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A Really Gay Villain Christmas #3
Killer of the Bells: It's about Christmas, but everyone hates it.
A classic tale where two suicidal people meet, fall in love, and try to keep each other from killing themselves, but, like, in a funny way.
Echo:
“Well-adjusted considering what you’ve been through.” That’s what my therapist likes to tell me.
If well-adjusted means following dangerous people to secluded areas in the hopes they'll off me, then yes. I am the picture of mental health.
What’s a boy to do when his erstwhile (almost) murderer gets murdered?
Definitely not stalk the murderer.
Or openly set up camp on his front lawn.
Or tell him that, since he foiled a perfectly good suicide, he now owes me a murder.
Vale:
“Dangerous sociopath. Kill on sight.” That’s what my old captors like to say.
I mean, they’re not wrong. Killing just feels so good, but science feels even better, and sleep is a gift from the gods, so murder usually takes a backseat for me.
So what am I supposed to do when I eat the wrong person and his victim comes after me, demanding I finish the job?
Definitely not break into his house and sleep in his bed when he’s not around.
Or order a shipment of groceries to him every week to make sure he eats properly.
Or tell him that I plan on spending the rest of his life following him around to keep him safe.
Echo:
“Well-adjusted considering what you’ve been through.” That’s what my therapist likes to tell me.
If well-adjusted means following dangerous people to secluded areas in the hopes they'll off me, then yes. I am the picture of mental health.
What’s a boy to do when his erstwhile (almost) murderer gets murdered?
Definitely not stalk the murderer.
Or openly set up camp on his front lawn.
Or tell him that, since he foiled a perfectly good suicide, he now owes me a murder.
Vale:
“Dangerous sociopath. Kill on sight.” That’s what my old captors like to say.
I mean, they’re not wrong. Killing just feels so good, but science feels even better, and sleep is a gift from the gods, so murder usually takes a backseat for me.
So what am I supposed to do when I eat the wrong person and his victim comes after me, demanding I finish the job?
Definitely not break into his house and sleep in his bed when he’s not around.
Or order a shipment of groceries to him every week to make sure he eats properly.
Or tell him that I plan on spending the rest of his life following him around to keep him safe.
242 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 9, 2025
30 people are currently reading
33 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews
dnf
December 8, 2025I'm not reading a book with an MC who thinks about past hookups like this:
He’s one of the dumbest people I’ve ever met. He’s got a tight little asshole and one of the most talented mouths I’ve had the pleasure of using, but there’s nothing going on upstairs.
I don't mind grumpy characters and a history of casual sex but they can at least treat their partners with even a smidge of respect.
At least it happened at 3% and not 80%.
He’s one of the dumbest people I’ve ever met. He’s got a tight little asshole and one of the most talented mouths I’ve had the pleasure of using, but there’s nothing going on upstairs.
I don't mind grumpy characters and a history of casual sex but they can at least treat their partners with even a smidge of respect.
At least it happened at 3% and not 80%.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 1, 2025
It took me a while to remember who everyone was and how they interconnected - I also forgot this was paranormal! - but once it clicked this was a really fun book.
Echo and Vale are weirdly good together and Vale is strangely romantic but so cute about it. This book is full of morbid humour, insane shenanigans, and overbearing housemates, but I really loved how Echo was finding things to live for and Vale was making sure Echo wasn't going to accidentally leave him behind.
I'm still so curious about Gareth, and I'm intrigued to see what happens in Baz's story too.
Echo and Vale are weirdly good together and Vale is strangely romantic but so cute about it. This book is full of morbid humour, insane shenanigans, and overbearing housemates, but I really loved how Echo was finding things to live for and Vale was making sure Echo wasn't going to accidentally leave him behind.
I'm still so curious about Gareth, and I'm intrigued to see what happens in Baz's story too.
November 10, 2025
Killer of the Bells is the third book in Zile Elliven's "A Really Gay Villain Christmas" series and it's just as fun and bonkers as the previous two. Yes, it touches on heavy topics, but Zile handles them with both care and humour in a very fun way. I could tell you more about this series, but I honestly think you should just check it out for yourself and experience it as blind as possible. But! While Zile's style of writing just works for me, I do recognize that it might not be for everyone, which is okay! Still, give it a try if you feel so inclined. And if you end up loving it, welcome to the collective.
I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review. My opinions are my own.
I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review. My opinions are my own.
November 16, 2025
I loooooooved this story so much. so much. Vale was SUCH A SWEETIE. we got sooooo much information. like SO much. about the whole world. I'm OBSESSED.
and Echo. what a neat character. loved how he communicated. very unique!! he cracked me up with his obsession with Vale's hair. he was exactly who Vale needed and vice versa. the cutest.
now I need Gareth and Baz. I really wish they were end game. I'd even be okay with a third. but I've always felt like Gareth is the only one who could guide Baz. and I feel like Baz is going to latch on to him.
regardless, I need MORE.
Of course its not completely festive but its set this time of year so its perfect.
and Echo. what a neat character. loved how he communicated. very unique!! he cracked me up with his obsession with Vale's hair. he was exactly who Vale needed and vice versa. the cutest.
now I need Gareth and Baz. I really wish they were end game. I'd even be okay with a third. but I've always felt like Gareth is the only one who could guide Baz. and I feel like Baz is going to latch on to him.
regardless, I need MORE.
Of course its not completely festive but its set this time of year so its perfect.
November 7, 2025
Killer of the Bells is the third book in the A Really Gay Villain Christmas Series. This book can be read as a standalone but why not enjoy the whole series. This is the story of Vale and Echo. OMG, this was just so much fun to read. There are some darker elements that Zile Elliven handles with amazing care and perfect humor. This is one of my favorite books in the series. I loved it but I know it might not be for everyone. I would definitely recommend this book and series as 5 star reads.
received a free review copy
received a free review copy
November 10, 2025
I'm always so excited to get my hands on Zile Elliven’s books - I binge read everything else they have written at least once a year - but finally getting some information about Vale!!! I was SO excited.
One of the best things about these books is the twists and turns, so even though I want to tell you everything (it was so good!) you really do need to learn all Vale’s secrets when Echo does.
Vale is such a grump, trying so hard to convince everyone that he is an ass but deep down he is just a little lost and cares a lot.
And Echo! Ah he is just so perfect for Vale and finds a way to fit in with the rest of the group, even with some new bumps at the beginning. Echo has been through a lot and it has left him only able to ‘echo’ the words of others, be that what he has watched, heard or read he can only use his own words with extreme difficulty if at all. This has left him courting death and when his murderer is suddenly killed he is left pissed off that his perfectly planned end was foiled. Through fate, fae intervention, and them both being so stubborn we are led on a little adventure that is backlit by the awesome (I wish I could take part) challenge to become the ‘Killer of the Bells’.
We learn more about Gareth, in the way it is related to Vale so there is still so much to learn about him, and get to see Apple, Baz and Vix in a different light. I loved how we finally get to see someone find Apple’s ‘luck’ influence as creepy as I do, and that Vix and Baz are really quite annoying sometimes. I think this might be my favorite of this series so far - Baz is next! - and I loved that we were able to see characters from her other series. No spoilers but it is so good.
One of the best things about these books is the twists and turns, so even though I want to tell you everything (it was so good!) you really do need to learn all Vale’s secrets when Echo does.
Vale is such a grump, trying so hard to convince everyone that he is an ass but deep down he is just a little lost and cares a lot.
And Echo! Ah he is just so perfect for Vale and finds a way to fit in with the rest of the group, even with some new bumps at the beginning. Echo has been through a lot and it has left him only able to ‘echo’ the words of others, be that what he has watched, heard or read he can only use his own words with extreme difficulty if at all. This has left him courting death and when his murderer is suddenly killed he is left pissed off that his perfectly planned end was foiled. Through fate, fae intervention, and them both being so stubborn we are led on a little adventure that is backlit by the awesome (I wish I could take part) challenge to become the ‘Killer of the Bells’.
We learn more about Gareth, in the way it is related to Vale so there is still so much to learn about him, and get to see Apple, Baz and Vix in a different light. I loved how we finally get to see someone find Apple’s ‘luck’ influence as creepy as I do, and that Vix and Baz are really quite annoying sometimes. I think this might be my favorite of this series so far - Baz is next! - and I loved that we were able to see characters from her other series. No spoilers but it is so good.
November 7, 2025
Third in series (A Really Gay Villain Christmas), best if read in order. Paranormal. Found family. Dual POV. Heed content warnings.
Echo has suffered in his past and is okay with leaving the living, so even though he pushes through his daily routines, he doesn’t mind tempting any murderous people or supernaturals to give him an ending. But Vale is a particular kind of monster, and fixates on the graduate student, which brings him to his own quandary of sidelining his own quest to end his immortality.
Another only slightly holiday story about a member of a family of murdery sort-of-villains and the man he becomes obsessed with. Echo is certainly a sympathetic character, a survivor that copes and isn’t thrilled about it and it is understandable that Vale becomes intrigued and then protective of him. I do wish I understood more about Vale’s past and curse as well as how Echo became immune to magic, but I enjoyed every moment these two were on page together. The surrounding group involved with the Collective brings humor and acceptance along to the chaotic story, and the immediate undeniable attraction and wanting to care for each other between Echo and Vale was sweet. Another entertaining entry for this series. 4.5 rounded up
Echo has suffered in his past and is okay with leaving the living, so even though he pushes through his daily routines, he doesn’t mind tempting any murderous people or supernaturals to give him an ending. But Vale is a particular kind of monster, and fixates on the graduate student, which brings him to his own quandary of sidelining his own quest to end his immortality.
Another only slightly holiday story about a member of a family of murdery sort-of-villains and the man he becomes obsessed with. Echo is certainly a sympathetic character, a survivor that copes and isn’t thrilled about it and it is understandable that Vale becomes intrigued and then protective of him. I do wish I understood more about Vale’s past and curse as well as how Echo became immune to magic, but I enjoyed every moment these two were on page together. The surrounding group involved with the Collective brings humor and acceptance along to the chaotic story, and the immediate undeniable attraction and wanting to care for each other between Echo and Vale was sweet. Another entertaining entry for this series. 4.5 rounded up
November 12, 2025
I love Zile’s books! They’re always silly and fun and also have a lot of heart and depth and this one doesn’t fall short of that. The whole premise of the Bell War every December was absolutely hilarious and the visualisation of everyone battling each other to take out church bells every night had me giggling.
It has been a minute since I read the earlier books in this series so it really took me a bit to catch up to the story and what was happening. Therefore, if it’s also been awhile for you I would recommend at least rereading ‘Missiletoe’ due to the relationship between Vale and Vix which plays a small part here and strongly speaks to Vale’s state of mind at the start of the book.
It’s hard writing a spoiler free review on this book as I feel like I would give so much away but I highly highly recommend reading it! I laughed and felt deeply and thought it was very well written. I would recommend taking note of the trigger warning at the start of the book due to the heavy topic that is discussed through the entire book both in a serious and joking manner. I would not consider this a standalone as there is a lot of background information and roommate relationship dynamics that are considered here.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.
It has been a minute since I read the earlier books in this series so it really took me a bit to catch up to the story and what was happening. Therefore, if it’s also been awhile for you I would recommend at least rereading ‘Missiletoe’ due to the relationship between Vale and Vix which plays a small part here and strongly speaks to Vale’s state of mind at the start of the book.
It’s hard writing a spoiler free review on this book as I feel like I would give so much away but I highly highly recommend reading it! I laughed and felt deeply and thought it was very well written. I would recommend taking note of the trigger warning at the start of the book due to the heavy topic that is discussed through the entire book both in a serious and joking manner. I would not consider this a standalone as there is a lot of background information and roommate relationship dynamics that are considered here.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.
November 9, 2025
Zile has done it once again, they show how brilliant they are snuck in between all the wtf is going on moments. Vale has met his match in Echo and oh boy neither party is prepared for what they are about to go through. Echo happens to come up Vale doing what he does best, and Echo being 'saved' goes back to have Vale finish the job. Yep that does not go to plan and these two are each others safe place. Both these men are damaged enough to know they will never be 'right' but that's okay it works for them. They don't try to 'fix' each other they just want the other to have the best life possible among all of what they have already endured. The chaos collective is back, along with some friends from Zile's Enchanted University series, and oh boy them together makes for a ride you'll never forget.
On top of all that job we have the killing the bells game. The Bell Game is so dang real sounding that you cannot help but ask does this happen where this author is from? Their is a bloody forum and rules, seriously is there a town this happens in? readers need to know! okay maybe me only but sill I need to know! Anywho... mix in the games to the chaos and you are in for a ride that is so perfect for the holiday season. I cannot wait to see what comes next from the mind of Zile.
On top of all that job we have the killing the bells game. The Bell Game is so dang real sounding that you cannot help but ask does this happen where this author is from? Their is a bloody forum and rules, seriously is there a town this happens in? readers need to know! okay maybe me only but sill I need to know! Anywho... mix in the games to the chaos and you are in for a ride that is so perfect for the holiday season. I cannot wait to see what comes next from the mind of Zile.
November 13, 2025
Every dang book of Zile's is so so good. I just vibe with their sense of humor.
This book had the joy of "breaking the 4th wall" so Echo actually talked to me, only me I bet no other readers got that device. Kidding, only wishful thinking
This is the 1st book in A Really Gay Villain Christmas Series that I have read, even though there are three books already. The next book they write will be in the Enchanted University series and that is my all time favorite!
Two broken guys in here, both have been through crap. But anyone who reads Zile knows everyone's journey is magic when they write it. They honor the spicy folks they write about, you can feel safe with them and respected. All their MCs do, I am sure.
This book had the joy of "breaking the 4th wall" so Echo actually talked to me, only me I bet no other readers got that device. Kidding, only wishful thinking
This is the 1st book in A Really Gay Villain Christmas Series that I have read, even though there are three books already. The next book they write will be in the Enchanted University series and that is my all time favorite!
Two broken guys in here, both have been through crap. But anyone who reads Zile knows everyone's journey is magic when they write it. They honor the spicy folks they write about, you can feel safe with them and respected. All their MCs do, I am sure.
December 20, 2025
I love this series. I'm not a massive fan of Christmas and these books speak to my inner grinch so much. I love that the villains aren't really bad, just seriously blood thirsty and that whilst the main characters feel like they don't want to live anymore, they also don't really want to die. Just make the hurt go away. Zile manages to write about painful and difficult topics with irreverence and humour, but never makes fun of it. Vale and Echo, don't want to die, they just need a reason to live. The crazy world they inhabit is full of blood and gore, but also wonder, which is just what I needed. It was great to learn more of Vale and Gareth's back story and to catch up with Adam and Apple, and Vix and Paris as well. 5*
November 9, 2025
The cover of this book is really unappealing, so I was going to pass over it except "It's about Christmas, but everyone hates it" got me curious. Then "two suicidal people meet, fall in love, and try to keep each other from killing themselves" sounded like me.
I liked Echo, his communication challenges and his relationship with Vale.
Unfortunately, the majority of this book was cutesy interactions with all the other characters from this series and another series by this author and oh my goodness why even.
Then there was another plot, sort of, that didn't seem to be particularly meaningful.
I wish this book had been more about Echo and his backstory/issues.
I liked Echo, his communication challenges and his relationship with Vale.
Unfortunately, the majority of this book was cutesy interactions with all the other characters from this series and another series by this author and oh my goodness why even.
Then there was another plot, sort of, that didn't seem to be particularly meaningful.
I wish this book had been more about Echo and his backstory/issues.
November 14, 2025
Vale is a chemist who worked for the collective after an exchange of body fluids with Wraith made him no longer human, cursed with a monster of power inside that can be triggered by church bells ringing. Echo is a stranger he meets, takes some blood from to feed his inner monster, hooks up with and denies his request to end his life. Vale is cynical, frequently cold yet undeniably protective and desirous of Echo. Echo's odd way of speaking, his desire to end his life because of pain and absorption with the bells is fascinating as is his attachment to Vale. It's full of obsession and possessiveness with some steamy primal play. Yummy!
November 15, 2025
Killer of the Bells is a little bit angsty, and a lot violent, but still a sweet romance. Echo and Vale have both suffered in their lives. But when they come together it's not about fixing each other, it’s about bringing love to each other’s lives.
I enjoy all of the glimpses into how this town balances its human and paranormal residents. The challenge to destroy the bells was a fun glimpse into how the variously powered people get up to trouble. Sure Echo has a few advantages over the other human contestants but it's his knowledge of ancient traps that gets him in on the violence that takes place every night.
I love seeing all the previous characters in the background. This story references so many threads from previous books.
I enjoy all of the glimpses into how this town balances its human and paranormal residents. The challenge to destroy the bells was a fun glimpse into how the variously powered people get up to trouble. Sure Echo has a few advantages over the other human contestants but it's his knowledge of ancient traps that gets him in on the violence that takes place every night.
I love seeing all the previous characters in the background. This story references so many threads from previous books.
November 9, 2025
I love this author's writing. It's funny and quirky and also oddly deep. I adored Echo and liked Vale a lot more than I expected to, since he didn't really endear himself to me in the previous books in the series. This book leans a lot more heavily into fantasy/supernatural than any of the prior books, and while I particularly liked The Cody and thought Wraith was pretty interesting, I could have used a little less emphasis on magic (or maybe just more of non-magic?).
I still really enjoyed this, but maybe Paris and Vix set the bar too high for me.
I still really enjoyed this, but maybe Paris and Vix set the bar too high for me.
November 6, 2025
This is, without a doubt, my favorite of this series to date! We got so much good lore!!! I love that Gareth set up the bell thing just to fuck with Vale. I loved seeing all the collective get more time on screen so to speak. There are a few typos and even at least one missing word on one page ( I should have made note of where but I didn't). If you love this series this is a great addition and if you are new, welcome to the collective.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 9, 2025
Must be read as part of the series. I got a little lost with a couple of characters, so I think there must be another connected series I've missed out on.
Vale is prickly, mean, a monster even, but when he meets Echo, something changes in him. Echo, for his part, is managing his speech problem (which is really interesting) while trying to find a way out of this world. He thinks Vale is that way, until the man gives him reasons for living.
The pair were adorable together and I loved seeing the previous couples.
Vale is prickly, mean, a monster even, but when he meets Echo, something changes in him. Echo, for his part, is managing his speech problem (which is really interesting) while trying to find a way out of this world. He thinks Vale is that way, until the man gives him reasons for living.
The pair were adorable together and I loved seeing the previous couples.
November 9, 2025
I am already in love with several of Zile's other characters, so this story was especially fun for me as we get to see Echo and all his cute friends and comrades. I appreciated that there were the seriousness of Echo's past and the mysteriousness of Vale's curse, but they did not bring the story but instead gave us hope for new beginnings. It was lovely to watch pretty mean monster Vale soften up and fall for Echo during the holiday season!
November 11, 2025
I loved seeing Vale find his own pocket sized person in Echo. He is another fantastic addition to the Collective. Getting a glimpse at Gareth's history has me so ready for the rest, will his person be Baz or will they both get someone new? Desperate minds need to know 👀.
(I wonder what it says about me that my mind absolutely didn't go to decorations for Baz's angel roasting 🤔 😂.)
*I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book*
(I wonder what it says about me that my mind absolutely didn't go to decorations for Baz's angel roasting 🤔 😂.)
*I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book*
November 14, 2025
I really wanted to love this book, because I love all this author's books, but it was a little too disjointed for me. For me, the bells competition thing brought absolutely nothing to the book and just seemed like filler. It wasn't exciting, it didn't add anything to the relationship, and I think it made the book worse. I'm used to sweet and crazy from this author, but this was not that. I didn't really feel anything while I was reading this book except for maybe a little bit of boredom.
November 23, 2025
Amazing. The series hit its stride with this book, I felt the depth of the MCs and have gotten to know all the other characters enough that their interplay was comforting and meaningful. The entourage is full of animals now and couldn’t be better. The magic was great, now with added fae. The bells plot was so fun. I liked the Christmas hate and the life hate. A wonderful book for the grumpy, and the grumpy about Christmas.
November 10, 2025
Fantastic story
I absolutely loved this story. The characters are outrageous and so interesting and the world building is off the charts. These two were such an interesting couple and I loved watching them figure things out. The little glimpse of other characters in this universe were fun too. I can’t wait for more.
I absolutely loved this story. The characters are outrageous and so interesting and the world building is off the charts. These two were such an interesting couple and I loved watching them figure things out. The little glimpse of other characters in this universe were fun too. I can’t wait for more.
November 10, 2025
Fantastic with quirky characters you can’t help but love!
Love everything about this book. The main characters, the supporting characters - the whole thing! The characters are flawed and perfectly imperfect. It makes you laugh out loud, question sanity, and tear up as you journey through. I love the whole series and everything this author has written!
Love everything about this book. The main characters, the supporting characters - the whole thing! The characters are flawed and perfectly imperfect. It makes you laugh out loud, question sanity, and tear up as you journey through. I love the whole series and everything this author has written!
November 10, 2025
Just wow, this was an amazing book! It was the perfect evening read while I unwind for the day. The story has the perfect amount of action, monsters and romance. I look forward to several more books in the series .... and i need to buy the first two now as this is a bloody good series
November 11, 2025
A TRULY UNIQUE TALE THAT I LOVED READING.
This is the third book in the A Realy Gay Villain Christmas series, and I thoroughly enjoyed it. Echo and Vale are definitely in my top thoughts, and I love how this author creates such characters and stories. Definitely recommend!!
This is the third book in the A Realy Gay Villain Christmas series, and I thoroughly enjoyed it. Echo and Vale are definitely in my top thoughts, and I love how this author creates such characters and stories. Definitely recommend!!
November 24, 2025
Love, love, loved this book!
Echo and Vale are simply wonderful characters, both together and apart. It also helps that they both have such fascinating quirks that make for a great story.
This was a pleasure to read, the spice was yummy, and I'm now resting even more books by Elliven thanks to how much I enjoyed this one.
Highly recommend if you enjoy your romances dark but funny.
Echo and Vale are simply wonderful characters, both together and apart. It also helps that they both have such fascinating quirks that make for a great story.
This was a pleasure to read, the spice was yummy, and I'm now resting even more books by Elliven thanks to how much I enjoyed this one.
Highly recommend if you enjoy your romances dark but funny.
November 24, 2025
Vale & Echo
I love this series and I am glad we got Vale's story. I liked that we have so much more information about him now and Echo was a perfect match for Vale. Good story.
I received an ARC and this is my unbiased opinion
I love this series and I am glad we got Vale's story. I liked that we have so much more information about him now and Echo was a perfect match for Vale. Good story.
I received an ARC and this is my unbiased opinion
November 9, 2025
Intriguing
While the main topic us heavy, it's dealt with very well.
This was cute, quirky, and filled with lots of humor.
The game really intrigued me.
While the main topic us heavy, it's dealt with very well.
This was cute, quirky, and filled with lots of humor.
The game really intrigued me.
November 11, 2025
Super fun
I really enjoyed learning more about Vale. The whole family is a hoot. I definitely didn't want to put the book down. Echo was different and intriguing.
I really enjoyed learning more about Vale. The whole family is a hoot. I definitely didn't want to put the book down. Echo was different and intriguing.
November 17, 2025
Loved it so much
I am obsessed with this series! It's fun and silly and frivolous and I just love it so much. Even when the story is about two people who really hate life, by the end they hate life a lot less with each other in the world and that is just so incredibly squishy and sweet. The book is barely about Christmas, it's not sappy or filled with Christmas magic, it's filled with the death of bad people and an insane found family that love aggressively, and I do mean aggressively and creatively. Because these people manage to be smart and stupid at the same time! Can't wait for more!
I am obsessed with this series! It's fun and silly and frivolous and I just love it so much. Even when the story is about two people who really hate life, by the end they hate life a lot less with each other in the world and that is just so incredibly squishy and sweet. The book is barely about Christmas, it's not sappy or filled with Christmas magic, it's filled with the death of bad people and an insane found family that love aggressively, and I do mean aggressively and creatively. Because these people manage to be smart and stupid at the same time! Can't wait for more!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews