Red

by Ames B. Winterbourne

When Alina Claus catches her husband, Santa, tangled up with Vixen in a not-so-jolly situation, she decides it’s time to rewrite the Christmas rules. And who better to help her stir up a little holiday payback than Santa’s best friend, Rudolph? She’s ready to find out if his legendary glow is more than just a light show.

But Rudolph isn’t here for a one-night rebound. He’s been crushing on Alina since their college days, and this Christmas, he’s done playing reindeer games. He’s ready to show her what she’s been missing—with the kind of love (and heat) that’ll make this the most unforgettable Christmas ever.

See authors website for content information.

55 pages, Kindle Edition

Published December 17, 2024

About the author

Ames is a full-time stay-at-home mom, paralegal, and writer. She writes paranormal, fantasy, new adult, and mystery/thriller books with romance and spice.
When not writing, you can find gasping for breath as she chases after her little Slytherin Loki toddler, cuddling with her cats, or watching the Golden Girls with her husband.

Feel free to follow her on:
Instagram: ames_the_author

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/amestheauthor

Or check out her website: https://www.amestheauthor.com

Reviews

[Lauren · Rating 4 out of 5]

Glows, vibrates, and tastes like a candy cane. ✨

[Genie Fae Griffin · Rating 3 out of 5]

Santa’s wife, Alina, is a computer whiz and master manager who has pretty much automated Christmas, leaving Santa plenty of time to become a lazy good-for-nothing bum and a less-than-ideal husband. When he cheats on Alina, she turns to Rudolph the reindeer shifter to light up her life.

This is a fun little story that didn’t take itself too seriously and made me laugh out loud many times. Alina was a great protagonist, and Rudolph was the perfect combination of weird and hot.

Unfortunately, it’s riddled with spelling, grammar and punctuation issues that took away from the positive experience to some degree.

I’d still recommend this to anyone looking for a short, cheeky read.

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

[Malini · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well, deer by MeemsAngel82

I've honestly never really thought of Rudolph like this, that's for sure. This was written well and a different read for me. Our couples have established relationships and both sets have been with the other. The characters are entertaining and some have interesting tastes.

She hadn't felt love for her husband and still had feelings for his top deer.

And this was something else! The role of Nick, yikes. He Jas something going on that some are into and he found his someone-not his wife. I felt for her, but her and her guy should have talked things out. Before they each got together with another. He was a good lead and this was steamy, but again, they all needed some talking through things before, you know, getting married. The concept of elves and Santa and his team of Reindeer is entertaining and I'm happy that things were resolved between all of them! I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Reina Reina Diaz · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Holiday Escape I Didn’t Know I Needed!

Okay, let me just say—Red is the kind of holiday book you sneak away to read when the kids are finally in bed, and you’ve got a glass of wine in hand. It’s funny, a little naughty, and totally addictive. The characters are so real, you feel like you know them (or maybe wish you did). And the story? Let’s just say I’ll never look at Rudolph the same way again.

If you’re looking for a fun, steamy escape from all the holiday chaos, this book is it. Trust me, you’ll be recommending it to your girlfriends before you’re even done reading!

[The Bourbon-Sipping Bibliophile · Rating 4 out of 5]

I just finished Red by Ames B. Winterbourne, and let me tell you, this ain't your grandma's Christmas story! I'd give it a solid 4 out of 5 stars. It was a fun, fast-paced read with a seriously twisted take on the classic Santa Claus mythos.

First off, who knew Mrs. Claus had it in her? This book paints Alina Claus not as the sweet, cookie-baking wife, but as a total badass – a computer genius, a hacker, and maybe a little morally gray. She's basically carrying Christmas on her shoulders while dealing with a cheating Santa. Talk about relatable!

Then there's Rudolph. But not the cute, red-nosed reindeer you remember from childhood. This Rudolph is a shapeshifter with chiseled abs and a major crush on Mrs. Claus. It's a whole different vibe, and I was here for it.

The story starts with Alina trying to spice things up with Santa for their 20th anniversary, only to walk in on him getting, uh, intimate with Vixen (still in partial reindeer form, mind you!). Let's just say it involves a vibrating plug. Yeah, this book is definitely not for the faint of heart.

What follows is a chaotic and hilarious exploration of morally gray characters, hidden desires, and the not-so-holy reality of the North Pole. It's all about second chances, missed connections, and the idea that maybe, just maybe, Mrs. Claus deserves a little happiness of her own.

I really enjoyed the fresh take on these classic characters. It was definitely a surprise, but a welcome one. The author did a great job building this twisted world and creating some seriously steamy scenes. There were some great sensory details that really brought the story to life.

The only reason I didn't give it a full 5 stars is that it's a pretty short read. I would have loved to see some of the plot points and character dynamics explored a bit more. But for what it is – a quick, spicy, and irreverent Christmas romp – it totally delivers.

If you're looking for something completely different to read this holiday season, something that will make you laugh and maybe blush a little, then Red is definitely worth checking out. Just be warned: you'll never look at Santa the same way again.

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

[neeshreads · Rating 4 out of 5]

Stars: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐/5
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️/5

This was my first time reading a work by Ames B. Winterbourne and Red was the Christmas novella that I didn’t know I needed. I will never think of Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer in the same way again!

🎄Paranormal Romance
🦌Reindeer Shifter MMC
🛷Mrs. Claus FMC
🎄Pining & Second Chance Romance
🦌Nicknames - “Little Doe”
🛷Special 🍆 that Glows & Vibrates
🎄Light Dominance & Submission

We are transported to Santa’s workshop where Alina, Mrs. Claus, is in an unhappy marriage and trying to make things work with Nick, aka Mr. Claus…but it might be a lost cause. Alina has been the one making sure that the holiday season is filled with cheer for the little one’s with Christmas wishes, while Santa has sat on his behind and engaged in one too many kisses with mommies while out delivering presents.

While Alina considers trying to be what Mr. Claus wants in the bedroom…it’s not what she wants, and makes her reminisce about Santa’s best friend, Rudolph, whom she had a thing for back in college before parental and societal expectations got in the way of their connection.

Rudolph, Nick’s best friend, has been in love with Alina since college and didn’t divulge the depth of his feelings back then, which has led them both to being in unhappy and unfulfilling relationships. Rudolph has been on-again, off-again with Vixen since college and she loves drama. Vixen has her eyes set on jolly old St. Nick, and is ready to shake things up this Christmas…and not in a way where everyone will come out unscathed.

After all she’s put up with, will Mrs. Claus get to embrace her inner ho, ho, ho this Christmas with the one person she’s longed for after all this time?

Read to find out!

Thank you BookSirens and Ames B. Winterbourne for the free advance review copy! I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Tropes_and_Taboo · Rating 4 out of 5]

Red by Ames B. Winterbourne
⭐⭐⭐⭐ 🌶️🌶️🌶️
Christmas * Paranormal Romance * Curvy FMC * Reindeer Shifters * Cheating * Revenge Cheating * Arranged Marriage * Mommy Kink * Second Chance * 55 pages

This story was cute, wrong, steamy, chaotic, hilarious, and aggressively festive all at once. It absolutely does not take itself seriously, which is exactly why it works. At only 55 pages, you strap in, suspend disbelief, and enjoy the ride.

We get a fresh and surprisingly fun take on Christmas lore. Mrs. Claus is a brilliant tech queen who’s basically automated Christmas. Move over Elf on the Shelf, you're obsolete now. A digitized naughty list is the new revolution, making Santa almost entirely unnecessary. And because why not, we even get a cameo from Cinderella’s Fairy Godmother.

Now let’s talk Santa. What if Santa was a lazy, submissive man who wanted to be dominated… but Mrs. Claus is ALSO submissive? The logical but deeply morally wrong next step? He cheats. With a reindeer. A shifter reindeer. Yes Sir!... well... actually... Yes Mommy! Because Santa has a Mommy kink.

Naturally, Mrs. Claus finds out and decides to do the only logical... (it's absolutely not logical, but let's go with it): revenge cheat before divorcing him. And who enters the scene? Rudolph. Also a shifter. Also very much not the innocent reindeer you remember. Mrs. Claus is an absolute badass and clearly knows that Rudolph’s nose is not the only thing that glows when he’s happy. Oh....I almost forgot...the glow isn't the only special thing it can do.

Trust me when I say: I will never think of Rudolph the same way again. Christmas carols have been permanently altered.

[MysticMadness · Rating 3 out of 5]

Santa, Scandals, and Second Chances

Quick and entertaining read with a Christmas twist and the vivid imagination of Ames B. Winterbourne that one doesn’t grow tired of.

Who knew Mrs. Claus had this much sass? Alina Claus isn’t just the curvy brains behind Christmas—she’s a computer genius, a hacker, and maybe a little morally gray (but who isn’t?). She’s also the ultimate martyr, carrying the weight of the world’s holiday cheer on her shoulders while trying to keep her cheating husband, Santa, happy. Talk about relatable pressure.

After 20 years of marriage, a grown daughter, and Santa’s let-himself-go phase (complete with the classic belly and white beard), Alina catches him being unfaithful. Enter Rudolph the reindeer (shifter, obviously), rocking chiseled abs and a not-so-secret crush on Mrs. Claus.

This story is packed with morally gray characters—liars, cheaters, and everyone’s hiding something. While I enjoyed the humor and chaos, I found the characters a bit frustrating with their constant bad decisions. The story feeds on poor choices that lead to cheating, which could have been entirely avoided if the main characters had just been honest with each other.
Instead, their dishonesty strips away the traditional holiness of the Christmas spirit, leaving behind a mess of drama, spice, and hilarity.
Perfect for anyone looking to add irreverence and fun to their holiday season!

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

[Sandra · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was completely unexpected and actually good.🤯🤣🤣 When I think of Rudolph the red nose reindeer it will now be in a completely different way.😝🚨 As well as Mrs Claus. This is a world of shape shifter reindeer, fairy godmothers, elves, who's on the nice and naughty list, a state of the art program created by Alina herself, and Nick(Santa) and Alina(Ms Claus) who's 20yr old marriage is on the rocks. Alina has been the one taking care of the holiday season, not Santa. Drama. Rudolph is Nick's best friend but he has had a thing for Alina since college. Yes, supernatural beings need an education too.🥳 And we can't forget bad girl/reindeer Vixen who loves the drama, causes it, and has her eyes on jolly old St Nick.🎅🏻🙊

This story is fun and completely different. I cracked up with the humor. There's other details that tie the story together but I won't spoil it. It does have a plot! Some spice. I liked it. It's a holiday tale you won't forget. There's a HEA. I love the cute book cover. Happy reading!!❤️❤️❤️

🛷🦌Thank you to Ms Winterbourne and Booksprout for an early book. These are my honest thoughts on the story I read.🦌🛷

[kymagirl · Rating 4 out of 5]

Alina has spent twenty years juggling the demands of Christmas, her family, and a marriage that’s lost its magic. As her children leave the nest, Alina realizes she and her husband, Nick (Santa Claus) have little left to hold them together, especially when their intimacy feels more like a chore than a connection. Determined to reignite their relationship, Alina tries to meet his desires, when she discovers that Nick has been unfaithful with Vixen, a mutual friend. Reindeer shifter Rudolph, Nick's best friend, comes back into Alina's life and their history of hidden love and missed opportunities becomes central as they reconnect, and things heat up between the two. When surprising revelations leave Alina feeling betrayed and confused, she questions whether she can trust him and a relationship together. As Christmas Eve descends into chaos, Alina has to decide if she’ll cling to her past or take a leap toward a new future with Rudolph. Hot and steamy Christmastime romance, exploring love, connection, self-discovery, independence, betrayal, second chances, healing, hope, and finding happiness where you least expect it.

[Emerald Bryant · Rating 3 out of 5]

Well that was... Something 🤣

Thank you to the author for the ARC.

I'll be honest with this, I set my expectations for this in literal HELL. And to my pleasant surprise, they were blown out of the water. I really thought that this was going to be like 1.5 stars, yet here we are.

Lets talk the bad (because there was some)
The pacing of this - not great, there were moments when things were moving super incredibly slow... which is concerning with a 50 page short story...
Uhm, how the characters all treat each other. (horribly)
Also, just the entire cast was unlikeable...
SHE FORGIVES AND FORGETS FAR TOO FAST!!!
AND WHAT DO YOU MEAN SHE DIVORCES AND GETS ENGAGED THE VERY NEXT FUCKING DAY?!? LIKE WHAT!

The fine:
It was short and sweet - Which ya girl appreciates
The spicy scene... uhm why did it have to glow and vibrate?

The good?: There was actual plot, I truly thought this was just going to be erotica and I am so grateful that there was substance.

At the end of the day, I would read a full length novel about this - I really enjoyed the college and bar scenes.

[Curvy Girl Book Nerd (Jen S) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Red is a short and steamy, OTT, funny, whimsical, curvy girl gets her reindeer shifter second-chance, erotic Christmas romance. Alina is the smart and curvy Mrs. Clause. She has been unhappy in her marriage to Santa for some time. Rudolph is a hunky reindeer shifter who has secretly been in love with Alina for years, but she's married to his best friend, Nick, aka Santa. When Alina catches Santa cheating with Vixen, she runs straight into the arms of Rudolph for revenge. She has secretly loved him too since college. But what happens when she finds out he knew about Santa’s cheating ways? This story cracked me up. Not only was it steamy, it was funny, had hot chemistry, and had a very happy ending after all the drama. I'll never see Santa in the same light again, lol. The North Pole was quite the hotbed of drama, Dallas style. This was my first book by this author but not the last. I loved it.

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

[James · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fun mix of tradition, technology and sweet shifter spice.

The fact that both Santa and Mrs. Claus are submissives in want of a Dom means their union has some itches that they just can’t scratch. To the chagrin of the Mrs., Santa finds his release under the very dominant paddle of her ex-best friend, Vixen. What else can she do but get her own relief with Santa’s red-nosed, and very hunky, friend, Rudolph.

Santa “Nick” Claus is a philanderer, Mrs. “Alina” Claus is lead hacker for the Naughty and Nice List department, and Ruldoph and Vixen are hot reindeer shifters. Ms. Winterbourne has taken favorite Christmas characters and put her own spicy spin on them, and written an entertaining and drama-filled holiday tale. The holidays may be over, but it’s never the wrong time for a shot of Christmas spice.

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

[Ryann Rice · Rating 5 out of 5]

Obsessed with this short spicy Rudolph shifter holiday romance. Rudolph and Mrs Claus get together after Santa is a naughty boy and Mrs Claus catches him bein dominated by Vixen. I actually really liked that this book had her taking responsibility for just not being into what Santa was into and not kink shaming him for it but just saying "go find what makes you happy and I'll go do the same"

All that and we get shifter spice with a red glowing peen - SAY LESS

This book gives you:
-second chance
-dom/sub
-shifter seggs
-his peen glows red when he's *happy*
-holiday romance
-strong FMC who doesn't take sh!t from anyone
-Long time pining

Great short spicy read for the holidays. I'll never see Rudolph the same

[Sue L · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a beautifully written, fantastic Christmas romance 💕, filled with fascinating characters, with surprising stories. I love Rudolph the red nosed reindeer shifter, he has loved Alina since childhood. Alina is a beautiful, intelligent, caring woman forced by her parents into marrying the wrong man. When she catches Nick betraying her on Christmas Eve she is devastated. Alina and Rudolph are about to get a second chance at their happy ever after. Things will be rocky to start, but love is magical and within their reach. I loved this delightful, heartwarming story, beautiful ending. Marvellous reading

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

[Morgan · Rating 4 out of 5]

I went into this expecting a cute Christmas story focusing around the North Pole and this did not disappoint! I was invested in the 2 main characters even with the short length of the story, and I was extremely satisfied with the ending. The amount of explicit scenes was a good balance and fit into the plot well. Definitely a 4 star for me, as I think the resolution to the end seemed slightly too fast. If anyone is looking for a cute, fun and unique Christmas romance read, I think this short story is definitely worth the read!

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

[Fran · Rating 5 out of 5]

Alina, Santa's wife, is a computer wiz and has made Santa's naughty and nice list so easy that he only works one day a year now. Santa happens to be a no good cheating rat of a husband and when Alina finds him with his pants down and a$$ showing she has had it. So she decides to take Rudolph, a reindeer shifter, for a ride. Rudolph has loved Alina forever while knowing that Santa has been dipping his wick in all the elves. Fast paced hot and steamy spicy read and I really enjoyed reading it. An unusual take on Christmas stories. Fun sexy read.

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

[Trina Jones · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was an amazing story. It was a page turner and the suspense was totally intense. I was on the edge of my seat and I couldn't even put it down. It was addicted and it was captivating of passion. Alina and Rudolph romance was hot and steamy but a season of spicy. Love was in the air as things had sparks between them as their souls and body had ignited of sweet and emotions of drama. Christmas moment were forbidden love affair was in the air of an miracle.

I highly recommend this book and you won't be disappointed.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. Trina Jones

[Michaela Taylor · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another amazing novella from Ames!! Red is a wonderful addition for your end of year reading! Ames is the queen of balancing plot and smut. This Christmas novella is full of glowing-hot spice (LITERALLY), a bit of revenge, sweetness and second chances. After years of being treated badly and learning just how terrible Mr.Claus is, our little doe; Alina, finally gets her groove back. She couldn’t have found a better or hotter reindeer to give her the love she needs and most importantly, deserves. I truly loved Alina and Rudolph and would be thrilled to have their story continued in some way!

[JLH · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kinda short read. Was not aware of Santa's favorite past time was more than cookies and drinking milk but everyone needs a hobby. Mrs. Claus has been friends with Rudolph aka Red. Interesting ways of how the holiday works with Fairy Godmothers, trolls, elves vs elf on the shelves and Tooth Fairies. This book was entertaining on so many levels. You know world peace and all that kind of shenanigans. Makes you think of all the things you didn't know about the North Pole. Loved the read. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Lola Jansen · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is amazing!
The storyline is very unique (I’ve read soooooo much Christmas spice that nothing really stands out anymore ) it’s spicy, hot, funny (I very much enjoyed all the fairytale references) and I sprinted through this book like Rudolph soars the sky after eating beans!
Absolutely very much recommend!!!.

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

[Miriam · Rating 5 out of 5]

I still need to talk about the “remix” of the Rudolph song with Ames lol
Santa has been stepping out on Mrs. Claus and when she finds out, she leaves him. Where does she go? Into the arms of her first love- Rudolph the red nosed reindeer shifter.
Ames does a wonderful job at adding to my “don’t trust Santa!” list. This story was fun and the situation that Santa was found in, was hilarious. Watching Mrs Claus get her revenge and love is the Christmas miracle we all need.

[BooksToTheGrave · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mrs. Claus, Mr. Claus, Rudolph, Vixen, gifts, and Christmas. All is normal here. Well, until you start reading… You will never look at Santa the same way 😄

A different approach to writing about these famous characters. They might be all "love, family, and happiness", but they have feelings and doubts like us. And sometimes we all need to change things.

A sexy play on Christmas, full of love and second chances.

3.75*

Read through BookSirens

[Becky · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this slightly twisted Christmas tale about Santa and Mrs. Claus. Alina, Mrs. Claus, has been trying to rekindle her marriage, to no avail. The one man she could never forget was Rudolph, a reindeer shifter. She doesn't know it, but Rudolph has held her memories close to his heart for years. This is the first book I have read by this author, and it will definitely not be the last. Excellent book!

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

[Sharon McMaster · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was short and sweet with some spice thrown in to make it a great end of year, holiday read. It def made me laugh and I will never look at the characters the same way again. There is something really satisfying that Mrs Clause is actually the one in charge and Santa is being dominated by Vixen. I enjoyed that the characters all had some kind of history with each other and gave long time / second chance vibes for me.

[Nicole Deanne Veracruz · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wow this was definitely a different kind of read. Alina has known since she was a kid that she was going to have to marry the future Santa Claus. In college she had a short relationship with Rudolph. Rudolph was in love with her but had never told her. When Mrs Claus walks in on Mr Claus having kinky fun with vixen she goes to Rudolph to get revenge.

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

[Michelle · Rating 3 out of 5]

After the last book I read, I was quite happy to be gifted this one.

It was an interesting perspective on Christmas, that's for sure. I think I expected a little more debauchery, though. Not sure why, but I did. Unfortunately, I felt like there wasn't an editor for this book. I understand that it's a very short story, but an extra set of eyes would have really helped out.

[Aria Maze · Rating 4 out of 5]

In true Ames fashion this book made me say “WTF” Atleast five times. The thought of Santa having a mommy kink and Rudolph being a Dom was just *chefs kiss*.

I don’t normally like infidelity of any kind but this book gets a pass because there was so much going on it wasn’t hard to kind of ignore it. lol I love unhinged romance books so much and yes, it glows.

[Lucy · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is an ARC review!

I think this story could've been amazing if it was just a bit longer. There was a lot of world-building about the fantasy aspects such as the fairy godmother and tooth fairy being in the story. It's set in a world that reminded me of the movie Rise of the Guardians.
The pacing was pretty consistent throughout the story but the ending felt a little rushed.

[Beth · Rating 4 out of 5]

Perfect way to get into the holiday spirit! Quick novella and oh so naughty! There are some really funny/punny lines that had me literally laughing out loud. Mrs. Clause is a bad ass, I love her. I guess you will just have to read to find out if Rudolph's nose is the only thing that glows...

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