HoHoHoRAT Review: The Kill Clause: A Short Story by Lisa Unger

The Kill Clause: A Short Story by Lisa Unger

Publisher:  Amazon Original Stories
Publication Date: December 1, 2025 

 

Format: Ebook
Source: Kindle Unlimited (at time of posting)

Rating:


Goodreads Synopsis: 

A hired killer finds herself caught between her conscience and her contract over the holidays in this riveting short thriller from New York Times bestselling author Lisa Unger.

A hit woman’s work doesn’t stop for the holidays. As the advent calendar winds down, Paige slips into a palatial house, ignoring a blizzard of texts from her ex-husband. No surprise—Julian always gets maudlin this time of year. The real shock comes when the target is not alone. His young daughter is there too.

Risking the wrath of her organization, Paige retreats. There are some lines that, for personal reasons, she just won’t cross. But when she returns on Christmas Eve to finish the job, the girl is still there…along with someone even more startling. As the ghosts of her past gather—to haunt or to help, it’s unclear—Paige must confront old traumas and outwit her superiors to make it to Christmas

Review: 

A fun short story for the holiday season. This one is set during the holiday season. We follow Paige as she attempts to assassinate a man, only to lose her cool when a child is present. Her moral compass has been leaning this way a lot lately and she finds herself in a not so great situation with her employer.

This was a very short read at 70 pages, I appreciated the character build in that short time. There are some great passages around her learning about herself, her past, and what she needs to move forward. I think that the author did a great job with the character development in this short story. I felt invested and I liked Paige. 

I liked the story overall but a few things were more predictable than I would have liked, but I read a fair amount of thrillers so the plot overall was still appreciated. 

If you are looking for a short read, with some action, plot twistiness, and want a little bit of the holiday vibe (decor and some snow) this one could be for you.

HoHoHoRAT Review: Stuffed by Hannah Murray

Stuffed by Hannah Murray 

Series: F.I.L.T.H.
Publisher: Solitary Vice Publications
Publication Date: November 1, 2022

 

Format: Ebook
Source: Kindle Unlimited (at the time of posting)

Rating:


Goodreads Synopsis: 

Why stuff the turkey when they can stuff her?

It’s Thanksgiving, two and a half years after lockdown began, and Tuck and Esme Parrish are deciding how to celebrate. Normally they’d have dinner with either his folks or hers, but with travel restrictions no longer a factor, both sets of parents are taking advantage and spending the holiday elsewhere. With a chance to craft the day to their tastes for a change, they decide to host a Friendsgiving.

The guest list is small, just four friends—Spence, Jude, Evan and Colin. Realizing she’ll be spending the day with her sexy husband and four single, sexy friends (some who had crushes on her in college, and one of whom she’s already slept with), Esme makes a joke about all the F.I.L.T.H (Friends I’d Like To Hump) coming for dinner. Which gives Tuck an idea: why not turn this Friendsgiving into a Bangsgiving?

When lockdown hit, it put a halt to a new and exciting element of Tuck and Esme’s sex life: swinging. It started as a way for Tuck to indulge his candaulism kink (a desire to show off his wife). But he soon discovered that sharing his gorgeous, curvy wife with other men was even more fun—for both of them. They were just finding their groove when lockdown happened, and though their sex life is still varied and vigorous, they’ve missed the extra zing that swinging gave them. And Esme has had a “group adventure” on her swinging to-do list for a while…

And after all, Thanksgiving is the perfect time to get stuffed.

Review: 

This is quite a long synopsis for a 194 page novella that is mostly spicy.  The story is about a couple that are looking to get back into swinging over the Thanksgiving holiday, so they have some friends over to do just that. Husband and Wife and 4 friends have a lovely Thanksgiving dinner (glossed over in the book)then have a lovely time with each other (very detailed plot this time). 

It was a fun and at times funny read. I couldn't help but be worried about having just stuffed themselves with food then moving into this intense intimate time. It all works out in that respect. There were a few of the angles I was also trying to work out, but it made for an entertaining Thanksgiving read.

If you are looking for something short and very erotic, and prefer a why choose-esq situation for your female lead, this once might be a fun read for you.

Recent Reads: Bound to a Siren by Athena Rose

Bound to a Siren by Athena Rose

Series: Romancing the Seas #2

Publisher: Burton & Burchell Ltd
Publication Date:  May 14, 2023 

 

Format: Ebook
Source: Kindle Unlimited

Rating:


Goodreads Synopsis: 

Love is their only lifeline in a sea of danger - dive into the heart-pumping adventure of Bound to a Siren by Athena Rose!

As the threat of war hangs heavy in the air, Princess Serena of Atlantis knows she must take drastic action to protect her sisters from being hunted and killed. With a plan to marry the human prince, Edward, she takes him to the mystical underwater city of Atlantis and to the court of her stern father, Poseidon. But her plan goes awry and Edward is sentenced to death. With no other choice, Serena is forced to use a forbidden ritual to bind the prince to herself, surrendering her immortality in the process. But with the King of England ordering his men to slaughter all sirens on sight, how will the two be able to convince the royal court to give their blessing?

Meanwhile, Georgette and Captain Stone must face their own demons of the past as they navigate treacherous waters in an attempt to form new alliances and put an end to all of the brutality. In the thrilling second book of the Romancing the Seas series, Bound to a Siren, readers will be taken on an epic journey of adventure, danger, romance, and ultimately, a heartwarming and satisfyingly happy ending. Dive in and start reading now!

TW: Death, pregnancy loss, infertility, sexual violence, and childhood trauma.

Romancing the Seas reading list:

Book 1: Married to a Pirate

Book 2: Bound to a Siren

Book 3: Sworn to a Demigod 

This series is written for mature audiences only.

Review: 

There are Trigger warnings with this book. They are listed in the synopsis so please keep that in mind before picking it up. 

It took me a long time to complete reading this one. I picked it up right after Married to a Pirate, which I really enjoyed, but this book fell a little short for me. I was expecting more of the Georgette and Captain Stone story, but since the POV changes in this book to Serena and Edward, you follow them more heavily. Book one was a whirlwind of adventure and felt very Pirates of the Caribbean. This one was slow to start and then kind of crept along. 

We follow Serena and Edward, so I guess you could say this was kind of like a Little Mermaid retelling in some ways. Their story involves a lot more politics from both families, revenge plots all around, and they are just trying to do their best. Edward, ever the gentleman, wants to help save the sirens, but is still hung up on Georgette. Serena is pretty much just jealous the whole time, trying to win Edwards affections for real. I think I had such a hard time with this one because I didn't really like Edward or Serena at all.

Some positives, this story was a great plot progression and there were a lot of fun twists - that involved the whole group, not just these MCs. There was still some spice, it wasn't as heavy hitting with it as book one, but still good. I also enjoyed the incorporation of all sorts of myths and legends into the story. 

I kept hoping this would turn into Pirates meet Greek myth since that is where it seemed to be heading, and it looks like that is where we will eventually get because next up is a Hercules plot and book 4 is Hades (swoon).  In all honesty, I thought about giving up on this series but now there is a Hades/ Persephone retelling for book 4... so I might have to keep it up. 

Overall, I felt like this story was more filler than anything. The characters were meh, the spice was ok, I finished it, so that is a win, but it was just middle of the road for me. 

Recent Reads: The Maiden & The Unseen by Alexis Rune and Jeanette Rose

The Maiden & The Unseen by Alexis Rune and Jeanette Rose 

Series: Love & Fate #1
Publisher: Rose and Star Publishing
Publication Date:  September 27, 2022 

 

Format: ebook
Source: Kindle Unlimited

Rating:


Goodreads Synopsis: 

God of the Dead. King of the Underworld. The Unseen. The Renowned...The Glorified Babysitter.

Zeus has finally decreed that the gods may leave Olympus and mingle - anonymously - with the mortals of the present. With zero warning or waiting for him to consent to this arrangement, Hades is placed in charge of not only helping the gods assimilate but also financing them. Unlike the other gods, Hades never withdrew from the mortal world. Instead he spent six months of every year among them, building a fortune befitting one of his many names. As long as the gods follow his strict rules for living among mortals, they have access to a generous monthly stipend. Break the rules, lose the privileges. No allowances. Ever.

Goddess of Spring. The Maiden. The Mistress. The Venerable One...The Social Media Manager.

For the last two years, Persephone has lived among the mortals, enjoying everything the world she was so sheltered from has to offer. It took years of begging since Zeus's decree to get her mother to allow her to go, and she imparted some strict rules to follow. Rule 1: No fraternizing with other gods. As far as Demeter is aware, Persephone's closest friend is definitely not Helios, the Titan of the Sun. Rule 2: No men. The mortal she's casually dating doesn't even know the gods exist. Rule 3: Every six months, Demeter comes by for a visit. This one Persephone can't get out of, and if it keeps her mother from investigating Persephone's life, what's the harm?

Destiny. Fate. Fortune. Kismet...An absolute bitch.

Fate has other ideas for Hades and Persephone, and it does not take lightly to being denied. Struggle and fight all they want. But the threads of destiny have wrapped tightly around them and tugs them tighter and tighter, no matter what the gods themselves have to say about it.

Trigger Warnings: Sexual Content (BDSM, Puppet Play, Blood Play, Spanking, Dub-Con, Power Play)

Review: 

I am a sucker for a Hades and Persephone retelling/adaptation. This one has a more modern wist to it as well. 

Hades is still his normal alone/lonely self but he is living part time in the human world and has been tasked with helping the gods blend in if they choose to live there - he is pretty much bank-rolling them to live there and not be obvious about being supernatural. He notices during an account review that someone is trying to hide from him and turns off the account of Persephone. It is never really made clear if the illusion was her mothers doing, but it was alluded to (and I think it will be an interesting add-in eventually to tell her that it is her doing that Hades and Persephone meet.)

This book was spicy, but in the best way. Hades is kind of an ass, but you don't expect much else from him, Persphone is more of a bad-ass than normal. She is less whimping damsel, and trying to be an independent women to the best of her ability. I appreciated that her mommy issues were not the full focus of her side of the story. 

This plot was very obvious, it plays a lot like enemies to lovers. I was able to read it all in one day during a carride. It was a common enough story but I still enjoyed it and have already picked up book two. 

If you are not comfortable with sexual content, you should probably skip this one, there is a fair amount and it starts pretty quickly. That said, if you enjoy it, this could be for you. 

I just really like the story of Hades and Persphone and making it adult content is fun. This book ended on one hell of a cliffhanger - pun intended - so have teh next book on hand. 

Lovely Wicked Things by Trisha Wolfe

Lovely Wicked Things by Trisha Wolfe
Series: Hollow's Row #3
Publisher:Lock Key Press
Publication Date:  February 3, 2024 

 

Format: Ebook
Source: Kindle Unlimited

Rating:


Goodreads Synopsis: 

Halen:

I’ve created a monster. When past and present collide, the fallout feels like the death of my morality. Every time I look into Kallum’s clashing, feverish eyes, I see a dark omen—the threat of what we’ll do to each other if our desires run wild.

While the Hollow’s Row case comes to a head, a new heinous player enters the scene. As the Alchemist threatens the town, I’m torn between a promise to help my friend, and my loyalty to Kallum—the man who has sacrificed everything for me.

I’ve created a monster—but he’s my monster. And if I can’t control Kallum’s chaotic nature, I’ll lose him…just as I’ve lost everyone I’ve loved.

There could be a future for us, but only if we don’t damn ourselves first.

Kallum:

The moment Halen St. James crashed my world, I made a vow to harbor her darkness, the lovely spark who ignited my black soul. But now, it’s time for Halen to finally step out of her shadows.

I would do—and have done—anything to keep her mine. I’ve become a villain to protect her. Even from herself.

When she looks into my eyes with recognition, I’m a man reborn, redeemed by her cleansing fire. Only there’s a vital piece of our story missing, and without it, I’ll always fear losing her—a primal fear that provokes the demon within.

The truth lies somewhere in the murky marsh waters, where killers and philosophers intwine, obscuring ancient wisdoms and feasting on the sweetest nectar. 

I was created for her, to devour her heartbreak, and she was designed for me, the muse to the devil himself.

Content warnings: 

Mention of loss of loved ones/grief 

Mention of SA / Violence / gore

Murder / detailed crime scenes

Knife / sharp object / blood play / breath play

Occult references and rituals 

Review: 

This is book 3 of the Hollow Row series with Halen and Kallum. In the first two books they are helping catch a very creepy ritualistic murderer. This is the conclusion/ wrap up of the case and their time together and a full unraveling of all the dark secrets they are both keeping. 

I enjoyed this series, it got really weird and increasingly dark as it moved on. In this last book, I felt like it was too wordy at times when I wanted more action and movement from the plot. The ending was ultimately pretty obvious but still very fun. 

I still really liked Kallum and his dark, broody persona. And Halen was eerily broken and wonderful throughout the series. I think that this was a great representation of a female main character that was both strong but also suffering. She was doing her best to hold herself together through deaths in her family, murders, chasing a murderer, and then also dealing with Kallum's creepy/hotness. 

I liked that the plot continued to be driven by the occult/ philosphy worlds in a way that allowed them to be played together. It was interesting and a very weird take. Sometimes it got a bit bogged down though because both can be so deep but also so vague for broader audiences. 

I am glad that I finished out the series, it was very entertaining and I like what the author has done. That said if you aren't into spicy, weird, dark, occult things, this one will not be for you.

Recent Reads: Six Scorched Roses by Carissa Broadbent

Six Scorched Roses by Carissa Broadbent

Series: Crowns of Nyaxia #1.5
Publication Date:  March 21, 2023

 

Format: Ebook
Source: Borrowed / Kindle Unlimited

Rating:


Goodreads Synopsis: 

Six roses. Six vials of blood. Six visits to a vampire who could be her salvation… or her damnation.

Lilith has been dying since the day she was born. But while she long ago came to terms with her own imminent death, the deaths of everyone she loves is an entirely different matter. As her town slowly withers in the clutches of a mysterious god-cursed illness, she takes matters into her own hands.

Desperate to find a cure, Lilith strikes a bargain with the only thing the gods hate even more than her village: a vampire, Vale. She offers him six roses in exchange for six vials of vampire blood–the one hope for her town’s salvation.

But when what begins as a simple transaction gradually becomes something more, Lilith is faced with a terrifying realization: It’s dangerous to wander into the clutches of a vampire… and in a place already suffering a god’s wrath, more dangerous still to fall in love with one.

Six Scorched Roses is a standalone fantasy romance novella set in the world of the Crowns of Nyaxia series, perfect for those who love dark, romantic tales with bite and fans of Sarah J. Maas or Jennifer L. Armentrout.

Review: 

Throughout the month of December I spent my time reading Novellas to hit my Goodreads goal and I am so glad that I picked this one up. I really have enjoyed the Crowns series and this was a wonderful glimpse into the relationship between Lillith and Vale, so cute!

The story falls before book 2 of the Crowns series. We learn how Vale and Lillith met and fell in love before they appear together in Book 2. I really enjoyed these side characters. Vale is hiding out brooding and the religious humans around him worship a different god so they don't like him there. That area was published by a god and are suffering from a plague, people slowly get sick and turn to dust. Lillith was a sickly child but in her adulthood, which she has made it to, she is determined to find a cure for the people, most especially her sister. She goes to Vale with roses and trades them for his blood to use in her experiments. 

I loved Lillith - her determination, fight, and bravery was wonderful. I liked the gods that appeared and the roses theme/twist. Vale as broody was lovely and added depth to their relationship. She was stubborn, he was an ass but they learned to work together and then him swoping in to save her and help her as the story went on was so nice. 

I really enjoyed this. If you liked the main series, this is a great glimpse into their story, I am glad I read it after book 2 but you could go in order.