Carol of the Hells: A Dark Paranormal Romance Novella

by Aiden Pierce, R.K. Pierce

Belial

Deck the halls with the balls of her enemies. Fa la la la la.

Winter Solstice means only one thing in the death. There’s no celebrating the holidays in my world. Not when the souls in my charge are too disturbed or jaded to care.

Except for my mortal queen. She wants one thing this year—a yule tree. Such flora only smother and die in my realm. Good thing I know an ancient ritual of flesh and blood that can bring nearly anything back from the dead… And what’s a bit of naughty necromancy if it means giving my little human everything she deserves this Yuletide?

Rayven

Tis’ the season for ancient fornication rituals. Fa la la la la.

As the newly crowned queen of the Underworld, my life has flipped on its head. I wouldn’t change it for the world, yet, there’s comfort in familiar traditions like decorating a Christmas tree.

In order to observe my tradition, Belial has one of his own he’d like to start. One that’s completely obscene, definitely blasphemous, and perfectly suitable for a Christmas in the Hells.

Carol of the Hells is a dark paranormal/monster romance connected to the Death Bound Duet. This novella features themes that may be triggering for some, including gore, murder, and graphic sexual content. Please check the book’s front matter for the full CW/TW list. *This book can be read as a standalone.

Genres: Dark Romance, Monsters, Monster Romance, Holiday

100 pages, Kindle Edition

Published December 19, 2025

About the author

Aiden Pierce is a writer of dark paranormal romance and erotic horror. Her love stories are on the spooky side and usually end up with the monster or the villain getting the girl. She lives in the Pacific Northwest with her husband and their three fur babies. When she's not daydreaming about the characters that live in her head, she can be found curled up on the couch with a black coffee and a dark romance novel.

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Reviews

[Dani · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ahhhhh, I’m so happy to get some more of Rayven & Belial. This was the perfect mini adventure to dip my toes back into Limbo and all it has to offer. It has all the spice and gore you’d expect and I loved it.

[Damian Beach · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bleeding Hells ARC Read

This was absolutely phenomenal. Christmas in Limbo is a stunning blend of beauty, depravity, and bloodshed. Rayvne and Belial are perfection together—as always, their dynamic is irresistible. This twisted Yuletide tale is dark, haunting, and utterly unforgettable.

[bbGorl · Rating 5 out of 5]

I came for the smut here’s how it went :

Now it’s been a while since I’ve sat down to read and luckily my favorite author practically read my mind when she released this short novella based off my favorite series The lord of Bones (which is a duo and an absolute banger I did review those if you want to check it out), you do not need to read the prior as the author really does recap in the best way possible throughout the book.

The spice was spicing and all to be expected as per the last books, you don’t wait too long and when it’s happening you are hooked. If you weren’t already into bone daddy’s then after reading this you definitely will be.

You know what bad girls get for Christmas? 👀
Itty bitty spoil it’s not coal

The details from the world building to the actual spice are so *chefs kiss* it’s hard to put it down. You get a whole glimpse into limbos version of the Winter solstice with nothing short lived nor feeling rushed.

As a goth girl the smut with a bone daddy like him can’t be beat, we manifested him so hard you can actually buy his uhhh replica lol

[Sandra Waleko · Rating 5 out of 5]

WICKED AND SO FUN!!! I've read the original duet, which I loved because of how truly dark and depraved Belial is, how he tricked, obsessed, devoured, and then won the heart of Rayven after some crazy, crazy stuff happens (ahem, his brothers!!)! The day this novella came out I read it immediately in one sitting because I wanted to see how the Queen and Lord of the Underworld were doing a year later (also because I'll read anything by Aiden Pierce!), and it did not disappoint! This novella was a quick taste of delicious depravity, with a doting and devious Belial giving his beloved Rayven a Christmas holiday in Limbo. It brought back all my faves: cute Holga and Cecil, the oozing blood oak tree, the creepy maze, sexy spicy spice, arcana magic, ballsacks (ha!), and love.

[Rae · Rating 5 out of 5]

Special decorations included 🎄👹🍆

Why was this simultaneously dark, hilarious, hot, and sweet?!

When I saw that Aiden Pierce and RK Pierce were releasing a holiday novella (or… Helliday?) I dropped my whole plans to read it 😍

I f*cking already love Lord of Bones and Queen of Carrion, so seeing Belial and Rayven back in action was a delight. This had me cackling and saying “awww” at Belial’s attempt at making Rayven feel in the spirit.

Also… the title change for Belial 😏 heheheheheheheheheh

[Briar Reeds · Rating 5 out of 5]

Have yourself a freaky lil Christmas!!!

The scream I scrumpt when I learned RK and Aiden were back at it AGAIN with Belial and Rayven.

First off, check your triggers or you may be in for a ride

Now thats said,
YAAAAS.
this can be read as a standalone, but trust me, you'll WANT the backstory.
The day Lord of Bones dropped, I inhaled it.
When Queen of Carrion dropped, lapped it up.
Now this?!

Its a sweet little slice of life holiday moment.

.....well. sweet for them, anyways.
10/10.
Heck yeah y'all.

[Jenn (myspookybookishlife) · Rating 5 out of 5]

5⭐️
5🌶️

This novella made me so happy Belial and Rayven are two of my most favorite characters and I’m so glad I got to read their Christmas story!! Seeing the Queen of the Underworld and Lord of Bones together after their happy ending was beautiful. Belial’s love and absolute obsessive nature towards protecting Rayven from everything was heartwarming and their spicy shenanigans were amazing. Seeing their chemistry explode over and over again made me fall even more in love with these characters!!!

[Megan Brown · Rating 5 out of 5]

oh to be back in hell with rayven and bone Daddy himself. I loved getting to revisit these 2 and seeing how things are going. that beliel has and hasn't changed. that he's still terrifying and hot and rayven still wanting more.

[Darcy’s Good Opinion · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 stars

Plot: 4.5/5
Characters: 5/5
Spice: 4/5

MF
Dark
Holiday
Paranormal
Mythology
King and Queen
Crossover Characters
Death
Vengeance and Justice

Carol of the Hells is a holiday romance from the Death Bound duet world. This is a standalone book featuring the main characters from that series.

This was a really fun, spicy, and well written novella. The characters are epic. (If you haven’t read the beginning of their story in the Death Bound duet, I highly recommend it) The King and Queen serve up a feast of holiday magic, vigilante justice, and undying love. The perfect dark holiday romance for the season.

[Rachel Stephens · Rating 5 out of 5]

Quick and captivating!
What a perfect and festive way to visit Rayven and Belial again.
There was humor, tender moments, and lots of spice.
I loved it!

[Beatrice Hernandez · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved being back in the world! 4.5⭐️

[Angelll · Rating 5 out of 5]

Goddd the hold these two have on me yall!

Absolutely stunningly breathtaking 🤤 Belial is who I would want under my tree every year.

[g33kgirlr3ads · Rating 5 out of 5]

Spicy, sweet, and darkness combined into a perfect Christmas story! I loved the quests and the final result. Fun, quick story

[Hillary · Rating 4 out of 5]

🌲❤️🕯️ Carol of the Hells Review 🕯️❤️🌲

Thank you so much to Aiden Pierce and RK Pierce for the opportunity to read this novella!

Carol of the Hells is a dark fantasy holiday novella that takes place in the Death Bound universe. Rayven the Queen of Hell is determined to prove herself in her new position of power in the underworld. When her latest mission send her to the mortal world during the holiday season, she discovers she wants to bring the holiday cheer to the underworld. Can the realm of Hell survive all the traditional holiday cheer?

This was a cute holiday novella. Rayven and Belial were so cute together and I enjoyed their unique relationship. I liked the dual POV and the integration of new holiday traditions into the spooky world of the afterlife. I haven’t read the original duet but found that i wasn’t lost or confused with the story or world building

Overall this was a cute four star read. This was a fun holiday novella and I enjoyed the story. I do think I would have appreciated the minor details more if I’d read the original duet, but this story was still enjoyable as a standalone. This book does have some darker elements, so please check triggers if you’re sensitive. This novellas is have a few spicy moments throughout, so overall three flames for spice

If you’re a fan of spooky dark fantasy romance with holiday cheer, witchy vibes and interesting world building, then absolutely check this one out! Though this book can be read as a standalone and I had no issues following the story, it’s suggested that you read it with the original Death Bound duet to get the most out of it.

[Meredith · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️

* lord of limbo x human
* “little thief”
* primal play
* blood play
* graveyard play with skeletal bondage
* necrophilia (not by MCs and swiftly punished)
* dubcon/cnc

If your demon lord partner isn’t gifting you the desiccated xxxxxx of your enemies, does he even care?

A year after the events of Queen of Carrion, Rayven returns to Earth to distribute judgement and is bit by the Christmas bug. But Christmas doesn’t happen in Hell and Belial has to work some seriously twisted magic to make the holidays bright for his beloved. Think bone and vine garlands, tooth tinsel and ash for snow - this male will use every resource at his disposal to grant her Yuletide wishes.

I regret every choice in my life that has led to a standard human husband who buys me things like clothes. Where is the man who will punish and rail me on top of a sarcophagus?

This is connected to the Death Bound duet. It’s not necessary to read the earlier books first, but I honestly don’t know why you wouldn’t. They add so much depth and background to Christmas in the Hells and they’re absolutely an erotic gothic delight in their own right.

Thanks so much to the authors for the gifted review copy! This was such an outstanding dark holiday novella and I’m so thankful to be trusted to read and review.

[Phylicia · Rating 4 out of 5]

“Eerily beautiful and festively haunting.”


4⭐️ Horrifyingly awesome. Gruesome, eerie, deliciously unsettling and all the things that make the bumps in the night feel extra spicy. I was hooked immediately. The atmosphere is thick, dark, and macabre in the best possible way, and it sets the tone perfectly for what’s to come.

The FMC is an absolute standout; feisty, bold, and full-metal backbone energy. No shrinking violet here. She knows who she is, holds her ground, and honestly? I was in love with her almost straight away. Swoon. Protective instincts activated.

I haven’t read the other duet these characters are originally based in, but I never felt lost. Their dynamic was easy to pick up, the history made sense, and if anything it’s just convinced me I need to go back and add those books to my TBR immediately.

There’s something oddly sweet about this story too, in a very “King of Bones” kind of way. The lengths he goes to so she can have her Christmas wish? Unhinged, dark, and somehow still romantic. I ate it up.

Overall, this was spicy, macabre, and indulgent as hell. If you’re a goth girl, love monster romance, enjoy a size qnk moment, and want your holiday reads a little twisted, this one absolutely delivers.

[Nicole · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rating 5 ⭐️
Spice 🌶🌶🌶
Dual POV

Paranormal romance
Death bound novella
Gothic Christmas in Hell
Undead Yule tree
Goth girl FMC
Butt play
Knife play
Spanking
Monster peen
Degradation
Worship
HEA

I was so excited when I found out Aiden was releasing a holiday novella set in the Death Bound world since it meant we got to see Rayven and Belial again. Getting a glimpse into their life and relationship a year after the duet was such a treat, and the gothic Christmas vibes made it even more fun.

This novella delivers everything that makes Rayven and Belial them: the dark atmosphere, the possessive intensity, and the sharp edge that defines their relationship. I loved seeing Rayven step into her power and do some soul reaping on her own, and I absolutely adored how far Belial was willing to go to give her the dark Christmas of her dreams. Their dynamic remains just as delicious and compelling as ever.

Honestly, there wasn’t a single thing wrong with this novella. It delivered exactly what I was hoping for and then some. If you’re already a fan of the Death Bound world and these characters, this is a must-read holiday addition.

[Krystle Rayne McFadden · Rating 4 out of 5]

I absolutely loved this short but impactful read! It packs so much story into a small space and was equal parts cute, dark, and beautifully depraved. Belial always finds his way straight to my heart, and this version of him is no exception. There’s something so compelling about the contrast between who he is and the unexpected softness he shows—especially when it comes to Rayven. That dynamic was everything for me.

I found myself saying “awww, that’s so cute” more times than I expected, which felt hilarious considering how dark and twisted parts of the story are. The balance between tenderness and morally questionable behavior was done so well, and it made the romance feel even more intense. If you’re looking for a story that’s a little dark, a little unhinged, but still delivers a satisfying HEA, this book is absolutely worth picking up. Perfect for readers who enjoy their romance with a shadowy edge and a lot of heart.

[Aj Mercier · Rating 3 out of 5]

I think my main issue with this book comes from it simply being marketed as able to read it as a standalone. I think it does the book a disservice. I was interested in their relationship, but from the get-go a ton is spoiled about this couple and what I assume is the first book in the series. Which then, in turn, has made me not want to read the series since so much was already spoiled for me. I got to about 35% in before I really felt like there was no real plot of its own and it wasn't going anywhere, since I assume this takes place between the two books in the duet, it can't resolve anything. I'm sure it'd be a lovely read if you already read the duet or at least the first book, but since I hadn't, it wasn't satisfying and I DNFed it 35% through.

[Summer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Honest ARC Review: Christmas in the underworld? Yule tree necromancy? Spicy ritual? Sounds like the perfect book for this season. The Lord of Bones reluctantly lets his queen do his bidding in the human realm. While Rayven is taking care of scum she realizes its Christmas time. Wanting to bring the season home she drags a Yule tree back to Limbo. When the tree doesn't last Belial offers to bring it back. He will do anything for his queen especially some depraved necromancy magic. These two are just pure sin. I love the mix of sweetness and depravity. This was a fun trip back to the underworld and I really enjoyed reading this spicy holiday book.

[Blue Sky · Rating 5 out of 5]

Naughty Festivities

Highly recommend!! A beautiful addition to the death bound series!! Definitely suggest reading the beginning of their story first, I stopped reading this book myself to go read the first 2 books. The whole series is amazing and dark!!! The incredible Pierce authors made yet another story and characters I have come to adore and cherish!! Such a nice experience to finish this on Christmas day! Thank you Aiden Piecre & R.K. Pierce for this throughly enjoyable Christmas gift!!!!!!!

[Kade · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 ⭐️

What an awesome holiday novella for one of my favorite duets 😩
I loved that it felt like even if I didn’t read the duet prior to this, that enough was said to make novella make sense. But I highly suggest reading the duet as well!!
I loved being back in this world and I had fun every second of this even if it was short. The plot was plotting… wink wink 😆🩷
I might have to do a reread of this duet soon!

Thank you to Aiden and RK Pierce for the opportunity to read this early!

[Joy Whiteside · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book, I am totally in love with. I had to finish it in one sitting and then I wanted more. Could not get enough of it. It moves along at a really gret pace which is perfect for this story. You love these characters already and seeing more of them and seeing what antics they get up to is perfect. This book will not disappoint. It makes the perfect holiday story. It is a must read.

[Raina · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a novella that can be read as a standalone. The characters are from the Death Bound Duet and comes after that series. I loved getting to read more of Rayven and Belial. There are some dark moments so you may want to check the trigger warnings before reading. This is also a very spicy story between the two of them. A very unique story that brings some Christmas cheer to Hell.

[Robin ferguson · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this story. not going to spoil it and give to much away.

but its about a death bound Novella
Dark Christmas/Yule monster romance
Rayven is the queen of hell and the underworld. and Belial is the lord of bones/lord of death.

[Kaylee Cuevas · Rating 5 out of 5]

In LOVE with this ARC!! 😍

I didn’t read the duet, but this novella made me buy them so I could jump straight into this world!!

The little slice of Beliel and Rayven that I got was super sweet! And spicy!! 😍

Aiden Pierce NEVER disappoints!

READ IT!!!!

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️🌶️

[Genoveva · Rating 4 out of 5]

Please check all CW and TW before reading this one. OMG yes we get to revisit one of my favorite couples! I enjoyed that we get a MMC that does what he can to make his partner happy. The dynamic between these two is adorable.

[Scarlett Chase · Rating 5 out of 5]

Heat level: 4/5. I love that we got to go back to Rayven and the Lord of Bones. We get to see a bit of what life has been like since the ending of book 2 and how she's selling into her queen role. And how much he loves her by making Christmas in hell. Sweet even while its filthy and a quick read.

[Mala · Rating 4 out of 5]

Read this not knowing it was a holiday novella for the lord of bones duet.
Either way I really enjoyed this dark Yule read.

[Julie Barksdale · Rating 5 out of 5]

love!!!

Absolutely loved this Christmas novella. Was so exited to read more of Belial and Rayven. Definitely one of my fav Christmas books.