His Snowbound Omega

Beguiled Omegas

by Chani Lynn Feener

Thorn Winters will spend this holiday season running.

Thanks to his father and sick brother, he's got debts piling up, and unfortunately for him, those debts are owed to the White Frost Mafia. When he's sent an invitation to the White Hunt, a mock version of the Wild Hunt, where omegas are ordered to run for alpha amusement, Thorn rightfully hesitates before accepting. Winning could clear his family debt, but losing might find him beneath an alpha, and rumors have it, not all omegas make it out of the White Hunt alive.

Baal Fae wants an omega for Yuletide.

Not just any omega. One glimpse of Thorn Winters has him craving the other man instantly. As the Underboss in the White Frost, he gets first pick during the Hunt, and he plans on claiming his omega in every way it counts. If he has to dangle the health and safety of Thorn's family over his head to get him to submit? So be it. On Synastry, it isn't just acceptable for an alpha to go to any length to claim their mate, it's encouraged.

Thorn can run, but he won't get far.

Notes/Trigger This is an omegaverse novella told in the same universe as His Secret Omega and Devil May Hunt. It is a standalone. Expect high heat, getting all tangled up in the Christmas lights, and power play. This is a Dark MM Sci-Fi Omegaverse Romance, which means there are many themes that some might find disturbing. Some of these include, but are not limited to, dub-con, forced proximity, and explicit sexual content not suitable for all readers. Please be sure to read the Author's Note for a complete list of warnings! HEA guarantee!

Genres: Omegaverse, M M Romance, Dark Romance, Dark, Romance, Novella, Fantasy

193 pages, Kindle Edition

Published December 25, 2025

About the author

Librarians, please don't add books. I stay up to date and add them myself and have ended up with many multiple copies because others add them later. Thank you!

Chani majored in Creative Writing at Johnson State College in Vermont. To pay her bills, she has worked many odd jobs, including, but not limited to, telemarketing, order picking in a warehouse, and filling ink cartridges. When she isn’t writing, she’s binging TV shows, drawing, or frequenting zoos/aquariums. She is the author of the Xenith trilogy, and the teen paranormal series, The Underworld Saga, originally written under the penname Tempest C. Avery. She currently resides in Connecticut.

Have a question? Check her blog! https://chanilynnfeener.wixsite.com/a...

Find her on Instagram @TempestChani

Reviews

[Kati *☆･ﾟ · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5*** stars

What started out as a Dark Romance basically turned into a fluff piece. Not what I expected.

“Wanted you for forever,” […]
“Waited. Was good. Tried to make it easier for you. Better. I didn’t want to be another version of your father, forcing you into things before you were ready.”

“You’ll be taken care of,” the alpha continued, in that same unbalanced tone. “You’ll want for nothing. But you will be mine.” He held Thorn’s head in place. “You’ll be mine alone. Nowhere to run. Nowhere to hide. Hate me if you must, but do it by my side.”

***********
Beguiled Omegas Series

Book 1 - His Secret Omega - 4.25 stars
Book 2 - His Snowbound Omega - 3.5 stars
Book 3 - His Forbidden Omega - release 05/26

[Jen (Fae_Princess_in_Space) · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m back on the Omegaverse train with a brand new, super spicy Christmas novella!

This story is set on Synestry, a brutal planet where everyone is designated Alpha or Omega and Omegas are treated as second class citizens - commodities to be used by Alphas. Our Omega MC Thorn is desperate - he owes a lot of money to the mafia, and needs more to pay for his little brother’s medical care. As a last ditch attempt, he joins the wild hunt, where Alphas chase Omegas through the snow, and can do whatever they want with them when caught… but any Omega who escapes the hunt has all of their debts forgiven.

Baal is mafia underboss; a figure that inspires terror. So when he spots a sweet little white-haired omega running for his life in the hunt, Baal knows exactly what he’s going to do… chase him.

Read His Snowbound Omega for:
✨ Alpha x Omega
✨ Primal play (but they’re not playing…)
✨ Non-con & dub-con
✨ Breeding contract (but no mpreg)
✨ Heats, ruts, knotting
✨ Forced proximity
✨ Caretaking
✨ Possessive & obsessive

Thanks to Chani for letting me read an early copy! It’s available on Christmas Day ❄️

[Cee · Rating 4 out of 5]

I grabbed an ARC of this book from booksirens because I absolutely couldn't wait to start it. This author is an addiction to me.

This book is less than 200 pages, but I still felt pulled in as if it was a full length novel. I think the plot flowed really well and Thorn falling for Baal so quickly made sense. I'm also sensing spinoffs for the mafia boss and maybe a story for Aster & Espen?

Anyhow, what did I like? I love when the intense character is all in and knows what they want. Baal trying to manipulate and scheme Thorn into loving him is so my taste. I like that Thorn is a bit rougher too and willing to think through his fear. He doesn't cower.

It was such a fun read and I look forward to more!

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

[Chelsey · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not really feeling the dark vibes??? Just felt like a marriage contract book with stipulations and the White Hunt felt very short and a little lacklustre.

Also I think I want the author to switch up their story arch, the last three books have been the same. Like what if the omega actually admitted to falling hard and fast and throwing off the alphas plans in the very beginning? Maybe a tad bit of violence from these so called mafia dudes.

But I still love her writing, this is in no shape or form a bad book I’m just venting. Gonna read book 3 👍

[ML · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was just ok for me. Thorn was just a bit too self sacrificing it was annoying AF. We get it. You love your brother more than your own life😵‍💫😵‍💫😵‍💫😩.

I like when they have ruts and heats and we got both here and the pheromone manipulation is a nice touch to the Omegaverse but the story/plot was a bit stale.

[Jane aka Coughy019 (Safety info included) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Tropes: omegaverse, forced proximity, rich/poor
Feels: 3/5
Steam*: 3/5
Kinks: Non con, dub cob, CNC, hunter/prey, light bondage, breeding kink, knotting
Angst: low
HEA: HEA
Pairing: MM
Triggers/potential icks/content warnings/representation: forced heats, drugging, coercion, violence, minor character with illness, murder, past death of parent, financial struggles
Cheating between MCs: No
Any cheating: No
Other person drama: there's references to Thorn's past exes/hookups but neither of them are interested in anyone else once they start their thing.

4 stars

Thorn is 22. His brother has a pheromone disorder that threatens his life, and he has to work three jobs to try to cover their bills. His father got indebted to the mafia because he was desperate for money, and he died drinking himself to death. Thorn is an Omega and he's been invited to participate in a hunt run by the mafia where alphas hunt omegas and if the Omega can make it to a cabin, they can win freedom from their debt. Thorn has been to this Forest before, so he has an advantage. However, just as he's about to get his freedom, the underboss of the mafia Baal captures him. Baal, 26, wants more with Thorn. He is obsessed with him, has been aware of him for years since they had a chance meeting, and he forces Thorn into a breeding contract (which because of their planet's infertility, is basically a permanent relationship) in exchange for providing for Thorn's brother.

I liked this book. I liked each of the characters, especially Thorn because he was so spunky, snarky, strong, and protective of his brother / self-sacrificing. I liked the dynamic between the two, that Baal was so obsessed and would do whatever he needed to to tie Thorn to him. The steam between them was great.

There was one thing that I didn't like, and this is a spoiler for a twist so spoiler warning! It's implied that when Baal was 21 and Thorn was 17, Baal was poor on the street starving and almost stole a sandwich from Thorn's brother, and Thorn stared Baal down and gave him his sandwich instead. And that started his obsession with Thorn. I would have been fine with that, but Baal tells that story to Thorn without mentioning it was him and his brother, and Thorn has no recollection of it being him. It comes off as if it was just an afterthought where the author decided to make Thorn part of that moment and forgot to go back and change the conversation so that Thorn was aware it was him. Thorn was plenty old enough to remember that. And I find it unbelievable that Baal wouldn't have made a move earlier. He's not a shy guy. So I just don't think that part of the plot was handled right.


Some notable moments:

"He wanted the omega. He wanted him on his knees, head bowed. Wanted him wrapped around his finger, seated on his cock, and collared to his bedpost. Last night, it’d taken every ounce of willpower Baal possessed not to bite the omega and be done with it."

"“This feels worse than after the cabin.” “That’s probably because we were only at the cabin for a night, and we’ve been here for four days.” A mouthful of caffeine exploded past his lips, spraying across the counter. Baal gave almost no reaction to his mess, calmly chewing a bite while he waited for Thorn to regain his composure. “Excuse me? Did you say four days?!”"


*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.

[Kelan · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was interesting, and i don't give these kinds of books over 3 stars if there is a good reason for the whole omega thing, and I'm this case, I give this universe a pass

[selma · Rating 2 out of 5]

don’t ask

[Engrossed Reader · Rating 3 out of 5]

Omegaverse and mafia? Who knew that was a thing.

[Mimi · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book absolutely didn’t need to be longer, but i wish it was.

[acalithas · Rating 4 out of 5]

What started out as a dark romance ended up feeling very sweet and fluffy at the end. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. I liked Baal's character at the beginning of the novella but I think he changed too much for my liking towards the end. Thorn was perfect, never change. I liked the dynamic between the two and it made for a quick read!

[Tara · Rating 5 out of 5]

A lovely little read from the talented Chani Lynn Feener. I have really come to enjoy her omegaverse books.


I received an ARC from Book Sirens for my honest review

[Readbookswithcats · Rating 5 out of 5]

His Snowbound Omega is a non shifting, alpha/omega MM romance. Set in the planet, Synastry, where the people are either Alpha, Omega, or Beta. The people have a reproductive problem so the laws on Alphas taking Omegas is more lax. The planet has hunts where people voluntarily sign up to hunt or be hunted, but the hunt Thorn enters isn’t as nice. The usual hunt has safety regulations, this hunt is for the White Frost Mafia, who have omegas of families in debt, voluntarily enter in the chance they can pay off the debt they, or their family’s have. Rules are simple, you make it to a cabin, you’re safe and your debt is free.
Thorn grew up in the area and was able to get to a cabin but just as he is going to enter, the underboss, Baal, captures him.
There is def some dubcon/noncon and drugging, so be warned, but Thorn isn’t stupid and knows going along with the night of sex could result in his debts cleared. He left the next morning, after finding the alpha gone and being left new clothes and a car to go home in. He expects to never see the alpha again but is surprised when the underboss tracks him down and tricks him into signing a contract to become his.

Good read, enjoyed the entire thing! Baal was a contradiction, being part of the mafia and very willing to do whatever it took to get Thorn but also weirdly sweet and extremely thoughtful. Thorn was feisty and stubborn and I adored him! ♥️

[ᐯEᖇOᑎIᑕᗩ · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5⭐️
I didn’t really get any sort of “dark romance” vibes really but that’s okay, it was still a great read overall.

[Jenni · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was what one would expect; a quick, easy to read, spicy omegaverse novella. It didn't evoke any particular feelings; I could have gone through life without reading this. I have to say it wasn't really dark, maybe it started out that way, but quickly changed in a completely different direction.

[Melicat · Rating 2 out of 5]

I liked it but it was too short for me to get fully attached so I am giving it a 2.5 stars.

[Sofiko Sas · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ну не можу я обʼєктивно оцінювати омегаверс. Взагалі, ніколи б нахуй не доторкнулася до цього жанру, але дуже сильно люблю творчість Чані. Персонажі менш бісячі, ніж в її попередній книзі tho. Невпевненість головного героя я можу прекрасно зрозуміти, тому not bad

[Dee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Give Me Your Burdens

Dee's Grade: A+

I love a story where the caretaker finally gets taken care of. That's exactly what this was. Thorn had spent his whole life sacrificing for everyone else. He finally was forced to allow someone to put his needs first. He didn't know what to do with that.

[Sandy Kay · Rating 3 out of 5]

Another fun omegaverse story from Chani Lynn Feener. While still angsty, this one’s not as bleak/angsty as most of her other stories. This story is related to many of the author’s other books through the sci-fi/fantasy other world it’s set in, but it stands fully alone. You’ll just have a wider understanding of the world if you’ve read previous works. This story is set on planet Synastry, where birth rates (Mpreg) are down so low they’re near nonexistent.

This story isn’t my favorite; it seemed undercooked, especially around MC Baal, whom I got little sense of beyond him being the underboss in the White Mafia, but I still had a good time seeing him act tough then go soft for Thorn, the destitute omega he’s mildly obsessed with and has finally decided to claim. I say mildly and finally, because he took years to go after Thorn, which seemed a bit halfhearted and not possessive/obsessive the way I prefer. But they got there.

Due to his father dying in huge debt to the White Mafia and his little brother needing expensive medical care, Thorn’s joined the White Hunt, in which omegas are sent in the woods to run/hide/try to reach safety to negate their debts whilst being hunted down by the alphas of the White Mafia. Most will be caught and…who knows what happens next, they’re at the alpha who catches them’s mercy, but, a very few may reach safety and have their debts erased. Or please the alpha who catches them enough to erase the debts anyway. Thorn hopes hard to be one of them, and winds up the target of an alpha who he can’t quite believe has no intention of ever letting him get away.

I love the obsessive nature of the world and CLF’s writing, and I enjoyed both here. But I was also let down. Baal saw Thorn years ago and became intrigued, but…didn’t pursue him and seemed to have ignored his existence for years. So how obsessed could he really be? Thorn just wanting to save his brother and going along with Baal because he agreed to/had to for quite a while before he caught reciprocal feelings was also lackluster compared to some of my favorites by this author.

What I enjoyed most was tough-guy Baal bending over backward to make Thorn’s world easy and safe, despite not filling Thorn in on his intentions (or rather…he tried, but Thorn was like, yeah right, scoff scoff, what’s the catch? 😂 That was a lot of fun!) and leaving Thorn to assume the worst, but I also wondered why he just…let Thorn be for so long, and what his original plan was for winning and keeping Thorn. I also shocked myself by feeling he had no right to get jealous/possessive over Thorn having gone through heats and so forth w other alphas, because, really, Baal, where were you all that time? That didn’t work for me. I want my MCs OBSESSED. Touch him and DIE. Not…oh well, grow up, do what you gotta do with whoever, and when the time’s right, I’ll come for you.

Overall, I would have loved to get to know Baal better personally and have more insights to his motivations. Who are his family, why’s he in the mafia, who is he, apart from the underboss?

I also wanted more info on why omegas haven’t been getting pregnant on this planet. The birthrate has dropped drastically. What’s going on? Felt like setup for something that didn’t go anywhere yet. Perhaps we’ll learn more in subsequent stories.

It also isn’t clear what a “dominant alpha” is. Thorn’s been with alphas, but Baal is a dominant alpha, and that was different. So…all alphas aren’t naturally dominant? What’s the difference? That’s never explained, and it needed to be.

But I still had a great time! Loved Thorn’s brother, Aster, hope he gets a story.

HEA, hunter and prey, omegaverse. Non/dub-con sensibility. No OM drama/action or anything in the present, but enough mention of Thorns numerous past alpha lovers to be irritating and diminish the romance, bc Baal left him to them all that time. Some fun jealousy, but moreso on Thorn’s part. Meh. I want stronger obsessive-possessiveness! Still, yes, recommended.

My thanks to BookSirens for the ARC; this is my free and impartial opinion.

[Ashley Dead.inside_but_reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a Dark Mafia Omegaverse so please check the TWs before jumping into this one! The Noncon at the beginning of the book is a stressed TW so if that's a big one for you don't just skip them because your used to normal dark. Now touching on that I will say it's not as dark as some noncon books this is more so due to the blackmail/coercion plot but it's definitely still there!

🌶🌶🌶🌶

Thorn has been caring for his family for awhile. His younger brother has been sick and hospitalized and his father is just a trash bag mess. When his father suddenly dies Thorn finds out that all the loans his father has taken out for the hospital bills from the White Frost Mafia now rests on his shoulders. There is a way to have all that debt erased though...Thorn would have to participate in the White Hunt. Which is a people Hunt that the White Frost holds and if you make it out you come out with a clean slate and no debt.
Up for the challenge and ready to make a better life for him and his brother Thorn goes into the hunt. The only thing Thorn didn't plan on is the Underboss of the White Frost Baal to already have his eye on him and no intention of letting Thorn cross the finish line. Baal does have an offer for Thorn though that he may not be able to refuse....
Baal is the text book definition of Morally Grey 🤣 He wants Thorn and doesn't really care how but will make it happen. Thorn needs someone dominant and stubborn like Baal though because he has been taking care of people for so long he doesn't know what it means anymore for someone to want to take care of him and Baal is just like here lemme show you! Guys I loved it this was a little bit of a longer Novella but it was perfect you got everything all in this small package with a perfect bow on top! Then as an added bonus you get the Omegaverse spice with heats and ruts! I really hope we get to visit the rest of the White Frost guys like you can't give us that little peek and not tell me what's going on with Levi and Espen! So fingers crossed for that!

[Chase N · Rating 4 out of 5]

Snowed In, Claimed, and Softly Ruined (In the Best Way)

Plot: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Characters: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Romance/Spice: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Writing: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Overall: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.25

His Snowbound Omega ended up being one of those novellas that sneaks up on you and then refuses to let go. The setup is bleak right out the gate: Thorn, buried under crushing debt, makes the desperate decision to volunteer for the Wild Hunt—fully aware that he’ll be hunted by Alphas and treated as a commodity. What he doesn’t know is that Baal has been waiting for this exact moment, quietly positioning himself for a chance he never thought he’d get. It’s dark, high-stakes, and emotionally loaded without feeling gratuitous.

Where this story really shines is in its characters. Baal and Thorn are absolute standouts, and honestly, I loved them more than the couple in His Secret Omega. Baal is a rare breed in this genre—a possessive Alpha who’s also a cinnamon roll at heart. Yes, there’s manipulation, but it never feels cruel or self-serving. His actions consistently come from a place of wanting Thorn safe, secure, and cared for. Thorn, on the other hand, is heartbreak incarnate. He knows exactly where he stands in the world, and watching his self-doubt spiral as he starts falling for Baal is painfully relatable. Aster, Thorn’s younger brother, deserves a shoutout too—he’s perceptive, grounded, and far more aware of the situation than anyone gives him credit for.

Romance-wise, this hits hard if you like possessive MMCs who fall first. The dynamic balances tenderness with tension, and while the dub-con elements are present, they’re handled with more emotional intention than shock value. As always, Ms. Feener’s author’s note at the beginning is essential reading.

For a novella under 200 pages, the writing is impressively rich. The story feels complete, emotionally layered, and unhurried. Baal’s way with words alone deserves applause—seriously, that man speaks. Overall, this was a deeply satisfying read, and I’m very much counting down to the next installment in May.

[Larissa Al · Rating 5 out of 5]

Socorro, isso aqui foi pura perfeição pervertida e deliciosa. Eu amei!

Achei que a Chani estava perdendo o jeito depois de seus últimos livros terem me decepcionado consecutivamente, mas, Jesus, isso aqui mostrou que ela ainda tá viva e escrevendo perversa e maravilhosamente bem. Continue assim pelo amor de Deus. Não amava tanto uma história dela desde Kelevra e Rin. Ainda bem que estou sempre disposta a dar uma chance para essa autora.

Estou animada para os próximos novamente e espero ver mais dinâmicas tão cheias de poder natural e possessividade novamente. Baal entregou tudo com sua obsessão por Thorn, fazendo jogadas incríveis para atrair seu omega para o lugar onde ele pertence. Ele é deliciosamente sombrio e dominante, mas ao mesmo tempo gentil e atencioso.
Nada me faz salivar mais do que um homem manipulador, ardiloso e completamente apaixonado, decidido a ir até às ultimas consequências para conseguir seu amor.

Thorn também foi adorável, me irrita personagens pateticamente submissos e sem disposição de questionar nada que lhe é imposto, ele soube a hora de se posicionar e lutar e a hora de ceder, gosto de meus personagens inteligentes e com amor próprio.

Eles formaram um casal poderoso e transbordando química, adorei os joguinhos mentais e disputa para ceder a atração, estou obcecada por eles, me julguem.
Achava que a autora não conseguia escrever um bom ABO, mas, mais uma vez, eu estava enganada. Isso foi o ápice do omegaverse, tão perfeito.

O ritmo foi ótimo e a construção de mundo muito bem feita como sempre. Obrigada pelo presente de natal maravilhoso. 💖

E eu quero muito a história do Leviathan Morningstar, simplesmente a áurea de poder que apenas esse nome exala, já me deixa louca.

[Queenbeereads_sugarandspice · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars

This is a juicy little dark sci-fi OV novella, and I enjoyed it so so much!
 
I really admired Thorn’s character. The omega’s got such fire in him: he’s stubborn yet strong, smart and kind. He’ll sacrifice anything to save his brother.
 
I loved how Baal is so much more than you expect when you first meet him. It was incredibly hard not to grow attached to him, even with his ‘debatable’ persuasive techniques to get Thorn to be his.
 
Despite being an underboss in the mafia and using the wrong means to achieve his goal, it becomes clear that Baal will cherish his omega and treat him well, and he gets to proving this from the start. Baal’s praise and consideration are the first indications that he wants to be a good alpha to his omega, and I adored it. Nothing is too much to ensure Thorn’s happiness, and he extends that to help the omega’s brother too, showing him the same generous treatment.
 
I’ll admit I did very much appreciate all the breeding talk.
 
This is definitely a novella that I'd reread at some point.
 
-----

Some of my favourite quotes

“That’s good. Keep being good for me, omega, and I promise it’ll all be worth it.”

“I like it when you’re defiant, frosty omega. Just be careful not to take things too far.”

“What are you so afraid of?” “What if I don’t like it?” “Ah,” “You’re afraid you will. Don’t glare at me, omega. Open it and find out. I promise I won’t be mad at you either way.”

“The world isn’t going to explode if you relax and let me take care of you sometimes, Thorn. I promise.”
 
“I’m insatiable. I want all of you, Thorn Winters.”

[Ze Starr · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another Chani Lynn Feener banger in the…books *rimshot*

In book 2 of the Beguiled Omega series, CLF did the impossible and managed to fit a whole epic inside of one novella, complete with world building, character background, and a satisfying conclusion. An actual wizard in our midst.

In this shortish-but-sweet, we follow Thorn, a sweet sweetheart crushed by inherited debt owed to the local real-scary-mafia, the White Frost. He finds possible salvation in an unregulated version of the Wild Hunt, hosted by said real-scary-mafia, wherein if an invited Omega makes it to a checkpoint, their debts are cleared and they have the opportunity to live happily ever after.

In Thorn’s way is a marshmallow dressed as a monster dressed as a marshmallow (standard CLF fare) named Baal. Baal wants Thorn and will do anything (be the super sweetest and the super meanest) to get him.

This story was really friggin good and made me feel really good, eventually. CLF books to me are like how I’ve heard what it’s like to have a baby. At first, incredibly uncomfortable and bad-feeling. Before getting to a certain point, I feel a level of discontent I’d like to never feel again. But by the end I’m like “that wasn’t bad! I’d like another immediately!” Oooh girl, the s*kzual assault is s3xual assaultin’, but hang in there, baby. You got this! It’s worth it! (What are things I’ll never say to anyone in real life, Alex?)

I legit love how Chani does omegaverse and will definitely be rereading this while watching everyone celebrate holidays.

This Christmas miracle will be released on December 25th. Thank you Chani for the ARC, it was definitely the best gift I’ll receive this season.

[maisie · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

A Gripping, Dark Omegaverse Holiday Tale That Stayed With Me

His Snowbound Omega by Chani Lynn Feener completely wowed me from start to finish. Thorn is one of the most compelling omegas I’ve read, driven, vulnerable, and fighting for his family’s survival in a cutthroat world. The way Feener places him in impossible circumstances, with his debts hanging over his head had me turning pages faster and faster.

And then there’s Baal — dangerous, commanding, and utterly irresistible. His presence looms large from the moment he enters the story. The dynamic between Baal and Thorn is intense, raw, and beautifully written. Their power play isn’t just physical or sexual—it’s emotional, psychological, and so addictively layered.

The cold setting perfectly mirrors the story’s tension and atmosphere, and the holiday backdrop adds a sharp contrast to the darker themes at the heart of the novella. Even with the darker elements and heavier triggers, Chani manages to build real emotional stakes and deliver scenes that stick with you long after you finish.

If you love dark MM romance with intense alpha/omega dynamics, high stakes, and unforgettable characters like Thorn and Baal, this book is an absolute must-read. I cannot wait to see what Chani does next in this universe!

[Shelf Whispers · Rating 3 out of 5]

When mafia contracts meet snowbound collars, Thorn learns that debt isn’t the only thing Baal’s determined to collect.

⚠️ Content Warnings
This book is for mature audiences. Please check trigger warnings before reading.


Thorn inherits a dangerous debt from his father, one that ties him to Baal, a mafia alpha who sees more in Thorn than just obligation. What begins as survival in the snowy woods shifts into something deeper, as Baal’s relentless pursuit reveals not only dominance but tenderness, devotion, and the shocking gift of a collar.

Personal Reaction
I loved the tension between Thorn’s fire and Baal’s determination. The collar scene was a standout moment, symbolizing permanence and vulnerability in a way that hit hard. While the pacing stumbled at times, the emotional stakes kept me invested. Thorn’s fear of heartbreak versus Baal’s refusal to let go created a push-pull dynamic that was both haunting and beautiful.

Closing Impression
This is a romance for readers who enjoy mafia intensity softened by unexpected tenderness, snowbound survival, and the fragile beauty of surrender. It left me torn between Thorn’s vulnerability and Baal’s fierce devotion, a story that lingers even after the last page.

[eesha]

the warning in the author's note was SO intense about noncon and cnc i was SO SURPRISED when the sex was what it was. that shit was so consensual and BARELY dub con at worst (IM NOT COMPLAINING IM NOT COMPLAINING PLSPLSPLS I HAD THE TIME OF MY LIFE) anyway this sooooooo soooo fluffy ZERO angst everything was like glitters and sparkles (except those last names. fae and winter????? come on now) and i enjoyed the shit out of it! i was prepping to thug my way thru the noncon scenes bruh i didnt even need to, it was so fine trust. (or like. maybe im a total freak that's been ruined bc my formative years were spent in fandom circles.. who knows!) really enjoyed this which is surprising bc i had conflicting and indescribable feelings about 'his secret omega'... wish we explored the whole i saw him five years ago and wanted him bad bc thats so JUICYYYY TO MEEEEEEE but i had fun and i lurved what we got of baal + aster's development #brothersinlaw for real

(also this was a four year age gap. "slight age gap" trope pleaseee😭😭😭😭 dude thats a normal relationship. calling something age gap romance is warranted for like 8 years minimum and def any higher)

[Ay · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars!

This was sooo good! Stayed up as always whenever CLF releases a new book and was up till like 1 or 2am to read and then finished it in the morning. I didn't expect it to love it this much, because I wasn't the biggest fan of His Secret Omega and I really loved Devil May Hunt (I literally reread it for the 3rd time yesterday...) and I didn't expect another novella to be better than that one. Don't get me wrong, I still LOVE Devil May Hunt and Gunho and Brennon, but I think I fell for Thorn and Baal more...
I just really enjoyed how gentle Baal was and despite being like the usual MMCs OTT possessive and obsessive, he also had a softer side, especially for Thorn. He wasn't a golden retriever type at all, don't mistake him for that, but he had this dangerous but also gentle side to him and I really liked the opposing personalities together. And I am a sucker for a good praise kink (I wonder why...).
After I finished reading this, I instantly wanted to go back and start rereading it... Can I get ten more of these, please? Also curious about Levi. I know who he was in His Secret Omega, obviously, but I reaaaally hope he won't be part of a love triangle or MMM in His Forbidden Omega and will instead get his own book with another MMC? I am also fine with another novella!

Do I recommend this? YES! I don't think you need to read His Secret Omega to enjoy this at all! I would honestly just suggest skipping that for this one!

[CJ · Rating 5 out of 5]

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

So, this book was a nice little treat to sink my teeth into. Out of all of Chani’s pairings, for some reason, Baal and Thorn’s relationship felt like the most romantic. It was still encased in her usually dark vibes, but I really enjoyed how genuine the relationship between them felt. I like that (at least from my perspective) that Baal fell first, and years before the pair properly met. I also liked how Baal had a brotherly relationship with Thorn’s little brother. His interest in Thorn’s family is what stood out to me as Baal’s feelings being real and deep. I also want to say that their color contrast as a couple was pleasing. This couple has landed in my top 5. Berga and Madden are still top for me, but some strong contenders are coming up the list. This book just made me excited to know more about the White Frost Mafia. I’m hoping that down the line, we get a story centered on their leader. I know Chani will come through with it; she always does.

[Judy W · Rating 4 out of 5]

This absurd novella is chock full of tropes and surprisingly readable. The stuffing includes mafia, a mating hunt, alpha-omega society, male reproduction and more. This is labeled sci-fi I think and is M/M. Baal is an underboss or something for the local planets mafia and a powerful alpha. He notices Thorn because his family is deeply in debt to the mafia family to pay for continuing medical expenses for his little brother. Thorn can erase this huge debt by participating in (and winning) the yearly "Hunt". You basically have to outrun the alpha's chasing you through a forest and reach one of the cabin shelters before being caught. Most are caught and some don't survive the experience but Thorn grew up in the woods where this years hunt takes place and he feels this might give him an edge. He literally gets right up to the door before he's caught. There is some smutty times to had and a quasi relationship formed. Everything happens super fast because...novella. Still I liked how this was written and would like to investigate the author's full length stories.