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Twisted Holidays #4
Be Mine
People assume gifts and flowers are the way into their girl’s heart, but they’re wrong. It’s all about baring your soul and proving your obsession—that it’s not only about owning their heart, but the rest of them too.
My obsession began with my pen pal, whose letters became my entire world while locked behind bars. Then she visited and I was a goner.
She becomes my sweetheart. My newest fixation. My everything.
Until, on Valentine’s Day, she ends our relationship through another letter and forces me to be without her.
One year later, I’m free. Free and ready to prove how I’m the man meant to protect, cherish, and love her.
Sweetheart, I’m back…
Be Mine is the fourth book in Twisted Holidays, a series of dark-themed holiday novellas. The series can be read in any order.
My obsession began with my pen pal, whose letters became my entire world while locked behind bars. Then she visited and I was a goner.
She becomes my sweetheart. My newest fixation. My everything.
Until, on Valentine’s Day, she ends our relationship through another letter and forces me to be without her.
One year later, I’m free. Free and ready to prove how I’m the man meant to protect, cherish, and love her.
Sweetheart, I’m back…
Be Mine is the fourth book in Twisted Holidays, a series of dark-themed holiday novellas. The series can be read in any order.
151 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 26, 2026
47 people are currently reading
522 people want to read
About the author
M.L. Philpitt
37 books378 followersUSA Today Bestselling author M.L. Philpitt writes both dark romance and paranormal romance. When she’s not writing made-up realities, she’s reading them. She lives in Canada with her four pets and survives life with coffee and an obsession with fictional characters, especially the morally grey kind. By day, she masks as a therapist, and is still waiting for her Hogwarts letter so she can be sorted into her Ravenclaw house.
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Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
January 29, 2026
⭐️3.7 🌶️3.9
One thing I love about this author is their ability to pull you in instantly. Whether it be a novella or a full length book, the plot always leaves you wanting more and you never finish the book with plot holes. Such a great suspenseful early vday read👏🏾
One thing I love about this author is their ability to pull you in instantly. Whether it be a novella or a full length book, the plot always leaves you wanting more and you never finish the book with plot holes. Such a great suspenseful early vday read👏🏾
January 28, 2026
"Crazy is one definition for what you've made me. If you don't like it, you have only yourself to blame. You are Frankenstein, and I am the Monster-your creation. If you don't get the reference, I'll blame the fact you dislike reading"
✅Penpal dark romance
✅no virgin
✅MMC hasn't had s3x in 10 years!
✅OTT obsessive MMC
✅sweet innocent MFC
It was short and intense, like all the other novellas, with enough story development to enjoy both characters and their chemistry.
To be honest, I didn’t find Aspen’s letters that enthralling… but I guess Cade saw something I didn’t.
✅Penpal dark romance
✅no virgin
✅MMC hasn't had s3x in 10 years!
✅OTT obsessive MMC
✅sweet innocent MFC
It was short and intense, like all the other novellas, with enough story development to enjoy both characters and their chemistry.
To be honest, I didn’t find Aspen’s letters that enthralling… but I guess Cade saw something I didn’t.
January 28, 2026
A Valentine Novella to incarcerate you 🤭
A PHd student, Aspen enters a pen pal program with the local prison, she sees this as a way to further her psychology studies. She didn’t expect to visit Cade, she didn’t expect to find she actually likes him but being a headstrong girl, she knows he’s a means to an end to get her degree, so after her Valentine visit, she writes her last letter. Cade, however is not going to let her go and he plans on re-paying her once he’s out!
“𝙸’𝚕𝚕 𝚋𝚎 𝚜𝚎𝚎𝚒𝚗𝚐 𝚢𝚘𝚞 𝚊𝚐𝚊𝚒𝚗,” 𝚑𝚎 𝚌𝚊𝚕𝚕𝚜 𝚊𝚏𝚝𝚎𝚛 𝚖𝚎. 𝒴𝑜𝓊 𝓌𝑜𝓃’𝓉.
It’s a great Valentine read, just enough to keep you reading to learn about his life and where it will lead the two of them. There is a mild plot, some spicy times and maybe some jealousy but it all comes together well. IMO it did need a proofread there were some errors that I had to re-read to make it, make sense and one especially was the name Gunnar as he was referred to that became Gunner then went back 🤣 Obviously, it didn’t detract from the storyline just me being pedantic 🫣
A PHd student, Aspen enters a pen pal program with the local prison, she sees this as a way to further her psychology studies. She didn’t expect to visit Cade, she didn’t expect to find she actually likes him but being a headstrong girl, she knows he’s a means to an end to get her degree, so after her Valentine visit, she writes her last letter. Cade, however is not going to let her go and he plans on re-paying her once he’s out!
“𝙸’𝚕𝚕 𝚋𝚎 𝚜𝚎𝚎𝚒𝚗𝚐 𝚢𝚘𝚞 𝚊𝚐𝚊𝚒𝚗,” 𝚑𝚎 𝚌𝚊𝚕𝚕𝚜 𝚊𝚏𝚝𝚎𝚛 𝚖𝚎. 𝒴𝑜𝓊 𝓌𝑜𝓃’𝓉.
It’s a great Valentine read, just enough to keep you reading to learn about his life and where it will lead the two of them. There is a mild plot, some spicy times and maybe some jealousy but it all comes together well. IMO it did need a proofread there were some errors that I had to re-read to make it, make sense and one especially was the name Gunnar as he was referred to that became Gunner then went back 🤣 Obviously, it didn’t detract from the storyline just me being pedantic 🫣
February 2, 2026
This was a different vibe to the first few in the series. Went into it blind but thought the over the top obsession/possession of Cade was just the kind of ML Philpitt hero I'm obsessed with. Another fun, quick, deliciously dark holiday novella! Can't wait to see what ML has planned next in this series!
Review of advance copy received from Author
Because I’m not lonely enough, I have to fall for a V-day’s love story!
Listen, Cade can stalk me any day. The way this man folded from the first letter? Immaculate. He was first in love with her personality through the letters and later with her body…and even more with her brain and how smart Aspen is. I truly appreciated that he was not just into her for the sex... but oh lord the spice! He had the best praise, the dirtiest mouth and he was hungry (iykyk). Cade was all around the perfect bad boy.
And Aspen was honestly a kickass. She was brave and had a backbone, she knew herself and didn’t shy away from things she wanted just because the norm dictated she should and her love for Cade was evident the moment she walked into that prison. I loved how she couldn’t fight her desire and feelings for him.
This one definitely had that dark romance aspect, but was more of a slow burn and sweeter, but since it’s for Valentines I’m more than happy with it!
M.L., I can’t get enough of your books, and truly, if there are no more holidays to keep this series going…MAKE UP SOME because I don’t want it to end!!
Thank you so very much for the opportunity to read this early!
Quotes:
Because one day, she'll be mine and mine alone. Mine to fuck, to hold, to break, to taste.
The pretty boys of the world won't do what's necessary to protect her. I'd kill for her, bleed for her, become anything for her.
But the man who haunts my dreams, even twelve months later, isn't available.
Cade is out of prison and broke into my house.
Let the world see and understand this girl is claimed and protected by me. Always and forever, since her very first letter when she signed her life away.
He rips my panties, leaving me bare and seated on the edge of the table.
Then he reclaims his seat, pulls it closer to the table, grasps my thighs to yank them apart...and eats.
Listen, Cade can stalk me any day. The way this man folded from the first letter? Immaculate. He was first in love with her personality through the letters and later with her body…and even more with her brain and how smart Aspen is. I truly appreciated that he was not just into her for the sex... but oh lord the spice! He had the best praise, the dirtiest mouth and he was hungry (iykyk). Cade was all around the perfect bad boy.
And Aspen was honestly a kickass. She was brave and had a backbone, she knew herself and didn’t shy away from things she wanted just because the norm dictated she should and her love for Cade was evident the moment she walked into that prison. I loved how she couldn’t fight her desire and feelings for him.
This one definitely had that dark romance aspect, but was more of a slow burn and sweeter, but since it’s for Valentines I’m more than happy with it!
M.L., I can’t get enough of your books, and truly, if there are no more holidays to keep this series going…MAKE UP SOME because I don’t want it to end!!
Thank you so very much for the opportunity to read this early!
Quotes:
Because one day, she'll be mine and mine alone. Mine to fuck, to hold, to break, to taste.
The pretty boys of the world won't do what's necessary to protect her. I'd kill for her, bleed for her, become anything for her.
But the man who haunts my dreams, even twelve months later, isn't available.
Cade is out of prison and broke into my house.
Let the world see and understand this girl is claimed and protected by me. Always and forever, since her very first letter when she signed her life away.
He rips my panties, leaving me bare and seated on the edge of the table.
Then he reclaims his seat, pulls it closer to the table, grasps my thighs to yank them apart...and eats.
Review of advance copy received from Author
She’s essentially a stranger, and yet, it’s like I know her.
A letter that opened up a connection neither of them saw coming.
With just the words flowing they saw each other in another light.
Then they sat opposite breathing in the same air.
Only he was in cuffs & hiding his dark deeds.
She was a temptation & withholding her reasons why.
Then the letters stopped.
A year later…and that burning need to consume her at last will fuel Cade to take what he wants. Because, Aspen has inked herself on his once dull heart and now he’s going to be a permanent marker in her life now.
If she wants a fairytale romance, then tonight I’ll become the monster who locks her in the tower.
Grab those caramel chocolates and curl up with your new valentines boyfriend Cade!
Cade is certainly a man who knows what he wants and he definitely wants Aspen. It was clear from the off that these two had an unusual connection and it pulls you in straight away with the letters that they share to each other. What started out as a way to improve her thesis, Aspen met Cade in the prison Pen Pal program and met him in person. The man behind the words on a page is soo much more than Aspen was expecting. Cade can hardly believe his eyes, let alone his emotions awaking seeing Aspen the woman of his dreams.
The story flows quickly as this is a novella, jumping in time to get them to a point where they can reconnect and brings with it the tension with their secrets coming to light. It’s an easy read, with the unknown of what else is going on being wrapped up neatly.
Cade unleashes a side Aspen didn’t know she had and wow…you will be on your knees begging for more.
She is mine and mine alone.
A letter that opened up a connection neither of them saw coming.
With just the words flowing they saw each other in another light.
Then they sat opposite breathing in the same air.
Only he was in cuffs & hiding his dark deeds.
She was a temptation & withholding her reasons why.
Then the letters stopped.
A year later…and that burning need to consume her at last will fuel Cade to take what he wants. Because, Aspen has inked herself on his once dull heart and now he’s going to be a permanent marker in her life now.
If she wants a fairytale romance, then tonight I’ll become the monster who locks her in the tower.
Grab those caramel chocolates and curl up with your new valentines boyfriend Cade!
Cade is certainly a man who knows what he wants and he definitely wants Aspen. It was clear from the off that these two had an unusual connection and it pulls you in straight away with the letters that they share to each other. What started out as a way to improve her thesis, Aspen met Cade in the prison Pen Pal program and met him in person. The man behind the words on a page is soo much more than Aspen was expecting. Cade can hardly believe his eyes, let alone his emotions awaking seeing Aspen the woman of his dreams.
The story flows quickly as this is a novella, jumping in time to get them to a point where they can reconnect and brings with it the tension with their secrets coming to light. It’s an easy read, with the unknown of what else is going on being wrapped up neatly.
Cade unleashes a side Aspen didn’t know she had and wow…you will be on your knees begging for more.
She is mine and mine alone.
January 28, 2026
When Aspen joins the prison pen pal program, she plans to use it to gather first hand information on isolation for her thesis. What she doesn't expect? To LIKE the inmate she's partnered with. But she does. She likes Cade's letters and the way he looks at her. However, she wonders if he's only looking at her like that because she's a bridge to the outside and the first woman he's interacted with in a while.
What she doesn't realize is that Cade is all in from her first letter. Meeting her put a face to the words, but he was already committed. So when he gets out, he immediately goes looking for the woman who gave him something to focus on during the last year of his incarceration.
While this sounds like it could be a recipe for disaster, Aspen hasn't been able to stop thinking about Cade since she left the pen pal program. The last year has been rough as she's tried to move on. Having him suddenly slide back into her life like he does is shocking and thrilling and she SHOULD maybe be a little worried about how easily he's been able to break into her apartment, but she's not. Well, mostly not. Let's just say she likes the guy and his possessive ways and once they start clearing the air things really start happening between them.
A little stalking (in an ultimately consensual way), more than a few steamy kisses, and a few relationshippy speedbumps these two need to work through (very few, actually. They fit well together). *thumbs up*
-Kelly @ Reading the Paranormal
What she doesn't realize is that Cade is all in from her first letter. Meeting her put a face to the words, but he was already committed. So when he gets out, he immediately goes looking for the woman who gave him something to focus on during the last year of his incarceration.
While this sounds like it could be a recipe for disaster, Aspen hasn't been able to stop thinking about Cade since she left the pen pal program. The last year has been rough as she's tried to move on. Having him suddenly slide back into her life like he does is shocking and thrilling and she SHOULD maybe be a little worried about how easily he's been able to break into her apartment, but she's not. Well, mostly not. Let's just say she likes the guy and his possessive ways and once they start clearing the air things really start happening between them.
A little stalking (in an ultimately consensual way), more than a few steamy kisses, and a few relationshippy speedbumps these two need to work through (very few, actually. They fit well together). *thumbs up*
-Kelly @ Reading the Paranormal
January 31, 2026
My reading experience began with readin the author's note, which stated that this novella is offering limited plot and character development. What am I going to read then?
All the wondering didn't help; I actually didn't get much to read at all on all those 170+ pages.
I got a typical bad guy hero, Cade, who is obsessed from letter one; and smart, thesis writing good girl heroine, Aspen, who is using Cade as her research subject (without his consent).
And from here on it is easy sailing: Cade out of prison, possessive and protective. Aspen gasping, wondering, body betraying and why not loving him. It is afterall Valentine's day (several times over in this book.)
Unfortunately, that is it. HEA? Yes. Feeling nice and swoony after reading? No.
It was a miss for me. I don't even know why I finished it.
All the wondering didn't help; I actually didn't get much to read at all on all those 170+ pages.
I got a typical bad guy hero, Cade, who is obsessed from letter one; and smart, thesis writing good girl heroine, Aspen, who is using Cade as her research subject (without his consent).
And from here on it is easy sailing: Cade out of prison, possessive and protective. Aspen gasping, wondering, body betraying and why not loving him. It is afterall Valentine's day (several times over in this book.)
Unfortunately, that is it. HEA? Yes. Feeling nice and swoony after reading? No.
It was a miss for me. I don't even know why I finished it.
February 1, 2026
This book is part of the twisted holidays series and this book certainly was twisted in every way. Aspen and Cade build a friendship when she joints the prison penpal program and Cade becomes obsessed with her. Aspen is using this opportunity to write her thesis but Cade sees her as being his woman and once he is released his obsession is off the charts. Although Aspen is hesitant at first when she is in danger and Cade comes to her rescue she soon discovers that she has feelings for Cade and this is where it all begins. I enjoyed this novella and although Cade is a bit overwhelming you can feel where he is coming from with his obsession for Aspen. Looking forward to reading more in this series.
January 27, 2026
4⭐️
3.75🌶️
Honestly this novella felt more like a novel the way it was put, and I’m not mad I loved it!!
What do you mean he fell for her at first letter?? This man was everything!! Cade fell for Aspen first from her personality through the letter, then her looks, then her intellect!! The way he waited for her and he kept that longing throughout *swoon*
Let’s talk about Aspen, now I understand why she did what she did, but girl I know you saw what Cade was feeling. I do love that the author placed our FMC in a science field and showed that the FMC was perusing a career.
💞This was a great Valentines Day Dark Romance Novella💞
3.75🌶️
Honestly this novella felt more like a novel the way it was put, and I’m not mad I loved it!!
What do you mean he fell for her at first letter?? This man was everything!! Cade fell for Aspen first from her personality through the letter, then her looks, then her intellect!! The way he waited for her and he kept that longing throughout *swoon*
Let’s talk about Aspen, now I understand why she did what she did, but girl I know you saw what Cade was feeling. I do love that the author placed our FMC in a science field and showed that the FMC was perusing a career.
💞This was a great Valentines Day Dark Romance Novella💞
Review of advance copy received from Author
4.5⭐️
Whilst Cade is in prison, he agrees to be paired up for a pen pal program and this is where he 'meets' Aspen.
This man becomes OBSESSED! Aspen is his and when he is released, he makes sure she knows it.
I love this series of dark holiday novella's!
I've been craving a pen pal romance for a while now so I was very excited to find out the next one was exactly what I'd been wanting.
Even though it's a novella so has limited plot, I still ate every word up like candy.
•Age gap (12 years)
•Prison pen pals
•Insta-love
•Possessive OTT MMC
Whilst Cade is in prison, he agrees to be paired up for a pen pal program and this is where he 'meets' Aspen.
This man becomes OBSESSED! Aspen is his and when he is released, he makes sure she knows it.
I love this series of dark holiday novella's!
I've been craving a pen pal romance for a while now so I was very excited to find out the next one was exactly what I'd been wanting.
Even though it's a novella so has limited plot, I still ate every word up like candy.
•Age gap (12 years)
•Prison pen pals
•Insta-love
•Possessive OTT MMC
January 26, 2026
I'm a sucker for a book with letters, and Be Mine did not disappoint, and the fact that its a part of the Twisted Holidays series makes it even better!
Cade and Aspen connect through a prison pen pal program *swoon* am I right?
Cade is obsessive and absolutely delicious!
Aspen, she knows what she wants and makes no apologies for it. I love that!
The steam was steaming and the story flowed perfectly!
Cade and Aspen connect through a prison pen pal program *swoon* am I right?
Cade is obsessive and absolutely delicious!
Aspen, she knows what she wants and makes no apologies for it. I love that!
The steam was steaming and the story flowed perfectly!
January 30, 2026
Cute little novella!! I loved the others in the series so I knew this one would be good too. I loved the instant obsession just from a few letters.. (thats the kinda level of obsession I need) and how he waited a whole year and still came back to her.. Ahhh loved it. Ohh and the cat mollie.. I do love a side character animal.
I loved the gang dynamic too I really wish we got more of that.. And bones!! Ahhh I need more of him and cade I want to know more. Bones needs his own book!
I loved the gang dynamic too I really wish we got more of that.. And bones!! Ahhh I need more of him and cade I want to know more. Bones needs his own book!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Review of advance copy received from Author
This is probably my favorite of the Twisted Holidays series. Cade was deliciously obsessed with Aspen and isn't that what we all want in a man? I feel like this story was more fleshed out than the others, but I was still left wanting more. Will we get more on the Fangs mafia? I need a book about Bones.
February 4, 2026
Aspen (psych student) & Cade (Inmate) become penpals for an assignment and he soon becomes an OBSESSED man. 🙂↕️🙌🏻 Loved their undeniable chemistry and their dynamic. Always down for a ‘touch her and 💀’ man! 😮💨 Also, I really loved that while he was a bit overbearing, he made sure she was going to pursue her dream career.
January 30, 2026
Book 1 of Valentine’s Day theme is done and man do I wish I had a Cade of my own. Whew! Dominant, pushy, and absolutely obsessed with her.
Why couldn’t it have been extended just a liiiiittle more?
The writing was immaculate as well, I never felt lost or like things were missing.
Why couldn’t it have been extended just a liiiiittle more?
The writing was immaculate as well, I never felt lost or like things were missing.
February 2, 2026
Short & Sweet
I absolutely loved this. The concept is unique and the characters are commanding. I adore the protective nature in Cade, and the honesty in Aspen. They’re so good together; I hope we get more from these two in the future!
I absolutely loved this. The concept is unique and the characters are commanding. I adore the protective nature in Cade, and the honesty in Aspen. They’re so good together; I hope we get more from these two in the future!
January 28, 2026
4.25⭐️ 1.5 🌶️
Valentines Prison Romance
Valentines Prison Romance
January 28, 2026
An obsessive stalker MMC with an age gap and it was very smutty. I really enjoyed this one!
January 28, 2026
Okay, I guess? Kinda boring though.
January 29, 2026
Another fantastic Twisted Holiday story.
I’m really enjoying these novellas. They're dark, spicy and great for quick reads. This one was for Valentine’s Day.
Cade meets Aspen through the Pen Pal program and is smitten. How far will he go to make her his?
I’m really enjoying these novellas. They're dark, spicy and great for quick reads. This one was for Valentine’s Day.
Cade meets Aspen through the Pen Pal program and is smitten. How far will he go to make her his?
January 29, 2026
3.5⭐️ ARC READ REVIEW TO COME
February 3, 2026
I really love this series. Short and fun.
February 4, 2026
This was really nice
I love the letters thingy in books it’s just 🤌🏻❤️
And i love that there was actually a plot for a novella it’s rare
I love the letters thingy in books it’s just 🤌🏻❤️
And i love that there was actually a plot for a novella it’s rare
February 3, 2026
This was an amazing book. I am an absolute sucker for an obsessed MMC and Cade was next level obsessed. I loved him so much. I have to admit, Millie was for sure my favourite part of the book, she's the most perfect cat (don't tell mine I said that)
Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews