*It is not necessary to read this before Hellcat drops in October, however it is recommended. *
It’s Yule, and Shem is frantically getting the House of the Fallen decorated to celebrate.
However, much like for humans, the holiday season stirs up complex emotions for the demons of Hell.
Shem’s plans are thwarted by the appearance of a Krampus which seems determined to prevent Shem from harvesting the Yule tree of his dreams.
Gabe can’t understand Shem’s desperation to make this holiday season special, but he’s determined to defeat the Krampus and get Shem his Yule tree just the same.
This short holiday Novelette is only ten chapters, but is packed full of laughs and a healthy side of angst, because lets be serious, it wouldn’t be the holidays if we didn’t all feel a lil angsty.
Oh how I missed these characters. This was a fun little peek at what Shem and Gabe are up to during Yule. It was so sweet and just spicy enough to reignite that excitement for what’s to come (no pun intended) for these two in the future. I cannot wait for book two!
A short and sweet story that shows us the relationship dynamic between Gabe and Shem. Watching Gabe trying his hardest to give Shem what he wants most while trying to navigate the tenuous situation between them is just heartwarming. Shem being so guarded but yet yearning to give into Gabe and forget about the heartbreak and betrayal that he has suffered thru. Sometimes you get what you need and not what you want for Christmas.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Reading this after Hellcat was the best decision I could have made. It didn’t feel like a simple holiday novella - it felt like uncovering the origin story of two characters whose chaos, hunger, and history deserved to be seen from the very beginning. Having already met Shem and Gabe, I could appreciate them with a deeper, sharper awareness: the kind that comes from knowing exactly how broken, how powerful, and how emotionally tangled they truly are.
Honestly, it should come with a warning label, because the whiplash between “these two are disasters” and “oh, so this is where the disasters began” is chef’s kiss perfection.
Shem and Gabe’s first time together? In a holiday micro-story? Yes. I devoured it like demonic Christmas pudding.
After Hellcat, I thought I already understood their feral, emotionally constipated chemistry - but THIS? This is the blueprint of all their bad decisions, all their longing, all their “I’m fine” lies. Suddenly, every smirk Shem throws later makes even more sense. That man hides existential yearning behind sarcasm like it’s an Olympic sport.
And Gabe? Sweet, stubborn Gabe, trying so hard not to fall into bed with the universe’s most unhinged cat-man… only to fall anyway. Repeatedly. Majestically.
This novella isn’t about plot. It’s about vibes. Chaotic holiday vibes. Demonic thirst vibes. The “we’re both terrible ideas but let’s keep going” vibes.
I highlighted half the book because Shem speaks exclusively in iconic one-liners and deeply concerning flirting techniques - and honestly, I respect that.
It’s short, unhinged, festive in a “Santa has been kidnapped but everyone’s weirdly into it” way, and it made me want to reread Hellcat immediately.
Five stars. Five talons. Five chaotic Christmas spirits. A perfect addition to the universe - not essential for plot, but absolutely essential for heart (and other body parts).
"Blasphemy! This isn't Christmas you uncultured swine! It's YULE! Don't you bring that twat's shitty rebrand in here, you're just going to bum everyone out."
"This demon got me in a way that no one else really had. He knew exactly the type of shit that made my black little heart purr,and instead of shying away from all the chaos I wanted to cause, he leaned into it. It was like he wanted to watch the world burn right along with me, and I honestly had never felt more fucking seen."
Ok this was such a cute and adorable novella with the family. I loved seeing more Lilith and Ramel. But I was so excited to finally see a glimpse of the new relationship between Shem and Gabe. These two have me in a chokehold! Gabe is so sweet and patient. He will do anything for Shem. Shem is locked up tight and refuses to love again or open up. Gabe will unlock him soon. This was a cute Christmas novella. Loved how Gabe made Shem happy so easily in this. Can't wait for their full length book! 🎄🎁🎅😈🖤🐈⬛️🐦⬛
I went in thinking this would be a fun, festive dark twist on Christmas, or Yule I should say, and it was, but it also gave me so much more.
I found myself grinning one minute and blushing the next (maybe several nexts 😏). The chemistry, the tension, and that deliciously dangerous energy that only Alexandra can write. It all worked perfectly. I loved how she took a familiar holiday myth and turned it into something haunting, seductive, and unforgettable.
I finished it way too quickly, and it left me wanting more… more darkness, more heat, and definitely more Shem and Gabe.
I bought this novella because I want to read Hellcat and it is highly recommended that this be read beforehand (and also the first book, which is MF, or more like MMMF based on how far I got in Krampus, but my days of enjoy MF romances are over.)
First of all, I was STILL really lost, so I feel like you really do have to read the first book to appreciate this one and I am sure you need to read it to appreciate Hellcat. So that is already annoying.
But more than that, I am not a HUGE paranormal person but when I do read it, I prefer a certain writing style. I think St. Pierre is a really great writer, but the dialogue in this book feels too anachronistic for the content. It’s like underworld demon stuff, I expect a bit more polish in the conversations.
Also, the pacing was not great. I was halfway through and I was bored. Also, I don’t give a shit about a Krampus.
Spice rating: 🌶️.5 Favorite quote: "Tell me, Shemhazai. What do bad boys get for Christmas, hmm?” He purred, and my c0ck twitched in my pants.
Review: This novelette was super cute and a great setup for the relationship dilemma that Shem and Gabriel will be working through while on their adventure in their book. I loved the checkin with Lilith and Ramel! I'm so happy for them and in love them them at the same time. Also, how can I have a gothic yule, too? I'd prefer it way over celebrating Yahweh (you stink). This story gave me what I needed to hold me over until the next book comes, but then I'll be eating that shit up!!
📖𝗥𝗘𝗩𝗜𝗘𝗪📖 How cute was this!!! Wait is that the right way to describe this? Probably not. But it was hella cute. I love this (for the most part) care free peek into Shem & Gabe’s life.
Gabe’s present was so freaking presh 🤣 and this was a perfect buffer to read before Hellcat releases!!
It wasn't a 'must read' but I'm a completionist so wanted to absorb the entire world. only ten chapters so a quick read that brought me back into the world of Shem and Gab (and Lilith and Ram).
I really enjoyed things from Gab and Shem's perspective and it's made me excited to read their book (next on the tbr). centres around the celebration of Yule and how the demons are preparing. I loved the character insights and hints of things to come with the trauma that both Shem and Gab are still reeling from.
I also enjoyed the typical fun banter i've done to associate with St Pierre ❤️
5/5 ⭐️ • 3/5 🌶️ Shemhazai • Gabriel A quick little novella to give us a sneak peek into what we are going to get to experience in Hellcat with Shem and Gabriel. Only sweet, loyal Gabriel would go through the trouble to bring home the perfect present for Shem which includes a tamed Krampus and the most perfect yule that Shem has his eye on in hopes to get more attention and affection from Shem. I am super excited to see how their love and affection will progress in Hellcat and I have a feeling they will both be each others undoing in the best way possible.
Shem just wants a perfect Yule, Gabe is desperate to make it happen, and then—bam—Krampus shows up to ruin everything. Between the snark, drama and healing past traumas, and the sweet little moments of love, this novella hit me right in the feels. Sometimes the holidays don’t give you what you want…but they give you exactly what you need.
Spice level: 🌶️🌶️ (short, sweet, and a little steamy) Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
I Finished the novella in between of a Krumbus for Christmas While I did Love Lilith and Ram in Deathtrap my favourite character was Shem and in this we got to see a little more of Shem and Gabe who are in the next Novel Hell Cat While it is said it is not needed to read before you read Hell Cat I highly recommend that you do! We get to see a little more of Gabe as a character reading more from his prospective this novella I felt helped get a taste for the dynamics and the tones that will be in Hell Cat from what I have read so far of it. Also, who does not love a little bit of angst.
This was so stinkin' cute!! I just love Gabriel, so, so much. Shem, meh, not so much! 😅 He is such an ass. I know, I know there is a lot more to Shem than what we see. But Deathtrap and now this story, I just want to kick him in the ass!!
Now on to Hellcat! Let's see what's up with the demon of chaos!!
Started: October 3rd, 2025 Finished: October 3rd, 2025 Format: Kindle
This was a perfect holiday Novella to wrap up Deathtrap! It was 56 pages putting you right into the mindset to continue the story. This had humor, quick banter, a bit of steamy spice that makes you want to stop all of your other current reads and move strait to Hellcat if you haven't started already! I am not ready to be done with this bookish world! Words I loved: Krampus. Crawling. Control. come on demand. Did I mention there was a Krampus?
As someone who fell in love with Shem in Deathtrap, I knew I needed to read this novelette featuring Shem and Gabe as soon as I was able. This was such a fun read that got me even more excited for more to come. The banter, the conflict and the spice were all exactly what I expected from this one. Highly recommend!
Reading this novella is the perfect way to get amped up for Hellcat release coming soon! I have missed these characters so much. I love how this shows the headspace that Shem and Gabe are in that I assume will lead into the start of Hellcat. Plus, this read is perfect for the holidays with a unique and funny twist on Christmas.
What in the world does a Krampus have to do with The Murder & Mayhem series? A little insight to Shem and Gabe’s relationship, Gabe’s need to keep everyone at arms length, witty banter, a heartwarming moment of accepting a long awaited gift (or two 😉), and a SUPER steamy scene that Gabe and Shem are LONG over due for. Another MUST read by ASP!!