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Look Away: A Holiday Novella
Grayson
Being a detective has its perks, but working with the Irish Mob isn’t one of them.
When a serial killer makes their mark on Boston right before Christmas, I’m forced to heed the help of Aoife O’Donnell, leader of the Irish Mob.
I’m used to being alone, to disappointing those around me, but her quirkiness and playful curiosity whittle their way into my gray soul and make my Christmas less isolating.
In a city where crime families operate without consequence, I’ve never envied their power or their blood money. I used to wonder why anyone would want that kind of life.
Until her.
Aoife
When your dad hands you the family business, you say thank you. When Kieran O’Donnell hands you his legacy, you succeed.
Except all I feel like is a failure.
When a death rattles my organization to its core, I’m determined to get answers before I disappoint my dad.
Grayson Holtz is the lead detective on the case, hunting the man who’s hunting us. But I can’t tell if he’s my enemy, my salvation, or just another threat I can’t stay away from.
He’s everything I shouldn’t want—law and order wrapped in smoke and judgment.
But every time he looks at me, the lines blur.
From K.P. HAVEN comes a holiday novella steeped in the Broken Blood Ties world, where loyalty runs deep. This fade-to-black romance unfolds within the Blood Ties & Legacies universe and is best experienced after Broken Blood Ties. Please see the author’s website for TW/CW.
Being a detective has its perks, but working with the Irish Mob isn’t one of them.
When a serial killer makes their mark on Boston right before Christmas, I’m forced to heed the help of Aoife O’Donnell, leader of the Irish Mob.
I’m used to being alone, to disappointing those around me, but her quirkiness and playful curiosity whittle their way into my gray soul and make my Christmas less isolating.
In a city where crime families operate without consequence, I’ve never envied their power or their blood money. I used to wonder why anyone would want that kind of life.
Until her.
Aoife
When your dad hands you the family business, you say thank you. When Kieran O’Donnell hands you his legacy, you succeed.
Except all I feel like is a failure.
When a death rattles my organization to its core, I’m determined to get answers before I disappoint my dad.
Grayson Holtz is the lead detective on the case, hunting the man who’s hunting us. But I can’t tell if he’s my enemy, my salvation, or just another threat I can’t stay away from.
He’s everything I shouldn’t want—law and order wrapped in smoke and judgment.
But every time he looks at me, the lines blur.
From K.P. HAVEN comes a holiday novella steeped in the Broken Blood Ties world, where loyalty runs deep. This fade-to-black romance unfolds within the Blood Ties & Legacies universe and is best experienced after Broken Blood Ties. Please see the author’s website for TW/CW.
- GenresFade To Black
158 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 22, 2025
11 people are currently reading
35 people want to read
About the author
K.P. Haven
11 books92 followersK.P. Haven is an avid romance reader who writes the gritty, fade-to-black romances she wants to read. She lives in a small, southern town with her husband and three children and enjoys slow mornings, reading, and mint chocolate chip ice cream.
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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
November 25, 2025
A beautiful compliment to the Broken Blood Ties series! Aoife gets her own spotlight and we see her step up as a leader, no longer just Kieran’s little love. A short read full of twists and all of the chaos and spunk you would expect from Aoife. Plus cameos from well loved characters from throughout the series. I will be reading this one again and again.
December 3, 2025
KP Haven’s writing is always captivating, and this unexpected release was particularly delightful, especially since it is a spin-off from Broken Blood Ties. The narrative follows Aoife, Keiran’s daughter, as she assumes the leadership role of the Irish mafia. During the Christmas season, a series of murders occur involving mafia members, and Grayson, the lead detective, embarks on a quest to identify the potential serial killer. Coincidentally, Aoife and Grayson frequently encounter each other, and despite Grayson’s initial reluctance, they form an uneasy alliance. As the murder count escalates, they must collaborate seamlessly, utilizing all available resources.
Amidst the unfolding events, a subtle emotional connection begins to develop between them. Despite their separate professional lives, their personalities share remarkable similarities. Both individuals grapple with self-doubt and uncertainty in their current positions, but together, they provide mutual support and encouragement. Their souls are intrinsically intertwined, and while they initially resist acknowledging their feelings, they ultimately discover that their connection is more profound when they are together. This novella is a testament to KP Haven’s mastery of storytelling. With its meticulously crafted details and captivating suspense, it leaves a lasting impression on the reader. The main characters are so endearing that their departure from the story left a void, yet the narrative concludes satisfactorily. KP Haven’s writing consistently earns my attention, and I eagerly anticipate her next literary endeavor.
Amidst the unfolding events, a subtle emotional connection begins to develop between them. Despite their separate professional lives, their personalities share remarkable similarities. Both individuals grapple with self-doubt and uncertainty in their current positions, but together, they provide mutual support and encouragement. Their souls are intrinsically intertwined, and while they initially resist acknowledging their feelings, they ultimately discover that their connection is more profound when they are together. This novella is a testament to KP Haven’s mastery of storytelling. With its meticulously crafted details and captivating suspense, it leaves a lasting impression on the reader. The main characters are so endearing that their departure from the story left a void, yet the narrative concludes satisfactorily. KP Haven’s writing consistently earns my attention, and I eagerly anticipate her next literary endeavor.
January 10, 2026
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 5-Star Review — Look Away: A Holiday Novella by K.P. Haven
Look Away is the perfect holiday novella—short, emotional, and completely unforgettable. K.P. Haven packs so much heart, chemistry, and intensity into a limited number of pages, proving that a story doesn’t have to be long to leave a lasting impact.
From the very beginning, I was drawn into the characters and their emotional pull. The connection between them feels raw, real, and deeply charged, making every interaction meaningful. There’s a beautiful balance between vulnerability and longing that kept me fully invested, and the slow-burn tension simmering beneath the surface was done so well.
The holiday setting adds an extra layer of warmth and nostalgia without overpowering the story. Instead, it enhances the emotional depth and makes the moments between the characters feel even more intimate and impactful. The writing is smooth, immersive, and hits you right in the feels in the best way.
If you’re looking for a holiday read that delivers emotion, chemistry, and a powerful punch in novella form, Look Away is an absolute must-read. K.P. Haven once again proves they know how to create a story that lingers long after the final page. 🎄❤️📚
Look Away is the perfect holiday novella—short, emotional, and completely unforgettable. K.P. Haven packs so much heart, chemistry, and intensity into a limited number of pages, proving that a story doesn’t have to be long to leave a lasting impact.
From the very beginning, I was drawn into the characters and their emotional pull. The connection between them feels raw, real, and deeply charged, making every interaction meaningful. There’s a beautiful balance between vulnerability and longing that kept me fully invested, and the slow-burn tension simmering beneath the surface was done so well.
The holiday setting adds an extra layer of warmth and nostalgia without overpowering the story. Instead, it enhances the emotional depth and makes the moments between the characters feel even more intimate and impactful. The writing is smooth, immersive, and hits you right in the feels in the best way.
If you’re looking for a holiday read that delivers emotion, chemistry, and a powerful punch in novella form, Look Away is an absolute must-read. K.P. Haven once again proves they know how to create a story that lingers long after the final page. 🎄❤️📚
November 26, 2025
Dark gritty Christmas read
Who knew serial killer mysteries and Christmas matched? Thoroughly enjoyed this.
Heat level was perfect. Spicy feels without being smutty 🔥 (fade to black & innuendos)
The ML and FL are like spiced choco, jarringly opposite but complement each other surprisingly well. I was impressed that the Mafia FL was more 'normal' than the ML who was a cop. Besides what does normal even mean anyways?
I could never find smoking attractive but it did add to the grittiness of this book which the author always nails in all her works!.
Her ability to weave full bodied complex characters in less than 200 pages should be studied. Though this is a novella, the story never feels rushed. I'd have loved to see more Aoife growing into her role but with the limited character limit, I say Haven did a good job with character growth!
It's not a fairytale but a sweet ending for sure! Perfect not-perfect Christmas read!
Who knew serial killer mysteries and Christmas matched? Thoroughly enjoyed this.
Heat level was perfect. Spicy feels without being smutty 🔥 (fade to black & innuendos)
The ML and FL are like spiced choco, jarringly opposite but complement each other surprisingly well. I was impressed that the Mafia FL was more 'normal' than the ML who was a cop. Besides what does normal even mean anyways?
I could never find smoking attractive but it did add to the grittiness of this book which the author always nails in all her works!.
Her ability to weave full bodied complex characters in less than 200 pages should be studied. Though this is a novella, the story never feels rushed. I'd have loved to see more Aoife growing into her role but with the limited character limit, I say Haven did a good job with character growth!
It's not a fairytale but a sweet ending for sure! Perfect not-perfect Christmas read!
May 3, 2026
🌶️🌶️: FTB with some description (removal of close & innuendo before door closes)
🤬: moderate language no F words
The perfect ending to an amazing series! Loved seeing Aoife all grown up and following in Kieran’s foot steps. I also really liked Grayson’s character and thought the 2 of them together worked well, even with their different careers (I guess you could call it that 😂). I was REALLY sad to see what happened to 2 characters we got to know in Kieran’s book. Even though the whole plot of this book revolves around finding a serial killer targeting different mob groups, it was still (surprisingly) difficult to read about those 2 characters. The epilogue was precious but also sad. It felt like the end of an era and one I wasn’t quite ready for. Highly recommend this book & series!
*keep in mind this is an ADULT romance book*
🤬: moderate language no F words
The perfect ending to an amazing series! Loved seeing Aoife all grown up and following in Kieran’s foot steps. I also really liked Grayson’s character and thought the 2 of them together worked well, even with their different careers (I guess you could call it that 😂). I was REALLY sad to see what happened to 2 characters we got to know in Kieran’s book. Even though the whole plot of this book revolves around finding a serial killer targeting different mob groups, it was still (surprisingly) difficult to read about those 2 characters. The epilogue was precious but also sad. It felt like the end of an era and one I wasn’t quite ready for. Highly recommend this book & series!
*keep in mind this is an ADULT romance book*
November 30, 2025
These are my favorite
Ok real talk, for some.reason all 4 books I've read from KP haven have been flagged.
This is a closer door romance book. What could I possible say that flagged a review?
Anyway, wow this one was steamy. Not open door steamy but hot chemistry steamy. The tension between the two MCs was whoohoo hot...this was a little more edgy than heritage of blood books.
I loved this one. Definitely my top author. I love that its a steady incline slow burn closed door but not vanilla. There needs to be more books like these. Maybe a motorcycle club series next. Cuz these grey MCs is amazing.
Ok real talk, for some.reason all 4 books I've read from KP haven have been flagged.
This is a closer door romance book. What could I possible say that flagged a review?
Anyway, wow this one was steamy. Not open door steamy but hot chemistry steamy. The tension between the two MCs was whoohoo hot...this was a little more edgy than heritage of blood books.
I loved this one. Definitely my top author. I love that its a steady incline slow burn closed door but not vanilla. There needs to be more books like these. Maybe a motorcycle club series next. Cuz these grey MCs is amazing.
December 3, 2025
Aoife all grown up was EVERYTHING! Getting to see her step into her role as the Irish Mafia boss was so cool. I’ve never read a mafia book with this specific concept so it was so fun reading something so different. And of course, I loved seeing and hearing about the characters from Blood Ties & Legacies and of course Broken Blood Ties. This was a perfect holiday novella, especially if you’re looking for something different from the Hallmark Christmas vibes!
December 5, 2025
Yes, I did start this story right away after finishing Kieran and Summer's story. I needed to see a grown up and fierce Aoife. This was a perfect novella. I loved the suspense and was nervous to see how it would all play out. Grayson and Aoife are perfect for each other. I also enjoyed getting a glimpse of all the previous characters in this mafia world.
I read it all in the same day. Couldn't put it down. Sad to see the end of this group of characters.
I read it all in the same day. Couldn't put it down. Sad to see the end of this group of characters.
December 11, 2025
Look Away is a novella in the Blood Ties and Legacies world, and it’s a closed door mafia romance. Aoife is all grown up so many years have passed, and the storyline is reversed with an FMC mob boss. I have enjoyed all the books in this world, and it’s fun to see the story continue to expand. I wish Aoife and Grayson’s story had been a full length novel. Just when you get really invested, it’s over, but it’s still 5 stars!
February 19, 2026
This was the perfect novella. Grayson is a detective that has to "work with" Aoife, the gorgeous leader of the Irish Mob, to solve a serial murderer who seems to be targeting people in the mob. This was sexy, and fun to read, and I loved that it was fade-to-black, like all of her other novels. There's some mild language (very little). Highly recommend!
April 21, 2026
Love it! Just wish it had been longer like the others written. Have to say I knew who the bad guy was and was not happy about one who was murdered. Felt bboth characters could have used more depth and story but like I said this was a short book.
April 22, 2026
Real Rating: 3.5 Stars
This was a fun novella and a nice way to end this series. Aolife and Grayson had chemistry for days and wished the book was longer to really get the depth of who they are, but the book served its purpose and was worth the read.
This was a fun novella and a nice way to end this series. Aolife and Grayson had chemistry for days and wished the book was longer to really get the depth of who they are, but the book served its purpose and was worth the read.
November 30, 2025
4.5⭐️ A novella done right!
December 9, 2025
5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ First novella 😮💨
April 8, 2026
amazing
So good I loved it a lot loved the connection between the characters and how they developed and grew highly recommend
So good I loved it a lot loved the connection between the characters and how they developed and grew highly recommend
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews