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Season of Sin
Hayley
Spending Christmas in the city wasn’t on my bingo card this year. Saving my little brother from himself also wasn’t on that card.
But here I am, willing to do anything to get him out of the trouble he’s managed to find himself in. Again.
It’s when the devil who looms over this city with an iron fist offers me a way out that I discover there really are no lines I’m not willing to cross to save Riley.
August
Christmas. It’s the happiest time of the year. For some. Not so much for the little weasel I caught dealing drugs in my club.
When a brunette with a sharp tongue steps into my office, pleading for his life, I do something I’ve never considered before. I keep her.
Is she willing to sacrifice herself to save her brother? Guess we’re about to find out.
This is a dark holiday novella, stand-alone romance that is not connected to any other series.
Spending Christmas in the city wasn’t on my bingo card this year. Saving my little brother from himself also wasn’t on that card.
But here I am, willing to do anything to get him out of the trouble he’s managed to find himself in. Again.
It’s when the devil who looms over this city with an iron fist offers me a way out that I discover there really are no lines I’m not willing to cross to save Riley.
August
Christmas. It’s the happiest time of the year. For some. Not so much for the little weasel I caught dealing drugs in my club.
When a brunette with a sharp tongue steps into my office, pleading for his life, I do something I’ve never considered before. I keep her.
Is she willing to sacrifice herself to save her brother? Guess we’re about to find out.
This is a dark holiday novella, stand-alone romance that is not connected to any other series.
148 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 8, 2025
449 people are currently reading
282 people want to read
About the author
Kylie Kent
71 books2,679 followersKylie made the leap from kindergarten teacher to romance author, living out her dream to deliver sexy, always and forever romances. She loves a happily ever after story with tons of built in steam.
She currently resides in Perth, Australia and when she is not dreaming up the latest romance she can be found spending time with her three children and her husband of twenty years, her very own real life instant-love.
Come join me in my reading group on Facebook Kylie's Steam Room.
She currently resides in Perth, Australia and when she is not dreaming up the latest romance she can be found spending time with her three children and her husband of twenty years, her very own real life instant-love.
Come join me in my reading group on Facebook Kylie's Steam Room.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 122 reviews
December 9, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 𝐃𝐄𝐕𝐈𝐋 𝐆𝐎𝐃 𝐒𝐓𝐀𝐑𝐒.... 📚'𝙼𝚈 𝚁𝙴𝚅𝙸𝙴𝚆 𝙰𝙽𝙳 𝙾𝚃𝙷𝙴𝚁𝚂'📚 can also be found on my blog:
╰┈➤KITTY KATS CRAZY ABOUT BOOKS
❀⋆.ೃ࿔* SEASON OF SIN°❀⋆.ೃ࿔* Is a mafia romance novella by new to me author Kylie Kent. Spoken in dual POV's. Hayley & August (Wade)
☀︎ Mafia Romance
☀︎ Enemies to Lovers
☀︎ Forced Proximity
☀︎ He Falls First
☀︎ Alpha Male
I haven't read this author before, after seeing it pop up a few times it got me intrigued enough to grab it..And in no time at all, I’d started this…blinked…And then I’d finished it..
Hayley had just about boarded the plane for a European trip of a lifetime, when she's pulled back to reality by a phone call from her brother stating he'd messed up. She has under half an hour to make it to a nightclub called 'Pulse' owned by August Wade. A man you don't want to cross and her brother had just crossed him. Now it's up to her to save him. A dilemma, either he gets his fingers chopped off or she coughs up ten grand. But after August Wade sees her he comes up with a better solution Become his fake girlfriend for two weeks.
(“ I took one look at her and knew instantly I had to make her mine. ”)
This has the tag 'Dark' which I wouldn't necessarily say. Shots to take out the enemy but it's not really in graphic detail. On my dark radar it's vanilla, but for others check just incase.
I got so caught up in the feels that before I knew it, I’d read it, it’s left me craving more, I really enjoyed this, I don’t normally jump on Christmas themed books, but something about this compelled me to grab it.
It was very insta, which is something else I backpeddle away from, but this was the perfect way to showcase these two. He was a goner before he’d even met her, one phone call on speaker phone and her voice was all it took.
Took her a wee bit longer to warm up to this smooth operator, everything about him screamed fast…He was like a Mack truck barrelling towards her at full speed ahead.
Fake relationship ✅
Move her in, one bed ✅
Become obsessed ✅
Falls in love ✅
Claim her, keep her ✅
He conquered them all..
❀⋆.ೃ࿔* SEASON OF SIN°❀⋆.ೃ࿔* Is a mafia romance novella by new to me author Kylie Kent. Spoken in dual POV's. Hayley & August (Wade)
☀︎ Mafia Romance
☀︎ Enemies to Lovers
☀︎ Forced Proximity
☀︎ He Falls First
☀︎ Alpha Male
I haven't read this author before, after seeing it pop up a few times it got me intrigued enough to grab it..And in no time at all, I’d started this…blinked…And then I’d finished it..
Hayley had just about boarded the plane for a European trip of a lifetime, when she's pulled back to reality by a phone call from her brother stating he'd messed up. She has under half an hour to make it to a nightclub called 'Pulse' owned by August Wade. A man you don't want to cross and her brother had just crossed him. Now it's up to her to save him. A dilemma, either he gets his fingers chopped off or she coughs up ten grand. But after August Wade sees her he comes up with a better solution Become his fake girlfriend for two weeks.
(“ I took one look at her and knew instantly I had to make her mine. ”)
This has the tag 'Dark' which I wouldn't necessarily say. Shots to take out the enemy but it's not really in graphic detail. On my dark radar it's vanilla, but for others check just incase.
I got so caught up in the feels that before I knew it, I’d read it, it’s left me craving more, I really enjoyed this, I don’t normally jump on Christmas themed books, but something about this compelled me to grab it.
It was very insta, which is something else I backpeddle away from, but this was the perfect way to showcase these two. He was a goner before he’d even met her, one phone call on speaker phone and her voice was all it took.
Took her a wee bit longer to warm up to this smooth operator, everything about him screamed fast…He was like a Mack truck barrelling towards her at full speed ahead.
Fake relationship ✅
Move her in, one bed ✅
Become obsessed ✅
Falls in love ✅
Claim her, keep her ✅
He conquered them all..
Read
December 11, 2025It's been a while since I've read one of KK's books. I forgot that most of them have the insta-love trope, and this one is no different.
Hayley's brother got into trouble at August's club. He called her for help when he got caught, so she went to help him. One look at her, and August knew right then and there that he would do whatever it took to make this woman his. So let her choose: a.) teach her brother a lesson or b.) pretend to be his girlfriend for two weeks (he says it's to fend off gold diggers and whatnot). Obv, she chose the latter, and cue insta-lust/insta-love. This is fast-paced, and tbh, I didn't connect with the MCs. But I wanted something short, so I supposed it still worked in some way.
Anyway, this ended in a HFN, where she agreed to move in with him. Well, she never really had a choice to begin with. One thing's for sure: it's definitely a whirlwind romance.
Book info:
— Novella
— Insta-lust/insta-love
— Violence (a bit)
— No cheating, OM, separation
— Minor OW 😑
— No V (h - had bfs before, H - gave off hoe vibes)
— HFN
Notes:
— OW. Two women approached him in this book, and I know one used to be his lover; I'm not sure about the other. The OW was shocked to see Hayley in his arms, saying that he doesn't do girlfriends. But he replied that he finally found the right person. 🤷♀️
— They didn't use protection, got caught up in the moment, I suppose (still irresponsible, imo). But she's on BC. Which gave him relief but also pissed him off because that would mean she's (or was) sexually active and had been with others before. It's kind of hypocritical if you're going to ask me, though, because he's sure as hell not a saint.
— No, V. Hayley said she's been single for two years taking care of her younger brother. So I'm going to assume she hasn't been with anyone else either. While August said he can't remember the last time he got laid, he said, "It's been too long." It's actually kind of annoying that women's celibacy timeframes are always specified, while men are often given vague statements like "too long." This might mean a few weeks or a month in their dictionary. Why can’t authors provide an exact timeframe instead?
Hayley's brother got into trouble at August's club. He called her for help when he got caught, so she went to help him. One look at her, and August knew right then and there that he would do whatever it took to make this woman his. So let her choose: a.) teach her brother a lesson or b.) pretend to be his girlfriend for two weeks (he says it's to fend off gold diggers and whatnot). Obv, she chose the latter, and cue insta-lust/insta-love. This is fast-paced, and tbh, I didn't connect with the MCs. But I wanted something short, so I supposed it still worked in some way.
Anyway, this ended in a HFN, where she agreed to move in with him. Well, she never really had a choice to begin with. One thing's for sure: it's definitely a whirlwind romance.
Book info:
— Novella
— Insta-lust/insta-love
— Violence (a bit)
— No cheating, OM, separation
— Minor OW 😑
— No V (h - had bfs before, H - gave off hoe vibes)
— HFN
Notes:
— OW. Two women approached him in this book, and I know one used to be his lover; I'm not sure about the other. The OW was shocked to see Hayley in his arms, saying that he doesn't do girlfriends. But he replied that he finally found the right person. 🤷♀️
— They didn't use protection, got caught up in the moment, I suppose (still irresponsible, imo). But she's on BC. Which gave him relief but also pissed him off because that would mean she's (or was) sexually active and had been with others before. It's kind of hypocritical if you're going to ask me, though, because he's sure as hell not a saint.
— No, V. Hayley said she's been single for two years taking care of her younger brother. So I'm going to assume she hasn't been with anyone else either. While August said he can't remember the last time he got laid, he said, "It's been too long." It's actually kind of annoying that women's celibacy timeframes are always specified, while men are often given vague statements like "too long." This might mean a few weeks or a month in their dictionary. Why can’t authors provide an exact timeframe instead?
December 16, 2025
arc review to come 🖤
December 21, 2025
Dnfed at 25%. I just can’t. Feels like as if I’m reading a really bad fanfiction …and the characters are so annoying and childish.
December 12, 2025
Season of Sin is a beautiful Christmas-season novella with fake dating, a morally grey and slightly unhinged FMC, and so much more.
The story follows Hayley and August. Hayley abandons her planned vacation to help her younger brother, which unexpectedly leads to her playing the role of a fake fiancée for two weeks.
I loved how the author wrote about Hayley’s grief over losing her mom and the way she processes it. It felt raw and real. I also loved how August consistently showed Hayley that she was enough for him. Even when she tried to point out her flaws, he never wavered in choosing her.
This is a 4.5-star read, and I highly recommend it. Not surprising though, because I’ve yet to read a bad Kylie Kent book.
The story follows Hayley and August. Hayley abandons her planned vacation to help her younger brother, which unexpectedly leads to her playing the role of a fake fiancée for two weeks.
I loved how the author wrote about Hayley’s grief over losing her mom and the way she processes it. It felt raw and real. I also loved how August consistently showed Hayley that she was enough for him. Even when she tried to point out her flaws, he never wavered in choosing her.
This is a 4.5-star read, and I highly recommend it. Not surprising though, because I’ve yet to read a bad Kylie Kent book.
December 17, 2025
2.5
She was just so stupid
She was just so stupid
December 15, 2025
This book started so strong. Like, “cancel my plans, silence my phone, I live here now” strong. Chapter One had me fully invested, emotionally committed, and ready to recommend it to strangers.
Then I turned to Chapter Two.
Suddenly, I wasn’t reading anymore. I was sprinting. Skimming. Aggressively flipping pages like the book had personally offended me and I needed answers now. The vibes shifted, the plot took a turn, and I found myself speed-running the rest just to see how it all ends.
Did I enjoy it? Maybe.
Did I read it properly? Absolutely not.
But sacrifices must be made. I finished it, learned what happens, and moved on with my life, all for the sake of the season. 📖🍂
Then I turned to Chapter Two.
Suddenly, I wasn’t reading anymore. I was sprinting. Skimming. Aggressively flipping pages like the book had personally offended me and I needed answers now. The vibes shifted, the plot took a turn, and I found myself speed-running the rest just to see how it all ends.
Did I enjoy it? Maybe.
Did I read it properly? Absolutely not.
But sacrifices must be made. I finished it, learned what happens, and moved on with my life, all for the sake of the season. 📖🍂
December 8, 2025
I loved Haley and August in this quick novella. It only took me a couple days to read.
Stars:⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice:🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
Stars:⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice:🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
December 30, 2025
It took FIVE words for me to be all goo-goo over August.
"You’re here because you’re mine,”
"You’re here because you’re mine,”
December 12, 2025
A Christmas novella mixed with the whole mafia vibe was an immediate hell yes for me! I love Kylie’s writing and this was definitely no exception. This book was quick, it was fun and both of our main characters are just as obsessed with each other which I loved.
Our FMC Hazel is sassy so I immediately loved her! She becomes responsible for her 18 year old brother after their parents passed away and let’s just say she has the whole mother hen thing nailed down. She was meant to be escaping on a European vacation for Christmas however her brother gets himself into trouble with none other than a ruthless mafia man. Being the protective older sister she immediately drops everything to save his ass yet again even though it means putting her own plans on hold.
Our MMC August is a mafia boss and a grinch which immediately screams red flags but once again I fell in love with the villain. He is ruthless and everyone knows not to mess with him! When he catches a little punk trying to sell drugs in his club a lesson must be taught. That being said he wasn’t expecting the sister of this kid to captivate him from the minute he heard her voice.
August decides to make a deal with Hazel to spare her brother. August has his sights set on this woman and wants to make her his even if it’s under the guise of fake dating to begin with. I laughed when Hazel refuses to bow down to him like every other woman so it was definitely a bit of a reality check for him. They have good banter, they are both slightly obsessive, there was an air of danger and of course we had some delicious spice sprinkled throughout. I also loved how protective August becomes over Hazel even going as far as taking the whole touch her and die thing very seriously. Hazel is also Christmas obsessed so August finds a little bit of his Christmas spirit just to put a smile on her face.
I had such a fun time reading this one and would definitely recommend!
Our FMC Hazel is sassy so I immediately loved her! She becomes responsible for her 18 year old brother after their parents passed away and let’s just say she has the whole mother hen thing nailed down. She was meant to be escaping on a European vacation for Christmas however her brother gets himself into trouble with none other than a ruthless mafia man. Being the protective older sister she immediately drops everything to save his ass yet again even though it means putting her own plans on hold.
Our MMC August is a mafia boss and a grinch which immediately screams red flags but once again I fell in love with the villain. He is ruthless and everyone knows not to mess with him! When he catches a little punk trying to sell drugs in his club a lesson must be taught. That being said he wasn’t expecting the sister of this kid to captivate him from the minute he heard her voice.
August decides to make a deal with Hazel to spare her brother. August has his sights set on this woman and wants to make her his even if it’s under the guise of fake dating to begin with. I laughed when Hazel refuses to bow down to him like every other woman so it was definitely a bit of a reality check for him. They have good banter, they are both slightly obsessive, there was an air of danger and of course we had some delicious spice sprinkled throughout. I also loved how protective August becomes over Hazel even going as far as taking the whole touch her and die thing very seriously. Hazel is also Christmas obsessed so August finds a little bit of his Christmas spirit just to put a smile on her face.
I had such a fun time reading this one and would definitely recommend!
December 7, 2025
A fast paced, smutty, Christmas novella that I just couldn’t put down👏🏼.
Hayley’s Christmas plans started and ended at the airport. While she was supposed to spend her Christmas in Munich those plans were soon derailed by the phone call she received from her brother. Hayley’s brother was doing something in August’s club that he shouldn’t have been doing and now a debt must be repaid.
From the moment that August heard her voice through the phone he deviated a plan to have this woman in his proximity for the foreseeable future and he did this by having Hayley be his fake girlfriend for 2 weeks - But in August’s mind she would be sticking around for much longer than those two weeks, he just needed to convince her to stay.
This couples chemistry was off the charts, I loved these two together. I loved that Hayley loved to push August’s buttons and she didn’t back down. August was possessive and protect of Hayley and I was absolutely here for it.
Thank you so much to the author who provided this e-arc for my honest thoughts 💭
Hayley’s Christmas plans started and ended at the airport. While she was supposed to spend her Christmas in Munich those plans were soon derailed by the phone call she received from her brother. Hayley’s brother was doing something in August’s club that he shouldn’t have been doing and now a debt must be repaid.
From the moment that August heard her voice through the phone he deviated a plan to have this woman in his proximity for the foreseeable future and he did this by having Hayley be his fake girlfriend for 2 weeks - But in August’s mind she would be sticking around for much longer than those two weeks, he just needed to convince her to stay.
This couples chemistry was off the charts, I loved these two together. I loved that Hayley loved to push August’s buttons and she didn’t back down. August was possessive and protect of Hayley and I was absolutely here for it.
Thank you so much to the author who provided this e-arc for my honest thoughts 💭
December 14, 2025
Hayley and August 💗💗💗 I gobbled this little (dark) holiday novella right up. The only gripe is that this is a novella!!! This little page turner, had all the ingredients to be a decent book! Yes, it’s technically dark, because there’s some killing and stabbing, manipulation etc but it’s light weight for dark romance - I enjoyed it!
Now what I really want is a Jade and Colton book!!! I heard rumors we might get one and I hope they’re true!!
Now what I really want is a Jade and Colton book!!! I heard rumors we might get one and I hope they’re true!!
December 15, 2025
Season of Sin was fast, filthy, and wildly addictive.
Hayley’s sharp tongue and fearless attitude immediately put her on equal footing with August—a grumpy mobster who very clearly met his match and still tried to dominate anyway. Their chemistry was instant, intense, and completely feral in the best way.
This novella delivers insta-lust, insta-love, and insta-madness without ever slowing down. Dark, sexy, and chaotic—perfect for a holiday read that doesn’t hold back.
Hayley’s sharp tongue and fearless attitude immediately put her on equal footing with August—a grumpy mobster who very clearly met his match and still tried to dominate anyway. Their chemistry was instant, intense, and completely feral in the best way.
This novella delivers insta-lust, insta-love, and insta-madness without ever slowing down. Dark, sexy, and chaotic—perfect for a holiday read that doesn’t hold back.
January 3, 2026
3 - 3.5 stars!
Predictable and smutty!
But enjoyed it!
Predictable and smutty!
“You became mine the second I heard your voice on that phone. I’ve just been waiting for you to catch up with the program.” I smirk at her, my fingers unbuttoning her shorts. “Now, I’m giving you the option here, babe. Do you need more time to catch up or are you ready to be mine?”
But enjoyed it!
December 3, 2025
Season Of Sin by @author_kylie_kent_
I loved this novella; it was short but entertaining. August and Hayley were very hot; he felt for her just from hearing her voice, and when he saw her, the obsession began. The crazy thing is, she was just as crazy as he was.
I loved this novella; it was short but entertaining. August and Hayley were very hot; he felt for her just from hearing her voice, and when he saw her, the obsession began. The crazy thing is, she was just as crazy as he was.
December 30, 2025
Loved this novella.
Only reason it didn't get 5 stars is becuase it needed to be a full length book!
Loved the 4 main characters and the storyline. could have read at least another 500 pages about their story!
Only reason it didn't get 5 stars is becuase it needed to be a full length book!
Loved the 4 main characters and the storyline. could have read at least another 500 pages about their story!
January 4, 2026
Even though I liked the story and the way it was told, but instant love in just two days doesn't really work for me, and that's where the problem lies. I don't know how many stars to give it, so let's say two stars. The plot of this short story was nice and cute.
January 14, 2026
حلو صراحة ككتاب قصير
December 17, 2025
2.5🌶
This was a short, spicy, and easy Christmas Novella. Fake dating, Bl@ckm@il, and great side characters. Loved.
This was a short, spicy, and easy Christmas Novella. Fake dating, Bl@ckm@il, and great side characters. Loved.
December 8, 2025
kylie has blessed me with another ARC and I am beyond excited to start this new interconnected series. Everything she writes is pure perfection and no matter how badly a reading slump may be it never effects my ability to read something she has written.
Hayley
I absolutely loved her and her insane personality. Her not being afraid of speaking her mind and putting the big bad mafia boss in his place constantly had my laughing my butt off. Her sarcasm was top tier and her spitfire personality is how I wish to be known. She has had to take on the responsibility of raising her younger brother and trying to keep him out of trouble after their parents died. She's struggling but does whatever it takes to keep him safe. Even if that means making a deal with a devil god. When she loves though, she loves hard and becomes obsessed with their safety.
August
He owns Miami but is the proudest of his legitimate club called Pulse. Everyone fears him but they also want to be him or fk him. He came from nothing and worked hard and ruthlessly to climb to the top. He never dates and never wishes to be tied down by someone. That is until all he hears is her voice on speaker phone. That's when all bets are off and he will stop at nothing to make her his. He is seriously insanely caring and understanding. He will stop at nothing to make her happy and feel safe. Even with a target on his back. He's just as crazy as she is.
I adore Andre, he's a sweetheart and Kylie you are absolutely evil. Her best friend Jade is hilarious and I truly hope she gets a book with a certain someone 👀
Cereal salad is top tier and Colten had me laughing. I love how he always had August's back and wasn't afraid to take a hit.
When I say I devoured this book i mean I DEVOURED it. I could not put it down and read it in one sitting. Kylie is one of my absolute favorite authors and there is nothing she could write that I won't read.
If you too want to spend your holidays in sin then this is the book for you. As always read trigger warnings.
Hayley
I absolutely loved her and her insane personality. Her not being afraid of speaking her mind and putting the big bad mafia boss in his place constantly had my laughing my butt off. Her sarcasm was top tier and her spitfire personality is how I wish to be known. She has had to take on the responsibility of raising her younger brother and trying to keep him out of trouble after their parents died. She's struggling but does whatever it takes to keep him safe. Even if that means making a deal with a devil god. When she loves though, she loves hard and becomes obsessed with their safety.
August
He owns Miami but is the proudest of his legitimate club called Pulse. Everyone fears him but they also want to be him or fk him. He came from nothing and worked hard and ruthlessly to climb to the top. He never dates and never wishes to be tied down by someone. That is until all he hears is her voice on speaker phone. That's when all bets are off and he will stop at nothing to make her his. He is seriously insanely caring and understanding. He will stop at nothing to make her happy and feel safe. Even with a target on his back. He's just as crazy as she is.
I adore Andre, he's a sweetheart and Kylie you are absolutely evil. Her best friend Jade is hilarious and I truly hope she gets a book with a certain someone 👀
Cereal salad is top tier and Colten had me laughing. I love how he always had August's back and wasn't afraid to take a hit.
When I say I devoured this book i mean I DEVOURED it. I could not put it down and read it in one sitting. Kylie is one of my absolute favorite authors and there is nothing she could write that I won't read.
If you too want to spend your holidays in sin then this is the book for you. As always read trigger warnings.
December 21, 2025
Fast paced dark romance at its finest!
********************
Tropes: Dark Holiday Romance Novella, Mafia/Underworld, Forced Proximity, Instalove
********************
Content Warnings: Violence, Adult language and situations, Dubious Consent, Kidnapping, Toxic Relationship, Emotional Abuse
********************
Quote: “Fall in love with me? That’s not right. I don’t want love. Do I?” Hayley
********************
Blurb: Hayley—Spending Christmas in the city wasn’t on my bingo card this year. Saving my little brother from himself also wasn’t on that card.
But here I am, willing to do anything to get him out of the trouble he’s managed to find himself in. Again.
It’s when the devil who looms over this city with an iron fist offers me a way out that I discover there really are no lines I’m not willing to cross to save Riley.
August—Christmas. It’s the happiest time of the year. For some. Not so much for the little weasel I caught dealing drugs in my club.
When a brunette with a sharp tongue steps into my office, pleading for his life, I do something I’ve never considered before. I keep her.
Is she willing to sacrifice herself to save her brother? Guess we’re about to find out.
*********************
Review: Perfection. It’s short, with small chapters and tons of action. Fast paced for sure, more character than plot driven. Likable characters, including the tertiary folks. The content warnings include dub-con and kidnapping, but if you want to split hairs I don’t see those. Hayley has a choice to move in with August for two weeks as his fake girlfriend, although the alternative involves her younger brother losing a couple of fingers.
No third act break up and a solid HFN rounds it out. My only wish? It was longer, with more details and angst. Otherwise, it’s a perfect little mafia-style romance novella. Highly recommended!
*********************
Ratings: Movie NC17, Overall 5/5, Romance 3/5, Violence 4/5, Spice 2/5, Cover 4/5
*********************
157 pages, published December 2025
********************
Tropes: Dark Holiday Romance Novella, Mafia/Underworld, Forced Proximity, Instalove
********************
Content Warnings: Violence, Adult language and situations, Dubious Consent, Kidnapping, Toxic Relationship, Emotional Abuse
********************
Quote: “Fall in love with me? That’s not right. I don’t want love. Do I?” Hayley
********************
Blurb: Hayley—Spending Christmas in the city wasn’t on my bingo card this year. Saving my little brother from himself also wasn’t on that card.
But here I am, willing to do anything to get him out of the trouble he’s managed to find himself in. Again.
It’s when the devil who looms over this city with an iron fist offers me a way out that I discover there really are no lines I’m not willing to cross to save Riley.
August—Christmas. It’s the happiest time of the year. For some. Not so much for the little weasel I caught dealing drugs in my club.
When a brunette with a sharp tongue steps into my office, pleading for his life, I do something I’ve never considered before. I keep her.
Is she willing to sacrifice herself to save her brother? Guess we’re about to find out.
*********************
Review: Perfection. It’s short, with small chapters and tons of action. Fast paced for sure, more character than plot driven. Likable characters, including the tertiary folks. The content warnings include dub-con and kidnapping, but if you want to split hairs I don’t see those. Hayley has a choice to move in with August for two weeks as his fake girlfriend, although the alternative involves her younger brother losing a couple of fingers.
No third act break up and a solid HFN rounds it out. My only wish? It was longer, with more details and angst. Otherwise, it’s a perfect little mafia-style romance novella. Highly recommended!
*********************
Ratings: Movie NC17, Overall 5/5, Romance 3/5, Violence 4/5, Spice 2/5, Cover 4/5
*********************
157 pages, published December 2025
December 10, 2025
I’m sorry but this book left me feeling annoyed. I did enjoy it but it’s way too short and rushed. With the short paragraphs and really stupid spacing, nothing is explained and there’s a huge amount of unanswered questions.
If this had been longer I would have enjoyed it way more, I worked it out to be about a 100 pages. I feel like I’ve been tricked! Why is it a standalone? I would have loved to have read Colton’s book. (August’s best friend.) As it’s so rushed I’ve no clue what August’s ‘other less legal’ businesses are. He has a nightclub that is legitimate AND???????? The danger is rushed through and I still don’t understand why. Again it’s not explained! 😡😡😡 How old is August? Hayley is either 23 or 24? What does her best friend do? What does her brother do? Is he still at school? NOTHING IS EXPLAINED!!!
Hayley is about to go away for Christmas to Germany (For some bizarre reason.) when she gets a phone call from her brother. He’s been caught dealing what people think is coke and is aspirin in August’s club. August wants either money or he’ll chop his fingers off. Oh good grief. 🙄🙄 As soon as he sees Hayley he wants her so tricks her into pretending to be his girlfriend but it’s not a fake relationship to him. They’re soon madly in love and that’s it.
I don’t understand so many things in this book that yes it ruined it. Hayley is going away for Christmas and leaving her 18 year old brother, who she worries about constantly since their parents died. She’s also leaving her heavily pregnant best friend. It doesn’t make sense!! It feels like the author wrote it in there to fill the plot out.
I did enjoy it but way too rushed. I really wish it had been longer and more filled out.
If this had been longer I would have enjoyed it way more, I worked it out to be about a 100 pages. I feel like I’ve been tricked! Why is it a standalone? I would have loved to have read Colton’s book. (August’s best friend.) As it’s so rushed I’ve no clue what August’s ‘other less legal’ businesses are. He has a nightclub that is legitimate AND???????? The danger is rushed through and I still don’t understand why. Again it’s not explained! 😡😡😡 How old is August? Hayley is either 23 or 24? What does her best friend do? What does her brother do? Is he still at school? NOTHING IS EXPLAINED!!!
Hayley is about to go away for Christmas to Germany (For some bizarre reason.) when she gets a phone call from her brother. He’s been caught dealing what people think is coke and is aspirin in August’s club. August wants either money or he’ll chop his fingers off. Oh good grief. 🙄🙄 As soon as he sees Hayley he wants her so tricks her into pretending to be his girlfriend but it’s not a fake relationship to him. They’re soon madly in love and that’s it.
I don’t understand so many things in this book that yes it ruined it. Hayley is going away for Christmas and leaving her 18 year old brother, who she worries about constantly since their parents died. She’s also leaving her heavily pregnant best friend. It doesn’t make sense!! It feels like the author wrote it in there to fill the plot out.
I did enjoy it but way too rushed. I really wish it had been longer and more filled out.
December 8, 2025
Season of Sin is a Christmas novella. All Haley wants to do this Christmas is to go on a European holiday. She has been saving all year to be able to do this although she’s responsible for her younger brother. He did not want to go with her so she figured he’s old enough to stay on his own. However, she hasn’t even left yet when she gets a phone call from him saying he’s in trouble. So she leaves the chaos of the airport only to find herself in chaos at a club that August Wade owns.
August owns the club Pulse, which he is proud to run. There is nothing he hates more than people dealing drugs in his club. So when he catches a young kid dealing, he takes him to his office to punish him. However, this kid begs him to let him call his sister Haley. So when he calls her and he tells her he is in trouble, she says she is on her way. August is smitten the minute he hears her voice and when he meets her, he is stunned by her beauty. It doesn’t matter that she is in comfy attire, she is the most gorgeous woman he has ever laid eyes on. When she asks him what does he want in order to save her brother, he says her. What will Haley do?
Kylie Kent made me feel bad for Haley. All she wanted was a beautiful Christmas holiday. Instead, her brother got in trouble and she had to stay. The chemistry with August was great. Even though she tried to avoid all his charms, he would make her blush. He wanted her since the beginning but was willing to be patient. I loved that about him. This novella was entertaining. From both their best friends to the action and sweet moments. This was filled with drama, heat, and suspense. I enjoyed it very much.
August owns the club Pulse, which he is proud to run. There is nothing he hates more than people dealing drugs in his club. So when he catches a young kid dealing, he takes him to his office to punish him. However, this kid begs him to let him call his sister Haley. So when he calls her and he tells her he is in trouble, she says she is on her way. August is smitten the minute he hears her voice and when he meets her, he is stunned by her beauty. It doesn’t matter that she is in comfy attire, she is the most gorgeous woman he has ever laid eyes on. When she asks him what does he want in order to save her brother, he says her. What will Haley do?
Kylie Kent made me feel bad for Haley. All she wanted was a beautiful Christmas holiday. Instead, her brother got in trouble and she had to stay. The chemistry with August was great. Even though she tried to avoid all his charms, he would make her blush. He wanted her since the beginning but was willing to be patient. I loved that about him. This novella was entertaining. From both their best friends to the action and sweet moments. This was filled with drama, heat, and suspense. I enjoyed it very much.
December 7, 2025
After losing her parents, Hayley has been holding her life together while raising her younger brother and doing everything she can to keep her sanity. When her brother gets himself tangled up with the notorious August Wade, Hayley steps in prepared to face the consequences. What she does not expect is that August is not just after repayment. He wants her…forever. And he is willing to do whatever it takes to keep her by his side.
It’s short but sweet in the best holiday way and somehow feels like a complete story despite being a novella. The pacing was quick yet satisfying and everything about it put me right into holiday mode.
“You’re here because you’re mine.”
As a couple, Hayley and August were adorable and addictive. August was an absolute simp for Hayley and I loved every second of it. He is such a cinnamon roll underneath the intimidation and I melted every time he softened for her. And Hayley? This girl was amazing. Strong, devoted, and finally an FMC who is just as obsessed as the MMC. Their mutual obsession made their connection feel intense in a very natural way. I liked how easily they fell into each other, like it was always meant to happen, and their chemistry hit instantly in that perfect instalove way.
Kylie Kent brought all the holiday vibes with this one and delivered a short yet sweet treat that left me smiling. If I had one small wish, it would be a little peek into their future, but that is just the curse of loving novella couples too much. But all in all, such a fun quick read!
It’s short but sweet in the best holiday way and somehow feels like a complete story despite being a novella. The pacing was quick yet satisfying and everything about it put me right into holiday mode.
“You’re here because you’re mine.”
As a couple, Hayley and August were adorable and addictive. August was an absolute simp for Hayley and I loved every second of it. He is such a cinnamon roll underneath the intimidation and I melted every time he softened for her. And Hayley? This girl was amazing. Strong, devoted, and finally an FMC who is just as obsessed as the MMC. Their mutual obsession made their connection feel intense in a very natural way. I liked how easily they fell into each other, like it was always meant to happen, and their chemistry hit instantly in that perfect instalove way.
Kylie Kent brought all the holiday vibes with this one and delivered a short yet sweet treat that left me smiling. If I had one small wish, it would be a little peek into their future, but that is just the curse of loving novella couples too much. But all in all, such a fun quick read!
December 16, 2025
🖤🎅🏼🎄❤️
~ Season Of Sin | Kylie Kent ~
🖤 Mafia Romance
❤️ Enemies to Lovers
🖤 Fake Dating
🖤 He Falls First (& Hard!)
❤️ Forced Proximity
🖤 Obsessed
As a mood reader sometimes I just abandon my loosely plotted TBR list and go scrolling for a fresh read. This book caught my eye as a suggested read on my Kindle, I was totally pulled in by the cover. Then the blurb hooked me, and after an afternoon/evening of reading I wasn't disappointed!
Season of Sin is a quick, insta-love Christmas novella, and while I'm usually not a fan of such fast paced romances, I've come to expect it in novellas. August's instant attraction to Hayley fit well with his character.
August is head over heels for Hayley, and he's not afraid to show it. But it turns out, Hayley has a possessive side too, driven by her need to keep her loved ones safe.
I loved the unexpected twists, the action packed scenes, and the spicing spice! It's definitely piqued my interest in Kylie Kent's other works. This was my first time reading her, and now I'm hooked. I'll definitely be adding some of her backlist to my 2026 TBR pile.
I'm crossing my fingers for another book featuring the side characters. Maybe in 2026, we'll get a holiday novella featuring Jade and Colton? But I wouldn’t be mad if Kylie wanted to make it a Valentine’s Novella? I mean the due date would possibly fit!? At least, that's what I'm hoping for!
~ Season Of Sin | Kylie Kent ~
🖤 Mafia Romance
❤️ Enemies to Lovers
🖤 Fake Dating
🖤 He Falls First (& Hard!)
❤️ Forced Proximity
🖤 Obsessed
As a mood reader sometimes I just abandon my loosely plotted TBR list and go scrolling for a fresh read. This book caught my eye as a suggested read on my Kindle, I was totally pulled in by the cover. Then the blurb hooked me, and after an afternoon/evening of reading I wasn't disappointed!
Season of Sin is a quick, insta-love Christmas novella, and while I'm usually not a fan of such fast paced romances, I've come to expect it in novellas. August's instant attraction to Hayley fit well with his character.
August is head over heels for Hayley, and he's not afraid to show it. But it turns out, Hayley has a possessive side too, driven by her need to keep her loved ones safe.
I loved the unexpected twists, the action packed scenes, and the spicing spice! It's definitely piqued my interest in Kylie Kent's other works. This was my first time reading her, and now I'm hooked. I'll definitely be adding some of her backlist to my 2026 TBR pile.
I'm crossing my fingers for another book featuring the side characters. Maybe in 2026, we'll get a holiday novella featuring Jade and Colton? But I wouldn’t be mad if Kylie wanted to make it a Valentine’s Novella? I mean the due date would possibly fit!? At least, that's what I'm hoping for!
January 2, 2026
So while I did intend to start this book on Christmas Eve, I think I actually started this a day or so after and ended up finishing it on NY’s day so this ended up counting as my first read of 2026 , which feels so crazy to even say. Also I don’t know if this book is too new or niche but it wasn’t showing up on Margins unfortunately. I borrowed this book from KU I think after seeing it on BookTok.
This is a dark romance book following a mafia boss during the festive period. It is a short read of only 148 pages but it is sooo good. Also for those who aren’t overly hyped up on Christmas, I would say this isn’t overly Christmassy like yes it is referenced at times but there’s way more happening in the story and it could be potentially read at other times of the year tho the story does end on Christmas Day. Despite being dark romance it isn’t too dark or gruesome but it does involve violence, grief and potential murder/ stabbing , stalking but it still has such sweet wholesome moments.
Omg August is such a good book boyfriend like he is such a provider and protects his girl and stops her overthinking and the spice in this is also *chefs kiss*
Tropes :
❄️ mafia romance
❄️ grinchy MMC x Christmas loving FMC
❄️ fake dating / arrangement to save her brother from punishment
❄️ possessive , dom MMC “you’re mine”
This is a dark romance book following a mafia boss during the festive period. It is a short read of only 148 pages but it is sooo good. Also for those who aren’t overly hyped up on Christmas, I would say this isn’t overly Christmassy like yes it is referenced at times but there’s way more happening in the story and it could be potentially read at other times of the year tho the story does end on Christmas Day. Despite being dark romance it isn’t too dark or gruesome but it does involve violence, grief and potential murder/ stabbing , stalking but it still has such sweet wholesome moments.
Omg August is such a good book boyfriend like he is such a provider and protects his girl and stops her overthinking and the spice in this is also *chefs kiss*
Tropes :
❄️ mafia romance
❄️ grinchy MMC x Christmas loving FMC
❄️ fake dating / arrangement to save her brother from punishment
❄️ possessive , dom MMC “you’re mine”
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 14, 2025
THE BEST STORY,!
Right from the start I love this story,Hayley was just about to broad a plane to a trip of her dreams but she gets some news of her brother Reily and has to rescue him.August Wade caught a eighteen Reily selling drugs in his nightclub and makes him either pay up or lose two fingers but he calls his sister to work out a deal,but when August hears her voice on the phone he changes his mind,August decides he wants her for two weeks to be his fake girlfriend in public. She tells him no at first but she changes her mind but she warns him that she is a bad girlfriend! This story is so indearing,it shows love and caring.I mean Hayley did warn August that she was a bad girlfriend but after he gets to really know her and the lose of her parents may be the way she is.But in the two weeks they are together he gets shot at a few times ,glaze by a knife, she is attached in her salon and stab..But by almost losing her that he does really care and that there won't be a fake two weeks but they will permanent! I did feel bad losing Andre ,he seam like a big teddy bear and always cared about everyone like ms.bell!
Right from the start I love this story,Hayley was just about to broad a plane to a trip of her dreams but she gets some news of her brother Reily and has to rescue him.August Wade caught a eighteen Reily selling drugs in his nightclub and makes him either pay up or lose two fingers but he calls his sister to work out a deal,but when August hears her voice on the phone he changes his mind,August decides he wants her for two weeks to be his fake girlfriend in public. She tells him no at first but she changes her mind but she warns him that she is a bad girlfriend! This story is so indearing,it shows love and caring.I mean Hayley did warn August that she was a bad girlfriend but after he gets to really know her and the lose of her parents may be the way she is.But in the two weeks they are together he gets shot at a few times ,glaze by a knife, she is attached in her salon and stab..But by almost losing her that he does really care and that there won't be a fake two weeks but they will permanent! I did feel bad losing Andre ,he seam like a big teddy bear and always cared about everyone like ms.bell!
December 24, 2025
I entered into it believing that I was about to read a fast, spicy Christmas-in-the-city read, and it turned out to be one of those books that grabs you by the collar and tells you, you are not going anywhere. 🎄🔥
Hayley hooked me on the first page. Once again she is thrown into the fray, attempting to rescue her little brother, and I liked the fact that she is so fierce and ride-or-die without being helpless or naive. The question of what you will not do to family is a tough one, and as she struggled to make the decisions before her, my heart was pounding.
And August… whew. He is that type of dangerous that you know you are supposed to run away, yet he makes it impossible not to lean in. The manner in which he counts her stinging mouth, the manner in which the power dynamic sparks the moment she is in his office, the entire I keep her moment? I was DONE in the best way.
The conflict is savory, the stakes are palpable, and that more obsessive, darker aspect is encircled by a holiday backdrop that somehow makes it all the more intense. This is a book well worth reading if you are a fan of morally gray men, desperate decisions, and chemistry that bites back.
Hayley hooked me on the first page. Once again she is thrown into the fray, attempting to rescue her little brother, and I liked the fact that she is so fierce and ride-or-die without being helpless or naive. The question of what you will not do to family is a tough one, and as she struggled to make the decisions before her, my heart was pounding.
And August… whew. He is that type of dangerous that you know you are supposed to run away, yet he makes it impossible not to lean in. The manner in which he counts her stinging mouth, the manner in which the power dynamic sparks the moment she is in his office, the entire I keep her moment? I was DONE in the best way.
The conflict is savory, the stakes are palpable, and that more obsessive, darker aspect is encircled by a holiday backdrop that somehow makes it all the more intense. This is a book well worth reading if you are a fan of morally gray men, desperate decisions, and chemistry that bites back.
December 19, 2025
Season of Sin was a Christmas surprise from Kylie Kent and what a gift it was. This was everything I’ve come to love from Kylie. It was fast paced, full of action, drama and over the top alpha vibes.
August Wade has all the power in his city, and he and his crew are well known. Although it seems not everyone seems to take his power and notoriety into consideration when dealing with him.
Hayley Bell is hoping to go on her first holiday that she has been saving up all year for. She’s trusting that her 18-year-old brother will be able to handle himself under the watchful eye of her best friend.
Instead of leaving the airport for a dream holiday, Hayley gets a call to go save her brother from the infamous August Wade. Where August would usually make an example of someone up to no good in his club, he goes off script and makes a deal with Hayley.
Spend the holidays with August Wade or watch her brother be punished by him. He says it’s all fake so he won’t be bothered at all the events he has to attend during the holidays but after he has threatened her brother, Hayley has no idea if she can trust his word.
Meanwhile, August has already decided that he won’t be letting Hayley go. He just needs to wait for her to catch on.
This is again, an instant love with an over-the-top badass alpha who once he’s decided she is his there is no changing his mind. I love that although Kylie writes a lot of mafia romance and their characteristics are always similar each of the men she creates have their own personality and I never feel like I’m reading the same story.
Just like her men in her books, the heroines all have some similar characteristics. Hayley might be fragile in lots of ways but she’s also tough and protective. Despite her brain telling her the dangers of a man like August, there is no denying he’s more than the dangerous man the world knows. He’s a man she could love and be loved by.
There is always so much to like in Kylie’s books and I can’t get enough. I look forward to reading or even listening to Hayley and August’s story again.
Happy Reading.
August Wade has all the power in his city, and he and his crew are well known. Although it seems not everyone seems to take his power and notoriety into consideration when dealing with him.
Hayley Bell is hoping to go on her first holiday that she has been saving up all year for. She’s trusting that her 18-year-old brother will be able to handle himself under the watchful eye of her best friend.
Instead of leaving the airport for a dream holiday, Hayley gets a call to go save her brother from the infamous August Wade. Where August would usually make an example of someone up to no good in his club, he goes off script and makes a deal with Hayley.
Spend the holidays with August Wade or watch her brother be punished by him. He says it’s all fake so he won’t be bothered at all the events he has to attend during the holidays but after he has threatened her brother, Hayley has no idea if she can trust his word.
Meanwhile, August has already decided that he won’t be letting Hayley go. He just needs to wait for her to catch on.
This is again, an instant love with an over-the-top badass alpha who once he’s decided she is his there is no changing his mind. I love that although Kylie writes a lot of mafia romance and their characteristics are always similar each of the men she creates have their own personality and I never feel like I’m reading the same story.
Just like her men in her books, the heroines all have some similar characteristics. Hayley might be fragile in lots of ways but she’s also tough and protective. Despite her brain telling her the dangers of a man like August, there is no denying he’s more than the dangerous man the world knows. He’s a man she could love and be loved by.
There is always so much to like in Kylie’s books and I can’t get enough. I look forward to reading or even listening to Hayley and August’s story again.
Happy Reading.
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