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The Naughty List
Christmas Mafia Prince
Christmas break in Aspen. Married to a mafia hitman who hunts people for sport.
Damen
All I want is to join my family for their annual Christmas hunt. But no, because that’s apparently only for married men. Like I need a ring on my finger to shoot a man in the back.
Oh, yes, the tradition is hunting people. We keep some enemies alive and let them think they can escape. It’s just a bit of festive fun, really, so it infuriates me that I, their best hitman, can't take part.
If my homophobic father thinks I’ll marry a woman to qualify, he’s delusional. This year, I’m coming home with a husband. And the perfect disaster of a man literally falls into my lap.
Green hair, tattoos, piercings, ripped jeans, and kohl-rimmed eyes. He’s loud, drinks too much, and has no manners.
My father will hate him.
Killian
My type? Hot, toxic, and guaranteed to ruin my life. I’ve been cheated on, stalked, blackmailed, and I am so done. When my latest ex corners me at a bar with his signature mix of lies and threats, I ask a hot guy in a sharp suit to pretend he’s my boyfriend.
He agrees, but asks me to be his fake husband at his family Christmas in return.
Free booze, a vacation in Aspen, and drama? Where do I sign up?
Only it turns out he’s a mafioso, his family hunts people for sport, and if I don’t play my cards right, I might end up on their trophy wall.
To survive the holidays, I just need to make sure I don’t fall for my rich, gorgeous, and psycho fake husband. Easy-peasy.
Have I mentioned he’s a millionaire, speaks French and f*cks like a demon?
★★★★★★★★★★
“Christmas Mafia Prince” is a standalone M/M dark romance where a mafioso makes a stranger his fake husband for the holidays, but then falls for him hard and fast amidst a Christmas from hell adorned with mayhem, murder, and mistletoe.
Themes and abduction, fake relationship, wedding fever, fish out of water, opposites attract, cinderfella, size difference, hitman, possessive hero, dark humor, morally gray heroes, family drama, millionaire, my boyfriend is a killer!
Violence, strong language
Damen
All I want is to join my family for their annual Christmas hunt. But no, because that’s apparently only for married men. Like I need a ring on my finger to shoot a man in the back.
Oh, yes, the tradition is hunting people. We keep some enemies alive and let them think they can escape. It’s just a bit of festive fun, really, so it infuriates me that I, their best hitman, can't take part.
If my homophobic father thinks I’ll marry a woman to qualify, he’s delusional. This year, I’m coming home with a husband. And the perfect disaster of a man literally falls into my lap.
Green hair, tattoos, piercings, ripped jeans, and kohl-rimmed eyes. He’s loud, drinks too much, and has no manners.
My father will hate him.
Killian
My type? Hot, toxic, and guaranteed to ruin my life. I’ve been cheated on, stalked, blackmailed, and I am so done. When my latest ex corners me at a bar with his signature mix of lies and threats, I ask a hot guy in a sharp suit to pretend he’s my boyfriend.
He agrees, but asks me to be his fake husband at his family Christmas in return.
Free booze, a vacation in Aspen, and drama? Where do I sign up?
Only it turns out he’s a mafioso, his family hunts people for sport, and if I don’t play my cards right, I might end up on their trophy wall.
To survive the holidays, I just need to make sure I don’t fall for my rich, gorgeous, and psycho fake husband. Easy-peasy.
Have I mentioned he’s a millionaire, speaks French and f*cks like a demon?
★★★★★★★★★★
“Christmas Mafia Prince” is a standalone M/M dark romance where a mafioso makes a stranger his fake husband for the holidays, but then falls for him hard and fast amidst a Christmas from hell adorned with mayhem, murder, and mistletoe.
Themes and abduction, fake relationship, wedding fever, fish out of water, opposites attract, cinderfella, size difference, hitman, possessive hero, dark humor, morally gray heroes, family drama, millionaire, my boyfriend is a killer!
Violence, strong language
283 pages, Paperback
Published November 21, 2025
155 people are currently reading
354 people want to read
About the author
K.A. Merikan
131 books3,035 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 210 reviews
November 9, 2025
He might be a fake husband, this might end after the holidays, but for now, in this moment, I’ve caught lightning in my hands, and I’ll hold it even if it burns.
Another delightfully unconventional romance from K.A. Merikan, with a cozy Christmas vibe. Killian and Damen strike a bargain to pose as fake husbands so Kill can dodge his ex boyfriend and Damen can convince his family to allow him to join the annual hunt. Insta-love ensues and they both feel quite motivated to keep the charade going to get to know each other better. But when Killian finds out what the family actually hunts, will he decide he can't handle Damen's lifestyle?
I need him to choose me for real. Choose the Damen no one else knows, the gay man who happens to be a member of an old family that made its fortune in organized crime.
Killian and Damen have both lived unusual lives- Damen as the hitman for his generational-wealth mafia family, and Killian with a terrible upbringing and multiple abusive, cheating exes. Both have trust issues and want to be loved for who they are at heart, not for their outward appearance, family's assets or willingness to tolerate mistreatment. Although they meet due to a chance encounter, their jagged edges line up perfectly and they quickly realize that there's something special between them. I enjoyed reading about how they formed a unit and fought for each other. While instalove is not my favourite trope, it was necessary for a plot like this where the 2 MCs need to bond quickly.
For once, I don’t feel alone and adrift, fighting for my survival like some street cat. I’ve been chosen, and it’s the sweetest feeling.
Rating: 4
Angst: 3.5/5
Steam: 4/5
I received an advance copy of this book and this is my honest review
November 17, 2025
⭐️ 4 stars ⭐️
🎧𝚂𝙾𝙽𝙶 𝙼𝙰𝚃𝙲𝙷 — 𝙳4𝙼𝙱 𝚋𝚢 𝙿𝙻𝚅𝚃𝙸𝙽𝚄𝙼🎧
// Touch you in public, exhibition
Everyone knows just who my bitch is
I might be borderline possessive
But I know that you like when I put my name in diamonds on your necklace //
A chaotic, over-the-top holiday romance with a fun dark twist. Christmas Mafia Prince was maybe a tad ridiculous, but I can’t help but have fun with whatever KA Merikan come up with.
Goth alt twink vs mafioso killer, a crazy Christmas hunt, a fake marriage but very real feels, touch-him-you-die possessiveness, insta-lust that makes you wild, AND big scary killer mafia man FALLS HARD.
Was the drama OTT, the plot a little cuckoo, the romance a bit fast? Yes, yes and yes, but I still ate this up and enjoyed every second.
This was a fun, no-thoughts ride and I really need the next book, because Corvus sounds like a moody boy and I love him already.
I received a copy of this book from Gay Romance Reviews, and this is my honest review.
CW and NSFW info (spoilers):
- Violence/murder
- Homophobia
- Mention of family abandonment (past)
- Instalust
- Top/bottom
- Spanking
- Toys
- Semi-public sex
- Car sex (bonus short)
- Blindfold (bonus short)
🎧𝚂𝙾𝙽𝙶 𝙼𝙰𝚃𝙲𝙷 — 𝙳4𝙼𝙱 𝚋𝚢 𝙿𝙻𝚅𝚃𝙸𝙽𝚄𝙼🎧
// Touch you in public, exhibition
Everyone knows just who my bitch is
I might be borderline possessive
But I know that you like when I put my name in diamonds on your necklace //
To survive the holidays, I just need to make sure I don’t fall for my rich, gorgeous, and psycho fake husband.
Easy-peasy.
A chaotic, over-the-top holiday romance with a fun dark twist. Christmas Mafia Prince was maybe a tad ridiculous, but I can’t help but have fun with whatever KA Merikan come up with.
I’m probably just a novelty, but who cares? For a guy like him, I’ll be on my knees the moment he points to the floor.
Goth alt twink vs mafioso killer, a crazy Christmas hunt, a fake marriage but very real feels, touch-him-you-die possessiveness, insta-lust that makes you wild, AND big scary killer mafia man FALLS HARD.
I wanna be his pillow all night long, and all the way till January.
Was the drama OTT, the plot a little cuckoo, the romance a bit fast? Yes, yes and yes, but I still ate this up and enjoyed every second.
This was a fun, no-thoughts ride and I really need the next book, because Corvus sounds like a moody boy and I love him already.
This isn’t love-bombing. It’s a nuclear-level threat, and I’m powerless against it, so I might as well close my eyes and let it radiate through 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
- Homophobia
- Mention of family abandonment (past)
- Instalust
- Top/bottom
- Spanking
- Toys
- Semi-public sex
- Car sex (bonus short)
- Blindfold (bonus short)
December 9, 2025
Damen + Killian 🖤
Fake husbands | Love starved
"Were I your first, your heart would have never been broken.”
⚠️potential spoilers below in detailed tropes, content and warning lists
Tropes/content:
Mafia
Fake husbands that feel real from the start
Love starved
Damen has Kill pretend to be his husband to piss off his family and get them off his back about marrying a woman
Opposites attract
Was that a fake kiss because it felt real
Kills for him
Private jet blow job
Spoils him with luxury items
When boutique employees judge Kill based off his looks, Damen chews them out and swears to never do business there again
Kill has never had anyone stand up for him before now
Spanking
Glass dildo
Gold collar necklace with hidden tracker
Hurt/comfort
Horse back riding
Carousel 🎠
Light primal play indoors
Sex next to human skulls
Sex on family antique pool table
Home library spanking and BJ
Damen speaks French and says spicy and sweet things to Kill
"mon chéri" (my darling)
Epilogue 1 year later where they get married for real
Strict roles
No cheating or sharing
Warnings:
Murder
Killian didnt always have food as a kid
Damen drugs Killian to get him on a private flight
While Kill is drugged, Damen has his blood drawn and tested for STDs
Questionable consent with the first spanking. Was never agreed upon or discussed prior to "the need for punishment" and the relationship was fake and new. But Kill ended up with a major boner
Killian falls into a literal trap where he almost dies and rightfully flips the fuck out. Damen takes great care of him and respects his boundaries but ups his game to try and win him over.
Panic attack
Violence between brothers
Damen'a creepy homophobic cousin got caught watching them in the home library. He was already in there but he didnt make his presence known and just got off to it until he was caught by them after they finished
This family hunts bad people. It's a yearly tradition. Like drugs them and sends them out to be chased and shot like the animals that they are. They get held in a prison down in a hidden basement before the hunt.
Killian is kind of forced by Karl (the dad) to kill a prisoner in front of everyone to prove his loyalty to the family. Damen says its not necessary and was preparing to opt out of the hunt he's been looking forward to so Kill doesnt have to do that but Kill does it for Damen.
Damiens brother tries to get Killian killed two different times
Kill gets shot by a bow
Fake husbands | Love starved
"Were I your first, your heart would have never been broken.”
⚠️potential spoilers below in detailed tropes, content and warning lists
Tropes/content:
Mafia
Fake husbands that feel real from the start
Love starved
Damen has Kill pretend to be his husband to piss off his family and get them off his back about marrying a woman
Opposites attract
Was that a fake kiss because it felt real
Kills for him
Private jet blow job
Spoils him with luxury items
When boutique employees judge Kill based off his looks, Damen chews them out and swears to never do business there again
Kill has never had anyone stand up for him before now
Spanking
Glass dildo
Gold collar necklace with hidden tracker
Hurt/comfort
Horse back riding
Carousel 🎠
Light primal play indoors
Sex next to human skulls
Sex on family antique pool table
Home library spanking and BJ
Damen speaks French and says spicy and sweet things to Kill
"mon chéri" (my darling)
Epilogue 1 year later where they get married for real
Strict roles
No cheating or sharing
Warnings:
Murder
Killian didnt always have food as a kid
Damen drugs Killian to get him on a private flight
While Kill is drugged, Damen has his blood drawn and tested for STDs
Questionable consent with the first spanking. Was never agreed upon or discussed prior to "the need for punishment" and the relationship was fake and new. But Kill ended up with a major boner
Killian falls into a literal trap where he almost dies and rightfully flips the fuck out. Damen takes great care of him and respects his boundaries but ups his game to try and win him over.
Panic attack
Violence between brothers
Damen'a creepy homophobic cousin got caught watching them in the home library. He was already in there but he didnt make his presence known and just got off to it until he was caught by them after they finished
This family hunts bad people. It's a yearly tradition. Like drugs them and sends them out to be chased and shot like the animals that they are. They get held in a prison down in a hidden basement before the hunt.
Killian is kind of forced by Karl (the dad) to kill a prisoner in front of everyone to prove his loyalty to the family. Damen says its not necessary and was preparing to opt out of the hunt he's been looking forward to so Kill doesnt have to do that but Kill does it for Damen.
Damiens brother tries to get Killian killed two different times
Kill gets shot by a bow
November 26, 2025
Tropes: age gap, size difference, dark romance, fake dating, rich/poor
Feels: 3/5
Steam*: 3/5
Kinks: sex in risky places, accidental exhibitionism,
Angst: low
HEA: HEA
Pairing: MM
Triggers/potential icks/content warnings/representation: homophobia, transphobia, murder, gore, abduction by MMC
Cheating between MCs: No
Any cheating: No
Other person drama: there's a sprinkling of them talking about their past exes, but neither of them have any interest in anyone else from the moment they meet.
4 stars
Killian is 21. He was kicked out from his abusive/neglectful home at 16 because he's gay. He throws himself into relationships but ends up cheated on and hurt often. He dumped his latest ex, Happy, two weeks ago for cheating. He's trying to get him back, for the third time, and Killian is not interested. He runs into Damen at a gay bar while trying to evade his ex, and has him pretend to be his new boyfriend. Damen agrees, but in turn he wants Killian to pretend to be his husband so that he can participate in a holiday tradition his family has that only allows married men to participate. He wants to come out, and Killian is wild, with his green long hair, tattoos, alternative style, he will be a fun surprise for Damen's family.
Damen is almost 30, from a family of killers. He kills Happy on his way out of the bar, because Happy takes a bat to Killian. Killian is scared, freaks out a little, so Damen drugs him and he wakes up on a private jet. Damen is Rich and he proceeds to spoil the ever-loving s*** out of Killian. They spend a few weeks together, getting to know each other, getting physical, and despite each other's faults, they can't help but kind of be perfect for each other. Killian knows all Damen's secrets and accepts him, matches his freak. Both want to make this permanent and real, but his family interferes a bit.
I really enjoyed this book. It was wildly funny at times. The way that Killian was on a slippery slope, rationalizing all the crazy things that Damen does, because he's so dick-matized and enamored with him. Lol. Their banter was great. Killian was an awkward, spunky, hot mess of a character, and I found him really lovable. I liked the obsession that they both had with each other. And it wasn't just an attraction, there was real romance there too. They saw each other as life partners, they wanted an emotional connection, commitment, cuddling. They put each other first.
Some notable moments:
"“I can be your boyfriend tonight, but only if you do something for me too,” he says, and I try to rein in my excitement. Will it be a BJ? Or does he want me to clean his apartment while naked? I’m quite good at that after taking that kind of gig a few times before. “Listen,” I put my hand on his thigh. “You’ve helped me so much. Say the word, and it’s yours. Just no piss play.” Though I’d probably let him. Maybe not on the face. “It’s good to have boundaries,” my dark prince says, cradling my jaw in his hand"
I am weak for cuddling! The vulnerability here. "“Can we cuddle a little?” I whisper."
"Kill smiles at me and winks. “Will you get jealous if I sit next to the pilot?” I snort. “Not at all. You may even give him a blowjob,” I say, very satisfied with myself. He walks in silence for a few seconds, then gives me the side eye. “You’re the pilot, aren’t you?” I don’t answer, just offer him a wide smirk"
*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: 3/5
Steam*: 3/5
Kinks: sex in risky places, accidental exhibitionism,
Angst: low
HEA: HEA
Pairing: MM
Triggers/potential icks/content warnings/representation: homophobia, transphobia, murder, gore, abduction by MMC
Cheating between MCs: No
Any cheating: No
Other person drama: there's a sprinkling of them talking about their past exes, but neither of them have any interest in anyone else from the moment they meet.
4 stars
Killian is 21. He was kicked out from his abusive/neglectful home at 16 because he's gay. He throws himself into relationships but ends up cheated on and hurt often. He dumped his latest ex, Happy, two weeks ago for cheating. He's trying to get him back, for the third time, and Killian is not interested. He runs into Damen at a gay bar while trying to evade his ex, and has him pretend to be his new boyfriend. Damen agrees, but in turn he wants Killian to pretend to be his husband so that he can participate in a holiday tradition his family has that only allows married men to participate. He wants to come out, and Killian is wild, with his green long hair, tattoos, alternative style, he will be a fun surprise for Damen's family.
Damen is almost 30, from a family of killers. He kills Happy on his way out of the bar, because Happy takes a bat to Killian. Killian is scared, freaks out a little, so Damen drugs him and he wakes up on a private jet. Damen is Rich and he proceeds to spoil the ever-loving s*** out of Killian. They spend a few weeks together, getting to know each other, getting physical, and despite each other's faults, they can't help but kind of be perfect for each other. Killian knows all Damen's secrets and accepts him, matches his freak. Both want to make this permanent and real, but his family interferes a bit.
I really enjoyed this book. It was wildly funny at times. The way that Killian was on a slippery slope, rationalizing all the crazy things that Damen does, because he's so dick-matized and enamored with him. Lol. Their banter was great. Killian was an awkward, spunky, hot mess of a character, and I found him really lovable. I liked the obsession that they both had with each other. And it wasn't just an attraction, there was real romance there too. They saw each other as life partners, they wanted an emotional connection, commitment, cuddling. They put each other first.
Some notable moments:
"“I can be your boyfriend tonight, but only if you do something for me too,” he says, and I try to rein in my excitement. Will it be a BJ? Or does he want me to clean his apartment while naked? I’m quite good at that after taking that kind of gig a few times before. “Listen,” I put my hand on his thigh. “You’ve helped me so much. Say the word, and it’s yours. Just no piss play.” Though I’d probably let him. Maybe not on the face. “It’s good to have boundaries,” my dark prince says, cradling my jaw in his hand"
I am weak for cuddling! The vulnerability here. "“Can we cuddle a little?” I whisper."
"Kill smiles at me and winks. “Will you get jealous if I sit next to the pilot?” I snort. “Not at all. You may even give him a blowjob,” I say, very satisfied with myself. He walks in silence for a few seconds, then gives me the side eye. “You’re the pilot, aren’t you?” I don’t answer, just offer him a wide smirk"
*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 20, 2025
3.5 Stars (rounded up because I love K.A. Merikan)
This fell a bit short for me. It kind of felt like they met and then they were fake married and it was like WHAT IS HAPPENING?! I missed seeing more of them interacting to grow the feelings that they had. I know it is instalove and that is fine by me, but it felt more like we were dumped into a relationship with no background and they didn't really know each other.
Anyways, all that being said, I am very excited to read Corvus' book, as he was one of the more interesting side characters in this story. I also was immediately drawn by the concept of the story and I am intrigued to read more about this mafia family!
ARC provided by GRR.
This fell a bit short for me. It kind of felt like they met and then they were fake married and it was like WHAT IS HAPPENING?! I missed seeing more of them interacting to grow the feelings that they had. I know it is instalove and that is fine by me, but it felt more like we were dumped into a relationship with no background and they didn't really know each other.
Anyways, all that being said, I am very excited to read Corvus' book, as he was one of the more interesting side characters in this story. I also was immediately drawn by the concept of the story and I am intrigued to read more about this mafia family!
ARC provided by GRR.
December 1, 2025
This authors "cosy-christmas-killing-books" aren't among my favourites but to my surprice I found myself liking this one. All the stars to Nathan Kelly - the narration is amazing. Not sure I would have like it as much if I had read it.
November 11, 2025
DNF at about 3/4, couldn’t make myself finish it. I feel like the book was missing the first 10 or so chapters, it went from 0 to 100, they meet in a bar and they next day they’re on a plane to a play fake husbands during family vacation, and the whole Damien murders someone and then literally kidnaps Killian but Killian waves it off and oddly brushes off the countless red flags, but in a very needy, immature way? I may have liked this book more if I read it like a year or two ago when I started reading more but the writing in general just wasn’t for me unfortunately :/ 2 starts bc I skimmed the spice bc duh and it seemed decent
Thanks GRR for the ARC
Thanks GRR for the ARC
November 26, 2025
i'm sorry but what in god's name was this catastrophe? reading it truly felt like my adhd somehow developed its own adhd. it was 250 pages of punishment and call me a masochist for sitting my ass down to finish it in one setting
Read
December 12, 2025This is a 5 ⭐️ no complaints here 🫱🏻🫲🏽
Killian and Damon are the embodiment of “bad bitch murder husbands” and I love it ❤️🔥
Killian is like a bloodhound for red flags, and he fell for the biggest one of them all.
If I were a Christmas garland I’d be adorned with bad choices, cat hair, and broken dreams.
I don’t have the energy for much, but I kiss his neck. Did this gentleman really abduct me? I could consider it more of a misunderstanding at this point.
But I mean come on, we are talking about protective, devoted, beautiful, sexy, possessive, “whatever you want mon chérie” Damon, so if he’s a red flag, I am a freaking bull. 🤌🏻
We always see this “predator” that characters usually try to portray, but Damon is actually the perfect representation of a predator, and I loved that 😩
He knows what I am. Not only did I tell him, but he saw me kill a man. A man he knew. And still, no matter how monstrous I am, his breath settles, and he falls asleep, like he trusts me to be his shepherd. I never felt like this before. No man before him saw all of me.
This book was funny, sexy, witty, and emotionally deep (not too deep as in angsty or something, but there is a level of depth nonetheless).
I loved loved LOVED how vulnerable and straightforward they were 🥹 From the beginning, they were clear with what they wanted, and they wanted each other. This, coupled with a slightly poetic writing, URGHHH chef’s kiss ⬇️
"It's a threat. I will kill you. You will have that petit mort inside me, and I will absorb it. I will drink your death off your trembling lips.” Even my cynicism is melting away like the snow outside. I might be helpless if he chooses to snap my neck, but I don’t care anymore. I’m not afraid of him. He needs to know how serious I am about wanting a love that’s all-consuming. My hole throbs with heat when he settles on top of me.
“Oh, but wouldn’t that be a beautiful death?” he whispers…
The heat was heating 🥵 but the passion behind it was what sealed the deal ❤️🔥
I loved this book. And I loved how this relationship unfolded 👏🏻 I LOVED CORVUS, even if that library scene threw off some people, I find him mysterious and charming. I can’t wait for his book “Poisoned heart”.
Killian and Damon are the embodiment of “bad bitch murder husbands” and I love it ❤️🔥
Killian is like a bloodhound for red flags, and he fell for the biggest one of them all.
If I were a Christmas garland I’d be adorned with bad choices, cat hair, and broken dreams.
I don’t have the energy for much, but I kiss his neck. Did this gentleman really abduct me? I could consider it more of a misunderstanding at this point.
But I mean come on, we are talking about protective, devoted, beautiful, sexy, possessive, “whatever you want mon chérie” Damon, so if he’s a red flag, I am a freaking bull. 🤌🏻
We always see this “predator” that characters usually try to portray, but Damon is actually the perfect representation of a predator, and I loved that 😩
He knows what I am. Not only did I tell him, but he saw me kill a man. A man he knew. And still, no matter how monstrous I am, his breath settles, and he falls asleep, like he trusts me to be his shepherd. I never felt like this before. No man before him saw all of me.
This book was funny, sexy, witty, and emotionally deep (not too deep as in angsty or something, but there is a level of depth nonetheless).
I loved loved LOVED how vulnerable and straightforward they were 🥹 From the beginning, they were clear with what they wanted, and they wanted each other. This, coupled with a slightly poetic writing, URGHHH chef’s kiss ⬇️
"It's a threat. I will kill you. You will have that petit mort inside me, and I will absorb it. I will drink your death off your trembling lips.” Even my cynicism is melting away like the snow outside. I might be helpless if he chooses to snap my neck, but I don’t care anymore. I’m not afraid of him. He needs to know how serious I am about wanting a love that’s all-consuming. My hole throbs with heat when he settles on top of me.
“Oh, but wouldn’t that be a beautiful death?” he whispers…
The heat was heating 🥵 but the passion behind it was what sealed the deal ❤️🔥
I loved this book. And I loved how this relationship unfolded 👏🏻 I LOVED CORVUS, even if that library scene threw off some people, I find him mysterious and charming. I can’t wait for his book “Poisoned heart”.
December 13, 2025
Loved this book.
There wasn’t anything I hated about it except that the villain didn’t get what he deserved. If I’m gonna read about morally grey characters I need the villains to get what’s coming to them!!
Anyway I adored both of these characters. They were great, seperately and together. Damen was so good to Killian and killian was so good for Damen. Loved the mutual insta they had.
There was some cousin incest going on. Damen admitted to having a crush on his cousin Corvus and Damen other cousin Aspen asked Killian how Damen was in bed. But hey I read…certain books so I’m not judging.
Very interested in Corvus’ book especially since his love interest is one of the prisoners.
No cheating, op drama or third act break up. Violence and lots of murder. HEA.
There wasn’t anything I hated about it except that the villain didn’t get what he deserved. If I’m gonna read about morally grey characters I need the villains to get what’s coming to them!!
Anyway I adored both of these characters. They were great, seperately and together. Damen was so good to Killian and killian was so good for Damen. Loved the mutual insta they had.
There was some cousin incest going on. Damen admitted to having a crush on his cousin Corvus and Damen other cousin Aspen asked Killian how Damen was in bed. But hey I read…certain books so I’m not judging.
Very interested in Corvus’ book especially since his love interest is one of the prisoners.
No cheating, op drama or third act break up. Violence and lots of murder. HEA.
November 23, 2025
Christmas Mafia Prince by K.A. Merikan was freaking amazing! I loved every single thing about this one. I really adored Killian and Damen. The way they fought for each other and realized that they were just perfect for one another. The family was crazy and the idea of a Christmas hunt was interesting. I certainly hope to see more of these characters in the future even for just a glimpse of seeing Killian and Damen again. I will definitely be rereading this one again. So much fun!
I received an ARC from GRR for my honest review.
I received an ARC from GRR for my honest review.
December 2, 2025
ARC REVIEW
Get Your Copy November 21st.
Firstly, the blurb for this book was awesome. In my mind, I heard Damen say this line starting out just in a mocking tone and then ending in an indignant one. “But no, because that’s apparently only for married men. Like I need a ring on my finger to shoot a man in the back” And just like that I was ready to get into this book. If you love dark humor, fake relationships, family drama, possessive mafia men and Christmas, you are going to need this book.
This book is very quotable with some of my favorite things said. Some very good spice is also to be had within, with a little bit of unhinged thoughts thrown in at the same time. Killian is my favorite of our two main men, mainly due to some of the things he just kind of goes with. “I whimper and nod as much as he allows me, just so he knows he hasn’t pushed any of my boundaries. At least sexually, because I thought dating a murderer was a hard limit, yet here we are.”
There was a small amount of miscommunication and some consequences of that, but what I like is it is not a main focus of the book, but it is there to really force some sort of realization of what the characters want. Killian and Damen both have some hurts in their past relationships that they both kind of have to overcome in order to make their relationship with each other work. I mean relationship issues are the last thing they need while also dealing with family drama.
Craziness definitely ensued in this book and I 1000 percent enjoyed it. There were so many things going on with different members of the family and our boys. What I loved most, besides the relationship, was the chaos.
I love, love and their relationship is so sweet and so spicy and so unhinged and they are obsessed with each other. “That’s how I feel about him now, and this compulsive need to protect him is not a fantasy nor a lie. Do I really have to be reasonable?” Also while I appreciate a slow burn just fine, if that is what you are looking for, this book is not that. They fall hard and fast and I am here for it.
Honestly there isn’t anything that I didn’t like about this book. K.A. Merikan is just one of those authors for me that I am always going to pick up their book and within the last couple of years I have devoured what I like to call their holiday murder books. So if you love the standalones in the Murder and Mistletoe series, you are going to love this book. I am just going to leave you with this and it is probably my favorite thing Killian thought.
“I’ll be attending a family Christmas where he intends to come out by introducing me as his spouse? What could go wrong? Everything. But I don’t care.”
Get Your Copy November 21st.
Firstly, the blurb for this book was awesome. In my mind, I heard Damen say this line starting out just in a mocking tone and then ending in an indignant one. “But no, because that’s apparently only for married men. Like I need a ring on my finger to shoot a man in the back” And just like that I was ready to get into this book. If you love dark humor, fake relationships, family drama, possessive mafia men and Christmas, you are going to need this book.
This book is very quotable with some of my favorite things said. Some very good spice is also to be had within, with a little bit of unhinged thoughts thrown in at the same time. Killian is my favorite of our two main men, mainly due to some of the things he just kind of goes with. “I whimper and nod as much as he allows me, just so he knows he hasn’t pushed any of my boundaries. At least sexually, because I thought dating a murderer was a hard limit, yet here we are.”
There was a small amount of miscommunication and some consequences of that, but what I like is it is not a main focus of the book, but it is there to really force some sort of realization of what the characters want. Killian and Damen both have some hurts in their past relationships that they both kind of have to overcome in order to make their relationship with each other work. I mean relationship issues are the last thing they need while also dealing with family drama.
Craziness definitely ensued in this book and I 1000 percent enjoyed it. There were so many things going on with different members of the family and our boys. What I loved most, besides the relationship, was the chaos.
I love, love and their relationship is so sweet and so spicy and so unhinged and they are obsessed with each other. “That’s how I feel about him now, and this compulsive need to protect him is not a fantasy nor a lie. Do I really have to be reasonable?” Also while I appreciate a slow burn just fine, if that is what you are looking for, this book is not that. They fall hard and fast and I am here for it.
Honestly there isn’t anything that I didn’t like about this book. K.A. Merikan is just one of those authors for me that I am always going to pick up their book and within the last couple of years I have devoured what I like to call their holiday murder books. So if you love the standalones in the Murder and Mistletoe series, you are going to love this book. I am just going to leave you with this and it is probably my favorite thing Killian thought.
“I’ll be attending a family Christmas where he intends to come out by introducing me as his spouse? What could go wrong? Everything. But I don’t care.”
December 21, 2025
A fun little Christmas story! 😊
December 21, 2025
This was SO fun, especially after the letdown of Festive Fugitive - I kinda hoped FF would be similar to this one, so yeah. This was really just a fun read - it was of course instalust, instalove with our important miscommunications trope for some drama, a walking hot red flag, some (more) murder and just unhinged shit - also Killian is questionable at best with his decisions, but honestly ...
If some handsome, filthy rich hot guy kills my abuser, promises me the world, gives me present andw ill protect me with his life? Duh, hook line sinkers, whatever.
The whole idea of the book is of course a wild ride. It's so over the top, it's hilarious funny.
A Mafia family that goes on a christmas hunt for sport, but only married men are allowed - and of course we're hunting people not animals. But only bad people ;D we can't be TOO unhinged *snigger*.
(I mean, im honest, I'm pro vigilante, so...)
The whole book was bordering on 4 stars at first, but the unhinged (and cute and bloody) ending made it to 5 stars.
Also:
I really, really want a little one shot about Damens mafia cousin, who is cat sitting Killians cat Whiskers. Because.
If some handsome, filthy rich hot guy kills my abuser, promises me the world, gives me present andw ill protect me with his life? Duh, hook line sinkers, whatever.
The whole idea of the book is of course a wild ride. It's so over the top, it's hilarious funny.
A Mafia family that goes on a christmas hunt for sport, but only married men are allowed - and of course we're hunting people not animals. But only bad people ;D we can't be TOO unhinged *snigger*.
(I mean, im honest, I'm pro vigilante, so...)
The whole book was bordering on 4 stars at first, but the unhinged (and cute and bloody) ending made it to 5 stars.
Also:
I really, really want a little one shot about Damens mafia cousin, who is cat sitting Killians cat Whiskers. Because.
December 28, 2025
All of the parts of this book were good. The obsessive romance, the blood crazed family, the intrigue, the steamy sex, and characters you wanted to reach that HEA with.
December 17, 2025
5 stars because this was an OTT mafia romance with fake marriage and Hallmark Christmas movie of ridiculousness.
It’s such a vibe! Like we start off with Killian literally falling into Damen’s lap. Damen scaring off K’s shitty ex and then when said ex comes back around in a dark alley he quickly takes out the trash. Killian immediately realises he’s bitten off way more than he can handle but he’s along for the ride now!!
Then a Pretty Woman esque shopping/makeover montage complete with a “Big mistake. HUGE.” moment. I loved it.
And then it’s time to meet the whole murderous family 🥰
Bonkers interactions, drama, all while K & D are navigating their attraction and ~feelings~
I just had the best time reading this. It’s silly in a fun way and dark and sexy. Pure KA Merikan Christmas ❤️
It’s such a vibe! Like we start off with Killian literally falling into Damen’s lap. Damen scaring off K’s shitty ex and then when said ex comes back around in a dark alley he quickly takes out the trash. Killian immediately realises he’s bitten off way more than he can handle but he’s along for the ride now!!
Then a Pretty Woman esque shopping/makeover montage complete with a “Big mistake. HUGE.” moment. I loved it.
And then it’s time to meet the whole murderous family 🥰
Bonkers interactions, drama, all while K & D are navigating their attraction and ~feelings~
I just had the best time reading this. It’s silly in a fun way and dark and sexy. Pure KA Merikan Christmas ❤️
December 19, 2025
How to throw this book out completely: if the family opposed the "marriage" so much, and was furious they "eloped" they would ask for the marriage certificate. But they don't making this entire book seem dumb af.
Killian? Whiskers? Happy? Wtf is with the pathetic names? Like, screams no effort.
I miss the older works by these authors. The new ones are dropping so bad in quality. Like alot of authors, seems like ai prompts with barely minimum effort.
Gotta love how Damon says "he's so funny" when, he hasn't even spoken a true word fmto him.
Gotta love the "I had your bloods done while you were asleep, we can do it without condoms" omg...how cliche!!
Gotta love Killian is from abusive relationships but 100% fine and accepting of this "fake" love with no complaints or issues. Even when Damon says "I kill people" and he's just like "okay cool" so fking boring.
God Killian is described as an absolute feral. green hair, black nail polish, nose ring, tattoos up his neck, skinny, ripped jeans and studded jacket...YUK
And how he has an issue with a man treating him right but when one spends $1000s on him with no guilt.
I miss the authors old dark romance. These last two releases have been pathetic.
One murder and they're now saying it's dark romance. Nah. It's dull and boring.
"Please leave this store sir, (you look like a druggy homeless man)"
Damon: freaks the fuck out "I'll burn this place down!!! (Whinge, whine, yuk)
Their first time at the boutique was just weird...yeh no prep again (these authors imagine all asses are just vaginas) but they used lube which was a shock with these authors. The toy is glass which is weird as it seems to change to silicon etc. But hey, they leave the store magically cleaned up, considering the feral "flooded his jockstrap" and for chapters, never swapped or cleaned his undies.
30% in and Killian is mentioning over and over how they're fucking...um...no they're not. They've never had sex. Where did that come from?
The book is terrible and so painful to read. Don't bother. I miss older works by these authors and not this pink fluff.
Killian? Whiskers? Happy? Wtf is with the pathetic names? Like, screams no effort.
I miss the older works by these authors. The new ones are dropping so bad in quality. Like alot of authors, seems like ai prompts with barely minimum effort.
Gotta love how Damon says "he's so funny" when, he hasn't even spoken a true word fmto him.
Gotta love the "I had your bloods done while you were asleep, we can do it without condoms" omg...how cliche!!
Gotta love Killian is from abusive relationships but 100% fine and accepting of this "fake" love with no complaints or issues. Even when Damon says "I kill people" and he's just like "okay cool" so fking boring.
God Killian is described as an absolute feral. green hair, black nail polish, nose ring, tattoos up his neck, skinny, ripped jeans and studded jacket...YUK
And how he has an issue with a man treating him right but when one spends $1000s on him with no guilt.
I miss the authors old dark romance. These last two releases have been pathetic.
One murder and they're now saying it's dark romance. Nah. It's dull and boring.
"Please leave this store sir, (you look like a druggy homeless man)"
Damon: freaks the fuck out "I'll burn this place down!!! (Whinge, whine, yuk)
Their first time at the boutique was just weird...yeh no prep again (these authors imagine all asses are just vaginas) but they used lube which was a shock with these authors. The toy is glass which is weird as it seems to change to silicon etc. But hey, they leave the store magically cleaned up, considering the feral "flooded his jockstrap" and for chapters, never swapped or cleaned his undies.
30% in and Killian is mentioning over and over how they're fucking...um...no they're not. They've never had sex. Where did that come from?
The book is terrible and so painful to read. Don't bother. I miss older works by these authors and not this pink fluff.
November 11, 2025
It's been a while since I read a K.A. Merikan book, and "Mafia dude looking for a fake husband so he's allowed to participate in the Mafia family traditions" sounded like the perfect silly romance setup to jump back into their catalogue.
Christmas Mafia Prince was exactly what I expected. Damen, a Mafia hitman, saves Killian from his abusive ex, and in return asks Killian to pretend to be his husband over the family Christmas party, in exchange for luxurious shopping sprees, and, if he wants, great sex. Killian, for his part, is totally down, and very eager as he would have taken the deal even if the money wasn't on the table.
I expected the insta-lust and can see past it, and while it wasn't insta-love, it got pretty close. The two only know each other for a few days (if that) when they first have throughs of devotion and forever.
Sure, there are some extreme situations (from Killian's perspective) that tie them together, and this is the other iffy part. There is a definite power imbalance, with Damen killing someone right in front of Killian with no warning, and then, when Killian tries to run, Damen abducts him. The whole "and if you tell someone about this I will kill you" is sort of glossed over in favour of "oh but the guy who kidnapped me is hot and has a big dick." There is also unnegotiated BDSM (not super extreme, but still) that is sprung on Killian with (presumably) no option to refuse it.
Ultimately Killian is fine with it all, enjoys the kinky aspects, and of course falls in love with Damen. And Damen, for all his faults, makes it very clear multiple times that he does not care for a unconsenting partner, and would not rape Killian. I still would have preferred for the narrative get past the "btw I kill people for a living" without the abduction and initial indirect blackmail, and established the kink in a consensual manner.
Writing wise, I was a bit exasperated by the lack of clear communication that seemed to almost deliberately be skipped/omitted to a) put more focus on the sex scenes, and b) cause more drama or tension down the line. While I can respect such narrative choices, to me it also made conversations feel incomplete. It just didn't make sense for the characters to drop conversations that they seemingly were still in the middle of, and it broke my immersion and suspension of disbelief.
Lastly: another reason I reached for this was the promised large family shenanigans. Damen has a big family, and the family interactions were enjoyable! If anything, I would have loved even more characters and complicated family dynamics. At least one family member is getting their own book, and I am looking forward to that.
I received an ARC and reviewed honestly and voluntarily.
Christmas Mafia Prince was exactly what I expected. Damen, a Mafia hitman, saves Killian from his abusive ex, and in return asks Killian to pretend to be his husband over the family Christmas party, in exchange for luxurious shopping sprees, and, if he wants, great sex. Killian, for his part, is totally down, and very eager as he would have taken the deal even if the money wasn't on the table.
I expected the insta-lust and can see past it, and while it wasn't insta-love, it got pretty close. The two only know each other for a few days (if that) when they first have throughs of devotion and forever.
Sure, there are some extreme situations (from Killian's perspective) that tie them together, and this is the other iffy part. There is a definite power imbalance, with Damen killing someone right in front of Killian with no warning, and then, when Killian tries to run, Damen abducts him. The whole "and if you tell someone about this I will kill you" is sort of glossed over in favour of "oh but the guy who kidnapped me is hot and has a big dick." There is also unnegotiated BDSM (not super extreme, but still) that is sprung on Killian with (presumably) no option to refuse it.
Ultimately Killian is fine with it all, enjoys the kinky aspects, and of course falls in love with Damen. And Damen, for all his faults, makes it very clear multiple times that he does not care for a unconsenting partner, and would not rape Killian. I still would have preferred for the narrative get past the "btw I kill people for a living" without the abduction and initial indirect blackmail, and established the kink in a consensual manner.
Writing wise, I was a bit exasperated by the lack of clear communication that seemed to almost deliberately be skipped/omitted to a) put more focus on the sex scenes, and b) cause more drama or tension down the line. While I can respect such narrative choices, to me it also made conversations feel incomplete. It just didn't make sense for the characters to drop conversations that they seemingly were still in the middle of, and it broke my immersion and suspension of disbelief.
Lastly: another reason I reached for this was the promised large family shenanigans. Damen has a big family, and the family interactions were enjoyable! If anything, I would have loved even more characters and complicated family dynamics. At least one family member is getting their own book, and I am looking forward to that.
I received an ARC and reviewed honestly and voluntarily.
November 21, 2025
I was looking forward to this one. Reading the blurb already made me excited!
Damen Van der Horn is a millionaire, and he’s gay, something his family, especially his father, doesn’t accept.
The Van der Horns family Christmas hunt is approaching, and only married men can play.
One night in a bar, an extraordinarily tiny guy ends up in Damen’s lap, asking him to play along as his boyfriend, because his ex is playing mean. That gives Damen a splendid idea.
Killian can’t shake off his ex, the guy is mean and violent. Killian ended up in the lap of a massive beautiful man. His looks are expensive, with hazel eyes that he could drown in. Killian asks him if he could please pretend to be his boyfriend, so his ex will back off.
Damen accepts, on one condition, that Killian has to travel with him to Aspen, to the Van der Horns Christmas gathering as his fake husband, with the best food and drinks, and the promise of hot dicking.
That same night Killian understands Damen is a killer, but super protective of Killian. Why does he like this so much?
What could go wrong, a few weeks with the most handsome super-rich man and his family?
Spoiler, everything goes wrong, except the possessiveness of his fake husband.
What a super duper captivating read this was. It was extremely entertaining. All excellently written.
There’s hot sex, dark humor, a sinister family, a hunt on… read yourself, there’s violence and a lot of family drama. I couldn’t get enough of this story!
Review and reviewed for Love Bytes LGBTQIA reviews
Damen Van der Horn is a millionaire, and he’s gay, something his family, especially his father, doesn’t accept.
The Van der Horns family Christmas hunt is approaching, and only married men can play.
One night in a bar, an extraordinarily tiny guy ends up in Damen’s lap, asking him to play along as his boyfriend, because his ex is playing mean. That gives Damen a splendid idea.
Killian can’t shake off his ex, the guy is mean and violent. Killian ended up in the lap of a massive beautiful man. His looks are expensive, with hazel eyes that he could drown in. Killian asks him if he could please pretend to be his boyfriend, so his ex will back off.
Damen accepts, on one condition, that Killian has to travel with him to Aspen, to the Van der Horns Christmas gathering as his fake husband, with the best food and drinks, and the promise of hot dicking.
That same night Killian understands Damen is a killer, but super protective of Killian. Why does he like this so much?
What could go wrong, a few weeks with the most handsome super-rich man and his family?
Spoiler, everything goes wrong, except the possessiveness of his fake husband.
What a super duper captivating read this was. It was extremely entertaining. All excellently written.
There’s hot sex, dark humor, a sinister family, a hunt on… read yourself, there’s violence and a lot of family drama. I couldn’t get enough of this story!
Review and reviewed for Love Bytes LGBTQIA reviews
November 7, 2025
"𝙷𝚎 𝚌𝚞𝚙𝚜 𝚖𝚢 𝚏𝚊𝚌𝚎 𝚠𝚒𝚝𝚑 𝚑𝚊𝚗𝚍𝚜 𝚝𝚑𝚊𝚝 𝚑𝚊𝚟𝚎 𝚓𝚞𝚜𝚝 𝚌𝚘𝚖𝚖𝚒𝚝𝚝𝚎𝚍 𝚖𝚞𝚛𝚍𝚎𝚛 𝚊𝚗𝚍 𝚔𝚒𝚜𝚜𝚎𝚜 𝚖𝚎 𝚊𝚜 𝚒𝚏 𝚊𝚗𝚢 𝚘𝚏 𝚝𝚑𝚒𝚜 𝚖𝚊𝚔𝚎𝚜 𝚜𝚎𝚗𝚜𝚎. 𝙸'𝚖 𝚋𝚎𝚌𝚘𝚖𝚒𝚗𝚐 𝚙𝚊𝚒𝚗𝚏𝚞𝚕𝚕𝚢 𝚊𝚠𝚊𝚛𝚎 𝙸 𝚔𝚗𝚘𝚠 𝚗𝚘𝚝𝚑𝚒𝚗𝚐 𝚊𝚋𝚘𝚞𝚝 𝚠𝚑𝚘 𝚝𝚑𝚒𝚜 𝚖𝚊𝚗 𝚒𝚜."
OMG. This newest Murdery Christmas installment from K.A. Merikan had me laughing my ass off. The entire premise is just absolutely bananas but I admit I loved every second of the crazy. And though Killian protested quite a bit about the predicament he found himself in, he eventually succumbed to the charm that is Damen Van der Horn.
"𝙸 𝚓𝚞𝚜𝚝 𝚑𝚘𝚙𝚎 𝙸 𝚍𝚘𝚗'𝚝 𝚜𝚎𝚎 𝚝𝚑𝚒𝚗𝚐𝚜 𝚝𝚑𝚊𝚝 𝚎𝚗𝚍 𝚞𝚙 𝚑𝚊𝚞𝚗𝚝𝚒𝚗𝚐 𝚖𝚎 𝚏𝚘𝚛 𝚝𝚑𝚎 𝚛𝚎𝚜𝚝 𝚘𝚏 𝚖𝚢 𝚕𝚒𝚏𝚎."
I really enjoyed how sweet Damen could be with Killian. Yes they got up to some pretty rough playtime, but outside of that it was obvious how much Damen adored his boy. His family may have all objected the match, but watching the two men together it was pretty clear Damen wouldn't be letting Killian go without a hell of a fight.
"𝙸'𝚟𝚎 𝚗𝚎𝚟𝚎𝚛 𝚏𝚎𝚕𝚝 𝚖𝚘𝚛𝚎 𝚌𝚑𝚘𝚜𝚎𝚗."
The epilogue was a cute ending for the couple if you can believe it. I loved seeing them a year later, still blissfully obsessed with one another. I also totally agree with the authors that Corvus is definitely too lonely and am excited to see how his story turns out this January!
OMG. This newest Murdery Christmas installment from K.A. Merikan had me laughing my ass off. The entire premise is just absolutely bananas but I admit I loved every second of the crazy. And though Killian protested quite a bit about the predicament he found himself in, he eventually succumbed to the charm that is Damen Van der Horn.
"𝙸 𝚓𝚞𝚜𝚝 𝚑𝚘𝚙𝚎 𝙸 𝚍𝚘𝚗'𝚝 𝚜𝚎𝚎 𝚝𝚑𝚒𝚗𝚐𝚜 𝚝𝚑𝚊𝚝 𝚎𝚗𝚍 𝚞𝚙 𝚑𝚊𝚞𝚗𝚝𝚒𝚗𝚐 𝚖𝚎 𝚏𝚘𝚛 𝚝𝚑𝚎 𝚛𝚎𝚜𝚝 𝚘𝚏 𝚖𝚢 𝚕𝚒𝚏𝚎."
I really enjoyed how sweet Damen could be with Killian. Yes they got up to some pretty rough playtime, but outside of that it was obvious how much Damen adored his boy. His family may have all objected the match, but watching the two men together it was pretty clear Damen wouldn't be letting Killian go without a hell of a fight.
"𝙸'𝚟𝚎 𝚗𝚎𝚟𝚎𝚛 𝚏𝚎𝚕𝚝 𝚖𝚘𝚛𝚎 𝚌𝚑𝚘𝚜𝚎𝚗."
The epilogue was a cute ending for the couple if you can believe it. I loved seeing them a year later, still blissfully obsessed with one another. I also totally agree with the authors that Corvus is definitely too lonely and am excited to see how his story turns out this January!
December 16, 2025
okay, what i didn't like?
it felt a bit TOO over the top. the amount of times Killian got hurt? and in a christmas romance? excessive and a lil bit annoying.
more angst than i expected. it felt insta in ways but also incomplete. Damen's character arc was weird. a big bad mafiosa but he was...almost normal? i dunno, it was odd.
now what i liked?
the spice was pretty good. lots of passion. i really enjoyed the emotions in those scenes. i felt like those were the main points in the story when you could REALLY sense their connection.
the setting was SO fun! imagine a giant property in the middle of a snowy forest filled with traps and secret rooms. OBSESSED.
the romance! while it felt disjointed at times, it was genuine. Damen was all in. he just wanted to be true to himself and he found that in Killian. of course everything tried to keep him from having his baby boy but in the end i was so happy!
it felt a bit TOO over the top. the amount of times Killian got hurt? and in a christmas romance? excessive and a lil bit annoying.
more angst than i expected. it felt insta in ways but also incomplete. Damen's character arc was weird. a big bad mafiosa but he was...almost normal? i dunno, it was odd.
now what i liked?
the spice was pretty good. lots of passion. i really enjoyed the emotions in those scenes. i felt like those were the main points in the story when you could REALLY sense their connection.
the setting was SO fun! imagine a giant property in the middle of a snowy forest filled with traps and secret rooms. OBSESSED.
the romance! while it felt disjointed at times, it was genuine. Damen was all in. he just wanted to be true to himself and he found that in Killian. of course everything tried to keep him from having his baby boy but in the end i was so happy!
November 13, 2025
Christmas Mafia Prince is part of the multi author The Naughty List series. Each book can be read as a standalone but why not enjoy the whole series. This is the story of Damen a mafioso and Killian the guy who has agreed to be his fake husband for a family holiday vacation. These two are like puzzle pieces that are just perfect for each other because they just fit. It was fun watching these two overcome the obstacles between them. This story had me laughing at the dark humor used in it. I love K.A. Merikan's take on dark holiday romance. I would definitely recommend this book.
received a free review copy
received a free review copy
November 27, 2025
3.5 rounded up.. the romance I liked ok but I especially loved the atmosphere of the secluded mansion, opulently decorated for the holidays. Then the juxtaposition of the cheerful decorations and the dark “Christmas hunt”. KA Merikan have a vivid imagination and can write such a gorgeous, immersive setting. I’m very intrigued by the goth mafioso cousin, Corvus and I’m excited to read his book coming out next year 🖤
December 15, 2025
I mean, who doesn’t want a dark billionaire prince to swoop in, save the day, and fall in love with you?
The tension in this book was perfect and it had just enough BDSM to add to the spice without making the book all about á D/s power exchange (which I also love it had a good balance).
I REALLY loved how Damen didn’t change Killian during his makeover, he upscaled it.
The tension in this book was perfect and it had just enough BDSM to add to the spice without making the book all about á D/s power exchange (which I also love it had a good balance).
I REALLY loved how Damen didn’t change Killian during his makeover, he upscaled it.
December 23, 2025
Нереалістично
December 30, 2025
No sé por qué me hago estas cosas.
December 23, 2025
Enjoyment: 3.5 stars
Execution: 2.5 stars
As the name implies, this story is over the top, verging on silly at times, with mild to moderate wonton violence sprinkled throughout. I was ready to have a blast with this, but it had more issues for me than I expected. It was still a fun story, just not as awesome as I was hoping.
Damen is an almost-30 year old cis white gay man. He’s described as being very beautiful, hazel eyes, wavy dark hair, tall with broad shoulders, a lean but muscular build, long eyelashes and beauty spots. He’s a hitman for the mafia and his whole family is involved in the mafia. He came out about 3 years ago but his family hasn’t wanted to accept he’s gay and thus unable to be attracted to women. They’re hoping he’s going through a “rebellious phase” and ends up straight or bi and “makes the right choice” and chooses a wife.
Killian is a cis white 21 year old gay man. He’s described as being 5’6”, dark eyes, piercings and tattoos, green hair (though the book says sometimes he dyes it other colors) that he pulls up in a tiny ponytail over an undercut. He’s got terrible taste in men and tends to end up with violent and abusive boyfriends. In true romance fashion, he finds Damen who is violent but not abusive. He’s very impulsive and makes highly questionable decisions, likely in part because he’s very young. At least he knows they’re highly questionable decisions, I suppose.
I enjoyed that both characters are entirely unapologetic about not being attracted to the opposite sex AT ALL (thus being gay). It was an excellent choice against the backdrop of the homophobic family and mafia. Sometimes I just want to read about books with characters who are unapologetic about who they are - no waffling at all. There’s certainly a time and place for someone to waffle on that, but sometimes it feels too common in books that they’re apologetic for who they are.
The idea for this book was over the top but completely amazing. I mean, mafia family Christmas fake dating/marriage at a cabin in the snow? Genius! It’s like all those Xmas movies except crazy, which is completely my thing!
I was thrilled with Killian when he finally started to get on board but I did feel it was almost too late in the book. When
I truly appreciated that the fairly rampant misogyny and homophobia from the crime family was moderated checked in the narrative and it wasn’t just skating by as “this is naturally what happens.” It was brushed off a bit at times but it was at least very clear that wasn’t a normal or reasonable stance.
While I loved the absolutely devotion the two had to each other, I missed the transition between strangers who have a fake marriage bargain, to the MCs wanting a real relationship. There was no transition at all. It went from the former to the latter with one rude salesperson. I’d have liked maybe a few pages of transition at least. Or if it had to happen in a split second like that, maybe some more reflection from the MCs? Or if it had to be a split second then maybe right when they met instead of a random moment the next day?
Killian also confused me. One moment he was completely on board with everything with Daman, the next he was a helpless victim wanting to escape, then fully on board, then a kidnapped waif, and so on and so forth. I wish the author had committed to having him be the impulsive and fairly unhinged little punk guy who knew the situation was crazy but liked it anyway. Less confusing and way more interesting. The author also mentions a lot of traits Killian is supposed to have (being quick to yell and swear at people, being tough, having bite, fighting back, etc.) but we rarely if ever actually see any of those things, if we do it’s after they’re expounded upon, which feels awkward. I think maybe the author was torn between having him be somewhat chaotic and liking danger, and having him be needy and kind of a princess. These things need not be separate, but I don’t think the author could quite figure out how to write both in one character, leading to what felt like bizarre personality swings at times.
Several typos and continuity issues that make it kind of hard to tell who is where in space at any given time.
Several seemingly important or entertaining scenes are reduced to a couple sentences of summary. Like:
Resolve to keep him at arm's length is leaving my body, but the gay vibes must have angered Titus because he breaks our moment by coming up with a bet, demanding Damen and I stop kissing in public if he wins. I hate the fucker so much. Damen seems confident though when he accepts, and wagers on Titus wearing some ugly Christmas blazer made by no one other than Aunt Lydia. Long story short—Titus loses to my (fake) husband. I can’t wait to find out tomorrow just how hideous the jacket is, but kissing in front of him while knowing how much it pisses him off is even better.
We have no idea what the bet entails AT ALL. This is all we get. It seems like it would be entertaining or at least important to see Damen put his homophobic brother in his place, but all we get is “long story short,” and no details of any kind. Upon review, I assume it was knife throwing because that’s one of the activities going on in the background but there’s no way to know for sure. We also skip over a whole week of Damen trying to woo Killian. Not my favorite.
Contains:
—gay MCs
—mafia hitman
—punk twink x preppy model guy
—billionaire x poor guy
—age gap (9 years)
—lots and lots of miscommunication and misunderstandings
—some chasing and catching as foreplay
—Damen used to have a crush on his biological cousin (ew). Actually, his thing for mouthy alt guys stems from this crush, seemingly.
—actually the whole family is all up in each other’s sex lives and it’s weird
—past physical abuse of Killian by ex-boyfriend
—past dubious consent between Killian and ex-boyfriend
—the “my boyfriend is violent to everyone but me” trope
—the “No, I don’t want you! We are done! ….wait, where are you going? Aren’t you going to fight for me despite me saying no?” trope
—“Oh no! My horse has been startled and now is runaway with me on it! Save me!” trope (I feel like that’s an oldie)
—Damen speaks French to Killian to tell him how much he wants him, and Killian doesn’t understand a word but enjoys it
—brief drugging and kidnapping between MCs
—blackmail between MCs
—power imbalance (this is also a kink for the MCs)
—size difference
—technically dubcon between MCs (both consent and enjoy the sex, but it’s not clear if Killian can technically leave or say no safely)
—extremely fast burn (MCs are like entirely devoted on page 45)
—overt homophobia (seriously like a solid 10 pages in a row of unrelenting homophobia and then sprinkled throughout the book)
—over transphobia
—misogyny (mostly in relation to homophobia)
—using “privates” to mean “genitals.” Haven’t heard that one in a while. 😬
—past reference to MC being too weak to walk after getting a tattoo (what???)
—un-negotiated CNC kink
Other:
—dual first person POV
—cheating: no
—romantic rival: no. Well, Killian has a recent ex-boyfriend that wants him back in the very beginning, but the guy is abusive and Killian doesn’t want to date him anymore. It’s brief then over.
—break up: yes, about halfway through when Killian insists they truly be fake husbands despite their growing attractions and insists they have no sex and split up after Xmas. Then Killian turns around and is sad Damen didn’t force the issue, and Killian basically tries to bang him again right away. I think it was meant to up the sexual tension, but honestly it just gave me whiplash.
—
My taste in clubs isn’t as classy as my taste in suits, but it does match the guys I go for. Crude, inked, and a little feral.
If my family does know I fuck guys, are they coping by assuming I’m bi and will eventually settle down with a partner of the opposite sex? That is not happening, because there‘s never been a woman I wanted to kiss, and I’m positive that won’t change.
My unresolved family issues might also be the reason for the men I choose. I look like I own a yacht. They look as though they’d write Eat the rich on the side of my boat.
“As I’ve already told you, they expect me to some day bring a wife, which I won’t. I’m a gay man, and I will not be playing a game of pretend to appease my family. This is where you come in. Your presence will give them a bit of a shock, but at least now they will know. And I will be able to finally participate in the annual Christmas hunt.”
I don’t bother asking what he does for a job, because I’m too afraid the answer would be ‘assassin’. But I do wonder if this means my cat is a hostage.
He doesn’t need to rip his own jeans anymore when I can drop five grand on a pair that looks like they came straight out of the trash.
I love it. He’s the engraved switchblade to my antique silver pistol.
It’s the first time I have a man in this bed, and I’ve made my coming out [as gay] official. No more whispers about me being bisexual.
I slide off the bed on shaky legs and put my hand on Damen’s shoulder with a sigh. “Let your brother live,” I say. “He doesn’t deserve it, but you would always regret it if you killed him.”
“Yes!” Damen’s mother exclaims from behind her fingers. “And it’s Christmas after all, for god’s sake.”
Execution: 2.5 stars
As the name implies, this story is over the top, verging on silly at times, with mild to moderate wonton violence sprinkled throughout. I was ready to have a blast with this, but it had more issues for me than I expected. It was still a fun story, just not as awesome as I was hoping.
Damen is an almost-30 year old cis white gay man. He’s described as being very beautiful, hazel eyes, wavy dark hair, tall with broad shoulders, a lean but muscular build, long eyelashes and beauty spots. He’s a hitman for the mafia and his whole family is involved in the mafia. He came out about 3 years ago but his family hasn’t wanted to accept he’s gay and thus unable to be attracted to women. They’re hoping he’s going through a “rebellious phase” and ends up straight or bi and “makes the right choice” and chooses a wife.
Killian is a cis white 21 year old gay man. He’s described as being 5’6”, dark eyes, piercings and tattoos, green hair (though the book says sometimes he dyes it other colors) that he pulls up in a tiny ponytail over an undercut. He’s got terrible taste in men and tends to end up with violent and abusive boyfriends. In true romance fashion, he finds Damen who is violent but not abusive. He’s very impulsive and makes highly questionable decisions, likely in part because he’s very young. At least he knows they’re highly questionable decisions, I suppose.
I enjoyed that both characters are entirely unapologetic about not being attracted to the opposite sex AT ALL (thus being gay). It was an excellent choice against the backdrop of the homophobic family and mafia. Sometimes I just want to read about books with characters who are unapologetic about who they are - no waffling at all. There’s certainly a time and place for someone to waffle on that, but sometimes it feels too common in books that they’re apologetic for who they are.
The idea for this book was over the top but completely amazing. I mean, mafia family Christmas fake dating/marriage at a cabin in the snow? Genius! It’s like all those Xmas movies except crazy, which is completely my thing!
I was thrilled with Killian when he finally started to get on board but I did feel it was almost too late in the book. When
I truly appreciated that the fairly rampant misogyny and homophobia from the crime family was moderated checked in the narrative and it wasn’t just skating by as “this is naturally what happens.” It was brushed off a bit at times but it was at least very clear that wasn’t a normal or reasonable stance.
While I loved the absolutely devotion the two had to each other, I missed the transition between strangers who have a fake marriage bargain, to the MCs wanting a real relationship. There was no transition at all. It went from the former to the latter with one rude salesperson. I’d have liked maybe a few pages of transition at least. Or if it had to happen in a split second like that, maybe some more reflection from the MCs? Or if it had to be a split second then maybe right when they met instead of a random moment the next day?
Killian also confused me. One moment he was completely on board with everything with Daman, the next he was a helpless victim wanting to escape, then fully on board, then a kidnapped waif, and so on and so forth. I wish the author had committed to having him be the impulsive and fairly unhinged little punk guy who knew the situation was crazy but liked it anyway. Less confusing and way more interesting. The author also mentions a lot of traits Killian is supposed to have (being quick to yell and swear at people, being tough, having bite, fighting back, etc.) but we rarely if ever actually see any of those things, if we do it’s after they’re expounded upon, which feels awkward. I think maybe the author was torn between having him be somewhat chaotic and liking danger, and having him be needy and kind of a princess. These things need not be separate, but I don’t think the author could quite figure out how to write both in one character, leading to what felt like bizarre personality swings at times.
Several typos and continuity issues that make it kind of hard to tell who is where in space at any given time.
Several seemingly important or entertaining scenes are reduced to a couple sentences of summary. Like:
Resolve to keep him at arm's length is leaving my body, but the gay vibes must have angered Titus because he breaks our moment by coming up with a bet, demanding Damen and I stop kissing in public if he wins. I hate the fucker so much. Damen seems confident though when he accepts, and wagers on Titus wearing some ugly Christmas blazer made by no one other than Aunt Lydia. Long story short—Titus loses to my (fake) husband. I can’t wait to find out tomorrow just how hideous the jacket is, but kissing in front of him while knowing how much it pisses him off is even better.
We have no idea what the bet entails AT ALL. This is all we get. It seems like it would be entertaining or at least important to see Damen put his homophobic brother in his place, but all we get is “long story short,” and no details of any kind. Upon review, I assume it was knife throwing because that’s one of the activities going on in the background but there’s no way to know for sure. We also skip over a whole week of Damen trying to woo Killian. Not my favorite.
Contains:
—gay MCs
—mafia hitman
—punk twink x preppy model guy
—billionaire x poor guy
—age gap (9 years)
—lots and lots of miscommunication and misunderstandings
—some chasing and catching as foreplay
—Damen used to have a crush on his biological cousin (ew). Actually, his thing for mouthy alt guys stems from this crush, seemingly.
—actually the whole family is all up in each other’s sex lives and it’s weird
—past physical abuse of Killian by ex-boyfriend
—past dubious consent between Killian and ex-boyfriend
—the “my boyfriend is violent to everyone but me” trope
—the “No, I don’t want you! We are done! ….wait, where are you going? Aren’t you going to fight for me despite me saying no?” trope
—“Oh no! My horse has been startled and now is runaway with me on it! Save me!” trope (I feel like that’s an oldie)
—Damen speaks French to Killian to tell him how much he wants him, and Killian doesn’t understand a word but enjoys it
—brief drugging and kidnapping between MCs
—blackmail between MCs
—power imbalance (this is also a kink for the MCs)
—size difference
—technically dubcon between MCs (both consent and enjoy the sex, but it’s not clear if Killian can technically leave or say no safely)
—extremely fast burn (MCs are like entirely devoted on page 45)
—overt homophobia (seriously like a solid 10 pages in a row of unrelenting homophobia and then sprinkled throughout the book)
—over transphobia
—misogyny (mostly in relation to homophobia)
—using “privates” to mean “genitals.” Haven’t heard that one in a while. 😬
—past reference to MC being too weak to walk after getting a tattoo (what???)
—un-negotiated CNC kink
Other:
—dual first person POV
—cheating: no
—romantic rival: no. Well, Killian has a recent ex-boyfriend that wants him back in the very beginning, but the guy is abusive and Killian doesn’t want to date him anymore. It’s brief then over.
—break up: yes, about halfway through when Killian insists they truly be fake husbands despite their growing attractions and insists they have no sex and split up after Xmas. Then Killian turns around and is sad Damen didn’t force the issue, and Killian basically tries to bang him again right away. I think it was meant to up the sexual tension, but honestly it just gave me whiplash.
—
My taste in clubs isn’t as classy as my taste in suits, but it does match the guys I go for. Crude, inked, and a little feral.
If my family does know I fuck guys, are they coping by assuming I’m bi and will eventually settle down with a partner of the opposite sex? That is not happening, because there‘s never been a woman I wanted to kiss, and I’m positive that won’t change.
My unresolved family issues might also be the reason for the men I choose. I look like I own a yacht. They look as though they’d write Eat the rich on the side of my boat.
“As I’ve already told you, they expect me to some day bring a wife, which I won’t. I’m a gay man, and I will not be playing a game of pretend to appease my family. This is where you come in. Your presence will give them a bit of a shock, but at least now they will know. And I will be able to finally participate in the annual Christmas hunt.”
I don’t bother asking what he does for a job, because I’m too afraid the answer would be ‘assassin’. But I do wonder if this means my cat is a hostage.
He doesn’t need to rip his own jeans anymore when I can drop five grand on a pair that looks like they came straight out of the trash.
I love it. He’s the engraved switchblade to my antique silver pistol.
It’s the first time I have a man in this bed, and I’ve made my coming out [as gay] official. No more whispers about me being bisexual.
I slide off the bed on shaky legs and put my hand on Damen’s shoulder with a sigh. “Let your brother live,” I say. “He doesn’t deserve it, but you would always regret it if you killed him.”
“Yes!” Damen’s mother exclaims from behind her fingers. “And it’s Christmas after all, for god’s sake.”
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