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A Very Cryptid Christmas Volume II
Need help keeping the holiday blues at bay? We're back with more tales that are truly risqué!
In the coldest months of the year, the hottest cryptids come with holiday cheer. Choose from our menu ala carte but remember—rendezvous with these beasts aren't for the faint of heart!
Want to mount a mothman, have a tryst with a troll, and kanoodle with a kraken? Maybe grind on a gremlin, see what sprouts from the green man, and excite an Elwedritsch? Wanna sit on shifter Santa's lap, dirty dance with a Dryad, or get sweaty with a Yeti? How about arousing an Agropelter, or finding your "O" face with an Owlman?
Take a romp on the wild side with this series of sexy adventures guaranteed to satisfy your naughtiest, most forbidden fantasies. There's something for every she/he/they/them.
In the coldest months of the year, the hottest cryptids come with holiday cheer. Choose from our menu ala carte but remember—rendezvous with these beasts aren't for the faint of heart!
Want to mount a mothman, have a tryst with a troll, and kanoodle with a kraken? Maybe grind on a gremlin, see what sprouts from the green man, and excite an Elwedritsch? Wanna sit on shifter Santa's lap, dirty dance with a Dryad, or get sweaty with a Yeti? How about arousing an Agropelter, or finding your "O" face with an Owlman?
Take a romp on the wild side with this series of sexy adventures guaranteed to satisfy your naughtiest, most forbidden fantasies. There's something for every she/he/they/them.
452 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 16, 2024
About the author
Gemma Snow
34 books177 followersGemma Snow loves high heat, high adventures and high expectations for her heroes! Her stories are set in the past and present, from the glittering streets of Paris to cowboy-rich Triple Diamond Ranch in Wolf Creek, Montana.
In her free time, she loves to travel, and spent several months living in a 14th-century castle in the Netherlands. When not exploring the world, she likes dreaming up stories, eating spicy food, driving fast cars, and talking to strangers. She recently moved to Nashville with a cute redheaded cat and a cute redheaded boy.
Visit https://gemmasnow.com/ to learn more about the author.
In her free time, she loves to travel, and spent several months living in a 14th-century castle in the Netherlands. When not exploring the world, she likes dreaming up stories, eating spicy food, driving fast cars, and talking to strangers. She recently moved to Nashville with a cute redheaded cat and a cute redheaded boy.
Visit https://gemmasnow.com/ to learn more about the author.
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Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
December 18, 2024
I got this for review on booksirens.
Unfortunately this will be both a pristine rview and a negative one. First of, this was a very sweet, spicy and definitely christmasy monster anthology. I enjoyed most of them but my favorite ones was the Gremling one and the Witch romance in office setting. They where easy but engaging reads with more instalove and spice then high stakes. But a good collection nevertheless for christmasy pallete cleanser.
I debated whether or not I should write down my complaint as it only was about the last one. But I decided it could help someone else not be as disappointed as myself. The last story about the Yeti and school teacher started out really good and I was so invested in it only to have it end after a chapter without being close to be finished. The author states that she was unable to write a short version of the story and the rest is available trough her news letter. So the really good thing is that the rest is available for free. However personally when I pick up a collection of stories I want them to be complete and it just felt very unsatisfactory.
Unfortunately this will be both a pristine rview and a negative one. First of, this was a very sweet, spicy and definitely christmasy monster anthology. I enjoyed most of them but my favorite ones was the Gremling one and the Witch romance in office setting. They where easy but engaging reads with more instalove and spice then high stakes. But a good collection nevertheless for christmasy pallete cleanser.
I debated whether or not I should write down my complaint as it only was about the last one. But I decided it could help someone else not be as disappointed as myself. The last story about the Yeti and school teacher started out really good and I was so invested in it only to have it end after a chapter without being close to be finished. The author states that she was unable to write a short version of the story and the rest is available trough her news letter. So the really good thing is that the rest is available for free. However personally when I pick up a collection of stories I want them to be complete and it just felt very unsatisfactory.
October 27, 2024
Review only for titles listed below:
Troll the Yuletide Carol by Elva Birch
4.25 stars
Carol, the female computer programmer lead, is feeling cranky, not least because she had to attend the work Christmas party. But when she returns to her cubicle to find her personally paid for chair gone, she’s beyond irritated. Keenan, the male troll accountant lead, has been contracted to do an audit at Carol’s work and borrowed her chair until they could get him one that wouldn’t break under him. When Carol accosts him, he’s more than a little attracted but surely she wouldn’t be interested in someone like him…
This short story is dual POV, well written, and a sweet and steamy, contemporary fantasy, Christmas romance. I enjoyed Carol’s confidence and verve. I enjoyed Keenan’s willingness to oblige. I enjoyed their banter and playfulness, as well as the openness to experiences and the steamy intimate moments. I enjoyed the optimism for the future.
The Santa Stripper by Lulu M. Sylvian
4 stars
Chelsea, the female human lead, is out for her Christmas stripper experience with her best friend. When one of the “Santas” lays claim to her and promises to see her again, she’s sure it’s just talk. But then her nephew finds him as the local mall Santa, and then he appears in their house on Christmas Eve… maybe he really is Santa and does want something with her…
This vignette is female lead POV, well written, and a funny, steamy, contemporary fantasy Christmas romance set up. I enjoyed Chelsea’s openness to new experiences, and the steamy moments she was willing to take with Santa. The story finished with a happy for now ending with the potential for more, which I liked, and also incorporated Chelsea’s family.
I received a complimentary copy from the authors and this is my voluntary honest review.
Troll the Yuletide Carol by Elva Birch
4.25 stars
Carol, the female computer programmer lead, is feeling cranky, not least because she had to attend the work Christmas party. But when she returns to her cubicle to find her personally paid for chair gone, she’s beyond irritated. Keenan, the male troll accountant lead, has been contracted to do an audit at Carol’s work and borrowed her chair until they could get him one that wouldn’t break under him. When Carol accosts him, he’s more than a little attracted but surely she wouldn’t be interested in someone like him…
This short story is dual POV, well written, and a sweet and steamy, contemporary fantasy, Christmas romance. I enjoyed Carol’s confidence and verve. I enjoyed Keenan’s willingness to oblige. I enjoyed their banter and playfulness, as well as the openness to experiences and the steamy intimate moments. I enjoyed the optimism for the future.
The Santa Stripper by Lulu M. Sylvian
4 stars
Chelsea, the female human lead, is out for her Christmas stripper experience with her best friend. When one of the “Santas” lays claim to her and promises to see her again, she’s sure it’s just talk. But then her nephew finds him as the local mall Santa, and then he appears in their house on Christmas Eve… maybe he really is Santa and does want something with her…
This vignette is female lead POV, well written, and a funny, steamy, contemporary fantasy Christmas romance set up. I enjoyed Chelsea’s openness to new experiences, and the steamy moments she was willing to take with Santa. The story finished with a happy for now ending with the potential for more, which I liked, and also incorporated Chelsea’s family.
I received a complimentary copy from the authors and this is my voluntary honest review.
December 20, 2024
To be clear, I don’t dislike these stories, just a lot of them weren’t for me and that’s fine. There are others that love these stories and I’m happy they enjoyed them.
I didn’t read all the short stories, and that’s just because I started some of them and they just weren’t for me.
This is my review for:
Outside Intercourse, PA by Karma St. Claire
• 3⭐️
• 🌶️it was spicy but felt like we were on the cusp of rape-y, although the dude was totally into it
• you have to experience this one for yourself…
Sold to the Mothman by D.S. Dane
• 3.5⭐️
• 🌶️spice was spicing
• this story would’ve actually been cool if it was it’s own novel or series and not a short story. I really like mothman stuff so this was fun.
Christmas in Cornwall by Mia Bishop
• 3-4⭐️
• 🌶️spice was there
• it started so strong, I was loving the direction it was going, then it got VERY cringy for me, and that’s rare.
The Santa Stripper by Lulu M. Sylian
• 5⭐️
• 🌶️ 🥵
• this one was my favourite! It is funky, that’s for sure, but it gave me all the happy feels while reading it. It has a fun story line that is easy to catch onto and just super cute.
Troll the Yuletide Carol by Elva Birch
• 3.5-4⭐️
• 🌶️ spice was there but short lived
• I liked this one, and the tittle is very amusing once you get the inside joke. This is another one that would’ve been an entertaining novel instead of a shot story.
My Yuletide Yeti by Gemma Jett
• 5⭐️
• 🌶️ the spice is spicy 🥵
• this is another favourite! The only bummer is that it’s not all available in this book and you have to go to the authors subscription list (just for emails) to get the rest of the story.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I didn’t read all the short stories, and that’s just because I started some of them and they just weren’t for me.
This is my review for:
Outside Intercourse, PA by Karma St. Claire
• 3⭐️
• 🌶️it was spicy but felt like we were on the cusp of rape-y, although the dude was totally into it
• you have to experience this one for yourself…
Sold to the Mothman by D.S. Dane
• 3.5⭐️
• 🌶️spice was spicing
• this story would’ve actually been cool if it was it’s own novel or series and not a short story. I really like mothman stuff so this was fun.
Christmas in Cornwall by Mia Bishop
• 3-4⭐️
• 🌶️spice was there
• it started so strong, I was loving the direction it was going, then it got VERY cringy for me, and that’s rare.
The Santa Stripper by Lulu M. Sylian
• 5⭐️
• 🌶️ 🥵
• this one was my favourite! It is funky, that’s for sure, but it gave me all the happy feels while reading it. It has a fun story line that is easy to catch onto and just super cute.
Troll the Yuletide Carol by Elva Birch
• 3.5-4⭐️
• 🌶️ spice was there but short lived
• I liked this one, and the tittle is very amusing once you get the inside joke. This is another one that would’ve been an entertaining novel instead of a shot story.
My Yuletide Yeti by Gemma Jett
• 5⭐️
• 🌶️ the spice is spicy 🥵
• this is another favourite! The only bummer is that it’s not all available in this book and you have to go to the authors subscription list (just for emails) to get the rest of the story.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
October 24, 2024
Very interesting and bizarre Christmas anthology. Has a little bit of everything and every creature. These are fast paced, steamy and fun reads. They are just the perfect reads for a quick interlude when you're taking a break. My favorite was What Gremlin is This? by E.C. Spaur. This is a great collection of short holiday stories.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
November 7, 2024
This was so fun to read! The concept of short stories is refreshing because you don’t have to sit down and read the whole book I read a couple stories here and there between my other books. I liked the variety of monsters and that some of them were thrillers. I definitely recommend if you’re looking for a palate cleanser between books or just something fun for the holidays. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
December 22, 2024
This was such a fun collection- if you love monster romance and are feeling festive this is a very fun little collection!
Thank you BookSirens for the ARC. This review is voluntary.
Thank you BookSirens for the ARC. This review is voluntary.
Read
November 14, 2024Volume two of A Very Cryptid Christmas is an anthology of 12 new 'monster' stories. Some were very good, some I got a few paragraphs in and it was .... "Next...."
I stopped reading one of the stories because the character narrating was too bitter and crappy to continue. My favorite of the twelve were:
Gemma Snow's The Witch Cometh on Christmas. It was Christmas magic. Raffi gets her fairytale with the mysterious Nia. Very, very much sizzle. High steam alert.
Elva Birch's Troll the Yuletide Carol. Non magical, in an office where everyone else has cool and fun powers from the Becoming, Carol is feeling a bit low on holiday spirit. She even gets dropped off the Secret Santa list. When Keenan, a troll, borrows her personal office chair, it's the last straw. But when they kiss... her superpower erupts. She's a succubus. Maybe a demi-succubus, as she's attracted to only Keenan. Also high heat. Her list of other reads really has my TBR list groaning.
VJ Raschke's Release the Kraken. Vinceza is a human artist, Crispin is a gender fluid octopus. Perfect for the bisexual artist. They bond over Christmas music, cats. And tentacles. Steamy, yes. But I found this to be rather sweet.
DS Dane's Sold to the Mothman. High steam. Dubious consent. And a cliffhanger. Wrenley and Elijah have intense chemistry. Would love to see a second or expanded story for them.
Anthologies are great fun. Quick reading stories. And at least one new author, in this case, twelve new to me authors.
I received an advanced copy of this book and this is my review.
I stopped reading one of the stories because the character narrating was too bitter and crappy to continue. My favorite of the twelve were:
Gemma Snow's The Witch Cometh on Christmas. It was Christmas magic. Raffi gets her fairytale with the mysterious Nia. Very, very much sizzle. High steam alert.
Elva Birch's Troll the Yuletide Carol. Non magical, in an office where everyone else has cool and fun powers from the Becoming, Carol is feeling a bit low on holiday spirit. She even gets dropped off the Secret Santa list. When Keenan, a troll, borrows her personal office chair, it's the last straw. But when they kiss... her superpower erupts. She's a succubus. Maybe a demi-succubus, as she's attracted to only Keenan. Also high heat. Her list of other reads really has my TBR list groaning.
VJ Raschke's Release the Kraken. Vinceza is a human artist, Crispin is a gender fluid octopus. Perfect for the bisexual artist. They bond over Christmas music, cats. And tentacles. Steamy, yes. But I found this to be rather sweet.
DS Dane's Sold to the Mothman. High steam. Dubious consent. And a cliffhanger. Wrenley and Elijah have intense chemistry. Would love to see a second or expanded story for them.
Anthologies are great fun. Quick reading stories. And at least one new author, in this case, twelve new to me authors.
I received an advanced copy of this book and this is my review.
October 21, 2024
You know when the chef gets the exact right mix of spice and sweet, and it makes the dish taste yummy?
That is exactly what these authors did for this anthology.
These were sweet stories, but just the right level of spice to have your toes curling and your hotspots heated! I enjoyed the discovery and the revelation of new cryptids (at least for me!), and the different ways in which love can find you. Added to that I am a lover of Christmas tales, which made this book a resounding yes for me.
This is not your Hallmark tales, but they do leave you with that full of love Hallmark feeling for the festive season!
I recommend this one for your late night, everyone is asleep, happy reading time, especially with a cup of hot peppermint chocolate ;)
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
That is exactly what these authors did for this anthology.
These were sweet stories, but just the right level of spice to have your toes curling and your hotspots heated! I enjoyed the discovery and the revelation of new cryptids (at least for me!), and the different ways in which love can find you. Added to that I am a lover of Christmas tales, which made this book a resounding yes for me.
This is not your Hallmark tales, but they do leave you with that full of love Hallmark feeling for the festive season!
I recommend this one for your late night, everyone is asleep, happy reading time, especially with a cup of hot peppermint chocolate ;)
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
November 17, 2024
A Very Cryptid Christmas II brings the queer, festive, and fun vibes. I loved the variety of cryptids; a few were completely new to me! Snow did a great job curating unique stories that still felt cohesive as an anthology.
I do wish that this book was marketed as a sapphic- and F/M-leaning collection. When I read the blurb promising "something for every she/he/they/them," I expected a little more variety. I tend to prefer Achillean or X/X, so I felt disappointed when I realized there were no such stories.
I have not yet read the first volume. If I hear it has more of what I'm looking for I will consider checking it out, too.
I'm glad I got to read this book out for free, even if it wasn't a perfect match. I'm leaving this review of my own accord.
Read and reviewed Nov 2024
I do wish that this book was marketed as a sapphic- and F/M-leaning collection. When I read the blurb promising "something for every she/he/they/them," I expected a little more variety. I tend to prefer Achillean or X/X, so I felt disappointed when I realized there were no such stories.
I have not yet read the first volume. If I hear it has more of what I'm looking for I will consider checking it out, too.
I'm glad I got to read this book out for free, even if it wasn't a perfect match. I'm leaving this review of my own accord.
Read and reviewed Nov 2024
November 23, 2024
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I read the first book in this series and thought it was super cute, ridiculous holiday fun. Of course this meant that I had to snatch up the second one once the email hit my inbox about getting an ARC. I mean c'mon people, it's smutty cryptid holiday cuteness. Who isn't gonna love that?!?
I will admit...I liked the first volume more than this one, and as with any short story collection you're always going to like some stories/authors writing more than others, but this one had more misses than hits for me personally.
I will say that the ones I liked, I really liked. Super cute, funny, everything they should be. It is still silly holiday fun, so I say give it a read and have a Merry Cryptid Creepmas!
I read the first book in this series and thought it was super cute, ridiculous holiday fun. Of course this meant that I had to snatch up the second one once the email hit my inbox about getting an ARC. I mean c'mon people, it's smutty cryptid holiday cuteness. Who isn't gonna love that?!?
I will admit...I liked the first volume more than this one, and as with any short story collection you're always going to like some stories/authors writing more than others, but this one had more misses than hits for me personally.
I will say that the ones I liked, I really liked. Super cute, funny, everything they should be. It is still silly holiday fun, so I say give it a read and have a Merry Cryptid Creepmas!
November 10, 2024
I did not read the first Christmas cryptid anthology, so I have nothing to compare to this one. However, I enjoyed the fact that the cryptids ranged from the obscure, such as Agropelter, to the known, such as Yeti. Also, I liked that some of the stories were cliffhangers or happy for now (HFN). The steam level overall was medium for me. The steamiest story was "The Witch Cometh On Christmas" authored by Gemma Snow in my opinion. For me, this story was a 3-3.5 on the steam meter. Overall, this anthology was a good read.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
November 9, 2024
This was a good filler book as each story was only around 8 chapters so I found myself reaching for this to read a story or two between other books and when I had an extra 20 minutes to fill.
I love a good anthology and I knew what I was getting in to when I read the blurb but nothing could have prepared me for some of these stories 😂
If you enjoy a bit more of a silly and lighthearted filler book then this is 100% it.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I love a good anthology and I knew what I was getting in to when I read the blurb but nothing could have prepared me for some of these stories 😂
If you enjoy a bit more of a silly and lighthearted filler book then this is 100% it.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
March 30, 2025
Gleeful Goblin Review: I absolutely love anthologies like this because it gives me a chance to try out the work of authors I've maybe never picked up before! In this case, all but one of the authors in this collection was an unknown for me. Considering how much monster romance I read that is really saying something and I am THRILLED. I'm definitely going to be looking out for a whole set of new authors works which is bad for my wallet and great for my soul. 5/5 Stars I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
November 7, 2024
I thoroughly enjoyed all of these short stories. They were all interesting and a few very bizarre! Loved the variety of characters and creatures! Overall a fun, enjoy Christmas anthology with plenty of steamy moments. Exactly what you need for Christmas!
I received a free arc copy and this is my honest review
I received a free arc copy and this is my honest review
December 5, 2024
This was a fun and steamy anthology of various cryptids and humans finding love during the holidays. I enjoyed all the stories though I'll admit that the Yeti was my favorite non-human. I love anthologies like this because there is such a variety and they are short and fast. Glad I picked up the ARC though BookSirens on Goodreads!
December 21, 2024
This was a mixed bag as any anthology is. For the most part I enjoyed it but the last story being incomplete and having to sub to a newsletter to get the rest made me unhappy. While I have read several anthology pieces that led to a fully fleshed out book, this is a terrible way to do it. If it can't be done in time for release then cut the piece and put it in the next volume.
October 22, 2024
Arc - omg this is sooooo goooood! It’s perfectly what I needed! Read it in a yummy afternoon! If you want a very easy festive monster romance, this is it. Well written, with all the nice spice you need in a MR.
I received this ARC copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received this ARC copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
November 4, 2024
I enjoyed the most stories in this anthology. The spice is more than the first volume. I am not into spice. However, the actual stories themselves were good. Those into heavy spice will truly enjoy it.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 14, 2024
A very enjoyable collection of stories, fun and steamy with a variety of monsters. All quick reads. I enjoyed them all.
I received an advance review copy for free and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
January 26, 2025
This Christmas Monster anthology was a nice way to unplug for a while. The stories are light-hearted, steamy, and fun.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
October 16, 2024
Very good collection!
One of my favorites was Troll the Yuletide Carol, by Elva Birch. Steamy, unusual, and fun-to-read..
One of my favorites was Troll the Yuletide Carol, by Elva Birch. Steamy, unusual, and fun-to-read..
October 19, 2024
What a fun steamy read. A collection of short stories that are steamy with a difference. Very enjoyable and just the right size for a quick read.
November 7, 2024
a lot of varied and spicy stories with a Christmas theme. one story better than the other, but none that was really bad or anything. The 6th story was my favorite
November 10, 2024
A holiday collection that will heat you up!!! Loved that we got a variety of couples in this collection. Some thing for everyone to enjoy.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
November 16, 2024
New author for me. Am reading again. Will update with thoughts. (I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.)
December 2, 2024
This was a fun collection full of quirky and steamy short stories. Had an enjoyable time reading them all.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
December 20, 2024
Great shorts that are interesting and have wonderful characters.
January 19, 2025
I was so impressed by how readers were treated to an entirely new volume of cryptid romances, while still preserving the same captivating vibes as the first.
What stood out most to me was the inclusion of different, often more obscure, cryptids. I truly appreciated this fresh take! I also loved how the stories maintained their focus on mythology and education, a nice element carried over from the previous volume. The holiday theme was still woven in seamlessly, which I expected and was happy to see hadn’t been lost.
When it comes to the romance, I enjoyed how the level of spice varied between stories, striking a great balance of SFW-ish and NSFW moments. The strong LGBTQIA+ representation was a fantastic surprise! Overall, I found myself liking this volume even more—it felt more modern and grounded, even with the cryptid MMCs.
What stood out most to me was the inclusion of different, often more obscure, cryptids. I truly appreciated this fresh take! I also loved how the stories maintained their focus on mythology and education, a nice element carried over from the previous volume. The holiday theme was still woven in seamlessly, which I expected and was happy to see hadn’t been lost.
When it comes to the romance, I enjoyed how the level of spice varied between stories, striking a great balance of SFW-ish and NSFW moments. The strong LGBTQIA+ representation was a fantastic surprise! Overall, I found myself liking this volume even more—it felt more modern and grounded, even with the cryptid MMCs.
Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews