Never Kiss a Krampus: A Cozy Holiday Monster Romance

by Honey Phillips

A desperate shop keeper. A very grumpy Krampus. A Christmas miracle?

Noelle Green needs a miracle. The town of Mistletoe Hollow is being devoured by a Grinch-like developer, and her beloved Christmas shop is next to the list. Fueled by peppermint schnapps and desperation, she performs a ritual for Yuletide aid.

She gets a miracle, all right—just not the kind she expected. She accidentally summons a Krampus, all towering muscle, wicked horns, and glowing eyes. Bound to her until Christmas, Bastian is ancient, annoyed, and very sure she owes him for dragging him across realms.

Noelle's attraction to her grumpy, imposing house guest is as undeniable as it is terrifying. But between magical punishments, enchanted tinsel, and kisses that melt snowflakes, this holiday season is about to get very, very naughty.

Genres: Christmas, Paranormal Romance, Ebooks, Holiday Romance, Romance

322 pages, Paperback

Published December 1, 2025

Reviews

[CB · Rating 4 out of 5]

REVIEW

Rating: 4/5
POV: 1st, Single (FMC)
Tropes: Grumpy/Sunshine; Paranormal Christmas Krampus/Human; Slow Burn; Contracts
Heat Level: 3/5
Kinks: N/A

Likes:
* The book was exactly what it markets itself to be - cozy!
* Krampus and Noelle were both such good characters. Noelle was perfectly cheerful and funny and Krampus was grumpy and had the best dry humor lol.

Dislikes:
* Definitely repetitive. It could’ve probably been a Instalove novella.

Conclusion:
What a cute monster cozy Christmas story! I think this might be my first official monster/human book (I could 100% be wrong) and I really liked it! Definitely was different.

Both MCs perfectly embodied their roles in the grumpy/sunshine trope. The overall plot was entertaining. Their banter was really funny and the slow burn was really good!

It’s just not 5 stars level because of the repetition. It should’ve been 50-100 pages shorter, which yes would’ve gotten rid of the slow burn and made it instalove I’m sure, but clearly the author didn’t have anything else to add to the story either.

* Please note that someone else has made a review stating the author used AI. I honestly have absolutely no idea if they did as I’m terrible at telling these things.

4/5

[Petra Hart · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.6. It’s too sweet to be satisfying as a Krampus story, but I loved his Germanic grumpiness, and the central conflict caught my fancy (even tho it’s a re-hash of “It’s a Wonderful Life”).

But really, Noelle is so so sweet I couldn’t see the attraction, or why she needed a Krampus specifically. Krampus could have been any ancient winter deity because nothing in her situation required his, erm, essential disciplinary character.

It’s a problem because he’s a Krampus, for goodness sakes, and she’s so sweet and perfect his essential (disciplinary) Dom-ishness doesn’t come into play. There’s one playful “switching” bit. More is teased, but it’s closed door.

So, an enjoyable read that needed more darkness to find a better balance, or to work as a Krampus romance. It you don’t need his forceful spankiness, the MMC could be any powerful winter monster.

[Blue · Rating 1 out of 5]

clearly especially around the 75% mark, the book is written by chatgpt or the like and has not even been edited to be in the author's style. pages are full of the stupid formulation "it is not A, it is B." okay, I don't care what it isn't why do you need to tell me that? what is the point of saying it did not glide across the room, it did something else. just tell me the something else why would a sentient normal author fill their pages with this "it was not that it was this" crap? I am very disappointed in how it turned out. I could not even read the rest. Before that point I thought that it was just that author forgot somethings they edited it badly etc because lots of things didn't really connect properly and the smell of the krampus was restated like it was as just discovered by Noëlle like 5-6 times. also the way Noëlle thought that he was just scared but it was not important was ridiculous cause it was not explained why being unmade would not be something krampus should not be afraid of. like he will disappear from existence and you are only thinking about how it's not fair for him to be afraid caus you wanna bang the guy?!? wtf?

[Angela · Rating 4 out of 5]

A cute and short Christmas read. Noelle and Bastien have that sunny/grumpy romance going on. He has no clue just what hi-jinks she has in store for him.

[Alexis · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars. I’m not always a fan of contemporary, cozy type romances but I really enjoyed this one! Bastian was wonderfully grumpy but so sweet. There a few moments that felt like a little more editing could have been used, consistencies in where objects or characters were located in a scene from one part to later on which took me out of things a bit. But overall glad I gave this book a shot!

[Jessica Grogan · Rating 2 out of 5]

DNF at 61% after NINE days. My two main issues: the heroine only POV (which I did not realize before I purchased) and the fact that they just seemed to be going in circles the entire time. I’m all for the slow burn as long as SOMETHING interesting is happening and the mystery wasn’t enough to make up for it.

[Jay · Rating 1 out of 5]

Your beau tells you that if he has a relationship with you it will unmake him and he will cease to exist and you say "Oooh don't be scared, face your fears. At least you'd have experienced something wonderful." 🙄

[Kelly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Peppermint schnapps and a greedy developer making life miserable for Noelle and her town makes a person take chances they might not have taken if that delectable winter liquor hadn't been involved. A little salt, a little willing blood, and some spoken words later and Noelle is the proud owner (sort of ) of a glowery Krampus.

This Krampus happens to be tall, furry, hot, and likes order and balance. Two things Noelle is not so great at. I mean, she's not a chaos gremlin or anything, but she definitely doesn't quite live up to Bastian's exacting standards when it comes to ornament and light placement. HOWEVER, Bastian is more than willing to instruct her on the proper tree to ornament ration. And Noelle REALLY doesn't mind getting up close and personal during that instruction.

Bastian is intimidating, exacting, and observant. He makes Noelle face some hard truths, but he's also willing to change his stance when he sees something that works that he didn't suggest. That said, his existence is complicated and their time together is limited to the time it takes to fulfill the task he was summoned for. Bastian is resigned to it, but Noelle is just stubborn enough to try to find any loophole she can to keep the big grump around for longer.

A little Christmas magic, a cat with no survival instincts, a town working to revive the spirit of the season, a grumpy Krampus who doesn't dare fall for the woman who summoned him, and a lady who believes the best in people even when they're furred and scowling. *thumbs up*

-Kelly @ Reading the Paranormal

[Carole · Rating 5 out of 5]

Never Kiss a Krampus is definitely a cozy holiday monster romance that finds it’s MFC
Noelle Green lamenting the loss of businesses in the town of Mistletoe Hollow because of a greedy developer who now has her beloved Noelle’s Nook Christmas shop in his sights.
A once thriving town was now slowly being taken apart by corporate greed.
What’s a girl to do besides delve into a bottle of liqueur all the while wishing for a little Christmas magic.
When rummaging in the attic amongst her grans possessions she comes across an old trunk full of old books and unexpectedly finds the magic she was looking for in a journal under the section Yuletide Aid.
What did she have to loose by following the ritual?
Ha Ha, I know where this is going to lead and wasn’t disappointed!
Another richly crafted story from one of my favorite authors soon tickles my holiday fancy when Noelle’s miracle turns out to be a very annoyed and ancient Bastian commonly referred to as a Krampus.
Let me tell you he had me laughing when he rakes that gaze over
Noelle from top to bottom and asks if she is wicked in answer to the question, is he there to punish her?
Such a fun, romantic, captivating, passionate, dramatic, emotional, humorous read that was nicely written and whose characters were divine.
It’s going to be an interesting two weeks until Christmas which is how long they are bound to each other, and when Bastian renders judgement on her.
Loved the story which was an absolute winner! HEA.

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

[KY Book Lover · Rating 5 out of 5]

Never Kiss a Krampus by Honey Phillips is the first book in the Wrong Move, Right Monster Series 

Noelle Green inherited her Christmas shop from her beloved Grandmother and it is struggling.  She, along with the other businesses in their town of Mistletoe Hollow are on the verge of losing everything to a developer who has been hounding them and stealing their holiday spirit. 

While imbibing one particularly desperate night, she finds herself in her Grandmother's attic seeking any help she might find when she finds an antique trunk that is filled with old rituals and folklore. Thinking what could it hurt to give magic a try only she ends up summoning an ancient-Bastian, a Krampus.

Krampus is very clear on the rules he must abide by and how Noelle is subject to them. What neither of them are expecting is the attraction that comes along with the binding and that no matter how hard they fight it, it exists. 

This is such a fun, steamy read. It's definitely a slow burn but has lots of chemistry, great banter and is incredibly well written. 

I originally stumbled upon Honey Phillips writing when I was looking for a “palate cleanser” after some heavy stories. I honestly didn't expect to love them as much as I have. That was many books ago. I absolutely recommend this and any of her books, especially her books in theFairhaven Falls Series which are fantastic.


ARC was provided by Booksprout, and this is my honest review. 

[Brianna · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was such a fun mix of cozy, magical, and slightly steamy. I felt awful for Noelle, with the stress of almost losing her shop and home. Sure, I thought it was a little reckless to mess with magic and summon an ancient creature, but she was kinda chaotic in the best way. And Bastian? He was the perfect grumpy, perfectionist, and surprisingly gentle Krampus. I loved watching him and Noelle get closer, and I definitely was interested to see how they saved Noelle's town, which was being threatened by a real estate developer who was taking the Christmas joy out of the town with his threats and offers to buy all the businesses out. I liked the teasing sort of relationship between Noelle and Bastian, and seeing Bastian finally give in to his want for Noelle was a lot of fun. Especially when his "punishments" came into the picture. They were so cute together. The atmosphere and love of Christmas was very well-done, and I found this to be just the right sort of Christmas monster romance. All heart, some spice, and some intriguing winter magic combined with lovable characters made me not want to put this down, and I recommend this for people who don't mind a monster hero.

[Megan Cutter · Rating 3 out of 5]

I actually really liked this book because the writing is very good. But the ending was so long and kind of fizzled. So I'm giving it a 3.5 instead of 4. Its also super repetitive and coulr have been much shorter.

Noelle Green, impossibly perky, owns and Christmas shop that is failing. One night, while nearly drunk she finds an old book of her grandmother's. In it she finds a way to summon help. What she doesn't realize is that she is going to summon a Krampus, the balance to Santa. Santa gives gifts to the good children, Krampus punishes the naughty.

Bastian, aka Krampus, is now bound to Noelle and must judge her worthy of the help she needs to keep the shop going or to serve her the consequences of bringing him in without cause. Meanwhile he needs to also help her make her store better because she is apparently the worst decorator. I resemble that statement.

Together they find out why the whole town is lacking Christmas spirit, all while trying not to fall for each other.

It really was very cute and had some funny moments, but the ending wasn't satisfying and got a bit too raunchy for me.

[Kaylee · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a great book to read going into the Christmas season. Noelle is struggling with her Christmas store she inherited from her grandmother. Mr Grinchley has been hounding her about buying it before she has to foreclose. Her and the rest of the businesses on the block. After a night of drinking she goes into the attic and finds a trunk that has a folklore and rituals journal in it. She scans through the book and finds the Yuletide aid and decides what does it hurt to give it a try. She needs a miracle. She ends up summoning Bastian. a Krampus. He’s now bound to her until Christmas. So he will observe and see if she deserves aid or correction. However there’s a chemistry between them. Something Bastain at first doesn’t completely understand. Plus the feeling of a little dark magic at play. This was a wonder book of reading Bastain and Noelle slowly come together, defeat Grinchley, and get their happily ever after.

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

[Trish · Rating 5 out of 5]

Outstanding!

This was the perfect holiday story! Noelle is desperate to save her grandmother's Christmas shop. Bills are piled high, and there's a grinchy business man who's trying to buy all the shops on the main street, for much less than they're worth. Checking in the attic , hoping to find something worth a lot to sell in the shop, she comes upon an ancient looking book, with a spell for Yule help, and of course she does it, bringing her a Krampus who now is sworn to her, but it's not the kind of help she was looking for. I absolutely how they interact together, and how he somehow, through her explanation, is not only accepted by her customers as a consultant, but becomes a big attraction. There is a part near the end, that I'll warn you about. Have a box of tissues near. I knew there would be a happy ending, but I was sobbing, because I thought something sad needed to happen, as a sacrifice, and it really hits hard. It does have a really great HEA ending, though. Don't worry! I absolutely loved this book. Trish.A.

[Avis · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved reading this first person Christmas story. I loved the banter between Noelle and Bastian. Loved his observations and especially his "punishments".
Light can not exist without darkness. The universe runs on balance. At least that is what Bastian believes. Noelle , well she loves her chaos.
Loved that everything Bastian did was "practical" .
Their banter was fun to read and so smooth flowing. You can imagine being in the room with them , while he is telling Noelle everything he observed for the day and how to correct them in his perspective along with the consequences he would give.
Jingle Bells added just the right amount of humor to the story.
This is a wonderful Christmas/Krampus story perfect to read in front of the fireplace with a hot cup of chocolate.
As with all of Ms. Phillips stories, this one also ends in the perfect HEA for them and the small town.

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

[Goddess of Chaos · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Three weeks to pull off a miracle."

Noelle has three weeks to pull off a miracle and save her Christmas store. Desperate times call for desperate measures, but perhaps drinking schnapps for courage doesn't lead to the best decision making. It does however result in her getting the attention of a powerful being -- whether or not he is going to help is up for debate.

This done in one kindle unlimited book contains an infectious sense of joy, a determined form of hope, and a faith in the power of holiday spirit that kept me turning the pages, eager to read more. Noelle isn't afraid of a little criticism or correction, not when it comes from a good place, and she has an ability to see the heart of her friends and neighbors that makes her the kind of character you wish you did business with on a regular basis.

[Joanne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Perfect Holiday Krampus Story!

Let me just say this story was perfect. Noelle’s shop and all of the other businesses in her town are failing and Christmas spirit is down. She is desperate to not lose the store she inherited from her grandmother. When she finds an old book in the attic, she comes across a Yuletide Aid spell and follows the instructions thinking it wouldn't work but why not try it anyway. What she does is summon a Krampus! The humor and excitement that follow is so good I didn't want to stop reading. It is such a great story filled with hope, friendship, generosity, light and of course  a bit of steamy times. It was fantastic!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Cynkris · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Noelle Green needs a miracle. The town of Mistletoe Hollow is being devoured by a Grinch-like developer, and her beloved Christmas shop is next to the list. Fueled by peppermint schnapps and desperation, she performs a ritual for Yuletide aid."

And help she get's in the form of a Krampus. This is an interesting story and kind of hard to review because I don't want to give anything away so I am going to just say it's a very good, very different Christmas romance. The characters are very warm..especially Noelle. The setting is totally Christmasy. The story is so good! One thing I've always said is that if Honey wrote it I'm going to love it and that holds true in Never Kiss A Krampus. 5 Christmas Trees🎄🎄🎄🎄🎄

[Lisa Bing · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was such a fun and spicy holiday romance and I loved the grumpy/sunshine vibes in it. Of course, it doesn't hurt having a Grinch-like character to strive against ;) Noelle needs a miracle to save her shop and she ends up summoning a Krampus, Bastian, to help her. He definitely isn't impressed with being bound to her until Christmas so expect to giggle away, and fan yourself, alternatively, as these two work to overthrow the evil influence of the developer and end up saving the whole town. With emotions, heart and heat, I couldn't help rooting hard for these two to succeed and get their HEA. Good fun!

[DesN2004 · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this story!! This was a unique take on a Christmas season holiday read. Bastion the Krampus is a bad boy with a good heart. Noelle is so full of Christmas spirit and needs a holiday miracle. Put them together and you have chemistry that is off the charts. I could not put this book down. This couple is so hot together, the banter, the forbidden, and finally the giving in to the undeniable attraction. You also get your side of holiday spirit, small town vibes, and a bad guy. This was a wonderful read that I thoroughly enjoyed and recommend.

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

[Eve · Rating 5 out of 5]

Noelle Green has spent each and everyday for the last two years trying to save her grandmother’s Christmas shop. Unfortunately the town’s light has been dwindling and there is a ruthless man looking to buy up all the shops and the land in Mistletoe Hollow.
The fond memories and merriment she once felt now seems like a distant memory.
One night while drinking too much peppermint schnapps she finds an old book and casts a ritual for Yuletide aid.
Aid comes in the form of a seven foot Krampus named Bastian.
There is chemistry, conflict, intrigue and love.

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

[Active Mom · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story was different than the author’s normal style. It’s 1st person, and a bit longer than usual. The detail and attention to lore is noticeable. It’s a good setup for more stories in this community, too. It really pulls on the heartstrings. This would make a great holiday movie. It has all the elements needed for a great holiday romance, and add in a Krampus who needs a little light and love. It’s a slow burn with the perfect amount of holiday spice at the right moments. I will be rereading this every holiday season. This is a favorite now.

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

[Carol-Ann · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Must Read!!

Honey writes the best books!!! This one is no exception. When Noelle casts a spell she finds in an old book in desperation to try to save her shop she doesn’t expect to summon Bastien, an ancient Krumpus, let alone bind herself to him.

Honey makes me believe in the existence of other beings. Her portrayal of Bastien makes him real in my eyes and the way he and Noelle interact, has me rooting for them and the whole town as it tries to bring itself back from the verge of collapse.

What a great Christmas read! Thank you Honey for another great story!

[Lynn61 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Desperate times calls for desperate measures

“I am a fearsome entity of punishment and judgment.”
“You’re a cat perch.”

I love every minute of this story which was uplifting yet full of grumpy/sunshine fun and steaminess. When Noelle stands to lose the Christmas shop she inherited from her grandmother, she summons Bastian, a Krampus with attitude(and a hot body as well😉). Seeing how the town came together to fight for their downtown was so inspirational and who wouldn’t love Jingle Bell 🐈. I voluntary review an advanced reader copy of this book.

[Debdutch · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Never Kiss a Krampus” by Honey Phillips

-This short story is charming, and delightfully spicy. it’s an easy one to recommend for festive escapism. I received a free copy and am voluntarily sharing my honest thoughts.

Noelle’s fight to save her shop leads to an unexpected summons—and Bastian, the grumpiest Krampus with a secretly tender core. Their sunshine-meets-storm dynamic gives the story a fun, flirty spark.

Holiday magic, small-town warmth, and a brooding mythical hero make this a standout seasonal treat. A fun read that I highly recommend.

[Donna Zug · Rating 5 out of 5]

The town of Mistletoe Hollow is slowly being absorbed by a developer and Noelle's shop is next. She is desperate to save it, so with the help of a drink or two, she decides to look for some Christmas Magic in her attic clutter. What she gets is a Krampus; a very grumpy and 'you owe me' one. If you have read Honey's work before, you know you are in for a treat. With richly described characters and scenes to get lost in, Honey gives us great plot twists, humor, drama, and steam to enjoy. Perfect read for this holiday season.

[Holly Stevens · Rating 5 out of 5]

Never Kiss a Krampus by Honey Phillips is a traditional European folktale merged with a modern story. Noelle's facing the loss of her Christmas shop inherited from her grandmother. One Night she summons a Krampus to help her save the store and winds up saving the whole town from an evil influence and Grinchlike developer.

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

[Gloria · Rating 5 out of 5]

Noelle's gift shop is failing. In fact the town of Mistletoe Hollow is failing. One night drunk and finding a spell book in her attic Noelle summons a Krampus. He is there to help her business be successful. Noelle finds him bossy, a know it all, and very sexy. Can they survive two weeks together? Time will tell. Cute story.

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

[Jendy Reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just finished this great arc Christmas story by Honey Phillips and you have to read it! I'm about to set up a salt ring and summon my very own sexy krampus! I loved the little nod to a Fairhaven Falls character as well. Making Bastian the krampus sexy was not an easy task. But, he had a serious Mr. Darcy vibe - brooding, dark, powerful - that will get me everytime! This is easily going to become a seasonal favorite to reread every year.

[Robin Ann · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Ritual Gone Wrong? Or Maybe Right

Being half drunk and desperate was no excuse for performing the ritual she found. But a Krampus showed up. Serious, unsmilling and judgemental, he redecorated her store and repurposed her life. She got a community to stand together and remember the true meaning of Christmas in order to save him. Then once she did, she claimed him and together they got their HEA.