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Hunted for the Holidays: A Short Dark Mafia Romance

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It took years for Declan Fish and Tatiana Cane to forge their own identities under the oppressive thumbs of their mobster families.

It will take only one fateful moment to burn each other’s hard work to the ground.

On the heels of Christmas Eve, flashy playboy Declan Fish receives an ultimatum from his father: Prove your worth, or lose access to the family money. Lucky for Dec, he has a plan that will blow his family’s wildest expectations out of the water—and kneecap the too-powerful Canes in one fell swoop. There’s just one problem: Tatiana Cane.

Tatiana doesn’t give a hot whiff of a shit about her family’s power—or their rivalries. She would prefer to live in the shadows, cataloging the dirtiest deeds of the mobsters she's grown up schmoozing. But when she witnesses Declan’s latest, greatest crime in those shadows—and gets them on camera? Things get…complicated.

Run, run as fast as you can, T.

If Fish catches you, he might “Dec” more than your halls.

Hunted for the Holidays is a short standalone dark romance novelette that introduces a larger mafia world and characters you’ll definitely see again. Enjoy!

84 pages, Kindle Edition

Published December 14, 2025

1 person is currently reading
8 people want to read

About the author

Lyra Sterling

3 books31 followers

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5 stars
13 (52%)
4 stars
10 (40%)
3 stars
2 (8%)
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
Profile Image for Rid.
306 reviews5 followers
December 19, 2025
O. M. G. This book was, as promised, perfectly bite sized and I loved every second of it. The FMC, Tatiana Cane, is a stargazing girl who “quit” the mob and walked away from her intimidating father and her entire crime family. The MMC, Declan Fish, is the youngest brother from the wrong crime family AND Tatiana’s high school crush.

Also, even though this story was too short (give me more Tatiana & and Declan please!!), it was a perfect introduction to the Fish family. I can’t wait to see what’s in store for the Fish family and whose paths will collide next!
Profile Image for Esthi Labuschagne.
178 reviews1 follower
December 15, 2025
Oh wow. I did not expect to enjoy this book so much! A few of the quotes from this book made me laugh out loud. This is a really well written novella! Literally the only critique was that I wish that we got even more from the story and these characters! It should’ve been longerrr 😩
Profile Image for Cassi Olazabal.
24 reviews
December 20, 2025
ARC Reader
The book makes you wish it were longer. It took me three days to read, but only because life can be crazy. Though I could have easily read it all in one setting. It is a nice bite-sized read, and it is amazing. I wasn't sure what to think when starting it because I'm not one for those cozy Hallmark-type Christmas things. Though this is by far not one of those. I am asucker for mafia romance novels, and this one has wonderfully written characters with a great story.

I want more. I want to know more about the past with the Canes and the Fishes. The book does well with the story it has-- not letting the story go on and get stale. Though a bit more, such as a flashback, would have been amazing. I want to know more -- be in the room where it happens, one could say-- instead of just getting the afterword version from Declan and Tatiana.

Though overall wonderful book with wonderful characters. I would recommend it for anyone who loves mafia romance and wants a Christmas-time twist with it.
Profile Image for Jade Godfrey.
41 reviews
December 26, 2025
This novella was intense, fast-paced and surprisingly addictive. From the moment it starts, it pulls you into a world full of danger, loyalty and unanswered questions. The chemistry between the characters builds quickly, and there’s a constant sense that something bigger is lurking beneath the surface.

What I really enjoyed was how the story made me curious about their pasts, their choices, and where their future could go next. Even though it’s a shorter read, it packs in emotion, tension and just enough mystery to keep you hooked the entire time.

I flew through this in a few hours and was genuinely disappointed when it ended that’s always a good sign. If you enjoy mafia novellas with strong vibes, underlying darkness and characters that leave you wanting more, this is definitely one to pick up.
ARC reader for this book.
Profile Image for Lauryn Rohl.
39 reviews
December 25, 2025
I wasn't that amazed with this book, this was alright for me.

The character concept and the plot was alright. Really a very quick read I started it and finished it within 2 hours.

When you originally start it definitely hooked you but for me this wasn't for me.

The Canes and Fish relationship was ehhh. I am not interested in their past.

Tatiana was brave, quick on her feet, thought out her escapes with No stress.
Declan I don't understand him.

Personally a bad read for me. Everything was just ehh
1 review
December 16, 2025
Fun Sized Mafia Madness

I loved The Demon’s Collar, so seeing Hunted for the Holidays pop up, I knew I had to check it out. It’s a fun little bite-sized read that carries Lyra’s charm and wit in her storytelling, and as usual, her characters have heart, depth, and just the perfect amount of sarcasm. Also, there’s a dog, and nothing bad happens to it, which is always nice.

Overall, I loved this little short story. It felt like it would be right at home in a GTA-type universe, and it left me wanting more from the characters. Definitely recommend!
Profile Image for Ericka.
50 reviews1 follower
December 20, 2025
Loved the banter and humor. Good little mafia Christmas Eve love story. Even though this was a novella it packed a good plot and pace as well as tension and banter. I absolutely will be reading more by this author.
Profile Image for Jessica H.
139 reviews2 followers
December 23, 2025
fun, fast holiday novella

This was super fun! It was dark, but not too dark. I love a sassy FMC who gets what she wants. I think I need to read more mafia romances with morally charcoal gray MMCs.
53 reviews
December 25, 2025
A light hearted romp that begins in a dilapidated warehouse, and a fit getting caught in the act of falling through a ceiling.
The two main characters spark off each other as they reckon with their families.
A truly merry read 😊😊
Profile Image for Ana Rocha.
1 review
January 4, 2026
What a fun holiday ride! This is a short book but such a fun good story. Love Lyra’s wit and charm! This was my first book of hers and I can’t wait for Sleeping with the Fishes. This story as quick as it was pulled me into this family.
Profile Image for Malia Robinson.
11 reviews
January 4, 2026
Perfect bite size book! I loved it! Perfect book to pick up and read in one sitting, especially when you need a break from all the fantasy worlds.
I immediately knew I had to keep reading from page 1!
I love the dual POV, how funny both Declan & Tatianna are, and that there was a happy ending!
Profile Image for ES.
91 reviews1 follower
December 19, 2025
ughhhhhh this book was over way too soon. I am hooked! I need MOREEEEEEEE!!!! This was wayyyy too good

If you haven't read this yet.... what are you doing? read it now!
Profile Image for Brooke.
1,393 reviews6 followers
December 22, 2025
What a fun and quick read! A little bit of mafia with the drama filled in all while adding a sprinkle of romance. This is the first I’ve read of this author but will be looking at more.
Profile Image for Mandy Larimore.
13 reviews1 follower
December 30, 2025
A cozy little holiday novella with a mafia twist 🎄📖 Lovable characters, sweet banter, and an easy, comforting read. Finished it quickly and already looking forward to more.
Profile Image for Amy MamaBoreSnake.
26 reviews
January 1, 2026
Such a fun little bite sized enemies to lovers book! I won’t post spoilers but grab this if you enjoy mob books
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews

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