Holly and the Beast

by Shena N. Again

Holly Wells. New Winter Festival Coordinator. And Christmas expert. Or so I thought.

Because reviving Christmas in Frostby is proving harder than a nutcracker’s… cracker.

The town doesn’t celebrate anymore. They won’t say why. And they get real weird whenever someone mentions the mountain looming over Main Street.

So when an ancient map practically dares me to climb it, I grab my peppermint chapstick and go—armed with determination, poor judgment, and festive tights.

What I don’t expect is a snowstorm, an abandoned shack, and a very grumpy, very green Winter Guardian who smells like pine, spice, and bad decisions.

Now I’m stuck with a beast who communicates primarily in growls and eye-rolls, a town with more secrets than Santa's naughty list, and a holiday that might need saving from whatever curse apparently makes everyone here allergic to joy.

Fortunately, I’m as hard-headed as a gingerbread left on the counter too long.

And nobody out-Christmases Holly Wells.

Holly & the Beast is a cozy, spicy holiday monster romance about saving traditions, healing old wounds, and finding home in unexpected places.

Because sometimes the coldest places hold the warmest hearts.

200 pages, Kindle Edition

Published December 20, 2025

Reviews

[Nantia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hands down and fight me, this is the best christmas monster romance out there and I will fight everyone for this.
I came for the smut and stayed for the plot kind of experience. And you know what this is? UNIQUE. Like kind of a Winter Guardian unique.
The humor? 10 out of 10.
The characters? 10 out of 10.
The plot? 10 out of 10!
This easily fights for the best ARC of the year on my humble list.
Honestly, I don't think I can praise it enough.

[Ro Chelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

꧁Book Review꧂

The story follows Holly, new to the town of Frostby and determined to bring Christmas cheer to the townspeople terrified of a bauble. However when the locals are less than happy about her festive ministrations, she decides to take herself the forbidden mountain to find out what’s got them all scared. Except she doesn’t find a what…she finds a monster.

Folks prepare thyselves, for I’m about to RANT!!!
Ohhhhhh I loved it! *kicks feet in the air and cackles* everything about this was festively glorious!
Hairy grinch-like monster with a Christmas tree shaped dong ✅
Grumpy x sunshine trope ✅
Secrets and forgotten truths ✅
Snowed in and we must use our body heat to survive ✅
I loved this spin on the Grinch; our MMC Grint was a Christmassy treat I’d like to unwrap and his utter disgust for her lack of survivals skills had me cracking up - it’s giving “Cindy Lou…WHAT ARE YOU DOING UP THERE?!”.
But the best part of this book was Holly. Her Christmassy euphemisms were cheesy (and I loved it!) but the whole narrative was just generally witty and hilarious - like every internal thought I would have had trampling up that god forsaken mountain 😂

Overall, I highly recommend this jolly joint up the Summit Path even when it’s not Christmas time because it’s bloody hilarious!
Rating: 🎄🎄🎄🎄🎄

[Talia Samara · Rating 3 out of 5]

Holly and the Beast is like if Leslie Knope was hired by a small town to save Christmas, then she gets railed by a hot version of the Grinch.

I really enjoyed a lot about this fun holiday romp, including the spicy scenes and the absurd Christmas-tree-shaped member.

Unfortunately the rest of the book fell flat for me. I think there wasn’t enough buildup in the town and what it was like. I also wish there was a little more buildup to Holly and Grint’s physical relationship. I love instalove if it’s done right, but this one fell a little flat for me. I also felt the Christmas puns were fun, but I was not buying Holly’s Christmas obsession to the point of Christmas-themed expletives.

All of that being said, I still had fun with this book and recommend it if you’re looking for a fun, short, christmasy book with decent spice. 💖 Merry Christmas ya filthy animals!

Thank you to Shena N. Again and team for providing me with an ARC!

[Ryann Rice · Rating 4 out of 5]

I saw another review say that this book is like if Leslie
Knope was hired by a small town to save Christmas them gets railed by a hot version of the Grinch and I couldn’t agree more 🤣🤣🤣

I thoroughly enjoyed my time reading this. There was lore and magic and a Christmas tree shaped 🍆

Grint was a delight and he was down bad for our girl Holly. Sure he was grumpy and misguided (a true Ben Wyatt to our Leslie Knope to keep the analogy alive) and I was here for the grumpy sunshine dynamic. And oh the spice 🥵🥵🥵 we get claws and teeth and “mine” all up and down the mountain 😮‍💨🫠🎄💚

I could have used more of the lore and magic explained but hey it was 200 pages of holiday spice so I’m not too made about it. And of all the grinch inspired books I’ve read this is one of the better ones I’ve read!

[dayshereads]

Fun and silly but also sweet holiday story based on The Grinch. There are a couple key differences but the jist is there.

I loved the unabashed holidayness of it and that it wasn’t instant attraction. Maybe more like instant frustration and sort of rivalry. The beginning felt a little slow but not discouragingly so.

Once we got to know The Winter Guardian he was enduring in his grumpiness. And Holly was a joy the whole time. I especially liked that the mountain was its own character.

The monster part of the book was great. He is for sure a cryptid (as Holly points out a bunch of times) and acts like it the majority of the time. His special cryptid anatomy is fun and so very festive. Especially loved the special tastes. Who doesn’t love a holiday cocktail? ;)

[ThatsSomeGoodSmut · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to the author for a copy of this book.

This was a cute, cozy, and spicy holiday read that hit exactly what I wanted from a Christmas monster romance. Holly is pure sunshine, dropped into a town that clearly wants nothing to do with Christmas, and watching her push back against Frostby’s secrets was half the fun. I liked the dynamic between the grumpy Winter Guardian and Holly. The banter was playful, the grumpy x sunshine energy was obvious, and their forced proximity during the snowstorm worked well.

This was a fun, quick holiday read with monster romance charm and heat. If you want something festive, grumpy, and easy to get through in one sitting, this is a solid pick.

[Elizabeth · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Death by cryptid Christmas tree d*ck. RIP Holly. At least she died jolly"

This was SO fun to read, I absolutely had a blast from start to finish. Not only was this a super funny Christmas "monster" romance but it was so creative.
I absolutely loved the lore behind Grint and the town. The journal entries and ornaments in the cavern were also so original and really brought everything together. The little details in this book really made you feel the magic of Christmas while also really enjoying some other Christmas shaped things *cough*

I highly recommend this book and really look forward to seeing more from this author duo!

[monika_is_booked · Rating 5 out of 5]

Two beings with a difficult past. Both invisible to others for very different reasons, now they have the chance to finally let the masks fall and get accepted for who they are, if only they are brave enough.
This is such a fun story laced through with a lot of heart and festive joy. Ever read a story that plays out like a cartoon in your head? Well this one did exactly that for me. I enjoyed it from start to finish and it was probably one of the most heartwarming Christmas stories I've ever read. On the re-read list it went immediately. The special fun times equipment was just a bonus 😉.

[Carrie Mosbrucker · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you want to get into the holiday spirt with a Grinch twist, this book definitely has it! Holly is brought into Frostby, to be the new Christmas Coordinator but what she didn’t expect was a town full of secrets. With a trek onto the Mt, Holly is saved by Grint and the banter begins!

“So… do you have a name, or should I just call you ‘Green Guy’?”

Sunshine meets Grumpy, playful banter, and a whole lot of holiday spirt!

[Azarra Lucas · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a cute and spicy holiday novella with the MMC Grinch coded.
And instead of a heart that grows three times in size, he has a… Christmas tree 🎄 The characters were very obviously sunshine and grumpy, despite both coming from a past of abandonment. This was such a fun read. If you’re looking for a cute holiday monster romance, this is it!!!!

[RogueMarina · Rating 5 out of 5]

Quick, cozy and easy read. It was easy to follow and the characters were very obviously grumpy x sunshine and the dialogue is very festive. If you're looking for a holiday monster romance and you like Grinchy vibes, this is it for you.

[Ash · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely loved and devoured this. It was hilarious and the Grinch is my fave Christmas story. Was very well done. This might be my new favorite holiday read, it's definitely one of them. Give this a chance, you won't be disappointed. Was definitely worth the read.

[Callie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a fun read! Like monster romance? Need a quick cozy and spicy Christmas read? Did you ever have a teeny tiny crush on the Grinch? Ok then grab this book!

[Erin Houghton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely loved!

I 100% will be rereading this story every Christmas from here on out! I loved everything about this book. It’s short, sweet, and spicy!

[Paige Nisevic · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a nice and spicy winter re telling. The characters were well built for a short book and the story was well written!

[Tamara · Rating 3 out of 5]

Cute

Not what I expected when I picked this up. It was a cute Christmas read. I have a few questions plot wise, but overall enjoyable.

[Nicole (Neeneer) · Rating 5 out of 5]

CUTE!!!!!

This book was freaking adorable!!! Holly and Grint come together to save the town and help the town’s people remember the joy again!!