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The Psycho Before Christmas
Everyone thinks I’m the perfect daughter, a model student, and the star of the track team. But when an asshole hurts me, he’ll find out I have a darker side.
Then my plan of retaliation is foiled by Killer Santa, a psychopath who offed my ex before I could.
I spent a year hating him for denying me my revenge. I couldn’t have foreseen that the killer who terrorized our hometown days before Christmas was none other than my stepbrother, a sinfully gorgeous pain in my ass.
I hadn’t seen him since we left for colleges on opposite sides of the country. Now we’re back under the same roof, and all the feelings I suppressed return with a vengeance. Eric is my only weakness.
But it turns out we’re not the only monsters in town. Someone is hunting us, and it’s kill or be killed.
Sounds like a good Christmas to me.
*Author's note: Stay away if you don’t love unhinged heroes with stabbing tendencies. This novella contains dark themes.
Then my plan of retaliation is foiled by Killer Santa, a psychopath who offed my ex before I could.
I spent a year hating him for denying me my revenge. I couldn’t have foreseen that the killer who terrorized our hometown days before Christmas was none other than my stepbrother, a sinfully gorgeous pain in my ass.
I hadn’t seen him since we left for colleges on opposite sides of the country. Now we’re back under the same roof, and all the feelings I suppressed return with a vengeance. Eric is my only weakness.
But it turns out we’re not the only monsters in town. Someone is hunting us, and it’s kill or be killed.
Sounds like a good Christmas to me.
*Author's note: Stay away if you don’t love unhinged heroes with stabbing tendencies. This novella contains dark themes.
188 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 14, 2023
281 people are currently reading
2189 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 239 reviews
January 3, 2024
kinda sucked but i have to give it to them, i did NOT see that pegging scene coming
January 24, 2024
•| ⊱✿⊰ |• 5 Stars •| ⊱✿⊰ |
I loved this book.
I might have some triggers, so be careful if you chose to read it.
Eric and Valerie's parents married each other.
Eric is not who he seems, he's got a lot of skeletons in his closet.
Valerie wants vengeance for what happen to her.
But Santa Claus killed the man Valerie wanted to kill.
This is completely insane, Eric and Valerie kinda reminds me of Joker and Harley Quinn.
When we think it's all solved, the story has a great twist.
December 21, 2024
Для всіх любителів трешу і 🌶️ Дуже гарячо і багато кровавого саспенсу! Останній розділ не був ванільним 😈
December 27, 2023
3.5 stars!
The Psycho Before Christmas was like Scream on crack with a twist. Valerie is quite honestly a little scary lol with her blood thirsty and vengeful heart but she's the perfect match for her step-brother Eric who is equally on the psycho spectrum. These two have a bloody meet cute and basically they're a perfect match in and outside the bedroom.
This was an entertaining story that didn't shy away from much and while both characters were lunatics they were endearing and you couldn't help but love their crazy. It was smutty and filthy and I was here for it this holiday season!
The Psycho Before Christmas was like Scream on crack with a twist. Valerie is quite honestly a little scary lol with her blood thirsty and vengeful heart but she's the perfect match for her step-brother Eric who is equally on the psycho spectrum. These two have a bloody meet cute and basically they're a perfect match in and outside the bedroom.
“I want to fuck your mouth as if I were fucking your pussy.” He parts my lips using his fingers, forcing my mouth wide open before replacing his fingers with his cock. “Be a good girl. Take it all.”
This was an entertaining story that didn't shy away from much and while both characters were lunatics they were endearing and you couldn't help but love their crazy. It was smutty and filthy and I was here for it this holiday season!
“I love everything about you, and right now, I’m loving how your pussy is milking my fingers.”
did-not-finish
December 25, 2023DNF 30% just didn’t hook me 🤷🏻♀️
December 31, 2024
Гортаючи стрічку інстаграму, я натрапила на пост де авторка показувала “special edition” цієї книги і там були такі арти🥵🔥 відразу зрозуміла, що воно мені потрібно👌🏻😅
Отже у нас є два головних герої, Ерік та Валері - зведені брат та сестра, які мають почуття один до одного але не можуть відкритись. Кожен з них має певний страх, що почуття не взаємні і є певні секрети про які ніхто не має дізнатись.
Ерік переїхав разом з мамою, з Нью-Йорка у тихе містечко в Орегоні. Він не хотів цього так як любив анонімність великого міста та можливість розчинитись у натовпі. Адже він серійний вбивця, але незвичайний - його жертви це монстри(хай якийсь, але моральний компас у нього є😅👌🏻).
«Я вбиваю, щоб позбавити світ від монстрів, а не стати знаменитим. Це також весело і приносить задоволення, і це вся нагорода, якої я потребую.»
Ерік став одержимим своєю зведеною сестрою, але боявся що вона не прийме його захоплення вбивствами. Він ще не знав яка темрява ховається у ній самій.
Валері хоче позбутися своєї закоханості в зведеного брата адже думає що це не взаємно, тому вирішує по фліртувати з популярним хлопцем - капітаном хокейної команди. Та одна вечірка з ним обернулася для неї згвалтуванням🫣 Вона вирішує, що має помститися і зробити це якомога болючіше та повільно, тому краде в кабінеті батька ліки щоб зробити отруту. Та її випередив таємничий серійний вбивця - у масці Санта Клауса🎅🏻, я це зацінила👌🏻😅.
Впринципі мені сподобалось, я швидко прочитала цю новелу але все ж в деяких моментах мене бісило, що головні герої не могли поговорити. А з іншої сторони, якби вони поговорили то і книги далі б не було👌🏻😅
Від всього, що відбувалося у фіналі новели я була шокована і навіть не здогадувалася про такий розвиток подій🙃
Це дарк новела, тому будьте обережні не всім зайде - головні герої мають нормальні такі психічні порушення, є детальний опис вбивств і спайсі сцени🔞🔥(від сцени в кінці - я офігіла👀)
Ставлю цій новелі 3,5/5⭐️ (я чекала більше різдвяної атмосфери, але її не було як для мене, і після вбивства я зрозуміла чому така назва книги👌🏻 це точно не про атмосферу Різдва😅)
December 26, 2023
this was SUCH a fun + fast paced book! it was absolutely crazy but in the best way possible. eric is most likely one of the most unhinged male main characters i’ve ever read about it but i absolutely loved him! if you want a super dark + fun christmas romance i definitely recommend this!!🎄
December 14, 2023
If you love your 90's thriller slasher movies, then this story is for you!
Michelle wrote an epic holiday thriller with a splash of romance or was that bl00d. Either way it was captivating and riveting from beginning to end.
Valerie and Eric are made for each other. I will tell you to heed the TWs because there are some. If dark depravity is your jam, you will devour this novella.
I feel like this is Halloween horror and Christmas had a baby. You get this psycho for Christmas. Fabulous book!
Michelle wrote an epic holiday thriller with a splash of romance or was that bl00d. Either way it was captivating and riveting from beginning to end.
Valerie and Eric are made for each other. I will tell you to heed the TWs because there are some. If dark depravity is your jam, you will devour this novella.
I feel like this is Halloween horror and Christmas had a baby. You get this psycho for Christmas. Fabulous book!
December 16, 2024
Ok for starters - this was my first dark Christmas novella and what a fun wild ride. It’s pretty much a slasher movie meets step bro romance. Blood and love… what more can I say
I did rate it like 3.5 stars… why?
Two main things:
For a novella there was a major overuse of a nickname (a nickname I couldn’t stand: kitty cat (but that’s a personal thing)) I just felt he said it SO much that it became a little annoying, plus there was no meaning behind kitty cat so I was like why?!
Second: the second thing is stupid but stuck with me - the way they get away with the murders is diabolical. And im not talking about the amazing gore sequence I loved that. But like my guy was bleeding everywhere outside the house etc and it just felt too easy? Idk
Overall would I recommend YES. But there were just a few things I wish were tweaked!
I did rate it like 3.5 stars… why?
Two main things:
For a novella there was a major overuse of a nickname (a nickname I couldn’t stand: kitty cat (but that’s a personal thing)) I just felt he said it SO much that it became a little annoying, plus there was no meaning behind kitty cat so I was like why?!
Second: the second thing is stupid but stuck with me - the way they get away with the murders is diabolical. And im not talking about the amazing gore sequence I loved that. But like my guy was bleeding everywhere outside the house etc and it just felt too easy? Idk
Overall would I recommend YES. But there were just a few things I wish were tweaked!
December 20, 2023
If you enjoyed butcher and blackbird or the Hockey Gods series, then try this!
December 18, 2023
calling all my slasher, smutty, dark holiday themed, forbidden romance (and then some) loving book babes to the front!
i have been in quite a reading slump for the past month and this has pulled me out of it. honestly, the perfect quick read during these chaotic holiday seasons.
it’s dark, unhinged, gory, and you know, shtaaby. oh, did i mention the two mcs are step siblings? 👀 anywho, i definitely recommend this one if you’re looking for a quick read with that small town, revenge, and forbidden thrown into the mix.
*ARC for honest review.
i have been in quite a reading slump for the past month and this has pulled me out of it. honestly, the perfect quick read during these chaotic holiday seasons.
it’s dark, unhinged, gory, and you know, shtaaby. oh, did i mention the two mcs are step siblings? 👀 anywho, i definitely recommend this one if you’re looking for a quick read with that small town, revenge, and forbidden thrown into the mix.
*ARC for honest review.
January 15, 2024
"This book is dedicated to everyone who had a crush on Skeet Ulrich in Scream."🔪
5⭐️
4🌶
Tropes: christmas novella, dark romance, stepsiblings, touch her/him and die ☠ (literally)
It's like dark romcom with winter vibes. The pace, the writing, the characters were good for me. It was hot&sweet, bloody&messy and funny at the same time. I love it, but I'd love it better if we saw Val dealing with poisons :)
5⭐️
4🌶
Tropes: christmas novella, dark romance, stepsiblings, touch her/him and die ☠ (literally)
It's like dark romcom with winter vibes. The pace, the writing, the characters were good for me. It was hot&sweet, bloody&messy and funny at the same time. I love it, but I'd love it better if we saw Val dealing with poisons :)
December 7, 2024
1 stars ★ ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆
･ ｡ﾟ☆:The Psycho Before Christmas *.☽ .*:☆ﾟ
⁺₊★·.´🎧✩°｡ 0:56 ──♡───── 3:32 ⁺₊🎧★·.·´
🎶 “So you're a tough guy, like it really rough guy, just can't get enough guy...” 🎶
Everyone thinks Valerie (h) is the perfect daughter-the model student, the star of the track team, and the girl with a flawless reputation. But when someone crosses her, they'll quickly learn that she has a much darker side.
─── ･ ｡ﾟ☆: THOUGHTS*.☽ .*:☆ﾟ. ───
OH! I have read my fair share of deranged, unhinged romance novels with questionable writing (we all have a guilty pleasure, right?). But *this* book? This one *takes the cake* I mean, *wow*. If you’re in the market for peak brain rot, then congratulations, you’ve found your holy grail. These two didn’t have a connection that was about emotional depth or trust; nope, it was all about lust and mayhem. All the time.
Now, this book is only 188 pages long, so honestly, you shouldn’t expect Shakespeare. It’s not trying to be good—it’s trying to be crazy, and it definitely *succeeds*. But even with that in mind, it still managed to be worse than I thought. How can you mess up something that *deliberately* isn’t supposed to make sense? Well, this book finds a way. The fact that Eric and Valerie are teenagers *also* had me questioning life choices. Somehow they’re orchestrating elaborate schemes to frame other people for their crimes? How? When? Where? Seriously, these two are so dense it’s almost a miracle they didn’t get caught after every disaster they caused. I’m still trying to figure out how they pulled any of it off, because their level of common sense was absolutely zero.
Oh, and did I mention Eric is a hockey player? *Dude, stick to the game*. That’s all I have to say about that. 🎀
─── ･ ｡ﾟ☆: OVERALL*.☽ .*:☆ﾟ. ──
You won't be able to look away, even if you want to. 🪄
･ ｡ﾟ☆:The Psycho Before Christmas *.☽ .*:☆ﾟ
⁺₊★·.´🎧✩°｡ 0:56 ──♡───── 3:32 ⁺₊🎧★·.·´
🎶 “So you're a tough guy, like it really rough guy, just can't get enough guy...” 🎶
Everyone thinks Valerie (h) is the perfect daughter-the model student, the star of the track team, and the girl with a flawless reputation. But when someone crosses her, they'll quickly learn that she has a much darker side.
─── ･ ｡ﾟ☆: THOUGHTS*.☽ .*:☆ﾟ. ───
“A beast that’s now properly branded with my name.”
“I’ll always belong to you, with or without your name carved into my skin.”
OH! I have read my fair share of deranged, unhinged romance novels with questionable writing (we all have a guilty pleasure, right?). But *this* book? This one *takes the cake* I mean, *wow*. If you’re in the market for peak brain rot, then congratulations, you’ve found your holy grail. These two didn’t have a connection that was about emotional depth or trust; nope, it was all about lust and mayhem. All the time.
“I’ll always find you, kitty cat. No matter what. You’re mine.”
Now, this book is only 188 pages long, so honestly, you shouldn’t expect Shakespeare. It’s not trying to be good—it’s trying to be crazy, and it definitely *succeeds*. But even with that in mind, it still managed to be worse than I thought. How can you mess up something that *deliberately* isn’t supposed to make sense? Well, this book finds a way. The fact that Eric and Valerie are teenagers *also* had me questioning life choices. Somehow they’re orchestrating elaborate schemes to frame other people for their crimes? How? When? Where? Seriously, these two are so dense it’s almost a miracle they didn’t get caught after every disaster they caused. I’m still trying to figure out how they pulled any of it off, because their level of common sense was absolutely zero.
Oh, and did I mention Eric is a hockey player? *Dude, stick to the game*. That’s all I have to say about that. 🎀
─── ･ ｡ﾟ☆: OVERALL*.☽ .*:☆ﾟ. ──
You won't be able to look away, even if you want to. 🪄
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 20, 2023
Oh my lord I don't know what to say. This book was everything and more. I loved loved loved it. Both characters were amazing.
December 23, 2023
honestly just vibing with the unhinged entertainment lol
December 27, 2023
from now on all christmas novellas need to be halloween themed, otherwise i don't want them. a merry romantic slasher? a jolly killing couple? the grinch in me was thriving.
December 20, 2023
3.5 ⭐️
The first thing that drew me to this book was Val wanting to kill a guy! Yup, and I was on board from that moment.
These two are stepsiblings who like to banter and get on eachothers nerves more Eric he loves to push Val buttons and knows which ones and he's been pinning for her from day one but since there step siblings he doesn't push further and when Val comes home from a date he notices things and obe huge red flag, someone did something to Val and is going to pay for it. And He does, but Val is also mad because she wanted to off the guy, and Killer Santa got to him first. They do have a sexual moment before we do a time jump.
Now, the year has passed, and there's still tension between them two, but more stuff Is coming out that has the two wanting more revenge. We learn that someone wants to kill Val and Val learns who the Santa Killer is.
I love the two together. I really wish we saw more murder from Val.
No ow drama/tiny om, no cheating, drama, sexy times, no virgins
Recommend-yes
Cover-⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Heat level-🌶🌶🌶
Slowinsta
Pinning
Push away from h
Off Page SA
Knife play
Praise kink
Murder
Violence
Safe sex
Hea
The first thing that drew me to this book was Val wanting to kill a guy! Yup, and I was on board from that moment.
These two are stepsiblings who like to banter and get on eachothers nerves more Eric he loves to push Val buttons and knows which ones and he's been pinning for her from day one but since there step siblings he doesn't push further and when Val comes home from a date he notices things and obe huge red flag, someone did something to Val and is going to pay for it. And He does, but Val is also mad because she wanted to off the guy, and Killer Santa got to him first. They do have a sexual moment before we do a time jump.
Now, the year has passed, and there's still tension between them two, but more stuff Is coming out that has the two wanting more revenge. We learn that someone wants to kill Val and Val learns who the Santa Killer is.
I love the two together. I really wish we saw more murder from Val.
No ow drama/tiny om, no cheating, drama, sexy times, no virgins
Recommend-yes
Cover-⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Heat level-🌶🌶🌶
Slowinsta
Pinning
Push away from h
Off Page SA
Knife play
Praise kink
Murder
Violence
Safe sex
Hea
December 31, 2024
4.25 star read. You might pick this up expecting a wild, chaotic Christmas tale. Honestly, there were moments when I completely forgot it was a Christmas-themed book, as much of the action unfolds before the holiday, just as the title indicates. I’m a fan of taboo romances, and Michelle Hercules truly impressed me with her handling of this dark step-sibling love story. Valerie embodies that mysterious, alluring persona, but her journey begins with a traumatic event when she faces sexual assault. Determined to reclaim her power, she meticulously plans her revenge against her aggressor. Enter Eric, a character with a penchant for violence and a dangerously obsessive protectiveness over Valerie. With both characters seeking vengeance, the story escalates when they meet again a year later after a passionate encounter, reigniting the tension and setting the stage for more brutality. I devoured this book and have no regrets about reading it. I can’t wait to explore more of her writing!
December 2, 2024
*Paperback
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (4/5) 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
TW: SA, Murder
“You’re not seriously thinking about hooking up with that poster child for venereal diseases, are you?”
“I’d stay away from open fires. You’re probably highly flammable.”
My friend recommended this one to me because she had heard so many good things about. She said it was dedicated to everyone who had a crush on Skeet Ulrich in 𝑺𝒄𝒓𝒆𝒂𝒎. So obviously, that spoke to me. I went and ordered it right away.
This was a pretty spicy book but I wasn’t prepared for that “surprise” that Val had waiting for her companion at the end of the book. 😂🤣😂
Read if you like
🎄Spice (all sorts of f@&kery)
🔪Butcher & Blackbird
🎄Lights Out
🔪Serial Killer Books
🎄Revenge Killings
🔪Demented Love
🎄Forbidden Love
🔪Family Dynamics
🎄Karmatic Conclusion
🔪No Cliff Hanger
This book was a quick & entertaining read with some pretty good swoon-worthy moments and lots of heat.
Of the serial killer lover romance genre book that I’ve read to date, this one felt like the chemistry was the most authentic and natural.
I know a sequel isn’t really necessary on this one but I’d still love more from Val & Eric all the same lol.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (4/5) 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
TW: SA, Murder
“You’re not seriously thinking about hooking up with that poster child for venereal diseases, are you?”
“I’d stay away from open fires. You’re probably highly flammable.”
My friend recommended this one to me because she had heard so many good things about. She said it was dedicated to everyone who had a crush on Skeet Ulrich in 𝑺𝒄𝒓𝒆𝒂𝒎. So obviously, that spoke to me. I went and ordered it right away.
This was a pretty spicy book but I wasn’t prepared for that “surprise” that Val had waiting for her companion at the end of the book. 😂🤣😂
Read if you like
🎄Spice (all sorts of f@&kery)
🔪Butcher & Blackbird
🎄Lights Out
🔪Serial Killer Books
🎄Revenge Killings
🔪Demented Love
🎄Forbidden Love
🔪Family Dynamics
🎄Karmatic Conclusion
🔪No Cliff Hanger
This book was a quick & entertaining read with some pretty good swoon-worthy moments and lots of heat.
Of the serial killer lover romance genre book that I’ve read to date, this one felt like the chemistry was the most authentic and natural.
I know a sequel isn’t really necessary on this one but I’d still love more from Val & Eric all the same lol.
December 15, 2023
This book was so good, and has all the best tropes.
Eric and Val are step siblings with some secrets… Eric in the unhinged MMC with slashing tendencies & Val is the Black cat FMC with a love for poisons.
After finding out Val has been SA (off page) by Hansen, the Hockey team captain, Eric decides Hansen will be his next victim. But he’s unaware that Val is planning to take care of her attacker herself.
I don’t wanna say much more just enjoy this crazy spicy novella and fall in love with Eric, the bad boy with golden retriever vibes for his girl only… you don’t wanna mess with this unhinged hottie.
Eric and Val are step siblings with some secrets… Eric in the unhinged MMC with slashing tendencies & Val is the Black cat FMC with a love for poisons.
After finding out Val has been SA (off page) by Hansen, the Hockey team captain, Eric decides Hansen will be his next victim. But he’s unaware that Val is planning to take care of her attacker herself.
I don’t wanna say much more just enjoy this crazy spicy novella and fall in love with Eric, the bad boy with golden retriever vibes for his girl only… you don’t wanna mess with this unhinged hottie.
December 21, 2025
Eric & Val 🖤🎅🔪
Really bummed about this story because it has a solid dedication and theme! Dark romance dedicated to any one who loved Billy from Scream?? Sign me up. However, what kind of psycho name is Eric?? This story had such a promising start and then it all fell flat. I found myself falling asleep reading it and that’s not a good sign…also any one else find the whole Carol reveal 🤮??
This quote made me LOL and I thought I’d love to use this phrase one day:
“That’s right. Five points for Slytherin” 😂
Really bummed about this story because it has a solid dedication and theme! Dark romance dedicated to any one who loved Billy from Scream?? Sign me up. However, what kind of psycho name is Eric?? This story had such a promising start and then it all fell flat. I found myself falling asleep reading it and that’s not a good sign…also any one else find the whole Carol reveal 🤮??
This quote made me LOL and I thought I’d love to use this phrase one day:
“That’s right. Five points for Slytherin” 😂
December 24, 2023
My affinity for late 90’s Slasher films prepared me for the bloody goodness unleashed in this novella.
If you enjoy extremely taboo/unconventional love stories, loved Skeet Ulrich the very moment his sexy face graced the screen in Scream, and have ever laughed at a funeral… this book is for you.
If you enjoy extremely taboo/unconventional love stories, loved Skeet Ulrich the very moment his sexy face graced the screen in Scream, and have ever laughed at a funeral… this book is for you.
December 4, 2024
I am cringe but I am free
(this was my first spicy taboo dark romance book and even though I had to stop and laugh at the ridiculousness sometimes, and I also don’t think the whole step sibling thing is entirely for me, I had fun)
(this was my first spicy taboo dark romance book and even though I had to stop and laugh at the ridiculousness sometimes, and I also don’t think the whole step sibling thing is entirely for me, I had fun)
December 20, 2023
everyone is murderous! merry xmas!
November 24, 2024
Unhinged in the best way.
November 28, 2024
Don’t ask me how or why I’m here cuz idk either.
Nothing says Merry Christmas like pegging I guess.
Nothing says Merry Christmas like pegging I guess.
November 30, 2024
3.5⭐️
This was a fun read! The story could have had a little more finesse but I really enjoyed how unhinged the MCs were.
This was a fun read! The story could have had a little more finesse but I really enjoyed how unhinged the MCs were.
December 9, 2024
I thought the book was pretty hot, and I freaking loved Eric, so much. Valerie was ok. She grew on me towards the end. There were things I didn't like, that's why it was a 4 star and not a 5 star.
December 16, 2024
Could have been 3 ⭐️s but kitty cat does not do it for me 🥴
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