What do you think?
Rate this book
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.
- GenresDark Romance
164 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 26, 2025
369 people are currently reading
205 people want to read
About the author
Nicole Blanchard
63 books2,108 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/...
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 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.
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.
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. 🫦
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!!!
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!
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. 😇
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.
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 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.
January 5, 2026
An introduction to something exciting is going to be happening! Can’t wait to see what happens!
January 6, 2026
holy cliffhanger
Quick read to introduce you into a longer version to see how they come together as a couple. Can’t wait for book two
Quick read to introduce you into a longer version to see how they come together as a couple. Can’t wait for book two
January 6, 2026
Loved it
Oo a perfect short prequel to pull you in! Really enjoyed reading this and I can't wait to dive into the Queenmakers Series!
Oo a perfect short prequel to pull you in! Really enjoyed reading this and I can't wait to dive into the Queenmakers Series!
January 8, 2026
Well then…
This might as well have been foreplay and that’s it. I know it’s leading into a larger storyline so I’m excited for it to continue but I am a little skeptical.
This might as well have been foreplay and that’s it. I know it’s leading into a larger storyline so I’m excited for it to continue but I am a little skeptical.
January 10, 2026
3.5 Stars
I loved this little intro story. I can't wait to dig into the real relationship that should come out of this initial meeting, and see what happens with the mystery in the background.
I loved this little intro story. I can't wait to dig into the real relationship that should come out of this initial meeting, and see what happens with the mystery in the background.
January 11, 2026
Well that was fun and I absolutely need more Aiden! Who doesn't love an Irish mafia man!?
January 13, 2026
Wow 👌
Yep this is a cant put down and ends with a cliffhanger. Im in love with Aiden and his obsession.
Yep this is a cant put down and ends with a cliffhanger. Im in love with Aiden and his obsession.
January 14, 2026
Great read ! A great intro to the story and getting a little background on the MMC and FMC !
Loved the spice !!!
Loved the spice !!!
January 18, 2026
Not too much of a story here since it is a novella but it’s good so far. Makes me want to read the next part.
February 7, 2026
Ate this up and left no crumbs. Absolutely loved it, and immediately downloaded Until Death
February 9, 2026
🤭
This was very naughty and I can not wait to read their story.
I’m sure his going to drag her kicking and screaming and she’s going to love every minute 🤭🖤
This was very naughty and I can not wait to read their story.
I’m sure his going to drag her kicking and screaming and she’s going to love every minute 🤭🖤
February 16, 2026
Pure smut (complimentary)
February 16, 2026
Listen… this book was spiceyyyyy. Short and sweet
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 🤌🏻
Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews