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Mythic Holidays #1
A Hunt So Wild and Cruel
She’s been a bad girl...
They’ve been summoned for a reckoning.
Queen Lauriel hoards wealth and persecutes anyone with magic. She even cancels the Midwinter Glee festival, claiming that it wastes the Crown's money. But one cold night, the Wild Hunt rides across the sky, led by three majestic Fae. They've been called to teach the Queen a lesson, and if she can't learn it by their deadline, her throne won't be the only thing she'll lose. For the three riders, visiting the Queen is a welcome reprieve from their existence as bodiless spirits. But if they fail in their task, their place in the Wild Hunt is at risk, and the alternative is a far worse fate.
Three ghost riders...
One chance to change.
This book is a standalone spinoff of the Wicked Darlings series. It's a spicy fantasy-romance retelling of "A Christmas Carol" by Charles Dickens, with a female main character and three hunky Fae spirits.
Trigger/content warnings will be available in the front matter of the book and on the author's website.
They’ve been summoned for a reckoning.
Queen Lauriel hoards wealth and persecutes anyone with magic. She even cancels the Midwinter Glee festival, claiming that it wastes the Crown's money. But one cold night, the Wild Hunt rides across the sky, led by three majestic Fae. They've been called to teach the Queen a lesson, and if she can't learn it by their deadline, her throne won't be the only thing she'll lose. For the three riders, visiting the Queen is a welcome reprieve from their existence as bodiless spirits. But if they fail in their task, their place in the Wild Hunt is at risk, and the alternative is a far worse fate.
Three ghost riders...
One chance to change.
This book is a standalone spinoff of the Wicked Darlings series. It's a spicy fantasy-romance retelling of "A Christmas Carol" by Charles Dickens, with a female main character and three hunky Fae spirits.
Trigger/content warnings will be available in the front matter of the book and on the author's website.
429 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 1, 2023
249 people are currently reading
3692 people want to read
About the author
Rebecca F. Kenney
72 books2,877 followersRebecca F. Kenney writes spicy fantasy romance about sassy, strong women and hot guys with tragic backstories... pirates, warlords, demons, Fae, and royals. Her main series are the "Wicked Darlings" series (spicy Fae retellings of the Nutcracker, Wonderland, and Oz), the "Dark Rulers" series (standalones in a shared world), and the "For the Love of the Villain" series of genderbent fairytales. Other books include a post-apocalyptic vampire romance trilogy ("The Vampires Will Save You"), a demon romance "Interior Design for Demons," a dark mermaid fantasy duet, and other spicy retellings.
Rebecca is represented by Eva Scalzo of Speilburg Literary. She lives in upstate South Carolina with her handsome blue-eyed husband and two smart, energetic kids.
For updates and information about upcoming novels, follow on Instagram @rebeccafkenneybooks, on Twitter @RebeccaFKenney1, and on TikTok @rebeccafkenney
Rebecca is represented by Eva Scalzo of Speilburg Literary. She lives in upstate South Carolina with her handsome blue-eyed husband and two smart, energetic kids.
For updates and information about upcoming novels, follow on Instagram @rebeccafkenneybooks, on Twitter @RebeccaFKenney1, and on TikTok @rebeccafkenney
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 270 reviews
November 1, 2023
5 Onion Stars ⭐
Spicy Level: 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️/5
I have read quite a few books by Rebecca F Kenney...and this one almost hits on a different level for me. There was nothing really that I felt needed to change. The pace was perfect. It progressed the right way with the correct cadence but there was just something that felt different…
This is a spicy gender-reversed multiple-POV retelling of A Christmas Carol. The plot in this is simple, Queen Lauriel is a frugal, awful, cruel queen. Forced to rule too soon, her neglected selfish soul is forced to learn a harsh lesson when three riders from the Wild Hunt are summoned after she refuses to provide aid to one of the members of her country. The Three Ghosts have the challenge to make Lauriel change her ways, but there is more at stake than just her change of heart...
As with Scrooge, you do not like Lauriel in the beginning. But she's supposed to be this flawed, broken, almost awful character who has been beaten down and through her circumstances has been moulded into who she is. It's the epitome of the psychological debate that a person is the direct result of their experiences. That theory: that a person's personality is most impacted by how they were raised or the environment they grew up in. Her very being is defined by her life experiences. She is trying to do the best that she can but has been dealt a very short and brutal stick; and has never had the opportunity to understand that vulnerability is not a weakness. I did not like her but I understood her and appreciated that one of her biggest struggles was to battle her pride and appearances while still trying to do what was good.
It truly helped “to know” the outcome of the story (the Christmas Carol one) that through all her wickedness and cruelty, underpinning this cruelty is the right heart. She might have the right motives but doesn’t know how to act, or she's not very good at articulating or expressing how she's feeling.
I have found through my reading journey that the stories that stay the most with me, the ones that have the biggest impact - have a large focus on characterisation. SO…BACK TO THE REASON WHY THIS FELT DIFFERENT… THIS IS A VERY CHARACTER FOCUSED STORY... There is a lot of time spent in the heads of the characters, as they deal with their insecurities and trauma. The writing explores their thoughts and feelings which is beautiful. And something I adore.
The world-building is perfect, and for anyone who is a fan of the Wicked Darlings Series, it has a few easter eggs sprinkled that will make you swoon and giggle.
The smut was also perfectly placed and balanced and didn't feel like it detracted from the story or was overly prevalent. When it happened felt natural and how it developed amongst the characters had an ease and naturality as well.
This is a WHY CHOOSE but I do think that Helix is the premium Ghost. I would not mind it one bit if he haunted me in my dreams or in my bedroom because damn... Brax and Paemon were just as gorgeous but didn't bring forth the same desire I have for Helix where I basically want to wrap myself around him like a firepole and slide down him...
Your Trope Summary
▶ A Christmas Carol Retelling
▶ Why Choose/Reverse Harem
▶ (Ghost) Fae X Human Relationship
▶ Super Character Focused
▶ Multi - POV
▶ Morally Grey Characters
▶ Royalty Romance
▶ Touch her and Die
Overall, I loved it. There's hardly anything that I would change and it was a perfect sexy spicy book for Christmas. Rebecca Kenney knocked this OUT THE PARK!
Thank you so much Rebecca for a copy of this in exchange for a review
All thoughts and feelings are my own
Spicy Level: 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️/5
I have read quite a few books by Rebecca F Kenney...and this one almost hits on a different level for me. There was nothing really that I felt needed to change. The pace was perfect. It progressed the right way with the correct cadence but there was just something that felt different…
This is a spicy gender-reversed multiple-POV retelling of A Christmas Carol. The plot in this is simple, Queen Lauriel is a frugal, awful, cruel queen. Forced to rule too soon, her neglected selfish soul is forced to learn a harsh lesson when three riders from the Wild Hunt are summoned after she refuses to provide aid to one of the members of her country. The Three Ghosts have the challenge to make Lauriel change her ways, but there is more at stake than just her change of heart...
As with Scrooge, you do not like Lauriel in the beginning. But she's supposed to be this flawed, broken, almost awful character who has been beaten down and through her circumstances has been moulded into who she is. It's the epitome of the psychological debate that a person is the direct result of their experiences. That theory: that a person's personality is most impacted by how they were raised or the environment they grew up in. Her very being is defined by her life experiences. She is trying to do the best that she can but has been dealt a very short and brutal stick; and has never had the opportunity to understand that vulnerability is not a weakness. I did not like her but I understood her and appreciated that one of her biggest struggles was to battle her pride and appearances while still trying to do what was good.
It truly helped “to know” the outcome of the story (the Christmas Carol one) that through all her wickedness and cruelty, underpinning this cruelty is the right heart. She might have the right motives but doesn’t know how to act, or she's not very good at articulating or expressing how she's feeling.
I have found through my reading journey that the stories that stay the most with me, the ones that have the biggest impact - have a large focus on characterisation. SO…BACK TO THE REASON WHY THIS FELT DIFFERENT… THIS IS A VERY CHARACTER FOCUSED STORY... There is a lot of time spent in the heads of the characters, as they deal with their insecurities and trauma. The writing explores their thoughts and feelings which is beautiful. And something I adore.
The world-building is perfect, and for anyone who is a fan of the Wicked Darlings Series, it has a few easter eggs sprinkled that will make you swoon and giggle.
The smut was also perfectly placed and balanced and didn't feel like it detracted from the story or was overly prevalent. When it happened felt natural and how it developed amongst the characters had an ease and naturality as well.
This is a WHY CHOOSE but I do think that Helix is the premium Ghost. I would not mind it one bit if he haunted me in my dreams or in my bedroom because damn... Brax and Paemon were just as gorgeous but didn't bring forth the same desire I have for Helix where I basically want to wrap myself around him like a firepole and slide down him...
Your Trope Summary
▶ A Christmas Carol Retelling
▶ Why Choose/Reverse Harem
▶ (Ghost) Fae X Human Relationship
▶ Super Character Focused
▶ Multi - POV
▶ Morally Grey Characters
▶ Royalty Romance
▶ Touch her and Die
Overall, I loved it. There's hardly anything that I would change and it was a perfect sexy spicy book for Christmas. Rebecca Kenney knocked this OUT THE PARK!
Thank you so much Rebecca for a copy of this in exchange for a review
All thoughts and feelings are my own
December 18, 2023
✔️Book playlist
✔️Dark and spicy retelling of A Christmas Carol (gender reversed)
✔️Trigger Warnings – please check!
✔️Fae characters
✔️Reverse harem
✔️Multiple POVs
✔️Royal Fantasy vibes
✔️ Morally grey characters
✔️Poly relationship
✔️Standalone spinoff of Wicked Darling series (I now have to read that whole series!)
✔️Fun holiday-themed read (Snow and Midwinter Glee celebration)
Three Fae ghost warriors of the Wild Hunt are summoned to help Queen Lauriel see the error of her ways in a dark and spicy retelling version of “A Christmas Carol.” Will they succeed? And what will they accomplish in return for themselves if they do succeed? What could possibly go wrong?
QUEEN LAURIEL
Now in this story, Lauriel is our Scrooge. She is full of rage, wicked, easily aggressive, cruel, spiteful, apathetic, and lacks compassion. All common qualities victims of trauma possess. Following her character growth and healing journey was fulfilling and relatable.
THE THREE FAE GHOST WARRIORS
Oh my! I am already blushing just thinking about them! All 3 of them were otherworldly and interesting. Masculine and strong yet gorgeous! I loved them all for so many reasons…no wonder Lauriel was trapped in the ‘why choose’ situation! My personal favorite though probably has to be Abraxas. He was so sweet, caring, and thoughtful.
5/5 for so many reasons….
▪︎ Banter between the characters
▪︎ Trauma and grief representation
▪︎ Outstanding creativity/world building
▪︎ Morally grey characters
▪︎ Immersive style of writing
▪︎ Fast paced (even though it was longish, 400 or so pages)
This was my first time reading Rebecca F. Kenney’s work, and I’m blown away! I’ll definitely be reading the Wicked Darling series and digging into more of her work soon. ♡
FAVORITE QUOTES
“I need you that badly. More than I’ve ever needed anything…even revenge.”
"Nothing holds greater horror for a mortal soul than the raw truth of its own demise."
“But how can you be compassionate when your heart is bruised? How can you summon the energy for kindness when your soul is empty and you have nothing left? I didn’t have the heart to be kind, so I chose anger, because anger is strength. Anger is never letting someone else mistreat you again, never letting them have the power to hurt you. When I’m angry, I don’t think about fear or pain.”
✔️Dark and spicy retelling of A Christmas Carol (gender reversed)
✔️Trigger Warnings – please check!
✔️Fae characters
✔️Reverse harem
✔️Multiple POVs
✔️Royal Fantasy vibes
✔️ Morally grey characters
✔️Poly relationship
✔️Standalone spinoff of Wicked Darling series (I now have to read that whole series!)
✔️Fun holiday-themed read (Snow and Midwinter Glee celebration)
Three Fae ghost warriors of the Wild Hunt are summoned to help Queen Lauriel see the error of her ways in a dark and spicy retelling version of “A Christmas Carol.” Will they succeed? And what will they accomplish in return for themselves if they do succeed? What could possibly go wrong?
QUEEN LAURIEL
Now in this story, Lauriel is our Scrooge. She is full of rage, wicked, easily aggressive, cruel, spiteful, apathetic, and lacks compassion. All common qualities victims of trauma possess. Following her character growth and healing journey was fulfilling and relatable.
THE THREE FAE GHOST WARRIORS
Oh my! I am already blushing just thinking about them! All 3 of them were otherworldly and interesting. Masculine and strong yet gorgeous! I loved them all for so many reasons…no wonder Lauriel was trapped in the ‘why choose’ situation! My personal favorite though probably has to be Abraxas. He was so sweet, caring, and thoughtful.
5/5 for so many reasons….
▪︎ Banter between the characters
▪︎ Trauma and grief representation
▪︎ Outstanding creativity/world building
▪︎ Morally grey characters
▪︎ Immersive style of writing
▪︎ Fast paced (even though it was longish, 400 or so pages)
This was my first time reading Rebecca F. Kenney’s work, and I’m blown away! I’ll definitely be reading the Wicked Darling series and digging into more of her work soon. ♡
FAVORITE QUOTES
“I need you that badly. More than I’ve ever needed anything…even revenge.”
"Nothing holds greater horror for a mortal soul than the raw truth of its own demise."
“But how can you be compassionate when your heart is bruised? How can you summon the energy for kindness when your soul is empty and you have nothing left? I didn’t have the heart to be kind, so I chose anger, because anger is strength. Anger is never letting someone else mistreat you again, never letting them have the power to hurt you. When I’m angry, I don’t think about fear or pain.”
December 17, 2025
Well… one guaranteed way to get me interested in a story inspired by A Christmas Carol is to make the ghosts who visit an angry queen… three hot fae of the Wild Hunt… oh and also… make it a why choose while you’re at it.
Our story follows a queen who hoards her wealth and persecutes anyone with magic.
Cold hearted and utterly convinced she’s right, she’s visited by three fae of the Wild Hunt who have been called in to teach her a lesson. And if she doesn’t learn it by their deadline? Her throne won’t be the only thing she loses.
This is a standalone, spicy retelling of A Christmas Carol, complete with past, present, and future… though these delicious fae ghosts definitely offer a little more than moral lessons along the way…
This book is fun. And you really do dislike the female main character immediately. She’s awful. Truly.
But the lesson becomes clear fairly quickly… hurt people… hurt people.
Beneath the sharp edges and cruelty is a woman shaped by pain, and watching that unravel is where this story really shines. It delivers powerful themes about kindness, forgiveness, self trust, and choosing to be better… not just for others, but for yourself. It also gently… and sometimes hilariously… reminds us not to let ego sabotage something beautiful.
All of that is wrapped in humor, heart, and a whole lot of spice… which honestly makes it feel like the perfect holiday indulgence.
This is the kind of story that makes you look inward… and then laugh out loud in the very next chapter.
“Forgiveness should never be a condition of doing the right thing.”
These fae ghosts have my whole heart. They’re kind, compassionate, and carrying struggles of their own they haven’t yet conquered. But unlike our angry queen, they still have hope. Hope that they can become who they want to be. Who they need to be. Watching each of their individual journeys unfold is deeply satisfying and absolutely tugs at your heartstrings.
And the romance… the declarations of love…
“When I love, I love wholly and simply. And I’ve set my love on you. No matter what you do, what you choose, I’m yours. Your warrior, your guardian, your ghost. I’ll be the voice that tells you the truth when you hate it, and I’ll think of you until my very soul is devoured by the Void. You can’t stop my love. You can’t stop me from having faith, and I believe in you more deeply than I’ve believed in anyone, even myself.”
If you want a holiday story that will make you weep and blush in equal measure, one that feels festive, emotional, and deliciously unhinged in the best way…
You’re going to want to curl up with this one immediately.
Our story follows a queen who hoards her wealth and persecutes anyone with magic.
Cold hearted and utterly convinced she’s right, she’s visited by three fae of the Wild Hunt who have been called in to teach her a lesson. And if she doesn’t learn it by their deadline? Her throne won’t be the only thing she loses.
This is a standalone, spicy retelling of A Christmas Carol, complete with past, present, and future… though these delicious fae ghosts definitely offer a little more than moral lessons along the way…
This book is fun. And you really do dislike the female main character immediately. She’s awful. Truly.
But the lesson becomes clear fairly quickly… hurt people… hurt people.
Beneath the sharp edges and cruelty is a woman shaped by pain, and watching that unravel is where this story really shines. It delivers powerful themes about kindness, forgiveness, self trust, and choosing to be better… not just for others, but for yourself. It also gently… and sometimes hilariously… reminds us not to let ego sabotage something beautiful.
All of that is wrapped in humor, heart, and a whole lot of spice… which honestly makes it feel like the perfect holiday indulgence.
This is the kind of story that makes you look inward… and then laugh out loud in the very next chapter.
“Forgiveness should never be a condition of doing the right thing.”
These fae ghosts have my whole heart. They’re kind, compassionate, and carrying struggles of their own they haven’t yet conquered. But unlike our angry queen, they still have hope. Hope that they can become who they want to be. Who they need to be. Watching each of their individual journeys unfold is deeply satisfying and absolutely tugs at your heartstrings.
And the romance… the declarations of love…
“When I love, I love wholly and simply. And I’ve set my love on you. No matter what you do, what you choose, I’m yours. Your warrior, your guardian, your ghost. I’ll be the voice that tells you the truth when you hate it, and I’ll think of you until my very soul is devoured by the Void. You can’t stop my love. You can’t stop me from having faith, and I believe in you more deeply than I’ve believed in anyone, even myself.”
If you want a holiday story that will make you weep and blush in equal measure, one that feels festive, emotional, and deliciously unhinged in the best way…
You’re going to want to curl up with this one immediately.
October 12, 2023
I received an ARC of this book. This book is a reverse harem with the 3 MMC also being together, spicy retelling of a Christmas Carol. I already love Rebecca's book but this one does hit my top 5 favorites. Lauriel is sassy and rude but definitely redeemable. Definitely spicy. This is a poly relationship with all characters being together. I really like how it didn't seem forced with all 4 characters having chemistry.
October 29, 2023
"Gods...you're perfect. You feel like the end of everything--it's like f***ing the velvet c*** of Death herself."
Wow....Rebecca has outdone herself with this one. I did not want to put this book down. I was captivated and entranced from the first page.
The spice was fantastic. The different ways Lauriel interacted with each of the MMCs was fun to read. And that first scene where they all have fun together? 🥵🥵🥵🥵
There are some tough themes and scenes (make sure to check TW and CW) but I think Rebecca handled them well. We really got to see deep into the reasons of why Lauriel is the way she is and why she handled her grief the way she did. As someone going through a personal journey with grief, this book had me crying several times. I had been holding off on reading this but I think it was my inner self knowing that this was the right time for me to read it.
"You feel how you feel. No one can tell you otherwise. You can pretend, but your emotions remain what they are. They have reasons and value, and they require no explanation or justification to anyone."
"Grief does funny things to a person. Even if you're not exactly sad someone is gone, you can be twisted up inside because the ending was so...unexpected. It's like a door you can never quite close, and it can drive a person a little mad."
Even though most of the story takes place over just a few days it never felt rushed or like parts were missing or unclear. It didn't feel like 400 pages at all. I honestly could have read more! And I'm usually wary about longer books.
Thank you Rebecca for this beautiful story. It's my favorite of your books now. 💖
Wow....Rebecca has outdone herself with this one. I did not want to put this book down. I was captivated and entranced from the first page.
The spice was fantastic. The different ways Lauriel interacted with each of the MMCs was fun to read. And that first scene where they all have fun together? 🥵🥵🥵🥵
There are some tough themes and scenes (make sure to check TW and CW) but I think Rebecca handled them well. We really got to see deep into the reasons of why Lauriel is the way she is and why she handled her grief the way she did. As someone going through a personal journey with grief, this book had me crying several times. I had been holding off on reading this but I think it was my inner self knowing that this was the right time for me to read it.
"You feel how you feel. No one can tell you otherwise. You can pretend, but your emotions remain what they are. They have reasons and value, and they require no explanation or justification to anyone."
"Grief does funny things to a person. Even if you're not exactly sad someone is gone, you can be twisted up inside because the ending was so...unexpected. It's like a door you can never quite close, and it can drive a person a little mad."
Even though most of the story takes place over just a few days it never felt rushed or like parts were missing or unclear. It didn't feel like 400 pages at all. I honestly could have read more! And I'm usually wary about longer books.
Thank you Rebecca for this beautiful story. It's my favorite of your books now. 💖
March 27, 2024
This wasn't what I was expecting and to be honest, I don't really know what I was expecting. It was good. I enjoyed it more once I got past the first couple chapters.
This was A Christmas Carol retelling and it was done well. I think this was my first retelling of A Christmas Carol and I would be interested in reading more retellings like this.
I can't wait to read more retellings from this author.
................................................................................................................................................................................
Okay, so Lauriel is cold and mean, she hasn't had the best of upbringings but her change over time with the help of her three fae ghosts was heart warming. Lauriel is strong, and has the makings and ability to be a kind and just reader.
The three fae ghosts; Abraxas, Helix, and Paemon. They come off strong and their banter with each other and Lauriel had me giggling at times. The love they have for each other and Lauriel by the end is lovely.
This was A Christmas Carol retelling and it was done well. I think this was my first retelling of A Christmas Carol and I would be interested in reading more retellings like this.
I can't wait to read more retellings from this author.
................................................................................................................................................................................
Okay, so Lauriel is cold and mean, she hasn't had the best of upbringings but her change over time with the help of her three fae ghosts was heart warming. Lauriel is strong, and has the makings and ability to be a kind and just reader.
The three fae ghosts; Abraxas, Helix, and Paemon. They come off strong and their banter with each other and Lauriel had me giggling at times. The love they have for each other and Lauriel by the end is lovely.
December 29, 2023
(1 ⭐)
i like to rate books based on how much i enjoyed them.. in which case, this book would be a 1 star. like i literally had to push my way through this shit. BUTTTTTTT the writing was good and the author can clearly write a solid story. i just ~personally~ wanted to pluck my eyes out with a toothpick the entire time.
so i changed my rating to 3 stars because the book is like good quality, i just hated it. it's a shame that i can't just use my goodreads as my own lil personal diary because personal ratings do, in fact, affect the overall rating of the book. rip.
anywaysss.... the MMCs were so mf ugly. like long curly ginger hair?? short purple hair?? claws? nipple piercings?!!!!!!!!!!!!! they were such uggos. and the FMC wasn't the most likable (which is the point i suppose since its a scrooge retelling).
and what the actual fuck was the setting/time period??! like the speech was relatively modern but there were swords and kings and queens.. it was just confusing for my tiny brain. also, she uses a stone dildo LIKE HELLO?????
(original review 12/25/23)
IM FINALLY FREEEEE
i like to rate books based on how much i enjoyed them.. in which case, this book would be a 1 star. like i literally had to push my way through this shit. BUTTTTTTT the writing was good and the author can clearly write a solid story. i just ~personally~ wanted to pluck my eyes out with a toothpick the entire time.
so i changed my rating to 3 stars because the book is like good quality, i just hated it. it's a shame that i can't just use my goodreads as my own lil personal diary because personal ratings do, in fact, affect the overall rating of the book. rip.
anywaysss.... the MMCs were so mf ugly. like long curly ginger hair?? short purple hair?? claws? nipple piercings?!!!!!!!!!!!!! they were such uggos. and the FMC wasn't the most likable (which is the point i suppose since its a scrooge retelling).
and what the actual fuck was the setting/time period??! like the speech was relatively modern but there were swords and kings and queens.. it was just confusing for my tiny brain. also, she uses a stone dildo LIKE HELLO?????
(original review 12/25/23)
IM FINALLY FREEEEE
September 11, 2024
Well written overall but 1) too much sex as in it becomes repetitive after a while and 2) the fmc is so very, very small and petite, just a little slip of a woman (jfc I hate that phrase). Also, the dudes are so huge that in one scene the fmc actually stands up and crouches onto his dick (and it somehow magically fits in her apparently cavernous vagina) to have sex. Sorry, but this is ridiculous and not sexy in any way, hahahhahahhaha, even in a fantasy book.
Want to read
February 28, 2024ruthless women>>>>
October 18, 2023
Have you ever watched A Christmas Carol and thought “this would be so much better if Scrooge was actually a grumpy queen who ends up in a why choose relationship with the ghosts who are really Fae?”
If you said yes, then this is the perfect book for you.
If you, for some reason, said no… then you should still read this book.
*a fuller review is to come*
If you said yes, then this is the perfect book for you.
If you, for some reason, said no… then you should still read this book.
*a fuller review is to come*
October 10, 2023
I received a free ARC of this book and am leaving a review voluntarily.
I swear every book in this series is a banger. I’m always left thinking “She’ll never top that!” Then, she does, with such fun and interesting characters.
Lots of morally gray folks here! And Rebecca manages to make them dark, deplorable, and yet relatable. I hate what they do but understand why they do it. I want them to change but understand why they fight it. It’s a marvelous dive into the human (and Fae) psyche.
I love the idea of A Christmas Carol so I was hooked from the premise alone but as Rebecca is so good at doing, she gives the story her own flavor, adds some wonderfully layered characters, and sets it up against a backdrop so full of opportunities that you can’t wait to see how events unfold. The original story’s heart and soul beat strong here, but are given lovely layers of modern flare and the author’s own personal spice.
Speaking of spice. It’s here. Oh, I think the lid fell off the jar, actually, but I am all for it. The scenes are the perfect blend of physical and emotional description with characters who have such different angles on it (metaphorically and literally).
A delightfully fun holiday romp, in all the best ways, with plenty of spice, heart, and cheer.
I swear every book in this series is a banger. I’m always left thinking “She’ll never top that!” Then, she does, with such fun and interesting characters.
Lots of morally gray folks here! And Rebecca manages to make them dark, deplorable, and yet relatable. I hate what they do but understand why they do it. I want them to change but understand why they fight it. It’s a marvelous dive into the human (and Fae) psyche.
I love the idea of A Christmas Carol so I was hooked from the premise alone but as Rebecca is so good at doing, she gives the story her own flavor, adds some wonderfully layered characters, and sets it up against a backdrop so full of opportunities that you can’t wait to see how events unfold. The original story’s heart and soul beat strong here, but are given lovely layers of modern flare and the author’s own personal spice.
Speaking of spice. It’s here. Oh, I think the lid fell off the jar, actually, but I am all for it. The scenes are the perfect blend of physical and emotional description with characters who have such different angles on it (metaphorically and literally).
A delightfully fun holiday romp, in all the best ways, with plenty of spice, heart, and cheer.
October 13, 2023
Omg! omg! This was so good. Every book this author puts out just gets better and better. I loved this Christmas Carol retelling. This was dark, spicy, and moving. I cried some but it was also really spicy 🥵
November 5, 2023
What a fun twist on the Christmas Carol Scrooge!
This is my third book by this author, and I always gravitate towards her books if I just want an easy read with lots of spice!
I think I finished this story within 2 days. I loved the banter between the men, and I loved seeing the queens growth by the end of the story.
This is my third book by this author, and I always gravitate towards her books if I just want an easy read with lots of spice!
I think I finished this story within 2 days. I loved the banter between the men, and I loved seeing the queens growth by the end of the story.
October 24, 2023
5⭐
5🌶️
"You've survived terrible things, Lauriel-you're strong. But you're also cruel and selfish. You don't make good choices-probably because no one ever fucking taught you how. But you're so damn clever, and underneath all that fear and arrogance you have the most beautiful fucking heart I've ever seen. I love you as you are, and I will love you even if you never change. And because I love you, I want you to be the best woman, the best queen, the best and brightest damn soul you can be. Slough off everything that's been done to you everything that isn't really you and become your true self."
Rebecca F. Kenney does it again. Another brilliant retelling that left me wanting nothing else but to devour this story. Every book that has been apart of the Wicked Darlings series has been an absolute delight. A dark wonderful delight. They all just suck you in and create such an internal euphoria.
Growing up I loved A Christmas Carol and all the various tv show holiday specials that came out with it being the heart of the story so I was beyond excited at the announcement of the secret holiday book that's no longer a secret! Rebecca Kenney's ability to turn tales we grew up loving into a unique story of their own and make us love them even more than the originals is like a writing superpower.
"And so you pass those feelings to those around you-your dependents, your subjects. But that isn't the only way. You have the power to cheer or discourage these people-to make their service to you easy or wretched, a delight or a dread. Your power isn't only in commands and coin-it's in your voice, in your expression. You can make a difference with the slightest change in tone or attitude, with a moment of thoughtfulness or an understanding smile. The influence you wield is more important than any pile of treasure."
Lauriel as our Scrooge was something I never knew I needed. I love the wickedness of her. The way she coped with everything in her own way and the healing she endured throughout the story. I just really love the little internal messages the stories that Rebecca writes can bring out to the reader.
Kissing him is like nightfall with a shower of sugared stars. It's dark glitter in my mouth, in my mind, in my very soul. There's wind flowing around us, lifting his hair and mine, as if the universe itself is weaving a spell just for us.
I personally find this to be the spiciest of the Wicked Darlings books. As a reminder always read the triggers in a book before you read it.
"But if you keep going, you'll find that the rest of the layers are all different colors, and each one has a different flavor-flavors like you've never tasted anywhere else the most delicious in all the realms.-
I received this book as an arc and I look forward to more books from the author.
5🌶️
"You've survived terrible things, Lauriel-you're strong. But you're also cruel and selfish. You don't make good choices-probably because no one ever fucking taught you how. But you're so damn clever, and underneath all that fear and arrogance you have the most beautiful fucking heart I've ever seen. I love you as you are, and I will love you even if you never change. And because I love you, I want you to be the best woman, the best queen, the best and brightest damn soul you can be. Slough off everything that's been done to you everything that isn't really you and become your true self."
Rebecca F. Kenney does it again. Another brilliant retelling that left me wanting nothing else but to devour this story. Every book that has been apart of the Wicked Darlings series has been an absolute delight. A dark wonderful delight. They all just suck you in and create such an internal euphoria.
Growing up I loved A Christmas Carol and all the various tv show holiday specials that came out with it being the heart of the story so I was beyond excited at the announcement of the secret holiday book that's no longer a secret! Rebecca Kenney's ability to turn tales we grew up loving into a unique story of their own and make us love them even more than the originals is like a writing superpower.
"And so you pass those feelings to those around you-your dependents, your subjects. But that isn't the only way. You have the power to cheer or discourage these people-to make their service to you easy or wretched, a delight or a dread. Your power isn't only in commands and coin-it's in your voice, in your expression. You can make a difference with the slightest change in tone or attitude, with a moment of thoughtfulness or an understanding smile. The influence you wield is more important than any pile of treasure."
Lauriel as our Scrooge was something I never knew I needed. I love the wickedness of her. The way she coped with everything in her own way and the healing she endured throughout the story. I just really love the little internal messages the stories that Rebecca writes can bring out to the reader.
Kissing him is like nightfall with a shower of sugared stars. It's dark glitter in my mouth, in my mind, in my very soul. There's wind flowing around us, lifting his hair and mine, as if the universe itself is weaving a spell just for us.
I personally find this to be the spiciest of the Wicked Darlings books. As a reminder always read the triggers in a book before you read it.
"But if you keep going, you'll find that the rest of the layers are all different colors, and each one has a different flavor-flavors like you've never tasted anywhere else the most delicious in all the realms.-
I received this book as an arc and I look forward to more books from the author.
October 14, 2023
I always loved A Christmas Carol and I think I have watched all the screen adaptations and animations of the novella or inspired by it.
When Rebecca announced her next book as a retelling of one of my favorite Christmas stories, I couldn't be happier. But it happened when she decided to send the eARC to all the acoounts that help reveal de cover.
So here I am, less than a week after the cover reveal and with a few weeks before the book's release, writing a review of this great story.
A Hunt so Wild and Cruel is a spicy retelling, blended with the fantastic world of Faerie and Celtic mythology.
The storyline follows Queen Lauriel's journey to become a better person, for her kingdom and herself, with the help of 3 hot Fae ghosts.
Starting from the first page, queen Lauriel is portreit as a perfect adaptation of Scrooge.
She is harsh with everyone around her, with her subjects and with herself. She finds peace in counting coins in the volt. She does not smile or shows respect to people around her. She even cancel the Midwinter Glee Festival considering it a waste of Crown's money. She is hated by everyone eventhoug she is queen for only a fee months.
As a nice parallel with A Christmas Carol, Kratchet and its situation are quite similar.
As for the 3 ghosts and how the storyline goes, differences from the novella are bigger, darker and spicier.
New characters and twists are introduced to make the book more captivating.
The action is fast paced and the writing is perfect as always.
I recommend this book to everyone who enjoys spicy polyam romance but, please read the trigger warnings before diving into the story. Your mental health is important!
Thank you Rebecca for this eARC! This is my honest opinion!
When Rebecca announced her next book as a retelling of one of my favorite Christmas stories, I couldn't be happier. But it happened when she decided to send the eARC to all the acoounts that help reveal de cover.
So here I am, less than a week after the cover reveal and with a few weeks before the book's release, writing a review of this great story.
A Hunt so Wild and Cruel is a spicy retelling, blended with the fantastic world of Faerie and Celtic mythology.
The storyline follows Queen Lauriel's journey to become a better person, for her kingdom and herself, with the help of 3 hot Fae ghosts.
Starting from the first page, queen Lauriel is portreit as a perfect adaptation of Scrooge.
She is harsh with everyone around her, with her subjects and with herself. She finds peace in counting coins in the volt. She does not smile or shows respect to people around her. She even cancel the Midwinter Glee Festival considering it a waste of Crown's money. She is hated by everyone eventhoug she is queen for only a fee months.
As a nice parallel with A Christmas Carol, Kratchet and its situation are quite similar.
As for the 3 ghosts and how the storyline goes, differences from the novella are bigger, darker and spicier.
New characters and twists are introduced to make the book more captivating.
The action is fast paced and the writing is perfect as always.
I recommend this book to everyone who enjoys spicy polyam romance but, please read the trigger warnings before diving into the story. Your mental health is important!
Thank you Rebecca for this eARC! This is my honest opinion!
January 19, 2024
4.5 stars.
The short answer on why I loved A Hunt So Wild and Cruel is that Rebecca Kenney is clearly capable of witchcraft which makes her written words somehow akin to consuming crack.
The long answer is that, while rife with the instalove trope, Kenney somehow continues to masterfully craft fantastical but believable characters who you understand in a visceral way, through Kenney’s superb world building and character crafting. In less than 500 pages and over the span of a mere week or so of action, I was fully able to see fleshed out versions of not one, but three love interests. Not to mention, in our main character Lauriel, we can clearly see an immensely satisfying character arc of a woman who embodies the grittiest, darkest and angriest parts that we try to keep hidden within ourselves.
For a reverse harem Christmas Carol reimagining featuring ghosts of unseelie fae, we are given multitudes. I found myself yearning for many more pages than we received, yet still able to feel assuredly satisfied by the turn of the last page.
Oh, and it’s horny AS FUCK. Duh.
4/5 spice feat. swordcrossing
3.5/5 gore & horror
Don’t forget to check trigger warnings to ensure a safe and fun reading experience!
The short answer on why I loved A Hunt So Wild and Cruel is that Rebecca Kenney is clearly capable of witchcraft which makes her written words somehow akin to consuming crack.
The long answer is that, while rife with the instalove trope, Kenney somehow continues to masterfully craft fantastical but believable characters who you understand in a visceral way, through Kenney’s superb world building and character crafting. In less than 500 pages and over the span of a mere week or so of action, I was fully able to see fleshed out versions of not one, but three love interests. Not to mention, in our main character Lauriel, we can clearly see an immensely satisfying character arc of a woman who embodies the grittiest, darkest and angriest parts that we try to keep hidden within ourselves.
For a reverse harem Christmas Carol reimagining featuring ghosts of unseelie fae, we are given multitudes. I found myself yearning for many more pages than we received, yet still able to feel assuredly satisfied by the turn of the last page.
Oh, and it’s horny AS FUCK. Duh.
4/5 spice feat. swordcrossing
3.5/5 gore & horror
Don’t forget to check trigger warnings to ensure a safe and fun reading experience!
January 14, 2025
3.25 ⭐️ 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
This book is a retelling of A Christmas Carol. The story and writing were good. When the focus was on the plot, I was fully engaged. However, the overly spicy smut was not to my liking.
The story is well known, only in this version it is reverse gender with a wicked queen and 3 massive male fae ghosts of past, present and future. This is a why choose, reverse harem retelling.
Pros:
-good writing and banter
-engaging story
-fast easy read
Cons:
-insta-love (x3) and also enemies to lovers⁉️
-overly sexual
-dark scenes and content (**check your trigger warnings‼️)
Most of my critiques are due to my own personal preferences and not exactly flaws of the story. I knew going into this book it would probably be the spiciest book I have read to date, and I was not wrong. Spice is fine (great even) - smut is not my thing. Also, the insta-love trope was hard to reconcile with the queens hatred of fae.
I do not have triggers, but this contained some very dark content and the list of trigger warnings is very long.
Would I recommend this book? Only to those who I knew liked this type of material. I mean if your thing is dark content with fae porn, then this book is for you!
This book is a retelling of A Christmas Carol. The story and writing were good. When the focus was on the plot, I was fully engaged. However, the overly spicy smut was not to my liking.
The story is well known, only in this version it is reverse gender with a wicked queen and 3 massive male fae ghosts of past, present and future. This is a why choose, reverse harem retelling.
Pros:
-good writing and banter
-engaging story
-fast easy read
Cons:
-insta-love (x3) and also enemies to lovers⁉️
-overly sexual
-dark scenes and content (**check your trigger warnings‼️)
Most of my critiques are due to my own personal preferences and not exactly flaws of the story. I knew going into this book it would probably be the spiciest book I have read to date, and I was not wrong. Spice is fine (great even) - smut is not my thing. Also, the insta-love trope was hard to reconcile with the queens hatred of fae.
I do not have triggers, but this contained some very dark content and the list of trigger warnings is very long.
Would I recommend this book? Only to those who I knew liked this type of material. I mean if your thing is dark content with fae porn, then this book is for you!
October 13, 2023
3 Fae, one girl. Perfect ratio. ✨️
But in all seriousness, this book was a great remix of a very classic holiday tale that has been told time and time again, now given a breath of new life by Rebecca. The incorporation of the Wild Hunt to give it that Fae spin and meld it with her existing world seamlessly. The characters, as always, are deep and loveable and, most importantly, so original. Highly recommend this book. A perfect holiday read! And it can be read as a standalone if you haven't read the other previous books abd series scare you...but I HIGHLY recommend you do read the others because they ROCK!
But in all seriousness, this book was a great remix of a very classic holiday tale that has been told time and time again, now given a breath of new life by Rebecca. The incorporation of the Wild Hunt to give it that Fae spin and meld it with her existing world seamlessly. The characters, as always, are deep and loveable and, most importantly, so original. Highly recommend this book. A perfect holiday read! And it can be read as a standalone if you haven't read the other previous books abd series scare you...but I HIGHLY recommend you do read the others because they ROCK!
October 23, 2023
Received an ARC from the author.
It was a fun concept. I just had finished two heartbreaking books and this was the nice and easy break I needed. This is a why choose dark romance.
I enjoyed the reverse harem concept I also enjoyed our three riders. We have Helix, the annoying, bratty, yet handsome fae. Then we have Brax, who is just a teddy bear and who I would cuddle up next to on a rainy day. And we have our baby Paemon. I loved each of them were distinct.
I laughed out loud multiple times and audibly said “awww protect him” multiple times. It was a very enjoyable, VERY SPICY book. Ahem~ the scene with all four of them. 🥵
I did feel the end was a bit rushed. I would have liked to see more from the ghosts POV after they “finish.” I also wanted a stronger reunion. Lastly, I would have also liked tho have a chapter from Helix’s POV during that ahem- scene to see what happened through his mind upon…. Completion 😏
Overall, it was a fun book! Would read again!
It was a fun concept. I just had finished two heartbreaking books and this was the nice and easy break I needed. This is a why choose dark romance.
I enjoyed the reverse harem concept I also enjoyed our three riders. We have Helix, the annoying, bratty, yet handsome fae. Then we have Brax, who is just a teddy bear and who I would cuddle up next to on a rainy day. And we have our baby Paemon. I loved each of them were distinct.
I laughed out loud multiple times and audibly said “awww protect him” multiple times. It was a very enjoyable, VERY SPICY book. Ahem~ the scene with all four of them. 🥵
I did feel the end was a bit rushed. I would have liked to see more from the ghosts POV after they “finish.” I also wanted a stronger reunion. Lastly, I would have also liked tho have a chapter from Helix’s POV during that ahem- scene to see what happened through his mind upon…. Completion 😏
Overall, it was a fun book! Would read again!
January 3, 2025
I really enjoyed the story. There’s just something so satisfying about a terrible person changing their ways and becoming selfless and genuine! The romance seemed so so rushed — and the spiciness was a tad much— but with this book being a why choose, I’m not going to complain haha.
October 11, 2023
A Hunt So Wild and Cruel is a wonderous and unique retelling that evokes familiarity while still delightfully surprising us at every turn.
I couldn't put it down.
The characters captured my heart. The plot sank its claws right into me.
I cried at least twice, probably more.
And the spice... I can't say enough good things about it. I'm still blushing.
I couldn't put it down.
The characters captured my heart. The plot sank its claws right into me.
I cried at least twice, probably more.
And the spice... I can't say enough good things about it. I'm still blushing.
November 14, 2023
I love Rebecca's writing!
This book was a lot of fun! Humour, smut, great plot and even greater characters
This book was a lot of fun! Humour, smut, great plot and even greater characters
December 28, 2025
DECEMBER BOOKCLUB#2 READ
Unexpectedly excellent... omg I loved the shit out of this book... very very spicy & I am now obsessed with Rebecca F. Kennedy.... but what to read next??? 4.5 sexy stars!
Unexpectedly excellent... omg I loved the shit out of this book... very very spicy & I am now obsessed with Rebecca F. Kennedy.... but what to read next??? 4.5 sexy stars!
December 4, 2024
I wanted a Christmas fantasy and this is what I found. Charles Dickens would be SHOCKED by the spice level 😅🥵
3 stars because I don’t love instant love and times it by 3? Not for me
But overall a fun read
3 stars because I don’t love instant love and times it by 3? Not for me
But overall a fun read
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 13, 2023
I was provided an advance copy of this title for free and am leaving this review voluntarily. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Lauriel has spent all her life ignorant and tragically misinformed about the Fae as a whole. Her choices are made based largely upon the assumed truth that they are all wicked creatures who serve none above their own dark desires. She knows nothing of the distinction between Seelie and Unseelie, and has unfortunately seen fit to take vicious action against the many as penance for the crimes of a few. The murder of her parents by Fae hands naturally only amplified the new Queen’s thirst for vengeance.
Of course, things are not always as they seem, and Lauriel’s future is looking not only bleak but drastically short, should she continue her course.
Enter Paemon, Helix and Abraxos—three riders of the Wild Hunt, called for a reckoning; hers. Can Lauriel learn from the events of her past and present to chance the course of her entire kingdoms future?
She’s a stubborn, vicious little thing with a “stab first, ask questions later” mentality, and is none too happy for the disruption or the annoyance of their presence. But she soon comes to find that the there ghost riders have much more to offer her than potential salvation.
Rebecca F Kenney is an expert weaver of words and worlds that you’ll never want to leave, and this fae retelling of A Christmas Carol meets The Wild Hunt may be my new favorite. The author has this way of writing such real, genuinely flawed and relatable characters, which is only one of the things that have made her my favorite author over the course of the last year.
Beautifully done, as expected.
Lauriel has spent all her life ignorant and tragically misinformed about the Fae as a whole. Her choices are made based largely upon the assumed truth that they are all wicked creatures who serve none above their own dark desires. She knows nothing of the distinction between Seelie and Unseelie, and has unfortunately seen fit to take vicious action against the many as penance for the crimes of a few. The murder of her parents by Fae hands naturally only amplified the new Queen’s thirst for vengeance.
Of course, things are not always as they seem, and Lauriel’s future is looking not only bleak but drastically short, should she continue her course.
Enter Paemon, Helix and Abraxos—three riders of the Wild Hunt, called for a reckoning; hers. Can Lauriel learn from the events of her past and present to chance the course of her entire kingdoms future?
She’s a stubborn, vicious little thing with a “stab first, ask questions later” mentality, and is none too happy for the disruption or the annoyance of their presence. But she soon comes to find that the there ghost riders have much more to offer her than potential salvation.
Rebecca F Kenney is an expert weaver of words and worlds that you’ll never want to leave, and this fae retelling of A Christmas Carol meets The Wild Hunt may be my new favorite. The author has this way of writing such real, genuinely flawed and relatable characters, which is only one of the things that have made her my favorite author over the course of the last year.
Beautifully done, as expected.
February 12, 2025
Honestly it’s not a bad book. It’s a Romantasy retelling of a Christmas Carol. It’s a lot darker than I expected and there’s a pretty high amount of spice in it.
I definitely felt like it was more smut than substance, but there was some pretty decent substance when it was there.
I liked the mental health aspects of the book, but I also feel like because it was a retelling of a Christmas Carol, that it was pretty predictable. Like you obviously know that the main character is going to warm up and be nicer than before because that’s literally the story.
I will say, the parts about her past and the trials she goes through were good, and I enjoyed reading the book (super easy read) but it would’ve been better if it wasn’t SO obviously a Christmas carol retelling. Like there’s 3 fae men (obviously they’re ridiculously hot to the main character because that’s what romantasy is) (yes I love romantasy by the way) and they each teach her some lesson about why she sucks and needs to get better and essentially they improve her with trauma and a BUNCH of sex. Ultimately they’re a quadruple (foursome?) and it’s an HEA as you would expect.
Overall, fun read, there’s some trigger warnings to definitely pay attention to, but it’s easy to get through and you don’t need to think a bunch to get through it so for what it is I give it 3/5 ⭐️’s.
Would i recommend? Maybe to the right person, in general probably not unless they love smut and reverse harem.
I definitely felt like it was more smut than substance, but there was some pretty decent substance when it was there.
I liked the mental health aspects of the book, but I also feel like because it was a retelling of a Christmas Carol, that it was pretty predictable. Like you obviously know that the main character is going to warm up and be nicer than before because that’s literally the story.
I will say, the parts about her past and the trials she goes through were good, and I enjoyed reading the book (super easy read) but it would’ve been better if it wasn’t SO obviously a Christmas carol retelling. Like there’s 3 fae men (obviously they’re ridiculously hot to the main character because that’s what romantasy is) (yes I love romantasy by the way) and they each teach her some lesson about why she sucks and needs to get better and essentially they improve her with trauma and a BUNCH of sex. Ultimately they’re a quadruple (foursome?) and it’s an HEA as you would expect.
Overall, fun read, there’s some trigger warnings to definitely pay attention to, but it’s easy to get through and you don’t need to think a bunch to get through it so for what it is I give it 3/5 ⭐️’s.
Would i recommend? Maybe to the right person, in general probably not unless they love smut and reverse harem.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 28, 2024
Hhhmm. So this is a book. It just goes to show if you have an idea (as unoriginal as you can have) just write and send it out. It’s gonna get picked up. I’d say this is the equivalent of a Tubi “original”movie. Never give up on your dreams!
August 14, 2024
I really, really tried to push through this book because I love everything else I’ve read by Rebecca Kenney but I just couldn’t do it. As far as A Christmas Carol retellings go this one seemed promising -or at least had enough fairy smut to make it worthwhile, but at the 60% mark and another 200 pages to trudge through there just wasn’t enough forward progress to keep me going. Every time I thought the FMC was learning something, she’d fall right back into the same blind, idiotic spiral. Like girl use your dang brain and look at the bigger picture.
January 19, 2024
Rebecca.. I don't know how she does it but omg she does it every time. This book was amazing, and I loved every page! The twists, turns, and plot had me on the edge of my damn chair. I honestly had to question myself because wasn't I suppose to.. not like MFC? Lol the huntsman oooomggg how can I keep them for myself?? Cannot wait to see what her brilliant brain comes up with next!
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