I didn't realize AVMH was part of a series until I opened it to begin reading - and immediately went to Amazon to get the first book so I didn't miss a thing. In a season where everything is becoming increasingly saccharine and predictable, this series stepped in to break the mold. As expected, there are a few dark themes, but the witty banter and comedic lines really bring it home. This one was slightly more tame than the first book, and Dante endears you to him immediately. Imagine The Parent Trap, at Christmas time, with Jason Statham.

Anyone who enjoys spice and the protective, "who did this to you" type of trope will likely enjoy this.

Thank you to NetGalley and KR Press, LLC for an e-arc of this book!

In "A Very Merry Hitman," Aileen navigates life in a neighborhood filled with hitmen, including her own family. As a single mom and ASMRtist, she’s stopped dating because of a violent past with a man. A decade after the incident, she thinks she might be ready to consider a date or friends with benefits. She decides to ask her neighbor Dante, an intimidating hitman, for help. However, when he hesitates, Aileen takes it as a rejection. But just as she yes to a blind date set up by her sister-in-law, danger strikes as two Santas attempt to rob her. This prompts Dante to take action, stepping up to protect Aileen and her daughter, Nessa. The story unfolds with a delightful mix of holiday cheer, suspense, and a slow-burning romance as Dante and Aileen confront their feelings amidst the chaos.

I'm a little torn on the classification of this book. On the one hand, is it dark romance because of all the hitmen and death at their hands? Or it is a sweet Christmas romance? It's definitely unique, with some morally grey areas. The chemistry between Aileen and Dante is palpable, providing a sizzling romance that keeps readers reading! Once they start.....whoooooo boy..... Aileen's relatable struggles as a single mom make her an easy character to root for, while Dante's overprotective nature adds a twist to their relationship. The quirky interactions with Aileen's nosy family and their antics bring a delightful hitman sort of levity to the story. The dialogue is fun the plot is darkish and quirky, this book offers a new twist on the friends-to-lovers trope within a community of hitmen. The mix of danger and festive cheer creates an one of a kind of reading experience that will leave fans craving more from the series. I really liked it. It's a quick read. I meant to read it before Christmas, but I just now finished in March. I still recommend for anytime of the year...but if you want your holiday books during the holidays, hold on to this one for December.

I received an ARC of this book, and even though I accidentally started with the second in the series, I was so hooked by the premise that I now have to go back and read the first! A community of trained assassins balancing their deadly careers with family life? Absolutely sign me up.

Aileen is a fantastic protagonist—a single parent juggling work, parenting, and, of course, a few life-or-death situations. Dante, the grumpy yet devoted assassin, is quietly watching from the sidelines, and their slow-burn dynamic is equal parts frustrating and delightful. The chemistry was inevitable, but watching them get there was so much fun.

The plot strikes the perfect balance between action and heartwarming holiday moments. The absurdity of amateur Santa Claus attackers, the rising tension of a crime unfolding, and the contrast of baking Christmas cookies while family members casually offer to ‘eliminate’ anyone causing trouble—it all made for an incredibly entertaining read.

This is the kind of holiday story I’d love to see as a movie—plausible characters, witty banter, and a resolution that leaves you completely satisfied. I enjoyed this so much that I immediately went and bought both books in the series. If you're looking for a Christmas romance with action, humour, and a refreshingly unique twist, this one’s for you!

Loved the familiar romance tropes with some darker aspects! It was a fun read and heartwarming at times.

The second book in the "Holiday With a Hitman" series is a hit! (Pun not intended). I loved it just as much as the first one and I am actually going back to read the first book again. I would love a follow-up story on these characters because I don't feel we got enough. The only thing that I wish we had more was Dante spending time with Aileen. Otherwise, there was a perfect balance of romance, suspense and seeing the main characters from the previous book. I would recommend reading the first book before this one, only because Ellie and Theo's story was great as well and it's heavenly referenced in this book.

P.S. This book while it's mostly high-hearted, even with all the hitmen, talks about Aileen's past which might be triggering to some.

First I would like to thank Victory Editing NetGalley Co-op for providing an ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.

Aileen is the non-killer in a community full of hitmen who is doing her best raising her daughter. She has been in a bit of a dry spell and asks her friend Dante if he would help her break that spell. Dante has been interested in Aileen since he met her and will do anything she asks of him. When someone starts threatening Aileen, Dante along with her family will do anything to protect her.

What I love:
- Nessa, Aileen's daughter who is the ultimate pot stirrer and all she wants to Christmas is a boyfriend for her mom and will do anything to help
- Dante, he is an overprotective bear of a man who could kill with a look and will do anything in his power to keep Aileen and Nessa safe.....even if Aileen says no
- Family, Aileen's family are nosey people who love to stir the pot and be in everyone's business and just want what's best for Aileen (who they all agree is Dante)
- Spicy, for a short book there are a lot of sneaky spicy scenes

I loved the first book in the series and this was such a fun addition. The characters are so much fun and easy to root for and I love how it blends together with other series by the same author. If you are looking for a quick read with some suspense, romance and a lot of giggle worthy dialogue this is an absolute must read.

I volunteered to read and review an advanced readers copy of Very Merry Hitman through NetGalley . I really enjoyed reading this story . Dante is a hitman and so is most of the people in his neighborhood .
Dante has cared for Aileen the single mother next door since shortly after he met her . When she decides to enter the dating scene Dante figures out he better make his move or lose his chance with her . As Aileen is out and about preparing for Christmas she soon finds herself in danger . Dante steps in to protect the woman he loves . This is a delightful holiday romance . I highly recommend taking the time to read .

this was such a fun cute quick read. was there murder involved? yes but doesn't mean the story wasn't cute. there were some dark topics.

i did think there would be a little more of the 'hitman' action involved as per the title but i still enjoyed it.

you can always count on a little girl to cause mischief just so her mom could have her happy ending.

A VERY MERRY HITMAN by Katie Reus. What a fun tale! Aileen and Dante are smokin' together! And Nessa is just the sweetest - I love how she wants a Dad for Christmas, but mostly a man for her mom. As would be expected with a hitman involved, there is some danger and mystery, and Ms. Reus does it all just right. Check this out for a delightful and enjoyable read. (received ARC from NetGalley for honest review)

This was a hilarious, dark, and spicy rom-com that kept me hooked from start to finish. It’s the second book in a Christmas novella series featuring a family of hitmen. While you can definitely enjoy it as a standalone, reading the first book adds a bit more context. I’m already looking forward to the third installment, set to release in December 2025!

Thank you to NetGalley and KR Press, LLC for an advanced reader copy in exchange for an honest review.

Thank you Netgalley and Katie Reus for A Very Merry Hitman. I like the this series but for some reason I don't love all the books. I'm not sure what it is about the theme or trope that I can't get into. And this has nothing to do with Katie Reus's writing style or her creativity.

I really love this author. She makes me love hitmen lol

So in this second in her Holiday With a Hitman series, she’s got the cutest friends to lovers with a great cast of characters, and the tie-ins to one of her other series (Red Stone Security). I just love little cameos like that.

So Aileen lives in a neighborhood of hitmen/retired hitmen. Her parents are retired. She is an ASMRtist who is in love with the guy across the street, Dante. Dante is a hitman, and he’s in love with Aileen, but they’re both such good friends that they just leave it at that. Until Aileen decides she’s ready to jump back into the dating pool after something traumatic happened to her years ago. And she wants Dante to be the someone she jumps. Er, the someone she asks to help her jump start her dating life? Okay I’m done with the jokes, but she takes his shock as rejection and goes on a blind date with someone else, instead.

But she’s mugged and suddenly things turn dangerous. Dante and the family rally around Aileen, and even through the danger, Dante and Aileen can’t keep the sparks from flying. They’re a solid couple and I love how everything was handled. The twist at the end definitely surprised me, and here I am now loving a hitman hero yet again because Katie Reus wrote him.

She’s an excellent writer and if you can have a Cozy Romantic Suspense, this would be it. It’s fun, dangerous, and sexy all at the same time. I recommend reading both of the Holiday With A Hitman series. You’ll enjoy it.

***ARC courtesy of the author via Netgalley

This series is refreshing and fun. I love the fun take on a typical holiday romance. The characters are great and I loved the returning characters from book one. I will definitely keep reading these!

Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

If you love a sweet and steamy romance with a touch of suspense and action, danger and drama then A VERY MERRY HITMAN will be the perfect for a cozy holiday read or warm beach read. Either way you will be thrilled with this book.

Reviewed for Fresh Fiction by Annetta Sweetko

Complete review: https://freshfiction.com/review.php?id=89122

Aileen is a single mom who hasn’t been in the dating game for a while now and decides that she wants to get back in the game. She gets her friend Dante to help her out. Dante has had a hidden crush on Aileen for years but didn’t want to wreck the friendship they have. Aileen decides that she is going to go on a date with someone her sister an law is setting her up with. Two men dressed as Santa rob her. Dante jumps in to save her. This was a quick fun read that will you get into the Christmas spirit with the touch of hitman. Who doesn’t love Christmas with a little suspense and danger.

Oh this was good! It was short but somehow still jam packed full of goodies. The characters were created super well despite it being short. I really enjoyed how their relationship progressed and changed. The mystery element too was super intriguing I was second guessing constantly trying to figure out who the bad guys were and I was still surprised at the end. It was a super fun read with a dash of the Christmasy element to it. Super fun and I’m keen to rec to anyone that would enjoy this type of read. In terms of spice, it’s about a 2.5/5 for me wasn’t super common or anything but I felt it was a good amount given everything going on within the book. Overall, I loved it it’s a 5/5 read for me.

I received an advance reader copy of this book to read in exchange for an honest review via netgalley and the publishers.

A Very Merry Hitman is a fun and spicy festive novella and is the first book by Katie Reus I've had the pleasure of reading. I'll definitely be checking out her other books!
We follow Aileen, who's a single mum to an 11 year old daughter, and her family are all hitmen, including her close neighbours. Aileen has been celibate since before her daughters birth after a traumatic assault. She wants to get back into the dating game and requests her best friend Dantes help. Dante has wanted this moment ever since meeting Aileen and would do anything for her, but he never expected her to just come out and ask him for the favour she asks him for. When Aileen agrees to go on a date with someone her sister-in-law arranges and a man in a santa suit robs her in broad daylight and then a second santa tries to do the same but this time is after her phone and her; Dante jumps straight into action along with her family and deadly neighbours too.
This was such a fun and spicy read, and I loved the hitman edge to it. I read this book on one sitting and couldn't pull away from the humour and in desperate need to know what kind of fool would target the daughter of a family of hitmen.
TW for sexual assault.

📚 #BOOKREVIEW 📚
A Very Merry Hitman (Holiday with a Hitman, Book 2) by Katie Reus
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ / Pages: 165 / Genre: Holiday Romance
Release Date: October 22, 2024

Aileen lives in a neighborhood full of hitmen, including her parents, her brother, and friend of the family Dante. While happy to dedicate her life to her daughter, Aileen has finally decided to spread her wings and start living her life. And this starts with propositioning Dante—asking him to be a friend with benefits. Little does she know that he’s had a crush on her for a very long time. And then things get complicated when she gets mugged on two separate occasions by men dressed as Santa Claus. Dante quickly becomes her protector and possibly more.

This sexy romcom and cozy mystery combo made for a fast, fun holiday read. I especially liked the hitmen camaraderie and community that had Aileen’s back.

Thank you, @KatieReusAuthor and @NetGalley for my gifted copy.

**A Very Merry Hitman** (Book 2 in the *Holiday with a Hitman* series) blends suspense, romance, and holiday hijinks into a perfect read. Aileen and Dante's story was captivating from start to finish.

Aileen, a single mom, finds her life turned upside down when she and her daughter, Nessa, become targets of men dressed as Santa Claus. As if raising a child in a family full of hitmen wasn't stressful enough! Dante, her protective neighbor and family friend, steps in to help, and their slow-burn romance takes center stage as they team up to uncover who’s behind the strange attacks.

The *friends to lovers* trope is done perfectly here. Dante’s intense protectiveness and the growing connection between him and Aileen had me hooked. He's the ultimate alpha male, and I loved seeing his caring side as he looked out for both Aileen and Nessa. The holiday setting, with all its quirky, heartwarming moments, plus the mystery of the Santa muggings, made for a fun, entertaining read.

While you can enjoy this book on its own, I highly recommend reading *How the Hitman Stole Christmas* first to dive deeper into this hitman universe and its amazing characters.

With great banter, steamy chemistry, and a gripping mystery, this book is a must-read for anyone who loves romantic suspense with a holiday twist. I can’t wait for more stories from this world!

#AVeryMerryHitman #HolidayWithAHitman #RomanticSuspense #FriendsToLovers #ChristmasRomance #SuspenseAndSpice #DanteAndAileen #HitmanLove #HolidayReads #BookRecommendation

A fun festive read, the story of Aileen and Dante. I really wanted everything to work out for them, after they are set up by her daughter who wants a dad for Christmas!