What do you think?
Rate this book
Maya is comfortable with her tradition of spending Christmas alone in her secluded home. But this year, she wants to try something new. She meticulously researches the best site that offers a perfect, fiery date with a man that checks off her entire list.
Her list is simple. She wants a man that’s passionate, firm, forceful, and merciless.
Little does she know, there’s already a man in her life that suits every one of her dark desires, and he watches every move she makes.
He knows everything there is to know about her. She may ignore him, but his obsession only grows.
And on Christmas Eve, he’s arranged it so that he’ll be the one showing up at her door, ready to properly introduce himself.
-Author’s note-Some holiday stories warm your heart, but this series is aimed a little lower. The Merry F*cking Christmas series entails stories of the darker, kinkier side of Christmas. If you’re looking for a heavy plot with elaborate character development, I could recommend a few of my other books, but the purpose of this series is solely to get your heart beating and keep you warm on a cold winter’s night.
-Warning- This is a dark romance thriller. It contains mature and graphic content that is not suitable for people under 18. Possibly triggering content includes explicit sexual scenes, stalking, memories of child abuse, physical assaults, praise/degradation kink, breath play, knife use, gun use, and primal scenes.
Her list is simple. She wants a man that’s passionate, firm, forceful, and merciless.
Little does she know, there’s already a man in her life that suits every one of her dark desires, and he watches every move she makes.
He knows everything there is to know about her. She may ignore him, but his obsession only grows.
And on Christmas Eve, he’s arranged it so that he’ll be the one showing up at her door, ready to properly introduce himself.
-Author’s note-Some holiday stories warm your heart, but this series is aimed a little lower. The Merry F*cking Christmas series entails stories of the darker, kinkier side of Christmas. If you’re looking for a heavy plot with elaborate character development, I could recommend a few of my other books, but the purpose of this series is solely to get your heart beating and keep you warm on a cold winter’s night.
-Warning- This is a dark romance thriller. It contains mature and graphic content that is not suitable for people under 18. Possibly triggering content includes explicit sexual scenes, stalking, memories of child abuse, physical assaults, praise/degradation kink, breath play, knife use, gun use, and primal scenes.
117 pages, Kindle Edition
53 people are currently reading
422 people want to read
About the author
Shelby Manuel
10 books93 followersReader & Writer of twisted love stories and haunted hearts.
May all villains be obsessed, and all heroines be spoiled.
HEAs...eventually.
May all villains be obsessed, and all heroines be spoiled.
HEAs...eventually.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 77 reviews
February 16, 2025
Я чомусь очікувала набагато гіршого😀
Read
December 28, 2025i really like dark romance as a way to explore character motivations and dynamics...... this book made no sense but it thinks it makes sense
December 28, 2023
This was buck-wild.
Literally 4 stars for the laugh. Okaaay and the spice.
Literally 4 stars for the laugh. Okaaay and the spice.
December 2, 2024
Darkish Christmas Romance
Started so strong but it does fizzle out towards the middle and end. And the FMC gets the NLOG gloss and treatment. The writing was solid and strong and I'll check out more of the author's work bit this one felt too long and too stretched out.
Started so strong but it does fizzle out towards the middle and end. And the FMC gets the NLOG gloss and treatment. The writing was solid and strong and I'll check out more of the author's work bit this one felt too long and too stretched out.
December 8, 2025
im sucker for a man like Saint
he is just the right amount of obsessive and knows exactly what he wants . his brother Angelo cracked me up they very much opposite of eachother in the best ways.
Maya had a horrible father who would be abusive towards her, and he had ruined everything. her grandmother was no better either but wasn't as bad as her father, which was better in that situation.
she is such smart and has amazing skills to hack pretty much anything. without even a trace . which is why I loved how impressed he was with her that man was determined to make her his.
and the dark desires she has were cherry on top cause she matched Saint perfectly.
Saint family, especially his parents, I absolutely loved them .
[The truth sighs out of me when I realize that even though he’s insane, unstable, and morally disturbed, I’d fuck him again and again until they locked me in a padded room.]
he is just the right amount of obsessive and knows exactly what he wants . his brother Angelo cracked me up they very much opposite of eachother in the best ways.
Maya had a horrible father who would be abusive towards her, and he had ruined everything. her grandmother was no better either but wasn't as bad as her father, which was better in that situation.
she is such smart and has amazing skills to hack pretty much anything. without even a trace . which is why I loved how impressed he was with her that man was determined to make her his.
and the dark desires she has were cherry on top cause she matched Saint perfectly.
Saint family, especially his parents, I absolutely loved them .
[The truth sighs out of me when I realize that even though he’s insane, unstable, and morally disturbed, I’d fuck him again and again until they locked me in a padded room.]
August 6, 2023
4.5 ⭐️
Christmas Guest is the perfect short and easy read for my dark romance lovers!
As Shelby writes “it’s about the smut… dark, kinky smut to be exact.” And she delivers just that!
I truly enjoyed this dark romance and cannot wait to read the rest of the Merry Fucking Christmas series.
This series is not your traditional Hallmark Christmas tales, but a dark version of them with morally grey and possessive men.
In Christmas Guest we meet Maya who works for a crime syndicate, which she finds out about while doing some illegal digging of her own. Her boss and head of the syndicate, Saint, knows about her digging and has been eying her and her work for some time… things heat up and take a spicy turn!
Thank you Shelby for the chance to ARC read this dark and spicy Christmas tale!
Christmas Guest is the perfect short and easy read for my dark romance lovers!
As Shelby writes “it’s about the smut… dark, kinky smut to be exact.” And she delivers just that!
I truly enjoyed this dark romance and cannot wait to read the rest of the Merry Fucking Christmas series.
This series is not your traditional Hallmark Christmas tales, but a dark version of them with morally grey and possessive men.
In Christmas Guest we meet Maya who works for a crime syndicate, which she finds out about while doing some illegal digging of her own. Her boss and head of the syndicate, Saint, knows about her digging and has been eying her and her work for some time… things heat up and take a spicy turn!
Thank you Shelby for the chance to ARC read this dark and spicy Christmas tale!
December 24, 2024
I loved the story and the tension between the two of them. And hey, as long as I enjoy these types of men in books, I'm good right? 😂
December 25, 2024
Another quick and dark holiday themed novella. I enjoyed it.
October 10, 2025
October 2025
Kindle edition
I can't actually remember what this one was about or about the characters. Another one off the TBR.
Kindle edition
I can't actually remember what this one was about or about the characters. Another one off the TBR.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 12, 2023
Like a secret fantasy come to life is an understatement! Immediately obsessed with Saint, whose next in line to take over the family business. His family runs a huge successful multimillion dollar company but also like an underground crime/drug cartel. His dark daunting presence is enough to have any girl wanting his attention. He shortly finds out one of his employees has been stealing money and prying into things they shouldn't, Maya. She's a computer engineer whose an introvert and tends to stay invisible to everyone but Saint. Instantly captivated by her, he plans a way to not only punish her but make her his forever, if she'll have him. This will satisfy your dark twisted mind with a masked MMC who doesn't hold back his punishment on xmas eve and will have you flipping pages like no other!!
-What to expect...
mob crime syndicate vibes, drug smuggling, murder, morally grey MMC, badass FMC, spice, male escort, multiple pov, good girl, daddy, edging, squirting, mask kink, knife play, anxiety, abuse, obsession, stalking, found family, and touch her and die vibes. Check trigger/content warnings!!!!
-What to expect...
mob crime syndicate vibes, drug smuggling, murder, morally grey MMC, badass FMC, spice, male escort, multiple pov, good girl, daddy, edging, squirting, mask kink, knife play, anxiety, abuse, obsession, stalking, found family, and touch her and die vibes. Check trigger/content warnings!!!!
December 18, 2023
I’M SHOOK. Like…why in the actual f*** is the dark romance community not blowing this author up?
I’ve read this whole series now, and I still can’t wrap my brain around the fact that I haven’t heard of her books yet.
Okay, I went into this series because a mutual on IG posted about, saying it’s a “smutty little Christmas treat.”
I wasn’t prepared for this short book (Just over 100 pages) to blow my mind. My heart was broke, I was scared…and then Daddy Saint came in a healed me. Omfg.
I think this was genius. Like, Saint is the so f*cling sexy, adult version of Santa that all us dark romance girlies need. WOW. I want an entire series on him and Mia.
AND I HAVEN’T EVEN GOTTEN TO THE UNBELIEVABLE SPICE
I can’t remember a book that flowed this perfectly, bringing me up and comforting me down, like this book gave me aftercare.
This author needs to come to a book signing near me soon or Im turning into Kathy Bates in Misery - jk Im not crazy, just obsessed.
If anyone needs me, I’ll be binging the authors entire oeuvre ❤️
Im afraid of her novels though…I feel like my heart and my partner won’t make it 😬
I’ve read this whole series now, and I still can’t wrap my brain around the fact that I haven’t heard of her books yet.
Okay, I went into this series because a mutual on IG posted about, saying it’s a “smutty little Christmas treat.”
I wasn’t prepared for this short book (Just over 100 pages) to blow my mind. My heart was broke, I was scared…and then Daddy Saint came in a healed me. Omfg.
I think this was genius. Like, Saint is the so f*cling sexy, adult version of Santa that all us dark romance girlies need. WOW. I want an entire series on him and Mia.
AND I HAVEN’T EVEN GOTTEN TO THE UNBELIEVABLE SPICE
I can’t remember a book that flowed this perfectly, bringing me up and comforting me down, like this book gave me aftercare.
This author needs to come to a book signing near me soon or Im turning into Kathy Bates in Misery - jk Im not crazy, just obsessed.
If anyone needs me, I’ll be binging the authors entire oeuvre ❤️
Im afraid of her novels though…I feel like my heart and my partner won’t make it 😬
December 9, 2025
Quote: “And when the snow drowned out the noise beyond your door, and you’re all alone . . . you’re going to have a visitor. I’m going to find a way inside . . . and I’m going to take what I want.
Review: Holy spice! Maya is comfortable with her tradition of spending the holidays alone in her secluded home but this year she wants to try something new. Her list is simple. She wants a man passionate for him first rule and merciless. Little does she know there’s already a man in her life that suits every one of her dark desires. I appreciate the author being upfront that this book is mainly about this book being mainly about smut and having little to no plot. Maya is relatable and hilarious and I found myself enjoying her character a lot more than I expected. It’s was a refreshing quick read. Guest was incredibly dark and so steamy. While the book did center around a lot of smut smut I do feel like the Christmas aspects were still there. The ending was really sweet based on knowing the main characters and how they were brought up. I really enjoyed really Guest and I’m excited to continue this series next year.
Review: Holy spice! Maya is comfortable with her tradition of spending the holidays alone in her secluded home but this year she wants to try something new. Her list is simple. She wants a man passionate for him first rule and merciless. Little does she know there’s already a man in her life that suits every one of her dark desires. I appreciate the author being upfront that this book is mainly about this book being mainly about smut and having little to no plot. Maya is relatable and hilarious and I found myself enjoying her character a lot more than I expected. It’s was a refreshing quick read. Guest was incredibly dark and so steamy. While the book did center around a lot of smut smut I do feel like the Christmas aspects were still there. The ending was really sweet based on knowing the main characters and how they were brought up. I really enjoyed really Guest and I’m excited to continue this series next year.
July 27, 2023
Rating: 3.5 ⭐️
I was kindly given this book as an arc in exchange for an honest review. Thank you to the author for the opportunity.
« I’ve tasted some of the most coveted delicacies in this world, but nothing has rivaled you. »
Mister Saint has me on my knees, adding him to my Christmas wishlist. If you’re looking for a night of mind blowing spice, this book is for you. Wether you’re on the nice or naughty list, you’ll get a visit this Christmas with a slice of punishment.
A slightly insane man with a kinky fmc? What more is there to ask for? Christmas Guest was a dark one night spicy story with a hint of mafia and danger. I haven’t rated it higher as the ending kind of threw me off, in a good way. I just thought « alright this is already unrealistic so might as well go fully into that fantasy ». It made me giggle. But the spice was spicy spicyyyyyy
I was kindly given this book as an arc in exchange for an honest review. Thank you to the author for the opportunity.
« I’ve tasted some of the most coveted delicacies in this world, but nothing has rivaled you. »
Mister Saint has me on my knees, adding him to my Christmas wishlist. If you’re looking for a night of mind blowing spice, this book is for you. Wether you’re on the nice or naughty list, you’ll get a visit this Christmas with a slice of punishment.
A slightly insane man with a kinky fmc? What more is there to ask for? Christmas Guest was a dark one night spicy story with a hint of mafia and danger. I haven’t rated it higher as the ending kind of threw me off, in a good way. I just thought « alright this is already unrealistic so might as well go fully into that fantasy ». It made me giggle. But the spice was spicy spicyyyyyy
December 8, 2023
This is a mafia dark romance that happens on Christmas Eve. The beginning felt a little choppy, but when we got to the main course BOY was it good.
Maya unknowingly works for the largest crime syndicate in the city. One day, she hacks their computer software and uncovers the truth, but her snooping alerts the CEO and future crime group leader, Santino. This begins his obsession with Maya as he tries to figure out who she is and what she wants.
Maya has always had a CNC fantasy and decides to pay someone for the service - little does she know, Santino fabricated the website she used and shows up to deliver everything she desires and convince her to have a life with him.
SUPER Spicy, Daddy Kink, Knife Play, Gun Play, Primal Play, BDSM.
Maya unknowingly works for the largest crime syndicate in the city. One day, she hacks their computer software and uncovers the truth, but her snooping alerts the CEO and future crime group leader, Santino. This begins his obsession with Maya as he tries to figure out who she is and what she wants.
Maya has always had a CNC fantasy and decides to pay someone for the service - little does she know, Santino fabricated the website she used and shows up to deliver everything she desires and convince her to have a life with him.
SUPER Spicy, Daddy Kink, Knife Play, Gun Play, Primal Play, BDSM.
December 22, 2023
I read these books in reverse which doesn’t matter since they aren’t connected at all. I did that because I honestly thought I would be like the more the merrier. And while that is true, I loved this one the most. I don’t know if it was the mafia vibe, the fact that she is a hacker, the fact Saint had this whole thing planned out to get to Maya or what, but this is my favorite one of the series. I also love how Maya finally comes into her own even if Saint had to help her. That’s been a favorite part to all these books. It might not be a lot of plot but there is enough to make you pull for the FMCs. It has NO shortage of smexy, spicy scenes as well. I’m hoping Shelby might make this one into a long book someday to give them a bit more of a story!
December 28, 2023
Wow!
This may very well be the best mafia book I have read this year!
Maya has led a traumatic life and wants to give herself the gift of passion for Christmas. She knows that the sexy mafia men she works for could probably give her the best night of her life bit after what she has learned of their business she is too afraid of the family to even carry a conversation. Instead, she decides to contact an escort service to get exactly what she is craving. To her surprise, the man who shows up is not only the one she is most scared of, but he's also the only man who can give her what she's looking for. Before she knows it, her one night of Christmas passion turns into the HEA she has been dreaming of, with the added bonus of the family she has always wanted.
This may very well be the best mafia book I have read this year!
Maya has led a traumatic life and wants to give herself the gift of passion for Christmas. She knows that the sexy mafia men she works for could probably give her the best night of her life bit after what she has learned of their business she is too afraid of the family to even carry a conversation. Instead, she decides to contact an escort service to get exactly what she is craving. To her surprise, the man who shows up is not only the one she is most scared of, but he's also the only man who can give her what she's looking for. Before she knows it, her one night of Christmas passion turns into the HEA she has been dreaming of, with the added bonus of the family she has always wanted.
December 8, 2024
Hot. Hot. Hot.
Maya is lonely this Christmas and decides she wants to hire someone to spend it with her. Little does she know that the person she hires is someone she already knows.
Could you imagine someone making all your wildest fantasies a reality? Well, Maya gets that and so much more this Christmas holiday, and it's HOT!!!
Shelby Manuel is one of my new favorite smut authors. I loved this little novella. I literally finished it in a few hours cause I couldn't put it down.
I'm obsessed. Highly recommend this little Christmas novella for anyone who wants to read something for this holiday season. I will definitely be reading more Shelby Manuel and more Christmas oriented books. 🖤🖤
Maya is lonely this Christmas and decides she wants to hire someone to spend it with her. Little does she know that the person she hires is someone she already knows.
Could you imagine someone making all your wildest fantasies a reality? Well, Maya gets that and so much more this Christmas holiday, and it's HOT!!!
Shelby Manuel is one of my new favorite smut authors. I loved this little novella. I literally finished it in a few hours cause I couldn't put it down.
I'm obsessed. Highly recommend this little Christmas novella for anyone who wants to read something for this holiday season. I will definitely be reading more Shelby Manuel and more Christmas oriented books. 🖤🖤
November 3, 2025
3.5*
I love a fast paced romance and although this was a novella I still felt something was off. Maybe it was that the had little to no interaction before Christmas and then they were in love or that she didn’t really have an interest in him beforehand. I think if she had a crush on him or something then it would’ve made it easier to read.
The writing style also felt a little like a diary entry at some points, which changed how reading the story felt. I’m a big fan of a do or die, all or nothing romance too which I think is why I kept reading.
I’m intrigued how the other 2 books are going to go as I know they aren’t connected, rather than just Christmas based. However I wonder if they’ve have similar plots and writing styles.
I love a fast paced romance and although this was a novella I still felt something was off. Maybe it was that the had little to no interaction before Christmas and then they were in love or that she didn’t really have an interest in him beforehand. I think if she had a crush on him or something then it would’ve made it easier to read.
The writing style also felt a little like a diary entry at some points, which changed how reading the story felt. I’m a big fan of a do or die, all or nothing romance too which I think is why I kept reading.
I’m intrigued how the other 2 books are going to go as I know they aren’t connected, rather than just Christmas based. However I wonder if they’ve have similar plots and writing styles.
December 25, 2025
Picked it up. Put it down. Repeated this cycle like it was cardio.
The premise? Elite. Dark stalker at Christmas, novella, hackers, mobs—sign me up.
The execution? …no.
What I got was endless boring inner monologue, paranoia on loop, and zero momentum. I tried. I really did. But by 70% in, I tapped out.
Honestly some of the weakest writing I’ve read in a while, which sucks because this should’ve slapped. I own all three books and yeah… they’re staying unread.
Dropped. Disappointed. Moving on. 🚮📚
The premise? Elite. Dark stalker at Christmas, novella, hackers, mobs—sign me up.
The execution? …no.
What I got was endless boring inner monologue, paranoia on loop, and zero momentum. I tried. I really did. But by 70% in, I tapped out.
Honestly some of the weakest writing I’ve read in a while, which sucks because this should’ve slapped. I own all three books and yeah… they’re staying unread.
Dropped. Disappointed. Moving on. 🚮📚
November 10, 2023
Just Finished Christmas Guest. Before I start I have to say I’m not a huge fan of novellas. I do think they are to rushed and not much of a story. Usually the novellas I read would be a prequel to a series or a side story to the main series. But this book was dark, spicy and it did seem rushed (to me anyways) The spice scenes were fantastic. I do recommend this book. But I do wish there was a bit of drama or more of the MMC trying to win over the FMC.
November 10, 2023
Daaaang girl!! This was intense! And delicious! This little novella is spicy! If you like the hunter/prey kink, you are going to love this book.
I love Shelby’s writing. She knows how to grab your attention and hold it. She has amazing characters. The kind you shouldn’t like but you can’t help but to love them. If your looking for a darker holiday read, then this book is definitely a must read.
I love Shelby’s writing. She knows how to grab your attention and hold it. She has amazing characters. The kind you shouldn’t like but you can’t help but to love them. If your looking for a darker holiday read, then this book is definitely a must read.
December 8, 2023
(3.5) As much as I enjoy books that get right to the spice, the timeline really jumped for me. We go from a potential threat to the company and the male lead seeking her out to the female lead hiring a sex worker for Christmas? The math was not mathing.
BUT the spice was fantastically dark. Loved that the author included trigger warnings even though dark romance is going to be dark.
It is quite the whirlwind romance and I felt like it wrapped up quite nicely!
BUT the spice was fantastically dark. Loved that the author included trigger warnings even though dark romance is going to be dark.
It is quite the whirlwind romance and I felt like it wrapped up quite nicely!
December 21, 2023
Hot but…
The spice in this was great and if you focus only on that than it would be a 3.5- 4 star read for me. However, the storyline made things a little confusing. It seemed like they went from trying to find the company hacker to her hiring someone to break into her house in 0.5 seconds with no context or transition. And because of this there was no buildup between the main characters and I didn’t feel the connection with them.
The spice in this was great and if you focus only on that than it would be a 3.5- 4 star read for me. However, the storyline made things a little confusing. It seemed like they went from trying to find the company hacker to her hiring someone to break into her house in 0.5 seconds with no context or transition. And because of this there was no buildup between the main characters and I didn’t feel the connection with them.
December 30, 2025
Guest by Shelby Manuel delivers a good storyline and engaging plot, especially impressive for a short story. The pacing works well overall, and the book provides the perfect amount of smut without overpowering the narrative. Manuel explores themes of intimacy and connection effectively, though some aspects of the characters and emotional depth could have been expanded further. While it didn’t completely wow me, it was an enjoyable, well-balanced read that makes good use of its length.
December 13, 2023
Life is about making light in the darkness
I cannot, say enough about this, wonderful novel! This is the first time, I have had the pleasure of reading this author and I WILL be going back for more... If DARK ROMANCE and MORALLY GREY men are your jam, then this is for you. It's a quick hot read. Also I loved the plot. If you have triggers be sure to check the grocery list.
I cannot, say enough about this, wonderful novel! This is the first time, I have had the pleasure of reading this author and I WILL be going back for more... If DARK ROMANCE and MORALLY GREY men are your jam, then this is for you. It's a quick hot read. Also I loved the plot. If you have triggers be sure to check the grocery list.
December 15, 2023
So spicy
This is the holiday book I needed in my life! The spice alone was top tier. I enjoyed the way Saint could switch from "Monster" to lover for Maya so effortlessly.
Maya was a great character as well and the way she developed into exactly what she needed to be was so good. She deserved her HEA and Saint was the perfect one to give it to her.😊
This is the holiday book I needed in my life! The spice alone was top tier. I enjoyed the way Saint could switch from "Monster" to lover for Maya so effortlessly.
Maya was a great character as well and the way she developed into exactly what she needed to be was so good. She deserved her HEA and Saint was the perfect one to give it to her.😊
December 21, 2024
the plot is thick
I love a good book with a plot and some smut! There is definitely plot here, with stalker vibes! I love how MMC brought the MFC out of her shell and she learned she controls him! Definitely a great Novela and Christmas based! Spice was there for a couple of chapters!!!!
I love a good book with a plot and some smut! There is definitely plot here, with stalker vibes! I love how MMC brought the MFC out of her shell and she learned she controls him! Definitely a great Novela and Christmas based! Spice was there for a couple of chapters!!!!
December 21, 2024
ticks all the boxes
If you want a maffia, dark, stalker romance novella with a good dose of spice and if you don’t shy away from some dubcon this is your book.
I loved the way his character stayed the same villain and she embraced her darkness. Also the family aspect warmed my heart; it ticked all my boxes and I am diving into book 2 next!
If you want a maffia, dark, stalker romance novella with a good dose of spice and if you don’t shy away from some dubcon this is your book.
I loved the way his character stayed the same villain and she embraced her darkness. Also the family aspect warmed my heart; it ticked all my boxes and I am diving into book 2 next!
October 28, 2023
This was a fun novella to read between longer books. While at times I couldn't remember if I was reading a thriller, romance, or just a flat out Mafia story. The characters and twists were so fun. Can't wait to read the others in the series.
December 4, 2023
Well that was one crazy Xmas eve!!!
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️/5
Primal play, CNC, hand necklace, bondage, minor knife/blood play…
But tbh if I woke up on Xmas morning to like 30 people in my house that I didn’t invite, I’d beat the shit out of that man… I don’t care how well he fucked me!
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️/5
Primal play, CNC, hand necklace, bondage, minor knife/blood play…
But tbh if I woke up on Xmas morning to like 30 people in my house that I didn’t invite, I’d beat the shit out of that man… I don’t care how well he fucked me!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 77 reviews