Naomi has always had a soft spot for others, including her big family and chaotic friends, but often feels like her city life is lonely and uneventful.
Krampus is used to mindlessly following orders from his superiors in Hell, a fate that he has inevitably accepted, and has resigned himself to never expect more from his own life.
When Naomi's neighbor passes and unexpectedly includes Naomi in her will, she takes a holiday to explore her newly-inherited chalet in the mountains. But when she finds the beast unconscious in the snowy woods, she takes him back to the house to save his life.
The krampus becomes her guest as Naomi nurses him back to health, and as they stay in the chalet together, they form an unlikely relationship that begins to get steamy and...complicated.
I always enjoy reading Robin's books. Xyr characters are always so sweet and fun to read.
This book was just a lovely story about two characters finding each other, being open and accepting to their differences, and growing feelings. Their relationship was complicated and not what I usually read but I loved how they handled it.
That ending 😫 so bittersweet. If you want something that's sweet, cozy, with an insta lust romance definitely pick this one up!
Another fantastic Demon x Human romance for the win! I'm so happy I got to read the love story between Naomi and Krampus (Kilean). There were so many moments here that I absolutely adored. I really have a soft spot for these kinds of stories since I'm a die-hard fan of this trope.
TROPES: - Paranormal Romance (Krampus x Human) - Forbidden Love / Interspecies Romance - Curiosity Killed the Cat (But Found Love) - Insta-Love (with a twist) - Worlds Collide - Bittersweet Ending
📌 Their conversation is pure gold! Cozy yet wonderfully "blunt." What I mean by blunt is they talk about everything. No shame at all! Their different cultures, human and demon worlds, even some intimate hot topics.
📌 I just love Naomi's chatty personality. She's so kind... and it's awesome that she's a fellow book reader too! I can't believe she loves demon x human romance. Just like me!!! Although she was still a bit afraid after their "not so good" first meeting, her curiosity about Kilean's world as a Krampus was interesting. This was my first time reading a Krampus x human romance... so just like Naomi, I was also curious haha!
📌 We have Kilean here, (the Krampus). I don't know why, but I seriously wanted to know more about him. More of his POV, more about his world. Anything and everything! The story is quite short, you can probably read it in an hour or two. So... fingers crossed for a Season 2 where we get to explore more of him and his world! I also loved how blunt he was whenever Naomi asked him about himself. I nearly dropped my Kindle when he quite literally "showed" Naomi the answer to one of her most burning Krampus questions! 😂😂
📌 I'm usually not one for insta-love. I really prefer to see characters get to know each other before they become an official couple. But Robin Jo Margaret's work here made me realize that it's not always a bad thing. Sometimes, a couple can just click, falling in love instantly and...you know, sticking together as if they've finally found their way home forever.
THE ENDING? It wasn't bad at all. The author did give a warning that it would be bittersweet. But as a reader who GENUINELY loved this book and hoping for the best for Naomi and Kilean (not going to lie, Maam)... I was still sad. These characters really deserve so much better together. I just want to give them a big hug!
Finally, I have to mention how much I adored that it's set around Christmas. It's my favorite time of year, and reading this book brought me so much comfort. It felt like Christmas just kept going! ------------ NOTE: This is my personal opinion about the book. My goal is to share my experience, not to change anyone's perspective. Thank you to Robin Jo Margaret for giving me the opportunity to read this early.
Got an ARC from the author ___ It's a fun and sweet book. But I missed a bit of plot and character building. The story ended as sudden as it started. Nevertheless it was a fun read and I enjoyed it.
Absolutely ADORABLE 🥹🥰 Robin Jo writes the SWEETEST characters who like to do some filthy things 🤭
The story is short but we get plenty of background on the two MCs and get to know them well within the few pages. I really liked their relationship journey and getting to know them. The Krampus world and magic was interesting and well thought out. I personally would’ve liked a little more of a concrete ending but I do appreciate the one we got. This was overall just super sweet and HOT! I can’t wait for another Robin Jo story!!
A lot of this novella felt like a "hurry up and wait" for the characters. There are a few time jumps, but they're clear and make sense with the plot. I do think this is a cozy, steamy read perfect for this time of year with winter quickly (unfortunately) approaching. I highly recommend if you're looking for a queer monster romance to fit seasonal vibes!
Well this was different. Naomi inherits a chalet in the mountains and finds a wounded Krampus in the woods. She takes him home and bandages him. When he rouses himself that starts a long term relationship . She gives him a name, Kilean and starts his journey to wanting more. It was wild and kinky and so hot but I still felt sorry for them because it wasn’t your typical monster romance with the HEA. .
Rescuing Krampus is a shorter standalone story by Robin Jo Margaret. Here’s what you can expect from Naomi and Kilean:
❤️ MF paranormal romance ❤️ Third person dual point of view ❤️ Happy but also kind of bittersweet ending ❤️ She finds him bloodied and almost lifeless ❤️ Black bisexual human female main character ❤️ Autistic coded awkward old man Krampus ❤️ She gives meaning to his life ❤️ Unconventional relationship agreement ❤️ They’re both mid/plus-sized ❤️ He’s got a cock pocket and a knot
As always, ensure you review the content and trigger warnings to decide if this book is right for you. Note that this list of warnings and triggers may be incomplete. Please take care of yourself while reading.
I always love reading Robin Jo Margaret’s work, and Rescuing Krampus was no exception. This was absolutely adorable and on the unconventional side, and I had the best time reading it in one afternoon. It takes place in December to coincide with the “legends” told about the Krampus, and it definitely had those cozy monstrous vibes that I’ve come to expect from xyr work. I particularly loved how Naomi shared her Christmas traditions with Kilean. I really had a great time getting to know both characters, too. Naomi was hilarious and I admired how determined she was to take care of an injured Krampus. I couldn’t help but be endeared to Kilean as he became more comfortable in Naomi’s presence. Robin reflected on xyr own experience writing Kilean and his mannerisms, and I appreciated the work that went into his character and the development. I would’ve loved to learn a little more about the variety of different demons in Hell and their “ascension” process.
The spice in this book, as I’ve come to expect from Robin’s work, was phenomenal. These two had such amazing chemistry and were just so sensual together. I loved it! I think the author did a great job with the character descriptions too, and it really added to the size difference between the characters (the adorably illustrated cover also helps with that). Finally, don’t let the promise of the unconventional relationship arrangement and bittersweet happily ever after scare you. This is a great monster romance, and with all of this author’s works, I appreciate the different variations of relationship xe give us and how happily ever after looks a little different for every single relationship.
I received an advanced review copy of this book from the author and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I really enjoyed this short novella. I haven't read any Krampus romance yet so this was my first one and I really enjoyed it. Robin did an amazing job. It follows Naomi as she inherited a house from her neighbour. She decides to go visit it as it is the perfect place to spend the winter in as it is a chalet in the mountains. When she is out exploring she comes across an injured beast. Naomi takes it back to her home and helps it back to health. Krampus is thankful for the help and stays over at the chalet, they begin to form an unlikely friendship with something more growing. I loved seeing these two connect. At first Naomi is naturally scared but Krampus makes her realise they are not harming her. Seeing them also connect and accept their differences was so amazing. I love how Robin wrote them as characters, I adored them so much. If you are looking for a cosy, steamy monster romance this is for you! Thanks Robin Jo Margaret for this eARC in exchange for an honest review.
I loved this story. While fantastical, the realism of the limitations of their relationship touched me. While harrowing, the moments of compassion, understanding, and honesty really made me happy.
The recurring theme of grief and longing made my heart squeeze, especially given Kilean's enslaved, misunderstood existence. Naomi's empathy and curiosity, her willingness to be open minded and understanding was a great salve for Kilean. I'm glad they had a realistic understanding that still maintained their love at the end.
A non traditional happily ever after, I suppose, but one that satisfied me. 🖤🤌🏾
(Also, thank you for the neurodivergent, body, race, and non-death related grief exploration representation!)
This was so sweet and sexy. I loved the healing journey, the baking scenes, and the special relationship that built between the characters. I thought their relationship was very real and they had no pretenses. Very low angst, but I love that. The tension feels like it stays with you longer when the love is built from a place of understanding and mutual respect. I loved the spice. I wanted more! Lol. I also loved the representation in this book. Idk. I just really connected with both characters. It was a fun story and I think perfect for any time of year! But I'm definitely reading it again at Christmas time.
The vibes were perfect. I wish I could read this again for the first time. The MC’s are my personality now and I had so many feelings I will probably never touch this book again, definitely recommend!
EKKK WHERE DO I EVEN BEGIN sooooo gut wrenching and so good!! I enjoyed the fuck outta this book and cannot wait for robins next release definitely 4.5 starts and 🌶️🌶️🌶️/5 spice level ❤️❤️🫶🏽
I picked this one up during a multi author book sale and this book was tagged as having a neurodivergent character, so I decided to give it a try. And I thought the snowy holiday themed story would be a fun read during this time of year. Rescuing Krampus is a quick read that follows the points of views of Noami and a Krampus who later goes by Kilean. Noami has inherited a cabin in the mountains and when she goes there she finds an injured Krampus and she takes care of his wounds. Once he wakes they grow closer and get to know each other.
I had expected there to be more steam in this book based on the content warnings and while there certainly is plenty of steam, there are also some really sweet moments as well as quite a bit about the demons and how that all works and them figuring out a way to be together. I thought it was interesting learning a bit about hell, demons and Krampus. I liked Naomi and Kilean together and seeing them connect. I especially liked the scenes of them cooking together and decorating the Christmas tree, there's also a very thoughtful gift Kilean gives Naomi later on.
There are some big time skips in this book, but I thought it worked well with some information about what happens in between. I did wish I would've learned more about the characters, but I thought the author actually handled that pretty well with them both still having plenty of personality and depth. Kilean is neurodivergent coded and I thought that was handled well.
While I enjoyed most of the book I struggled with the ending, the warning at the start said it was a happy, but slightly bittersweet ending, but I thought the ending was just sad and depressing with a bit of hope. There is an additional more happy ending and the note in the book implied they will have a happier ending there, but this is what the author intended as the ending and for the bonus ending you have to join their paid Patreon. I think stories should be complete and contain all the content. And for a romance book I did feel the current ending didn't really work.
To summarize: I mostly had fun reading this book. I liked reading about Naomi and Kilean and learning a bit about demons and Krampus. This one is quite steamy, but I was actually surprised it wasn't more steamy as from the blurb and note at the start I had expected an even steamier read. There are plenty of sweet scenes and some about them figuring out a way to be together. This one has some large time skips, but I thought those worked well. And I thought reading about Kilean who was an neurodivergent coded Krampus was interesting. I did struggle with the ending and that did diminish my enjoyment of the book as I thought it was quite sad and depressing, with a bit of hope, instead of the slightly bittersweet the author note cautioned about and bonus ending is only available for paid Patreon members, I am not a fan of this marketing strategy and think it should've been included in the book.
*3.5 Thank you to the author for providing me with an e-arc in exchange for an honest review!
I eat Robert Jo Margarets writing up each time, and this was no exception. Naomi and Krampus had such good chemistry, and it was lovely seeing their relationship develop past purely sexual.
The spicy parts, although well written, didn't really do anything for me, especially because Insta lust isn't really my cup of tea. Though, the wholesome parts made up for it. I loved seeing them cuddle, bake and just interact in general. Them trying to meet up each year was really sweet, and the ending, even though I knew it would be, was indeed bittersweet. Even though I love angst, I do also love a happy ending, especially in romance, so it did make me sad, as I was really rooting for Naomi and Krampus.
It did feel kind of strange to read it during May when the book is set in December lol, but that obviously is not the books fault. Also Krampus lore?? Didn't know I needed it, but it is highly appreciated.
Rescuing Krampus was a fine little holiday escape, cozy chalet and all. Naomi’s likable, though we only get a small glimpse of her backstory, so she stays a bit surface-level. Krampus himself is genuinely sweet, and the autistic coding the author mentions adds an interesting layer to his POV that I found really endearing. Their relationship moves fast, but also weirdly slow, thanks to the fact that krampuses are only unleashed once per year, which makes the pacing feel a little uneven at times.
The spice kicks in immediately, and I'm totally cool with thar, but the moment “pleasure cream” appeared on the page, I nearly DNF'd. That phrase is now on the "Nope" list. Still, the vibe between them is soft and warm, and I'm totally jealous of their secluded mountain-chalet.
It’s not a perfect story, but it’s cozy enough to fill a chilly evening, and the sweetness between them carries it through the rough spots.
i’m a huge character person, and the characters in rescuing krampus are pretty indistinguishable from each other. there’s little personality, little depth, little background. i was uncomfortable most of the time reading this, too. i think it borders on inappropriate when krampus is described as almost animal-like and brutish, and naomi is attracted to him. just bizarre, honestly. i think the true audience is people who are simply here for the erotica, and that’s it. which is fine, but totally not what i’m into and not what i expected from this book either.
i also found the formatting pretty strange—spelling errors, grammatical errors, and a weird intro and epilogue explaining the story, which wasn’t needed and honestly read kind of low-confidence. it sort of set the stage for how the rest of the book ended up feeling. also, i think it’s kind of icky that you’re asked to PAY for the epilogue at the end through patreon? like that’s crazy, dude
This book was well-written, but I just didn't really click with the story. I do enjoy Monster Romance, but that one was just not for me. The characters were interesting, I liked Naomi.
Pick it up if you like: - Insta-lust/love - Monsters (obviously) - Strong but complicated relationship
Make sure to read the trigger warnings. This is an open door romance (and fast-paced), and there is some blood too.
I received an e-ARC from the author. Thank you for the opportunity. This review is my own and I'm leaving it voluntarily.
This was an interesting read. I loved where it was going but the ending lol. I need more. I don’t know if I could do like Naomi and wait for Krampus. She gave alot to keep their thing going. But at the same time he didn’t want her to just wait which is touching. One night a year isn’t enough for me but these two seemed to do ok. They had a great connection that lasted even bus trips to hell.
This was a monster romance between a sort of grumpy out of touch Krampus and a human. It also involved large time jumps. I think that plus the shortness of the book led to feeling too removed from the story and like I didn’t really connect to the characters. The ending was (for me) a borderline not HEA.
The story was good but i wish there was more of it. I feel like everything was either rushed through or there were elements that could have been added and weren’t. Such as learning about the changes he went through and how. As far as the story, I thought it was a nice cozy read to enjoy during the holidays.
Very cute, loved the characters, but I was a bit startled at how short it is and how quickly the pacing moves. It's very much a novella rather than a novel. I do wish it had been a bit longer so we could have dived more deeply into the relationship between Naomi and Kilean.
Won this book in a StoryGraph giveaway! Very grateful to be able to win and receive this. But just wasn’t up my street. Written very well and I can appreciate the story would be very interesting and gripping for others!!