Whims of the Wicked: A Book Reading Advent Calendar

by Rebecca Grey

A Yuletide wish list. A magicless faerie. And a holiday ball.

Sonnet Weatherwood has every intention of making this year’s Yuletide Ball the night of her dreams. If she wants to make a graceful re-entry into magical society and catch the attention of the Court’s most eligible bachelor, Cassius Calloway, she needs the perfect plan.

A cunning rogue. A debt to be paid. And a would-be thief in a pear tree.

Malcom Black is handsome, popular, and most of all, wicked. He’ll do anything to keep his father from finding out about his gambling debt, even if it means trying to steal from a lone lesser faerie girl walking home from work. It’s too bad that Sonnet isn’t your average target.

Mistletoe kisses. Yuletide wishes. And a deal with a rakish Fae.

Realizing that the two can help each other out, Sonnet and Malcom strike a deal. He’ll help her catch Cassius’ eye for the Yuletide Ball and she’ll help him with one last gamble. Can the two overcome their initial dislike for one another enough to realize their growing attraction before the holiday is over or will the magic be gone along with the Yuletide season?


Whims of the Wicked is filled with swoony-holiday romance in a low stake, cozy fantasy world and is written in 24 chapters to be perfectly read as an advent calendar during this Christmas season. Kindly note, chapters are not wrapped.

Genres: Fantasy, Christmas, Romance, Holiday, Fantasy Romance, Book Club, Cozy

310 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 15, 2024

About the author

Rebecca Grey leads a busy life. Somewhere between working a day job, raising two kids, and daydreaming about being a reality television star, she writes. As a reader she enjoys books filled with arrogant boys, who she would never waste her time on in real life, and large fantasy or paranormal novels. Much of her love for these things is reflected in her books.

Reviews

[Brandi Johnson · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved this fantastic fantasy holiday romance! Although, up until tonight, I've been good and only read a single chapter per day since this was an advent calendar book, but being two chapters away from the end I just couldn't help myself and went ahead and gave into the temptation and finished it up. This was such a fun read with fun and loveable characters and a cute storyline, that I just couldn't help enjoying it. This book also has a bonus chapter that gave the warning to not read if you didn't like "spicyness" in your books, which I also thought was pretty cool. This is a perfect holiday romance!

[A Grimm Review · Rating 4 out of 5]

I thought that this was really cute and fun and I finished it feeling nothing but happy and content. It certainly has a few things I could nitpick about the overall fantasy aspect but like I said it would be nitpicking. The Bridgerton vibes are there and in my opinion there is also a dash of Sense and Sensibility. I loved Malcom right off the bat, equal parts charming and scoundrel but sooo much better than he gives himself credit for. Sonnet I wanted to shake at times but she gets it right in the end which is all that really mattered.

[Kin · Rating 1 out of 5]

DNF @40%. was an advent i was doing with my sister in law and our texts thus far have been about how awful it is, im a mom and dont have time to read books i hate. for an advent the chapters are ridiculously long. there’s like no plot. and it’s insta love. blah awful

[⊰ Elin ⊱ · Rating 3 out of 5]

“𝙸𝚝’𝚜 𝚎𝚊𝚜𝚢 𝚝𝚘 𝚜𝚎𝚎 𝚝𝚑𝚎 𝚋𝚎𝚊𝚞𝚝𝚢 𝚒𝚗 𝚝𝚑𝚎 𝚠𝚘𝚛𝚕𝚍 𝚠𝚑𝚎𝚗 𝙸 𝚕𝚘𝚘𝚔 𝚊𝚝 𝚒𝚝 𝚏𝚛𝚘𝚖 𝚝𝚑𝚒𝚜 𝚊𝚗𝚐𝚕𝚎.”

I made it, yayyy✨ (and I finished the bonus chapter for the 25th as well).

Found this cute and whimsical advent calendar book a few months back and got so intrigued that I just had to try it out, but, although reading one chapter a day seemed like a fun concept in theory, actually going through with it was not as exciting as I had imagined. And being a mood reader might not have helped in this scenario either.😬 I’m the type of person who loves binge-reading, so having to restrain myself after every single chapter was hard, and at times I wished the chapters would’ve been longer since it’s only a day, but, overall, I enjoyed the whimsical vibes. A part of me wants to re-read the book in its entirety to get a different experience without all the added pauses and dragged out moments, but for now I’m happy I actually managed to stick to just one chapter a day (with the exception of the last day since I decided to read the 25th bonus chapter as well).

Not sure this way of experiencing a book is something I’d do again though, but… I’m a highly indecisive person so I might try again next year😂

[Shannon M.]

DNF @ 10%

Well, these chapters are entirely too long for an advent style book. I lost interest after reading such a short amount because it didn't hold my attention the way one should. I would like to try again, but not as an advent style read. We shall see though, if I ever pick it back up. TBR is too long.

[Mariah Hatch · Rating 1 out of 5]

Truly the dumbest thing I’ve ever read.

[Nikki Holbrook · Rating 2 out of 5]

I think AI wrote this book, and you can tell. the amount of plot holes were more than a block of Swiss cheese. I liked the brother of the MMC though.

[Quinci Peri · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.5/5

For how high the ratings are on this book, I was expecting much more. My qualms include:
1. There really wasn’t much by way of fantasy? Sure there were som fantastical elements but this wasn’t fantasy.
2. I don’t really feel calling this an advent calendar was accurate. The chapter numbers at the start of a new chapter look like an advent calendar and that’s about it. Each chapter didn’t feel like a new/different day.
3. The romance was cute but felt bleh until you got hit with the spicy bonus chapter

Idk it was fine but nothing to write home about. Wouldn’t pick up again or rave to friends to read

[theromantasybookcorner._ · Rating 5 out of 5]

ᥫ᭡🎄❄️🎄ᥫ᭡
✨✨𝗠𝗜𝗡𝗜-𝗥𝗘𝗩𝗜𝗘𝗪✨✨

𝓦𝓱𝓲𝓶𝓼 𝓸𝓯 𝓽𝓱𝓮 𝓦𝓲𝓬𝓴𝓮𝓭❄️🎄✨
╰┈➤𝙰𝚅𝙰𝙸𝙻𝙰𝙱𝙻𝙴 𝙾𝙽 𝙺𝚄✨
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

𝑀𝑦 𝑇ℎ𝑜𝑢𝑔ℎ𝑡𝑠💭🧐
I loved this book! This was probably one of the coziest and most heartwarming Fae romances I have read and it gave me all the warm and fuzzies, and also had me laughing out loud AND crying from all the emotions I was experiencing while reading!

I loved the chemistry between Malcolm and Sonnet from the moment they meet! Their meet cute was hilariously wonderful and I loved how she put him in his place from the get go. Their banter was absolutely amazing and snarky throughout the whole book, and I loved watching their relationship go from strangers, to partners in crime, to friends, to lovers. Malcolm was everything I look for in a Romantasy MMC - mysterious and broody but secretly a sweet and loving cinnamon roll, especially for Sonnet! I loved how he was looking out for her during their whole bargain and it was so sweet watching him realize his feelings. Sonnet was an amazing FMC - so determined and fiercely loving of her family, she just wants to make sure they’re taken care of.

The holiday vibes were amazing! I loved all the snowy woods and the Yuletide balls and the mistletoes, and I loved the feeling of family and togetherness. This was a fantastic holiday read, especially if you love Fae romances and holiday romances! This book is especially fun because it has 25 chapters, so you can read a chapter a day in December like an advent calendar! & the last chapter is extra special!😍🌶️

───────✨☆✨───────

[A Court of Stars and Sapphire · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the perfect cozy holiday read! It's a fantasy romance advent calendar book and I LOVE this concept! It has exactly 24 chapters so you can enjoy one chapter per day starting December 1st and ending on December 24th.

There is also a bonus, optional, 25th chapter that is a naughty and quick spicy addition to be read on Christmas Day! I love this little Christmas gift Rebecca gives us! But, if you're not into spice, skip it, you'll still get your delightful Happily Ever After on Christmas Eve.

While I was lucky enough to receive a copy of this book before the release day, I plan on reading it again as it was meant to be read each day in December leading up to Christmas!

I highly recommend adding this festive story to your holiday reading list!

🎄Holiday Ball
🎁Cozy Seasonal Romantasy
🎄Grinch/Sunshine
🎁Mistletoe Kisses
🎄Deal with a Rakish Fae
🎁Advent Calendar Book

[Leopoldine Wild · Rating 4 out of 5]

Whims of the Wicked was such a cozy and charming holiday read. The advent calendar format is genuinely fun, even though I definitely struggled not to binge the last few chapters. The story leans more comforting than surprising, but in the best way: soft romance, a festive atmosphere and just enough tension to keep you engaged without ever feeling heavy.

Sonnet and Malcom were a joy to follow, with a playful, tender dynamic and a slow emotional shift that felt very satisfying. The fantasy elements stay light and serve the romance well, making this an easy, feel-good seasonal escape. There’s an optional bonus spicy chapter that felt a little awkward but still enjoyable and by the end I closed the book feeling content, warm and very much in the holiday spirit.

[Heather Saizar · Rating 4 out of 5]

Whims of the Wicked was the perfect holiday advent read! It was magical, sweet, and full of festive fae vibes. The characters were incredibly lovable, and the storyline built beautifully chapter by chapter. Sonnet and Malcom had me smiling the whole way through, with their blood oath keeping things entertaining. While it started a bit slow, I was quickly hooked and wanting more. And the bonus spicy chapter was such a fun little surprise for those of us who like a little steam! 👀🔥 (It was totally optional though and doesn’t have to be read if you want to keep it PG) 😉

[Cara Stauder · Rating 5 out of 5]

Okay so I might have cheated and finished it two days early. But what a cute holiday read. I did obey the one chapter a day unless I got behind, then I did catch up to the day. It was a really great book with really loveable characters, a book that I wanted to keep reading and could’ve finished in one sitting. A little bit of fantasy, a really sweet romance, a slow burn you’re ready for. Loved it.

[Mackenzie Mitro · Rating 3 out of 5]

Whims of the Wicked was such a fun and unique Christmas read. I read it as an advent calendar book with my sister throughout December, which made the experience even more special—this was my first time doing an advent-style read, and I loved having a little story to look forward to each day.

The book itself was light, fluffy, and perfect for the season. Some chapters were genuinely hard to stop reading at the end, while others left me wishing there was just a bit more to keep the momentum going. Overall, though, it was a really enjoyable, festive read and a great choice if you’re looking for something fun, cozy, and easy to get through during the holidays.

[Angie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the perfect holiday romance, short enough to be able to finish in a month (even though I wanted to keep reading multiple days in a row), but long enough to develop a relationship so that the pairing didn’t seem forced. Relatively short and sweet. A fun adventure calendar read for a group of friends!

[Jennifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Merry Christmas Eve! I have completed this advent calendar read and it was so good. Not sure if reading only one chapter a day and having to wait to read more made this book more special or if it’s just because of the holiday season but I loved this. Victorian time romance with a little fairy magic. Hope this book gets more love next December with people wanting to do the advent reading order.

[☆ Savannah Marston ☆ · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.2 🌟
Spice: ❌️ (unless you read the bonus chapter!)

LOVE LOVE LOVE Sonnet and Malcom and their adorable romance. this had everything a love story needed, with a holiday feel to it, and I ate this up

[Zoe · Rating 3 out of 5]

This books was kinda like reading a wattpad but I did enjoy reading it. I read it with my sister Claire so it was super fun to be able to chat about it each day and read the last chapter together today!!

[Allie ♡ · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 ⭐️

this was so fun! you're meant to read one chapter each day leading up to christmas. otherwise, i would have read this in one sitting. my fav holiday read of the year :)

[Jordan · Rating 3 out of 5]

merry christmas eve!

this was a cute advent book. not too developed story wise but fun and easy to read.

[Annsa · Rating 3 out of 5]

J'ai adoré le début, mais la fin était trop prévisible et à la va-vite. Excellent concept tho, à refaire l'année prochaine!!

[Amanda Currie · Rating 3 out of 5]

this was a cute story but reading a chapter a day was tough.

[Ollie Williams · Rating 4 out of 5]

4⭐️ Super cute Yule fantasy story! Also, this was my first advent calendar book!

[Emma-Grace · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.5 ⭐️

The story line was super cute, cliche. But the grammar and punctuation wasn’t great. There were typos later on in the book, and some sentences I had to reread because they were hard to read. Could’ve benefited from more commas honestly.

The characters and storyline are quite predictable but it so satisfying once they realized their feelings and go together. I wish there would’ve been more with them after they confessed their feelings though 😭.

[Robin · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5

[Marjolein · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 Stars!

Super cute and loved the format of advent calendar. Okay so I did indulge and finished it a little earlier. Not 5 stars because of a few reasons, but definitely just fun and cozy read!

[Sarah Wahl · Rating 3 out of 5]

a cute little romantasy that also acts as an advent calendar! thanks to my girlfriends mom for getting me this book :)

[KA · Rating 5 out of 5]

i truly enjoyed this. a holiday fantasy romance with a brooding man who yearns is exactly what i love!

[Suzi Wright · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really enjoyed reading this as an advent book - although I did read ahead from day 19 because I just COULD NOT put it down!!

[Tasha · Rating 4 out of 5]

I've not come across this idea of an Advent calendar in the form of a book - read one chapter a day, and there are 24 chapters, to start on the 1st December, and finish on Christmas Eve.

Blurb:
A Yuletide wish list. A magicless faerie. And a holiday ball.
Sonnet Weatherwood has every intention of making this year's Yuletide Ball the night of her dreams. If she wants to make a graceful re-entry into magical society and catch the attention of the Court's most eligible bachelor, Cassius Calloway, she needs the perfect plan.
A cunning rogue. A debt to be paid. And a would-be thief in a pear tree.
Malcolm Black is handsome, popular, and most of all, wicked. He'll do anything to keep his father from finding out about his gambling debt, even if it means trying to steal from a lone lesser faerie girl walking home from work. It's too bad that Sonnet isn't your average target.
Mistletoe kisses. Yuletide wishes. And a deal with a rakish Fae.
Realising that the two can help each other out, Sonnet and Malcolm strike a deal. He'll help her catch Cassius' eye for the Yuletide Ball and she'll help him with one last gamble. Can the two overcome their initial dislike for one another enough to realise their growing attraction before the holiday is over, or will the magic be gone along with the Yuletide season?

This was an enjoyable Fae romantasy, building up to a winter solstice ball. Shades of Bridgerton, this only is a fae romantasy in the loosest sense of the word - but it doesn't make it any the less enjoyable as a fun bit of fluff. And I enjoyed reading a chapter a day, as it kept me eager and keen! Of course it's obvious what the outcome is going to be - but it really doesn't matter, as it's fun seeing how it all pans out.