Krampus Kruk

by Serena Pier

Christmas Eve.
She walks into a bar.
He sits beside her.

No names. Just heat.

When he says he’s the scariest one here—she only wants him more.

Morgan simply needs to escape her family and disappear into a stiff drink for the night. Then a sexy silver fox offers the kind of distraction she should refuse, but going home sounds like torture—and not the sexy kind.

A filthy age gap, dark romance Christmas novella, Krampus Kruk unwraps what happens when you go home with a stranger—and discover he’s no Santa, but the devil of Christmas himself.

Dark Romance, Christmas Novella, Age Gap, Silver Fox, Just One Night, Daddy/Brat, BDSM, Billionaire Romance, Strangers to Lovers, Instant Connection, Angsty, Mafia Romance, Who Hurt You, Returning to Hometown, Strong Heroine, Player Reformed, Mental Health Rep

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

129 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 5, 2025

About the author

Serena Pier is a recovering girl boss, mom, and wife. After being called a brat for as long as she can remember, she decided to lean into it—writing sassy, strong, complex female characters who fully embrace the sexy side of the word. Her books are influenced by her endless fascination with power dynamics and how they play out in relationships, workplaces, and everyday life. Most of her stories are set in and around Chicago, paying tribute to her Midwestern roots and love of all things dairy. When she isn’t in front of a screen, Serena can be found pontooning with her family, enjoying a glass of wine with friends, and driving as fast as she can on the track. Literary Agent - Amanda Wooden, SBR Media

Reviews

[Aubrie Lane · Rating 5 out of 5]

You all are NOT ready to Krampus Kruk because this is a delightfully fun and spicy Holiday time. If this doesn’t get you in the mood to ditch your family for a hot older man, and put the ho-ho-ho in your holiday, I don’t know what to tell you!

Let’s all get on the naughty list together 🎄

[Oleksandra · Rating 5 out of 5]

Маю тільки одне питання: Why did it end so fast?!
Я все ще в шоці, наскільки багато емоцій може дати така коротка історія.

Морган — впевнена в собі, трохи колюча, але така щира. Вона не грає в недоторканість, вона чесна у демонстрації своїх бажань, і це відчувається в кожній сцені. Сцени, де вона приймає рішення відкритись та піти на таке, що завжди боялась зробити, але ось тут, в компанії цього чоловіка… робить, бо він про комфорт та впевненість 🫠

Пьотр — несподіване відкриття. Я не фанат героїв у віці, але цей… він з тих, хто може сказати одне речення і все, це аут, все перед очима в розфокусі.
Він вже в тому віці та в тому душевному стані, коли може дозволити їй бути собою, не ідеальною, без прикрас і просто існувати та насолоджуватись моментом.

Їхня хімія — окремий вид мистецтва. Напруга, легкі жарти, доторки, погляди, оу май.

Probably the best one-night stand I’ve ever read.

🧓 Age gap
🌶 One night stand
🦊 Silver fox mmc
💋 Sassy heroine
⚡ Instant chemistry
🎄 Christmas romance
🌑 Dark vibes
🔥 Power shift
❤️ Acceptance
📖 Short and spicy

[Peter Topside · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ok, so let's get into this...for an erotica, it was great. The sex was drawn out and fully explored, all handled very well. The biggest turn on for me here was the dialogue between Morgan and Piotr. A ton of verbal foreplay both ahead of the physical intimacy but also during, as well. And, while not the strongest character development and premise, there was an admirable attempt to make this have some semblance of a story beyond all the sweat and grunting. Very hot and it will make even the most experienced erotica reader slide off their seat.

[Wendy Marie (myrisingphoenixera.reads) · Rating 5 out of 5]

5⭐️
4🌶️
🎄Christmas Novella
🔥Dark Romance
🎄Age Gap
🔥Silver Fox
🎄Just One Night
🔥Daddy/Brat
🎄BDSM
🔥Billionaire
🎄Strangers to Lovers
🔥Dual First Person POV

Morgan is looking to escape her family on Christmas Eve when she decides to stop at a bar for a drink. As soon as she sits down, shes approached by a silver fox. At first she doesn’t want to talk to him, but she has fun bantering back and forth with the sexy ‘Santa’. Piotr is surprised by the young knockout in a tacky Christmas sweater that walks into his bar. They agree to no names and one night of fun. There’s a perfect amount of buildup before hitting the gas on the spice. This dirty talking ‘Santa’ quickly picks up on his Tinsel’s need to let go. The instant lust turns to love as they reveal more about themselves to each other. The characters have depth, with a rich background that was easily conveyed in such a short time. This has a perfect amount of detail to convey an emotional connection. The combination of the power dynamics, daddy/brat, and emotions creates a binge worthy addictive read. You do not want to miss out on Krampus Krunk.

Plot: 5
Engaging: 5
Character: 5

🐦‍🔥Follow me on socials @myrisingphoenixera.reads 🐦‍🔥

A Few Favorite Quotes:
“You are something else.” “I get that a lot.” I sip my drink. “I’m sure guys your age don’t know how to handle you.” I shrug. “Nope.” His eyes slowly rake over me again. “Do you want to be handled?”

I like my girls curvy and strong. Athletic thighs like hers … those are my biggest weakness. F* € k!ng smother my face.

I’m going to f* € k bad Santa and then go home.

“I want you to throw me around and break my back …” I can’t hold back my innate sass. “If you can still do that.”

[Dannica Martin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Two things I know for damn sure; I would never leave my purse unattended in a dive bar in Wisconsin and I would never visit my family for the holidays NOT wearing waterproof mascara.

[Malisa Nguyen · Rating 2 out of 5]

why did this have so many good reviews 😭

[Apryl (inmybookishgirlera) · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a spicy, fun time! Morgan needed a break from her family. Piotr wasn’t expecting someone like her to walk into his bar and change is mind about love.

This was about 80% smut and 20% plot but I ate it up! The age gap was age gaping…he’s 64 she’s 29. Dark romance, mafia, one night stand, age gap, bdsm, and true daddy vibes! The age gap was a little much, but I still had fun reading it! I’m on Serena’s arc team and I just love her writing. Who doesn’t love a smutty Christmas book! Def add it to your holiday tbr🎅

Thank you to Serena for this Arc! Releases on November 5th!

[Ash · Rating 4 out of 5]

Grandpapi was sexy idk🫣

[Vika Zvolynska · Rating 4 out of 5]

Це було капець як гаряче🥵
Щоб це читати треба обов'язково брати свого помічника😈
Але мені хотілося би більше побачити взаємодії в плані кохання між ними. Так в них була нереальна іскра, яка буквально з простої одної ночі сексу, перетворилась на якусь одержимість, і це з боку обох.
Не проти мати такого крампуса 😄🔥

[Jamie Byers · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was hard to put down it was so good. Piotr and Morgan's banter was on point and fun. Loved Morgan's sass and her brat streak. I would happily change places with her and take a turn with Piotr. The spice in this book is hot. I'd have loved for the story to continue and not end. Piotr and Morgan just hit in the best of ways.

[Rose · Rating 1 out of 5]

If you’re looking for a dark romance holiday novella, you should read this!

[Elysse Vernon · Rating 1 out of 5]

pls know me and my book club just read this for the bit and it was just as insane as expected. if you’ve ever wanted to read about someone’s crash out over the holidays i say go for it i guess. morgan needs one real friend and a new therapist

[Stephanie Manzano · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was intoxicating. I was a beta reader for this book and I read it again as an arc reader and it had the same effect on me. The rollercoaster that Krampus Kruk takes you on is the one you want to ride over and over again. FMC, Morgan is an unashamed sex loving independent female that wants to be seen and loved for who she really is. MMC, Piotr is an older man that has banished the thought of finding love due to his past. If you have read Serena's High five series, Piotr is no stranger. If anything, you probably hate him but only Serena and her writing will have you changing your opinion on a character completely. In this book, you get to see a different side of Piotr and really know how he feels about his past mistakes and actions. These two characters have such an intense connection from the moment they meet and I couldn't put this book down! Tis the freaking season, this is one of my top reads this year.

[Kristyn · Rating 1 out of 5]

This is honestly the worst book I've ever read in my entire life. Someone is getting kicked out of book club!

[Brittanica Bold · Rating 5 out of 5]

I swear, Serena Pier writes crack! It doesn’t matter what tropes or brand of romance it is, I’m guaranteed to devour it in one sitting and get a book hangover after!!

This was my first book of Serena Pier’s in the dark romance category, and I absolutely loved it! I’m a sucker for age gap and a strong “daddy”, and Piotr fit the bill perfectly! I also love a strong and sassy heroine who won’t just bend over backwards for her man, but makes him work, and Morgan definitely did this!

I love stories where it’s only supposed to be one night, but the couple has such insane chemistry and need for the other one that it becomes so much more. It was fun to watch Morgan kid herself that this one night stand would not become so much more 😊

I also loved the political backdrop Morgan was dealing with with her family. I feel like in this day in age, a lot of us are probably a lot like Morgan and have families a lot like her family…basically divisions along political lines now more than ever before. This was super relatable and definitely helped add to Morgan’s already standing feelings of being alone in her family. While I didn’t love that she felt no one cared for her, Piotr being a dom and taking care of her just made so much sense for her character.

Lastly, all of the spicy and BDSM stuff??? Excuse me ma’am, I needed a cold shower after reading! Definitely one to pick up if you like the darker, edgier sort of spice 😉

Thank you to Serena Pier for the opportunity to read this book. The thoughts and opinions expressed above are honest and my own.

4.5 stars!

[Anca A · Rating 4 out of 5]

#Review: *Krampus Kruk* - Serena Pier - ARC [21+]
4/5✨
4/5🌶️

Piotr and Morgan had an instant connection when they met at a bar. Well, it turned out to be his place. When they agreed to go home together, they thought that it was going to be only a one night stand, with no strings attached. But what happens when their connection was unthinkable and all consuming? Will they be able to let everything behind after that night and part their ways?

This was a really, really short read, but it was filled with so much spice. It had some Christmassy elements to it but it was mainly focused on that night they shared together. Piotr may have been 35 years older than Morgan, but between them grew something unique, something they didn't quite understand. Their connection was erotic but also self discovering, erasing all the walls they had before knowing each other. It was insane how fast they became addicted to each other and how they slowly came to the conclusion that they wanted more than just a one night stand.

If you wanna read something really spicy and also something pretty short, then this might be the right choice for you. An age gap romance which was super hot and raised the temperatures really high.

Proud member of Serena's ARC team. Thank you for this e-copy.🤗

#AgeGap (64/29)
#BillionaireSilverFox
#StrangersToLoverd
#DarkChristmasRomance
#ReformedPlayer
#ExtraSpicy

[Elizabeth · Rating 4 out of 5]

Explain to me how a story under 200 pages has more character depth than some 500+ page books I have read. Initially I was on the hunt for a wintery monster smut book and stumbled upon this. Morgan escapes her family's delusions on Christmas Eve for a drink and runs into Piotr. For one night, she allows herself to let loose and Piotr lets someone into his heart.

Smut heavy but I promise you won't be disappointed. Morgan is sassy, independent and confident. While bratty is used to describe her, not once did the words "Make me" come out of her mouth. Author's please take note. Meanwhile Piotr is all man, very calculated retired Polish mob. FYI the age gap is 37 years. Besides appearances, you can't really tell because they have an easy connection. If the well thought out characters don't hook you, the banter sure will. A fun Christmas time spicy read that you won't want to put down.

[Danyel · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was spicy and fun. A fun way to spend a couple hours on a Sunday in December 🥵

[Darkest Bellé · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 stars!

[Sarah Dykes · Rating 4 out of 5]

Super fun dark holiday romance! Heavy on the spice with satisfying characters and just enough plot.

[Pana · Rating 5 out of 5]

Obsessed with this book and these characters.
When I ask for banter I want it to be the status of Morgan and Piotyr and nothing less.

I love a brat/dom relationship and with a brat who is unafraid to speak her mind at all times. Morgan really went toe to toe with Daddy Krampus. This book was through and through sexy AF!

5⭐️
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️

Tropes:
Brat/Dom
Light mafia
Age gap
Daddy Krampus
ONS
HE CRAWLS TO HER

[ReadWithPeaches · Rating 5 out of 5]

✨ARC Review✨
⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️
🌶️ 🌶️ 🌶️ 🌶️

If you like your holiday books full of spice, look no further! This will deliver just that and so much more!

I loved how strong Morgan was. Ever since her father died and her mother remarried, she had to be strong and independent. Then Piotr enters the story and he lets her be strong and allows her to be soft as well. He just wanted to see her happy.

One good book that is full of smut with a splash of plot is always perfect! I love that this book was that for me this holiday season!

I couldn’t put this one down. I had to know right away what happened and how this one played out.

As I read more and more books by Serena I love her darker books. They are probably my favorite that she writes. Her softer books are just as good though!

What to Expect
✨Dark Christmas Romance
✨Age Gap (MMC 64/FMC 29)
✨Daddy/Brat
✨BDSM
✨Billionaire Romance
✨Strangers to Lovers
✨One Night Stand

Thank you so much Serena Pier and Greys PR for allowing me read the eARC of Krampus Kruk. I truly enjoyed this one.

[Jacqueline Torres · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ ARC Review — Krampus Kruk

This book was everything I didn’t know I needed and more! From the very first page, I was hooked—Krampus Kruk is a fast, filthy, and ridiculously fun read that had me grinning, blushing, and absolutely feral for more.

Morgan and Piotr’s chemistry? Off. The. Charts. Every scene between them crackled with tension, teasing, and that perfect mix of dark charm and wicked heat. And let’s be real—the spice was SPICING 🔥🔥🔥 Serena Pier delivered a short read that somehow felt full and satisfying while still leaving me begging for more of these two.

If you’re looking for a quick, spicy holiday treat with humor, heat, and a hint of chaos—this one’s a total win. I’m officially obsessed with Krampus and already counting down for whatever Serena gives us next!

[Lawlah · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is short, fun, and has one of my favorite tropes — a one-night stand — and it was beautifully captured. It’s also set during the best time of the year, Christmas.

The smut in this book is smutting nicely, and the chemistry between Piotr and Morgan was through the roof.

If you’re looking for a quick holiday read with spice and heart, I totally recommend this book. It’s a solid 4-star read for me.

Thank you to the author for this eARC.

[Courtenay (ceelovesbooks) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Listen, in an absolute slut for a large age gap, daddy shmink, all spice, zero plot book. This was all of that and even had a couple other shminks in there that I ate right up. Left no crumbs.

The spice was spicing, and it was exactly what I needed right now. I only wish it was longer, I’ll definitely be looking forward to the bonus scene(s) !

Morgan and her Santa daddy were so hot, so heavy, and so delicious I didn’t want to put this book down.. and I didn’t 😌 it’s a quick one for those times when you just need a little spice, a little story, and just to get lost in a make believe world where we all need a much older daddy to put us in our place and ruin his couch in the process. Yum.

[Elle ♡ [semi-hiatus] · Rating 1 out of 5]

Literally wtf did I just read 😅 lowkey I thought this was gonna be a bit paranormal and be real Krampus 💀 that’s my b. (Side note: would’ve mad this a lot better imo). Instead it’s a 64 year old man, retired mafioso with white hair and all the associated age related sexual issues…hot 👍 there’s a 35 year age gap…way too much for me personally. It’s really mostly him being so fucking old that’s the problem though. Also she *giggles* 26 times which may not sound like a lot but this is a novella so I did the math, she was giggling an average of once every 4.5 pages. Way too fucking much. Yuck. He also chuckles 28 times…I don’t really mind a chuckle that’s fine, but what’s so fucking funny. Anyway. This was a mess in more ways than one, at one point sad grandpa is thinking about fondling the squirt stain she left behind on his couch, I wish I was fucking kidding. The things I’ll do to try to reach my reading goal in the ninth hour 😌🥴 also I’m so confused by the weird maga family plot line like…yeah it’s annoying and bad but I wish she’d been in more trouble like damsel in distress and not just like mismatched ideologically with her family…like okay. I get it and I agree but it just had no place in this novella? It was so fucking random and cringe. So yeah, that was fucking crazy. Wouldn’t recommend but I finished it so…👏yay one step closer to my reading goal lol

[Darlene I read WAY to many books · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you need a fast burning Christmas novella look no more. Its spicy with a tiny plot.

Morgan needs a break from her family dealing with all that drama she heads to a bar catching the eye of Piotr who the owner and has his own darkness. The flirting has these two wanting a night together. And boy the spice is spicing!!!

We love a daddy and his dominance. They do have some internal fighting for more then one night. But there is some drama that Piotr caused making Morgan not want to trust him and leaves.
But dont worry they get there hea. :)

No ow/om drama, no cheating, drama, sexy times, no virgins

Recommend-yes
Cover-⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Heat level-🌶🌶🌶🌶


Age gap
29h/64H
Alcohol use
Praise kink
consensual choking
mentions of drugs and past drug use consensual spanking
Discussions of erectile dysfunction
Anal play/sex
tiny daddy kink
Estranged family
Mentions of past self-harm
No condom
bondage
Dom/sub dynamic
mentions of depression
attempted suicide and/or mental health concerns
loss of family members mentioned
Hea

[Casey DeMoss · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a mafia, age gap, strangers to lovers, billionaire, dark romance Christmas Novella. This is definitely 🥵 it has kick! If you’re in the mood for a spicy Christmas novella, this is it for you. I loved the fact that it was spicy but it also had a POV and followed a story. I am hoping that she writes another one following up with the MMC and the MFC. I’m nosey so there are things I want answers too..lol but this honestly was great! I would definitely recommend!

[rozálie · Rating 3 out of 5]

literally no plot but i had fun

[Carolyn Matyus · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wait lowkey he’s hot LMFAO