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Queenmakers #0.5
Little Death
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.
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.
156 pages, Paperback
Published October 10, 2025
43 people are currently reading
3627 people want to read
About the author
Nicole Blanchard
63 books2,158 followersNicole 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/...
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/...
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 222 reviews
March 1, 2026
It was hot and now I’m waiting for more.
October 21, 2025
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!
October 31, 2025
"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.
November 9, 2025
I really enjoyed this and can't wait for the main story
January 16, 2026
The set up was interesting and I was hooked but we lost the plot very quickly and the smut was sooooo cringe!!!! WHY do dark romance authors love gunplay so much?! 😒 ya might as well fck a toaster
Nothing with the plot was answered but I think this goes directly into #1 in the series?! I will try it soon and see if things can be redeemed in a full length novel 🫡
Nothing with the plot was answered but I think this goes directly into #1 in the series?! I will try it soon and see if things can be redeemed in a full length novel 🫡
January 4, 2026
What a way to begin a story! Defiantly enjoyed this novella and just started my ARC of Until Death let’s see how this one night stands becomes an obsession 🤭
This is a novella for a prelude for Until Death. Also all these trigger warnings are my favorite 😅👏
This is a novella for a prelude for Until Death. Also all these trigger warnings are my favorite 😅👏
February 5, 2026
It was fine!
Overall, it reads very much like what it is: a prequel novella setting up a one-night-stand-to–enemies-to-lovers dynamic. Some hot moments, but the story itself left me pretty underwhelmed, so not very much interested to find what happens next.
Overall, it reads very much like what it is: a prequel novella setting up a one-night-stand-to–enemies-to-lovers dynamic. Some hot moments, but the story itself left me pretty underwhelmed, so not very much interested to find what happens next.
October 20, 2025
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??
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??
December 6, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 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
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
December 18, 2025
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
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
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 31, 2025
This was a great quick read. A masquerade ball with a big secret.
The spice was spicing! And the scene with the thing that I’m not sure I can say in my review but oh boy. Yes. Just yes. 🙌🏽
Catriona and Aiden are my brand new obsession. This cat and mouse type story never fails to entertain me. Aiden is powerful and rich and just bought her old house and she gets stuck being his plaything which she enjoys more than she would like to. I ate it up😭👏🏽
I forget how much I enjoy reading dark romance. This book reminded me how much I love them. 💕
The spice was spicing! And the scene with the thing that I’m not sure I can say in my review but oh boy. Yes. Just yes. 🙌🏽
Catriona and Aiden are my brand new obsession. This cat and mouse type story never fails to entertain me. Aiden is powerful and rich and just bought her old house and she gets stuck being his plaything which she enjoys more than she would like to. I ate it up😭👏🏽
I forget how much I enjoy reading dark romance. This book reminded me how much I love them. 💕
October 24, 2025
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.
January 10, 2026
I need therapy for reading this and enjoying it 🙈
Thank goodness I can start on the next book right away! I’m addicted.
Thank goodness I can start on the next book right away! I’m addicted.
January 20, 2026
Was a great set up for the other book. Just a lovely little bit of spice
January 4, 2026
YES! This is exactly what I need in a little novella - Spice, Minimal but foundational plot, A build-up and introduction to this mafia world. As usual, Nicole Blanchard has done everything right!
Y'all know I'm notoriously picky when it comes to mafia romances, right? ☠️🖤 Let me just say that this one delivers and successfully avoids cheesy stereotypes that typically ruin a mafia novel. I'm living for Aiden O'Conner! His relationship (or situationship?) with Catriona Gallagher is INTENSE! We're talking a full 5 spice level! 🥵🌶️, and this is just the prequel novella!
What I love most is Catriona's stubborn and forward personality. She gives Aiden a run for his money that no other woman can. She refuses to cower, refuses to be afraid of him, refuses to let up and give him what he wants ... until he plays dirty and turns her into his personal pet for the night. 🫢 Oh yes, you read that right. 😆 What a night that was! (I'm exhausted just thinking about it. Have no idea how she managed to stay up and coherently sneak out of Aiden's mansion after that workout.)
With that, we must proceed to Until Death, the full-length novel that picks up where Little Death left off and continues Aiden and Catriona's "situationship."
Y'all know I'm notoriously picky when it comes to mafia romances, right? ☠️🖤 Let me just say that this one delivers and successfully avoids cheesy stereotypes that typically ruin a mafia novel. I'm living for Aiden O'Conner! His relationship (or situationship?) with Catriona Gallagher is INTENSE! We're talking a full 5 spice level! 🥵🌶️, and this is just the prequel novella!
What I love most is Catriona's stubborn and forward personality. She gives Aiden a run for his money that no other woman can. She refuses to cower, refuses to be afraid of him, refuses to let up and give him what he wants ... until he plays dirty and turns her into his personal pet for the night. 🫢 Oh yes, you read that right. 😆 What a night that was! (I'm exhausted just thinking about it. Have no idea how she managed to stay up and coherently sneak out of Aiden's mansion after that workout.)
With that, we must proceed to Until Death, the full-length novel that picks up where Little Death left off and continues Aiden and Catriona's "situationship."
December 1, 2025
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.
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.
December 14, 2025
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.
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.
January 8, 2026
Wow! This was sooo good! It was perfectly wrote to set up the relationship between Aiden and Catriona in Until Death. The secret intense connection made the spice so much more hotter. It was the perfect representation of the “one night only” trope. The mysterious murder, the masquerade ball, and all the class/elegance fit perfectly. I loved Catriona’s strong personality and fear nothing attitude. Aiden’s broody and controlling personality fit so well with Catriona’s character.
October 14, 2025
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.
Trying not to leave spoilers, but make sure to pick up this book off her website! You will not be disappointed.
February 15, 2026
3.5⭐️ this was a fun little novella before the main story I feel like I had a good feel for the characters now so when I read the next book I can understand there motives better. Ngl I’m violently attracted to Aiden and can’t wait to see how Aiden’s and Catriona relationship develops after this crazy meeting.
November 5, 2025
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
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
November 1, 2025
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🖤🖤🖤
Well done! Great novella if you are looking for a quick, steamy, dark romance read- very much looking forward to the series🖤🖤🖤
November 18, 2025
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??
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??
December 25, 2025
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!
Aiden O’Connor the tattooed & pierced God you are👀🫠
I’m definetly starting Until Death tomorrow. This little novella has me intrigued!
October 23, 2025
I LOVED this. Short, smutty, and thrilling. It makes me really excited for Until Death!
November 5, 2025
Curious how the next book with go. This was punishment by orgasm. I can think of worse punishments.
November 9, 2025
Hot damn…. I need more of them <3 (just need to wait until early dec!)
February 10, 2026
4✨ I’m definitely intrigued!
January 31, 2026
lol It a prequel so idk if it counts as a book but I had to get at least 3 books in January but now I have to read the next one.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 222 reviews