Christmas with the Irish Devil

by Scarlett Shelton

I never thought I’d see him again.
But in the alley, the door closes behind me—
and when the air shifts, I know before I turn.

“He is my son,” Declan says, steel in his voice.
“He is my son,” I snap, fury in mine.

Both of us are right—
and that’s the problem.

Declan O’Connell. The Irish Devil.
Boston’s most dangerous Don… and the man I swore I’d never see again.

Five years ago, I ran from him.
From his empire.
From his darkness.

But I didn’t run alone.
I carried his child.

Now he’s standing in front of me,
demanding answers.
Demanding us.

And the moment his icy blue eyes fall on my boy,
he knows the truth.

Now Declan wants it all—
me, my son, and the life I built in secret.

But this Christmas isn’t just about stolen kisses under mistletoe.
A serial killer stalks me in the snow.
Rival families circle, ready to strike.
And the Irish Devil won’t let me run again.

Not when he’s ready to burn Boston to the ground for us.

But on Christmas Eve… when the snow turns red—
will I survive being claimed by the devil himself?

Author’s Christmas with the Irish Devil is a dark, steamy holiday mafia romance packed with obsession, danger, a secret baby twist, found family, and a chilling serial killer stalking the snow.
No Cliffhanger! HEA Guaranteed!

Genres: Christmas

293 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 22, 2025

Reviews

[Lauren]

I liked the book - it was different. Loved all the food descriptions. Was it just me or is the whole book written in similes and metaphors? Also, the title is slightly misleading, they don’t really mention Christmas except in the epilogue.

[Francy Saa · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book, but to be honest, I could never fully picture the characters. The narrative style was bold and emotionally detailed but lacked the same intensity in its physical descriptions.

I was going to give this story a great recommendation, but then I read the epilogue, which was meant to be from Liam's perspective. I refuse to give credit to someone who dares to write a child's perspective without the argumentative approach (or realistic voice) of a 7-year-old in this case. Kids are not adults.

[Kelly · Rating 2 out of 5]

Aoife and Declan’s story was hard for me to get through. 2.5 stars

Aoife is an extremely independent and strong, stubborn MFC.
Declan is a mafia head and is just as strong and stubborn.

These two meet as she is the chef for a fundraising event. He is intrigued with her and he pursues her. They are together for a few months before she sees the man he really is. And she knows what he is but refused to truly see it until then. So she runs from him. His mother meddles as well which is no help. After leaving town, she finds out she is pregnant but forges ahead to do it alone.. This is until he finds her.

This story reads more formally than what it should be. It’s more in depth on food descriptions and locations and on the inner dialogs of the characters, than it is on dialog between the characters. I understand this brings the angst of the story but was not needed since both characters were strong and so stubborn. It wasn’t my kind of book in the way it was written–too stiff and formal for me. I liked the premise of the story, which had me wanting to read it. I skipped to the end after chapter 12. I wanted to like the story from the blurb but it didn't do it for me. The last two lines of the last chapter were it? After all the descriptions and everything, that was it? The epilogue didn't even make sense as to why it would be there (and yes, I know I skipped ahead, but still).

[Martha Brown · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting but I found it tough to read

In my opinion, it was excessively descriptive and unnecessarily wordy, almost as if the author wanted to write poetry instead of a novel. There was way too much emphasis & focus on the culinary aspects & weather, ad nauseum. I get it, the five senses were the stars of this book. So much so that dialogue between the characters was nonexistent in crucial places and then it would be 3 weeks later. While I could get the gist of what was going on, there was such a lack of emotion it left me not invested in the characters, one of whom was a child. It was probably around page 140 that I just got bored with all of the wordiness and I actually skipped to the end & then went backward to understand how the end came about. Not a bad book, and definitely encouraged me to use the dictionary (which I liked), but just wasn’t my cup of tea.

[Pam Evans · Rating 1 out of 5]

DNF - not my cup of tea, but could be yours

I wanted to like this book, the premise of a Chef who can spin old recipes into newer magical ones really grabbed my attention along with “mafia” romance. The issue is a personal one. I don’t think there’s anything wrong with the storyline, but by the time I reached the end of chapter ten I couldn’t continue.

The writer’s writing style is not appealing to ME. Meaning, this could absolutely be for someone else. It’s kinda hard to follow the story if you’re irritated by the writing style.

In short, not for me, but could be for you.

[Mafia Wife · Rating 4 out of 5]

Five years ago, she ran away with a secret. She didn’t think she could be a part of this life, the danger. Now she has run smack up into her past, and when he lays eyes on her secret, he knows instantly that he’s his son. And now that he knows there is no way he’s letting either of them go again. A lack of passion was never their problem, and things quickly heat back up again. There is no way he’s letting his family go the second time now he has them back. Secrets ,spice, and a happily ever after.

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

[Nadia · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is my first book by Scarlett Shelton. I needed a distraction from life and if anything could do that, a Christmas mafia book could. What I got was much more than I expected.

I was not ready for Scarlett's writing style. It's bloody beautiful. I feel like I am reading classic literature (which I actually avoid at all costs.)

"But for now, I am the station. I am the food, the hands, the spine under the starched white tablecloth. I breathe in the scents of lemon and salt and steel, and I do not drop anything."

I can't wait to get lost in more of her words.

[Linda Fairburn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Watching the person you have become to love kill another person the only thing you can do is run fir your life.
It must be hard finding out you have a son you knew nothing about, it would make anybody furious at first, forgiveness takes time.
He has a mother who shows exactly how she feels about the woman he has always loved but does welcome her grandson.
Unsolved murders, messages, kidnapping makes thus one story not to miss.

[Johanna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great story! The characters were so well written and steamy together. World building was perfectly drawn out. The plot really drove the story and was well developed and action filled, suspenseful and fast paced. Luv'd everything about this story and look forward to more from Scarlett Shelton. Thoroughly enjoyed and highly recommend this book.

Grab a copy, kick back and enjoy!.

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

[Narelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

I found this to be a book that pulls you in and makes you concentrate when you read, as it isn't something that can be read quickly or skimmed over. There is a lot of detailed writing, some written in a way that needs almost careful consideration. Aoife and Declan's story is at times dark, but is steamy and possession, protective and more, all at once.

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

[Mona Livsey · Rating 5 out of 5]

In Darkness there is Light

A well paced novel with just the right amount of mystery, cynicism, love, lust and carnal pleasure.

I enjoyed the interactions between the characters in that the unexpected flowed.

The tile threw me as I was expecting a Christmas story lol, but it did have some elements.

What I truly enjoyed was the visualization this author evokes with their writing. Along with their Passion in food!

[Jill Miller · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely gorgeous words!

This is superb. The words are butter, honey and salt. The phrases roll and wrap like velvet and show you what can't be told. Do not miss this writer. She tell a story, rich in character, pain and atmosphere, she let's you smell, taste and feel the temperature, only then does she fold in sex, passion and words laid bare.

[Kathy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Never let the people you know become your enemies.

The book has its highs and lows. The low is when she left after seeing something she shouldnt
have.
The highs are the reasons he brought her back.
It's your place to read the book to see how it's all put together.
I thoroughly enjoyedthis book and hope you do, too.

[Jenni · Rating 5 out of 5]

Aoife ran from the devil but took a secret with her now Declans back and sees the secret they share nothing will stop him from gettong them, not even a seroal unaliver targeting Aoife. Well written steamy fast paced second chances secrets, festive themes.

[Unrulyreadr Reviews · Rating 4 out of 5]

Secret baby check, passion check, murder(ing) check, spice triple check, HEA check check. Great plot, HEA, winner in my book.

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

[Sara Gerard · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not a thoughtless read

I’m not sure that I have ever read a more watercolor story. But, turn the page!!! That’s where you find the bold spice of the clashing MCs.
It’s a bit overstimulating for a relaxing read.

[Veronica Martinez · Rating 5 out of 5]

Incredibly Wonderful!!!

Such layers and drama! Through it all, a King of a Leader is patiently finding his Heart. These passionate scenes are hot and juicy!

[Ya Lectura · Rating 2 out of 5]

La escritura poética de este libro no es de mis favoritas.
Si estás pasando momentos de ansiedad este libro no es para vos.

[Regina Goins · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book

I loved it very good book it kept me interested the story line is awesome i loved the characters, brave ,loving and forgiving