The Feast

Chasing In the Dark

by Steli Simeonova

Being chased by Santa around Christmas decorations? Sounds ridiculous, doesn’t it?

Yet, here I was, in my Snow Princess uniform dodging fake Christmas trees and real-life gingerbread houses, while trying to run away from my very grumpy coworker. A coworker who reminded me more of the Scrooge, than of Santa. A coworker with whom I was madly in love with since the first moment at this job.

So what happens when he catches me? Do I fight the attraction or do I let Santa feast on my milk and cookies? It’s a winter season after all, and I’m hoping to receive my long-expected present. Even, if it means for once I have to be naughty, instead of nice.

The Feast is a short erotic story, with kinky and comedic elements, just the perfect combination for the winter holidays! It’s intended for mature audiences only, and promises a very merry HEA!

Genres: BDSM, Christmas, Novella, Romance, Holiday, Erotica

84 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 1, 2024

About the author

Steli Simeonova is a journalism student in the Netherlands. She loves books and art, and spends a lot of time creating both. Her favorite animals are cats (cause they are sassy just like her) and she has adopted more than a few in her life.

Other interests include watching Formula 1 and travelling, so right now, she's probably at some airport, with headphones in, listening to her music collection and enjoying some quiet time.

In her books you can find diverse pairs, LGBTQIA+ characters, and a variety of kinks (with primal being her favourite).

Reviews

[kymagirl · Rating 5 out of 5]

Holly never expected her seasonal job at WonderWorld, a holiday-themed event space, to turn into the adventure of a lifetime. Surrounded by sparkling decorations and cheerful children, her days are filled with magic and laughter. But behind the scenes, Holly can’t help but be drawn to Klaus (H) the stoic, sharp-featured man who plays Santa Claus with an unexpectedly tender heart, who seemingly has no interest in Holly, though she couldn't; be more wrong. When an accidental after-hours lock-in forces them to confront their attraction, the barriers between Holly and Klaus begin to crumble. What starts as playful teasing and heated glances turns into an exploration of vulnerability, passion, and miscommunication as a chase through the WonderWorld leads to some very naughty exchanges. Holly discovers the real Klaus behind the gruff exterior, a man filled with longing, care, and a surprising knack for holiday kinkery. Hot and steamy Christmastime erotic romance, exploring love, connection, self-discovery, second chances, and taking chances, set against a festive backdrop of twinkling lights and winter wonder.

[Angi · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book of short erotica is a story in which years of passion is withheld until one night it explodes between Klaus and Holly. They play out a fantasy that they both have been dreaming about. It is full of erotic play and bondage. The characters are both consenting to this fantasy that plays out amongst the pages. In the end they realize they are in love. It is an erotic adventure that ends full of love.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Kirsten Van Hooland · Rating 4 out of 5]

One of my favorite of Steli’s books I’ve read! 3.75⭐️

[Carmen Marin · Rating 3 out of 5]

Holly just wants to get off... The good list and onto the Naughty list!

This was a cute short novella about a girl named Holly who has a seasonal job working at a fantastical Christmas Village experience for kids. And her co-worker, aka Santa Claus, is an older British gentleman named Klaus, whom for the last three years has completely ignored her. Of course that didn't stop her from having a big ole crush on him all this time.

This story promised some predator/prey play and it did deliver... a bit. We got some fun chasing, and biting and scenting. Holly had a nice bubbly personality, that was also very horny. Klaus? Was there. If it weren't for one line talking about his British accent, we wouldn't have known. He did all the right things and was all the right shapes for our protagonist. But he really had no personality other than being a stand in sex-machine for Holly. The only other distinct thing about him was his grey eyes, which kept being described as inanimate objects, like black diamonds or melting grey snowflakes.

That was another issue, the random use of flowery prose that didn't quite hit. Like his eyes, or her core, or sometimes too specific descriptions of digits and such. Overall, the writing is good, but sometimes sentences would just have me pause. I also didn't get the multiple jokes/puns on her name. Holly at least in America is pronounced differently than 'holy' and yet the two would joke about making her dirty and unholy.

There was some imaginative sexual acts, more than a usual 'kinky mf' novella would have, and it very much fit the theme of Christmas. The pacing was good too, and had a cute epilogue. But yeah, Klaus didn't do it for me as a character, just a stand in, and so the romantic aspects of this fell extremely flat.

[Malini · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love for the holidays by MeemsAngel82

This was such a sweet and sexy read! Short, yes, but this was well written and told an entire story that was very enjoyable and in time for the holidays. Holly was a good person and developed some feelings for her coworker. Meanwhile Klaus was mysterious and we didn't know where his head was at yet.

She loved her job and had a thing for him. But he appeared to not be the nicest person and she thought he was a Scrooge. Little did she know that she'd be getting everything that she wanted this Christmas.

I would have loved Klaus' POV but then that would have spoiled it for the readers so I understand. The chemistry they have was great and he had some naughty ideas but took care of her. This wasn't dark, but an enjoyable read with two people that deserve their happiness. I love the roles they played and the words he gave to the child. A very well done story with a great couple!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[A. Adams · Rating 4 out of 5]

Could there be anything naughtier or nicer for Christmas? Steli Simeonova knows how to write the right mix that's for sure! We have Klaus and Holly, who are co- workers that are essentially Santa and the Snow Princess for kids. Klaus is a man of few words and a salt and pepper haired grump. Holly is crushing on this older man big time. All it takes is one action to get on Santa's naughty list and change his perspective 🎅. Then this novella gets spicy 🥵. It contains way more spice, spit, candy canes, and decorating of a human variety Christmas tree than I expected. Think BDSM minus a club and in Santa's workshop. Definitely has kinks and for adults. Under 100 pages, so a short Santa themed chase and prey story.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Mafia Wife · Rating 3 out of 5]

She takes a seasonal job at a Christmas event space, and secretly pines for the hot aloof Santa. The night that they accidentally get locked in the venue together after hours, she sees a whole new side of him. The event space becomes their playground as he shows her how dirty Santa can be when punishes those on his naughty list. They have themselves a very spicy night which includes some kink, primal play, and whipped cream. This is a short story format so you don't expect detailed character development or complicated plots lines. You don't get either here, it is pretty much an erotic fantasy that ends in an HEA. If you are looking for all the spice but want to put the relationship building aside, this one is for you. Hot, Quick and Steamy.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Smutzilla · Rating 5 out of 5]

Short and sweet without lacking in story. This was refreshingly based in the real world with real people, not a billionare in sight, which made it feel more authentic. They made good use of all the festive decoration, that's for sure, I just hope they sanitised them after lol
Also, THANK YOU, Steli Simeonova, for not making that candy cane edible!

It was also lovely to read the description of an average MMC instead of the usual gigantic male models. He still has an enormous candy cane, though.

Basically, this was just a nice lovely Christmas quicky with familiar tropes done well. I wouldn't call it dark at all, but a little bit of dubiousness could make it so for some.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Rebecca · Rating 4 out of 5]

In The Feast, Holly and Klaus work together in a holiday themed event center for kids. During the Christmas season, Klaus is Santa, and Holly is the Snow Princess. Holly has been crushing on Klaus from day one, but he is older, reserved, and a bit of a grump. At least, until he interacts with kids, then his gentleness shows. After a text mix up, Klaus knows Holly's secret and the chase is on. These two are well matched in both their naughty and nice. While knowing that this is a fast-paced short romance, I would have liked more background for both of them, just to fill in the picture some. An enjoyable and spicy read.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Elise Ballard · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book did not disappoint in the spicy or holiday spirit.

It the perfect amount of spice. I love the winter wonderland that both of them work in. The setting was describe perfectly, wish I could visit a place like this.

Their relationship is the cutest love story. Very realistic in the turn of events (without the spice). The spice is perfect not only for the couple but for the entire setting.


The ending made me so happy and cheerful. It was the perfect spicy novella to get me into the spirit of Christmas.

[Leilani · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is literally one of the best short stories I have ever read. I loved the ending and how it all built up. It’s so strange it felt like I read a big book like 500+ pages but it was nowhere near that. So so well written not cringey at all and the smut scenes were insanely hot. I loved the name choices Klaus and Holly too. And Ryle is so sweet.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Sophie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fun Christmas story. I loved Santa and the Snow Princess. They had awesome chemistry. Their romantic times were fun. They felt so real. This story might be erotica but the story is not all about erotica. There is a good back story. The characters are realistic. They are not flat characters. They have full personalities. I liked the dialogue. I liked the scene description.
I received a complimentary copy of this story and I freely left this review.

[Wilough · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Feast is a steamy and sweet holiday romance that delivers both heat and heart. This festive story strikes a lovely balance between its spicy moments and its underlying charm, making it a perfect choice for a quick, enjoyable Christmas read. Its blend of romance and holiday cheer adds a touch of warmth (and spice) to the season.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Sauieh Noushin · Rating 5 out of 5]

I didn't know what to expect when I first started reading this. Was it going to be dark like the other books in the series?? But this was a surprising turn. Santa Claus and the Snow Princess... Klaus and Holly. A Dom and his pet!! All she wanted was to sit on his lap and when she finally did, she got way more than she bargained for. A good, quick, kinky holiday novella. I need me a Klaus, that man is one filthy santa!!

[Michelle Peralta · Rating 4 out of 5]

At first, I found it a bit hard to follow with the story jumping around, but once I settled in, it turned out to be a cute and festive holiday read. While it wasn't as kinky as I anticipated, it was still hot, spicy, and fun! The pacing felt a bit rushed at times, but the characters were lovable, and the story was easy to follow and kept me hooked.

A great pick for December—sweet, steamy, and full of holiday spirit. Highly recommend for anyone looking for a quick, spicy escape!

[Lariza · Rating 5 out of 5]

A sweet treat for the Holidays!

This has to be my favorite by Steli Simeonova. A sweet erotic love story forming between Klaus and Holly. The chase was exciting in a wintery fun house.

Title was a bit misleading because I was expecting a masked Santa of some sort. But it was a feel good HEA and I’m not mad about that.

I recommend this if you’re looking for a short and warm tease.

[Kaitlyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Feast was such a steamy and satisfying short chasing-romance novella! The buildup between the characters was intense, and while I couldn’t believe it took them three years to finally get there, the payoff was absolutely worth it.

It wasn’t a masked man, but it was Santa and boy did he sound like a good one.

For a short story, it packed a lot of heat and emotion, making it a quick and enjoyable read. If you’re looking for a spicy novella with a slow-burn payoff, this one won’t disappoint!

[S.B. (Beauty in Ruins) · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a wonderful read for the holidays. It begins slowly but sweetly (and very Christmas-y), with a lot of sexual frustration as the Snow Princess tries to get through Santa's quiet, stern, standoffish exterior. When a photo gets her in trouble, though, it proves to be the right kind of trouble because it leads to an opening and an exchange of desires as the story gets playful and sexy.

[Puisan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not exactly masked man but it was a fun story. Holly knew it was her colleague Klaus who is chasing her so no suspense there. But their interaction was actually cute and they did fall in love at the end. Quick and fun read.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Colleen · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an entertaining holiday short story romance, book that holds your attention from beginning to end. The storyline is intriguing as the elements unfold. The characters are well written with steamy chemistry. I enjoy this book.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Nicole Deanne Veracruz · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a kinky short romantic read. Holly started a new job and was immediately attracted to her coworker Klaus. He came out very standoffish as if he wasn't interested in her. But that couldn't be further from the truth.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Jenn · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Christmas Chase
Holly develops a crush on Klaus as soon as she meets him. Years later, they’re still working together and she’s still pining for him, until one night at closing … This short novella is a mix of sweet romance and slightly cheesy steaminess, with a playful w thrown in. I generally enjoyed this read, plus Christmas light bondage, no matter its impracticalities, is always hot.

[R Dragonfly · Rating 4 out of 5]

A sweet erotic holiday romance with a couple that has spent years obsessed with each other. Finally giving in to their feelings leads to an erotic chase through the Christmas themed rooms that definitely elevated the heat. I will definitely being reading more Steli Simeonova books.

I received an ARC of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Samantha · Rating 4 out of 5]

When I first picked it up I was getting rather bored and had a hard time keeping up with the bouncing story line. It was a cute holiday read though and not much with the Kink. It seemed to be a bit rushed but it was good.

[Jenni · Rating 5 out of 5]

Quick steamy festive fun Holly and Klaus steam up the pages and hold your attention! A chase through the snow never melted so fast!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Amanda Ricchio · Rating 5 out of 5]

A cheeky run through the back hallways of holiday fun houses... after hours. Falling in love at work is always exciting!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Megan. Can. Read · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this short spice fest. I loved that I was able to read through it and it flowed so nicely it didn't feel at all like a story that drags on. This was a great balance between spicy and romantic.

I received this book as an ARC.

[Summer Steelman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a fantastic book! I loved it and couldn't put it down! Devoured every word and will definitely check out more works by Simeonova.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Kristen Kull · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good short story. Not a page turner in my opinion but ok. It took until the middle of the book when it finally got more exciting.
If you're into Christmas books with some sex then this is for you.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Summer Stanley · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thought that this was a really good story. I also thought that setting was interesting. The way it was set up with the different settings made for interesting visuals to imagine. Loads of spice too!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.