Baby It's Cold Outside

MM Romantic Thriller: To Love a Psycho, Book 4

By: C F White

Narrated by: Piers Ryman

Only he decides who’s a good boy.

"I'm building you a place where you don't have to choose between being strong or safe. You can be both. Or neither. You can just...be."

Two years after escaping the legacy of his infamous serial killer parents, Aaron Jones has finally built something close to peace. A quiet cottage on the windswept Isle of Wight, a rescue dog named Chaos, a job using his behavioural skills, and, of course, a lover, Dr Kenneth Lyons, criminal psychologist, protector, and the only man who’s ever known exactly how to unravel him.

Their love is laced with rules. Trust. And surrender. It’s fragile, hard-won, and impossibly addictive.

But peace was never built to last. Not for them.

When a teenage boy is found murdered beneath the town’s Christmas lights, Kenny is called in to consult. As more bodies appear, each one draped in seasonal ritual and tied with blood-red ribbons, Aaron is dragged back into the darkness they both swore they’d left behind.

To protect the life they’ve built, Aaron agrees to every request Kenny makes. Even if it means offering more of himself and leaning deeper into the darker side of their love, where obedience is devotion, and surrender is the safest place he’s ever known.

But as the killer’s ritual unfolds, Kenny’s profile starts to mirror their own past too closely. And Aaron must face what he’s become under Kenny’s hands… and what he’s willing to do to keep him.

Because in the season of giving, some obsessions come wrapped in blood-red ribbons.

And only he decides who’s a good boy.

Baby It's Cold Outside is the festive fourth book in the MM romantic thriller series, To Love a Psycho. Whilst it can be listened to as a Christmas standalone, it would be better experienced as part of the full series.

Please see author note for trigger warnings.

©2025 C F White (P)2026 C F White

I'll always want more of those two!`

Story: When you read three books about a couple, you get an impression that you know them quite well and know what to expect. If you're thinking that about a CF White couple... well, you're wrong.
I read every single Aaron and Kenny book with a baited breath and possibly a slight obsession, but nothing prepared me for the marshmallowy goodness dipped in trauma, recovery, boundless love and understanding this book served me on a silver platter. Seeing them both in a steady(ish) setting, delving deeper and deeper into their connection was art on page!
The crime part of the story was a great addition to the plot and the balance between both sides of the story was, as always, great and thought out in detail.
If you already know Aaron and Kenny, you NEED this part of the story in your life yesterday. If you don't? Do yourself a favor and go read book #1. PSA: Bring ice cream, tissues and a warm burrito-grade blanket. Aaron would back me up on that one ;)
Narration: As always impeccable voice acting! No notes, 15 out of 10 stars!

Another fantastic entry to this fav series

Fourth in series (To Love a Psycho), can be read as a standalone but best if read in order. Established couple. Age gap. Hurt/comfort. Dual POV. Heed content warnings.

Aaron and Kenny have been living on the Isle of Wight for the last two years, Kenny teaching A levels and Aaron working at a dog shelter. While still navigating their relationship with plans of forever, Kenny is asked to consult on a possible serial killer, but Aaron is always his first priority.

There is a balanced amount of darkness from the murder investigations and the hopeful strengthening of Aaron and Kenny's relationship in this story. The deep commitment and fears of both Aaron and Kenny are thoroughly laid bare and there is so much depth to their feelings, the desperate love they have and the willingness to do anything to be together. The serial killer on the loose adds the edge of danger as well as harkens back to Aaron’s past which is still haunting him, and it looks like the author plans to continue with this couple so maybe they can get free of some of their past. A compelling story with complicated characters, a killer that has to be stopped, and two men that are still building a complex and meaningful relationship.

As usual, Piers Ryman does a fantastic job of bringing Aaron and Kenny to life. His ability to convey the emotions of both characters while giving them distinct voices is so enjoyable to listen to. He remains a favorite narrator of mine. 4.5 rounded up

Wonderful story!

I loved this story just as much as the other three. I really was drawn in from the beginning and am so glad to have listened to all the different parts as they were intended. I didn’t expect Aaron’s “mother” to have found him again and for her to still be as crazy and dangerous. I am glad that Kenneth finally decided to propose at the end and I am so happy that they were able to stay together and make it work. I really hope that “mother” is removed from his life and he will be able to live without fear. I definitely recommend this book to everyone who enjoys mm stories especially psychologically related.

Loved It

I loved this book. It's my favorite of Aaron and Kenny's books. I like the place they are at in their relationship- the foundation they've built and just know each other so well by even the most minute of details in their behaviors. And of course something has to come along and break into their routine. My heart hurt so much for that first victim fighting against their initial instincts in the face of a Santa whose offer of help felt so believable, only for it to lead to his death. Watching that moment really affected me for some reason. And then I was swept away by our amazing couple and the psychology of not only their processes, but the killer's. The suspense and anticipation kept me riveted. Piers Ryman does another killer job with the narration.

Overall: 5 stars
Performance: 5 stars
Story: 5 stars