Have A Holly Jolly Shiftmas: A Smutacular Witchy Shifter Novella

by S.P. Icey

A young witch stumbles upon a jaw dropping man during a gym session and has her world turned upside down. What Maeli doesn’t understand is why her magic calls to him.

A lone shifter is on the hunt…until a local small town witch captures his heart.

Their kind are meant to be mortal enemies but...does it have to remain that way?

Genres: Ebooks, Christmas

98 pages, Paperback

Published December 20, 2024

Reviews

[Ash’s reading corner ✨🌈 · Rating 4 out of 5]

Have a Holy Jolly Shiftmas is a cute romance with the right mix of funny and spicy.

It’s a short Novella in which we follow a witch and a panther-shifter falling in love at first sight.

It has :

- Age gap
- BDSM
- Consent king
- Broken relationship with a parent


Since it’s a novella, it doesn’t really have much plot but the little we got was actually well written and interesting to read about.

I really enjoyed this ! It’s a perfect read if you’re looking for something quick, funny and lighthearted for the holidays.

[Isa Newbury | reading_isa · Rating 3 out of 5]

3 ⭐️
2 🌶

[Kimberly · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.75 ⭐️

I felt like i was younger again and reading a wattpad book..
It was cute, but just not really my vibe anymore..

[Amber Grinstead · Rating 5 out of 5]

I NEED MORE!!

[Ingrid · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a very short Christmas holiday romance between a shifter and a witch—supposedly enemies—who feel an instant attraction to each other. The premise itself has potential, especially with the enemies-to-lovers angle and a festive backdrop.
Unfortunately, the execution didn’t really work for me. The quality of the writing felt substandard and oddly read more like science fiction than paranormal romance—and not particularly strong sci-fi, either. Even though the book is very short, it was surprisingly hard to get through. The story felt more like an early or final draft than a polished novel.
Because of the length and focus, the characters never really develop. They stay exactly what they are, and the story leans heavily into spice rather than emotional depth or meaningful connection. To make matters worse (at least for me), the book ends on a cliffhanger, which I personally dislike—especially in such a short read.
Overall, it was… okay. If you’re mainly looking for quick, spicy content and don’t mind rough writing or cliffhangers, you might enjoy it more than I did.

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

[Amy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Have a Holly Jolly Shiftmas is such a cute romance. The interactions between Maeli and Alastor's had me smiling and giggling. The magic and Shifter systems are interesting but I want to know more. I want to have a deeper knowledge of the lore between the witches and the panther-shifters. Such a quick and easy read that is a great introduction to a larger series.

I don't know if I missed it but I don't know Maeli's age. It was a little odd to me that she was automatically okay with an age gap that was much larger than she was originally told. This is the only reason I haven't given this book 5 stars.

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

[The Book Haven · Rating 4 out of 5]

This story delivered everything I look for in a paranormal romance—great characters, a well-paced and engaging plot, and plenty of sizzling moments that kept me hooked. I especially loved the kinky elements woven naturally into the relationship dynamics, adding tension and depth without overshadowing the emotional arc. The shifter romance aspect was a standout, bringing an irresistible blend of danger, passion, and mythos. Overall, it’s a fun, sexy, and immersive read that fans of steamy paranormal romance will absolutely enjoy.

✨️ I received an ARC copy, and I'm giving my honest opinion in this review. ✨️.

[GheridenTheBookBard · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Have a Holly Jolly Shiftmas" by S.P. Icey is a delight with just the right mix of humor, romance, and magic. Maeli and Alastor's banter had me grinning from ear to ear, and their chemistry practically leapt off the page. The spice was seamlessly woven into the story, enhancing their connection without overshadowing the plot. The hints of a deeper magic system were intriguing, adding an extra layer of excitement for what’s to come. This novella is a nice appetizer for the main series, and I’m already looking forward to diving back into this world!

[Michaela Taylor · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of my new favorite holiday reads!! Have a Holly Jolly Shiftmas is the first novella in S.P. Icey’s Smutacular Adventures of Witches and Shifters series and it’s AMAZING!! It is the perfect mix of magic, mystery, spice, an extra hot shifter and an even hotter witchy FMC. I absolutely adore Maeli! Who wouldn’t love a gorgeous, spicy witch who has her own book business?! Alastor was my first panther shifter that I’ve read about and I may be looking for more books with them now!🤣 I am desperate to find out what happens next in their adventures together!!

[NeedMoreBookSpace · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a sweet, spicy and magical experience. Its got hints of forbidden love, mysterious back stories, a witchy bookworm FMC, a shifter MMC who says all the right things and will sweep you off your feet. I caught myself giggling constantly through this novella. And then holding my breath at the sudden ending. I wasn't ready for it to be over. But the author is working on another installment. I cannot wait. No really I can't, Im trying to get them to give me the next books they're writing chapter by chapter.

[Ana · Rating 4 out of 5]

“Come with me, Enchantress. I want to be your undoing.”

This was a quick but spicy read! Maeli and Alastor were so cute together! They had good chemistry and the spice was HOT! Plus, Alastor is such a consent king, and who doesn't love a panther shift?? I would have loved a bit more world building since there was an actual conflict rather than the spice being the focus of the story like in many other novellas. Regardless, I enjoyed this book! It was a funny holiday novella, and I can't wait for book two to see what happens next!

[Curvy Girl Book Nerd (Jen S) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Maeli and Alastor part 1

HAVE A HOLLY JOLLY SHIFTMAS is Book 1 of The Smutacular Adventures of Witches and Shifters. It's a short and steamy, instalove, OTT, age-gap, fated mates, witch gets her shifter Christmas romance. Maeli, a witch, and Alastor, a panther shifter, meet at the gym. They instantly are attracted to one another. He asks her out and sparks fly, until the danger. The chemistry between these two is insane, but we end on a cliffhanger. I can't wait to read the next one.

[Savannah · Rating 5 out of 5]

My first ever shifter romance and ohhhh my gosh it was a good one. I loved the instant connection, the back and forth. And the spice was on point. How the magic was described was amazing, it was so easy to visualize. Obviously with this being a novella it was short but even if it was 1000 pages I would have devoured the whole entire thing. I wish their was a bit more christmas in it since the title is christmas related but it didn't take away from the story at all. Overall great read!!

[Izabel Carson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was such a fun quick read! I loved the banter and the chemistry between the characters was wonderful. Even though it’s short, the novella was beautifully written. I need more though. I have so many unanswered questions. This could have been a full book for sure because of how good the storyline could be. I’m excited to hear more about it (hopefully) because I need answersssss. But anyway this was amazing so go read!

[Heather · Rating 4 out of 5]

Though a short novella, this story packed a punch and I loved it!

It's definitely fast-paced, and essentially a love at first sight for this witch + panther shifter. The chemistry between the two was inevitable, and I loved how Alastor took care of Maeli.

Short, sweet + spicy, with lighthearted banter, BDSM, and Alastor's demanding of consent? Yes please. All of the little pieces S.P. put into place for future stories were intriguing and I'm looking forward to reading them!

["They Did What?" · Rating 4 out of 5]

So, this popped up as an ARC read for a new to me author and I thought sure why not. I found Maeli funny, quirky and vulnerable. The connection between her and Alastor is instant, solid, and spicy. I wasn’t expecting a cliffhanger at the end but luckily, I already have the next one, so I won’t have to wait. This is a fast-paced story that keeps the pages turning with good heat, mystery, and humor. "This is my honest review of an advanced reader copy, and I am leaving this review voluntarily."

[Thee_reader · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ugh!😫😍
So, I just want to start by saying this was such a cute story.
I love how they started off together.
The chemistry and flirty banter.
The bad ass witch she is ..
The powerful shifter he is..
Ugh!! Again...ughhhhh...
I have to wait to read what's next as it ends on a cliffhanger.

❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️

[Kelsey Fletcher · Rating 5 out of 5]

I got this as an ARC and was so excited to read it. This was so fun! Pretty short, only took me about an hour to read. The banter between Alastor and Maeli was so funny and their first spicy scene together delivers FULLY. The ending though omg are we gonna get an epilogue when the book is published? I really loved this and I’ll be looking for an epilogue in the future

[Indie · Rating 5 out of 5]

loved it !! a great start for a new series !! love Maeli and Alastor.. this is their holiday romance ... a fun fast short story... a witch and a shifter ... a panther shifter... holiday madness and more... so good !! so funny !!! more please ...

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

[Chris · Rating 5 out of 5]

When your first date ends in werewolves is it a bad date? I'd say so, but for witch Maeli it's just another reason not to date. Then she finds out her date isn't what she expected she's floored. I really liked this one can't wait for more.

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

[A Murphy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Have A Holly Jolly Shiftmas is book 1 of The Smutacular Adventures of Witches and Shifters series. This is a great, quick, steamy paranormal romance with likable characters. I look forward to reading more of the series.

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

[Alena Walker · Rating 4 out of 5]

Quick, cute, smutty

I love a quick novella that has a bit of everything. I was pleasantly surprised with how the story unfolded! I loved the insta attraction and possibly insta love. I do have questions, is there a book 2? I need a follow up! If you're looking for a quick read (like an hourish) with a bit of smut and a dash of Christmas, you'll love it!

[thekatz_meoww · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a cute and quirky holiday short read. I loved the relationship between Maeli and her bestie (best wingwoman)…the banter and getting to know each other awkwardness between Maeli and Alastor was funny and adorable 💜💜 Does end on a cliffy!!

[Angel · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was my first read by this author and I thoroughly enjoyed it! I need more though as I have questions that need answered! I adore the chemistry between Alastor and Maeli! I hope there's more to come about these 2!

[Ladnamal · Rating 4 out of 5]

This read was short, fast and steamy. There was a mystery and some unanswered questions before it ended in a cliffhanger so I hope the story will continue.

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

[Zach Leahy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book start to finish! The world, characters and plot it gives you to start is already fun and unique, but the ingenious twists and hectic turns it takes throughout make it such a phenomenal read — couldnt recommend more!

[Pati · Rating 5 out of 5]

It’s a very spicy paranormal romance. It’s a pretty short book about a witch and a hot panther shifter. It’s a really great story, pretty short, perfect for one sitting. I really enjoyed it.

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

[Emily · Rating 4 out of 5]

i read this book as an ARC reader. Was this short and sweet? No. It was better, it was short and spicy!!! I love a good novella, and this had a quick start, but didnt just jump in head first, there was some buildup first. Love anytime I find a shifter book that has more than a bear or wolf!!

[Cathy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great book.I enjoyed reading it.It was very interesting. I recived this as a arc read.Go check this book out.

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

[Jj · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a wonderful holiday book with spice but plenty of soul and festive cheer. I enjoyed reading it and can't wait to explore more from this author.

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