Jump to ratings and reviews
Rate this book

Mythic Holidays #2

A Heart So Cold and Wicked: A Krampus Legend Retelling (Standalone)

Rate this book
He saved her from a murderer. But can he protect her from himself?
Kidnapped by a serial killer, Feather has lived in a remote cabin for years, surviving by cleverness and caution. One night, she unwittingly summons a Fae demon known as Krampus, who enacts vengeance on her kidnapper and leaves Feather free... but with nowhere to go and no memory of the family from which she was stolen.
Krampus, a vicious horned Fae with a wicked tongue, doesn't want anything to do with a helpless human girl, though he eventually agrees to let her stay in his huge, decaying mansion as his maid. But Krampus isn't the only monster in the house, which complicates Feather's efforts to clean each room in the strangely sentient dwelling.
For his part, Krampus becomes increasingly obsessed with the brown-eyed girl he rescued, a fascination that makes him more vulnerable to the Fae-hunters who've been hired to kill him. When the danger becomes too great to ignore, Feather must decide what freedom truly means... and what she's willing to sacrifice to gain it.

This standalone, spicy fantasy romance has wintry vibes but can be read at any time of the year. It features Germanic mythology and monsters, a medieval-fantasy version of a serial killer, and the Fae universe of the Wicked Darlings series.

359 pages, Paperback

Published October 4, 2024

112 people are currently reading
1905 people want to read

About the author

Rebecca F. Kenney

72 books2,941 followers
Rebecca 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

Ratings & Reviews

What do you think?
Rate this book

Friends & Following

Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!

Community Reviews

5 stars
546 (42%)
4 stars
442 (34%)
3 stars
234 (18%)
2 stars
49 (3%)
1 star
16 (1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 205 reviews
Profile Image for Merry Jayned.
210 reviews6 followers
December 22, 2025
I thought this was dark and adorable at the same time. I loved the story.
Profile Image for Shelby.
364 reviews44 followers
November 4, 2024
I'm very torn how to rate this. I'll make it clear right now: this was NOT a bad book. Truly, it wasn't. I can't put my finger on it, but there was SOMETHING about it that just didn't work for me. The plot was fine, the smut was decent, it had a great amount of pain and drama, but there was something about it that made it drag. I found myself skipping through several sections just so I could move onto something better.

Again, I don't know why. It didn't work for me, but I definitely recommend you at least give it a try if this is your type of thing.
Profile Image for saralouisereads.
255 reviews31 followers
September 13, 2024
5🌶️ this was incredible. very very dark, please check your TWs once this is released! thank you Rebecca for putting your trust in me and allowing me to beta read this for you!! this has all the tropes everyone loves, slow burn, touch her and 💀, HEA. SUPER SPICY 🥵 the character growth is *chefs kiss* y’all are gonna love this one if you loved her other books in the Wicked Darlings series. i can’t say enough good things about this one and Rebecca’s writing!!
Profile Image for Tarryn.
255 reviews47 followers
February 21, 2025
BRILLIANT.

This is me, once again, trying to speak directly to Rebecca F. Kenney: Ma'am, if you'd like all of my pertinent information, it's yours. Social security number, banking information, all my passcodes, etc. It's all yours - there's no 'if'. It's a willing gift to say thank you, I am in your eternal service for writing the books you write lmao. Because who if not YOU is going to write a Krampus themed smut novel that left me in utter shambles over how great it was? That's right, NO ONE.

I don't know what to tell anyone else reading this. It's a fucking Krampus themed smut novel. And it's GREAT. The nuance! The creativity! The fun! You're telling me this chick can talk to houses, tame the wild energies of MULTIPLE eldritch monsters and also get dicked down by a horned faerie? THIS WAS FANTASTIC!
Profile Image for Sierra | FictionalWanderluster.
477 reviews
October 11, 2024
"Rebellious women never truly die."

✨ Spicy Krampus Retelling
✨ DARK Fantasy
✨ Fae and Fae Hunters
✨ Sentient House
✨ Tragic Pasts
✨ Pierced Tongue
✨ Pain with Pleasure
✨ Mental Health Rep
✨ Howl's Moving Castle and Beauty and the Beast vibes
⚠ SA off-page, Child Abuse, and more

Feather was kidnapped at age 6 and forced into a role play scenario of the Little Sister by her captor for 14 years. All she has known is the worst of humanity as she is forced to survive at all costs and witness the murders of the other women. One fateful day, she is saved when Krampus is summoned to the cabin to enact vengeance on her captor. She's determined to not be left behind and travels with Krampus to his home that is full of monsters and she once again has to figure out how to survive. But this time, she has a sentient house on her side and a Fae who becomes increasingly obsessed with her, even though it makes him vulnerable to the Fae-Hunters out to get him.

This book is such a ride! And way more than just a spicy Krampus retelling! It deals with heavy mental health issues that stem from tragic pasts and witnessing death. The main characters navigate their traumas separately and together and I loved seeing them both slowly start to heal and make each other better. This story truly shows how there isn't a one size fits all mold when it comes to grief and recovery. Rebecca is truly a masterful storyteller who weaves these complexities with intricate fantasy worlds and multi-dimensional characters. I always devour her books!

This book is also spicyyy! Hello, Krampus and his long, pierced tongue. 🥵 Also, never thought that getting your ears pierced could be erotic...until now.🔥

This book is DARKKK. Like Jennifer Hartmann dark, at least in the beginning. Please read the content warnings before venturing in this story.

This is a fantastic story for the winter, anytime you want a monster/fantasy romance, or anytime you want to read about the strength and courage that is within all of us. I honestly can't recommend this book enough!

Thank you so much to Rebecca for the gifted copy! 🖤
Profile Image for AlenGarou.
1,751 reviews135 followers
December 28, 2024
Vi dirò: dopo aver letto A Hunt so Wild and Cruel ero un po’ preoccupata.
Non che la Kenney non sappia scrivere, ma è sempre un terno al lotto con i suoi romanzi.
Se non fosse che ho adorato questa uscita.
E sapete perché?
… no no, lo spicy ci sta, ma raga: è dark, splatter, grottesco e ci sono un sacco di mostri che sbranano la gente.
YEEEE!
Sì, lo so. Ho molti problemi, ma lo so che mi sopportate per leggere ste recensioni.
Questo retelling del Krampus è un bacio dello chef. Parte in quarta, con l’introduzione della protagonista e della sua orribile situazione famigliare. Rapita da piccola, ha passato buona parte della sua vita a interpretare il ruolo della Sorellina per il suo aguzzino, in compagnia della Madre e della Moglie. Lei è riuscita con l’ingegno a sopravvivere per molti anni, assistendo alla morte di innumerevoli donne, finché un giorno suonerà una campanella. E indovinate che è tale affare? Ebbene sì, il richiamo del Krampus.
E bisogna dirlo, il Krampus in sto libro ha tutto un suo perché. Considerando poi che è un membro della Caccia Selvaggia che deve gestire una casa senziente piena di mostri, nonché i suoi coinquilini e del fatto che di solito tratta coi bambini per punire i loro aguzzini, quindi immaginate la sua sorpresa nel salvare una ragazza di vent’anni che tra poco è più pazza e sanguinaria di lui.
Insomma, sono adorabili insieme.
Ed è ancora più adorabile il fatto che non c’è nessun instalove, ma i due devono penare per venire a patti con i propri sentimenti, oltre che svilupparli. Anche se inutile dire che lui è un sottone da paura sotto tutta quella reticenza.
Ma a parte la loro chimica, ho amato la questione della casa e dei mostri. Non solo questo romanzo è davvero atmosferico, dark e pieno di lore, ma è molto crudo: sia a livello psicologico, sia a livello di spicy.
Aggiungiamoci poi i cacciatori di fae, Perchta, angst a palate e… Bingo!
Tuttavia, sono confusa per dei possibili buchi di trama riguardante il climax dei mate, perché c’è qualcosa che non quadra se associamo questo libro alla serie principale.
Ma comunque nulla da dire: la Kenney me l’ha fatta un’altra volta.
Profile Image for Taryn.
374 reviews13 followers
October 25, 2024
A Heart So Cold and Wicked is so much more than a spicy Krampus retelling—it’s a dark, emotionally charged journey that explores the depths of trauma, healing, and the kind of love that helps rebuild even the most shattered souls.

The story follows Feather, a woman who has lived through unimaginable horrors. Kidnapped at just six years old, she survives 14 years of captivity under a twisted man who forces her into a perverse family role. Her life changes in an instant when she unwittingly summons Krampus, a fae bound to the Wild Hunt, to enact justice on her captor. But this is only the beginning of Feather’s journey. Left with nowhere to go and no memory of her past, she follows Krampus into a world of monsters, magic, and danger—a world where she must once again learn how to survive.

Once again, Kenney's writing pulled me in immediately and I couldn't devour it quickly enough. I appreciated how deeply the story delves into trauma and recovery. Feather is a beautifully complex character, and watching her navigate her new reality after years of suffering is both heartbreaking and inspiring. Her growth is subtle but profound, and the bond she forms with Krampus—this powerful, brooding fae who is more vulnerable than he lets on—feels real and raw. Their relationship is built on shared pain, but it blossoms into something that feels like redemption for them both.

Rebecca Kenney doesn’t shy away from the darkness in this story. It’s heavy, raw, and touches on deep emotional wounds. But through it all, she weaves moments of light—whether through Feather’s quiet strength, Krampus’ fierce protectiveness, or the sentient, magical house that becomes a refuge for them both. The sentient house, by the way, was one of my favorite parts of the book. Its mysterious, protective nature added a fantastical charm that balanced the darker elements perfectly.

The romance is a slow burn, filled with tension and longing. Though Krampus tries keeps his distance, his obsession with Feather grows. The "touch her and you die" vibes are strong, and there’s something incredibly satisfying about watching him struggle against his feelings, only to give in completely. The chemistry between them is electric, and yes, the spice is superb. Kenney definitely knows how to turn up the heat!

If you're in the mood for a dark, emotional fantasy with a touch of spice and a lot of heart, A Heart So Cold and Wicked is an absolute must-read. This book will stick with you long after the final page, reminding you of the strength it takes to overcome the worst of what the world can throw at you—and the beauty of finding love in even the most unexpected places.
Profile Image for Marie Rasmussen.
69 reviews3 followers
November 28, 2024
4.5⭐️such a fun short read!!! I wanted a holiday themed romantasy and this delivered! There is more emphasis on the romance and barely any world building. It’s a great book to throw into the mix if you want a quick fun read. Def adding some of this authors books to the never ending TBR..
Profile Image for Alyssa Nicole.
251 reviews632 followers
December 31, 2024
As a krampus lover, I really enjoyed this! The house magic was so cool to me. I do wish we were shown more of the humans and the planning around their safety from them, though.
Profile Image for LKCREADS .
202 reviews540 followers
October 7, 2024
To call this book just a spicy Krampus retelling does not do it justice in the slightest.

This book deals heavily with grief, trauma, and how there is no “one size fits all” approach to how each of us individually recover from any pain we’ve gone through.

Tears were brought to my eyes multiple times. And while it’s… imperative to check the trigger warnings for this story… if you are in a space to enjoy a vulnerable tale of strength and perseverance… I can’t recommend this book enough.

“I know what it is to have your path marked for you by another being, to have that path barricaded on both sides so that you must trudge onward without hope of escape. I know what it is to live with survival as the only goal.”

This story follows Feather. When she was 6 years old she was kidnapped and lived with basically… the worst of humanity for years.

One night, by a crazy set of circumstance, Feather rings a bell that has come into her possession, that summons Krampus to her captors cabin.

When it is time for Krampus to leave the cabin after enacting his vengeance on the wicked, Feather, determined not to be left alone in the middle of nowhere, hides near Krampus while he travel home, and… ends up on the floor in the middle of his giant… scary house… full of monsters… who want nothing more… than to… eat Feather.

This story takes off fast and it does not stop. I read it in LITERALLY one sitting.

Rebecca’s take on The Wild Hunt is SO COOL. This book is part of the Wicked Darlings series. Which is a series of interconnected standalones that I… will now be reading obsessively.

The description of Krampus is so cool, so unsettling, slightly scary, and just explained with such vidid imagery.

There’s a “I need to warm you with body heat scene”… Help. Yes. Yummy. I’ll take 14 of them.

I’m a sucker for a good description of how a man smells…
“He smells like darkness. Like the middle of the night, when the fires are out and the air itself seems frozen in place. Like ice with the faintest hint of peppermint. It's a violent kind of freshness, a bladed hit to the nostrils.” YUP.

I myself suffer from a bit of anxiety/OCD when it comes to cleaning and keeping things organized and I find cleaning and doing dishes a stress reliever to let my mind wander and relax while I’m doing those tasks. So I really related to Feather and her cleaning tendencies to welcome some normalcy and routine when she’s overwhelmed. It’s a familiar comfort that I very much relate to and loved the representation of that so much in this book.

Hear me out… this book… it kind of gives off a very dark and very twisted Howl’s Moving Castle vibes. I said what I said and I stand by that Lolol. Read it and I really think you’ll understand me.

There’s a sentient house although it’s more like a mansion filled with monsters that hide in the shadows and they are so scary but I love them all. I love the house too… SO MUCH. It protects Feather and when it comes to her aid it’s powerful and unwavering and safe and I’m obsessed.

When I think about spicy scenes in books… getting your ears pierced is not something that… comes to mind… BUT IT SURE DOES NOW…

There’s a scene in this book where they’re at an extravagant party and searching a room and have to look like they’ve been making out in order to…. explain why they’re in the room… and it’s so hot I have third degree burns.

She tries to run and he tells her “if you do I will chase you. I can’t help it. It’s part of my nature.” And that was it. I was a goner.

This book is incredibly emotional but the strength and resilience that Feather has is literally inspiring. You can shine as bright as possible when you are surrounded with those who believe in you and help light the way.

“There is nothing so beautiful as a woman with power."

This is a fantastic holiday read, but can truly be read any time of year. Any time you need a spark of strength. Any time you need the courage to continue forward. This book is a fantastic reminder of what we are truly capable of.
Profile Image for Kristin O'donoghue.
156 reviews7 followers
November 3, 2024
It was just about a year ago that I read my very first Rebecca F Kenney book in her Wicked Darling series. So, I was thrilled when I found out that she would be putting out another delicious dark fairytale perfect for the holiday season. I never knew I needed a Krampus retelling in my life but if anyone could open my eyes to a whole different side of this mysterious and misunderstood fae, it is Rebecca!

Now, I have to admit that I’ve never read anything with Krampus before, but he is the incredibly devoted and extremely intense dark fae that we all need for the holidays! In a Heart So Cold and Wicked, we meet a young woman who has lived a life of extreme trauma and control, trapped for years by a manipulative and evil kidnapper. When Krampus comes to deliver his judgment on the cruel soul who has kept this mortal woman imprisoned, little does he know that his world is going to be turned upside down by the equally fierce and extremely brave young lady who refuses to be left behind, and whom he names Feather.

Soon after arriving to Krampus' house, Feather faces more than just dark hallways and spooky corners. The sentient house is filled with magic, dark understanding and ruthless monsters, but in a strange way Feather feels more seen and accepted within its walls than in any human village or home she’s ever been part of. As a member of the Wild Hunt, Krampus has his own dark and painful history, and as he and Feather clash and collide, it becomes really clear their feelings for each other are evolving into some thing raw, meaningful and powerful.

I adored how respectful Krampus was of Feather's agency and independence, even as she navigated the painful hurt of her personal trauma. There was such a beautiful fragility and strength in how these two peeled back the layers of years of pain to reveal who they were to each other. As they navigate the prejudice of mortals and the machinations of the fae, Krampus and Feather find true acceptance in one another, including the sharpest of edges, the darkest of desires and the deepest of emotions.

Rebecca Kenney is a master of a retelling that has poignant messages and a universe that has beautiful yet approachable world building that sucks you in from the first page. This was as much a love story, as it was a story of redemption and learning to fight through one’s past pain to reach for one’s future possibilities.

If you are looking for a fantasy read that brings a dark, luscious holiday vibe, this is one for you! I’m already missing Krampus' feral and devoted passion and Feather's unwavering bravery and resilience. I am still thinking about the way that Kenney wove in such powerful themes of healing, self acceptance and owning one's power to overcome adversity and truly shine! Give this dark fantasy a read during your holiday, you won't regret it!
Profile Image for Delta DeAnn.
123 reviews31 followers
October 11, 2024
✨ 𝑨 𝑯𝒆𝒂𝒓𝒕 𝒔𝒐 𝑪𝒐𝒍𝒅 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝑾𝒊𝒄𝒌𝒆𝒅 ✨

𝐑𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
𝐒𝐩𝐢𝐜𝐞: 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️

✨ 𝐓𝐫𝐨𝐩𝐞𝐬 ✨
🏚️ Krampus Retelling
⛓️ Innocent V!rgin FMC
🏚️ Hidden Powers
⛓️ Ear Piercing w/Fangs
🏚️ $exual Therapy Punishments
⛓️ Magical Houses
🏚️ K!ller Creatures becoming House Pets
⛓️ Touch HIM and D!e

"𝒀𝒐𝒖 𝒉𝒂𝒗𝒆 𝒃𝒆𝒘𝒊𝒕𝒄𝒉𝒆𝒅 𝒎𝒆, 𝒘𝒐𝒎𝒂𝒏. 𝑬𝒗𝒆𝒓𝒚 𝒇𝒍𝒂𝒘 𝒐𝒇 𝒚𝒐𝒖𝒓𝒔 𝒕𝒖𝒓𝒏𝒔 𝒕𝒐 𝒈𝒍𝒐𝒓𝒚 𝒊𝒏 𝒎𝒚 𝒆𝒚𝒆𝒔 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒎𝒂𝒌𝒆𝒔 𝒚𝒐𝒖 𝒅𝒆𝒂𝒓𝒆𝒓 𝒕𝒐 𝒎𝒆 𝒕𝒉𝒂𝒏 𝒂𝒏𝒚 𝒐𝒕𝒉𝒆𝒓 𝒃𝒆𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒊𝒏 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒖𝒏𝒊𝒗𝒆𝒓𝒔𝒆.”

✨ 𝐑𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰 ✨

I'm not sure how Rebecca does it but she takes all of my favorite things and ends up turning them into some of my all time favorite romantasy retellings. Last year she surprised me with A Christmas Carol, for my birthday it was Great Gatsby, and I swear when she announced this Krampus retelling I was wondering how in the world she'd gotten inside of my brain the way she had. Every year my mom and I celebrate Krampusnacht and it's our dream to travel to a parade on December 5th one year together. Needless to say, the fact that one of our favorite authors decided to take on our favorite Yuletide tradition was nothing short of a gift that we both treasure.

While I knew my Daddy Krampus was in good hands with Rebecca I didn't quite expect her to hit me with the quiet masterpiece I found within these pages. It has everything: dual character growth, a sentient-esque fantasy home, weird and yet loving creatures, a tension filled slow burn, and some of the hottest spice that had my book buddy and I asking ourselves if we just unlocked a new k!nk.

I've been reading Rebecca's works for about three years now (it was November of ‘21 that I picked up the Gargoyle Protector) and it has been one of the most amazing journeys to have watched her own. The growth not only in her characters is reflected in her writing, her storytelling, has been nothing short of inspiring. I'll forever be in awe of the worlds and characters she has created and the fact she shares them with us all.

𝑫𝒆𝒔𝒑𝒊𝒕𝒆 𝒂𝒍𝒍 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒇𝒊𝒍𝒕𝒉𝒚 𝒕𝒉𝒊𝒏𝒈𝒔 𝒘𝒆 𝒅𝒊𝒅 𝒕𝒐𝒈𝒆𝒕𝒉𝒆𝒓 𝒕𝒉𝒊𝒔 𝒏𝒊𝒈𝒉𝒕, 𝑰'𝒗𝒆 𝒏𝒆𝒗𝒆𝒓 𝒇𝒆𝒍𝒕 𝒔𝒐 𝒄𝒍𝒆𝒂𝒏.
Profile Image for amanda kt.
227 reviews4 followers
December 22, 2024
This re-imagining of the legend of Krampus was dark, sexy, angsty and unexpected. If you haven’t read any of Rebecca F. Kenney’s writing you are missing out. Her prose is cutting, visceral and romantic; she’s not afraid to combine whimsy and darkness. And Feather and Krael each have gone through some DARK things and done dark deeds. How they find each other through that darkness, while also acknowledging the lasting imprint of their pasts upon them, was painful and beautiful.

Feather has been in captivity for 14 years, ever since the age of 6, kept in a cabin and forced to play a role in her captor’s demented household. One night a bell appears; when she rings it the Krampus appears and destroys her abuser. With nowhere else to go she convinces the surly beast - who turns out to be a gorgeous but cursed Fae - to let her be his maid. There’s no way Feather will survive his decrepit household inhabited by monsters, including himself, but she surprises him again and again, not least by feelings she stirs in him.

✨ Dark fantasy romance
✨ Krampus re-imagining
✨ Fae and curses
✨ Themes of child kidnapping, abuse, murder, domestic violence
✨ Gothic vibes
✨ Terrifying monster housemates
✨ Sentient house
✨ Spice level 🌶️🌶️🌶️.5

Stray thoughts…

- Feather’s captivity (Little Sister 🤢), the resulting trauma, and honestly her whole arc felt so unique. I loved her combination of innocence, resilience and ability to be absolutely vicious when needed.

- “Rebellious women never really die” is a god tier quote, and how it was deployed was simply epic.

- Loved all the Germanic lore, from Krampus to all the monsters (Wolpertinger!)

- The magic of the house was such a cool component and developed so well throughout the book. Come for Krampus, stay for the house.
Profile Image for Hannah.
141 reviews
December 26, 2025
I really enjoyed this book more then I thought I’ve had it on my TBR for quite some time and just impulsively picked it up yesterday and it did not disappoint I loved Krael and Feather together especially Krael😏I loved his character description I don’t think I’ve ever read a book like this but I’m hoping to find more I love retellings and I see that this author writes quite a bit of them so I will be reading more from her this retelling is about Krampus and my goodness was it good I loved the chemistry and all the scenes of them together I also loved her connections with the little creatures this book is spicy with a happy ending and no cliff hangers it has no love triangle and no cheating and overall I gave it 4 stars

CONTENT WARNINGS

Graphic: Adult/minor relationship, Child abuse, Child death, Cursing, Death, Incest, Rape, Sexual assault, Sexual content, Sexual violence, Torture, Violence, Blood, Vomit, Kidnapping, Death of parent, Murder, Fire/Fire injury, Abandonment, Alcohol, Injury/Injury detail

Not all content warnings are about the main characters some are and some are about the other characters you meet/hear about in the book🔔🩸
Profile Image for Elizabeth.
109 reviews
January 10, 2025
This is the second book that I have read by Rebecca. I am blown away. It was amazing. A twist on the well known Krampus story where the villain gets the girl. After all, who doesn't love a bad boy monster?

The dynamic between Krampus and Feather is gravitating. Feather didn't know how to socialize or understand others because of her very difficult past. She learns quickly about what real affection and love can look like, while becoming friends with many monsters along the way. She becomes strong and fierce, using her past to strengthen her future.

Krampus is lonely, bored, and had given up on any hope of happiness. He helps children, by getting rid of terrible and abūsive parents. His own past haunts him, even eons later. However, one ring of a bell by an adult changes his whole world. Something in him changes. The house around him is changing too. He fights it at first, but when he gives in, he finds out his reason for continuing his life; his hope for his own future.

I absolutely loved this book. It doesn't feel very Christmas-y, which is great if you are not a big fan of the holiday, like me. I buddy read this and liked Krampus so much that I kept referring to the book as the daddy Krapmus book 🤭😂. I actually forgot the title because of that.
Profile Image for Gabriela M.
574 reviews4 followers
November 20, 2024
This is a Krampus retelling, and it would’ve been sweet if I knew the original Krampus story before reading a retelling, but hey! I enjoyed it.
The plot kept me hooked until I finished, and it is the first MF book I’ve read in ages. Some aspects of the story felt just right, though sometimes if felt like reading the same fantasy romance formula.
The girl, “the little sister”, was kidnapped when she was 6yo. Forced to witness unspeakable things and living in captivity for 14-16 years.
The Krampus, an exiled unseelie fae condemned to roam the world punishing evil doers, gets called to the cabin where the girl is kept. Setting her free, she doesn’t know where to go. Thus, starting their love story.
I expected a little more realistic recover from trauma. It felt like she became strong and confident in no time. It’s ok though, it’s not what this book was focusing on 😂 it’s a monster romance, after all.

Things I loved: Feather being the mother of monsters, sentient houses, love between irredeemable people.
Profile Image for Brandy Lynne.
137 reviews20 followers
September 25, 2024
That you so much to Rebecca for sending me this ARC!!

🖤perfect for spooky season
🖤sentient house
🖤unique magic
🖤fae
🖤fae hunters
🖤found family
🖤plot twists
🖤standalone
🌶️🌶️.5
🖤krampus retelling
⚠️ check your triggers

4.5 ⭐️ This was the perfect spicy, spooky season standalone. It’s a krampus retelling with a sentient house and unique creatures residing within. This story gives loose beauty and the beast vibes which I LOVE and it’s done so well!

I enjoyed how this story actually explores the characters traumas throughout the book and how they grow together, testing each other and themselves.

The MMC Krampus is very unique and I enjoyed reading about a different type of fae than the typical seen in most fantasys.

If you’re looking for a spicy standalone for spooking season with some darker themes, this one is for you!
Profile Image for Rachel Emily.
4,483 reviews382 followers
October 21, 2024
Can we always get a new story set in this world and series every fall/winter?? LOL

This one is out now and if you’re a fan of
Dark romance
Krampus reimagining
German folklore and monsters
Touch him and die
A sentient house
A strong FMC who won’t give up
Then you need to grab this one!

I continue to love this author and everything she writes!

Definitely check out the trigger warnings in this. This is a dark world, but I absolutely love it. Feather and Krampus are just perfect for each other. They heal each other, find love together, truly make their house a home, and I absolutely loved reading this one.

I received an arc to read, my thoughts are my own.
Profile Image for Larissa.
496 reviews10 followers
December 29, 2024
The author did something really unique here with this Krampus reimagining! It was so well done and such a fun read. They had great banter and on page chemistry. The ending was so good!
She handled the heroines trauma really well imo.
Such a fun book to finish 2024.
It is darker than I was expecting. The author has included trigger/content warnings at the start of the book. And it was still really dark content. But like I said, she handled and wrote it well
TW: child abuse, death, violence, torture
Profile Image for Kim Cieri.
14 reviews2 followers
December 1, 2024
LOVED this book. I always love the complexity that Rebecca brings to these characters and situations.
Our MCs character arcs are beautiful. Never rushed and are always packed full of constant development, even in standalones such as these. Through this book, our characters learn that multiple truths can exist at the same time while also making sure to tackle some of their most difficult inner truths.
It challenges our view of monsters, ourselves, and the paths that we find ourselves on.
Somehow, this author always nails exactly what I need to hear ⏳💚
Profile Image for Melodylovesbooks .
214 reviews83 followers
October 16, 2024
As always, I absolutely loved this dark fae retelling by Rebecca! This one is a Krampus retelling and it was a great read, super spicy! Make sure to check your trigger warnings on this one!

If you are looking for a:
🖤Dark Krampus retelling
🖤Fae
🖤Spice
🖤Innocent FMC
🖤Magical house
You should check this one out!
Profile Image for MC.
670 reviews7 followers
January 13, 2025
4.5 / 5.0

I liked the slow building of their relationship, the way their chemistry was crafted and how the FMC found her place with a new family. I enjoyed that she wasn’t manipulated easily because of her past, that they were both clever and not immortal. There are actual stakes to their world and consequences for mistakes.

The magic and lore felt glossed over, and it wasn’t until the end that I realized it’s because this is almost a standalone. Almost. I need to read the first one to actually fill in some of the blanks, at least I hope the other book will do that.

Until. Ext Time,
MC
Profile Image for Annelise.
94 reviews13 followers
December 20, 2024
Rebecca literally has me swooning and kicking my feet over Krampus.

This was beautiful! It is a dark-fantasy romance Krampus retelling, but it is SO much more than that. I read this in one sitting and Rebecca's writing had me so completely immersed in the story, it felt like I was watching everything play out right in front of me. This book is so much more than a dark romance, it covers mental health, childhood trauma, and tragic pasts that you get to see the main characters work through individually and together. I loved Feather & Krampus' growth and their true love for one another despite all they had been challenged with.
This is an excellent monster/fantasy romance that is QUITE spicy.
The beginning is pretty dark, so please check trigger warnings for your mental health.
Profile Image for Heather Degnan.
85 reviews
December 18, 2024
I love anything Krampus. This is a very spicy romance book but what kept me hooked was the FMC's connection with the sentient house and realizing she's able to communicate with all types of buildings. The ending was a bit rushed but I was ok with it.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Ashley.
Author 2 books7 followers
October 14, 2024
Omg I loved it!

Her books never disappoint. Instant buy and you should too. I have been fascinated by Krampus my whole life and this was absolute perfection.
Profile Image for Jodi Schildgen.
227 reviews
November 29, 2024
Great spicy retelling of the story of Krampus. Who doesn’t love a scary Christmas tale!!
Profile Image for Maria.
162 reviews8 followers
December 7, 2024
hot

This book was great and hot. I really enjoyed it. This was a great retelling of krampus. I enjoyed the monster smut in this story and the tension. It was great highly recommend
Displaying 1 - 30 of 205 reviews

Can't find what you're looking for?

Get help and learn more about the design.