A Dark Holiday Series by Elizabeth Knox

She writes about killers. He kills. This December, they'll meet. Celeste Sterling came home to the Adirondacks with writer's block and daddy issues. She'll leave with blood on her hands and a monster's ring on her finger. Between now and then? Twenty-three days of being hunted by a man who makes her fictional villains look like choir boys. A man who collects deer skulls like love letters. Who knows every filthy word she's ever written—including the ones she deleted... moreShe writes about killers. He kills. This December, they'll meet. Celeste Sterling came home to the Adirondacks with writer's block and daddy issues. She'll leave with blood on her hands and a monster's ring on her finger. Between now and then? Twenty-three days of being hunted by a man who makes her fictional villains look like choir boys. A man who collects deer skulls like love letters. Who knows every filthy word she's ever written—including the ones she deleted. Welcome to a small town where everyone's keeping secrets, Daddy's gun won't save you, and the local serial killer has been waiting two years for his favorite author to come home. Celeste thought she understood darkness. After all, she's made millions writing it. But there's a difference between typing "he's dangerous" and having danger learn your daily routine. Between writing "touch her and die" and watching him make that promise literal. Between creating a monster and realizing one already exists. ***The hunter has become obsessed. The author is about to become his. And Daddy dearest? He's about to become family with a serial killer. 'Tis the season for a dark romance that will ruin you for safe men and happy endings. Contains a morally black hero who believes consent is negotiable and murder is foreplay. less

I thought I escaped hell when I ran from the Sanctuary. Hell found me on a Valentine's Day auction block, where men in black ties bid on virgins like livestock. Where the highest bidder owns you—body, mind, and soul. Vaughn Sutherland paid more for me than most people see in a lifetime. He put me in a room with silk sheets and locked doors. He touched me in ways that made me forget my own name. He made me want things I shouldn't want. So, I ran. I made it a few hours before he found me... moreI thought I escaped hell when I ran from the Sanctuary. Hell found me on a Valentine's Day auction block, where men in black ties bid on virgins like livestock. Where the highest bidder owns you—body, mind, and soul. Vaughn Sutherland paid more for me than most people see in a lifetime. He put me in a room with silk sheets and locked doors. He touched me in ways that made me forget my own name. He made me want things I shouldn't want. So, I ran. I made it a few hours before he found me. I expected punishment. Expected pain. Expected him to finally show me the monster beneath the patient facade. Instead, he gave me pleasure. Over and over until I broke. Until I begged. Until I couldn't remember why I ever wanted to leave. Now I sleep in his bed, not the guest room. Now he watches my every move. Now every choice I thought I had is gone—except one. Submit willingly to his training for the Consortium gathering, or he'll break me until I do. And the worst part? I'm starting to want to submit. The Sanctuary stole her childhood. Vaughn Sutherland bought her virginity. And when she runs? He'll hunt her down and teach her that the only freedom she'll ever have is the kind he gives her. Warning: Contains a hero who thinks love is ownership, patience is a weapon, and Valentine's Day is the perfect excuse to buy something priceless. less