The Easter Hunt

Brian and Mina's Holiday Hits #1

by Kitty Thomas

Once upon a time, a girl was saved by a monster that lived in a dungeon.

That girl was me. Now my monster's been taken by my worst nightmare.

I should be scared. But all I want is revenge.

Note: This is the first dark contemporary novella in a series of 5 episodic stand-alone stories about Brian and Mina, a couple from the Pleasure House world. Their origin story can be read in Broken Dolls by Kitty Thomas. (Book 2 of the Pleasure House, which can be read as a stand alone.)

Genres: Dark Romance, BDSM, Dark, Novella, Romance, Suspense, Holiday

100 pages, ebook

Published April 14, 2022

About the author

😈 Author of Comfort Food, published in early 2010: The OG (original gangster/the first) Dark Romance 😈

NEW RELEASE:

RUTHLESS DEVOTION: A dark stalker forced marriage romance:

Amazon US: https://www.amazon.com/Ruthless-Devot...

All Links: https://kittythomas.com/book/ruthless...

"If dark romance with obsession, danger, and just the right touch of chaos is your thing, Ruthless Devotion is a must-read. Aidan is intense, unhinged in the best way, and completely fixated on Maddie—yet somehow, you can’t help falling for him.”-Booksnliftsdiary, Goodreads

"Dark, Twisted, and Addictively Compelling.” – Good Booking Girl, Goodreads

"Maddie is strong, she is smart, and I love her. I’ll be honest I was not sure how Kitty Thomas was gonna get me on team Aiden but she did! I can’t wait to read more from this author!” – Katlyn, Goodreads


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Kitty began publishing in early 2010 with her bestselling, COMFORT FOOD.

Thank you for reading!


Kitty ^.^

Reviews

[Cécile Smits · Rating 5 out of 5]

Having the whole story,including all those delicious Holiday Hits,gives me the chance to read Brian and Mina’s story in one go.
Following them on their journey to Valentine,the story that shows exactly how these two have grown along the way.

Welcome to the Pleasure House,it’s só good to be back!
I’d been hoping to be able to return,because there’s one couple that still had it’s….secrets.
You know i’m talking about the House psychopath,Brian and his girl Mina.
From Broken Dolls…..you know that story!!
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

And now Kitty is giving them the floor,and shines the spotlight on these two damaged souls.
With a series of their own,you now have the opportunity to catch up with them.
To find out,in more detail,how their “relationship” works.
And how it evolved into what it is now…..

This first story,The Easter Hunt,forces Mina out of her hidingplace.
Because Brian hasn’t returned home when he said he would.
And the other Masters don’t feel the need to look for him…..
Lucky for Brian,Mina does.
Even if she knows she’s going break every rule he has in place for her.
Because she needs her Master!

Short,brutal and hot,this story has Kitty’s signature all over it,and i loved every second!
Can’t wait for the next to arrive!

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love them 🥹
•one of the hottest, most iconic female rage/revenge scenes.
•he carves “mine” into her skin.

[Kitty Thomas]

The continuing adventures of Brian and Mina from BROKEN DOLLS. You will appreciate this series most if you've read their origin story first. The series (Brian and Mina's Holiday Hits) must be read in order.



THE EASTER HUNT: Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09XY2TQ78/ All other Buy links: https://kittythomas.com/book/the-east...

Blurb:

Once upon a time, a girl was saved by a monster that lived in a dungeon.

That girl was me. Now my monster’s been taken by my worst nightmare.

I should be scared. But all I want is revenge.

Note: This is the first dark contemporary novella in a series of 5 episodic stand-alone stories about Brian and Mina, a couple from the Pleasure House world. Their origin story can be read in Broken Dolls by Kitty Thomas. (Book 2 of the Pleasure House, which can be read as a stand alone.)

BOOK 2 in BRIAN AND MINA'S HOLIDAY HITS: BLOWING THINGS UP, is available now!

[Dar · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well, that was darkly delicious! This back and forth look at Brian and Mina’s life after their relationship is established gives all sorts of insight into their psyches, and it was an interesting place to be. Brian is still in charge but Mina is coming into her own and this episode gives her a chance to flex her newfound power. Mina is a powerhouse here and while Brian relishes it, he does make sure she remembers he is still in charge. Watching this new dynamic emerge was all sorts of sexy, wild, vicious, fun!

[A.M. · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a great quick dark and fun story with Mina and Brian. I would suggest you read Broken dolls to fully enjoy this book as we see the couple dynamics. I love their power exchange now don’t get me wrong Brian is the one in charge but to see glimpses of Mina’s domination was incredible.

[Badh · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mina and Brian are one of my favorite couples ever. They both have such damage that they really aren't functional in the "real" world. The world that they live in gives them a place that works for them.

I am really digging the growth and changes we see in Mina in this. It explains a lot about what we see from her in glimpses of other books. And I really like the new side of her.

Brian is still good old Brian, with all his issues, but we don't actually see much from him in this. Mina is definitely the star, while Brian was her motivation.

Great, quick read. Great addition to the Pleasure House world.

[Amanda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Listened to the audiobook of this as well, Troy Duran & Meg Sylvan didn’t disappoint, they narrated Broken Dolls and were on fire, same perfect chemistry in The Easter Hunt. Can’t wait for the next one of these little episodes to come out.

Freaking amazing!!! I am absolutely loving the bada$$ that Mina has become, she is glorious and I felt like I was experiencing Brian witnessing her ascent into her glory like a butterfly emerging from a cocoon! This was perfect, Brian has always been my fav and their new level of bada$$ery is even better than I had anticipated! Can’t wait for more from my favorite psychos.

[Charlie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This novella was amazing, it was everything I hoped for and more!

I've always loved Brian and Mina, and as much as Brian terrifies me, this book just cemented my love for them both.

I'm super excited to read the upcoming novellas for more adventures with this pair.

*I received an ARC of this book from the author.*

[Jacque · Rating 5 out of 5]

You know that moment when you finish a book and your jaw is just sitting on the floor? That’s me. I’m right there, slack jawed still trying to absorb what I just read. The Easter Hunt, first book Brian and Mina's Holiday Hits by Kitty Thomas is simply… I’m speechless. Okay, I need to say something. GAH! Does that work. GAH!!!!

For those of you new to Kitty Thomas and her Pleasure House series, you need to put this book down and read them first. Go ahead. I’ll wait. AND let me stress, no matter what you heard, you DO need to read all the books, especially to get the full scope of Brian. He is one scary Monster-Forker. Which is why it is surprising that he gets taken. Brian. Taken. Take a minute and try to wrap your brain around that one. Now the woman he saved, Mina, is going to save him. Wait…WHAT?! Save Brian from her worst nightmare no less. 0.o IKR!

To be quite frank, this novella completely blindsided me. I love the duel POVs so we get to experience the full scope of Brian and Mina’s minds and emotions. Mina has certainly come along way. In past books, we have gotten glimpses of her dark side. I’m not even sure Brian knew what lay within her. In The Easter Hunt, she is a force to reckon with. One that deserves a standing ovation. Standing O. Oh. Yeah. 0.o

Can’t wait to see what holiday Brian and Mina descend on next!


Stars: 5
I received this book from the author. I was not compensated for the book other than the entertainment it provided. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Cindi Russell]

How wonderfully fun it was to get another look into Brian and Mina's life together. If you like totally 100% frightening psychos with only minimal redeeming qualities, then Brian is your guy. Trust me, he isn't just a pretend bad guy, he is the real deal. Calling him a sociopath is not strong enough. Mina is completely broken in the beginning of their relationship, but in this book the girl really comes into her own. Just wow. I definitely recommend this novella, and you can read it as is, without reading their previous story in Broken Dolls. There is enough background to catch you up, but I highly recommend reading their first book, as it fills you in more fully on their backgrounds and characters. And you can then really comprehend the unbelievable growth of these two. I never would have through either of them capable of it. Heck, I think you should just read all the Pleasure House books. It is well worth it.

[Buffyanna · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m late to the party, having taken the circuitous route of reading Ruthless Devotion (RD) first. Then reading Broken Dolls (BD), because throughout RD Brian and Mina kept showing up and they were Scary and Badass. It was as if they were written with chocolate on a jasmine vanilla ice cream bar. I was lured like a kitty into a cage and I had to know more about them. In BD, I discovered the more vulnerable sides of these two antiheroes. If Broken Dolls solidified my love for Brian and Mina, Easter Hunt made my love expand tenfold. Prey becomes predator, timid becomes feared, victim becomes protector. It’s transformative. It’s triumphant. I loved it.

[Denise · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just love Kitty’s books. This book is the beginning of a series with the characters Brian and Mina from the Pleasure House books. You can find them in Broken Dolls which is book 2 of the series but do yourself a favor and read the entire series. Brian is still seriously terrifying and scary but now Mina is morphing into something similar. Their relationship is unique and no one understands them but they do fear them. After Brian goes missing for longer than usual, Mina is determined to find him. Brian will be furious if she puts herself in danger but Mina is no longer a scared little woman and is out to prove herself. I love the chemistry between these two and their banter is playful and scary all at once. Brian actually smiles in this book. What is more terrifying than that ;). Enjoy!

[JustALady · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh my gosh! I love this book. It was like sitting down with old friends and catching up! Except better. Brian and Mina were one of my favorite from the Pleasure House series.

I know, I know, you are asking if I am crazy. I mean … we are not supposed to think of Brian as our favorite! Right?

But how can I not! When he is with Mina he is pertinent! I love him and her together so much.

Ok so if you are still wondering if I like the book? No. I LOVE the book. I am so excited this is only part one and that there will be more. I plan on reading everyone of them!

Thanks Kitty! You did an amazing job!

[Melanie]

This is a fun short story about Brian and Mina from the Pleasure House series. This story can be read without having read any of the Pleasure House series books, but I think that people who've read that series, specifically Brian and Mina's full-length book Broken Dolls. Just an FYI, the Pleasure House books can each be read individually, so you don't have to read them in order.

If you've never read Kitty Thomas, this is a great story to introduce you to the dark and twisted worlds that she creates. I've always enjoyed her work and this story is no exception.

This story does have a bit of an Easter theme, but not a lot. Mostly Mina is sent on an "Easter Egg" hunt as she searches for eggs that will lead her to Brian who has been taken. I do like seeing Mina really come out of her shell.

The Easter Hunt is told from both Mina and Brian's POV.

**I received a free copy of this book and voluntarily chose to review it. My comments and thoughts are my own.

[Jackie Moore · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was so excited to see Brian and Mina get more stories. I was also super happy to find out you get to see how things end up changing for them both. You finally find out how Mina got to be so trusted by Brian and I love how everything plays out. This was a shorter one being a novella, but still had so much going on and now I'm excited for the rest of the series even more then I was before! And I also really love that the author gives Mina more then she had before. These 2 are probably my favorite from there original series, so I love that there is more!

[tasha ~ · Rating 5 out of 5]

if you’re a fan of brian and mina from the pleasure house series (and if you haven’t read them, why not?!) then you’ll want to read this!

they were definitely my favourite and ive been dying to hear more about their story and what happened after the events in the pleasure house. i was not disappointed and ive fallen even more in love with the two of them. a great lil’ book that i couldn’t put down once i started.

[Karin Gesell · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the first novella in the Brian & Mina series and what a ride it was! Brian & Mina are from the Pleasure House series (Broken Dolls is their book), and here is where you get to see Mina’s change from a scared young lady to the bad a%% lady she turned out to be. Getting to see that transformation and why was very cool, and I cannot wait for the next one!

[Ashley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Um hello there. Now I think Mina might be my favourite character of all time!!!!!!!! She has come into herself and turned into one amazing character and I just can't wait to read the rest of these in the series. Their book will forever be one of my favs in the pleasure house world - Brian is a terrible human but also not .. damn these bad boys - also .. badass chicks should always save the day.

[Najah Parker · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mina 2.0

I love this new side to Mina, she’s such a badass. Her and Brian are even more of a perfect couple now. This was such a fun novella and could only be better if it was longer (that’s always my complaint because I can never get enough).

[Louise H's Book Thoughts · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you're not aware you need to have read Broken Dolls, which is where we first meet Brian and Mena. I do highly recommend both that book and this to all those who love well written, character-driven, dark erotic romance. Theirs is a complex relationship, their FB status, if they had one, would most assuredly read "it's complicated" and even that would be an understatement. It's unconventional, it's not love as we understand it but it's perfect for these two broken souls "clinging to each other at sea on a raft that would never reach land" . Without all the background on this pair, you really won't get much from this short story.


My review of Broken Dolls can be found here.


So let's get onto talking about The Easter Hunt, which is a quick-to-read novella that I couldn't put down. It's not often I award 5 stars to such a short read, but I guess this had the advantage of me already knowing this couple, their demons and their motivations. I also understand the world in which they exist, which is touched on briefly here.


It's difficult to say anything without giving away spoilers, however, if you've read later books in the Pleasure House series you will know that the Mina in book #2 is very different to the Mina in later books. The Easter Hunt allows us to directly experience that first step into a new status quo that I like to think of as "Brina" - just don't let Brian know I said that, I don't think I could handle any time in his dungeon!

[Christine Morgan]

This book was short and sweet but oh so good! I loved seeing Mina and Brian again! It was fun to see a little glimpse into their sordid lives and find out what's going on with them. I don't want to give anything away but both Mina and Brian are badass and sexy as hell. No one can go up against them without regretting it. I really liked that we can see their relationship grow and evolve into something new that bonds them even more than before. A really great read!

[Kelly_Reads_Books · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have been anxiously waiting for more about Brian and Mina’s story and Kitty gave a spectacular glimpse into their bizarre relationship. It was a glorious Easter Hunt, with Mina finding her way and bringing forth her inner self. This couple are perfect together, they complete one another. I can’t wait for more about them!

[Ginger · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am seriously in love with Mina!

I love how Mina completely steals the show! She becomes a total bad ass without taking one thing away from the monster who owns her. This was my favorite novella this year. I will be rereading it again and hoping we get more shorts stories on the outside activities of Mina and Brian!

[Dana · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brian is the most strangely irresistible character

I love the Pleasure House series, but Brian is the only man in it I just want more and more and more of! The next novella in this miniseries can't come quickly enough.

[BooksForDays · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you're a Brian and Mina fan then you were just as freaking happy as I was for this book!!!!! And if you haven't read any of Kitty Thomas's books then you will be after you read this book because it is so good!! I recommend to read her books in order, but if you don't want to wait to start reading the books in order then at least read Broken Dolls before reading this just so you can see their story together from the beginning. :)

I loved being welcomed back into the Pleasure House and GOD does it feel good to be back!! Kitty has outdone herself YET AGAIN! But come on don't tell me you're surprised?

Brian went out on personal business, but when he doesn't come back when he told Mina he would she gets worried that something has happened to him. None of the other owners seem to care that he hasn't came back when he said he would, but it's all good because he has Mina and she is more than enough to keep her man safe and bring him back to her. Despite knowing she will be punished for doing what she is about to do, she will do anything for Brian and protect him at all costs.. even if it means breaking a few rules.. because THIS *points between Brian and Mina* is true love.. despite what they both say. Just because their love isn't the typical love between regular people doesn't mean it isn't true love.

Mina has changed ever since that unfortunate incident with Matsumoto in Broken Dolls. She is stronger, darker(in a good way), and just a freaking badass. She'd do anything to protect Brian, but that was something she'd do even before she changed... BUT what's different is that now she isn't afraid of putting people in their place if they do her and Brian wrong. She can hurt people and do the darkest things to people who try to come between her and Brian and she isn't scared one bit, nor will she feel guilty about it. I LOVED seeing their relationship evolve in this book!! Brian is blown away and shook by this new Mina in front of him and he loves every bit of it and is so proud of her.. she has truly come a long way and I am also so freaking proud of her!! Brian may be her Master, but at the same time she is truly Brian's equal, his one and only, just like he is for her. Anyways, this book was amazing and I can't wait to read more of Brian and Mina.. I don't know how I am going to survive until the next book! Their relationship is truly something else and it is ADDICTING and so special!

[Alisha Rowe · Rating 5 out of 5]

This review was originally posted at https://tinyurl.com/kw6uzshb.











I have been in the basement with the monster for so long that the outside world is more of a concept. Now my monster has been taken by my worst nightmare. I must play his game to find him. I should be scared after everything he put me through, but I’m not. Now, it’s my turn for revenge.
Mina has been with Brian for quite some time now. He is the only one that makes her feel safe after the abuse she went through. She keeps to his basement in the Pleasure House and never leaves the grounds. Can’t in fact with her bindings that keep her safe. But when Brian’s newest job for the house leaves him missing she is the only one who is worried.

When a letter arrives telling her to follow the clues to find her man or leave him to die she will find him all right. And make sure this nightmare from her past never haunts her again.

This is not my first Kitty Thomas book. She seems to have a thing for Stockholm Syndrome in her books. When I read Comfort Food I didn’t get the draw, but now that is a book I truly enjoy and still think of fondly. I really need to go back and re-read it now that I like the darker reads.

This is a quick read, but no less exciting. There is only 1 sex scene, so there wasn’t a lot of spice. You won’t miss it though with a fast paced and exciting plot leading up to a bloody and satisfying ending. I look forward to more by this author in the future and can’t wait to find out all the details about Brian and Mira as it hints they get a larger book.

🖤 You’ll love this book if you enjoy:
Dark romance with morally gray (or morally black) characters
Captive/captor dynamics and psychological tension
Stockholm Syndrome–style relationships
Trauma bonds and twisted devotion
Revenge arcs with a violent edge
Plot-driven dark romance with limited spice
Short, intense reads you can devour in one sitting
If you’re drawn to dark psychological romance that explores obsession, captivity, and the blurred line between monster and protector, this one delivers a sharp, fast, and haunting experience.

[Luna Crowe · Rating 5 out of 5]

The dynamic that Brian and Mina have speaks to me on a different level. They are both broken each in seperate ways but neither of them considers that a bad thing. Their broken pieces come together in a way and create a perfect whole as if the story of creation was true and we each were once two but were cleaved in half. I like how while you originally think that the bad guy survived the original story of the duo its actually his son. I am a bit upset that his actions were soley based on a loss of an asset rather than revenge but honestly it doesn't really matter in terms of the story as a whole. I love that when she swoops in to rescue Brian he is concerned and also angry. I love that Mina was able to be comfortable enough to have a more intimate experience with Brian it shows healing for her character as well as part of the descent into darkness her character is taking. I love that her and Brian in a way keep somewhat of the original relationship roles I love the secrecy in the middle of the night it had at the end. I am extremely looking forward to the next holiday edition of this mini series.

[Hanan · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Easter Hunt is a quick read, that lacks for absolutely nothing.
Do not let the title fool you. This novella is dark and dirty.
Yeah I loved it!
Mina comes into her own here. She has blossomed and bloomed into no one’s prey.
She’s what evil men and conditions as turned her into.
A fierce woman that is ready to do battle to the death.
I absolutely adorned this Phoenix that has raised from the ashes.
Brian has been to hell and back. Nothing surprises him anymore.
But this dangerous ruthless man is in for the shock of his life.
I kept guessing how he would take it and what he would do.
I loved how everything played out.
Well done Ms. Thomas!
I must say the writing is impeccable. The words the author strings together are impactful and dynamic. I was hanging on to each word I was reading. Trying to savor each one.
While still trying to read as fast as possible to get to the next page.
Also Brian and Mina are a powerhouse couple. Not in the traditional sense.
But what befits their world and their dynamics.
Looking forward to what else the author and this couple have in store for us!
**4.5 tantalizing stars**

[Samantha · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.75

I really enjoyed Brian saving mina from Matsumoto and I really like that Brian and mina get each other since they both have a dark past and scars and very spicy between Brian and mina and Mina is part of a kink house and love that Mina gets revenge on Matsumoto for what he did to her and Mina saves Brian and Brian is a assassin for his job and I like that there relationship is different to the other ones in the kink house like the girls calls the men master or sir. I really like that Mina talks about her story before Brian saved her and what happened to her and I don’t like Lynsey at all or Matsumoto and love that Mina kills Matsumoto herself and I liked that this was like a Easter hunt but darker version and killings going on. And I liked that Brian and Mina switched rolls with Mina saving Brian instead and I really like this short dark Easter hunt spicy romance

Spicy
Dual PoV
Read as en ebook
Under 90 pages
Kink club and some triggers

[Annica ⚡️ annica_reads_books ⚡️ · Rating 5 out of 5]

Audiobook Review

Narrators: Troy Duran and Meg Sylvan
Narration Style: Duet
Length: 2 hr, 26 min
Listening Speed: 1.1x

The Easter Hunt is a sequel novella to Kitty Thomas's book Broken Dolls. Broken Dolls doesn't end feeling like a romance, but the novellas in the "Brian and Mina's Holiday Hits" collection show off their HEA. I was able to listen to The Easter Hunt, and I had a great time! I loved Brian and Mina's character growth and how Mina is coming into her own.