This was a really adorable novella! The two main characters are a woman who is an explosives expert, and a hitman. They've been teasing each other for almost a year, but never met in person, until Elliana, who hates Christmas, buys Theo a Christmas present and goes next door to deliver it. This sets in motion a chain of events that changes everything, but most of it for the better. It was really cute, very well written, and extremely amusing. 4 stars!

Was super cute and adorable. The story was a bit predictable but had its own spin on things. Would be a great winter read!

this book was so good, its the kind of story that you read for the giggles and it keeps you giggling and kicking your feet while twirling your hair, all in one. the love story is good.

I don't usually get sucked into a story from the very beginning. It was to the point, and the pacing was just right for me. I adore Elliana and Theo's relationship. (In a fictional sense) Theo is just *chefs kiss*.  Theo's obsession is the kind of devotion I'll like to read in my books. The story was unhinged in the best possible way. It's the kind of book I'll recommend to my friends if they want something fun and quick to read. 

I'm hoping to read more from the author, and it'll be great if this book has an audiobook release in the future. I can't wait for the next book in the series!!

Big thanks to the publisher for an ARC of this book via NetGalley. This review is being given honestly and all thoughts and opinions are my own.

This was a cute and fun book featuring two neighbors who have a big time THING for each other and end up in a crazy situation. Elliana is an explosives expert and may or may not watch her neighbor put on a ‘show’ for her every night. When she finally gets the nerve to make a move she stumbles on him in the middle of something…murdering someone. This ends up setting off a WHOLE series of events that Theo (her hot neighbor) might be able to help her out of due to his line of profession (a.k.a an assassin).

I thought this was very silly and fun and perfect for the holidays and def recommend if people are looking for something fun, a lil crazy, and a lil spicy.



*Originally read in October 2023 but review was never posted

Yes! Yes! Yes! Loved this!! This was the best Holiday book I read!!! I loved it!! So good! A must read for Holiday romance lovers!
I just reviewed How the Hitman Stole Christmas by Katie Reus. #HowtheHitmanStoleChristmas #NetGalley
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This was absolutely delightful! Maybe it's because I'm reading a Christmas book in January, but this was just bananas enough to really bring me joy while reading! Is the insta-love and Christmas cheer a little sweet? Maybe. But like Elliana, I would be the grump in this reverse grumpy-sunshine story, so I'm ok with it! Am I maybe projecting because I want a hitman to fall in love with me? Definitely more than maybe 🤣 This was fun, sweet, and spicy, and it made me happy! What more could you ask for in a Christmas novella?

I also really appreciated the author's note at the end about hitman vs. hit man!

Well, that was different in a fun way. I really liked the premise of this story. It keeps the lightheartedness of the season, but you still get all the good stuff. I don't know that I have ever said I like a hitman, but I really like this one. The villain was an interesting twist, I didn't see him coming, but I really liked it. This would be a really great seasonal series. Hope there will be another one.

A fun little festive romance which just so happens to involve a hitman!
If you have no problems with hitmen who l fall quickly and easily for the rich woman next door then this book is for you!

this was such a fun book!

i was hooked almost immediately.

mutual stalking.
kidnapping but its for her own good
mutual weirdness
badass FMC

This wasn't a Christmas book but more a book with Christmas in it? which i liked. it wasn't too Christmassy where it fell into hallmark territory. it had me laughing in all the right places and swooning in others. it was action-packed, hilarious novella with just a dash of murder and the right amount of insta-love (was it really insta though if you've been stalking your neighbor with a drone?).

Funny, sexy and the perfect couple. I’m usually not a fan of grumpy sunshine, but I enjoyed this. I believe this is the start of a series. I will be looking forward to the next book if so!

This book was one of my favorite of the Holiday. The title is what attracted me to read it in the first place. But the story line, and the characters are what hooked me in. I loved the spice, the action , and all around the Holidays. I was sucked in from the beginning and ate it all up.

I really enjoyed this book - the plot was unpredictable at first, which I liked, however I would have preferred a little more background on the characters before leaping straight into the main action of the plot

Thank you to Netgalley for providing an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

I recently read this over Christmas and it was the perfect little read to get me in the spirit! Elliana was so grumpy but the way she became an absolute softie over Theo was adorable. And Theo was the sunshine man of my dreams. He was giving off real golden retriever energy. Honestly, there were so many times I laughed out loud like when he opened his door to her even though he was torturing some dude, when he decorated her house for Christmas, and then when he kidnaps her and takes her to the boat.

It also had a little bit of suspense and quite a bit of action, which I appreciated! Sometimes with insta-love it can get old fast, but Reus made sure to throw some curveballs in here for readers!

If you're looking for something short, sweet and spicy, definitely give this one a try!

How the Hitman Stole Christmas is a good holiday romantic suspense. The characters are enjoyable and the storyline engaging. This was a quick read and I will definitely read more of this series once it is available.

Elliana is not a fan of Christmas and her next-door neighbor is the opposite and has a ton of lights and decorations. The funny thing is that Elliana is interested in the ones that he has in his home that she even has a drone so that she can spy on the inside, as she spy’s on Theo he knows that she’s doing and he decides that he wants to have a little fun with it. This was a reverse grumpy sunshine Christmas read that is sure to bring you into the spirit of Christmas.

I’ve read a lot of Katie Reus’ different series. And I love them all. And this standalone (or maybe it’s the start of a new series?! Pretty please?!) is no different. It’s a short, fast paced and hilarious story. Do I believe it is real? Duh… of course not. But that doesn’t matter. You just curl up beside the christmas tree and laugh your socks off…

Elliana and Theo are funny and creepy at the same time. Stalking your neighbor with a drone? Yep, totally creepy. Being kidnapped by said neighbor, after you have seen him kill someone? Absolutely deranged. Falling for said hot guy? Absolutely hilarious!

I do hope Katie will create a series of stories about Theo’s friends! Fout out of five stars from me and a special thank you to Netgalley for providing the arc.

Thank you Netgalley for the ARC of How the Hitman Stole Christmas.
I have previously read other titles written by Katie Reus and I've enjoyed them. I started reading How the Hitman Stole Christmas and wasn't sure what to think about the story. I didn't realize that there was a sub-genre to the romance aspect and I think that's what caught me off guard. The writing style felt much different than what I was used to.

'How the Hitman Stole Christmas' is like a wild rollercoaster of action and romance, with Elliana reluctantly getting swept up in Theo's dangerous shenanigans. The plot zips along, keeping you grinning the whole time. It's a short and sweet holiday novella that manages to pack a punch in just 150 pages. Definitely a fun read, and I'm curious to see what else this author has up their sleeve!

🎄 'Tis the season for an explosive mix of grumpy-sunshine romance, murder, and mayhem in Katie Reus's holiday novella, "How the Hitman Stole Christmas"! 🎄💔🔫

💥 Explosives expert Elliana despises Christmas and everything it stands for—until her gorgeous neighbor, Theo, becomes the unexpected source of holiday cheer. Theo's allergic reaction to shirts, as witnessed through Elliana's drone, adds a delightful twist to the grinchy festivities. Little does Elliana know, her Christmas takes an unexpected turn when she stumbles upon a murder committed by none other than her tempting neighbor.

🕵️‍♂️ According to Theo, the murder is a minor detail—the victim needed to be eliminated. As protective instincts kick in, Theo becomes both Elliana's festive savior and a captivating cinnamon roll hitman. When danger looms, Theo takes unconventional measures, kidnapping Elliana "for her own good." Handcuffed to her savior, Elliana reconsiders her grumpy stance on the holidays, leading to an explosive climax.

🎄 This novella brilliantly weaves a reverse sunshine-grumpy romance with a dash of action and suspense. Elliana's disgruntlement towards Christmas creates a charming dynamic with Theo's determined efforts to bring her holiday cheer. The result? A super cute and unexpected love story that defies the typical holiday romance tropes. 🎅🏽❤️

📚 Despite its novella length, "How the Hitman Stole Christmas" doesn't leave readers feeling short-changed. Katie Reus crafts a captivating narrative that feels like a longer read, keeping readers engaged from start to explosive finish. Theo and Elliana's chemistry leaps off the pages, making their journey a joyous and entertaining experience.

🤣 Theo's "murdery" reactions, triggered by his protective instincts, add a unique and humorous layer to the story. His unconventional methods of ensuring Elliana's safety create moments of tension, laughter, and heartfelt connection between the characters. 💑💣

🔥 "How the Hitman Stole Christmas" is a delightful holiday read that combines romance, action, and festive cheer in a novella package. Katie Reus's storytelling prowess shines in this unexpected and heartwarming tale that proves even the grumpiest hearts can be melted by love and holiday magic. 🎁💖