Garnish with a Candy Cane

by Nikki Belaire

Deals made when you're drunk don't count, right?

Wrong. At least according to mob boss Duke Toscani. Our alcohol-induced agreement is simple – He's mine and I'm his.

What he doesn't realize though is I'm a package deal. My grandmother took care of me when I was orphaned, and now it's my turn to take care of her. Even if I have to work three jobs and skip a few meals and good nights' sleep to do it. She may believe in Christmas miracles, but I'll need a lot more than Santa's elves to save me from the man on the very top of the naughty list.

Author’s note: Garnish with a Candy Cane is fun, funny, and completely safe, if not totally sane standalone novella. Celebrate the holiday season with a guaranteed happily ever after romance.

Genres: Christmas, Novella, Holiday, Romance, Contemporary Romance, Contemporary, Mafia Romance

101 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 1, 2020

About the author

Nikki writes contemporary romantic thrillers and admits to a weakness for bad boys, especially ones who can’t live without the strong women they love.

She spends more time in her characters’ lives than her own. But, when she’s in the real world, her passions include reading, wine appreciating, running, and spending time with her daughter.

Reviews

[Liz · Rating 2 out of 5]

Tipsy heroine at the beginning is not the same heroine you get in the rest of the story. And she's the only reason I decided to read this.

Virgin heroine 😒

[Intel Chicky Reads Romance (Kara Merideth) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic Christmas novella!

Story: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Trope: instalust/protector
Angst: 😱
Smexy: 🔥🔥🔥
Triggers: none

Super sweet and sexy novellas that didn't read like a novella❤. Loved the characters with the OTT grumpy hero with the super sweet heroine who is the only one that can make him smile. Highly recommend!

[Christi (christireadsalot) · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.5 stars. This was meh and definitely forgettable. Hero is a mob boss and his name is Duke. The heroine is brought into his office one night when she’s super drunk in the club. He becomes instantly into her, she talks all about her life to him, and he let’s her sleep off her drunkenness. The next day when she wakes up, he is ready to protect her like no other, move her into his place, move her nana out of the nursing home she’s currently in and in with them as well, gets the heroine to quit her job. And is just ready to provide everything for her immediately. 😅 The hero does take to calling the heroine “Duchess” after she says she’d be that if they married (since his name is Duke lol). Very insta love without a buildup and both characters were just pretty blah. But it’s on KU and it’s short.

[Liz [reads books] · Rating 4 out of 5]

Typical rich alpha male meets a down on her luck heroine and sets about giving her everything her heart desires... 4 stars
One thing that tripped me up was that at the beginning he didn't seem all too impressed with her and then in the blink of an eye he was obsessed with having her. Also, luckily this is a fantasy because no way would a girl ever say yes to his demands after one day, lol

[Katrina Haynes · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love love this book like most of Nikki's books. I was not able to put it down once I started it.. It was sweet read. I really think you enjoy it especially if you love her books

[Jennifer Pierson · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's crazy how many Christmas stories I've already read in the past 2 months more than I've probably read in years because I'm not a Christmas person. I decided that I was going to step out of my box this year because my first grandchild came last week so I can't be a grinch anymore, and I certainly have found some super fun ones. Garnish with a Candy Cane was a short read full of all kinds of goodness, like a fantastic heroine who would do anything for her grandmother. Noelle is at Duke's club getting her drink on when they meet, and he ends up taking care of her. Next up is his decision (alpha mob bosses tend to get crazy) that she will be his, and now the games begin. Between the sparks these two have & her grandmother's love for Christmas, this was a story that everyone needs to read! HIGHLY RECOMMEND!

[Teri · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely love this author and this was a truly fun read. Enter one power driven hard core alpha shaken off his throne. Throw in a struggling drunken lady out for a night to drown her sorrows and blow off some steam. Put them together and you have lots of laughs until the next morning. I have to say the laughs didn't stop for me. Between him trying to reign in his alpha and her trying to work out if he's for real I found myself continuing to chuckle. I don't think this was meant to be as funny as I found it but I couldn't help myself. The dynamics between the two and him being a total contradiction to his natural self trying not to scare her off, and let's not forget her grandmother falling for his charms. So much to enjoy in so little time this author throws it all out there and wins your heart with these two. Absolutely loved it!!

[Joy Westerfield · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a delightful holiday read! The story of Duke and Noelle will melt your heart and make you believe in Christmas miracles! When Duke and Noelle first meet, she’s a bit tipsy to say the least, and their first encounter will make you laugh and smile. But he also knew there was something special about her. When Duke gets it into his head that he wants to make her his girl and take care of her, nothing will get in his way. He will do anything to make her happy, even taking care of someone special in her life. These two have incredible chemistry and I enjoyed their interactions. While there is definite lust between them, you also can feel in your heart their burgeoning love. I truly enjoyed this story and read it in one sitting! Such a great read!!

[Christie Marsh · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love Nikki Belaire's Mafia Stories and this one makes me swoon. Being a Mafia Boss, Duke filled those shoes perfectly. He was a major alpha male to the nth degree and when Noelle fell into his life he lost his balance and just wanted her. They had a strong physical attraction that scared Noelle but she fell hard. You can't help but fall in love with their story and wish for it to end with everything a girl dreams about growing up, meeting the right man, and living that dream to it's fullest. I need more Duke and Noelle.

[JL · Rating 5 out of 5]

Romantic seasons greetings from Nikki Belaire.

Candy cane sweet and oh so delectable Duke and his duchess are swoon worthy.
Overprotective alpha takes control! Love the chemistry and achey prelude to claiming his selfless angel.
Delicious story instant gratification loved this holiday themed tale of love and very sexy times!

[Sherry Sias · Rating 5 out of 5]

Duke and Noelle make a great holiday read. Their chemistry is instantaneous and hot! Noelle is quite tipsy when she first meeets Duke. However, he decides she is an angel sent just for him. He does whatever he can to make her happy. Evem after realizing she is a package deal.
A great holiday read that I couldn’t put down.

[Sarah DeLong · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a really fun and steamy novella to read. Duke is a Mafia boss and an intimidating Alpha all the way. His world is rocked when a very drunk Noelle somehow burrows herself into his heart. I loved the care and protectiveness he showed not only to her, but to her grandmother as well. I also loved how she was strong and independent and got the happily ever after she deserved.

[Serena Nicholls · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a brilliant story to read. Full of possessive alpha male and a very naive female but although Duke is possessive and a mob boss, his undoubted adoration of Noelle is so heartwarming to read even if at times you want to smack him for his high handedness!!! Love love loved it

[Heather · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this! It was a perfect quick read! Sigh.....everyone needs a Duke in their lives!💜

[Viv “BookVixen” Gutierrez · Rating 5 out of 5]

This one melted by kindle and my heart! Allll the swoon in this one with an Uber alpha caveman hero who won’t let anything stand in his way in claiming his woman. *happy sigh*

Hero’s past is briefly mentioned but nothing too explicit, he was wilder in his younger years and nothing is mentioned about his current activities. Heroine is a virgin, although she has had a boyfriend, she didn’t do anything serious with him. The OM Is mentioned and hero goes cavemen a few times at his name. No cheating or abuse. HEA with epilogue

Possible trigger: heroine is physically attacked by OM (he doesn’t sexually assault her although that seems to be his end game.)and he punches heroine before he’s incapacitated.

[Keri | Books_and_Hookers · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mafia man turned softie for a girl he just met and her sick grandma who adores Christmas.

He may be a little overbearing, and slightly controlling at times but who doesn’t love an alphahole. Also. Noelle? Badass. When her psycho ex shows up? We love to see it.

This was wholesome. And spicy. And did I say wholesome? Seeing him interact with her gram was the cutest thing. I loved this.

[Nicole Normand · Rating 5 out of 5]

I found this book discounted on Amazon via BargainBooksy; this is my honest review.
-The best mobster king story read in a long, long time.
-Good job on the editing. As a reader, it's really appreciated.
-Since Noelle is hilarious drunk, Duke should have made her drink a few times...
-I loved it when Duke went completely caveman and not just once either! "That’s my smile – not theirs. Meant for me – not them. Generated by me – not motherfucking them."
-Noelle had a big heart, was sweet and innocent but knew what she wanted and went for it, all the while stomping her foot down to show who was the duchess.
-My very first LMAO (before that it was only LOL...) is when Duchess rubbed "her dainty hands across the thick fabric in what I assume is approval of her new and more comfortable position." I just saw the picture in my head and it was great.
-Maybe Tristian did not deserve the end he got but he deserved whatever Noelle and Duke did to him. I have no sympathy for a guy like that.
-It's funny, it's sweet, it's open door scenes, and I really like it when men turn putty with their woman, especially macho men. I've read the book in one shot, it's presently 3:30 am.... Loved it!

[Booklover Judy Lynn · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a fun holiday mafia romance novella. It is written in first person from dual POV. Duke is a mob boss who is quick to issue dire orders and pull his own gun. When he meets Noelle, eve he recognizes that she causes him to act different from his norm. Noelle is an innocent young woman who just wants to be good, take care of her grandmother, and do the right thing to make her proud. She is an adorable drunk and Duke falls hard and fast, much to his consternation. Once Noelle is sober, she must come to terms with fear of falling for a man like Duke and her very intense feelings for him.
This is an insta-love novella with a possessive, growly, alpha male who feels a deep need to immediately take care of Noelle and never let her go. The pacing is good, and the characters are interesting. I found that I liked Duke, despite his mob boss, sometimes over the top actions. This was a captivating steamy read, and the first book I have read by this author. I will definitely be reading more by her.
I am voluntarily leaving this honest review after receiving an advance review copy.

[Siobhan Flynn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Duke is rather controlling and vicious but as a mafia boss you expect nothing less but when a drunken Noelle stumbles into his office his world is knocked off centre and he finds himself with a lapful of pure goodness. Noelle works herself to the bone so she can keep her grandmother in her care home but gets herself entangled with Duke on a rare night out. Duke wants to care for Noelle and instantly feels a deep connection with her but ruthlessly just rushes into her life and makes decisions her behalf like it's a done deal. I did like Duke's high handedness as it came from a place of love and worry not just control but with an ex lurking in the background Duke won't always be able to keep Noelle safe. The ending wrapped up everything in a neat little bow and my only gripe is that it was a novella as I could have read about the simmering heat between these two every day. Macho alpha falls for shy but strong girl with a pure heart.

[Barbara · Rating 5 out of 5]

I Loved this quick mafia/holiday read. The author has written a funny, sexy romantic storyline with characters that you just want to hug up tight. This is one Mafia boss that I’d love to know.

Lethal - Check
Sexy - Check
Bossy - Check
Protective - Check
Putty for his Dutchess - Heck Yeah

Noelle meets Duke Toscani (The Mafia Boss) when she takes a drunken wrong turn heading to the bathroom. Duke has no time to deal with the girl yet something stops him from sending her on her way. Instead he spends the night watching over her and of course wanting her. When morning comes however, Noelle wants nothing to do with the overbearing yet sexy man. She has too much going on in her life to deal with him and his shenanigans. But as her grandma would say: Christmas Magic may just have other plans in store.

This is a quick read that you don’t want to miss out on. It’s funny, sassy and romantic all roll up into one. 2 Thumbs Up and 5+ Stars for this must read holiday novella

[Kristianna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow wow wow wow and more wow! I loved this book! I want to forget I read it just so I can experience it all over again! Duke and Noelle were so beautiful together! Duke meets Noelle at his club after she ends up getting drunk and stumbles into his office. Her innocence and good heart draws him in and he decides he’s never going to let her go. Noelle was just so selfless and an overall incredible character. The way she cared for her grandmother not even caring that it took 3 jobs to support them was so sweet. I loved how Duke wanted to spoil his “Duchess” (hello swoony nickname) but also understood her every time she pushed back and didn’t steam roll her. The epilogue was so sweet and although I do wish it was longer this book was just perfect.

[Sharon · Rating 5 out of 5]

I would classify this as a sweet holiday novella. Noelle is out to have some fun and she ends up crossing paths with mob boss Duke Toscani. She wakes up the next morning ready to get back to her life, but she quickly finds out that Duke has other plans for her. She is working three jobs to care for her Grandmother who raised her and he steps in and rearranges her life to confirm to his ideal. Although he is 100% alpha, he is completely smitten with Noelle and she is able to bring out a side of him that he didn’t know existed. A perfect sweet holiday romance!

In a nutshell: 5/5 Candy Cane Stars • Hero (Duke) • Heroine (Noelle) • Plot 5/5 • Writing Style 5/5 • Steam 4/5 • Romance 4/5 • Pacing Fast • Dual POV • MF • Billionaire • Mob Boss • Big Romantic Gestures • HEA
#MSBB

[Lisette · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 Super Cute Christmas Story

I was swept away in this romance from start to finish. Duke and his Duchess were fated for one another. He was locked in on her from the moment she stumbled into his office and heart.
I enjoyed getting g to k ow these characters and was so happy Noelle wasn't just some damsel in distress that he had to swoop down and save. She was definitely handling her business and I can absolutely respect that.
Glad I took a chance on this freebie, I think I may try to read more from this NTMA.

[Samm Lynn · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this short and sweet story. Duke and his Duchess made for a great slightly over the top story. She is totally sweet and he is absolutely enthralled after his first conversation with his drunken Duchess. No violence (just the mention of some) and a man that will do anything to keep his Duchess happy. I love the way Duke treats her grandma. Sweet, enjoyable, and hot chocolate with candy canes!

Grab it and enjoy!

[Breen · Rating 5 out of 5]

“I was doubtful about this story at first. The so typical poor girl with zero pennies, breaking her soul to take care of her family and then finding the guy with lots of zeros in his bank account that ended up saving her is so cliche and after so many ready they’re boring and annoying. To my surprise the plot was likable and if we add the whole mafia background it gave the story that plus that me turning pages. Yes, Duke was everything I expected. The typical male guy with the whole alpha attitude but he had that charming side that made me like him.”

[Trish B · Rating 5 out of 5]

A highly enjoyable fast paced novella, full of the Christmas Spirit.
Duke the epitome of a Mafia Boss, arrogant, ruthless and in control meets a very inebriated innocent Noelle in his club and falls hard.
This book gave all the vibes of love at first sight, good from evil and fierce protection.
A cracking short read by Ms Belaire.

[Kristi · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this sweet instalove quickie. Duke is the sexy alpha and Noelle is a dedicated granddaughter who crashes unexpectedly into his regimented life knocking him for a loop. It’s hard not to fall head over heels for these characters Nikki Belaire has created. I highly recommend you add this enjoyable tale to your must read list.

[Sheri M · Rating 5 out of 5]

I think a novella that feels like a complete romance is the holy grail of fiction, and Nikki Belaire just keeps delivering them. Duke is a deliciously uncompromising mafia boss who meets his match in the tiny form of his Duchess. Following the tradition of her other novellas, Garnish is funny, salty, and spicy. The fun, safe read to get my mind off reality.

Highly recommend. No other woman drama

[Mel · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a fantastic Holiday read. Noelle is down on hwr luck and goes out with friends and ends up meeting Duke. Duke is a mob boss who immediately is drawn to Noelle., and he does everyrhing to protect and keep her safe while drunk. Duke is determined to continue to keep Noelle safe and help her with her Grandmother. Will these two opposites see the good in eaother or will they walk away.

[Wendy Livingstone · Rating 5 out of 5]

Duke is a mafia boss and when he and Noelle meet, she is a tad drunk, but the chemistry between them is intense. Duke is determined to make her his and look after her the way she deserves. This is a beautifully written story which is heart-warming, and is a fun, entertaining and humorous tale, which I highly recommend for all readers. I look forward to reading more from this gifted author.