His Lesson in Submission

The Twelve Nights of Christmas #2

by Darcy Fayton

The debt remains.
And the next lesson is far more personal.

Kathryn believed the worst was behind her.
She was wrong.

A teacher of Volmasque Academy arrives at the manor—Professor Zott.
Respected. Observant. Uncomfortably familiar.

He knows her history.
He understands the rules of the bargain.
And he has come not out of kindness, but curiosity.

This night will not be about money alone.
It will be about control, memory, and what she is willing to surrender to survive.

Some debts are paid in silence.
Others in obedience.

And every lesson leaves her stretched to her full potential.

This is Book Two of The Twelve Nights of Christmas, a twelve-part dark paranormal romance series of short novellas.

Genres: Dark, Dark Romance, Vampires, Erotica, Paranormal, Novella, Adult

117 pages, Kindle Edition

Published January 25, 2026

About the author

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✨For Content/Trigger Warnings please visit darcyfayton.com

✨Author Bio:
Darcy Fayton crafts fireside tales set in gothic castles, overflowing with forbidden love, emotional angst, scorching spice, witty banter, and a touch of magic.

Her stories feature morally grey yet gentlemanly heroes with sweet sides and glimmers of redemption, perfect for readers who love complex characters.
Her family thinks she writes sweet romance—but oh, if only they knew!

2026 Update: Her bestselling debut, Collared by the Vampire Prince, along with select earlier works, is currently being rewritten and expanded as part of the upcoming Collared Duet—a darker, richer, and more immersive version of the original story.




✨Click here for easy links to my books on Amazon, Instagram, and more.

Reviews

[Stacy · Rating 4 out of 5]

ARC REVIEW

So maybe Sebastian isn't a total lost cause like I thought he was in book one. However, he's no Prince Charming, and Kathryn's character is still figuring out how to trust him without losing her mind. This book is still a hot mess of crazy acts, but I am living for this series. Know your triggers, folks!

Thanks to Book Sirens for sending me an advanced copy to read and review

[RoXXie | The Art of Reading · Rating 3 out of 5]

Discomfort, Growth, and a Villain Who Still Makes My Skin Crawl

The second installment in The Twelve Nights of Christmas by Darcy Fayton leans harder into discomfort, power dynamics, and the slow-burn emotional threads that feel like the real engine of this series.

His Lesson in Submission ♦ Darcy Fayton - A Review

Opinion 

Let’s address the elephant in the manor first: Professor Zott. I already knew him from the author’s other books and had built up a solid reserve of dislike, and this story gleefully confirms that my hatred remains well-fed. He is still morally rancid, still unsettling, still very much not the kind of character you root for. Yet, oddly enough, he works here. In this particular story’s machinery, his presence feels intentional rather than gratuitous. He is not redeemed, not softened, not secretly noble. He is simply effective as a narrative toxin, and the plot uses that poison with purpose. 

Kathryn, thankfully, gets noticeable growth. One of my biggest frustrations with His Forbidden Bargain was the shaky handling of consent and agency. Here, the emotional and mental framing feels more deliberate. Her reactions, especially during the encounter with Zott, come across as complicated but believable. The book openly explores the messy divide between body and mind. The body sometimes wants what the heart rejects. In Kathryn’s case, it definitely rejects Zott, even if physiology refuses to cooperate. That internal conflict gives the story its most compelling tension. 

Christian, the stepbrother, remains a work in progress. He still has a mountain of character development to climb before I will feel fully on board with him. Yet I can see the path the author is carving. Kathryn’s reliance on his affection and support is starting to make emotional sense, even if he has not yet earned my full trust. Their evolving psychological and emotional connection is the hook that keeps me invested far more than the premise of twelve patrons ever could. 

Speaking of hooks, the most memorable moments were not the nightly obligations but the emotional undercurrents simmering beneath them. The series feels like it is quietly building toward a complicated emotional payoff, and this installment nudges that arc forward in a way that finally feels intentional. 

That said, the book still thrives on discomfort. Zott’s appearance and Kathryn’s visceral descriptions of him are intentionally repellent. If revulsion were a spice, this chapter sprinkles it generously. It is not pleasant, but it is purposeful.  

Conclusion

Overall, this installment improves on the first with stronger emotional grounding and clearer character momentum. I still have reservations about where certain dynamics are heading, but the psychological thread between Kathryn and Christian has me curious enough to keep reading.
A messy, uncomfortable, but undeniably more engaging second lesson.

Through BookSirens I received an advance review copy (ARC) for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

This review was first published at The Art of Reading.

[Lauren Head · Rating 5 out of 5]

Maybe Sebastian isn’t a completely hopeless disaster but let’s not get it twisted, he’s still far from anything resembling a Prince Charming. There’s something rough, unpredictable, and borderline dangerous about him that keeps you questioning every motive. Meanwhile, Kathryn is caught in the storm of it all, trying to navigate her growing feelings while holding onto what little sanity she has left. Watching her wrestle with trust wanting to believe in him without completely unraveling is just as gripping as it is chaotic. This book doesn’t slow down either; it’s a whirlwind of reckless decisions, emotional turmoil, and moments that make you question everything. And somehow, despite all the madness, I’m completely hooked.

[Priscilla · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received an ARC on this book. This is book 2 in the series. Check your trigger warnings before reading.

This was the second night she had to endure from a patron. She is only human but she is strong willed. Mr. Zott makes my skin crawl. So far each patron has been awful. Sebastian seems to really care for her but he has secrets. I am really enjoying these novellas and ready to read the rest.

[Jessica · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is book 2! Wow this ampt up quite abit. This one was abit darker then the first, a very good read. The second offering for Kathryns debt had me gasping. The things she had to endure.I found myself having to re- read a few lines.

The heated tention between Kathryn and Sebastian is just killing me. Can't wait to read book 3!

Please check your triggers

[Michelle Frater · Rating 4 out of 5]

Night number two. Patron number two. And whatever fragile illusion of safety Kathryn clung to after her first ordeal is long gone. She barely spent any time at Volmasque Academy, but she’s heard the whispers—the kind that slither down corridors and coil in your stomach. Professor Zott. Vampire. Sadist. A man who doesn’t just demand obedience, he cultivates it. Prunes it. Bleeds it dry. He does not inspire swoons or soft fantasies; he inspires dread. Let’s be clear: this is not your morally gray book boyfriend. This is a predator in professor’s clothing, and like Braggon before him, he has no interest in playing nice. Once again, Kathryn is dragged to the brink. There’s no easing into the nightmare, no merciful buffer between book one and book two. The story resumes with bruises still fresh, and you can’t help but wonder how she’s expected to survive another night when she’s barely stitched herself back together from the last. The relentlessness is suffocating, in the best, most horrifying way. And yet, beneath the cruelty and the ritualized degradation, something shifts. Kathryn is changing. Not softening exactly, but adapting. Enduring. There’s a chilling question hovering over every page: is she becoming resigned to her fate? It certainly isn’t easier. If anything, it’s more psychologically brutal. But there’s a subtle hardening to her now, a flicker of awareness that feels like the first spark of transformation rather than surrender. Then there’s Sebastian. He’s no savior. Not really. He can’t stop what’s happening, and he knows it. That knowledge is carving him open from the inside. The rigid, controlled façade he wears so well is starting to splinter, and through those cracks we glimpse something dangerously human. Guilt. Conflict. A quiet, gnawing torment over his role in Kathryn’s suffering. He’s beginning to look less like a looming villain and more like the only thread tethering her to sanity. Not that she collapses into his arms—this isn’t that kind of story—but there’s a charged undercurrent between them now, heavy with possibility and ruin. It’s that emotional tension that tempers the horror just enough to keep you turning pages. Because the horror is very real. The enchanted plug alone was enough to make my skin crawl—and not in a titillating way. This series does not pretend to be soft. The dub-con elements remain brutal, unapologetic, and deeply uncomfortable. But if you crave romance dipped in shadow and dragged through something even darker, this book delivers. It’s merciless. It’s unsettling. And it pulls you under before you can decide whether you want to breathe.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Jennifer Amaral]

Thank you to Darcy Fayton for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

His Lesson in Submission continues The Twelve Nights of Christmas series with a story that leans further into the power dynamics and emotional tension between the characters.

What I found interesting about this installment is how the relationship evolves. There’s a deeper exploration of trust, control, and vulnerability as the characters navigate their connection. Those shifting dynamics create plenty of tension and keep the story engaging.

The holiday setting again adds a nice seasonal backdrop, balancing the intensity of the relationship with a cozy atmosphere.

For me, this lands at 4 ⭐ because while the dynamic and premise were intriguing, there were a few moments where I would have liked a little more character depth to fully elevate the emotional impact.

Still, it’s a compelling continuation of the series.

This is a 4 ⭐ for me because:

• the relationship dynamics added strong tension

• the themes of trust and control were interesting to explore

• the holiday setting created a cozy atmosphere

• the story kept me invested in the characters

Tense. Intriguing. Engaging.

Read this book if you like:

• power dynamic romance

• forbidden relationship tension

• holiday themed romance

• character-driven romantic conflict
His Lesson in Submission continues The Twelve Nights of Christmas series with a story that leans further into the power dynamics and emotional tension between the characters.

What I found interesting about this installment is how the relationship evolves. There’s a deeper exploration of trust, control, and vulnerability as the characters navigate their connection. Those shifting dynamics create plenty of tension and keep the story engaging.

The holiday setting again adds a nice seasonal backdrop, balancing the intensity of the relationship with a cozy atmosphere.

For me, this lands at 4 ⭐ because while the dynamic and premise were intriguing, there were a few moments where I would have liked a little more character depth to fully elevate the emotional impact.

Still, it’s a compelling continuation of the series.

This is a 4 ⭐ for me because:

• the relationship dynamics added strong tension
• the themes of trust and control were interesting to explore
• the holiday setting created a cozy atmosphere
• the story kept me invested in the characters

Tense. Intriguing. Engaging.

Read this book if you like:

• power dynamic romance
• forbidden relationship tension
• holiday themed romance
• character-driven romantic conflict

[Rosie · Rating 4 out of 5]

✨️🖤🧛‍♂️ His Lesson in Submission 👨‍🏫🖤 - ARC REVIEW✨️

Rating - ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice - 🌶🌶🌶🌶
Tropes:
- Slow-burn❤️‍🔥
- Voyeur👀
- Human FMC / Vampire MMC🩸
- Pitch-black / Dark Romance🖤
- Paranormal / Shifter🦇
- Dual POV👥️
- Damsel-In-Distress🏰
- "Fingerpainting"
- Dubcon😈
- Noncon❌️

⚠️PLEASE read through the trigger warnings - this novella is heavy and contains graphic material / dark themes⚠️

📚This is the second installment in the 12 book series! I received this eARC copy through BookSirens - of course, a special thank you to the author herself, Darcy Fayton!💗

In this novella, we continue into the second night of this 12-night arrangement that Sebastian has arranged with the debt collector💰 No surprise, this night is just as grueling and agonizing for Kathryn. Why? Someone from her past, with a sick sense of getting pleasure from forcing themselves onto those that have no power to do or say anything, is taking advantage of the rules of the bargain👏🏼

Sebastian is still there alongside Kathryn, but she keeps feeling undecided about whether she can trust him. Feeling like he's merely standing by rather than protecting her, she feels she has no choice but to do what she's ordered to no matter the humiliation or emotional/physical damage💔

Then, something happens. She gets a ✨️glimpse✨️ of Sebastian's true feelings. Although they are meant to reassure her, you get a sense that they make her even more unsure whether or not he will remain true to his word🤔

This second installment was just as intense as the first, and the storyline developed even more! The repulsive patron🤢 and night is no different. Kathryn felt SO humiliated, to the point where she felt hopeless. The worst part? She felt disgusted by herself for feeling the tiniest bit of pleasure🫣

We also learn more about how Kathryn and Sebastian really feel about one another, begging the question - can she truly trust him, let alone with her heart?💓

[Cassi Olazabal · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this as an ARC.
The book is the second in the Twelve Nights of Christmas series.
Just like the first one -- know your triggers. I do wish that triggers were added once more for the book-- instead of just saying about going back to book one. Yes, you could assume that someone has read the first book prior to this, but the triggers are a little different for this book than the first one. I think a trigger list should be included for each book and not just a "see book one". Especially since new content is being added.
The second night is meant to be worse than the first. How is this going to continue to get worse with each night?
As I stated in my previous review of the first novella. I do not know how each night is going to end up being a novella in itself. Yes, the novellas are short and interesting reads, but I can not see how these are going to be enough content for each night to have a novella.
Especially with a line Sebastian states in the novella about arranging things and not having as many true suitors as there are nights.
There are some plot holes noticeable, but they don't take away too much from the read. You only really notice some of them when reading the novella one after another (such as what I have done).
I find myself asking if she continues to smell of lavender because of Braggon. Or is this because somehow along the way Katheryn came to like the scent too, due to some weird sense of psychological issues, and it being linked to her experience?
Katheryn also had some deep-seated mental issues. I find myself wondering if Katheryn has some sense of Stockholm Syndrome or if her on again off again stuff with Sebastian is much more.
I do like Sebastian as a character. In my opinion, he is probably the best character in the novellas so far.

[Book Lover · Rating 3 out of 5]

I read this book as an ARC, which I received through Booksirens, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. I absolutely adore this author’s work, and this book only deepened that appreciation.
As the second installment in the series, this story builds on the devastating bargain established in book one. Kathryn’s debt remains unpaid, and the consequences of that deal continue to unfold in increasingly personal and painful ways. This installment focuses on the second night of the arrangement.
The arrival of Professor Zott, a former teacher from Volmasque Academy, adds an intensely uncomfortable and unsettling layer to the story. He is fully aware of the bargain and her past, and his presence forces Kathryn to confront control, memory, and survival all at once. The author handles this with care, showing Kathryn’s inner turmoil, her lack of true choice, and the emotional weight of enduring something she never wanted in the first place.
At the same time, Sebastian’s role grows heavier. His guilt over orchestrating the bargain—and his buried feelings for Kathryn—create a constant emotional undercurrent. Watching him wrestle with the consequences of his decision while still believing it was the only way to save her makes their dynamic painfully complex.
This book is dark, steamy, and emotionally intense, but it’s also deeply character-driven. It explores power, obedience, and sacrifice in a way that lingers long after the final page. This series is not an easy read, but it is a compelling one.
I would highly recommend this book to readers who enjoy dark romance with heavy emotional stakes, and I strongly suggest starting from book one since this is a continuation of the story. This book ends on a cliffhanger.

[Marion Löw · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed this new instalment in this captivating yet disturbing, gritty paranormal romance series, which picks up directly where the first volume left off, so I recommend reading the series in order. Warning: The book contains explicit scenes involving noncon/dubcon and consensual sex scenes including power exchange with toys and pet play, voyeurism, forced exhibitionism and humiliation. Kathryn’s patrons so far have made my skin crawl. I really like both protagonists, their chemistry, their complicated relationship and their emotionally charged dynamics. Their conflicted feelings are palpable throughout the book. The series comprises 12 parts in total, so I don't think there will be a happy ending in the near future, but Kathryn and Sebastian are slowly getting closer and taking their relationship to the next level.

Kathryn has spent her first night with the collector, and Sebastian tries to handle the remaining prospective patrons more effectively and carefully because he feels helpless and ashamed of his failure to protect her. Ever since Sebastian first drank her blood years ago, he and Kathryn have been connected by an enchanted thread between their hearts, and he can sense her feelings.
Kathryn's patron for the second night is a former teacher of hers whom she hated and feared, and she is ashamed because, despite her revulsion and humiliation, she also experiences unwanted pleasure and Sebastian feels all of it…

Overall, a dark paranormal romance novella with likable main characters, dark themes and explicit sexual content (may be triggering), which I can recommend to anyone who likes this genre.

I received a free ARC of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own and left voluntarily.

[jessica Teasdale · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

His Lesson in Submission continues Darcy Fayton’s dark, gothic series of 12 nights of christmas with a story that leans heavily into control, power dynamics, and emotional survival.
At its core, this book explores what it means to surrender...not just physically, but mentally and emotionally.
The concept of “debt” and obligation plays a strong role throughout, creating a tense atmosphere where every interaction feels loaded with meaning and consequence.

The relationship dynamic is intense and deliberately uncomfortable at times, built on control, dominance, and shifting power. What stood out to me was that beneath the darker elements, there is still a thread of character development particularly in how the female lead begins to find her voice and assert her boundaries as the story progresses.

She's starting to take control of her situation and I love that for her!!

The romance itself is not soft or easy. It’s complex, often challenging, and rooted in imbalance which may not be for every reader.

The spice is prominent, but it’s tied closely to the themes of control and submission rather than existing purely for entertainment.

That said, this is a very heavy read. The subject matter and dynamics can feel intense, and readers should be aware that it pushes boundaries in terms of both emotional and physical themes. If you’re looking for a lighter or more traditional romance, this likely won’t be the right fit.

Overall, His Lesson in Submission is a dark, emotionally charged continuation that will appeal most to readers who enjoy morally complex characters, intense dynamics, and gothic, boundary-pushing romance.

[Cassie Prater · Rating 5 out of 5]

This installment is darker, heavier, and somehow even more emotionally punishing than book one, and I mean that in the best possible way.

Where the first book immediately pulled me in with gothic atmosphere and the sheer creativity of the world, book two really leans into the emotional and psychological fallout. Nothing resets. Nothing gets softened. Day one just turns right into day two whether they're ready or not. Kathryn carries everything with her from scene to scene, and that made it feel so much more intense.

Sebastian continues to be a wildly compelling MMC. ;) He’s still morally charcoal, still frustrating, still impossible to pin down. What I liked here is that the story doesn’t let him off the hook just because he feels bad. He’s strategic, restrained, clearly suffering, and still complicit in ways that are uncomfortable to sit with. That tension between what he wants, what he allows, and what he can realistically stop keeps me coming back to see how far they can each be pushed.

There is a moment of connection late in the book that really worked for me. Not inherently romantic per se. Just two people recognizing that they are enduring the same nightmare together. And I personally really need that.

And yessssss, once again, there were moments where I caught myself thinking, “I should absolutely not be into this,” followed immediately by, “Well… here we are.” If you like dark romance that makes you sit with that discomfort instead of smoothing it over, this delivers.

[Mel · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is Book 2 in The Twelve Nights of Christmas — a twelve-part dark paranormal romance novella series. Book 1 must be read first, as this story continues directly from it.

Picking up straight after Sebastian makes a devastating bargain to keep Kathryn safe and help pay off her debt, the cost is brutal: twelve nights, twelve men. This book is very dark and comes with heavy trigger warnings — while it’s a journey toward happiness, we’re absolutely not there yet.

Kathryn is still being dragged through hell, forcing herself to survive night after night while trying to accept that this may now be her reality. Sebastian is equally tormented, convincing himself that this was the only way to save her, even as it destroys them both.

We do get small, intimate moments between Kathryn and Sebastian — fragile pockets of comfort in the middle of devastation. Sebastian tries desperately to be her strength, to protect her, and to see this through without completely breaking her… but Kathryn is slowly fracturing, and it’s painful to witness.

This is a heavy, emotionally brutal read that won’t be for everyone — but you can’t help holding onto hope for a HEA and for these two to find love again beyond the gut-wrenching bargain binding them.

⚠️ Please check trigger warnings before reading this series.

✨ Tropes / Content Notes ✨
🖤 Dark Paranormal Romance
🩸 Vampire × Human
🔥 Extremely Spicy (can be triggering)
🖤 Second-Chance Romance
🐌 Slow Burn
🖤 Dual POV
⚠️ Mature Themes — Reader Discretion Advised

Spice Rating: 🌶️🌶️🌶️

[Alys Mackay · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
ARC Review

With this second installment, Darcy Fayton continues building what is shaping up to be a dark gothic masterpiece across the series.

As an ARC reader, I found myself deeply invested in Kathryn and Sebastian — not just in their growing connection, but in the accumulating cost of it. Watching them attempt to untangle their past while inadvertently creating new obstacles for their future is quietly devastating, and the emotional pull of their story is hard to shake.

Once again, the strength lies in restraint. The novel contains deeply disturbing scenes, but they are never gratuitous. This is not eroticism for shock value — the cruelty is contextual, expected within a world where power is uneven and a human woman’s place is inherently vulnerable. What makes these moments land is the emotional weight behind them, and the author’s continued commitment to show-don’t-tell. The toll of bargains, obedience, and sacrifice is felt viscerally, particularly through the dual POV, which keeps both MCs emotionally legible even in the darkest moments.

There is tenderness here, threaded through brutality, and that contrast makes the heartbreak sharper rather than overwhelming. I’m both eager for — and apprehensive about — what comes next. If the series continues in this vein, I can only anticipate more pain for both characters… and I remain fully invested.

ARC provided; opinions are my own.

[Ingrid · Rating 3 out of 5]

Darker, Stronger Sequel with Noticeable Growth

The second book in the Twelve Nights of Christmas series, Lesson in Submission, leans fully into its dark romance tone. The atmosphere remains intense, and the emotional dynamics are heavy and at times unsettling, particularly with the recurring theme of dissociation between body and mind woven throughout the story.
The villain is truly someone you love to hate. He’s morally gray in the most frustrating way—manipulative, self-serving, and deeply unlikeable from the very start. That said, he certainly succeeds in provoking strong emotions, which makes him effective in his role.
One of the highlights is the growth of the female main character. Compared to the first installment, she shows noticeable development, and her arc feels more grounded and purposeful. The male lead, however, still has some work to do. While there are glimpses of potential growth, he isn’t entirely convincing yet and would benefit from deeper character development.
Like the first book, this one ends on a continuation-style cliffhanger—more of a “to be continued” than a shocking twist, but still clearly setting up the next installment.
Overall, this sequel is an improvement over book one. It’s darker, more focused, and stronger in certain areas, though it remains an overall okay read rather than a standout in the genre.

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

[Connie Marie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was more emotional than I expected it to be. I read the first one a few days back, greatly enjoyed it and quickly started reading book two. His Forbidden Bargain was a fun read, weaving in moments of tragedy, beautiful symbolism, captivating characters and a sprinkle of world building. Book Two, His Lesson In Submission, takes all of that and jacks it up several notches.

The emotional connection between Kathryn and Sebastian has quickly become the core of this series. With all the trauma and horrors being enacted within the manors hall, the bonds between these two are reforming and regrowing into something that tells of future beauty. I really enjoyed the way the two of them have found themselves on the same footing – Kathryn demanding to have some sense of control over the situation, and Sebastian taking her consideration with the further invites – where these twelve nights and the twelve men are concerned. The romance between them is sweet, and with the situation they have found themselves is, having that little taste of sweetness is very needed.

I am eating up every bit of world building that the author gives. A world of vampires, werewolves and humans could so easily just become a rehash of every other before them, but this series really brings a fresh take to it. The prior established hierarchy system is brought into play once more, with an addition of school structures that had enabled what is essentially racist doctrine. The dynamics between the Vampire Overlords and the Werewolves is a fascinating one, and if this story breaks the containment of the manor, I will be thrilled to see the outside world Fayton had crafted.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. A highly recommended read for that dark romance itch. Looking forward to the rest of the series.

[Victoria Readman · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to the author and BookSirens for an ARC copy, I am voluntarily leaving this review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

His Lesson in Submission is the second instalment in the 'Twelve Nights of Christmas' novella series. Kathryn barely made it through the first night and now she has to prepare herself for patron number two ... Professor Zott. I'll be honest, a student x professor troupe is a favourite of mine but usually there is a tenderness and some charm with the teacher you might find attractive.

Professor Zott is the most vile and repulsive villain I have EVER read. Kathryn barely spent any time in Volmasque Academy but she is aware of the whispers and rumours of the events that will make your stomach turn. How she became a target of the Professor's is unknown but her resilience really shines through the torture she endures. I am really enjoying the slow-burn tension and psychological development of this relationship. This book leans into more darkness, more discomfort but Christian does start to redeem himself. The author doesn't shy away from lack of consent and any safety that Kathryn felt is long gone.

You are still not routing for any of the characters, Christian is the cause of Kathryn's suffering and now his guilt is eating him alive. The emotional and mental state of both MC's is more deliberate and the cracks are showing for our step-brother. I didn't think I'd start to settle into this series but I am looking forward to starting the next book 'His Broken Vow' so stay tuned for more reviews.

[Ekati · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received a copy of this book as an ARC.
Content Warning: Same darkness as Book One, explicit sexual violence, non-consensual scenes, graphic content. Strictly 18+. Read the warnings and take them seriously.
Book Two picks up exactly where we left off, and things get. Here we see the emotional bond between Kathryn and Sebastian deepen. Beneath all the horror of what she endures, something fragile and complicated is beginning to grow between them. He is still weak, still making terrible decisions, still the architect of her suffering and yet, by the end, you understand him a little better. Not enough to forgive him, but enough to keep reading.
Kathryn remains merely human in a world designed to break her, and she still refuses to do so. That quiet, stubborn resilience is what makes her compelling even in her most helpless moments.
Braggon continues to be magnificently hateable. Professor Zott is a different kind of disgusting, hideous and nauseating which is saying something.
The series is building slowly and deliberately, and the happy ending feels a very long way off, but the emotional thread between Kathryn and Sebastian is strong enough to carry you through. Ten nights still to go ...

[Valentia D'Ambroise · Rating 5 out of 5]

ARC review

This is a bit of a difficult one. In some ways it was much better than the first. The connection between our main characters is truly tested on multiple levels and in the most deliciously taboo way.

It is rare that I feel I do not want to scream at a FMC to please keep her sassy to a minimum in the presence of those already in the proces of assaulting her. Katheryn for all her innocence is a bloody badass for how she’s battling her situation.

It is quite the feat of the author to bring her to life with such grace towards the situation. I cannot imagine how one might react when faced with these circumstances; but I have no doubt Katheryn reaction could very well be genuinely based on testimony—unlike some other works I’ve read.

I also appreciate that the author does not at all shy away from the brutality of it all.

I’m looking very much forward to the rest of the series and any further development regarding everyone’s backstories.

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

[Tatiana · Rating 4 out of 5]

I don’t think I’ve ever hated some characters this much while falling for others at the same time. It’s such a strange, intense feeling—and honestly, I loved that about this book.

I hate what’s happening to Kathryn. There are moments that are genuinely uncomfortable, and not in a light way. But at the same time, I couldn’t look away. Watching her dynamic with Sebastian slowly develop is what kept me hooked. There’s something about their connection that pulls you in, even when everything else feels wrong.

I just really hope he doesn’t hurt her in the end… I’m not sure I could handle that.

This was also my first experience with more “unnatural” characters, and I wasn’t sure what to expect. It felt a bit strange at times—not completely my comfort zone—but not in a bad way. More like something new that I’m still trying to understand.

And somehow… I’m completely hooked. I need to know where this goes next.

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

[IV · Rating 4 out of 5]

✨ ARC review ✨

I'm glad I decided to keep on reading this series even though the first book didn't convince me 100% because I much preferred this one. I'll definitely keep on reading now.

I received an e-ARC of this book. I am leaving a review voluntarily, and it is my honest opinion.

The tension and emotional weight between Sebastian and Kathryn was much more present in this one imo, and unlike the first, it didn't drag on for me at all. In fact, I devoured it in one sitting. The consensual spice between Sebastian and Kathryn was just as hot as the noncon with the second night's patron was twisted and dark. I enjoyed this installment a lot, and I'm curious to see where the author takes this series in the following books.

I can recommend this book, but only if you actually like your dark romance DARK dark and don't mind noncon scenes including body betrayal / involuntary arousal. It's not for everyone for sure.

[Lilith's_Library_ · Rating 4 out of 5]

Set within The Twelve Nights of Christmas series, this installment brings a seductive, emotionally charged story that explores power, trust, and vulnerability in a way that feels both provocative and character-driven. There’s a strong tension running throughout that keeps the pages turning—equal parts heat and emotional stakes.

The dynamic between the characters is where this story really shines. It’s layered with complexity, consent, and an evolving connection that goes beyond just the surface-level intensity. I appreciated how the emotional undercurrents were given space to develop alongside the more passionate elements.

That said, there were moments where I wanted a little more depth in certain character motivations, and at times the pacing felt slightly uneven. But overall, it delivers exactly what it promises—a bold, steamy romance with a darker edge.

If you enjoy romance that pushes boundaries while still centering emotional connection, this is one to check out 🔥

[Miaowwow · Rating 4 out of 5]

Second in the series and it’s as dark and spicy as the first only now I am getting more of a feel for the two MC’s Kathryn and Sebastian and their backstory.

I love a tale told in duet as it gives more depth and helps you relate to both leads Darcy Fayton excels at creating morally slate grey MMC’s who you don’t want to like but do in the end. Her FMC’s are strong and enduring, which is just as well as they usually get the short end of a very rough stick.

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

The second in a series of 12 novellas “The 12 Nights of Christmas” looking forward to the next one. There are 4 full length novels that create the world in which these novellas are set. I have read them all and if you enjoy this series you will enjoy them.

[Mimi Lee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another deliciously dark episode!! This is book 2 of the series and this universe has me hooked.

We slowly discover our protagonists, their relationship and their personalities.
I really enjoy how each book seems to have a "theme" when it comes to the patrons and this one here clearly is gonna make you feel uneasy (taboo kink). Professor Zott not only plays with her physically but with her mind too.
You want to know what will happen next and who, but you also will feel sad for what poor Kathryn has to go through.

What will this bargain cost Kathryn and Sebastian when all is over? What will be left after all those experiences? Who to trust?

I’m eager to read the next stories and recommend this series to spicy dark paranormal romance lovers!!!

Thank you BookSirens and Darcy Fayton for the ARC!!

[Destiny Wilson · Rating 5 out of 5]

⚠️ Make sure to check the trigger warnings before starting this series, as it’s a very dark paranormal romance with heavy themes.

I enjoyed continuing the story in His Lesson in Submission by Darcy Fayton. This installment deepens the tension and pushes Kathryn further into the unsettling bargain that controls her life. The atmosphere feels darker and more intense, and the story continues to build the eerie, gothic tone of the series.

Sebastian remains the most compelling part for me—mysterious, protective, and impossible to fully figure out. Even though it’s a short novella, it adds more intrigue and emotional tension while leaving me curious to see what happens next in the series.

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

[Andrea Nagy · Rating 5 out of 5]

HOLY COW - this book does not disappoint - dark romance lovers and a morally grey MC really make this second installment a great continuation to the first storyline - Kathryn and Sebastian are on Day 2 of the arrangement of 12 and secrets are starting to unravel. Despite the trauma that Kathryn must continue to endure, on this 2nd day, her torment starts early with a magical plug - can Sebastian be strong enough to see an old mentor take his privelege with Kathryn? Can the budding trust between Kathryn and Sebastian nurture into something that can save them? Or will emotions run high and ruin it all?

This is a really great 2nd book - the 1st book should be read to fully grasp the plot, but it is such a great read.

[Aaron · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is the second installment in the series, this novella follows Kathryn as she goes through night 2 of her ordeal. We get to see more of Sebastian’s emotions in this installation, we see him break and Kathryn gets to see the side of him that he’d hidden in the first novella to protect her. As with the first book this one has heavy CWS so please heed those. This book took up one step closer to Kat & Sebastian’s inevitable reunion but one thing I like about these books so far is that there’s always more to learn about the characters, Fayton reveals each layer book by book and boredom isn’t a thing for me here!

Overall, I’m excited to see where we go next with this series <3

I received an advanced copy from BookSirens and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Ellie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was sent this book as an ARC to review.
I was already hooked from the first book and I had to pick up the second one the same day that I finished the first! It really drew me in. I enjoyed this one I think even more than the first, especially with getting to see more of the relationship between Sebastian and Kathryn change and adapt to the situation.
I enjoyed the fact that despite this being a novella, there is just enough lore written into it to add some more depth to the story/overall world without taking up too much time or space with over explaining it (I'm talking about the butt plug being magic).
I'm so looking forward to more!

[Cindy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was not disappointed with book 2 in this series!! And the spice level was sooooo much better!! I didn’t put this down until I was finished and now I want more!! I need the remaining 10 books because i absolutely need to know “does the relationship change and grow between Katherine and Sebastian as each night passes?” OMG I simply neeeeedddd to know how this ends!!!! Please for everything unholy let me know!!

If you are in the market for a Novella series that keeps your attention from beginning to end do yourself the solid and read these because you will absolutely not be disappointed and will crave more!!!