His Christmas Sin

by J.L. Ash

Maggie Bennett wants nothing more than a quiet Christmas in her mountain home. No celebration, just her dog, Brutus, and the peace she’s built after escaping an ex who wanted to take what was hers.

But when a gunshot echoes in the winter night, she finds herself heading out into the dark winter woods. She saves a beautiful man with a stab wound. Is he dangerous? The wounded man carries secrets, ones that bring trouble her way.

Severin Vitelli, heir of one of New York’s most feared mafia families, enters the small town of Black Mountain for blood. He finds his brother’s killer, but vengeance comes with a price.

Snowed in together, desire swirls faster than the winter storm outside. He’s all danger and temptation. She is the light he never thought he’d crave.

Can two different lives come together this Christmas, or will the passion turn deadly?

124 pages, Kindle Edition

Published December 5, 2025

Reviews

[Jade Godfrey · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was lucky enough to be an ARC reader for this book, and I absolutely loved it. I was genuinely sad when it ended because I enjoyed reading about Magie and Séverin so much. Their meeting, their connection, and the chemistry between them were written so well. I was hooked straight away.

I would have definitely loved a little more detail in some scenes, but overall it was such a lovely short novella that still managed to include everything you want in a quick romance read. It flowed beautifully, making it incredibly easy and enjoyable to read.

I’m already excited to read more books from this author this one has definitely left me wanting more!

[Bookish_Ashleigh · Rating 4 out of 5]

His Christmas Sin is the perfect holiday novella for readers who like their festive romances with a sharp, dangerous edge. Maggie and Severin meet in the middle of a snowstorm, right as Severin is knee-deep in a mafia revenge mission and their instant connection has heat and danger from the very first moment.

It’s insta-love wrapped in dark romance vibes, blended with just enough holiday magic to make it irresistible. Fast-paced, atmospheric, and addictive, this story gives you snowy tension, forbidden heat, and a twisty little Christmas treat all in one.

[Philomena Callan Cheekypee · Rating 5 out of 5]

I devoured this story and was sad when it had finished. Maggie is a very likeable main character. She lives in the mountains when she hears a gunshot. She doesn’t realise that following that noise will change her life forever. I really enjoyed this fab Xmas quickie. Can’t wait to read more from this author in the future.

[Selina Nagy · Rating 5 out of 5]

ok ok I sees you Mrs. Ash!!! I loved the story. I definitely love a strong FMC that can handle her own. I feel like there could be more. More, when they were shopping, maybe she got kidnapped. or how they get rid of the fud between the families.
That dressing room scene though!! definitely can't wait to read more from you!

[Sandra Ringgaard Coyle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great fast pace book ❤️
It you want a little fast love in you're life with a good spice and Christmas, then this book is for you ❤️
Thank you J. L. Ash for letting me ARC Readers for you, and sorry for all the times I write for the typo's mistakes I found ❤️ but I do it again for you and a wonderful book like this ❤️

[Trexx · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a very fast paced holiday book. While the book is short, there is a lot going on. You learn enough about the characters to understand them, but it feels the timeline is sped up to make it a quick Christmas read.

Multiple spicy scenes.

[Patricia Lord · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a very fast paced, short, fun holiday read. You do have some action, a little suspense and boy the dressing room scene.. hmmm let’s just say need a repeat.. would like to see a longer story of this couple after Christmas if possible…

[Stephanie Jackson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was an amazing novella with spice and enough darkness to make you devour it in one sitting!

[Kaitlyn Bumford · Rating 5 out of 5]

AMAZING read, loved every bit of it. I'm unsure how but I really hope this series continues LOVED it such a great read.

[Rima Ayoub · Rating 5 out of 5]

His Christmas Sin by JL Ash is the perfect short and spicy holiday read to devour in one sitting. It’s quick, intense, and completely satisfying. Exactly the kind of story you reach for when you want a fast escape wrapped in Christmas lights and emotional heat.

The FMC Maggie, is an absolute badass, the kind of character who grabs your attention instantly and keeps it. She’s fierce, confident, and impossible not to root for. The insta-love between and mafia heir Severin is done so well. The chemistry from the moment they meet is layered with enough emotion and tension to make their connection feel real and meaningful, even with this being a short read.

JL Ash has such a vivid, engaging writing style that the story flows effortlessly. I flew through the pages, hooked on the intensity, the romance, and the hints of danger threaded throughout the book. And honestly… I need more. The world, the characters, the heat, it all leaves you craving an extended version or a sequel just to stay with them a little longer.

If you love short, steamy Christmas reads with fast-paced passion and that perfect hit of holiday magic, His Christmas Sin is an absolute must-read. I adored it. Hope there’s more to come. Xo 💋

[Joy Parsons · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an absolutely captivating story that completely hooked me from the very first page. The writing is simply breathtaking, with outstanding character development that brought each individual to life in such a vivid and memorable way. The interactions between the characters are incredibly engaging, creating a dynamic and compelling narrative that kept me on the edge of my seat. The plot is masterfully crafted, drawing me in and refusing to let go until the very last page. I found the characters to be so authentic and relatable that I felt a genuine connection to them, as if I were experiencing the story alongside them. I was particularly impressed by the author's skillful crafting of the characters' relationships, exploring the complexities and nuances with such depth and understanding. Furthermore, the author has infused the narrative with a profound emotional depth that resonated with me on a very personal level, making it a truly memorable and impactful reading experience that I will cherish for a long time.

I received an advance copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Charlys Reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

📖 ARC Review 📖

His Christmas Sin pulled me in from the first page and did not let go.

Maggie and Severin are such an addictive pairing, wrapped in tension, danger, and the kind of slow burn that curls under your skin.
I loved how Maggie’s quiet strength meets Severin’s sharp, bitter edges and somehow softens him without ever losing herself.
Their chemistry hits fast, but the emotional layers make every moment feel earned.

The atmosphere is incredible.
Snowed in, storm raging outside, two people hiding more wounds than they know what to do with.
It builds this perfect mix of isolation, intimate quiet moments, and heat that feels almost forbidden.
Severin is the kind of grumpy, morally gray MMC who walks straight into your favorites list, and Maggie balances him perfectly with her softness, her resilience, and the way she refuses to be intimidated by him.

This novella blends dark romance, mafia tension, and cozy holiday vibes in a way that feels fresh and deliciously intense.

I loved the heart, the danger, and the spark between them.
I could not stop turning pages.

[Rhian Velotti · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a short novella that had some slight dom vibes from MMC who’s in the mafia. Then there’s fearless FMC who doesn’t back down to a challenge. I love how she used her career knowledge and helped the MMC. Christmas themed just in time and the shopping scene was chef’s kiss. I did find myself wanting more in terms of length of the story, but overall it was a great read and looking forward to learning more about their story and see how it grows after that cliffhanger!

[Rachel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Maggie has no fear and loves her pup Brutus. She’s a nurse who will help anyone in need. She’s got a smart mouth.

Severin is tall broody mafia man who wants to avenge his brother’s death.

Maggie’s bravery when running towards danger and helps Severin when he’s hurt. Between that and how she’s not afraid of him and her attitude is what he finds attractive. The spice between them is fire. He wants to protect her from any and all harm.

Definitely recommend this book

[Julian · Rating 5 out of 5]

His Christmas Sin blends holiday atmosphere with danger and desire in a fast-paced romantic suspense. J.L. Ash delivers a gripping opposites-attract story, pairing a resilient heroine seeking peace with a powerful, dangerous man driven by vengeance. Snowed-in tension, sizzling chemistry, and high stakes keep the pages turning, making this a perfect read for fans of dark romance with a festive edge.

[Bookish_Carisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book. I love a strong FMC. I also loved Severin and how he was like nope no one is taking her from me. I would love to see more of their story after Christmas. Do not get me wrong I loved every part of this story. I just want more. The spice was off the charts and that dressing room scene yes please!!!

[Tonya Parker · Rating 4 out of 5]

A quick read with action, suspense, spice, and warm feelings. Set at Christmas with some feel good moments. Great setting and characters with some mafia and darkness thrown in. I was able to devour it in one setting and did enjoy it.
It is a good Christmasy pallete cleanser for those that like a little darkness added in.

[Read, Run and Rescue · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a steamy story ! I’m so glad I was given the opportunity to read it!!! First 🩷 Brutus! What a good boy. This was a spicy novella perfect to warm you up on cold winter day. Maggie is perfection she’s strong and sexy and a take charge kinda girl. Severin was sexy and I loved how quickly he was willing to give everything up for her! Great fun read ads it to your TBR.

[B. Shytle · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story was a fun one to read! The way the author uses her own personal life stuff to tell a story is fantastic. Severin had me in a choke hold from the beginning and the ....things he uses to pleasure Maggie are... super fun ahahah. Fun, quick, read before the end of the year!

[Heather Pesaresi · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved this story! It's the perfect Christmas novella of you like mafia tropes with a smattering of insta-love, Christmas nostalgia, revenge plots, honoring lost family, strong FMC, snowy forests, and spice that has you reaching for that iced coffee!

[Jessica Price · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a cute little story of Maggie who lives alone in the woods and Severin who got hurt on her property going after his brothers unaliver. There is attraction from the get go. The banter is cute and funny. Overall a great read and I would definitely read again for a winter read.

[Courtney Head · Rating 5 out of 5]

📚ARC read📚

I liked how badass the FMC Maggie is. She doesn’t fear our MMC Severin who is mafia. Maggie also has a sidekick Brutus - her dog. He’s her protector.

I enjoyed their story as it unfolded. I wasn’t ready for their story to end.

This was such a good read - I couldn’t put it down, and I enjoyed their love story so much!

[Brittany Carranza · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good first read of December. I enjoy this book. Love that Maggie is an independent women who finds herself helping. Dangerous man.

[Heather Newsome · Rating 4 out of 5]

Such a good spicy quick read. The confidence Maggie has in someone she just met is impressive. When you feel the spark can’t avoid it. The spicy came right out the gate. Such a good read.

[Samantha · Rating 5 out of 5]

Severine, a big mafia man, and Maggie a sweet nurse. meet by murder on her land. what will happen with all the Christmas magic going on????

[Adriana Szaboova · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a good story! The connection was amazing and the relationship developed naturally, despite the gang war 😅. Great read!

[Joanne Hatton · Rating 3 out of 5]

great quick xmas novella.
loved the story and could have happily carried on reading about them