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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
About the author
Nicole Blanchard
71 books2,445 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/...
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 314 reviews
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September 4, 2026ALC provided by High Gravity Productions
This was a really quick listen and it’s a prequel setting up the main story.
There was a mystery introduced that immediately caught my attention, and honestly, that was the part I was most interested in. I wanted to know more about what was going on there, but this quickly became much more focused on the sexual side of the relationship. There wasn’t a lot of plot happening, and I was mostly indifferent to the relationship and smut because after the initial mystery there’s no plot.
The multicast was great. Eric Nolan, Kasi Hollowell, Corvin King, and Eboni Flowers all did a great job.
I recommend this for readers who want a quick, spicy dark romance that serves as an introduction to a larger story, especially if you enjoy multicast audiobooks.
This was a really quick listen and it’s a prequel setting up the main story.
There was a mystery introduced that immediately caught my attention, and honestly, that was the part I was most interested in. I wanted to know more about what was going on there, but this quickly became much more focused on the sexual side of the relationship. There wasn’t a lot of plot happening, and I was mostly indifferent to the relationship and smut because after the initial mystery there’s no plot.
The multicast was great. Eric Nolan, Kasi Hollowell, Corvin King, and Eboni Flowers all did a great job.
I recommend this for readers who want a quick, spicy dark romance that serves as an introduction to a larger story, especially if you enjoy multicast audiobooks.
February 27, 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!
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 🫡
October 29, 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.
September 5, 2026
I jumped into this one not really knowing what to expect and it is a very quick intro for setting up the main story in the next book.
I listened to this one and it is multi-cast duet with Eric Nolan, Kasi Hollowell, Corvin King, and Eboni Flowers and they all did a great job!
I really like the mystery component that seems to be behind this meet up with Aiden and Catriona. She wasn't intending on getting caught by him...
Does this one have a lot of plot? Not really. It turned spicy pretty good, but that is ok. This one is just one night and gives us a good glimpse into what is to come and how these two got connection. I am very interested to see how the rest of the story goes.
Huge thank you to High Gravity Productions for the copy to listen to!
I listened to this one and it is multi-cast duet with Eric Nolan, Kasi Hollowell, Corvin King, and Eboni Flowers and they all did a great job!
I really like the mystery component that seems to be behind this meet up with Aiden and Catriona. She wasn't intending on getting caught by him...
Does this one have a lot of plot? Not really. It turned spicy pretty good, but that is ok. This one is just one night and gives us a good glimpse into what is to come and how these two got connection. I am very interested to see how the rest of the story goes.
Huge thank you to High Gravity Productions for the copy to listen to!
November 9, 2025
I really enjoyed this and can't wait for the main story
September 16, 2026
Thank you High Gravity for the ALC
This was dark, sexy, spicy and a bit twisty:
It gave me just enough to want to read or listen to the rest of the series!! Plus I love a good Mafia book!
This was dark, sexy, spicy and a bit twisty:
It gave me just enough to want to read or listen to the rest of the series!! Plus I love a good Mafia book!
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??
July 6, 2026
Honestly? I don’t think I want to keep reading the rest of the story.
September 19, 2026
This was quick and HOOOOT!
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 4, 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.
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.
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. 💕
April 6, 2026
Приквел до книги «Until Death», де описана перша зустріч головних героїв і як все починалося.
Похмура новела про непристойну пропозицію від морально чорного поганця з вайбом психопата😈
Головна героїня Катріона пробирається в маєток мільярдера Ейдена ОʼКоннора — виконавця ірландської мафії, який купив її маєток.
Катріона розслідує смерть своєї матері, не вірить в офіційну версію і хоче в маєтку знайти дещо.
Вона бачить те, що не треба було бачити й все йде не по плану, далі парі й вона програє й так завʼязуються напружені відносини між головними героями.
🖤Морально чорний герой
🖤Морально сіра героїня
🖤Сексі ігри й флірт
🖤Переслідування
🖤Сексі пірсинг у нього
🖤Ірландська мафія
🖤Ігри з масками
🖤Бал-маскарад
🖤Парі й азартні ігри
🖤Герої в масках
🖤Сексі ігри з пістолетом
Похмура новела про непристойну пропозицію від морально чорного поганця з вайбом психопата😈
Головна героїня Катріона пробирається в маєток мільярдера Ейдена ОʼКоннора — виконавця ірландської мафії, який купив її маєток.
Катріона розслідує смерть своєї матері, не вірить в офіційну версію і хоче в маєтку знайти дещо.
Вона бачить те, що не треба було бачити й все йде не по плану, далі парі й вона програє й так завʼязуються напружені відносини між головними героями.
🖤Морально чорний герой
🖤Морально сіра героїня
🖤Сексі ігри й флірт
🖤Переслідування
🖤Сексі пірсинг у нього
🖤Ірландська мафія
🖤Ігри з масками
🖤Бал-маскарад
🖤Парі й азартні ігри
🖤Герої в масках
🖤Сексі ігри з пістолетом
September 16, 2026
🔥 Little Death by Nicole Blanchard is exactly the kind of dark, dangerous mafia romance that I love. Give me a mafia enforcer with control issues, a reckless heroine, questionable decisions, and a game that absolutely should NOT be played… and I’m listening. 😂🖤
Aiden O’Connor is dark, intense, possessive, and completely obsessed. The chemistry between these two had that delicious this is a terrible idea, but please, by all means, continue vibe. 👀
The games, secrets, danger, temptation, and obsession kept me hooked. And Aiden brought ALL the 🚩🚩🚩, but somehow I was still rooting for him & that delicious accent. 😂
The full-cast narration was fantastic and added even more to the tension. Bonus points for setting this mafia goodness right in New Orleans! ⚜️🖤
If you love your mafia romance dark, possessive, dangerous, and spicy, add this one to your list. And yes, I’ll be continuing the Queenmakers. 🔥
Aiden O’Connor is dark, intense, possessive, and completely obsessed. The chemistry between these two had that delicious this is a terrible idea, but please, by all means, continue vibe. 👀
The games, secrets, danger, temptation, and obsession kept me hooked. And Aiden brought ALL the 🚩🚩🚩, but somehow I was still rooting for him & that delicious accent. 😂
The full-cast narration was fantastic and added even more to the tension. Bonus points for setting this mafia goodness right in New Orleans! ⚜️🖤
If you love your mafia romance dark, possessive, dangerous, and spicy, add this one to your list. And yes, I’ll be continuing the Queenmakers. 🔥
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.
September 22, 2026
The way this novella had in a freaking CHOKEHOLD from the first page had me absolutely invested! The plot was already plotting from the first page!!!!! Then the twists already twisted. I was absolutely FERAL to get to the book!!!!!
October 2, 2026
Bu prequel kitabıymış, yani sadece nasıl tanıştıklarını görmüş olduk çiftimizin, asıl hikaye ikinci kitapta belliki.
Öyle bi meet cute sayılmaz hatta adama gıcık oldum ama kız kaçtı kitabın sonunda o yüzden eğer ikinci kitapta adam biraz kızın peşinden koşarsa güzel bi hikaye çıkabilir
Öyle bi meet cute sayılmaz hatta adama gıcık oldum ama kız kaçtı kitabın sonunda o yüzden eğer ikinci kitapta adam biraz kızın peşinden koşarsa güzel bi hikaye çıkabilir
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.
June 7, 2026
Galima sakyti čia kaip ilgas prologas į sekančia knygą🤭 Ir pati pradžia kaip jie susipažino. Lengvai ir greit susikaitė, o dabar imam sekančia dalį... 😏
October 22, 2026
The perfect start to a cat and mouse chase. I got this on audio and the narration was great. I need book 1 yesterday I may have to pull the physical from my library before the audio is released
January 20, 2026
Was a great set up for the other book. Just a lovely little bit of spice
August 2, 2026
Literally such a boring read, will not be reading the other one unless I need a bedtime story or sum
July 14, 2026
More spice than story.
But the spice is chefs kiss and the story very good and catching! Loved it!
But the spice is chefs kiss and the story very good and catching! Loved it!
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."
Displaying 1 - 30 of 314 reviews