O Deadly Night: Volume 2: A Dark MM Charity Anthology

by Faith Ryan

O Deadly Night is back, and this time the happiest season of all is hiding even more secrets.

So you better watch out. I’ll tell you why. The lights don’t twinkle as bright where the villains hide. And there’s no comfort and joy to be found in the darkness, even if it is the holiday season.

Join several dark MM authors as they once again explore the darker half of the holidays while also spreading cheer and support to LGBTQ youth.

*O Deadly Night Volume 2 is a Dark MM anthology with all proceeds to be donated to It Gets Better with a foreword from Mozzarus Scout, organizer's note by Faith Ryan, and featuring stories by:

Alex J. Adams – Prelude to Madness
Sean Azinsalt – Slaying Klause
Bey Deckard – Santa’s Workshop
Abrianna Denae – All I Claim
Elouise R. East – Stronger Together
M.J. Green – Ave Fucking Maria
K.L. Hiers – Here Comes Santer Claus
Alexis Jane – The Gift
Briar Keraney – Deck the Halls with Vengeance
Leigh Kenzie – Soldatino
Davidson King – Silent Knight
Reese Knightley – Hawk
Duckie Mack – He Sees You When You’re Sleeping
R. Phoenix & Adara Wolf – Expectations
Jack L. Pyke – Slay Bells Ring
Remi Varlow – It’s a Wonderful Death

Genres: Anthologies, Dark, M M Romance, Dark Romance, Holiday, LGBT, Horror

792 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 14, 2023

About the author

Faith Ryan is a mother to three, yes three, teenagers. She lives in a small town in Ohio and is a weirdo to the max. She is in love with love of all kinds, especially the dark, dirty, and forbidden. Faith's writing almost always includes an element of the LGBT+, typically in the form of MM romance. If you like your stories a bit unconventional, you're looking in the right place.

Unconventional love stories because love doesn’t discriminate.

Reviews

[Bey Deckard]

Coming November 14th in O Deadly Night vol. 2



Santa's Workshop
When two young men are abducted from different towns, imprisoned and forced to suffer the unimaginable at the hands of a madman in a Santa suit, they discover solace in each other’s embrace. But can they find the strength to escape their nightmarish incarceration before it’s too late?

CWs: Amputation/mutilation, rape (implied/non-detailed)

Pre-order today: https://mybook.to/ODN2

[Jack Pyke]

So, new story, new characters in this dark anthology with my dark Xmas short story in this anthology:



Slay Bells Ring.

Blurb

Rush mostly passes through life unnoticed, so the 8:00 p.m. curfew shutting down festive streets across the UK has no meaning in his displaced world. He sold his phone to drown the Christmas blues anyway. But when a fall off his mountain bike forces him into the path of ex-lover Carter, missed time never becomes more paramount. There’s a twisted killer on the loose, one who has a kink for couples, and Rush and Carter are now the outstanding collectible: the exes.

It's a dark one indeed. Tongues will be wagging, lol....

https://static.wixstatic.com/media/11...

[Lilly [Hiatus due to School] · Rating 4 out of 5]

O Deadly Night was a lovely collection of dark stories for a great cause! There were a few stand-out stories, and two I especially enjoyed were:

Santa’s Workshop by Bey Deckard

This story stood out for how dark and twisted it was! Please do mind TWs because there are some disturbing scenes. It was dark but had some sweet scenes as our two characters tried to survive and escape - while falling for one another. It felt like a horror story and would love to see more like this from Bey in the future!

Submit Christmas Prequel by Adara Wolf and R.Phoenix

This story was a peek into Kyran and Silvano, who we meet in Surrender! I loved seeing their history and how they met. Their story -Submit - is shaping up to be another excellent mafia story I’m looking forward to!

[Nadia · Rating 4 out of 5]

▪️Title: Expectations a Submit Christmas Prequel
▪️Author: Adara Wolf & R. Phoenix
-MM Mafia Romance
-Rivals to Lovers
-Chance meeting
▪️Thoughts:
The prequel for Submit really drew me in the chemistry between these two characters, Kyran and Silvano, will be very interesting to read about in the future. They are both men who are involved in the mafia and to complicate things they're rivals. Kyran craves to submit to someone and Silvano can't help but want his submission.
After a night in a BDSM club they both think they wouldn't see each other again. What they didn't expect was for destiny to place them at the same bank at the time of a robery. They use this excuse to work together where Silvano craves domination and Kyran can't help but fall to his knees and submit once again.
This is a dark romance so this story does contain TWs for readers and ends in a HFN because it is set approximately 10 years before the next books following this prequel. Now I really can not wait for Submit to release and know what else Kyran and Silvano have to encounter.

▪️Quotes:
💬 The most striking part of him is those bright blue eyes though. I can’t help but feel a part of me respond to him, because within those blue eyes lies something I recognize on a visceral level.
💬 “Boy. You can call me boy. What should I call you?” “Do you want to call me something special? If not, you can call me Silvano.”

I received this book as an ARC, this is my honest opinion.

[Debra ~~ seriously slacking on her reviews ~~]

Reading Jack L Pyke's contribution - Slay Bells Ring

🎵🎵 Sleigh bells ring, are you listening? 🎵🎵
I hope you are, because it may be your last warning.

Nothing like the holidays to shine a spotlight on old wounds, family dysfunction, the ex you can't forget. Add in a ruthless serial killer and a bit of German winter folklore, and you have Jack L Pyke's contribution to this dark holiday anthology. The scene is set from page one when we're placed in the mind of the killer, and I felt like I was there. Meanwhile, Rush is just trying to survive day by day and, as if being back in his hometown isn't bad enough it only gets worse when his ex, Carter, comes across him at a low point.

There is a lot to unpack in this short. The history between Rush and Carter and their families is so full of love and pain and hurt and I really fell for the two. When the Couples Killer comes calling at their doorstep and Carter's brother, a local police inspector shows up, the tension ratchets up.

Jack Pyke's writing style always pulls me in. It is atmospheric, draws out emotions, and doesn't pull any punches. When the twist came, it added a whole other level of pain.

Will dark revelations destroy what is left between Rush and Carter, or will they forge a new bond? You'll have to read to find out, but it's safe to say that whichever way it goes, this Christmas will be one they will never be able to forget.

*Note that this is a standalone in Jack L Pyke's catalog and a full story. It's not a prequel, sequel or connected to any previous characters.

[Dan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Read silent knight by Davidson King. I really like it, it's a very creative idea of a story an a new concept for Davidson. I found it interesting how the concepts of good and evil were used. It's almost sad this is a short story because it would make such an interesting novel

[Caia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Review of -Expectations- by Adara Wolf & R. Phoenix

5*

Quote:

I’m not going to come out of this unchanged.

—
I’m obsessed with Kyran and Silvano!

It’s been a while I was able to indulge in first time submission, add the forbidden factor as well as the dark mafia topic and you have a wonderful plot 🤩

Especially if the sub is so torn 🫠
The conversations were hot, intense and beautiful!
The kinks, ohhhh the kinks … my heart is melting it was that hot ❤️‍🔥

Bonus: We get a confident smaller Dom and first time Sub who’s a big guy 😫❤️‍🔥✨

Blurb:
Blurb I have a secret. Even though I'm a big bruiser of a man, my fantasies include me being tied up, beaten, and forced to submit. If anybody in my family knew, they'd kill me—because my family is the head of the Winters Mob, and there's no place for gay men here. I get desperate though. One night at a BDSM club will be enough to sustain me... or it would have been, if I hadn't met Silvano. He's elegant, handsome, and completely in charge. I can't get him out of my mind. Too bad his father is the head of the Cresci Family, one of our bitterest rivals. I thought it was just one night of disaster, but a chance encounter at a bank, and a bank heist, has us thrown together again. He radiates domination that makes my knees buckle and has me wanting to obey every word. I don't know how I'll ever go back to my old life ever again. HFN. This story is set approximately 10 years before Surrender and Submit.

CW by authors:

Bdsm, D/s, dubcon, CNC, unsafe sex, bondage, facefucking, dub/noncon gunplay, violence, first time submission, rivals to lovers, chance meeting, small top/big bottom, light humiliation, high heat, instalust

[⭐Toonasa⭐ •Romance Book Lovers' Haven• · Rating 5 out of 5]

My review for He Sees You When You’re Sleeping by Duckie Mack

Oh boy, this was a enjoyable short story with a fun mix of creepy & sweet. Duckie normally writes cute MM stories and I loved her take on stalker and holidays 😁! I easily read it in one seating, in 1hr.

Chase moves back in his home town to help his mom after her husband died. A lowly job at mall with an asshole boss. Then meets his ex-classmate Archie, who had quite the glow up 🤭. I liked the characters, the past we somewhat find about, the chemistry, sweetness 🥰, how Archie's always there when Chase needs him. That sexy time, whoa 🔥😳 (He's gonna feel it for DAYS).

We get dual POVs, Chase's and his stalker's. That part's so fascinating. I must confess I didn't think voyeurism, when non-con, will be hot but it is (I love this kink in books!). The story threw some curve balls making me question who could be the stalker but it's pretty obvious which was kinda fun. Stalker got what he wanted, Chase none the wiser lol 😂. And, Santa 🤭.

The ending is good, I'm happy to see Chase & Archie together! If Duckie ever writes a longer version (there's potential! I want to know more about Archie 🤔), I'd totally read it 🥰. Happy to have read this as #ARC, I found this anthology via it!

** #arcHonestReview #AllViewsAreMyOwn **

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[Abstract Reader · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was here for Jack L. Pyke… and it was fab!

I was lucky enough to get an early view via the ARC and boy, was it worth it!

Like with everything Jack L Pyke writes - there is what I call “pure word wizardry”, which in my speech simply means astonishingly good writing. It lures you in, has a right grip on you and spews you out in the end feeling content and your literary needs satisfied.

There is always the brilliant mystery thriller here that we know and love Jack L Pyke for, but what I particularly loved was how the author gets us to fall in love with Rush and Carter pretty much from first sight and how much page turning incredibleness was laid into a short story.

What I also absolutely adored were the plot twists in the end. I will admit it - I did NOT expect that! Brilliantly done. And the German Folklore twisted in? Absolutely superb! Oh and how do I describe Rush’s brother? LOVED him. Makes me twisted? Ah well, what can you do ;)

My only wish - as ever with Jack’s writing - that it was longer. I could have spend hours in this plot-line and with the characters.

Look forward to reading the rest of the stories when the book is officially out in less than a month.

[Amanda Glaeser · Rating 4 out of 5]

Review for Duckie Mack's He Sees You When You’re Sleeping.

If you've ready Duckie's other books, you know that they are sweet stories. This book is definitely on the darker side and I think she did an amazing job.

There were a few times where I thought the stalker was another person because of the way it was written and had an 'ah-ha' moment near the end when it all came together.

I would've loved to see more from Archie's POV. Maybe more backstory about how it started with Chase.

Overall, I enjoyed it very much and hope to see more dark stories from Duckie in the future.

[Joyffree · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you enjoy the shadows that haunt every corner of your darkness
Those little goosebumps that dot your skin when the warm nothing breaths upon it
Or the tightness along your spine when you hear the shuffle of no one behind you

Then this collection of absolutely twisted MM tales is something you do not want to pass on

The mix of writing styles
The blend of physical and psychological terror
The misleading breadcrumb trails
The unwilling
I was going to outline each tale but it was too long

Grab a copy and curl up alone in a darkened room
Dont forget the blanket to hide under
The pillow to scream in
The flashlight to check those empty corners
and the will to survive
See you on the other side

[Linda Tonis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Linda tonis paranormal romance guild review team

This is a charity anthology with proceeds going to It Gets Better, an organization that supports LGBTQ youth with the goal of protecting these kids so that no more are lost because of trying to live as their real selves. When I do an anthology, I always write a short synopsis of each story giving the authors recognition and introducing them to readers who may not be familiar with them.

Prelude to Madness: Alex J. Adams – 5****Stars

This first story gave me goosebumps because it was scary and a reality for many. A man in a coma, who uses drugs and who has accepted his dream world and doesn’t want to leave. I won’t go into detail of what his dream world encompasses but it is not pretty.

Slaying Klause: Sean Azinsalt – 5*****Stars

Derek and Andrew have become vigilantes killing those that have hurt children and would continue hurting them. Both men suffered in the past, Derek was able to put his past in the past, but Andrew suffers everyday thinking about the abuse his stepfather subjected him to. One last kill, Santa

Klause who every Christmas, ignored their pleas for help. Pleas for help go unheard every day by children who after a while lose hope. A story of pain and hope.

Santa’s Workshop: Bey Deckard – 5*****Stars

Two men have been kidnapped and locked in a cage. Their kidnapper is Mr. Kringle with his elves in his workshop making toys for the children. This story scared the heck out of me, and I will never look at Santa the same. If being scared is your thing, then this story is what you need. I am not familiar with this author but after reading this I am certainly going to put her on my to read list.

All I Am: Abrianna Denae – 5*****Stars

What would Christmas be like without a torturer and a hacker. For two years these men danced around each other until one of them decided to kidnap the other forcing them to confront their feelings.

Stronger Together: Elouise R East – 5*****Stars

Jacob is a man who if he didn’t have bad luck, he would have no luck at all. No job, no apartment but a friend who forced him to go to a bar and find someone to spend the night with just to get him out.

He finds someone who changes his world, someone who is a psychopath and who brings Jacob into his life and world.

Ave Fucking Maria: MJ Green – 5*****Stars

WOW there is no way to put into words what happens in this story of torture. Albie and his fiancé Gio believe in punishing and killing anyone who deserves it. If it is a matter of money they are just killed if it is a matter of doing personal harm to others especially those who work in their casino the torture they inflict is off the charts and gave me goosebumps. Torture and killing is simply a pleasure that they enjoy.

Here Comes Santa Claus: K.L. Hiers – 5*****Stars

A monster Santer, a myth, Mark a human, and Jon the best friend that Mark murdered. When the man who plays Santa disappears the search for him is on and bringing searchers near where Mark murdered Jon. To keep people from finding the body Mark decides to move his body to a safer place and from that moment Mark’s life will never be the same. You never know when you will meet your other half.

The Gift: Alexis Jane – 5*****Stars

Will is a student and Rowan is a professor and Will has a gift for Rowan, a gift he could never have imagined. It is a gift of embarrassment and a gift that would leave Roman broken. But Will is in for quite a surprise when the tables are turned, and he becomes the victim.

Deck the Halls with Vengeance: Briar Kearney – 5*****Stars

A criminal, a cop and a kidnapping. Matteo is the head of a huge crime organization and his lover, Leif is a cop. When Leif is kidnapped Matteo’s world falls apart and he will do anything to get him back. An Italian mob and an Irish mob have guns aimed at each other and it leads to a very exciting chase. Of course, the chase wouldn’t happen without murder and torture.

Soldatino: Leigh Kenzie – 5*****Stars

Wow, kink, torture, murder, possession and an amazing story. Marcus’s family are thieves and Marcus is the one always sent out to do the stealing. When he steals from Alessandro the head of a huge mafiosi

Organization he will find out what happens when you steal from a man everyone calls Master. His family will be put in danger, but it is not something Marcus feels bad about since when they discovered he was gay they came close to killing him. Whatever happens to the family is well deserved. I hate homophobia and can’t understand such hatred.

Silent Knight: Davidson King – 5*****Stars

Ezra is a foster care child and at the age of ten when he was about to be abused by older boys who were bullying him, he discovered that he had a guardian angel. His guardian angel followed him till he was twenty when he came face to face with his savior. The story of why he had a guardian angel, who he was and how he came into Ezra’s life is quite a story. I have read many books by Davidson King, so I was happy to read another one.

Hawk: Reese Knightley – 5*****Stars

Skylar is a wanted man and the assassin hired to kill him is one step ahead. Hawk knew as soon as he saw Skylar that he wouldn’t kill him, and he knew there was more to his story then he knew. Skylar’s stepdad, yup once again the dreaded stepparent has accused Skylar of things that never happened and when Hawk hears his story the only life in danger is dear old stepdad.

He Sees You When You’re Sleeping: Duckie Mack – 5*****Stars

Chase has returned home to care for his mom after her husband was killed in a hit and run. The only job he was able to get fast was working at the mall and that was where he was reunited with a high school friend, Archie. He had protected Archie when he was being bullied by members of the football team. Chase was happy to accept Archie’s friendship since he had been feeling like someone was watching him. Archie has a motive to embrace Chase and take care of him.

Expectations: R. Phoenix & Adara Wolf – 5*****Stars

A submissive walks into a BDSM Club with the expectation of finding a Dom and fulfilling his dream of being controlled. When a Dom approaches him, his excitement is real, but he refuses to accept it and leaves. When the Dom and Sub meet again it is shock to them and it was a surprise for me.

Slay Bells Ring: Jack L. Pyke – 5*****Stars

OMG this story left me breathless. Rush and Carter were childhood friends and lovers until Carter’s brother was killed and Rush’s brother was sent to prison for the murder. Now an accident left Rush on the side of the road and his rescuer turned out to be Carter. They have no idea how their pasts will turn their futures into a horror movie.

It’s a Wonderful Death: Remi Varlow – 5*****Stars

Noel was sold to vampires at the age of 8 and her life was filled with daily horror. She always dreamed of a Christmas angel like the one she saw on TV, never expecting to get one. Then her Christmas angel does come to her rescue, but she has no idea who or what he is. This is a story of a Christmas miracle.

This was a book filled with violence, torture and murder and yet I couldn’t put it down. Christmas is a fun time but sometimes a little darkness is what is needed to offset all that merriness, just saying.

 



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[Kristy Lynn · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read all of the stories in this dark holiday mm anthology. Overall I would rate this story a 4 ⭐️ with lots of wicked fun.

Prelude To Madness by Alex J. Adams is a study in mindf*kery. I am not sure how to review this one without giving away too much. So, I’m going to say that this is an interesting concept of how a coma patient could experience the coma. Maybe there is a dream world that happens, maybe two people can be in the same dream world. Or maybe its all in the mind. 3.5 ⭐️

Slaying Clause by (Shane K. Morton) Sean Azinsalt: this story is so good. The two MC's were abused as children and grow up to avenge themselves by becoming seriel killers. Santa is summoned one night and changes the lives of these two men forever. 5 ⭐️

Santa's Workshop by Bey Deckard: is a heartbreaking story of two men that are kidnapped and imprisoned. There is a man who is grossly under the impression he is needing to make toys for the girls and boys. The men wake almost everyday to a new fresh hell but through it all they form an attachment of friendship and love. 5 ⭐️

All I Claim by Abrianna Denea: tells the origin story to Tennent and Hollis from All I Fear. Tennent and Hollis have an interesting way of intereacting with each other and it is call foreplay. This story is well written and fun. 4 ⭐️

Stronger Together by Elouise East: is a fun story of stalking. Jacob seems to be having lots of trouble in his life but Ward is orchestrating happenings in the guise of making Jacob stronger. Once Jacob figures out what is happening and sees Ward in a new light positives start becoming clear. This story was an interesting dark romance. 4⭐️

Ave Fucking Maria by MJ Green: crime families and two men with a mutual love of torture 😉This story was a fun concept but I had a hard time connecting with this one. 3.5⭐️

Here Comes Santer Clause by K.L. Hiers: this is an interesting monster story. Mark has killed his best friend and buried him in a shallow grave. He returns to dig an actual grave to discover that the body is missing. Santer, the cat/wolf like monster takes Mark to his cave where he sleeps. In a very quick turn of events Mark sees Santer as a mate and they spend a steamy night together. 3⭐️

The Gift by Alexis James: this is a story of two men trying to trick a third man but the trick backfiring on one of the men in a most gruesome and deadly way. This story was well written, very graphic. I appreciate dark stories but I feel this was a little too dark in relation to the rest of the stories. This is one I would definitely caution you to heed the trigger warnings. 4⭐️

Deck the Halls with Vengance by Briar Kearney: this is a HFN between a mafia boss and a detective. So, yeah not the most likely pairing. When Leif is kidnapped, Matteo will do anything to get him back. The concept of a Christmas countdown is used in a delightful way that I think readers will appreciate. I am excited to continue reading their story. 5⭐️

Soldantino by Leigh Kenzie: this is a little different in that it is not a romance story, will not have an HEA or HFN. Marcus unforunetely lives with his parents, brother and sister who are all homophobic. He is the theif in their crime family and is tasked to steal from a local mafia family. Allesandro is the head of the family and he sees potential in Marcus so he chooses to assist Marcus in getting out of his family situation so he is free to join the Martelli Family. This story continues in the Vendetta series. 4⭐️

Silent Night by Davidson King: this is a very fun story that I would have loved to have been a full length novel. Ezra has a very rough life but he has seen that if anyone threatens him, they are taken care of. He isn't sure what is happening or why, though. When demons threaten his life to draw out his protector he discovers his demon/angel protector is his mate. 5⭐️

Hawk by Reese Knightly: this story was not very dark but it was good and well written. Hawk is ready to retire, he just has to find his last mark, Skylar, take him out and then he can move to a tropical paradise. But, when he finds Skylar he is stunned by his looks. When Skylar talks and starts telling Hawk the truth, Hawk decides the man who took out the hit is the one who really needs taken out. 4⭐️

He Sees You When You're Sleeping by Duckie Mack: this was a decent story with a fun mystery element. Chase is trying to get his life together and runs into an old classmate, Archie. Chase is dealing with a creepy stalker and Archie steps in to help. But, will the stalker be found? I liked how the story gave you clues but even in the end even if you want a certain outcome but you get what you get and don't throw a fit 😉 4⭐️

Expectations by R. Phoenix: this is a HFN prequel of Kyran, a big bottom from a mafia family and Silvano, a small top from another mafia family. Kyran is tired of being mistaken for a top and just wants someone to dominate him, take him out of his head. Silvano is just the man he needs. During a bank robbery these two men work together and play together. 3.5⭐️

Slay Bells Ring by Jack L. Pyke: this story is pure poetry. Two families are entwined and centered around Carter and Rush. There is definitely some murdery things happening along with a little mystery that you will want to pay attention to. The connections in this family are years old and when everything comes together in Carter's garage you feel a little heartbreak for each of the men involved. The writing style for this author is beautiful. Like I said, pure poetry. 5💚

It's A Wonderful Death by Remi Varlow: sad, dark tale of humans and vampires. Noel is sold to a coven of vampires when he is 8 by his father who owes them money. The vampires use him as a blood slave and servant. After being caught doing an infraction not of his choosing he is sold again to another vampire coven that wants to use him in a sacrifice to get the powers from an original vampire. Sadly for them, Noel and the original vampire, Tarek, are fated mates. This story is very well written and is a lot of fun to read. 5⭐️

[Mary Ellen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Review for Duckie Mack's He Sees You When You're Sleeping.

Okay!! Who knew Duckie could also write dark?! I freaking loved this short story. So while this story still has some cute romantic moments, there are just as many fun and creepy moments too.

This story had me eagerly flipping pages, trying to see what happens next. Is his stalker a good guy or a bad guy? Maybe both? I needed to know! And why was the non-consensual voyeurism hot??!

It's been a while since I read a fun stalking story, and I loved this one. If Duckie decides to expand this story, I will read it in a heartbeat. But don't worry, this short still ends with a HEA.

5 Stars. This story is sexy, intriguing, mysterious, and a little dark. I can't wait to read the others in this anthology.

[Colleen (boo_boos_books) Hewitt · Rating 5 out of 5]

Arc Review - prelude to madness by Alex j Adams (part of the O deadly night anthology)

5 🖤

Oh my god…. This has got ro be the best piece of writing that I've read of Alex’s to date! It honestly kept me guessing all the way through just when I thought I had the plot figured it flipped on its head. This was F****d up in all the right ways.
I really found it hard to put this down and even days after reading I still can't get the final twist out of my mind. Let me tell you that had me shouting what the flip at my kindle. It's so hard to review this without giving too much away but I honestly can't express enough how much I loved this story. Alex truly outdid herself with this one

I received a copy in return for my honest review

[Cindy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I purchased this book and put off reading it. I wish I had read it sooner! I expected a bloody horror show and kind of dreaded reading it and many of the stories were gruesome and dark. But I found a terrified Mark, afraid of a vicious monster Santer in K.L. Heirs "Here comes Santer Claus" who turned out to be a gentle, cuddly furball named Kringle. It was the sweetest monster book ever and I loved Kringle!! And there was a haunting story by Duckie Mack "He sees you when you're sleeping" about a protective former classmate ensuring his unaware lover was safe. I loved the prequel to R. Phoenix and Adara Wolf's "Submit" and immediately pre-ordered " Submit". There are treasures for everyone in this book. Well worth the read.

[Melissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

He Sees You When You're Sleeping by Duckie Mack - This author ussually writes sweet but her dark is just as good. This novella is a delicious stalker romance and I loved every page!

[Darrel Oglesby · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an ARC of Slay Bells Ring from Jack L. Pyke and after reading it I’m so excited to read the entire anthology once it is released.

Jack could terrify the pants off of any seasoned horror queen. Slay Bells Ring is an absolutely chilling holiday story that is reminiscent of those Tales from the Crypt holiday tales, which I believe are the best kind of holiday tales in existence. Slay Bells Ring brings us a creepy stalkeresque killer who watches couples from dark recesses before he captures, murders, and mutilates. After a spot of bad luck reconnects Rush and Carter they must work through their haunted past in order to survive a nightmarish encounter with a killer who now has them in his sights. Slay Bells Ring is a chillingly captivating holiday thriller from start to finish, lock the doors, light a fire and tuck in for some seasons guttings from Jack L. Pyke.

[Duckie Mack · Rating 5 out of 5]

This collection of stories ranges from gruesome to creepy in a sexy assortment of dark holiday stories. I loved each story and the variety we got with them. As much as I love a fluffy Christmas story, this was a really fun way to break up the sweetness of the holidays

[Clare · Rating 5 out of 5]

**Slay Bells Ring** by Jack L Pyke
I was delighted to have an early read of this story. It's a delicious, darker taste of fiction, and I like all themes at this time of year! The writing set the perfect tone of suspense and brooding danger, both emotional and potentially physical. Yet the MCs touched my compassion - there was a whole underlying layer of family secrets, lies, and past pain to unravel. The guys' emotions were felt deeply and with anguish, but the attraction and care was still there. The story was well balanced, with a tip of the hat to the genre from the very start, plenty of care for the characters' past and present, and then a gradual, dawning exposure of the twist. Great read!

[Cynthia M Brow · Rating 5 out of 5]

I reviewed He Sees You When You're Sleeping and Silent Knight. He Sees You When You're Sleeping by Duckie Mack is one of the stories in the O Deadly Night 2 anthology. It is a dark story for Christmas. I love dark stories like this. Duckie does an amazing job at making you feel what the characters do. The story had some sweet moments along with some dark moments. I am not surprised that Duckie Mack can write dark stories as well as she does. I truly enjoyed this story. I also read Silent Knight by Davidson King. I loved Senon and Erza. They are so sweet together. I love Davidson King's stories and this one was no exception. I would definitely recommend this book.

[Michi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Expectations - R Phoenix & Adara Wolf - This was the perfect short story. There's some mystery about the characters, an edge of danger, and plenty of conflicted feelings that they don't acknowledge. I even found myself laughing a couple of times. Can't wait to read more about these two.

Soldatino - Leigh Kenzie - Everything I wanted! Finally more back story for Marcus. This has all the elements you would want from one of Leigh's stories - kink, violence, and Il Padrone in action.

[Molly Otto · Rating 5 out of 5]

Arc read for All I Claim by Abrianna Denae
5 stars
I was lucky enough to get an arc if abris contributed to this, and oh boy, all the Tennant and Hollis introduction as a couple through not so normal measures awesomeness! This lovely short story let's us readers know how consensual kidnapping became the awesomeness that really only Abrianna can pull off🤣 a must read story between the events of All I want (cris and Carters story) and All I Fear the continuation of this unique pairing.

[C. Gray · Rating 5 out of 5]

My review is for All I Claim by Abrianna Denae

If you’ve read their series, All’s Fair, then you know these two already. This is Hollis and Tennant’s story. I absolutely love this series and these men and I can’t wait to see more of them soon. 🖤🔥🩸🔥🖤

[Petra · Rating 4 out of 5]

Here are reviews for the 12 short stories I read and finished. (I mostly skipped stories that were supposed to be placed in between books in an ongoing series I did not read, or were clear spin-offs and so a previous knowledge of characters seemed necessary. Correct me if I am wrong about that.) I bought a copy of the anthology, this is NOT an ARC. Order of the stories as they appear in the anthology.

♦"Prelude to Madness" by Alex J. Adams: (4*) well, this was some Inception shit 😵‍💫😀 a bit too smutty for my taste, would love more focus on the characters and their actions. Otherwise cool, mindfuck. (not my first story be the author, I read My Demon Undertaker and I prefered "Prelude to Madness" much more. Shows that the author seems to be versatile in their writing style.)

♦"Slaying Klause" by Sean Azinsalt: (2.5*) well, this was... Something. It was actually pretty dark but the ending was just so silly. I mean, it was hot, but I couldn't help the eye roll🤣 could not really take it seriously.

♦"Santa's Workshop" by Bey Deckard: (5*) this was amazing. 10/10. Dark, angsty but also sweet. There is just enough character development, just enough gore and darkeness, just enough suspense and feelings. Wow.

♦So I'm skipping "All I Claim" as it's part of a series I want to read 🙈 aaaaaand, it is set after the first book sooooo....

♦"Stronger Together" by Elouise R East: (4*) this was actually really good. It's mostly instalove but, weirdly, I didn't mind it! Ward and Jacob were cool. Would love to see the two year gap as a novel, actually. 🤔😀

♦"Ave Fucking Maria" by MJ Green is also connected to an existing series? This time no instructions on how to read it. Will skip this one for now.

♦"Here Comes Santer Clause" by KL Hiers - (4.5*) this was brilliant! Slow burn, tender, cute - maybe a bit too easy HEA? I know it's just a short story but how would they achieve their happiness? That's what I was interested in.

♦"The Gift" by Alexis Jane: (5*) this was sooooo fucked up. Wow. But in the best way possible. Plot twisty (though I expected some plot twist... yet it was a bit different from my expectations so, great!), gory, kinky, wow. Yet the chemistry was off the charts.

♦"Deck the Halls with Vengeance" by Briar Kearney: (2*) this was so draggy, clunky, so many characters we don't know. There was no explanation whatsoever about why the MC was kidnapped, nothing. There was so much telling and I really do not want that in a short story. I know it's supposed to tease a new series but this is not how to do it.

♦"Soldatino" by Leigh Kenzie: (5*) this was a mixture of romantic glimpses and a toxic relationship. Loved the writing, characters and debauchery. Will read the Vendetta series!

♦"Silent Knight" by Davidson King: (2*) insta love 101, no depth, the spice was meh. Not a fan really. The plot was interesting but I did not feel any connection between the two MCs - at one point the human (*cough*) even asks how the other MCs can love him based on someting so ordinary and inconsequential, and the supernatural MC explains it but... when you have one character openly question the attraction and the reasoning is just too basic: what am I supposed to do with it as a reader? TLDR: was not persuaded about the reasons for the romance.

♦"Hawk" by Reese Knightley: (2.5*) this was mediocre. I did not connect with the characters, the spice was too short, and the chemistry was not really there. One MC is supposed to be really badass and strong but... he is also not? Though the PTSD was unexpected and those were the moments where I finally felt something between the two MCs. I think this needed to be developed much more. A novel would be amazing... we would maybe also see the demise of the villain. Here it is only implied (sucks for a dark short story in a dark anthology to really leave out the dark stuff).

♦"He Sees You When You're Sleeping" by Duckie Mack: (3.75*) this was okay, there is chemistry, some suspense, some possessiveness, glimpses of BDSM, though I somehow struggled to connect with both MCs.

♦"Expectations" by A. Wolf, R. Phoenix: (5*) these authors know how to write a dark BDSM MM romance. Wow. I already loved their The Shade and His Thief, and this novella is, yet again, nothing short of perfect. I just cannot wait for Submit (I even loved the Daddy kink novel Surrender). The smut, the plot, the characters - everything was so so intriguing and it still left me wanting more. Everything you can expect from a prequel (that can be read as a complete standalone).

did not read "Slay Bells Ring" by Jack L. Pyke (I did not like the writing style, though others describe it as poetic/of high quality - and I am used to this - guess I was not in the mood maybe; not a DNF as I may finish it still in the future!) and "It's a Wonderful Death" by Remi Varlow (did not start it yet, may finish it in the future!)

[Hyland Reigns · Rating 5 out of 5]

My review of Bey’s story: Santa’s Workshop -

So it’s no secret that I’m low-key obsessed with the work Bey creates. I’m a total glutton for his story telling, the way he builds characters so detailed and lovable so easily always blows me away. He has such a unique way of storytelling where you can put yourself into the world as more than just a spectator, but as the characters themselves instantly.
His stories are often outlandish, wild, imaginative, entertaining, hot and fun. This story was no different, in fact it was probably all of those things amplified.

Zim and Ryan were two very unfortunate men who found themselves kidnapped by an evil Father Christmas impersonator, being held in a dungeon with only each other as comfort from the strange happenings and beings outside of their cell.
The two characters instantly clicked with each other, Zim more calm and funny, Ryan more anxious and defiant. They find solace in each other, while enduring some very messed up experiences at the hand of jolly ol’ St Nick.

The story pretty much takes place in one small cell, and in this you can still feel so much world building, and so much detail and depth. Instantly, I was transported to a bed next to these two, and I could feel the tension, the pain, the fear and the fondness that swarmed their lives while being held captive.

Bey always manages to make the experience of reading his stories so immersive and complex. The guys had food? I tasted it. The guys smelled some foul odours? I smelled it. The guys dealt with anguish and loss? I felt it. The guys formed a bond and companionship? I lived it.

You don’t just get a story with Bey, you get a whole creative experience, and he never fails with this.

The story was short, being a part of an anthology, but you never felt like you were missing details, or that Bey was skimping out on providing the reader with a juicy, engaging experience.

I loved this addition to the anthology, and it just solidifies my belief that Bey is an incredible artist, and his writing is something I haven’t found from anybody else before.

[Amy Voce · Rating 5 out of 5]

🎄🎅𝕊𝔸ℕ𝕋𝔸'𝕊 𝒲𝒪𝑅𝒦𝒮𝐻𝒪𝒫 , 𝙱𝙴𝚈 𝙳𝙴𝙲𝙺𝙰𝚁𝙳🎅🎄

“ʜᴇʏ, ᴡʜᴀᴛ ᴅᴏ ʏᴏᴜ ᴛʜɪɴᴋ ᴋʀɪɴɢʟᴇ’s ɴᴇᴛғʟɪx ᴘᴀssᴡᴏʀᴅ ᴡᴏᴜʟᴅ ʙᴇ?”
“ɪ ᴅᴏɴ’ᴛ ᴋɴᴏᴡ. ɪ ᴅᴏɴ’ᴛ ᴄᴀʀᴇ.”
“ᴘʀᴏʙᴀʙʟʏ sᴏᴍᴇᴛʜɪɴɢ ᴛᴏ ᴀʟʟᴀʏ ʜɪs ɴᴇɪɢʜʙᴏᴜʀs’ sᴜsᴘɪᴄɪᴏɴs. ʟɪᴋᴇ . . . ‘ᴛᴏᴛᴀʟʟʏ ɴᴏᴛ ᴀ sᴇʀɪᴀʟ ᴋɪʟʟᴇʀ’, ᴀʟʟ ᴏɴᴇ ᴡᴏʀᴅ ᴡɪᴛʜ ᴛʜᴇ ɴ ᴀɴᴅ ᴛʜᴇ s ᴀɴᴅ ᴛʜᴇ ᴋ ᴄᴀᴘɪᴛᴀʟɪᴢᴇᴅ.”
“ᴏᴋᴀʏ. ʙᴜᴛ ᴜsᴜᴀʟʟʏ ʏᴏᴜ ɴᴇᴇᴅ ᴀ ɴᴜᴍʙᴇʀ ɪɴ ᴀ ᴘᴀssᴡᴏʀᴅ ᴛᴏᴏ.”
“ʀɪɢʜᴛ. sɪx, sɪx, sɪx?”
“ɴᴏ . . . ᴄᴏᴍᴇ ᴏɴ, ɪᴛ’s ᴏʙᴠɪᴏᴜs ᴡʜᴀᴛ ʜᴇ ᴡᴏᴜʟᴅ ᴜsᴇ,” ʀʏᴀɴ ʀᴇᴘʟɪᴇᴅ.
“ᴏʜ ʏᴇᴀʜ?”
“ᴛᴡᴇɴᴛʏ-ғɪᴠᴇ.” ᴢɪᴍ ʟᴏᴏᴋᴇᴅ ᴄᴏɴғᴜsᴇᴅ ғᴏʀ ᴀ ғᴇᴡ sᴇᴄᴏɴᴅs, ᴛʜᴇɴ ʜᴇ ʟᴀᴜɢʜᴇᴅ. “ʀɪɢʜᴛ. ᴄʜʀɪsᴛᴍᴀs.”

I truly enjoyed this ghastly novella sized treat that had all the usual Bey Deckard flare to it but with some extra sprinklings of festivity darkness wrapped up in there. Ryan wakes up and finds himself incarcerated along with his cellmate Zim by a madman known only to them as Mr. Kringle. They forge a strong and unique bond that only those who have suffered unimaginable cruelty could. I loved Ryan and Zim—especially Zim, the guy was so chill considering the extreme circumstances he was in (I like to call him Zen in my head because he was relaxed enough even I as a reader felt a false sense of security) only for Bey to pull the rug out from under me. These two really go through some THINGS! And I was on tenterhooks all the way throughout Santa's Workshop. I can never get enough of the Deckard black comedy I have come to know and love, and there was some laugh out loud moments among the "OH MY GOD" ones. I can't wait to get my hands on the rest of this anthology for an altogether different Christmas read this Holiday.

[Grace · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was here for Alex J Adams

"Prelude to Madness" is an absolute rollercoaster of a read, leaving me in awe of the sheer brilliance of Alex's storytelling. From start to finish, this novella had me on the edge of my seat, trying to unravel the intricate web of events surrounding Eric/Rick. Every time I thought I had a grasp on the storyline, Alex skillfully twisted it in unexpected ways, leaving me scratching my head in amazement.

The writing style is nothing short of phenomenal. The intensity and darkness woven into the narrative added depth to the plot, making it a gripping and immersive experience. Alex's ability to create such a complex and compelling story is truly commendable, keeping readers hooked from the very first page.

Without giving too much away, I have to say that the final twist in the tale was a stroke of genius. It not only caught me off guard but also provided a satisfying conclusion to Eric/Rick's journey. The way the story unfolded made me believe that he had finally found his well-deserved Happily Ever After, which was incredibly gratifying as a reader.

I can't praise Alex enough for this epic job. Prelude to Madness is a masterpiece of mystery, intrigue, and psychological depth. If you're a fan of mind-bending narratives and unexpected twists, this book is an absolute must-read. Well done, Alex, for crafting a story that will linger in my mind long after the final page.

[Kelsey’s Kindle · Rating 4 out of 5]

📚ARC Review📚
Book: Hawk
Author: Reese Knightley
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Genre: MM Romantic Suspense
Spice Level:🌶️
Pub Date: Releases Nov 14th

Hawk is pushing 50 and is ready to be done with the assassin's life. He took on one last job, to kill Skylar Thomas. Sky is not what he seems, it takes Hawk who’s done this for years, a while to find him. Things start to seem fishy so before he pulls the trigger he decides to do some fact checking. Only problem is keeping his attraction at bay while he uncovers the truth.

This was a cute little novella with another glimpse into the world of Erebus. It’s got action, a little spice, and an insta love connection, with a HEA.

Hawk is a novella in the upcoming Anthology O Deadly Night Vol 2, i have only read Hawks book not the entire anthology. I want to thank the author for the opportunity to read this advance copy, this is my honest opinion.

⚠️Trigger Warning: language, violence, off the page mention of rape

This anthology release Nov 14th get it here -> https://a.co/d/gfqzLqT.

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[Canadian Girl Reads · Rating 3 out of 5]

"𝙄'𝙫𝙚 𝙜𝙤𝙩 𝙮𝙤𝙪, 𝙄 𝙥𝙧𝙤𝙢𝙞𝙨𝙚."

Dᴇᴄᴋ ᴛʜᴇ Hᴀʟʟs ᴡɪᴛʜ Vᴇɴɢᴇᴀɴᴄᴇ by Briar Kearney | O Deadly Night Vol. 2
3 Maple Leafs | 2 Flames
Matteo & Leif

Matteo and Leif are happy and loving life until everything goes wrong while Leif is at work on Christmas day and Matteo is forced to save the man he loves.

Matteo and Leif have a very strong connection to each other and you can feel Matteo's rage pouring off the pages as he searches for Leif.

While I enjoyed the novella as a whole, I did feel that there were spots that were a little choppy and caused a little bit of a flow issue for me. I would love to read Matteo and Leif's full story to see if it would boost my enjoyment of the story.

An all-around decent debut solo book for Briar Kearney and I will definitely read her books in the future.

Get ready for…

MM | Mafia | Law Enforcement (Police) | Forbidden | Established Couple | Holiday (Christmas) | Murder is a Love Language | Dark | Suspense | Third-Person (Dual)

Be mindful that this book contains topics that may be triggering to some readers.

*An early copy of this book was kindly provided to Canadian Girl Reads and this is my honest review*

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