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Little Death: A Dark Romance
I should have known better than to play games with dangerous men.Crashing a masquerade party for the most elite members of New Orleans was supposed to give me answers, not put me in the sights of the Irish mafia’s most enigmatic enforcer, Aiden O’Connor.
But when one reckless gamble binds me to him for a night, I learn too late that some wagers can’t be won.
What begins as a game spirals into obsession, temptation, and ruin.
Because Aiden doesn’t just want control for one night—he wants to break me in ways I’ll never escape unscathed.
Little Death is a dark romance novella and a prequel to Until Death. Some themes and scenes may be disturbing to readers. Please check the TWs at the beginning of the book.
But when one reckless gamble binds me to him for a night, I learn too late that some wagers can’t be won.
What begins as a game spirals into obsession, temptation, and ruin.
Because Aiden doesn’t just want control for one night—he wants to break me in ways I’ll never escape unscathed.
Little Death is a dark romance novella and a prequel to Until Death. Some themes and scenes may be disturbing to readers. Please check the TWs at the beginning of the book.
164 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 26, 2025
About the author
Nicole Blanchard
66 books2,292 followersNicole Blanchard is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of the TikTok-viral dark romance Toxic, a wildly addictive bestseller that has sold over 90,000 copies worldwide. Known for her morally gray antiheroes, off-the-charts heat, and jaw-dropping twists, Nicole’s stories drag readers deep into love’s darkest corners—where no one escapes unscarred.
When she’s not crafting twisted love stories that break your heart and then heal it, you can find her soaking up beach sun with a glass of sweet tea, getting inked, or running a farm full of lovable misfit animals.
You may learn more about Nicole and her work at www.authornicoleblanchard.com. Join her mailing list for updates at http://www.authornicoleblanchard.com/...
When she’s not crafting twisted love stories that break your heart and then heal it, you can find her soaking up beach sun with a glass of sweet tea, getting inked, or running a farm full of lovable misfit animals.
You may learn more about Nicole and her work at www.authornicoleblanchard.com. Join her mailing list for updates at http://www.authornicoleblanchard.com/...
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 82 reviews
February 28, 2026
If you have Until Death by Nicole Blanchard on your TBR, I HIGHLY recommend that you read Little Death FIRST! This is the prequel to Until Death and I feel like you get the full picture on the situation between Aiden and Catriona. I know most don't think a prequel is necessary but I feel like this has some vital information and sets the tone. Like I feel like I would have been confused about the why of things in Until Death if I did not read this one first.
This prequel had me invested on how this would play out from the start. The prequel starts off with Catriona arriving to an estate for a masquerade charity event. Only to find out the estate is one she used to live in and the house where her mom died. Her whole goal of coming to the event is to see if she can find clues to solve the death of her mother. In the process of doing so, she witnesses something that she shouldn't have. Which results in her being an Irish mafia mans pet for the night.
Like I said, I was hooked and invested from page one which made me so excited to roll right into Until Death.
This prequel had me invested on how this would play out from the start. The prequel starts off with Catriona arriving to an estate for a masquerade charity event. Only to find out the estate is one she used to live in and the house where her mom died. Her whole goal of coming to the event is to see if she can find clues to solve the death of her mother. In the process of doing so, she witnesses something that she shouldn't have. Which results in her being an Irish mafia mans pet for the night.
Like I said, I was hooked and invested from page one which made me so excited to roll right into Until Death.
March 23, 2026
It was fine but was more like a couple of chapters than an actual book. You barely get to know anything about the characters before the book is done which is frustrating. I'm unlikely to search out the rest of the series because this felt like a really egregious money grab. Why not just put the next two hundred pages in this book and be done with it? I know cliff hangers get people scrambling to get the next book but this was just annoying.
I would have given less stars to show how much this bothers me, but the writing wasn't bad, just the decision to tease out a book in little bite sized bits.
I would have given less stars to show how much this bothers me, but the writing wasn't bad, just the decision to tease out a book in little bite sized bits.
March 7, 2026
I read this in one sitting. It’s a great short, very spicy prequel novella. It’s got me excited to continue to the first main book of the series. Aiden is definitely a character I want to see more of! He has such a filthy mouth and knows how to use it 🥵
January 4, 2026
This novella is hot! Mafia romance at its finest! Dude!
January 10, 2026
The prequel to Until Death that introduces us to the characters. I liked.
June 12, 2026
Short & spicy just what I needed
January 11, 2026
Heads or tails?
4 ⭐️
4 🌶
Aiden and Catriona’s chemistry is lethal. This prequel novella is fast, filthy, and total perfection. 🔥
Aiden is the kind of man who will have you begging on your knees at the flip of a coin - and I’d gladly let him call the shots every time. Team Aiden & Catriona forever. 🔥
Now excuse me, while I go spread those pages 🤌🏻
4 ⭐️
4 🌶
Aiden and Catriona’s chemistry is lethal. This prequel novella is fast, filthy, and total perfection. 🔥
Aiden is the kind of man who will have you begging on your knees at the flip of a coin - and I’d gladly let him call the shots every time. Team Aiden & Catriona forever. 🔥
Now excuse me, while I go spread those pages 🤌🏻
December 31, 2025
So much potential …. The story started out with a great deal of potential but failed miserably. After a couple of chapters of cat and mouse it wound up nothing more of sex - no content what so ever. I mean if I just wanted to read porn I would.
January 8, 2026
ℝ𝕖𝕧𝕚𝕖𝕨 ʕ•ᴥ•ʔ
ℝ𝕒𝕥𝕚𝕟𝕘𝕤 - 𝟝 ⭐️ & 𝟛 🌶️
ℚ𝕦𝕠𝕥𝕖𝕤:
📱 “See how sweet you are after your punishment? How do you behave? Imagine how you’ll feel after a night of it? After I make you come dozens of times. By the time the sun rises, I’ll have had you screaming for so long you’ll be begging to tell me what you’re doing here. That’s when we’ll be done. When I know the thought of my face will make you hesitate before coming back. I don’t trust a damn word out of your mouth, but I can trust that.”
📱 “Run as fast as you can because if I catch you, I’ll punish you in ways that’ll make the devil blush,”
📱 “Why did you have to be so fuckin’ perfect?”
📱 I may not be able to have her, but I’ll hunt her down along with her father. Because like I told her… There’s nowhere she can run where I won’t find her.
ℝ𝕖𝕧𝕚𝕖𝕨:
This is the novel that opens the series Queenmakers, and I must say, it is a spicy one.
The FMC goes to the MMC’s party with a clear goal in mind, to retrieve her deceased mother’s cellphone. And why would her mother’s phone be in the MMC’s house? Because just a few months ago, it was her family house. Something happened, and now it belongs to him.
She sneaks into the party uninvited, makes her way upstairs to what used to be her mother’s room, and manages to retrieve the phone. But then she hears noises coming toward the room and has no choice but to hide.
From her hiding spot, she discovers that the MMC is not who she thought he was. He is a criminal, and she becomes the witness to a murder he commits.
When she believes it is finally safe to leave, she comes face to face with Aiden. Desperate to stay alive, she makes him a deal, a dice deal. If the roll is odd, he lets her go without questions. If it is even, she belongs to him to do with as he pleases until morning.
And of course, it is even. 😂
After that, you can probably imagine what happens next, and I must say, it was delicious. 🫦
ℝ𝕒𝕥𝕚𝕟𝕘𝕤 - 𝟝 ⭐️ & 𝟛 🌶️
ℚ𝕦𝕠𝕥𝕖𝕤:
📱 “See how sweet you are after your punishment? How do you behave? Imagine how you’ll feel after a night of it? After I make you come dozens of times. By the time the sun rises, I’ll have had you screaming for so long you’ll be begging to tell me what you’re doing here. That’s when we’ll be done. When I know the thought of my face will make you hesitate before coming back. I don’t trust a damn word out of your mouth, but I can trust that.”
📱 “Run as fast as you can because if I catch you, I’ll punish you in ways that’ll make the devil blush,”
📱 “Why did you have to be so fuckin’ perfect?”
📱 I may not be able to have her, but I’ll hunt her down along with her father. Because like I told her… There’s nowhere she can run where I won’t find her.
ℝ𝕖𝕧𝕚𝕖𝕨:
This is the novel that opens the series Queenmakers, and I must say, it is a spicy one.
The FMC goes to the MMC’s party with a clear goal in mind, to retrieve her deceased mother’s cellphone. And why would her mother’s phone be in the MMC’s house? Because just a few months ago, it was her family house. Something happened, and now it belongs to him.
She sneaks into the party uninvited, makes her way upstairs to what used to be her mother’s room, and manages to retrieve the phone. But then she hears noises coming toward the room and has no choice but to hide.
From her hiding spot, she discovers that the MMC is not who she thought he was. He is a criminal, and she becomes the witness to a murder he commits.
When she believes it is finally safe to leave, she comes face to face with Aiden. Desperate to stay alive, she makes him a deal, a dice deal. If the roll is odd, he lets her go without questions. If it is even, she belongs to him to do with as he pleases until morning.
And of course, it is even. 😂
After that, you can probably imagine what happens next, and I must say, it was delicious. 🫦
May 22, 2026
WOW. i was in the mood for a quick "hook me" read and this delivered. this is a fast paced, MF organized crime story. there's open door romance, masked men, guns in places guns shouldn't be and naturally, an obsessive lead.. but who is actually obsessed? heh.
catriona and aiden are our morally grey leads, one wanting to protect the family, the other has motives that are not quite clear.
quick read, spice, banter, and the mob? meh, i'm sold.
catriona and aiden are our morally grey leads, one wanting to protect the family, the other has motives that are not quite clear.
quick read, spice, banter, and the mob? meh, i'm sold.
June 28, 2026
I'm kinda confused on what punishment is in these type of books, cus how is giving pleasure to somebody with some foreplay is punishment, is just extending the time and not really punishing. A punishmdnt especially from Mafia men should be something that will make the person regret doing what they did, but for this books in a more twisted and enjoyable way that does not involve intercourse, cus EVERY Single punishment is sex and is just repetitive. All books put nice sex as a form of punishment and is confusing, and is just copying and pasting the same thing over and over for all book not just this one,and other authors too.
But othet than that this introduction is short and simple and kinda fun but a little confusing, but with enough hint that gives the morLe to read the book Until Death. Although is not necessary, but if somebody likes to know all parts and sides of the story is nice and useful.
But othet than that this introduction is short and simple and kinda fun but a little confusing, but with enough hint that gives the morLe to read the book Until Death. Although is not necessary, but if somebody likes to know all parts and sides of the story is nice and useful.
January 7, 2026
I red toxic by Nicole and loved it!! So when I seen she had another book coming out that was Irish mafia I couldn’t not get my hands on this too!! What an amazing story the plot twist was amazing the storyline was perfect and my god the spice!!! All around amazing because who doesn’t love a blonde sexy Irish mafia man! I loved their chemistry and their banter it was everything. Catriona and her stubbornness killed me haha I think between her and Aiden they both didn’t know what they were getting into with each other it was so funny watching them go back and forth. Deep down they both knew their feelings that they didn’t wanna admit was there was more powerful then anything this was a great story and I’m so happy I could have red it early!!!
July 8, 2026
This is how you introduce a series. This is how you captivate with a novella. This is how you write spice. This is how you do dark romance.
Little Death by Nicole Blanchard is the perfect prequel—short, addictive, and impossible to put down. It gives you just enough to leave you desperate for more without ever feeling incomplete.
The spice? Incredibly well written. Every scene builds the tension instead of interrupting it, making the chemistry feel even more electric.
And then there’s the MMC…
A morally black man chasing the FMC through his house with a grin after she clocks him with a golf club?
…Yeah. Consider me fully invested. 🖤
If this novella is any indication of what’s coming next, I already know I’m in for one wild ride. I cannot wait to dive into the rest of this series.
Little Death by Nicole Blanchard is the perfect prequel—short, addictive, and impossible to put down. It gives you just enough to leave you desperate for more without ever feeling incomplete.
The spice? Incredibly well written. Every scene builds the tension instead of interrupting it, making the chemistry feel even more electric.
And then there’s the MMC…
A morally black man chasing the FMC through his house with a grin after she clocks him with a golf club?
…Yeah. Consider me fully invested. 🖤
If this novella is any indication of what’s coming next, I already know I’m in for one wild ride. I cannot wait to dive into the rest of this series.
January 13, 2026
Catriona(FMC) She blames the Irish billionaire that stole her home! She swears that her death was not supposed to happened! She made a bet with Aiden and lost! She made it out but now she is questioning herself and wants him back so bad. She thinks he doesn’t know her but soon she will realize much more soon!
Aiden O’Connor(MMC) Irish millionaire that bought her family home. That he more then someone that bought there home.
He saw her he wanted her the minute he saw her show up to the Gala. He is more than an Irish man he is obsessed with her and now with everything that happened that night he will never let her go! Super spicy 🌶️ 🌶️ 🌶️ 🌶️ 🌶️ lil novella and can’t wait for more!
Aiden O’Connor(MMC) Irish millionaire that bought her family home. That he more then someone that bought there home.
He saw her he wanted her the minute he saw her show up to the Gala. He is more than an Irish man he is obsessed with her and now with everything that happened that night he will never let her go! Super spicy 🌶️ 🌶️ 🌶️ 🌶️ 🌶️ lil novella and can’t wait for more!
March 22, 2026
Little Death 4.5⭐️ prequel novella
MMC Aiden O’Connor
FMC Catriona Gallagher
❤️Tropes: Irish m0b, morally grey MMC, primal play, sp@nking, pierced 🍆 , 🔫 play, he’s obsessed with her, one-night stand
📍Setting: New Orleans
💁POV: first person, dual
🖤Darkness level: 3/5
🌶️Spice 4.5/5
📚Plot 4/5
🌎World building 5/5
⚠️Triggers: parental d3ath, mention of su!cide, rough smex, vi0lence, murd3r
This prequel novella was SO 🔥🔥🔥
SERIOUSLY.
It really starts off with a bang, Catriona is looking for clues relating to her mother’s d3ath, so she breaks into her old house - Aiden O’Connor’s mansion during a fundraising Halloween masquerade party. Of course she gets caught by a psych0path- because that’s how every dark romance meet cute happens? 🤪
Seriously so much dark romance spice. 🥵 I’m jumping immediately to “Until D3ath” 🏃♀️ 🙌
Some minor editing problems, but honestly, I don’t even care, this book was so 🔥🔥🔥🥰
MMC Aiden O’Connor
FMC Catriona Gallagher
❤️Tropes: Irish m0b, morally grey MMC, primal play, sp@nking, pierced 🍆 , 🔫 play, he’s obsessed with her, one-night stand
📍Setting: New Orleans
💁POV: first person, dual
🖤Darkness level: 3/5
🌶️Spice 4.5/5
📚Plot 4/5
🌎World building 5/5
⚠️Triggers: parental d3ath, mention of su!cide, rough smex, vi0lence, murd3r
This prequel novella was SO 🔥🔥🔥
SERIOUSLY.
It really starts off with a bang, Catriona is looking for clues relating to her mother’s d3ath, so she breaks into her old house - Aiden O’Connor’s mansion during a fundraising Halloween masquerade party. Of course she gets caught by a psych0path- because that’s how every dark romance meet cute happens? 🤪
Seriously so much dark romance spice. 🥵 I’m jumping immediately to “Until D3ath” 🏃♀️ 🙌
Some minor editing problems, but honestly, I don’t even care, this book was so 🔥🔥🔥🥰
January 3, 2026
Spicy and intriguing
I read Little Death as it explains how our main characters meet, as Until Death continues their story.
Catriona attends a masked fundraiser at a house where she used to live, hosted by Aiden. This story ends without answering any questions... what really happened to her mom, is the most important. Now I am wondering what we will discover as we move on to Until Death.
Okay so I must know what happens next!!
I refuse to say more as it could spoil the experience of others.
Little Death is my intro to Nicole Blanchard, and I could not be happier!!
I read Little Death as it explains how our main characters meet, as Until Death continues their story.
Catriona attends a masked fundraiser at a house where she used to live, hosted by Aiden. This story ends without answering any questions... what really happened to her mom, is the most important. Now I am wondering what we will discover as we move on to Until Death.
Okay so I must know what happens next!!
I refuse to say more as it could spoil the experience of others.
Little Death is my intro to Nicole Blanchard, and I could not be happier!!
January 6, 2026
Little Death
Aiden O’Connor is a very handsome man in a very messy “career”. Catriona Gallagher is messed up from her mother’s suspicious death. When she sneaks into her old home to look for her mother’s phone Aiden catches her trying to escape. This is the definition of a dark romance that I couldn’t put down…onto “Little Death” which I cannot wait to read. I have to know what happens next!
Aiden O’Connor is a very handsome man in a very messy “career”. Catriona Gallagher is messed up from her mother’s suspicious death. When she sneaks into her old home to look for her mother’s phone Aiden catches her trying to escape. This is the definition of a dark romance that I couldn’t put down…onto “Little Death” which I cannot wait to read. I have to know what happens next!
January 29, 2026
The Plot in a Nutshell
The story follows Catriona, a woman who crashes a high-stakes masquerade party at her childhood home (now owned by a mysterious billionaire) to find answers about her mother’s suspicious death
She gets caught by Aiden O’Connor, an enigmatic and dangerous enforcer for the Irish Mafia. Instead of turning her in, he makes her a "wager" that binds them together for a night of obsession and psychological games and lots of spice
The story follows Catriona, a woman who crashes a high-stakes masquerade party at her childhood home (now owned by a mysterious billionaire) to find answers about her mother’s suspicious death
She gets caught by Aiden O’Connor, an enigmatic and dangerous enforcer for the Irish Mafia. Instead of turning her in, he makes her a "wager" that binds them together for a night of obsession and psychological games and lots of spice
February 17, 2026
I read this book because I received the 2nd book, Until Death, as an ARC and wanted to read this one first. An extremely short/quick read. The story takes place over just 2 days. If you’re into dark mafia romance, this is definitely your book. Triggers warnings: talks of suicide/loss of a parent, murder, pierced MMC, psychological manipulation/gun play/mask play/graphic intimate content. Not a read for the innocent. 😇
April 19, 2026
This just wasn’t my cup of tea. I understand it’s a prequel novella, but it didn’t do much to make me care about the characters or invest in their story. If you’re looking for something primarily focused on spice (with heavy trigger warnings noted at the beginning), this may work for you. However, if you’re hoping for a strong plot or character development, this likely isn’t it. It was a quick, entertaining read for what it is, but I don’t plan to continue the series.
May 26, 2026
took a minute
It took a bit to get into. I actually didn’t like the characters at first they felt very shallow like they didn’t have depth or dimension. Probably 60% through I began to actually care about them especially Aiden. Don’t know why but I’m a sucker for a bad boy who isn’t just a bad boy. Read at your own risk just know it took a minute till you get dropped off the edge of the cliff
It took a bit to get into. I actually didn’t like the characters at first they felt very shallow like they didn’t have depth or dimension. Probably 60% through I began to actually care about them especially Aiden. Don’t know why but I’m a sucker for a bad boy who isn’t just a bad boy. Read at your own risk just know it took a minute till you get dropped off the edge of the cliff
January 11, 2026
I read this before reading Until Death, as this was the prequel. It explains how the main characters, Aiden and Catriona met for the first time. I’d say it helped me see the build up of the relationship between them and explain how their paths crossed. Short and spicy but worth the read. I give this book a 3.5 out of 5 stars.
January 23, 2026
Little Death is small prequel to Until Death. It gives you the first interaction between Catriona (MFC) and Aiden (MMC). Man it was a INTERACTION for sure! Full of spicy actions from chapter 2 till the end.
Read your triggers!
Hope Aiden entices you to be his good pet and act accordingly or else.....😉
Read your triggers!
Hope Aiden entices you to be his good pet and act accordingly or else.....😉
January 28, 2026
This is just a prequel novel and I am honestly so excited to read the actual novel that goes along with it. This story left a lot as a mystery. I also just loved the characters. They are both so stubborn and I love how they butt heads in this story. Absolutely so fun. Could not get enough.
I would definitely read this again and I am so so excited to read the full novel that follows.
I would definitely read this again and I am so so excited to read the full novel that follows.
March 20, 2026
Scorching
Little Death is a damn hot, scorching read. The book is spy-cee!! Aiden is one hot man. He knows what to do and how to do it. Catriona makes a mistake and catches Aiden's attention. The ride after that is 🥵. Fantastic cliffhanger in book 1. I can't wait to read book 2. Thank you Nicole for a great start to the Queenmakers series!
Little Death is a damn hot, scorching read. The book is spy-cee!! Aiden is one hot man. He knows what to do and how to do it. Catriona makes a mistake and catches Aiden's attention. The ride after that is 🥵. Fantastic cliffhanger in book 1. I can't wait to read book 2. Thank you Nicole for a great start to the Queenmakers series!
April 7, 2026
This! Just finished Little Death by Nicole Blanchard and wow… this one is not for the faint of heart.
The obsession, control, the hunt! Could not put it down! .
The adrenaline of the FMC not getting caught by the person possibly responsible for murdering her mom 😳
The banter the chasing , all of it! This is what pulls you in!!
⚠️ Definitely check trigger warnings before going in—this is a darker, edgier read. With a determined FMC and dominant MMC🥵
Overall: 5 ⭐️🌶️🌶️🌶️🥵🌶️
Dark, chaotic,
#BookReview #DarkRomance #NicoleBlanchard
The obsession, control, the hunt! Could not put it down! .
The adrenaline of the FMC not getting caught by the person possibly responsible for murdering her mom 😳
The banter the chasing , all of it! This is what pulls you in!!
⚠️ Definitely check trigger warnings before going in—this is a darker, edgier read. With a determined FMC and dominant MMC🥵
Overall: 5 ⭐️🌶️🌶️🌶️🥵🌶️
Dark, chaotic,
#BookReview #DarkRomance #NicoleBlanchard
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 18, 2026
Hot and short
I didn't find anything dark about this at all. Majority of mafia-ish books have murder, so that isn't really "dark". There was some slap and tickle, but nothing either didn't really want, so again, not dark.
I will read the book, because I didn't notice this was only a novella and I have questions.
I didn't find anything dark about this at all. Majority of mafia-ish books have murder, so that isn't really "dark". There was some slap and tickle, but nothing either didn't really want, so again, not dark.
I will read the book, because I didn't notice this was only a novella and I have questions.
June 26, 2026
If you like DARK romance it's for you
This is a smutty, really dark, books this could be for you. I mean Hunting Adeline shades of dark! Nicole Blanchard has outdone herself. This made for a sexy afternoon in the hammock. Tell the hubby to make dinner because you'll want to finish this one.
This is a smutty, really dark, books this could be for you. I mean Hunting Adeline shades of dark! Nicole Blanchard has outdone herself. This made for a sexy afternoon in the hammock. Tell the hubby to make dinner because you'll want to finish this one.
January 4, 2026
This spicy dark romance pulled me in immediately. The story wastes no time setting a dangerous tone, layering secrets and suspense that kept me glued to every page. The tension builds nicely with the mystery, and with just the right amount of darkness and heat.
January 26, 2026
holy molybdenum
Aiden is a billionaire from Ireland. He is wining and dining for a fundraiser. He runs into a Catriona who is trying to solve how her mom died. Aiden bought her mom’s old house and finds Cat snooping in a room. It’s a hot fast meeting but now he wants more.
Aiden is a billionaire from Ireland. He is wining and dining for a fundraiser. He runs into a Catriona who is trying to solve how her mom died. Aiden bought her mom’s old house and finds Cat snooping in a room. It’s a hot fast meeting but now he wants more.
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