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Dark Holiday #3
Little Alibis & Sleigh Rides
I killed someone.
In my defense, he had it coming, but when my dog digs up the body, I do what any slightly unhinged woman would—I pack up the corpse and haul it to the only place I can think of: the abandoned Christmas tree farm on the outskirts of town.
It seems perfect.
Until a second body turns up, and so does a lumberjack with murdery eyes, way too many muscles, and no sense of personal space. Obviously, my only choice is to knock him out and run for my life, but when the cops show up at my door, I need an alibi.
The best I can come up with? I was with my boyfriend.
Now I’m stuck faking a relationship with Lachlan MacGregor—a man who may or may not be a murderer, definitely tried to kidnap me, and looks at me like he wants to eat me alive… and I might let him.
The Dark Holiday series is a collection of standalone dark romances, each centered around a different holiday. These books can be read in any order, as they feature independent stories with no overlapping plots or characters. Happy Reading!
In my defense, he had it coming, but when my dog digs up the body, I do what any slightly unhinged woman would—I pack up the corpse and haul it to the only place I can think of: the abandoned Christmas tree farm on the outskirts of town.
It seems perfect.
Until a second body turns up, and so does a lumberjack with murdery eyes, way too many muscles, and no sense of personal space. Obviously, my only choice is to knock him out and run for my life, but when the cops show up at my door, I need an alibi.
The best I can come up with? I was with my boyfriend.
Now I’m stuck faking a relationship with Lachlan MacGregor—a man who may or may not be a murderer, definitely tried to kidnap me, and looks at me like he wants to eat me alive… and I might let him.
The Dark Holiday series is a collection of standalone dark romances, each centered around a different holiday. These books can be read in any order, as they feature independent stories with no overlapping plots or characters. Happy Reading!
165 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 15, 2025
About the author
Lashell Rain
12 books233 followersLashell Rain is a foodie fueled by a shameless amount of caffeine and a passion for storytelling. The Texas native lives at home with her two beautiful kids. Between being a mom by day, and a writer by night, she brought her dreams of becoming an author into a reality.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 52 reviews
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December 23, 2025Don't judge me. You don't know my story. I've binged 18 thrillers in the last week. I'm calling this a palette cleanser. And what a fun read it was omg!!
May 21, 2026
1.75 ⭐
June 18, 2026
2.75 ⭐️
May 30, 2026
You should read this when you need to relax. It's a short, fun read. The MMC is the greenest flag serial killer I've read about and the FMC is a sessy murder.
January 26, 2026
Cute and funny overall, but I wished there had been a bit more drama or some closer calls with the police to make it feel more thrilling
December 30, 2025
Rating 4.5 ⭐️
Spice 2.5 🌶
Dual POV
Serial Killer Romance novella
Husband killer x vigilante killer
Set on a Christmas tree farm
Fake dating
Forced proximity
Scottish lumberjack fireman MMC
Yearning & tension
Hair Washing
Grinding
Dog companion
Bondage with tree lights
Toy play
DVP
Sleigh ride head
No 3rd Act break up
HEA
Little Alibis and Sleigh Rides was a fun, fast-paced novella and absolutely perfect for this time of year. It blends moody, wintery atmosphere with just the right amount of darkness, humor, and spice, making it an incredibly enjoyable read from start to finish.
Logan and Lachlan have one of the most unconventional meet-cutes I’ve read in a while. Logan heads to what she believes is an abandoned tree farm to bury her recently deceased ex-husband only to discover the grave she planned to use is already occupied by another body. What follows is chaos in the best way: chasing, kidnapping, escaping… and then the realization that the lie Logan told the police about her missing ex-husband ties directly back to the very man who kidnapped her, a man who may very well be a killer himself.
To keep suspicion off both of them, Logan convinces Lachlan they’re better off joining forces; after all, she now knows his dark secret too. From there, the story turns into a deliciously tense fake-dating scenario unlike any other. The chemistry between these two is electric, and the connection builds naturally through forced proximity and shared secrets. Logan is recently divorced, Lachlan has been alone for a long time, and both characters feel grounded and real, with enough life experience to make them especially relatable.
Together, they’re funny, honest, and clearly speak the acts-of-service love language. When they finally give in to their attraction, the payoff is both spicy and fun. I also loved seeing Logan confidently operate in a world that’s traditionally dominated by men since her ex absolutely deserved what he got, and if she hadn’t handled it herself, Lachlan would have stepped in without hesitation. We love a supportive partner, especially when it comes to dealing with truly awful men.
Overall, this novella was a clever, entertaining mix of suspense, romance, and dark humor, and I had a great time reading it. Highly recommended if you’re in the mood for something festive with a sharp edge.
Spice 2.5 🌶
Dual POV
Serial Killer Romance novella
Husband killer x vigilante killer
Set on a Christmas tree farm
Fake dating
Forced proximity
Scottish lumberjack fireman MMC
Yearning & tension
Hair Washing
Grinding
Dog companion
Bondage with tree lights
Toy play
DVP
Sleigh ride head
No 3rd Act break up
HEA
Little Alibis and Sleigh Rides was a fun, fast-paced novella and absolutely perfect for this time of year. It blends moody, wintery atmosphere with just the right amount of darkness, humor, and spice, making it an incredibly enjoyable read from start to finish.
Logan and Lachlan have one of the most unconventional meet-cutes I’ve read in a while. Logan heads to what she believes is an abandoned tree farm to bury her recently deceased ex-husband only to discover the grave she planned to use is already occupied by another body. What follows is chaos in the best way: chasing, kidnapping, escaping… and then the realization that the lie Logan told the police about her missing ex-husband ties directly back to the very man who kidnapped her, a man who may very well be a killer himself.
To keep suspicion off both of them, Logan convinces Lachlan they’re better off joining forces; after all, she now knows his dark secret too. From there, the story turns into a deliciously tense fake-dating scenario unlike any other. The chemistry between these two is electric, and the connection builds naturally through forced proximity and shared secrets. Logan is recently divorced, Lachlan has been alone for a long time, and both characters feel grounded and real, with enough life experience to make them especially relatable.
Together, they’re funny, honest, and clearly speak the acts-of-service love language. When they finally give in to their attraction, the payoff is both spicy and fun. I also loved seeing Logan confidently operate in a world that’s traditionally dominated by men since her ex absolutely deserved what he got, and if she hadn’t handled it herself, Lachlan would have stepped in without hesitation. We love a supportive partner, especially when it comes to dealing with truly awful men.
Overall, this novella was a clever, entertaining mix of suspense, romance, and dark humor, and I had a great time reading it. Highly recommended if you’re in the mood for something festive with a sharp edge.
December 24, 2025
I killed someone.
In my defense, he had it coming, but when my dog digs up the body, I do what any slightly unhinged woman would—I pack up the corpse and haul it to the only place I can think of: the abandoned Christmas tree farm on the outskirts of town.
It seems perfect.
Until a second body turns up, and so does a lumberjack with murdery eyes, way too many muscles, and no sense of personal space. Obviously, my only choice is to knock him out and run for my life, but when the cops show up at my door, I need an alibi.
The best I can come up with? I was with my boyfriend.
Now I’m stuck faking a relationship with Lachlan MacGregor—a man who may or may not be a murderer, definitely tried to kidnap me, and looks at me like he wants to eat me alive… and I might let him.
This book had me entertained from start to finish. It had hilarious moments, steamy & tension filled moments, and serious moments. It was a short story but the story honestly flowed well enough for me that it didn't feel like it was rushed or short. Storyline was perfect and hilarious. Lachlan was such a great match for Logan and vice-versa, I truly loved them together and each interaction and moment they had together. I also loved Logans pet dog, Tony. For me this has been the best book in this series, I enjoyed every passing page. It honestly felt like a much tamer version of butcher and blackbird for me personally.
In my defense, he had it coming, but when my dog digs up the body, I do what any slightly unhinged woman would—I pack up the corpse and haul it to the only place I can think of: the abandoned Christmas tree farm on the outskirts of town.
It seems perfect.
Until a second body turns up, and so does a lumberjack with murdery eyes, way too many muscles, and no sense of personal space. Obviously, my only choice is to knock him out and run for my life, but when the cops show up at my door, I need an alibi.
The best I can come up with? I was with my boyfriend.
Now I’m stuck faking a relationship with Lachlan MacGregor—a man who may or may not be a murderer, definitely tried to kidnap me, and looks at me like he wants to eat me alive… and I might let him.
This book had me entertained from start to finish. It had hilarious moments, steamy & tension filled moments, and serious moments. It was a short story but the story honestly flowed well enough for me that it didn't feel like it was rushed or short. Storyline was perfect and hilarious. Lachlan was such a great match for Logan and vice-versa, I truly loved them together and each interaction and moment they had together. I also loved Logans pet dog, Tony. For me this has been the best book in this series, I enjoyed every passing page. It honestly felt like a much tamer version of butcher and blackbird for me personally.
December 31, 2025
First of all, I should probably admit that I don’t really read novellas, so everything that didn’t work for me might just be a novella problem. I also went in expecting something much darker. I saw tiktok talking about a woodchipper and, well… I clearly imagined a very different book.
Lachlan was fine. I liked him, but other than working himself into a stress spiral over money and falling in love with Logan for no apparent reason, he didn’t actually do much. I honestly needed about 100 more pages for the story to really develop. The fake relationship, the cops, all of it felt like it had potential, but there just wasn’t enough room for it to breathe. As a full-length romance, I think their bond would’ve hit way harder.
Logan, on the other hand, I liked a bit more. She had more personality on the page, and her introduction at the beginning was fun and pulled me in right away.
Some of the scenes were wild though. The guy in the closet and them being weirdly chill about it before deciding to kill him definitely reminded me of Lights Out. I expected to laugh or be shocked, but it didn’t quite get a reaction out of me. I was more like, “Oh. Okay then.”
So circling back to my original point (because I promise I’m not trying to be a hater), I really think this story just needed more pages. The concept itself is great. It just didn’t quite hit all the marks for me in novella form.
Lachlan was fine. I liked him, but other than working himself into a stress spiral over money and falling in love with Logan for no apparent reason, he didn’t actually do much. I honestly needed about 100 more pages for the story to really develop. The fake relationship, the cops, all of it felt like it had potential, but there just wasn’t enough room for it to breathe. As a full-length romance, I think their bond would’ve hit way harder.
Logan, on the other hand, I liked a bit more. She had more personality on the page, and her introduction at the beginning was fun and pulled me in right away.
Some of the scenes were wild though. The guy in the closet and them being weirdly chill about it before deciding to kill him definitely reminded me of Lights Out. I expected to laugh or be shocked, but it didn’t quite get a reaction out of me. I was more like, “Oh. Okay then.”
So circling back to my original point (because I promise I’m not trying to be a hater), I really think this story just needed more pages. The concept itself is great. It just didn’t quite hit all the marks for me in novella form.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 21, 2025
meet cute over unmarked graves 🤭
If you are looking for a little bit of murder with your Christmas romance then look no further!!
This book had me in giggles from the start! Tony our lovable pooch is a matchmaker when he digs up the dead body, Logan our FMC just disposed of… so what’s a girl to do but dispose of it again.
Enter Lachlan, the owner of the very run down tree farm Logan tries to dump the body on. Only to discover another body at the bottom of the impromptu grave and one that she didn’t make!
Fake Dating
Forced Proximity
Touch Her & ☠️
Animal Sidekick
Murderer & Serial Killer
This is a bit of a slow burn. I was yelling at them to kiss already!!! But it was totally worth the wait when the spice finally hits! 😮💨
If you are looking for a little bit of murder with your Christmas romance then look no further!!
This book had me in giggles from the start! Tony our lovable pooch is a matchmaker when he digs up the dead body, Logan our FMC just disposed of… so what’s a girl to do but dispose of it again.
Enter Lachlan, the owner of the very run down tree farm Logan tries to dump the body on. Only to discover another body at the bottom of the impromptu grave and one that she didn’t make!
Fake Dating
Forced Proximity
Touch Her & ☠️
Animal Sidekick
Murderer & Serial Killer
This is a bit of a slow burn. I was yelling at them to kiss already!!! But it was totally worth the wait when the spice finally hits! 😮💨
December 15, 2025
𝕋𝕙𝕚𝕤 𝕞𝕒𝕟 𝕨𝕒𝕤 𝕝𝕚𝕜𝕖 𝕒 𝕘𝕣𝕒𝕧𝕚𝕥𝕒𝕥𝕚𝕠𝕟𝕒𝕝 𝕡𝕦𝕝𝕝 𝕗𝕠𝕣 𝕥𝕣𝕠𝕦𝕓𝕝𝕖, 𝕒𝕟𝕕 𝕀 𝕨𝕒𝕤 𝕝𝕖𝕥𝕥𝕚𝕟𝕘 𝕙𝕚𝕞 𝕥𝕦𝕘 𝕞𝕖 𝕣𝕚𝕘𝕙𝕥 𝕚𝕟𝕥𝕠 𝕙𝕚𝕞.
When the meet-cute involves accidentally digging up an occupied grave, severed body parts, and a brisk chase through the woods, you just know it's gonna be a good story.
Logan and Lachlan (and Tony of course🐕🤩) have a rough start, but considering what they have in common, they have to trust each other and work together to keep the cops away. Or move in together. Whatever works.
Lashell Rain brings her fun combo of sweet, spicy, humor and darker elements to the 3rd novella in the Dark Holiday Series. Go snag a copy for yourself or read it for free on KU.
When the meet-cute involves accidentally digging up an occupied grave, severed body parts, and a brisk chase through the woods, you just know it's gonna be a good story.
Logan and Lachlan (and Tony of course🐕🤩) have a rough start, but considering what they have in common, they have to trust each other and work together to keep the cops away. Or move in together. Whatever works.
Lashell Rain brings her fun combo of sweet, spicy, humor and darker elements to the 3rd novella in the Dark Holiday Series. Go snag a copy for yourself or read it for free on KU.
December 16, 2025
I had the opportunity to read an advanced copy of Little Alibis and Sleigh Rides by Lashell Rain. This is the third installment in her Dark Holiday series which contain standalone holiday novella’s. This is perfect Christmas dark romance read. If you like forced proximity, fake dating, touch her and die, and a dark romance that makes you giggle and kick your feet, this is the book for you. I highly recommend giving this book a read.
December 19, 2025
This book is gonna have a strangle hold on me for days. I devoured it obsessively and still wanted so much more. Logan and Lachlan were so adorable together with their homicidal impulses and Lauchlans possessiveness. And Tony being a literal pain in the ass. And that wood chipper scene!!! Lashell Rain has created an emotionally destroying masterpiece and all I can say is more please! There was nothing about this I didn’t love and easily makes my top reads for the year
May 13, 2026
I already knew novellas are not for me but I still gave it a chance after watching a bookstagram reel about it. It was just fine overall. I loved the starting, thought it's gonna be good but it became boring afterwards. There was too much to cover in less pages. There wasn't any chemistry between the MCs. The last 50% was mostly smut. I forgot sometimes that the guy was a serial killer. Even that aspect was disappointing.
June 5, 2026
aside from the typos, there are so many issues like they had no reason to fake date at all 😭 she buried the body (in HER OWN yard btw) cuz she didn't want to be accused of crime of passion due to an affair so she went ahead and told the officers she was dating someone (again whom she met once) while they were searching for him and they know she's the last person to see him??? kinda defeats the purpose okay. also why tf were the officers calling her mrs when they know she's divorced pmo so bad
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 5, 2026
Cute little novella about a girl who gets caught by a man on his tree farm while biting her ex husbands body on his land. Turns out he is a serial killer, but a good one (yes they exist) and they have to pretend to date so the cops don’t get too suspicious. But then this book soon turned into a “save the Christmas tree farm” , dark hallmark-esk book with a little spice at the end. Short and cute read🤷🏼♀️
December 20, 2025
This was so good! It starts when Logan’s pup brings her a human finger and it just gets crazier from there. She goes to bury a body on a ‘deserted’ farm and finds out it’s not deserted and already has a body buried there. Sounds like the beginning of a horror story but it’s just the beginning of a really good dark romance.
June 16, 2026
2.3 stars. not my usual books i read, but i wanted to try it out since i saw a post about it on tiktok from the author herself!! honestly they were so funny and clearly made for each other. i think that if i was into this genre of books i would have rated it higher :( anyways i found them very cute and honorable mention to tony that cutie.
June 23, 2026
3.75☆ it was entertaining, he's adorable and the story is cute. what I didn't like was that most of the story is told instead of shown. we get huge paragraphs of telling, montages of days instead of letting us live them with the fmc in real time. not a huge fan also of the ai wording, though the book did have tons of personality, so I'm guessing ai was used just to enhance
anyways, a fun read!
anyways, a fun read!
June 23, 2026
Olha, eu tava gostando bastante da premissa, de uma forma bem pra me divertir mesmo, mas chegou ali no meio e foi vários nadas acontecendo e eu meio que espero mais mortes ao ler um livro protagonizado por um serial killer.
June 27, 2026
This book was cute, i will say i was expecting more of a romance comedy, but it felt more like a soft short story romance. Not a lot of spice till the end and even then pretty basic for a darker romance story. Cute but nothing extraordinary.
December 18, 2025
I loved the obsession, did not love the way they bonded. I LOVED her parents though!
December 18, 2025
Really good comeback after the last one. Loved that the were both murderers. Hallmark “save a Christmas tree farm” meets Ruinous
Love series vibes.
Love series vibes.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 21, 2025
3.5⭐️ rounded up
December 23, 2025
Ah this was SUCH a good slow burn of a book. I loved the writing style and ah the characters are fucking perfect. I wish it was longer, I was living for this !!
January 8, 2026
DNF
I’m bored. The plot and storyline is there, but the way it is written is really annoying.
I’m bored. The plot and storyline is there, but the way it is written is really annoying.
January 29, 2026
3.75 🌟
February 19, 2026
About 2 1/2 hours start to finish, super quick read but not bad. Almost 3 stars but not enough material to do so, the meet-cute was definitely interesting though.
March 1, 2026
It was an easy read and I loved the concept. However, the ending left me with more to be desired ….
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 18, 2026
They are killers, but cute ones....
4⭐
4⭐
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