UnWholly Night

by Alicia Ramos

Riley Kingston…
The love of my life.
My Protector.
I asked him to retire the mask so we could move on and heal. Rebuild what was stolen from us.
But any sane person knows that keeping him on a leash was next to impossible.

It was only a matter of time…

Little did I know I would become part of his twisted game.
Tonight, we’d bathe in blood and I’d love every minute of it.


*This novella is part of Riley and Maya's duet in the Crestview Cardinals dark hockey universe and can be read as a standalone*


Due to the heavy themes of this story it is for 18+

107 pages, Kindle Edition

Expected publication March 16, 2026

About the author

Alicia is a dark romance author was born and raised in Buffalo NY and spent most of her days as a child reading books and enjoying the outdoors. As the oldest of 5, she enjoys spending time with her family including her Daughter and Australian shepherd.

When she isn't writing you can find her enjoying nature or curling up to a good book. Alicia enjoys being part of the community and being involved with causes such as mental health and domestic violence awareness.

Despite being a fiery Saggitarius she is calm at heart, opting to dig out her telescope and look for worlds far away or lay on the grass letting music speak to her. She travels frequently using her sense of adventure and love of history to research and find inspiration for her writing.

Her hope in writing is for her readers to not only find entertainment but in some cases to find healing and spread awareness within its pages.

Reviews

[Kellysbookishbliss · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love it when king is coming to play.
But don't think this is a sweet game.
This is a game of survival, trauma's and emotions.

And the game doesn't stop, it's just about to start with no limits. I looking forward to the next part of this story.

I love them both, the bond they have and the monsters they share.

read trigger warnings ⚠️

[Camryn · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thank you to Alicia for the ARC! So, I think that I would have liked this book more if I had read the others in this series. When I signed up for this ARC, it was recommended to read the other books in the series beforehand, but not required. The requirements to ARC read this book should be switched so readers are required to read the rest of the series beforehand. Reading it without the context of the previous book meant that I had little to no details about who the characters were, what "trauma" they previously experienced, or honestly, what was going on in general.

In general, I didn't like that the MMC kept putting himself and the FMC in situations that obviously further traumatized her immensely. I don't have any triggers typically or anything that bothers me in dark romance, but the spicy scenes bothered me. Not in a triggering way, but in a way that made me feel like the MMC didn't respect the FMC or understand her soul enough to know that she wasn't comfortable. When he did realize she was uncomfortable, yes he checked on her, but then he continued instead of pivoting to something else.

Again, thank you Alicia for the ARC!

[Athena, the goddess of books · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you, Alicia Ramos, for the wonderful opportunity to read and review this book. I applied because I liked the tropes even though I haven't read anything by this author and I am super glad that I did because I absolutely loved the story. From here I’ll go back to the reading cave to start the rest of the series and see where all started. Your universe is incredible, and now I’m so curious to learn more about all the characters. I hope everyone enjoys this story as much as I did!

As Alicia shares, this is a bonus novella that works as a standalone, though it’s best enjoyed after Unwholly Angels, I haven’t read the previous book yet, and I still thoroughly enjoyed this one because it actually made me curious about the rest of the books.

For me, the story between Maya and Riley was intriguing and loved how Riley was protective of Maya, it also didn't hurt that the story has other key ingredients. I’m looking forward to discovering what else Alicia has in store for us.

[Nicole Marie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Unholly Night is dark, haunting, and beautifully intense from beginning to end. Alicia Ramos delivers a novella that feels both raw and poetic, weaving love, devotion, and danger into something that lingers long after the final page.
The connection between King and Maya is powerful and consuming, built on loyalty, sacrifice, and a bond that refuses to break even in the face of darkness. The atmosphere is rich and almost cinematic, heavy with symbolism and emotion that pulls you deeper with every chapter.
For a novella, it packs a surprising emotional punch. It is gritty yet tender, brutal yet vulnerable. If you love dark romance with gothic undertones and high stakes passion, this one is absolutely worth the read.

[SinfulReadsByV · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was such a tasty little novella, the perfect, delectable addition to King and Maya’s storyline. Can read solo but for the full King effect, read UnWholly Angels so you can fully appreciate everything.
King has a certain way he loves to play, and I am absolutely here for it. He always has his tricks… and Maya? She’s the best kind of treat. Their dynamic just works so well.
And those last few pages? I was in a full chokehold. How much longer until book two?! 😩
If you loved UnWholly Angels, you’ll devour this steamy, slightly crazy appetizer while we wait (impatiently) for what’s next. What a night this was!

*Revenge
*Novella
*Hide & Seek
*Edging
*Masked MMC
*Hockey elements
*Unhinged MC's

[Mags · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a bonus story for Maya and Riley . Although it says it's a bonus story that can be read as a standalone it does make more sense if you have read UnWholly Angel.

Riley / King is looking for revenge of anyone that has hurt Maya and he does it in the kinky way that King loves. He knows when Maya has had enough and when he can push her a little more.

It did take me a minute to remember why Maya was said when Chloe has the kids over. I maybe should have done a re-read to have it fresher in my mind.

I was a little gutted for that kid having to go back to the home especially know what Maya and Riley had been through there. I really hope that in book 3 they can save him and eliminate the Rocco size pest problem once and for all.

[Bonnie James · Rating 4 out of 5]

UnWholly Night is the bloody, chaotic little follow up I was hanging out for after UnWholly Angels. We’re straight back in with Riley and Maya and the revenge vibes are instant. The who did this to you energy? Unmatched. Riley keeping the mask on and going full unhinged protector mode was everything. I was literally cheering.
Their chemistry is still electric. Trauma bonded, messy, obsessed in the best way. It’s raw, it’s hot, it’s very touch her and die, but there’s also genuine healing woven through it which I loved. The hockey world is still there in the background, keeping that Crestview feel alive, but this one is all about them and their dark, twisted devotion.

[Kelsey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Holy cow! This novella was exactly what I needed to get my fill for Maya and Riley before the second book. I absolutely love the history and connection between these two. You can tell they have been through a lot together and are using each other to heal from their past. This definitely has a dark edge to it but in the best way possible. Alicia is the queen of cliff hangers which only makes me more anxious for the second book. I can’t say enough good things about this series so far! This is a must read!

[MaRissa Williams · Rating 4 out of 5]

Recieved as an ARC.

As usual, Alicia never ceases to disappoint me with her books. Her writing is always so great and when I find out she’s about to release something new, I get excited. Especially when it has something to do with Riley and Maya.

This book is very spicy, and it has triggering and some offensive scenes. Please be warned.

I loved this, and can’t wait for more!

[Dawn Smit · Rating 2 out of 5]

Sorry but that was way too confusing for me 🫣

I love a good pitch black romance with stabby revenge plots and pools of blood but I also need the story to make sense and unfortunately this one just didn't do it for me
but ... its a short Novella so no harm in you trying it and seeing if it makes more sense to you

Thank you to the author for the ARC opportunity

[Mallory Holy · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good novella that leaves you wanting the next novel. Maya and Riley have been through the ringer. The way they support each other is really relationship goals (obviously not the dark elements). They will fight for each other and know what the other person needs and provides it without question. Overall I enjoyed this.

[Melissa Keifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

OH my lanta..... Y'all this was the perfect appetizer to have me salivating until we get book 2... Riley and Maya's story is just so fricken Beautifully unhinged and this dang cliffhanger we're left on Alicia hurry and get that book in my hands

⚠️ CHECK YOUR TRIGGERS this does touch on some very dark subjects ⚠️

[Faiza BEGUM · Rating 4 out of 5]

Okay what was that I just read. I’m totally speechless 😭.

Alicia what have you done with me.

I definitely need more of Riley and Mya. They are so unhinged and crazy for each other. And the spice damn 🥵.

[Kalene · Rating 5 out of 5]

wow what a novella my poor emotions on this one were everywhere but in all the best ways!!! I love King and Maya they were so amazing and learning more about them gave some more insight into their lives

[Veronica · Rating 5 out of 5]

yasss mam this book was soooo good this spice 🥵 🥵 was sooo good oh my 😌🫣 Riley is that man who would do anything to protect what's his and Mya is girl that ending left me wanting more

[Nini · Rating 3 out of 5]

I got an arc, but my rating/review are my own!

review coming soon...