Little Death

Queenmakers #0.5

by Nicole Blanchard

I should have known better than to play games with dangerous men.

Crashing a masquerade party for the most elite members of New Orleans was supposed to give me answers, not put me in the sights of the Irish mafia’s most enigmatic enforcer, Aiden O’Connor.

But when one reckless gamble binds me to him for a night, I learn too late that some wagers can’t be won.

What begins as a game spirals into obsession, temptation, and ruin.

Because Aiden doesn’t just want control for one night—he wants to break me in ways I’ll never escape unscathed.

Little Death is a dark romance novella and a prequel to Until Death. Some themes and scenes may be disturbing to readers. Please check the TWs at the beginning of the book.

Genres: Dark Romance, Smut, Novella, Romance

156 pages, Paperback

Published October 10, 2025

About the author

Nicole Blanchard is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of the TikTok-viral dark romance Toxic, a wildly addictive bestseller that has sold over 90,000 copies worldwide. Known for her morally gray antiheroes, off-the-charts heat, and jaw-dropping twists, Nicole’s stories drag readers deep into love’s darkest corners—where no one escapes unscarred.

When she’s not crafting twisted love stories that break your heart and then heal it, you can find her soaking up beach sun with a glass of sweet tea, getting inked, or running a farm full of lovable misfit animals.

You may learn more about Nicole and her work at www.authornicoleblanchard.com. Join her mailing list for updates at http://www.authornicoleblanchard.com/...

Reviews

[Kayla_Wilson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I found this spicy, psychological thriller on Instagram. It can also be found on the Nicole’s website. Catriona sneaks into her old home that now belongs to Aiden in order to find the phone her deceased mom left behind. She suspects her mom died of foul play and the phone just might prove it. Only problem is, before she can sneak back out, Aiden finds her. He then blackmails her and she now has to spend the night with him. It was so good!

[Farrah Williams · Rating 3 out of 5]

"To the freaks who want to be chased by a psychopath, turn the page..." I should’ve known it would be good from that dedication alone. This short novella completely pulled me in, and I can't wait for the next book to see where this story goes.

[Mariya Georgieva · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this and can't wait for the main story

[Cécile Smits · Rating 3 out of 5]

It really pays to sign up for newsletters sometimes…..because thanks to being on Nicole Blanchard’s,i got this little gem.
A prelude to Until Death,this one introduces Catriona,who sneaks back into her parent’s house after it’s been sold to Aidan.
Her mother died,and she suspects foul play,so she sets out to find her mother’s phone.
Only,she finds more than she bargained for…..
Because Aidan blackmails her into staying after she witnesses him killing someone.
And staying means spending the night with him…..
Sure,she enjoys everything he does,but she’s glad she manages to escape the next morning.
What will happen? Will he find her? And when he does,what will he do to her??

[Gina Thomas · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Little Death by Nicole Blanchard
This novella may be short, but it hits hard in the best kind of way. I was hooked from page one and fully obsessed by the end. It’s a dark romance with an addictive edge, and I’m already counting down to the next installment on January 6, 2026. The story drops us into the shadows of the Irish Mafia, where danger, secrets, and desire collide. Our MFC Catriona is determined, haunting, and impossible not to root for. And our MMC, Aiden O’Connor? Instant favorite. Their dynamic is charged, intense, and exactly what I want in a dark romance.
Set in the atmospheric magic of New Orleans, the book delivers tension, mystery, and that perfect blend of darkness and heat. And yes…la petite mort makes an appearance… IYKYK. Since this is a darker story, make sure to check the TW before diving in.
The author offers her books on her website and I can’t wait to explore more.
Thank you to @authornicoleblanchard for the opportunity to read this book.
#LittleDeath #NicoleBlanchard #DarkRomance #MafiaRomance #IrishMafia #NovellaLove #Bookstagram #BookReview #BookTokRomance #RomanceReaders #KindleReads #SpicyReads #LaPetiteMort #DarkRomanceBooks #MafiaBookTok #RomantasyReaders #MustReadRomance #ReadersOfInstagram #BookishLove #IndieAuthorLove #ARCReview #FiveStarRead

[Katie Owen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh my goodness, Nicole Blanchard is now one of my favourite authors!

This is the second piece of her work I've read, and I'm hooked!

Rough plot line:
Catorina is sceptical of her mother's death and crashes a gala at the estate, which is now owned by an Irish millionaire named Aidan. As she searches for answers regarding her mother's death, she is caught by Aidan, who lets her to live at the expense of spending the night with him.

The spice levels are unbelievable, just how I like it!

There were a lot of spicy things that left me speechless, including the improper use of a 🔫.
As the girlfriend of a passionate airsoft player, I will most certainly not discuss this with him!


I will definitely be reading the next book in the series!

Huge thank you to Nicole herself for sharing this book with me via her email newsletter

[Kellysbookishbliss · Rating 4 out of 5]

Oh boy, the tension is built, and I can't wait to read the rest of this story. The spice is spicey... and I already love Aiden. He is this alpha male, but there is more to him, and I can't wait to find it out. I also hope for Catriona to find out the truth.

[Theughost · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed reading this one . Will definitely check out the next book because omg it’s spicyyyy. I’d say I’ll give this book a 4/5⭐️ and spice level 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️/🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️.

She’s back in the house that once used to be her home. Only this time in a mask and among people she has no business being around. Then her eyes meet the one person she’s supposed to stay away from, Aiden O’Connor. When she learns something about him she wishes she didn’t they make a real. She’s his for one night and he gets to do anything he wants.

If the dices roll right....

Okay so this book was an absolute amazing read and I can highly recommend it if you’re looking for a short but spicyyy read. There’s supposed to be another book and I’m definitely going to read it because I need to know more about these two! And hopefully that book gives us some more backstory and character development since this book focuses more on the smut then on the story. Does it make it any less good? Nooooo.

[Yellowwolfe · Rating 5 out of 5]

Can I just say I adore Cat, I related to her so many times. Especially when she talked about her first crush because girl I am right there with ya, or when you get an idea in your head and there's no stopping you. I also do love me a bratty confident girl.
The spice was perfect and that chase sence! It was probably the best i have read yet.The real deal and it WILL live forever in my brain.
This MMC, Aiden checked all my boxes for the perfect possessive dominate book boyfriend that i could obsess over.
I am so glad I got to read this before until death, its the perfect short read that keeps you on your toes THE WHOLE TIME and really will get you excited for the real deal and I am ready.

[Janet S. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Much like her book "Toxic," I was intoxicated by the MMC and the FMC. Awaiting "Until Death," while a month seems too far off from such a wait. I needed it the day before devouring this novella, which takes place before the book.

Trying not to leave spoilers, but make sure to pick up this book off her website! You will not be disappointed.

[Elisia Falcon · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 ⭐️

This is the novella prequel before Until Death (which releases December 11).

My goodness did this pack a punch!! Aiden… hot damn 🥵 The spice in this small novella was EVERYTHING and the story line that was forming has me SO excited for Until Death to release!

When Aiden and Catriona meet, it’s under some… interesting circumstances. Their banter and chemistry is instant and I love them so much already! Aiden will have you so hot for him. He’s a part of the Irish Mafia so what’s not to love?!

What you’ll find in LITTLE DEATH:

😈 Morally Black hero
🩸 Dubious Consent
🥀 Degradation
🖤 Humiliation
🗡️ Gun Play
🎭 Mask Play
💉 Pierced Hero
🍑 Spanking
🛌 Indecent proposal
🏃‍♀️ Primal play

[Anna Hirschbiel · Rating 4 out of 5]

This absolutely sets up the series perfectly! Tension built, characters established, and has you chomping at the bit for more!

Well done! Great novella if you are looking for a quick, steamy, dark romance read- very much looking forward to the series🖤🖤🖤

[Alyssa Kunz · Rating 3 out of 5]

A free download from the authors website of course I did that🤭
Such a fun novella that is quick and spicy. I enjoyed it. Can’t wait to see more in book 1 and is Aiden going to find her? And what’s gonna happen when he does??

[Sladjana Svendsen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Give me an Irish man that will use orgasms as punishment for being a brat all day everyday!!!

Aiden O’Connor the tattooed & pierced God you are👀🫠
I’m definetly starting Until Death tomorrow. This little novella has me intrigued!

[Jena · Rating 5 out of 5]

I LOVED this. Short, smutty, and thrilling. It makes me really excited for Until Death!

[Katie Kelley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Curious how the next book with go. This was punishment by orgasm. I can think of worse punishments.

[Kaity · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hot damn…. I need more of them <3 (just need to wait until early dec!)

[Aly · Rating 4 out of 5]

I swear to god if someone doesn’t make this into a movie or something I might actually loose it. First of all, the DEDICATION! The PLOT!! THE SMUT!!! Nicole, you really out did your self with this one because I have no words after reading this besides take my money

[Katherine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nicole knows how to pull us in from the beginning. so easy to devour this one in one sitting. loved this little novella.
im here for the push and pull of the MMC & FMC. 😏 The spice between the two was definitely spicing and like i need until death right now to see what happens next 🤣🫶
🎲🎲

[Amy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Little Death contains triggering situations such as degradation, humiliation, gun play, mask play, blood play, pierced, spanking, coercion, obsessive, stalking, murder, organized crime, uneven power exchange, emotional & psychological manipulation, graphic sexual content, BDSM themes, improper use of masks, dubious consent.

Little Death is a dark romance novella featuring a psychopath's tempting offer. It delves into moral gray areas, secret parties, mafia, and trapped characters. It's the prequel to Until Death.

I rated this novella 5*. The plot and characters are beautifully intertwined, with each element enhancing the others. I particularly enjoyed the Irish mafia and luxurious New Orleans elements. I was also hooked by the enigmatic reason behind Catriona's attendance at Adrian's party, with each new clue heightening my interest. The chemistry between Catriona and Aiden is intoxicating, leaving me on edge wondering what would happen next, Aiden is a absolute red flag, but his charm and charisma, and bedroom skills is definitely alluring.

When Catriona attends a mysterious Halloween masquerade party in New Orleans, she unwittingly captures the attention of Aiden O'Connor, a captivating and intimidating figure within the Irish mafia. As they engage in a high-stakes game, their mutual fascination grows, leading to an all-consuming obsession. Aiden's relentless pursuit of control pushes Catriona to her limits, yet she's irresistibly drawn to him. Will their tumultuous passion prove to be their undoing, or will they find a way?

I'd highly recommend this book to those who enjoy reading mafia romance books and dark romance ones.

[Dark Side of the Book · Rating 4 out of 5]

„Little Death” is a short novella from „Queenmakers” series written by Nicole Blanchard. This book is available for free on author's page, so you can grab it and read before „Until Death” will be released.

Catriona needs to come back into her parent's home, to get her mother's phone. Problem is that the house was sold to Aiden O'Connor. But Aiden is doing a masquarade party at his new propoerty, so Cat is desperated to use mask and go to her parent's old home like noone.
The problem is that her plan isn't going good, like she wanted and Aiden get her sneaking in his new home. In this situation Cat made a bet with Aiden – he will have her for that one night and then both of them will back to their lives.
Of course.
It is easy only when they are talking about that.

„Little Death” is a short, but spicy and steamy novella. The tension which Nicole Blanchard put in this story is touchable from the pages of the book. I was in this story from the beginning and this will be obvious, I finished it in one hour. And now I want more!

At these 140 pages we can meet Irish bilionaire Aiden O'Connor, who is tall, handsome and arrogant. Also I thik that I have something to Irish heroes in books. Every of them is so fucking hot!
Intense chmistry between Cat and Aiden is making this short story a really nice prequel to „Until Death”. I am curious for continuation and of course I cannot wait to get the big one book on my Kindle.

If your legs are also like marshmallow, when the main hero is Irish „ Little Death” is totally for you! Gimme more of Aiden right now!

[CharliReadsSmut · Rating 5 out of 5]

📢
Prepare to go from your heart beating in your chest, to it beating somewhere lower. 📢

“ᖇᑌᑎ ᗩᔕ ᖴᗩᔕT ᗩᔕ YOᑌ ᑕᗩᑎ ᗷEᑕᗩᑌᔕE Iᖴ I ᑕᗩTᑕᕼ YOᑌ, I’ᒪᒪ ᑭᑌᑎIᔕᕼ YOᑌ Iᑎ ᗯᗩYᔕ TᕼᗩT’ᒪᒪ ᗰᗩKE TᕼE ᗪEᐯIᒪ ᗷᒪᑌᔕᕼ,”

⭐️ 4.5/5
🌶️ 4/5

🖤Morally Black hero
🥀Dub!0us C0ns3nt
🖤Degr4dati0n
🥀Hum!l!ation
🖤🔫 Play
🥀Mask Play
🖤P!erc3d MMC
🥀Spank!ņg
🖤Ind3c3nt proposal
🥀Pr!mãl play

Which shelf did this book make it on?
🥁 The one-handed-read shelf.

This book had me gasping for a number of reasons! The thrills, the shocks and the spiciness!

“TᕼEᖇE IT Iᔕ. ᗩᒪᒪ YOᑌ ᕼᗩᗪ TO ᗪO ᗯᗩᔕ ᔕᗩY ᑭᒪEᗩᔕE, ᔕO ᑭᖇETTY ᖴOᖇ ᗰE. ᗯᗩᔕ TᕼᗩT ᔕO ᕼᗩᖇᗪ? ᗯᕼᗩT’ᔕ ᑎE᙭T, ᑭET? ᗯIᒪᒪ YOᑌ ᑕᖇY ᖴOᖇ ᗰE? ᒪET ᗰE TᗩᔕTE YOᑌᖇ ᔕᗯEET TEᗩᖇᔕ?”

This may only be 140 pages, but this was such a hot & steamy prequel to Until Death and I cannot wait to learn more about Catriona & Aiden.

“YOᑌ ᒪIKE IT. I ᑕᗩᑎ ᔕEE YOᑌᖇ ᕼEᗩᖇT ᖇᗩᑕIᑎG Iᑎ YOᑌᖇ TᕼᖇOᗩT. YOᑌ’ᖇE ᔕO ᗯET ᖴOᖇ ᗰE, YOᑌ’ᖇE ᑎEᗩᖇᒪY ᗪᖇIᑭᑭIᑎG EᐯEᖇYᗯᕼEᖇE. YOᑌ ᒪOᐯE I ᑭᑌᔕᕼ YOᑌ ᒪIKE TᕼIᔕ. TᕼᗩT I ᗰᗩKE YOᑌ ᗩ ᒪITTᒪE ᗩᖴᖇᗩIᗪ.”

Aiden is a gorgeous, tall, strong Irish billionaire, who seems to have more going on than meets the eye. Catriona is a firecracker who is tenacious, resilient and determined girl, who may (or may not?) have fallen for Aiden’s charms.

“ᑎOᗯ YOᑌ ᑭᖇOᗰIᔕEᗪ ᗰE OᖇGᗩᔕᗰᔕ. ᗩᖇE YOᑌ GOIᑎG TO GIᐯE TᕼEᗰ TO ᗰE, ᗩIᗪEᑎ, Oᖇ ᗯEᖇE YOᑌ ᒪYIᑎG TO ᗰE?”

[Mandy Britt · Rating 5 out of 5]

​The Ultimate Dark Romance Review

​POV: You just found your new favorite Dark Mafia obsession. 🖤✨
​
This spicy psychological thriller, Little Death by Nicole Blanchard, is a gripping introduction to a new series that I couldn’t put down. I found this gem on Nicole’s website and have been fully obsessed since page one.
​The Vibe:

​The Plot: B&E turned blackmail. Catriona sneaks into her old home to find evidence her deceased mom left behind, but when Aiden O’Connor catches her, he demands she stay the night.

​The MMC: Aiden checked all my boxes for the perfect possessive, dominant book boyfriend.
​
The FMC: I adore Cat—she’s a "bratty-confident" girl and so relatable. When she gets an idea in her head, there is no stopping her!

​The Spice: The chemistry is explosive, and that chase scene? It is the best I’ve read and will live in my brain forever. 🌶️🔥

​Set in the atmospheric magic of New Orleans, this novella is short but hits hard in the best way. It’s the perfect fast-paced read to keep you on your toes while you wait for the next installment on January 6, 2026.

Since this is a darker story, please check the trigger warnings before diving in. If you know what la petite mort means... you know exactly what you're in for.

[Allie · Rating 5 out of 5]

🍀🖤𝐋𝐈𝐓𝐓𝐋𝐄 𝐃𝐄𝐀𝐓𝐇🖤🍀
𝟓 ⭐️/ 𝟑.𝟓 🌶️
𝐓𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐢𝐬 𝐧𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐥𝐥𝐚 𝐰𝐚𝐬 𝐬𝐨 𝐠𝐨𝐨𝐝! 𝐈𝐭’𝐬 𝐰𝐚𝐬 𝐚 𝐪𝐮𝐢𝐜𝐤, 𝐬𝐩𝐢𝐜𝐲 𝐩𝐫𝐞𝐪𝐮𝐞𝐥, 𝐭𝐨 𝐔𝐧𝐭𝐢𝐥 𝐃𝐞𝐚𝐭𝐡, 𝐭𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐥𝐞𝐚𝐯𝐞𝐬 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐰𝐚𝐧𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐭𝐨 𝐬𝐨 𝐦𝐮𝐜𝐡 𝐦𝐨𝐫𝐞 𝐨𝐟 𝐀𝐢𝐝𝐞𝐧 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐂𝐚𝐭𝐫𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐚.
𝐋𝐞𝐭’𝐬 𝐛𝐞 𝐡𝐨𝐧𝐞𝐬𝐭, 𝐢𝐭’𝐬 𝐭𝐰𝐨 𝐩𝐬𝐲𝐜𝐡𝐨𝐩𝐚𝐭𝐡𝐬, 𝐬𝐡𝐞 𝐡𝐚𝐬 𝐚 𝐠𝐥𝐮𝐭𝐭𝐨𝐧 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐩𝐮𝐧𝐢𝐬𝐡𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐡𝐞 𝐥𝐢𝐤𝐞𝐬 𝐭𝐨 𝐝𝐞𝐥𝐢𝐯𝐞𝐫 𝐬𝐚𝐢𝐝 𝐩𝐮𝐧𝐢𝐬𝐡𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐭𝐨 𝐰𝐚𝐭𝐜𝐡 𝐡𝐞𝐫 𝐬𝐪𝐮𝐢𝐫𝐦. 😏

🎲𝐃𝐚𝐫𝐤 𝐫𝐨𝐦𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞
🍀𝐈𝐫𝐢𝐬𝐡 𝐦𝐚𝐟𝐢𝐚
🖤𝐌𝐨𝐫𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐲 𝐠𝐫𝐞𝐲 𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐨𝐢𝐧𝐞
🐍𝐌𝐨𝐫𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐲 𝐛𝐥𝐚𝐜𝐤 𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐨
💍𝐈𝐧𝐝𝐞𝐜𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐩𝐨𝐬𝐚𝐥 𝐯𝐢𝐛𝐞𝐬
🏃🏼‍♀️𝐏𝐫𝐢𝐦𝐚𝐥 𝐜𝐡𝐚𝐬𝐞
👺𝐌𝐚𝐬𝐤 𝐩𝐥𝐚𝐲
🪢𝐁𝐨𝐧𝐝𝐚𝐠𝐞
⛓️𝐇𝐞𝐫𝐨𝐢𝐧𝐞 𝐭𝐚𝐤𝐞𝐧 𝐜𝐚𝐩𝐭𝐢𝐯𝐞
🎭𝐌𝐚𝐬𝐪𝐮𝐞𝐫𝐚𝐝𝐞
😶‍🌫️𝐇𝐢𝐝𝐝𝐞𝐧 𝐢𝐝𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐢𝐭𝐲
🥃𝐍𝐞𝐰 𝐎𝐫𝐥𝐞𝐚𝐧
🎃𝐇𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐨𝐰𝐞𝐞𝐧𝐞𝐫

🎲 𝐁𝐋𝐔𝐑𝐁 🎲
𝐈 𝐬𝐡𝐨𝐮𝐥𝐝 𝐡𝐚𝐯𝐞 𝐤𝐧𝐨𝐰𝐧 𝐛𝐞𝐭𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐭𝐡𝐚𝐧 𝐭𝐨 𝐩𝐥𝐚𝐲 𝐠𝐚𝐦𝐞𝐬 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐝𝐚𝐧𝐠𝐞𝐫𝐨𝐮𝐬 𝐦𝐞𝐧.

𝐂𝐫𝐚𝐬𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐚𝐧 𝐞𝐥𝐢𝐭𝐞 𝐦𝐚𝐬𝐪𝐮𝐞𝐫𝐚𝐝𝐞 𝐩𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐲 𝐰𝐚𝐬 𝐬𝐮𝐩𝐩𝐨𝐬𝐞𝐝 𝐭𝐨 𝐠𝐢𝐯𝐞 𝐦𝐞 𝐚𝐧𝐬𝐰𝐞𝐫𝐬—𝐧𝐨𝐭 𝐩𝐮𝐭 𝐦𝐞 𝐢𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐬𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭𝐬 𝐨𝐟 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐈𝐫𝐢𝐬𝐡 𝐦𝐚𝐟𝐢𝐚’𝐬 𝐦𝐨𝐬𝐭 𝐞𝐧𝐢𝐠𝐦𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐜 𝐞𝐧𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐜𝐞𝐫, 𝐀𝐢𝐝𝐞𝐧 𝐎’𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐧𝐨𝐫.

𝐁𝐮𝐭 𝐰𝐡𝐞𝐧 𝐨𝐧𝐞 𝐫𝐞𝐜𝐤𝐥𝐞𝐬𝐬 𝐠𝐚𝐦𝐛𝐥𝐞 𝐛𝐢𝐧𝐝𝐬 𝐦𝐞 𝐭𝐨 𝐡𝐢𝐦 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐚 𝐧𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭, 𝐈 𝐥𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐧 𝐭𝐨𝐨 𝐥𝐚𝐭𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐬𝐨𝐦𝐞 𝐰𝐚𝐠𝐞𝐫𝐬 𝐜𝐚𝐧’𝐭 𝐛𝐞 𝐰𝐨𝐧.

𝐖𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐛𝐞𝐠𝐢𝐧𝐬 𝐚𝐬 𝐚 𝐠𝐚𝐦𝐞 𝐬𝐩𝐢𝐫𝐚𝐥𝐬 𝐢𝐧𝐭𝐨 𝐨𝐛𝐬𝐞𝐬𝐬𝐢𝐨𝐧, 𝐭𝐞𝐦𝐩𝐭𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧, 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐫𝐮𝐢𝐧.

𝐁𝐞𝐜𝐚𝐮𝐬𝐞 𝐀𝐢𝐝𝐞𝐧 𝐝𝐨𝐞𝐬𝐧’𝐭 𝐣𝐮𝐬𝐭 𝐰𝐚𝐧𝐭 𝐜𝐨𝐧𝐭𝐫𝐨𝐥 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐨𝐧𝐞 𝐧𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭.
𝐇𝐞 𝐰𝐚𝐧𝐭𝐬 𝐭𝐨 𝐛𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐤 𝐦𝐞 𝐢𝐧 𝐰𝐚𝐲𝐬 𝐈’𝐥𝐥 𝐧𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐫 𝐞𝐬𝐜𝐚𝐩𝐞 𝐮𝐧𝐬𝐜𝐚𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐝.

#𝐝𝐚𝐫𝐤𝐫𝐨𝐦𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞𝐫𝐞𝐜𝐬 #𝐝𝐚𝐫𝐤𝐫𝐨𝐦𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞 #𝐦𝐚𝐟𝐢𝐚𝐫𝐨𝐦𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞 #𝐝𝐚𝐫𝐤𝐫𝐨𝐦𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐝𝐞𝐫𝐬 #𝐝𝐚𝐫𝐤𝐫𝐨𝐦𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐝𝐬 #𝐝𝐚𝐫𝐤𝐫𝐨𝐦𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞𝐛𝐨𝐨𝐤𝐬 #𝐧𝐢𝐜𝐨𝐥𝐞𝐛𝐥𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐡𝐚𝐫𝐝𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐞𝐞𝐭𝐭𝐞𝐚𝐦

[Janice-Lynn Lloyd TheBookGremlin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Okay. What did I just read?
Because Little Death had me kicking my feet, clutching my chest, and questioning my life choices in the absolute best way.

First of all - that masquerade scene? The vibes were immaculate. Dark. Dangerous. Sexy. Like someone bottled New Orleans at midnight and then lit a match.
And then he shows up. The walking red flag. The danger in a suit. The man who could ruin you with a look- and somehow you'd say "thank you"

The heroine?? She had no business being that bold. None. She walked straight into a world filled with sharks like, " Hello, i have trauma and questionable decisions"
And honestly? I respected that.

Their chemistry is off the charts. I felt like i needed a seatbelt for half the scenes. And the tension?! So sharp it could have cut glass.
Little Death is messy, intense, addictive and gives you that slightly feral reader energy where you want to throw the book across the room and then pick it up again immediately.

I don't need to breath- I simply just need the next book

Thank you to the author Nicole Blanchard for the copy . I am INLOVE

[Asulley4785 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Little Death is a gripping psychological thriller that pulled me in from the very first page. Nicole Blanchard has a real talent for building tension and keeping readers on edge. The pacing is relentless, with twists and turns that kept me second-guessing the characters’ motives until the very end.
What I loved most was the complexity of the protagonist and the dark, layered exploration of trauma and obsession. The writing is sharp, immersive, and often chilling, creating an atmosphere that lingers long after you’ve finished the book. While some plot points were slightly predictable, the emotional depth and suspense more than made up for it.
If you enjoy dark thrillers with intense psychological intrigue and morally gray characters, Little Death is a must-read. Blanchard proves herself as a master at blending suspense with dark, compelling storytelling.

I received an ARC copy and this is my honest review.

[Kallie · Rating 5 out of 5]

🌶 Masks
🌶 Enemies to Lovers
🌶 Brat
🌶 Tattooed man
🌶 Gun play

Dedication: "To you freaks who want to be chased by a psychopath, turn the page.... good girl. Now run."

Little Death is a prequel to Until Death by Nicole Blanchard. I have read her book Toxic, and absolutely loved it! This is the perfect novella to read in one sitting. The way it was written gives the perfect amount of context with a plot and jumps right into the smut. It was my absolute favorite. There was a perfect amount of hate and spice that it had me hooked insanely quick into the book! Catriona and Aiden have me hooked on their hate relationship, especially with the little obsession that comes with it. THAT ENDING! This author has me f'ed up because of course I instantly downloaded the rest of her books after I read this book. Nicole is my new favorite queen after this!

[Jasmin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Little Death is a spicy, short dark romance that hooked me immediately. From the very first pages, the danger and secrets kept me on edge and flipping pages nonstop. The tension, mystery, and perfect blend of darkness and heat are exactly what I look for in a dark romance novella.

Catorina is a total badass, and I loved her energy and resilience. Aiden is everything a dark romance enforcer should be—possessive, dangerous, and completely captivating. Their dynamic is intense, unsettling in the best way, and impossible to look away from.

For a novella, this story packs a serious punch and does an amazing job setting the tone for what’s to come. I’m already counting down the days until the next installment, Until Death.

Definitely make sure to check the trigger warnings before diving in.

[Monica Grace Gossman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dedication was even hot as hellll....
To the freaks who want to be chased by a psychopath, turn the page...





Good Girl




Now run.




Absolutely 💯 loved this prequel novella!!! Absolutely need the rest now and don’t want to wait for it! And my gawd I love Aiden O’Connor!! That man could say or do anything and I’d be happy with it!! He’s mouth… my gawd… Good Girl and Pet!!! Or even he’s use of “Little Sl*t” which usually for me isn’t hot but he makes it sound so good and hot! But he could say anything! Literally!! He’s already in 107 pages and is in-on my book boyfriends list!!
Triggers:
Morally Black Hero
Morally Grey Heroine
Dubious Consent
Degradation
Humiliation
Gun Play
Mask Play
Pierced Hero
Spanking
Primal Play
Good Boy
Feminine Rage

[Sheila Pike · Rating 4 out of 5]

Little Death is dark, seductive, and completely addictive. Nicole Blanchard delivers a story that blends danger, desire, and emotional depth in a way that kept me turning pages long after I should’ve gone to sleep. The atmosphere is rich and unsettling, and the tension—both romantic and psychological—never lets up.

What stood out most to me was the way Blanchard balances intensity with vulnerability. The characters feel layered and human, each carrying secrets that shape their choices without ever revealing too much too soon. The pacing is tight, the writing is sharp, and the emotion hits exactly where it needs to.

If you love dark romance with high stakes, immersive writing, and a heroine finding strength in the shadows, this one is absolutely worth the read. It's haunting in the best way and left me immediately wanting more.