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Murder and Mistletoe #3
Festive Fugitive: M/M Romance
I didn’t expect my Christmas gift to be six-foot-two, a trained killer, and obsessed with me.
Eli
One bullet. One dead man. And now my wreck of a life is spiraling out of control.
The bastard deserved it, but I’m just a regular guy. I botched the escape, and since I killed him while wearing a Santa costume, they call me the Festive Fugitive. Cute. Too bad I’ll be spending Christmas behind bars or in a body bag.
Then he appears. Cesar.
My dark salvation. A trained killer who looks at me as if I’m his personal miracle. I killed his boss, yet he says I did him a favor. He wants to protect me, claim me, cage me in his arms, and God help me… I let him.
Because what’s falling for a monster when there’s a manhunt hot on my tail and a target on my back?
Cesar
Taken as a child, I was turned into a loyal weapon. I killed, tortured, burned, and bled. I was respected and needed. Until I wasn’t.
When I lost an eye, my master pushed me aside, but as I waited for my ‘one last job’ so I could retire, Eli pulled the trigger.
I never expected some half-starved, grief-drunk civilian in a Santa outfit to free me, but that’s what happened.
Eli is everything I am not—fragile, impulsive, untrained. And yet he killed the man I was bound to. He doesn’t know it, but he owns me now.
He thinks I’m his protector, that I’ve taken him under my wing. But it’s more than that.
He’s mine. My obsession. My purpose. My beautiful, reckless mess of a man, and I’ll burn the world before I let anyone take him from me.
I guess Christmas came early for Eli this year.
★★★★★★★★★★
“Festive Fugitive” is a standalone M/M dark romance where a trained killer takes an amateur vigilante under his wing and gets increasingly obsessed with his new ward. (+Christmas crafts!)
Themes:Size difference, trained killer, snowed in, on the run, only one bed, hurt/comfort, revenge, loneliness, possessive hero, past trauma, brainwashing, dark humor, disabled hero, morally gray heroes, touch starved, free use (within the couple)
Violence, strong language, PTSD
Eli
One bullet. One dead man. And now my wreck of a life is spiraling out of control.
The bastard deserved it, but I’m just a regular guy. I botched the escape, and since I killed him while wearing a Santa costume, they call me the Festive Fugitive. Cute. Too bad I’ll be spending Christmas behind bars or in a body bag.
Then he appears. Cesar.
My dark salvation. A trained killer who looks at me as if I’m his personal miracle. I killed his boss, yet he says I did him a favor. He wants to protect me, claim me, cage me in his arms, and God help me… I let him.
Because what’s falling for a monster when there’s a manhunt hot on my tail and a target on my back?
Cesar
Taken as a child, I was turned into a loyal weapon. I killed, tortured, burned, and bled. I was respected and needed. Until I wasn’t.
When I lost an eye, my master pushed me aside, but as I waited for my ‘one last job’ so I could retire, Eli pulled the trigger.
I never expected some half-starved, grief-drunk civilian in a Santa outfit to free me, but that’s what happened.
Eli is everything I am not—fragile, impulsive, untrained. And yet he killed the man I was bound to. He doesn’t know it, but he owns me now.
He thinks I’m his protector, that I’ve taken him under my wing. But it’s more than that.
He’s mine. My obsession. My purpose. My beautiful, reckless mess of a man, and I’ll burn the world before I let anyone take him from me.
I guess Christmas came early for Eli this year.
★★★★★★★★★★
“Festive Fugitive” is a standalone M/M dark romance where a trained killer takes an amateur vigilante under his wing and gets increasingly obsessed with his new ward. (+Christmas crafts!)
Themes:Size difference, trained killer, snowed in, on the run, only one bed, hurt/comfort, revenge, loneliness, possessive hero, past trauma, brainwashing, dark humor, disabled hero, morally gray heroes, touch starved, free use (within the couple)
Violence, strong language, PTSD
247 pages, Paperback
Published November 2, 2025
107 people are currently reading
308 people want to read
About the author
K.A. Merikan
130 books3,059 followers(Goodreads profile run by Kat)
K. A. Merikan is a duo of queer writers who don’t believe in following the well-trodden path. In their books you can dip your toe into dangerous romance with mafiosi, outlaw bikers and bad boys, all from the safety of your sofa. They love the weird and wonderful, stepping out of the box, and bending stereotypes both in life and in fiction. Their stories don’t shy away from exploring the darker side of M/M romance, and feature a variety of anti-heroes, rebels, misfits, and underdogs who go against the grain.
Be prepared for shocking twists, dark humor, raw emotions, and sizzling hot scenes.
K.A. Merikan also writes steamy M/M romcoms as Devon Doe.
e-mail: kamerikan@gmail.com
More information about ongoing projects, works in progress and publishing at:
K.A. Merikan’s author page: http://kamerikan.com
Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/kamerikan
K. A. Merikan is a duo of queer writers who don’t believe in following the well-trodden path. In their books you can dip your toe into dangerous romance with mafiosi, outlaw bikers and bad boys, all from the safety of your sofa. They love the weird and wonderful, stepping out of the box, and bending stereotypes both in life and in fiction. Their stories don’t shy away from exploring the darker side of M/M romance, and feature a variety of anti-heroes, rebels, misfits, and underdogs who go against the grain.
Be prepared for shocking twists, dark humor, raw emotions, and sizzling hot scenes.
K.A. Merikan also writes steamy M/M romcoms as Devon Doe.
e-mail: kamerikan@gmail.com
More information about ongoing projects, works in progress and publishing at:
K.A. Merikan’s author page: http://kamerikan.com
Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/kamerikan
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 163 reviews
October 19, 2025
Keep me satisfied, and I’ll keep you safe. I’ll make you my little prince, the happiest man alive, but in bed, your holes are mine.”
It's a murder scene meet-cute, when Eli unalives Cesar's boss while dressed in a Santa suit. Now free of the horrible man, Cesar chooses to become Eli's bodyguard and help him evade the police. Festive Fugitive is an instalust, instalove Bonnie and Clyde inspired story with a traditional HEA.
“I probably shouldn’t trust you. But it’s been so long since I’ve had someone in my corner, I just want to.
It's become a lovely Christmas tradition to read a holiday book from K.A. Merikan. This one is full of cute moments like holiday crafts, Christmas party and cheer, oh and a bit of murder on the side. While instalove books are not my favourite, I did enjoy the book. It's not Hallmark, but the gingerbread house had a glory hole and that's even better. Fans of Creep will like this one.
I’m not reasonable when it comes to Cesar. And it’s not just about his looks, or the way he takes care of me. I feel a spark between us that is irrational, rooted in the fury inside me that only he understands. I want to be his. Whatever he is. Whoever he is.
The action and most interesting elements of the plot happen at the beginning, and what a way to start a book! (literally with a bang!!) I do wish there was a bit more plot towards the end of the book as the spicy scenes got a bit repetitive and after an instalust beginning there isn't too far to go. Cesar is slavishly devoted to Eli immediately, and it doesn't take Eli long to return his feelings. A cozy romance for MM readers who like a bit of murder with their mistletoe.
“I will be all the justice you need. The world is cruel, people are petty, but you can count on me. Always.”
Rating: 3.5
Angst: 3.5/5
Steam: 3.5/5
I received an advance copy of this book and this is my honest review
December 16, 2025
4 Stars
I believe I called this series demented and addictive in a previous review, and I stand by that vibe. I don’t consider myself much of a dark romance reader (in general), but there’s always been something about the Merikan’s brand of morally-grey M/M storytelling, with its constant boundary pushing, and often violent and unhinged romantic leads, that I find fascinating in a delighted depravity kind-of-way.
This third instalment in the festively titled Murder & Mistletoe series, delivers another dark and juicy holiday reading alternative to the usual feel-good, fluffy fare on offer. This time, we follow a lonely trained killer and a homeless, one-time revenge murderer, as they join forces and go on the run over the holiday season, falling in love while they work to evade law enforcement and other lurking threats.
This is super fast-moving on the romance front, with a bit of an insta-lust/love vibe happening between MCs Cesar and Eli. They get it on after a day of meeting, and start calling themselves boyfriends pretty much the day after that, which would usually feel way too fast for me, but somehow always feels completely on point with the chaos of the characters (mentally, emotionally, and situationally) in a Merikan holiday read.
Eli is super sweet and goes-with-the-flow when it came to Cesar’s darker tendencies. I mean, this guy didn’t have much in the way of survival instincts or common sense when it came to picking healthy relationship prospects, but gosh darn did I want him to get his HEA with his sociopathic, possessive new boyfriend anyway.
Cesar is pretty on point with the previous killer MC’s of the series to date, but there is also a softness to him that I really liked—dulling those murderous cravings and making him a marshmellow who was just out there doing his best to protect his man using any means necessary —and it was all too easy to see why he and Eli made such an effortless, all-in match, regardless of their joint levels of sanity, or lack thereof.
I just love getting to visit this universe every Christmastime, because the different tone in story and romance always proves to be addictive and welcomed during my holiday reading season. It’s definitely a series I’d recommend if you’re an M/M reader looking for something festive but unique, and the best part is, you can start anywhere, because they're all standalones!
I believe I called this series demented and addictive in a previous review, and I stand by that vibe. I don’t consider myself much of a dark romance reader (in general), but there’s always been something about the Merikan’s brand of morally-grey M/M storytelling, with its constant boundary pushing, and often violent and unhinged romantic leads, that I find fascinating in a delighted depravity kind-of-way.
This third instalment in the festively titled Murder & Mistletoe series, delivers another dark and juicy holiday reading alternative to the usual feel-good, fluffy fare on offer. This time, we follow a lonely trained killer and a homeless, one-time revenge murderer, as they join forces and go on the run over the holiday season, falling in love while they work to evade law enforcement and other lurking threats.
This is super fast-moving on the romance front, with a bit of an insta-lust/love vibe happening between MCs Cesar and Eli. They get it on after a day of meeting, and start calling themselves boyfriends pretty much the day after that, which would usually feel way too fast for me, but somehow always feels completely on point with the chaos of the characters (mentally, emotionally, and situationally) in a Merikan holiday read.
Eli is super sweet and goes-with-the-flow when it came to Cesar’s darker tendencies. I mean, this guy didn’t have much in the way of survival instincts or common sense when it came to picking healthy relationship prospects, but gosh darn did I want him to get his HEA with his sociopathic, possessive new boyfriend anyway.
Cesar is pretty on point with the previous killer MC’s of the series to date, but there is also a softness to him that I really liked—dulling those murderous cravings and making him a marshmellow who was just out there doing his best to protect his man using any means necessary —and it was all too easy to see why he and Eli made such an effortless, all-in match, regardless of their joint levels of sanity, or lack thereof.
I just love getting to visit this universe every Christmastime, because the different tone in story and romance always proves to be addictive and welcomed during my holiday reading season. It’s definitely a series I’d recommend if you’re an M/M reader looking for something festive but unique, and the best part is, you can start anywhere, because they're all standalones!
October 31, 2025
⭐️ 4 stars ⭐️
Despite all the murder and Cesar being a trained killer, Festive Fugitive is all fluff and cuddly comfort. The romance is super sweet, both men healing from their past together, with a dash of Christmas spirit and a snowy cabin.
Everyone knows I looooove a dangerous wolf that becomes a pretty puppy for their partner. From unfeeling bodyguard to protective boyfriend, a traumatic past healed by comfort and safety, Cesar might think he doesn’t know how to love but Eli might just prove him wrong.
Of course, this wouldn’t be KA Merikan without the crazy sexy spice. Love the free use kink, how Cesar was still all wolf in the sheets, all growls and hunger, and Eli was more than happy to give him everything.
I don’t really think this was all that dark, or even all that Christmas-y, but it was still very fun and sexy. This series is a treat every year, and I can’t wait for the next.
I received a copy of this book from Gay Romance Reviews, and this is my honest review.
CW and NSFW info (spoilers):
- Violence/murder
- Mentions of past torture
- Mentions of past parental death
- Mentions of homelessness
- PTSD
- Brainwashing (not between MCs)
- Size difference
- Touch-starved MC
- Top/bottom
- Possessiveness/jealousy
- Spit as lube
- Free use kink
- Coming hands-free
- Rimming
I might be skinny, but I’m still a grown man. No one ever picks me up. I feel like a fucking princess as he carries me up the winding driveway bridal style.
Despite all the murder and Cesar being a trained killer, Festive Fugitive is all fluff and cuddly comfort. The romance is super sweet, both men healing from their past together, with a dash of Christmas spirit and a snowy cabin.
“It’s been a while since someone praised me like this.” Be still my heart. It’s like giving a treat to a dog that’s been kicked all its life.
Everyone knows I looooove a dangerous wolf that becomes a pretty puppy for their partner. From unfeeling bodyguard to protective boyfriend, a traumatic past healed by comfort and safety, Cesar might think he doesn’t know how to love but Eli might just prove him wrong.
“So what you’re saying is… if I feel aroused, I should use your body to get off?”
Of course, this wouldn’t be KA Merikan without the crazy sexy spice. Love the free use kink, how Cesar was still all wolf in the sheets, all growls and hunger, and Eli was more than happy to give him everything.
Who would have thought murder could bring such happiness?
I don’t really think this was all that dark, or even all that Christmas-y, but it was still very fun and sexy. This series is a treat every year, and I can’t wait for the next.
He thinks I’m his savior, but he’s the one who’s saved me.
I received a copy of this book from Gay Romance Reviews, and this is my honest review.
CW and NSFW info (spoilers):
- Violence/murder
- Mentions of past torture
- Mentions of past parental death
- Mentions of homelessness
- PTSD
- Brainwashing (not between MCs)
- Size difference
- Touch-starved MC
- Top/bottom
- Possessiveness/jealousy
- Spit as lube
- Free use kink
- Coming hands-free
- Rimming
October 28, 2025
This was super enjoyable. If you are a fan of K.A. Merikan you will want to read this!
This story was quite sweet and definitely insta-love, but it worked for me. The two MCs each had their own issues to work through, but they did it together and that was lovely.
I was loving when Eli came to Cesar's rescue at the cabin. This book has action, hurt/comfort, and sweet and sexy times.
I have ARC read all of the Murder and Mistletoe books so far and it's become like a holiday tradition that I really look forward to each year!
ARC provided by GRR. This is my honest opinion.
This story was quite sweet and definitely insta-love, but it worked for me. The two MCs each had their own issues to work through, but they did it together and that was lovely.
I was loving when Eli came to Cesar's rescue at the cabin. This book has action, hurt/comfort, and sweet and sexy times.
I have ARC read all of the Murder and Mistletoe books so far and it's become like a holiday tradition that I really look forward to each year!
ARC provided by GRR. This is my honest opinion.
dnf
November 3, 2025I keep forgetting this author isn't for me, it's like they lack the ability to have characters who don't constantly mentally compares the sex they're having to sex they've had in the past. 🤦♀️
60% in and Cesar is STILL mentally comparing his sex with Eli to previous sex. "I’ve had pliant sex partners before, but Eli is something else."
The story is obviously not to be taken seriously but I can't get over the fact that after they had sex Eli said he's never gone bare before and Cesar does not respond to that with his own answer. AND after more sex, Cesar reveals he loves orgies, since he could only have sex on Fridays he'd get the most out of it to fuel him for the rest of the week because he needed it for his high sex drive.
I can't focus on trying to read the story when all i'm thinking about is how Cesar probably passed something onto Eli. 😵💫
I can see why fans of this author would still enjoy the story, it's OTT with a lot of silly moments, it's fun and there's some nice hurt/comfort at play.
60% in and Cesar is STILL mentally comparing his sex with Eli to previous sex. "I’ve had pliant sex partners before, but Eli is something else."
The story is obviously not to be taken seriously but I can't get over the fact that after they had sex Eli said he's never gone bare before and Cesar does not respond to that with his own answer. AND after more sex, Cesar reveals he loves orgies, since he could only have sex on Fridays he'd get the most out of it to fuel him for the rest of the week because he needed it for his high sex drive.
I can't focus on trying to read the story when all i'm thinking about is how Cesar probably passed something onto Eli. 😵💫
I can see why fans of this author would still enjoy the story, it's OTT with a lot of silly moments, it's fun and there's some nice hurt/comfort at play.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 28, 2025
Tropes: hurt/comfort, forced proximity, killers on the run, size difference
Feels: 2.75/5
Steam*: 2.75/5
Kinks: sex in risky places, free use (just between the mmcs), rough sex, no lube at times
Angst: low
HEA: HEA
Pairing: MM
Triggers/potential icks/content warnings/representation: murder, gore, suicide by minor character in past off page, homelessness, poverty, PTSD, unsafe sex, past child abuse and torture
Cheating between MCs: No
Any cheating: No
Other person drama: they talk about their past hookups/exes, but neither of them have any interest in anyone else from the moment they meet. There's one scene towards the end where they go to an orgy, but it's not to participate, Eli is curious and just wants to look.
3.5 stars
Eli is 25. A corrupt mayor, Sullivan, bankrupted his family and run them off the property they had. His mom had died. His dad was driven to suicide. Eli has been homeless for a year and he's wanted revenge against Sullivan. At a big public event, Eli dresses up as Santa and he kills Sullivan and has to go on the run.
Cesar is 33 and has been a servant basically to Sullivan since he was 5 years old, when his parents paid off a debt by giving him to Sullivan. Sullivan through fear and manipulation forced Cesar to be his killing machine. He promised to eventually let him retire, but it's unlikely he actually intended to let him leave. Cesar lost an eye a year or two ago and Sullivan has been using that as an excuse to hold on to him. That he hasn't earned freedom. When Eli takes out Sullivan, Cesar is grateful and he makes it his mission to help Eli escape the cops.
Well they are on the run, it comes out that they are both gay and attracted to each other and they start hooking up. Eli is so grateful for Cesar's protection and care, Cesar is a better boyfriend than anyone else. He quickly falls in love, but they are still on the run and at risk of being discovered, and Cesar is also struggling with PTSD from his trauma and he's afraid that he can't love because of all he's been through. But Cesar sure is selfless and treats Eli like a prince.
I enjoyed this book. The possessive protective elements were great. The protectiveness between them was charming, endearing. The way that Cesar kept taking care of Eli, being tender to him while he slept, carrying him places, finding everything that he did adorable. And there was a good suspense of them being on the run trying to evade the cops.
There were some things that weren't perfect:
- At one point early on, Cesar has clearly been shopping for clothes and food, he has eggs which are perishable and don't make sense to be stocked with the other canned foods he has. I wish the authors had made it more clear when he went shopping, cuz it kind of seems like he didn't have a chance to and it's unrealistic for him to have gone
- I didn't like the unsafe sex element of this book. I thought it was irresponsible for them to not even talk about when they were last tested. Cesar had only been allowed to go out on Fridays by Sullivan, and he regularly went out to orgies and had a sex fest to slake all of his sexual energy in one night, so he had more of a risky sex life than Eli. He also regularly was covered in people's blood, and he doesn't know what other people might be carrying. It was irresponsible and out of character of him to risk Eli's health like that.
- I didn't love that Cesar didn't think he could love Eli. While I know it makes sense in the context of the book, I don't love that he's not confident /doesn't know his own feelings. Just not romantic. I'm also not a fan of the lies. He wasn't honest with Eli about his life history for a good portion of the book, so he wasn't letting Eli get to know the real him.
- I don't understand where all of Cesar's money came from. I feel like Sullivan would not have been paying him, he was an indentured servant basically. I didn't love the ending, because I would have liked to know what they are doing for money, what they are doing as a job. They are young men and have a lot of life and expenses ahead of them.
Some notable moments:
Loved Eli as a blanket burrito. And it was cute to see Cesar stall out, uncertain what to say. "I’m halfway to the door when Eli speaks. “Am I now more of a worm or a larva?” Stalling, I focus on the tips of my boots to think, because this surely is a trick question. “Um… definitely a larva, since you will soon turn into your sexy, slinky form,” I respond, hoping he’ll like that. “But what if I don’t and I stay a larva? Would you still think I’m sexy?” Taking into account that he sucked me off at the lake while bundled up in this cocoon, should I say ‘yes’? Or does he mean an actual larva? “Are you saying you want to stay a burrito for the foreseeable future?”"
"“Lamb, wake up,” I say and squeeze his shoulder, before making sure the disposable mask he’s wearing, to minimize the chance of being recognized, is not out of place. The way he blinks at me, so sleepy… I just want to squish his cheeks and eat him up. I’m glad he lets me fuck him bare, because I couldn’t stand anything between us. One yawn later, Eli is able to speak. “Hm? Where are we? Snacks?” Even the way he says that last word is precious. Snacks."
*FYI about steam: I rate steam based on a combination of quality & quantity. I note kink separate from steam because I don't want to underrate steamy reads that don't have much kink.
**Note about spoilers: I like to comment on the plot of a book in reviews, so I almost always mark my reviews as containing spoilers. But I try to avoid spoiling the big dramatic moments! As a reader, I personally like to know what I'm getting into before I read a book so I know more about the content and if it's to my taste/mood, so I try to give that information in my reviews for myself when I'm considering rereading and also for other readers.
Feels: 2.75/5
Steam*: 2.75/5
Kinks: sex in risky places, free use (just between the mmcs), rough sex, no lube at times
Angst: low
HEA: HEA
Pairing: MM
Triggers/potential icks/content warnings/representation: murder, gore, suicide by minor character in past off page, homelessness, poverty, PTSD, unsafe sex, past child abuse and torture
Cheating between MCs: No
Any cheating: No
Other person drama: they talk about their past hookups/exes, but neither of them have any interest in anyone else from the moment they meet. There's one scene towards the end where they go to an orgy, but it's not to participate, Eli is curious and just wants to look.
3.5 stars
Eli is 25. A corrupt mayor, Sullivan, bankrupted his family and run them off the property they had. His mom had died. His dad was driven to suicide. Eli has been homeless for a year and he's wanted revenge against Sullivan. At a big public event, Eli dresses up as Santa and he kills Sullivan and has to go on the run.
Cesar is 33 and has been a servant basically to Sullivan since he was 5 years old, when his parents paid off a debt by giving him to Sullivan. Sullivan through fear and manipulation forced Cesar to be his killing machine. He promised to eventually let him retire, but it's unlikely he actually intended to let him leave. Cesar lost an eye a year or two ago and Sullivan has been using that as an excuse to hold on to him. That he hasn't earned freedom. When Eli takes out Sullivan, Cesar is grateful and he makes it his mission to help Eli escape the cops.
Well they are on the run, it comes out that they are both gay and attracted to each other and they start hooking up. Eli is so grateful for Cesar's protection and care, Cesar is a better boyfriend than anyone else. He quickly falls in love, but they are still on the run and at risk of being discovered, and Cesar is also struggling with PTSD from his trauma and he's afraid that he can't love because of all he's been through. But Cesar sure is selfless and treats Eli like a prince.
I enjoyed this book. The possessive protective elements were great. The protectiveness between them was charming, endearing. The way that Cesar kept taking care of Eli, being tender to him while he slept, carrying him places, finding everything that he did adorable. And there was a good suspense of them being on the run trying to evade the cops.
There were some things that weren't perfect:
- At one point early on, Cesar has clearly been shopping for clothes and food, he has eggs which are perishable and don't make sense to be stocked with the other canned foods he has. I wish the authors had made it more clear when he went shopping, cuz it kind of seems like he didn't have a chance to and it's unrealistic for him to have gone
- I didn't like the unsafe sex element of this book. I thought it was irresponsible for them to not even talk about when they were last tested. Cesar had only been allowed to go out on Fridays by Sullivan, and he regularly went out to orgies and had a sex fest to slake all of his sexual energy in one night, so he had more of a risky sex life than Eli. He also regularly was covered in people's blood, and he doesn't know what other people might be carrying. It was irresponsible and out of character of him to risk Eli's health like that.
- I didn't love that Cesar didn't think he could love Eli. While I know it makes sense in the context of the book, I don't love that he's not confident /doesn't know his own feelings. Just not romantic. I'm also not a fan of the lies. He wasn't honest with Eli about his life history for a good portion of the book, so he wasn't letting Eli get to know the real him.
- I don't understand where all of Cesar's money came from. I feel like Sullivan would not have been paying him, he was an indentured servant basically. I didn't love the ending, because I would have liked to know what they are doing for money, what they are doing as a job. They are young men and have a lot of life and expenses ahead of them.
Some notable moments:
Loved Eli as a blanket burrito. And it was cute to see Cesar stall out, uncertain what to say. "I’m halfway to the door when Eli speaks. “Am I now more of a worm or a larva?” Stalling, I focus on the tips of my boots to think, because this surely is a trick question. “Um… definitely a larva, since you will soon turn into your sexy, slinky form,” I respond, hoping he’ll like that. “But what if I don’t and I stay a larva? Would you still think I’m sexy?” Taking into account that he sucked me off at the lake while bundled up in this cocoon, should I say ‘yes’? Or does he mean an actual larva? “Are you saying you want to stay a burrito for the foreseeable future?”"
"“Lamb, wake up,” I say and squeeze his shoulder, before making sure the disposable mask he’s wearing, to minimize the chance of being recognized, is not out of place. The way he blinks at me, so sleepy… I just want to squish his cheeks and eat him up. I’m glad he lets me fuck him bare, because I couldn’t stand anything between us. One yawn later, Eli is able to speak. “Hm? Where are we? Snacks?” Even the way he says that last word is precious. Snacks."
*FYI about steam: I rate steam based on a combination of quality & quantity. I note kink separate from steam because I don't want to underrate steamy reads that don't have much kink.
**Note about spoilers: I like to comment on the plot of a book in reviews, so I almost always mark my reviews as containing spoilers. But I try to avoid spoiling the big dramatic moments! As a reader, I personally like to know what I'm getting into before I read a book so I know more about the content and if it's to my taste/mood, so I try to give that information in my reviews for myself when I'm considering rereading and also for other readers.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 5, 2025
ka merikan puts damn drugs in these weird christmas books i genuinely don’t understand why they’re so much better than their regular ones
October 19, 2025
Fun take on a festive story. A murderous yet strangely cute couple. It’s definitely not a surprise coming from this author, and it was a nice change from the usual fluffy stories.
It was a little repetitive at times, and I have a few unanswered questions, but I still enjoyed the overall idea. Their journey to freedom was thrilling and very spicy.
3.5⭐️
………………………………………………………….
I received an ARC from GRR, and this is my honest review.
It was a little repetitive at times, and I have a few unanswered questions, but I still enjoyed the overall idea. Their journey to freedom was thrilling and very spicy.
3.5⭐️
………………………………………………………….
I received an ARC from GRR, and this is my honest review.
October 16, 2025
OH I LOVE THEM
November 9, 2025
A job well done. I enjoyed this book so much. Hope, suspense, murder, tenderness, love and Christmas on the run.
The cocoon that surrounds them, the circumstances that bring them together and the rush of feelings that bind them make this a greedy, sexy, ravishing read.
Cesar's faithful dog mentality, though warranted by the life he's led is a powerful drive for the relationship and the story. Interesting and inventive writing. Plus the intensity of the sex is so explosive I worry for their health 😄
The unbearable chokehold on their gorgeous happiness. The angst that the sky will indeed fall any minute.
Eli is such a strong lamb to Cesar's wolf. They are both full of surprises and so utterly perfect together.
The cocoon that surrounds them, the circumstances that bring them together and the rush of feelings that bind them make this a greedy, sexy, ravishing read.
Cesar's faithful dog mentality, though warranted by the life he's led is a powerful drive for the relationship and the story. Interesting and inventive writing. Plus the intensity of the sex is so explosive I worry for their health 😄
The unbearable chokehold on their gorgeous happiness. The angst that the sky will indeed fall any minute.
Eli is such a strong lamb to Cesar's wolf. They are both full of surprises and so utterly perfect together.
dnf-pause-or-victims
January 10, 2026Flew high at page 77 and is probably never returning.
I just could NOT care 🥹🤧💔
I just could NOT care 🥹🤧💔
November 10, 2025
This sadly gave me nothing ;_; and I'm rly sad about it, because vol. 1 was so perfect.
But this, this was just .. two dudes having anxiety issues and sad backstory and killed some ppl, also being ultra obsessive about each other but not talking to each other at all but only past each other, thats it. *shrug*
The whole "dark" part was missing, there was barely any story (not that there was a lot of story in the other books, but it was ... more). The whole vigilante stuff was also very lame, the amount of anxiety in the killer was ... not mine, so yeah. Sadly a let down for me.
But this, this was just .. two dudes having anxiety issues and sad backstory and killed some ppl, also being ultra obsessive about each other but not talking to each other at all but only past each other, thats it. *shrug*
The whole "dark" part was missing, there was barely any story (not that there was a lot of story in the other books, but it was ... more). The whole vigilante stuff was also very lame, the amount of anxiety in the killer was ... not mine, so yeah. Sadly a let down for me.
November 20, 2025
A trained assassin and his accidental murder boyfriend get snowed in together while fleeing from the cops. Of course Eli doesn't know they're boyfriends yet but Cesar is determined to care for the man who set him free from the life of crime he was sold into.
It's insta and kooky and completely fun. I love everything these two write and this is no exception. A gruff bodyguard type and a "damsel in distress" who shows him how to love will always be a win.
Another classic KA Merikan Dark Christmas revenge romance ❤️
It's insta and kooky and completely fun. I love everything these two write and this is no exception. A gruff bodyguard type and a "damsel in distress" who shows him how to love will always be a win.
Another classic KA Merikan Dark Christmas revenge romance ❤️
November 7, 2025
Genre: MM Romance
Type: Standalone book 3 of Murder and Mistletoe
POV: First Person - Dual
Rating:
Cesar had been counting down the days he could finally be free from his master's clutch when Eli Ward unexpectedly ended it for him by killing the man. As a trained killer, Cesar knew Eli wasn't one and provided assistance as gratitude. But being on the run, they risked not only their lives, but also their hearts.
What I liked about Cesar and Eli is how they both came from less than ideal backgrounds, yet managed to give each other exactly what they needed. Cesar was strong and efficient, yet had vulnerabilities that only the seemingly clueless Eli could disarm.
The story was light, and considering the severity of their circumstances, some conflicts were resolved a bit too easily. Nevertheless, I did enjoy the overall storyline.
Festive Fugitive is a story of breaking free. It would appeal to readers who enjoy festive-season MM romance.
✨️🎄✨️. . . (F)BR with Twinsie CC . . . ✨️🎄✨️
For more reviews/interviews/book talk/promo visit:
For graphics, trailers & author services visit Warhawke Design Studio.
Type: Standalone book 3 of Murder and Mistletoe
POV: First Person - Dual
Rating:
Cesar had been counting down the days he could finally be free from his master's clutch when Eli Ward unexpectedly ended it for him by killing the man. As a trained killer, Cesar knew Eli wasn't one and provided assistance as gratitude. But being on the run, they risked not only their lives, but also their hearts.
What I liked about Cesar and Eli is how they both came from less than ideal backgrounds, yet managed to give each other exactly what they needed. Cesar was strong and efficient, yet had vulnerabilities that only the seemingly clueless Eli could disarm.
The story was light, and considering the severity of their circumstances, some conflicts were resolved a bit too easily. Nevertheless, I did enjoy the overall storyline.
Festive Fugitive is a story of breaking free. It would appeal to readers who enjoy festive-season MM romance.
✨️🎄✨️. . . (F)BR with Twinsie CC . . . ✨️🎄✨️
For more reviews/interviews/book talk/promo visit:
For graphics, trailers & author services visit Warhawke Design Studio.
October 12, 2025
And the Christmas ARCs have started!!! Here's K.A. Merikan's "Festive Fugitive." It's the third book in their Murder and Mistletoe series.
["I didn’t expect my Christmas gift to be six-foot-two, a trained killer, and obsessed with me.
Eli
One bullet. One dead man. And now my wreck of a life is spiraling out of control.
The bastard deserved it, but I’m just a regular guy. I botched the escape, and since I killed him while wearing a Santa costume, they call me the Festive Fugitive. Cute. Too bad I’ll be spending Christmas behind bars or in a body bag.
Then he appears. Cesar.
My dark salvation. A trained killer who looks at me as if I’m his personal miracle. I killed his boss, yet he says I did him a favor. He wants to protect me, claim me, cage me in his arms, and God help me… I let him.
Because what’s falling for a monster when there’s a manhunt hot on my tail and a target on my back?
Cesar
Taken as a child, I was turned into a loyal weapon. I killed, tortured, burned, and bled. I was respected and needed. Until I wasn’t.
When I lost an eye, my master pushed me aside, but as I waited for my ‘one last job’ so I could retire, Eli pulled the trigger.
I never expected some half-starved, grief-drunk civilian in a Santa outfit to free me, but that’s what happened.
Eli is everything I am not—fragile, impulsive, untrained. And yet he killed the man I was bound to. He doesn’t know it, but he owns me now.
He thinks I’m his protector, that I’ve taken him under my wing. But it’s more than that.
He’s mine. My obsession. My purpose. My beautiful, reckless mess of a man, and I’ll burn the world before I let anyone take him from me.
I guess Christmas came early for Eli this year."]
I wasn't entirely sure that KA would be able to write another, uniquely it's own holiday dark romance. I was wrong; I was sooo wrong.
This book was glorious and dark and fluffy and beautiful. They were so attached so quickly, and it was probably toxic af, but that's what we love about dark romances (common sense and green flags don't have a place here).
They were both so supportive and patient and caring. They wanted the best of things for the other. They wanted a safe and kind HEA for each other. Sure there was some murder and theft and running from the police. Sure there was some feral possessiveness. But they loved each other. And that's what Christmas is all about (...right?).
Trigger Warnings: trafficking, brainwashing, loneliness, disability, violence, PTSD, murder, and more.
#grr #gayromancereview #arcs #arcteammember
#alliwantforchristmasisrevenge #hohohomocidalmaniac #festivefugitive #murderandmistletoe #murderandmistletoeseries #kamerikan #books #queerbooks #queererotica #bodicerippers #bookstagram #bookphotography #ilovebooks
["I didn’t expect my Christmas gift to be six-foot-two, a trained killer, and obsessed with me.
Eli
One bullet. One dead man. And now my wreck of a life is spiraling out of control.
The bastard deserved it, but I’m just a regular guy. I botched the escape, and since I killed him while wearing a Santa costume, they call me the Festive Fugitive. Cute. Too bad I’ll be spending Christmas behind bars or in a body bag.
Then he appears. Cesar.
My dark salvation. A trained killer who looks at me as if I’m his personal miracle. I killed his boss, yet he says I did him a favor. He wants to protect me, claim me, cage me in his arms, and God help me… I let him.
Because what’s falling for a monster when there’s a manhunt hot on my tail and a target on my back?
Cesar
Taken as a child, I was turned into a loyal weapon. I killed, tortured, burned, and bled. I was respected and needed. Until I wasn’t.
When I lost an eye, my master pushed me aside, but as I waited for my ‘one last job’ so I could retire, Eli pulled the trigger.
I never expected some half-starved, grief-drunk civilian in a Santa outfit to free me, but that’s what happened.
Eli is everything I am not—fragile, impulsive, untrained. And yet he killed the man I was bound to. He doesn’t know it, but he owns me now.
He thinks I’m his protector, that I’ve taken him under my wing. But it’s more than that.
He’s mine. My obsession. My purpose. My beautiful, reckless mess of a man, and I’ll burn the world before I let anyone take him from me.
I guess Christmas came early for Eli this year."]
I wasn't entirely sure that KA would be able to write another, uniquely it's own holiday dark romance. I was wrong; I was sooo wrong.
This book was glorious and dark and fluffy and beautiful. They were so attached so quickly, and it was probably toxic af, but that's what we love about dark romances (common sense and green flags don't have a place here).
They were both so supportive and patient and caring. They wanted the best of things for the other. They wanted a safe and kind HEA for each other. Sure there was some murder and theft and running from the police. Sure there was some feral possessiveness. But they loved each other. And that's what Christmas is all about (...right?).
Trigger Warnings: trafficking, brainwashing, loneliness, disability, violence, PTSD, murder, and more.
#grr #gayromancereview #arcs #arcteammember
#alliwantforchristmasisrevenge #hohohomocidalmaniac #festivefugitive #murderandmistletoe #murderandmistletoeseries #kamerikan #books #queerbooks #queererotica #bodicerippers #bookstagram #bookphotography #ilovebooks
October 17, 2025
This was a fun, spicy read about killers on the run! Dressed as Santa at a fancy party, Eli shoots and kills politician Sullivan, the man who ruined his family and destroyed his life. On the run and dubbed ‘the festive fugitive’ Eli isn’t sure where to turn, until he meets Sullivan’s ex-bodyguard Caesar, now freed from Sullivan’s tyrannical control.
The pair of them escape across the country as the media closes in, desperate to be together and celebrate Christmas as a couple.
Read Festive Fugitive for:
🎄 Killers on the run
🎄 Snowed in cabin
🎄 Touch him and 💀
🎄 Touch starved MCs x2
🎄 Devoted protector
��� High spice
🎄 Overcoming trauma
🎄 Forced proximity
🎄 Murderous Xmas fun!
The pair of them escape across the country as the media closes in, desperate to be together and celebrate Christmas as a couple.
Read Festive Fugitive for:
🎄 Killers on the run
🎄 Snowed in cabin
🎄 Touch him and 💀
🎄 Touch starved MCs x2
🎄 Devoted protector
��� High spice
🎄 Overcoming trauma
🎄 Forced proximity
🎄 Murderous Xmas fun!
October 15, 2025
Never in my life have I seen such a twisted turn out to power imbalances in a book.
Cesar and Eli are the most beautiful yet equally damaged couple out there. With Cesar's conditioning and Eli's softness, these two have rewritten what romance is in such a dark setting.
Cesar and Eli are the most beautiful yet equally damaged couple out there. With Cesar's conditioning and Eli's softness, these two have rewritten what romance is in such a dark setting.
November 5, 2025
4.25 stars. Cesar was given away as a child to erase a gambling debt, and given to a mobster, Arthur Sullivan.
A cruel man who trained Cesar and made him a killing machine and Sullivan’s personal bodyguard.
One day, Cesar lost one of his eyes. It was the reason he was set aside by Sullivan, no longer needed, but not free, never free!
For Cesar, at thirty-three, it’s time to have a life of his own. But the man won’t let him go.
At Sullivan’s Christmas party, an unexpected gift was given to Cesar. His freedom. Not by Sullivan, noooo, but by an unknown man who shot and killed Sullivan.
Cesar could have killed the assassin, but he didn’t, he wants to thank him.
Eli is twenty-five, and did something he never did before, he killed a man, not just a man, but Arthur Sullivan, the man who ruined his and his family’s life. He escaped from the Christmas party without being caught, he ran for his life.
He isn’t aware that Cesar is the reason he wasn’t caught.
“I’m gonna fill him with so much of my DNA we’re gonna fucking merge.”
Cesar was indoctrinated, conditioned, put on a leash, he lived only to obey.
With Sullivan gone, Cesar is drifting. In Eli, he finds his compass and purpose again.
Together on the run with a strong attraction, Eli ends up under the rough and tough Cesar.
Cesar has a rough exterior but there’s so much more under all those layers.
Eli is head over heels in love with his savior.
It was awesome to watch these men, to get to know them better. A lot is going on.
The journey to a happily ever after is tough but thank goodness they made it.
It was a wonderful story, strongly written, captivating, it has hurt comfort, many sexy encounters, and sweetness! Be aware there are some trigger warnings.
Read and reviewed for LoveBytes - LGBTQ bookreviews
A cruel man who trained Cesar and made him a killing machine and Sullivan’s personal bodyguard.
One day, Cesar lost one of his eyes. It was the reason he was set aside by Sullivan, no longer needed, but not free, never free!
For Cesar, at thirty-three, it’s time to have a life of his own. But the man won’t let him go.
At Sullivan’s Christmas party, an unexpected gift was given to Cesar. His freedom. Not by Sullivan, noooo, but by an unknown man who shot and killed Sullivan.
Cesar could have killed the assassin, but he didn’t, he wants to thank him.
Eli is twenty-five, and did something he never did before, he killed a man, not just a man, but Arthur Sullivan, the man who ruined his and his family’s life. He escaped from the Christmas party without being caught, he ran for his life.
He isn’t aware that Cesar is the reason he wasn’t caught.
“I’m gonna fill him with so much of my DNA we’re gonna fucking merge.”
Cesar was indoctrinated, conditioned, put on a leash, he lived only to obey.
With Sullivan gone, Cesar is drifting. In Eli, he finds his compass and purpose again.
Together on the run with a strong attraction, Eli ends up under the rough and tough Cesar.
Cesar has a rough exterior but there’s so much more under all those layers.
Eli is head over heels in love with his savior.
It was awesome to watch these men, to get to know them better. A lot is going on.
The journey to a happily ever after is tough but thank goodness they made it.
It was a wonderful story, strongly written, captivating, it has hurt comfort, many sexy encounters, and sweetness! Be aware there are some trigger warnings.
Read and reviewed for LoveBytes - LGBTQ bookreviews
November 6, 2025
3.75★
After years of loyal service to his employer, Cesar is ready to retire and Eli unexpectedly unravels the last remaining ties that bind.
Narrated in dual POV, Cesar is a capable bodyguard by profession and had lived a solitary and cruel existence being at his employer’s mercy. Though Eli may not have the honed instincts as Cesar, he is fiercely protective of Cesar and recognizes the trauma within.
Throughout this story, I empathized with Cesar and Eli and how they responded to each other’s past experiences. Yearning for acceptance, they navigate what it is like to form a relationship. What I always enjoy about KA Merikan’s books is how the characters, no matter how dark or scarred, have a very tender side that is yearns to be freed.
Festive Fugitive is a MM dark romance about overcoming trauma and finding solace in your own defined sense of happiness.
An ARC was provided for a review.>
*This was a (F)BR with Twinsie Hawkey*
For more reviews/reveals/giveaways visit:
After years of loyal service to his employer, Cesar is ready to retire and Eli unexpectedly unravels the last remaining ties that bind.
“He doesn’t judge my weakness or despise it. He’s the antithesis of what I’ve been taught my whole life.”
Narrated in dual POV, Cesar is a capable bodyguard by profession and had lived a solitary and cruel existence being at his employer’s mercy. Though Eli may not have the honed instincts as Cesar, he is fiercely protective of Cesar and recognizes the trauma within.
Throughout this story, I empathized with Cesar and Eli and how they responded to each other’s past experiences. Yearning for acceptance, they navigate what it is like to form a relationship. What I always enjoy about KA Merikan’s books is how the characters, no matter how dark or scarred, have a very tender side that is yearns to be freed.
Festive Fugitive is a MM dark romance about overcoming trauma and finding solace in your own defined sense of happiness.
An ARC was provided for a review.>
*This was a (F)BR with Twinsie Hawkey*
For more reviews/reveals/giveaways visit:
December 6, 2025
Christmas with a side of possessiveness and murder….what more could you want for the holiday season? Cesar is a trained killer on a leash. After losing his eye on a job he is stuck on the sidelines waiting for a job that will finally fulfill his parents debt. As years go by Cesar realizes that his master may never let him go. He is determined to show the boss he shouldn’t be doing grunt work when a man dressed as Santa with a gun shows up. Cesar never imagined his savior would be a random fragile looking man but he makes a quick decision to help the guy out. Eli has lost everything all thanks to the man standing before him. He only intended on threatening him but all the anger boiled up. Now deemed the Festive Fugitive, Eli is on the run when he meets a mysterious man eager to help him. The problem is the man is gorgeous, dangerous, and full of secrets. As Cesar and Eli try to escape a life of trauma they find peace in each other. Just like the other books in this series this book is chalk full of adorable festive scenes as well as murder. I loved that Eli was the vigilante hero. He’s been homeless, treated horribly by family and ex-boyfriends, and hasn’t eaten a full meal in years. Despite this he took out a very deadly and well known man. Through the book we see Eli grow and realize that he is worthy of all the great things life has to offer. Cesar is like a killer puppy, violent but seeking praise and affection. Growing up as nothing more than a weapon has taken a toll on him. It is only natural that he would be completely devoted to the man that saved him. But Cesar’s devotion very quickly becomes obsession. Check out this book if you are looking for a dark MM Christmas romance with disability representation, on the run from the law, obsessive love, free use, revenge, and intensely sexy scenes.
November 10, 2025
Not your usual holiday romance. Along with the murdery aspect in this romance, it was surprisingly sweet and romantic. Eli being the "festive fugitive" I was waiting for the shoe to drop. Waiting on pins and needles on when their "holiday" will end. I loved how Cesar took care of all Eli needs and Eli was there to give Cesar comfort and love. Some angst...a lot of HOT sexy times...some murder and gore...emotional heart to heart scenes and a wonderful HEA. Very Nice addition to series...I recommend.
I received a copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
November 2, 2025
This story was super sweet in a "I unalive people & you unalive people" type of way! K.A Merikan write the most unhinged men you can't help but love & I think that's why I enjoy their writing so much.
Both Eli and Cesar have their issues but together they work.I enjoyed this insta- love story, full of Christmas cheer, murder, spice & craziness.Anyone who enjoys K.A Merikan books will really enjoyed this Christmas mm story.
Both Eli and Cesar have their issues but together they work.I enjoyed this insta- love story, full of Christmas cheer, murder, spice & craziness.Anyone who enjoys K.A Merikan books will really enjoyed this Christmas mm story.
November 4, 2025
3.75 ⭐️
Festive Fugitive is the next installment of KA Merikan's darker holiday novellas. This story was a rollercoaster from start to finish.
I loved the last few years' holiday stories, but admittedly I didn't love this one. BUT I think a lot of you WILL love it.
Especially if you're a fan of:
• insta-obsession
• murd3r babes
• f r e e use
• ○rgies
• clingy/needy mcs
The plot was fun: bad guy gets taken out, Luigi style, and then our two mcs go on the run. The spice: very spicy when it gets going. In classic Merikan style, it's graphic, and smut lovers will rejoice.
This story was funny in parts and sad in others. The obsession between the two mcs didn’t make sense to me, but I DO think they needed each other.
If you're looking for a fun but dark smut filled holiday themed story, I can't recommend this one enough. I bet it'll check all those boxes!
Festive Fugitive is the next installment of KA Merikan's darker holiday novellas. This story was a rollercoaster from start to finish.
I loved the last few years' holiday stories, but admittedly I didn't love this one. BUT I think a lot of you WILL love it.
Especially if you're a fan of:
• insta-obsession
• murd3r babes
• f r e e use
• ○rgies
• clingy/needy mcs
The plot was fun: bad guy gets taken out, Luigi style, and then our two mcs go on the run. The spice: very spicy when it gets going. In classic Merikan style, it's graphic, and smut lovers will rejoice.
This story was funny in parts and sad in others. The obsession between the two mcs didn’t make sense to me, but I DO think they needed each other.
If you're looking for a fun but dark smut filled holiday themed story, I can't recommend this one enough. I bet it'll check all those boxes!
November 5, 2025
merry christmas! lol, this was fun as all the murder and mistletoe books are. completely outrageous but takes the whole "touch him and die" trope quite literally. Cesar is the most protective boy in the world and Eli is super into it. overall, i had fun reading this.
December 24, 2025
That was like Bonnie and Clyde get their HEA. Perfect little dark and obsessive holiday romance. Just what I wanted.
November 2, 2025
This may just be my favorite K.A. Merikan book yet! I absolutely loved Eli and Cesar. I really loved how protective Cesar was of Eli and how badly he just wanted to take care of him. And how precious Eli was. I love this series and hope it continues every holiday season. 💚
December 28, 2025
ARC review
And another amazing book.
Eli was brave, not many people could have done what he did. He stood up for himself and he knew the consequences. Thank God he had a guardian angel in the form of a killer.
Cesar just wanted to be free and Eli gave him that opportunity.
I just adored them together, they fit so beautifully
And another amazing book.
Eli was brave, not many people could have done what he did. He stood up for himself and he knew the consequences. Thank God he had a guardian angel in the form of a killer.
Cesar just wanted to be free and Eli gave him that opportunity.
I just adored them together, they fit so beautifully
November 4, 2025
Festive Fugitive by K.A. Merikan
Murder & Mistletoe #3
Length: 225 pages
Source: Gay Romance Reviews eARC
Publication date: November 2, 2025
3 ⭐
3 🌶️
WHAT TO EXPECT
🖤 Forced proximity
🖤 Size difference
🖤 Obsessed MC
🖤 Protective MC
🖤 Trained killer
🖤 Free use (between MCs only)
🖤 Hurt/comfort
🖤 Possessive hero
🖤 Dark humor
🖤 Disabled MC
🖤 Morally grey MCs
🖤 Touch-starved MCs
AUTHOR’S BLURB
I didn’t expect my Christmas gift to be six-foot-two, a trained killer, and obsessed with me.
Eli
One bullet. One dead man. And now my wreck of a life is spiraling out of control.
The bastard deserved it, but I’m just a regular guy. I botched the escape, and since I killed him while wearing a Santa costume, they call me the Festive Fugitive. Cute. Too bad I’ll be spending Christmas behind bars or in a body bag.
Then he appears.
Cesar. My dark salvation. A trained killer who looks at me as if I’m his personal miracle. I killed his boss, yet he says I did him a favor. He wants to protect me, claim me, cage me in his arms, and God help me… I let him.
Because what’s falling for a monster when there’s a manhunt hot on my tail and a target on my back?
Cesar
Taken as a child, I was turned into a loyal weapon. I killed, tortured, burned, and bled. I was respected and needed. Until I wasn’t. When I lost an eye, my master pushed me aside, but as I waited for my ‘one last job’ so I could retire, Eli pulled the trigger.
I never expected some half-starved, grief-drunk civilian in a Santa outfit to free me, but that’s what happened. Eli is everything I am not—fragile, impulsive, untrained. And yet he killed the man I was bound to. He doesn’t know it, but he owns me now.
He thinks I’m his protector, that I’ve taken him under my wing. But it’s more than that. He’s mine. My obsession. My purpose. My beautiful, reckless mess of a man, and I’ll burn the world before I let anyone take him from me.
I guess Christmas came early for Eli this year.
MY THOUGHTS
I don't have much to say! Reading K.A. Merikan's work is always a good time. I enjoy the character development that goes into their writing, even for something shorter like this book, because it's fully fleshed out and believable, especially as far as the trauma the MCs have often experienced in their lifetimes. Festive Fugitive is fast-paced, fun, holiday insta-love that reads quickly. It's as fluffy and sweet as murder can get. Throw in the requisite Merikan sexy times, and it's a pleasant way to spend a little time.
— A🩷
CONTENT WARNINGS
Explicit sexual content, on-page violence, strong language, PTSD, on-page murder, shooting, mentions of torture, mention of parental suicide, food insecurity, homelessness
Thanks to Gay Romance Reviews and K.A. Merikan for an eARC of this book. All opinions are mine. Reviews posted regularly on StoryGraph, Instagram, BlueSky, BookBub, Fable, Amazon, and Goodreads.
Murder & Mistletoe #3
Length: 225 pages
Source: Gay Romance Reviews eARC
Publication date: November 2, 2025
3 ⭐
3 🌶️
WHAT TO EXPECT
🖤 Forced proximity
🖤 Size difference
🖤 Obsessed MC
🖤 Protective MC
🖤 Trained killer
🖤 Free use (between MCs only)
🖤 Hurt/comfort
🖤 Possessive hero
🖤 Dark humor
🖤 Disabled MC
🖤 Morally grey MCs
🖤 Touch-starved MCs
AUTHOR’S BLURB
I didn’t expect my Christmas gift to be six-foot-two, a trained killer, and obsessed with me.
Eli
One bullet. One dead man. And now my wreck of a life is spiraling out of control.
The bastard deserved it, but I’m just a regular guy. I botched the escape, and since I killed him while wearing a Santa costume, they call me the Festive Fugitive. Cute. Too bad I’ll be spending Christmas behind bars or in a body bag.
Then he appears.
Cesar. My dark salvation. A trained killer who looks at me as if I’m his personal miracle. I killed his boss, yet he says I did him a favor. He wants to protect me, claim me, cage me in his arms, and God help me… I let him.
Because what’s falling for a monster when there’s a manhunt hot on my tail and a target on my back?
Cesar
Taken as a child, I was turned into a loyal weapon. I killed, tortured, burned, and bled. I was respected and needed. Until I wasn’t. When I lost an eye, my master pushed me aside, but as I waited for my ‘one last job’ so I could retire, Eli pulled the trigger.
I never expected some half-starved, grief-drunk civilian in a Santa outfit to free me, but that’s what happened. Eli is everything I am not—fragile, impulsive, untrained. And yet he killed the man I was bound to. He doesn’t know it, but he owns me now.
He thinks I’m his protector, that I’ve taken him under my wing. But it’s more than that. He’s mine. My obsession. My purpose. My beautiful, reckless mess of a man, and I’ll burn the world before I let anyone take him from me.
I guess Christmas came early for Eli this year.
MY THOUGHTS
I don't have much to say! Reading K.A. Merikan's work is always a good time. I enjoy the character development that goes into their writing, even for something shorter like this book, because it's fully fleshed out and believable, especially as far as the trauma the MCs have often experienced in their lifetimes. Festive Fugitive is fast-paced, fun, holiday insta-love that reads quickly. It's as fluffy and sweet as murder can get. Throw in the requisite Merikan sexy times, and it's a pleasant way to spend a little time.
— A🩷
CONTENT WARNINGS
Explicit sexual content, on-page violence, strong language, PTSD, on-page murder, shooting, mentions of torture, mention of parental suicide, food insecurity, homelessness
Thanks to Gay Romance Reviews and K.A. Merikan for an eARC of this book. All opinions are mine. Reviews posted regularly on StoryGraph, Instagram, BlueSky, BookBub, Fable, Amazon, and Goodreads.
November 3, 2025
A messed-up good time. Not quite as tight and riveting for me as the previous murderous holiday stories were, but I still had fun.
Starring groomed-and-abused-to-be-a-killer borderline sociopathic Cesar and tormented-to-the-point-of-murder nice-guy Eli, Festive Fugitive starts with a bang (not THAT kind you dirty dogs! the deadly kind! 😂) and races off from there to a snowy cabin in the woods.
Cesar has been abused and used by his masterlike “boss” (more like owner) since his parents sold him to the man at age 5. He's the deadly secret assassin on call at the boss's whim. He has control-trigger words, but hopes that finally he’ll be free of the man’s control soon, as agreed. (Yeah right. No power hungry megalomaniac ever gives up their favorite puppet…). He’s lost hope again when suddenly…
Eli is at the end of his rope. He’s lost his parents, job, boyfriend, is living in his car, all due to one man. Dressing up as Santa and shooting the man…goes surprisingly well, and though Eli has no exit plan, he no longer cares now that the wicked man is dead.
But Eli’s actions free Cesar, and Cesar is nothing if not appreciative…
This unlikely Bonnie and Clyde duo go on the run together and hole up in the woods, get to know each other, form a toxic attraction and connection and discover their proclivities are a rather exciting and irresistible match…
The toxic level of possessiveness is as always my kryptonite, loved it. Cesar’s lack of emotion turning into possessive fire (he can’t love, but, he feels…something VERY strong about Eli belonging to him…) Eli’s desperate need for someone to just care for him, be there for him…it’s deliciously terribly right for both of them.
The story does feel less evenly paced than previous, and while twists keep happening, including a really strong midpoint reversal that had someone on their knees in a scary way, the emotional beats were kind of all over the place? And once certain scene in the aftermath of a fancy party turned orgy went over the top in a Why Is This Here kind of way, but…I did like these two for each other. The story just got a bit…meandering as it went on.
Still, I had a good time. And seeing these two murderous soulmates build a snowman and make handcrafted ornaments warmed my heart.
HEA, toxic murder-y relationship, fugitives on the run, touch him and DIE literally, possession-obsession. NO others; OM drama sort of from Eli’s nasty ex taking advantage and getting his moment of fame to trash talk Eli, but no interactions (kind of wish that guy had been…dealt with…). Safe for me! Recommended.
My thanks to Gay Romance Reviews for the ARC; this is my free and impartial opinion.
Starring groomed-and-abused-to-be-a-killer borderline sociopathic Cesar and tormented-to-the-point-of-murder nice-guy Eli, Festive Fugitive starts with a bang (not THAT kind you dirty dogs! the deadly kind! 😂) and races off from there to a snowy cabin in the woods.
Cesar has been abused and used by his masterlike “boss” (more like owner) since his parents sold him to the man at age 5. He's the deadly secret assassin on call at the boss's whim. He has control-trigger words, but hopes that finally he’ll be free of the man’s control soon, as agreed. (Yeah right. No power hungry megalomaniac ever gives up their favorite puppet…). He’s lost hope again when suddenly…
Eli is at the end of his rope. He’s lost his parents, job, boyfriend, is living in his car, all due to one man. Dressing up as Santa and shooting the man…goes surprisingly well, and though Eli has no exit plan, he no longer cares now that the wicked man is dead.
But Eli’s actions free Cesar, and Cesar is nothing if not appreciative…
This unlikely Bonnie and Clyde duo go on the run together and hole up in the woods, get to know each other, form a toxic attraction and connection and discover their proclivities are a rather exciting and irresistible match…
The toxic level of possessiveness is as always my kryptonite, loved it. Cesar’s lack of emotion turning into possessive fire (he can’t love, but, he feels…something VERY strong about Eli belonging to him…) Eli’s desperate need for someone to just care for him, be there for him…it’s deliciously terribly right for both of them.
The story does feel less evenly paced than previous, and while twists keep happening, including a really strong midpoint reversal that had someone on their knees in a scary way, the emotional beats were kind of all over the place? And once certain scene in the aftermath of a fancy party turned orgy went over the top in a Why Is This Here kind of way, but…I did like these two for each other. The story just got a bit…meandering as it went on.
Still, I had a good time. And seeing these two murderous soulmates build a snowman and make handcrafted ornaments warmed my heart.
HEA, toxic murder-y relationship, fugitives on the run, touch him and DIE literally, possession-obsession. NO others; OM drama sort of from Eli’s nasty ex taking advantage and getting his moment of fame to trash talk Eli, but no interactions (kind of wish that guy had been…dealt with…). Safe for me! Recommended.
My thanks to Gay Romance Reviews for the ARC; this is my free and impartial opinion.
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