Town and it's far away from her but as threats knock on her door the trio and their bond strengthens and oof the spicy scenes were 🔥🔥 These two books are an erotic take on The Nightmare Before Christmas and I absolutely loved it!! I loved seeing Ally/Noelle come in to her own and become a strong woman with her two hot men by her side it was a fun story to read and I can't wait for more from this author.

[XenyMarie · Rating 5 out of 5]

“They’d always be my monsters. My King and Boogie.”

It was so much fun being back in this universe. This time around we get a lot more action than we did in Zero, and I enjoyed every minute of it.

Seeing Ally evolve into the badass queen she was always meant to be was everything and more. She wasn't afraid to get her hands dirty and make the hard decisions, even if that meant taking a break from her monsters. And I gotta say I understand Boogie's reasoning, but he should've known better. They absolutely broke my heart, but watching them put all their pieces back together was simply beautiful, and the moment I realized who Boogie's family is I totally cried.

This story had me hooked from beginning to end. There was never a dull moment, and I would also like to add that I'm crossing everything in the hopes that we get to see more of the triplets because I absolutely loved them.

Quote: “We protect what's ours, Ally. Expect someone's head on a platter or a necklace of bones. You will get a souvenir.”

[Charleys Bookshelf · Rating 5 out of 5]

One by Mandy Muse is the second book in The Town Syndicates series. This series is inspired by the story of The Nightmare Before Christmas . *You do need to read book 1, Zero, before this one.* Mandy Muse is one of my favorite authors at this point. I have read most, if not all, of her books, and I really enjoy her writing style.

One was a fantastic book! I think I even liked it better than Zero, the first book. This story features various towns that are both holiday-themed and notorious criminal hubs. The stars are Boogie and King from Halloween town and Ally "Noelle" from Christmas town.

King and Boogie are running a Halloween town, contract killers, and are obsessed with one another. Now that they have their Doll (Ally) safe and sound, and with them, can they protect her while she takes over the Christmas town empire? I love Mandy Musing writing queer poly relationships in almost all of her books. The communication, dedication, and love for each other are always good. One really stars Ally or Noelle and her journey to become the leader of this empire, and learning that she can take care of herself and that she will bow to no one. King and Boogie are the epitome of "touch her die," and let me tell you, I was pissed with the way they decided to handle those feelings in this book until they finally got their heads on straight! This book has so many good twists and turns that it was quick, easy, and exciting. I highly recommend this series during this spooky season (or any season, really)!

Thank you, Mandy Muse, for the copy to review.

[Laura Ratushny · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is the second book in this Nightmare Before Christmas re-telling, and focuses on Ally, Noelle, as she takes over Christmas town. King and Boogie want to be supportive of their Doll but really struggle with knowing how much danger Ally is in as Christmas Town transitions its leadership.

This book is chock full spicy MMF scenes, Ally being an absolute badass, Boogie being murderously possessive, and King being exasperated with everyone antics.

My favourite part was hands down the triplets (Boogie's kids if you are familiar with the Nightmare Before Christmas). They added some humor and were surprisingly tender in their relationship with Ally. There is some depth to them that was unexplored and did I sense some tension?!?! please say I did Mandy Muse... I would LOVE to read a book about just these three!

There are some writing issues in here- spelling, grammar and repetitive language- that did become distracting... but the story was entertaining and spicy so I still enjoyed this read a lot!

[Jersy.the.romantasy.moms · Rating 5 out of 5]

Were you itching for more after reading Zero last fall? Well Ms. Muse has delivered in spectacular form.

Our King and Boogie, who BTW were lovers before meeting Ally, are back and assisting their girl in taking over Christmas Town.

You should expect lots and lots of steamy, hot scenes. Some with MM, some with MF, and with MMF. You will be thoroughly satisfied throughout this one 😆 their main k!nk is the Chase with a healthy dose of spanking.

Ally, who we will now refer to as Noelle, is running Christmas Town. She’s trying to establish herself, and King and Boogie are killing everyone in her way of doing that. They are overprotective, obsessed killers who just want freedom for the 3 of them to be together whenever they want. Ally proves to be just as big of a bad@$$ as they are. I loved watching her character development throughout the story.

I love the Nightmare before Chistmas vibes. You MUST read Zero before One. These both will be my top recommended books for this Halloween season 🎃

[GoodLittleLibraryMouse · Rating 5 out of 5]

*Before jumping in, I genuinely believe you MUST read Zero.*

Oh boy, I've been waiting for this for nearly a year! When I read Zero, I knew Mandy Muse had to be setting us up for more in this fascinating world. Now that it's here, One did NOT disappoint! Although this these two books are fantastic MMF stories inspired by Nightmare Before Christmas, if that's not your thing, these really are captivating dark romances that could be stripped of whimsy and set in a mafia or MC world. Regardless of how you want to love at it, the Towns Syndicate is so interesting and the richer layers we get into King and Boogie's history (and the Triplets!) is undeniably intriguing to read.
I'm so glad to be revisiting these towns, thank you Mandy Muse for allowing us to explore them further. Also, the Labubu shoutout?! Ha! *chefs kiss*

Thank you for the advanced reader copy. Review reflective of my personal opinions

[rissys.bookshelf · Rating 4 out of 5]

~ Dark Romance (MMF)
~ Mask Men & Women
~ She's A Syndicate Boss

✨ My Thoughts ✨
This was dark and delicious. I love being back in this world and with these characters. I am very picky with my dark romance books but Mandy writes it then I am reading it. Ally is truly a badass. Seeing her show everyone that is a badass was great to read. Boogie story truly broke my heart. To see him get some closure was probably my favorite part. King is always a dream. This spice was so yummy. I felt the story flowed so well. The bit of angst we got in the book was great. This was a great follow-up to the first book. If you want a dark Nightmare Before Christmas retelling then I definitely recommend this one.

One is the second book in The Towns Syndicate series. This series and book is a dark romance. This book is recommended for 18+. As always please check TW before reading.

✨ I want to thank Mandy and her team for an e-arc of this book. These are my own true thoughts ✨

[Dee | myliteraryera · Rating 5 out of 5]

𝐍𝐨 𝐨𝐧𝐞 𝐰𝐨𝐮𝐥𝐝 𝐭𝐚𝐤𝐞 𝐰𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐰𝐚𝐬 𝐨𝐮𝐫𝐬. 𝐈 𝐰𝐨𝐮𝐥𝐝 𝐦𝐚𝐤𝐞 𝐡𝐞𝐫 𝐚 𝐪𝐮𝐞𝐞𝐧 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐰𝐚𝐭𝐜𝐡 𝐡𝐞𝐫 𝐝𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐨𝐲 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐰𝐨𝐫𝐥𝐝 𝐢𝐟 𝐭𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐦𝐞𝐚𝐧𝐭 𝐬𝐡𝐞 𝐰𝐚𝐬 𝐬𝐚𝐟𝐞.

GUYSSS I can’t believe we got more of Ally, Boogie and King!! I was stoked when I heard there was a book 2 for them and ran to inhale this. The novella before this, Zero, was so good and perfect for the spooky season. A modern and twisted retelling of the nightmare before Christmas.

I loved this one, obviously by that first line if you couldn’t tell. We got deeper into the backstories, the events that made these terribly deranged and loveable characters the way they are, and the reason for how hard they love.

This was Ally’s rising. Becoming the take-no-shid queen. The power dynamics of when a woman is in leadership, and the retaliation of insecure, zealous males. I loved it. Again, give me a feisty, head strong female who will follow through- and Ally definitely did!

➵ Badass feminine movement into leadership
➵ Lots of twisted characters (each one with their own quirks and hard not to love 😅)
➵ Still spicyyy
➵ MMF
➵ Masked Men & Women
➵ Primal
➵ Touch them and Die

𝐏𝐬𝐲𝐜𝐡𝐨𝐬 𝐰𝐡𝐨 𝐬𝐰𝐨𝐨𝐧 𝐭𝐨𝐠𝐞𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐫 𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐲 𝐭𝐨𝐠𝐞𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐫, 𝐫𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭?

Thank you for the arc Mandy + The Author Agency 🖤

[Heather Douglas · Rating 5 out of 5]

We are back in the land of Christmas Town/ Halloween Town and I couldn't be happier! Ally, Boogie and King are stronger than ever while facing new challenges that has them on ease. After taking over Christmas Town Ally, now Noelle, needs to show her power and dominance. And boy does she show it. She may be shaking on the inside but on the outside, she is all power and a bad*ss boss.

King and Boogie really get put to the test in One. As much as they want to protect their Little Doll they need to let her stand on her own two feet as well. And when they mess up Ally sure knows how to punish them.

I loved every second of this book just like I loved Zero. Between the smut, plot and all the little details that symbolize The Nightmare Before Christmas with a little touch of Mandy's writing. And we can't forget the triplets that are introduced. They are snarky, unhinged and delightful in a twisted way!

[Kenz Rosewood · Rating 5 out of 5]

When I learned Boogie, King and Ally were getting another book the scream I scrumpt! Zero was amazing but I wanted so much more of their chaotic steamy love, and oooooooh did Many deliver!!

We pick up with Ally as the new head of Christmas town, she trying to find her footing, trying to find an army, and trying prove herself in a world run by men. There's no short of chaos, gun fire, and men doubting her but she always has her men in her corner, even if they may choose ways to protect her that threaten their foundation.

Boogie and King will do anything for their Doll, find her and army, send Boogies unhinged triplet henchmen to protect her, and kill any men that cross her. When they think their biggest struggle is trying to adjust to their new life of fighting for time with Ally, their world comes crashing down when attacks start on Ally!

This book was utter perfection, from Ally being her bad @ss boss persona Noelle, to the triplets love and friendship for Ally (and Lance 😏😂), to Boogie and King grovelling for their girl!!!

And don't get me started on the bonus epilogue!!! Mandy!!! I'm obsessed 🖤

[gemma.louise.xx.books · Rating 5 out of 5]

Noelle was a prisoner in Christmas Town. But that was before. Now she ruled the town. But some people don’t like seeing a woman in charge, they want that power for themselves and will stop at nothing to get it. You expect some struggle when power changes hands but you don’t expect it to come from the inside. Can Boogie and King protect her or will Noelle have to choose between her town and her men?

This was such a good sequel to Zero! There was drama, there was gore, there was heartbreak and betrayal and there was, of course, spice! Plus we got the triplets and they’re probably more unhinged than Boogie and King! I really enjoyed this story of a woman stepping up into a man’s world and fighting for her place and all the characters having to choose between power and love.

[Nina · Rating 5 out of 5]

Who would’ve thought the two biggest & baddest in Halloween Town could be dropped to their knees by a woman … and not just any woman, but a total badass. 😌 Ally has officially made my list of favorite FMCs. She fought her way through hell to claim the top spot and rule Christmas Town, and I love that she never backed down or just handed it over to a man. She stood her ground and proved she had what it takes. Sure, she stumbled here and there .. first time running a town and dealing with two super jealous, possessive men will do that but Boogie and King still managed to swallow their pride for her and her happiness. Oh, and the triplets? Obsessed. Even as side characters they added so much to the story.