Punished by Krampus: A Holiday Monster Romance Novella

by Skyla Gray

I knew my fiance’s rich family had secrets, but I didn’t expect them to involve summoning a monster on Krampusnacht.

Trapped in a remote mountain cabin, I’m forced to participate in their dangerous family sign my name in blood, summon Krampus, and evade him until dawn. Krampus will reward anyone who hides, and punish anyone he catches depending on how naughty they've been.

But they don’t know just how naughty I can be. Faced with the hulking, horned monster, I offer a save my punishment for the end of the night, and I’ll help him catch the family who’s been cheating at this game for decades.

The night soon turns bloody, and every sin I commit at Krampus’s side will make my own eventual punishment worse. Still, I’m determined to get my revenge even if it kills me. And as the night goes on, I’m starting to crave the release Krampus offers, especially if it involves those huge hands or forked tongue…

At the end of the night, I’ll find out just how much punishment I can take.

Punished by Krampus is a standalone romantic horror novella (~35k) full of both steam and scares. Intended for mature audiences.

Genres: Monster Romance, Christmas, Romance, Fiction, Holiday, Monsters, Thriller

152 pages, Kindle Edition

Published December 10, 2025

Reviews

[Mora]

The horror and revenge part was okay-ish, but the ending was VERY disappointing.

No HEA (they don’t end up together).
No romance nor emotional feelings (they didn’t love each other at all) just pure lust.
The MMC is immortal and the FMC is mortal.

The MMC lives in another world and the FMC can’t live there, so the book ends with them meeting for just one night every year (they’re basically just fk buddies).

[Faith | bookswith_faith · Rating 5 out of 5]

positively sinful and delicious. uggghh skylaaaa, loml 😩 you sick bish, i’m obsessed with you 🥰
i love all her books, i hope she never stops! this was freaking AMAZING, so creepy, and so freaking good, i loved it 😍
this author has such an impressive way of transporting you into their stories. i will read everything she writes!
i LOVE a good horror romance, and this was literally perfect. i found Diana’s character rich, compelling, dark and very interesting. her fiancé’s family were freaks and i’m glad our FMC did what she did! the spin on their lore and krampus tradition was creepy af, i loved it.
✨fuck Louis✨ but also thanks king for bringing our FMC to accept herself in all of her flaws and beautiful depravity 😇. i’ve read several krampus romances, and this was really unique and seriously amazing. definitely my new favorite christmas read! gorgeous and gory. 10 stars! eat the rich ⛓️‍💥 xo

[Lynn_G · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was more horror than romance, fyi. Having said that, it’s written by Skyla Gray so it’s also very spicy and k!nk-friendly.

Diana has been invited to spend an “early Christmas” gathering with her wealthy boyfriend’s family. Excited at the possibility of an engagement, her aspirations are dashed when the family turns out to need her for sinister and self-serving reasons, not for any entanglement with their son. After dodging an assault by the very handsy brother of her boyfriend as well as the poorly concealed derision of the rest of his family, Diana finds herself in mortal danger and the object of the one and only Krampus’s fixation and recipient of his punishment.

In a twist no one saw coming, the vengeful creature and Diana team up to mete justice out to the warped family. I won’t provide spoilers, but this is a violent, fraught, and tense, albeit short novella.

I received an advance reader copy from the author and booksprout, and I’m sharing my honest review.

[KMart Books · Rating 4 out of 5]

Easily the most feral, unhinged, and unapologetically monstrous of my holiday reads.

This one fully commits to the darker side of the season. Think less twinkly lights, more blood in the snow. The setup is deliciously cruel: a wealthy, awful family treating Krampusnacht like a twisted game, and our heroine being dragged into it against her will. What follows is FAR less romance-forward and far more about vengeance, power, and indulgence. With the spice turned way up and the moral compass pointed firmly at eat the rich.

I loved how comfortable this book was in its horror elements. The story clearly delights in letting terrible people reap exactly what they’ve sown. The dynamic between Diana and Krampus isn’t soft or sentimental, either. This isn’t about falling in love so much as finding alignment in chaos and desire. It’s messy, kinky, and gleefully dark in a way that felt refreshing after so many cozy, sweet holiday novellas.

This is about monstrous catharsis, not emotional healing or Christmas miracles. As a contrast read alongside more cheerful seasonal books, it absolutely stood out for leaning into darkness instead of fighting it.

[Poppy || Monster Lover · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was more of an erotic horror than a romance, but I still enjoyed it. Diana was a con artist, playing at being wealthy and eager to marry into wealth. She makes a deal with Krampus when it all goes wrong, but doesn’t avoid her punishment. She was rage filled and very much a practitioner of eat the rich philosophy. I was on her side with her eagerness for them to get their just desserts. This was wild and kinky and messy, a worthwhile holiday read.

Spice: 4/5

Triggers: violence, gore, body horror, attempted SA, murder, con artistry, classism, sexism, hypothermia, gun violence, fall, inebriation, mentions of cheating, seduction for ill intent, mentions of poverty

[『 Dıʀᴛʏ Gʀᴇʏ 』 · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 ⭐️ 3 🌶
📖Pages: 140
🗓Release: 12.10.25

But… then I imagine how beautiful, how freeing, it would be to hear that she doesn’t deserve to be punished.

diana & louis juz got engaged, & now its time to meet the fam in time for the holidays. but theyre both keeping secrets!! shes a pro con artist & he is bringing her to their massive remote cabin under false pretenses. he & the rest of the kohlers had been cheating krampus out of their deal for generations. will any of these sinners survive the night?

🆁🅰︎🅽🅳🅾︎🅼💭 louis was effin spineless!! & i wasnt completely sold with dianas character. it felt like she was angrier than deemed necessary given shes been conning/thieving all along. but tbh krampus easily distracted me with his FUN -ishments🤭 this is a dark holiday monster romance thats more 🌶horror than romance, gives off 'Ready or Not' vibes... & im here for all of it!!

ᴋʀᴀᴍᴘᴜsɴᴀᴄʜᴛ ғටʟᴋʟටʀᴇ ᴛᴡısᴛ | ᴍටɴsᴛᴇʀ x ʜᴜᴍᴀɴ | ʀᴇᴠ3ɴɢ3 | sɴටᴡᴇᴅ ıɴ | sıᴢᴇ ᴅıғғᴇʀᴇɴᴄᴇ | "ට" ᴅᴇɴıᴀʟ | ʙıʀᴄʜıɴɢ/sᴘᴀɴᴋıɴɢ

✨ thankU Skyla Gray for this eARC & am voluntarily leaving my honest thoughts
‼️ ur mental health matters. ✔️🆃🆆/🅲🆆

[Alyson Walton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ah, a Skyla Gray christmas Novella? Yes please!

Read whole in an hour and a half sitting, this book was just delightful in all its blood, guts, gore and sex. Diana meets the Krampus in less than favourable circumstances and then chaos descends.

You will root for Diana and hate EVERYONE else, aside from the Krampus that is 😉.

Very fun read with this authors usual descriptive style.

I received an advance review copy for free from booksirens.com, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Dakota · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was like if you took the movie Ready or Not and sprinkled a healthy dose of Krampus smut on top. I honestly would have read a full length novel about Diana and Krampus taking down this shitty, rich family. There was even a fun little dose of gore in here that I wasn’t expecting. I genuinely cheered when it happened because the visual was just so awesome and bloody. We need more erotic horror like this!

Definitely add this one to your list of holiday reads. 💅🏻✨

*ARC Review

[Kayla’s Book Binge · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you mix the ‘Ready or Not’ movie with Krampus this is that book.

It was fantastic. The revenge, pacing, storyline and eventual spice was perfection. Give me a full length novel of this NOWWWW

[WᴇᴛWʜıʟᴇRᴇᴀᴅıɴɢ · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 ⭐️ 3 🌶️

[Kisha Reinmiller · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a SPICY monster romance, so let’s get that out of the way first.

There is a cohesive story here, and overall it was a fun, entertaining, holiday-ish themed short read. It doesn’t try to be anything more than what it is, and honestly? That works in its favor.

There is punishment involved, so definitely check trigger warnings before diving in. And if you’re not here for smut… this is not the book for you. The spice is very much the point.

I don’t have a ton more to say beyond that. It was quick, festive, indulgent, and delivered exactly what it promised.

[Brookie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Sometimes I truly wonder how I got here. What a ridiculous book. Twisted and gory with a dash of sinister. It was pretty cool haha.

[Jozie | Cozy Romantasy Reader · Rating 4 out of 5]

🖤 THE VIBE CHECK
Punished by Krampus is the holiday horror romance I never knew I needed. A novella filled with a deadly tradition, feminine rage, and SPANKING.

“Crying over me, little sinner?” (Page 88)

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ Library Edition Needed
Spice: 🔥🔥🔥🔥 Kinks (4/5)
Edition: Ebook

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

🎄 The Curated Plot
Diana did her research on her new fiancé's family. There is darkness behind their wealth. But summoning Krampus was not what she had in mind. Once Diana has signed her name in blood, there is no turning back. The cabin itself is transported to Krampus’ realm and the game begins. If Krampus catches you, you will receive the punishment you deserve. The Kohls have been cheating for years, and they are finally about to get what they deserve… even if it turns Diana’s punishment deadly.

"We can’t all be innocents." (Page 78)

😈 Anna Delvey x Ready or Not Vibes
Diana is such a great character who had a lot of depth. She is dark, calculating and very underestimated. Immediately, she gives Anna Delvey vibes and I am here for it! She’s a con-artist who poses as a wealthy woman. Now for her biggest con, marrying into a wealthy family. However, Louis and his family are truly terrible people and she plans to witness each of them getting the punishment they deserve while she craves her own punishment. Once the game began, I was also getting Ready or Not (movie) vibes but it’s not the family who is hunting her, it’s Krampus. This novella was extremely fast-paced and we got into the gory details pretty quickly. The novella was focused on horror rather than romance. The tension between Diana and Krampus was strong. The teaser scenes where Krampus would punish Diana just a little to get his frustrations out eventually made the final punishment worth the wait. Honestly, I just wanted more!

“I know exactly what you need, little sinner,” he says. “But our work is not yet done.” His hand slides down to grip my throat. “And neither is your punishment.” (Page 106)

⭐ The Cozy Conclusion (Rated: 4/5 Curated Coziness)
I need a shelf trophy so I can read this every Christmas late at night with a hot cup of tea. If you’re looking for a holiday horror with light bondage, spanking, and a giant dose of feminine rage you need to read Punished by Krampus.

"I’m sure it’s fucked up that the idea of my fiancé running for his life turns me on, but I’m past the point of caring right now." (Page 107)

The Tropes We LOVE:
• Dark Fantasy Romance / Erotic Horror / Paranormal Romance
• BDSM / Spanking Kink
• Christmas / Holiday Romance
• Death / Feminine Rage
• Krampus / Monster Romance

Favorite Quotes: (Page/Chapter #):

"My punishment is coming before the night is through, anyway—a thought that, oddly enough, steadies my emotions." (Page 72)

“I am the one who weighs your sins and deals your punishment.” (Page 75)

"He was terrifying. Focused. Determined to deal out justice, no matter what it cost him. He was… everything I wish I was." (Page 87)

"And I… I deserve to be punished. I was starting to crave it, even." (Page 87)

"The feeling that fills my chest is somewhere between terror and excitement, a dark thrill that ripples through my senses." (Page 103)

"I want him to chase away the dark thoughts that are threatening to overtake me. I deserve to be punished." (Page 103)

"There is something freeing about running through the forest, snow crunching under my boots, and knowing that for once I am the hunter instead of the hunted." (Page 110)

“You pretend to be above it all. To hand out justice for the sake of justice. But you do it because you like it.” (Page 114)

[kymagirl · Rating 5 out of 5]

He came to punish the wicked. She offered to help.

Diana thinks she’s playing the long con. Pretend to be the perfect fiancée, charm a wealthy and secretive family, and lock in a future built on lies. But when she’s taken to a remote mountain estate on Krampusnacht and told to sign her name in blood, the game flips fast. What she thought was a holiday ritual turns into something far more dangerous.

Now marked, she has until dawn to survive while something ancient and horned stalks the snow. Krampus. But instead of hiding, Diana makes a deal. Help the monster find those who’ve been cheating the tradition for years, and delay her own punishment. What begins as survival shifts into power, temptation, and something she doesn’t see coming.

As secrets unravel and blood is spilled, Diana stops fearing Krampus and starts seeing him clearly. He’s not just a punisher, and she’s not just a pawn. Their dynamic twists, sharp with tension and dark understanding. When it’s finally her turn to face judgment, she doesn’t flinch. She’s ready to be undone, not to be broken, but to become something more.

Diana grows from cunning and guarded to raw, self-aware, and unflinching. Krampus, once bound by duty alone, begins to choose. Their bond shifts from predator and prey to an intense alliance, layered with heat, trust, and the kind of honesty that only comes when masks fall. They don’t save each other, but they see each other, completely.

A dark and steamy, morally gray, enemies to lovers, holiday monster romance that explores power, guilt, punishment, survival, transformation, justice, consent, and desire. It’s about a woman who stops running and claims the truth of who she is, a monster who learns restraint, and a connection forged not in safety, but in blood, reckoning, and choice.

The Elevator Pitch: A dark and steamy holiday monster romance where a cunning woman makes a deal with Krampus instead of running from him. As the night turns deadly, their twisted alliance evolves into something intimate, built on vengeance, trust, and desire. Packed with heat, tension, brutal justice, and emotional depth, it’s about transformation through power, punishment, and choice.

[Dru · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5
🌶🌶 (only one scene 🥲)
🔥🔥

Diana discovers that her fiancé’s wealthy family hides a dark secret when they force her to take part in a deadly Krampusnacht ritual in a remote mountain cabin. To survive until dawn, she must summon Krampus, evade his hunt, and navigate a twisted family tradition built on decades of lies and cheating. Realizing the family has been manipulating the game for years, Diana strikes an uneasy alliance with Krampus to help him expose their sins, even though doing so will worsen her own final punishment. As the night turns violent and temptations rise, Diana becomes determined to claim her revenge and face whatever consequences await her at dawn.

I am always down for a good monster book, especially one with a Christmas twist, so this was already off to a great start for me. I loved how gory it got and how the FMC went full revenge mode after her fiancé betrayed her. I will never say no to a little feminine rage and watching her team up with Krampus to take down that awful family was honestly the best part. The ending really hit the spot and made the whole chaotic ride worth it.

My only real gripe is that I wanted more spice. I know it is a shorter story, so I did not expect a ton, but when you tell me there is a monster involved, my brain immediately assumes there will be more heat. The plot was fun enough that I kept rolling with it, but I am absolutely in the camp of wanting the spice level bumped up next time.

⟣Tropes⟢
✅ Murder Happy Heroine
✅ Betrayal
✅ Single POV
✅ Size difference
✅ FMC not Virgin
✅ Monster 🍆
✅ HEA

***I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. All opinions are my own.***


‼️‼️‼️Trigger Warning‼️‼️‼️
I don’t have any specific triggers and was okay reading it without any warnings, but always take care of your mental health before diving in, since this book definitely has triggers.

[Hollollolly · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Why will everyone say eat the rich but judge me for the blood on my teeth?”

Ready or Not (the delicious horror movie from 2019) meets a healthy dose of revenge meets the holidays in a way that makes me want to squeal but also make everyone shut up so I can read.

Diana is a rich character with depth. I found her incredibly relatable in ways that make me probably need to call my therapist. She speaks to something dark and feral inside of me that wants to scream at the state of the world. Plus one night of all the kinky spice.

In a time where I was having trouble getting into the holiday spirit, Punished by Krampus brought out the holly and the jolly to this pagan reader. I wish it was longer. Another banger by SG. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

Spoilers! Below are the tags I included in my personal tracking that other users may find relevant: dark, fantasy, fmc-diana, interspecies, location-unknown, mmc-krampus, monster, multiple partners, primal, sexual-assault, spanking, standalone

Fiction, horror, romance, adventurous, dark, funny, tense, fast pace
Plot or Character Driven: a mix
Strong character development: complicated
Lovable characters: yes
Diverse cast of characters: yes
Flaws of characters a main focus: yes

[Bookfairymel · Rating 4 out of 5]

This came at the perfect time for the holiday season! I’m surprised I haven’t read more Krampus books but this seems like a great place to start. This book had that classic Christmas horror movie feel. Diana gets taken to meet her rich boyfriend’s family for Christmas, even though they’re celebrating a bit early. When the cabin looks like a bunker and the family starts acting weird and cryptic, her suspicions grow. Too late, she finds herself bond to Krampus for the night, and she’s thrown outside to fend for herself. Betrayed by her fiancée, she makes a deal to save herself but she’s hiding her own dark secrets too. No one escapes Krampus’ punishment once he gets his hands on you.

The growing tension between Diana and Krampus was heavy and sensual. Him barely holding himself back from hurting her to finding ways to still punish her. Diana practically begging for the punishment so she can be free. There was so much good spice to enjoy, with some edging, denial, spanking, light bondage and a MAJOR size difference. The tension between them was great and I’m always down for a final girl, revenge story anytime. This was a great horror, monster romance read for the holidays!

[Lilith's_Library_ · Rating 4 out of 5]

A wickedly festive monster romance that delivers heat, chaos, and holiday sin

Punished by Krampus is exactly what it promises: a dark, naughty, utterly unhinged holiday treat that mixes Christmas cheer with claws, heat, and a monster who does not play nice. Skyla Gray leans all the way into the trope and gives us a novella that’s fast-paced, feral, and spicy.

Krampus steals the show with his dangerous charm — equal parts menace and temptation — and the chemistry between him and the heroine crackles from the moment he arrives. The spice hits early, hits often, and hits hard. It’s messy, chaotic fun, the kind of holiday romance you read with a grin because you know you’re on the naughty list and you don’t mind one bit.

The plot is lean (as novellas often are), and I would’ve loved a few more emotional moments to balance the heat — but honestly, the vibes are so wild and festive that it’s hard to complain.

If you want a holiday read that’s dark, dirty, and delightfully over the top, this little monster novella absolutely delivers.

[Carly · Rating 5 out of 5]

ARC Review

Punished by Krampus
Author: Skyla Gray
Genre: Erotic Horror
Release Date: December 10, 2025
Spice: 🔥🔥🔥
Tropes: Monster, Paranormal, Holiday "Romance", Size Difference, Submission, Big Ol' Monster Peen

I went into this story blind and it did not disappoint! Fans of the movie "Ready or Not" are going to love this one! I assumed it was going to be another spicy monster romance but it was more erotic horror and I'm here for it. The story is atmospheric, you can feel the cold and the isolation. The build up to the FMC punishment is fantastic. While this is a quick read, the story building and character history is strong. Anyone looking for a holiday treat that’s blood and mayhem instead of cookies and glitter lights are going to want to pick this one up.

Triggers: Always check your triggers & be good to yourself

#bookstagram #readersofinstagram #reviews #bookish #bookrec #books #bookaddict #monsterromance #skylagray #ARC #paranormal #krampus #holiday

[Paige Hurley · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is an ARC review. I received a copy via the Author and BookSirens. It is my honest review.

This book was a super fun time. It was a one sitting read, and I chose to read it on Christmas Eve which provided the best vibes. This novella is a spicy take on revenge and just so happens to involve a certain Christmas someone. AKA Krampus. The FMC goes on a Christmas trip to her boyfriends cabin with his whole family and they just so happen to forget to mention their Krampus tradition. Think big game of hide and seek where Krampus punishes you if you’re found. The family leaves her to fend for herself and she decides to team up with Krampus to spoil their fun. Eventually, she gets to have a little extra fun of her own 😘

This was half horror-inspired and half spice and a 100% good time. I recommend it to anyone who likes a good holiday romance but needs a little extra something going on.

[Moonburst · Rating 5 out of 5]

Trapped in an isolated mountain cabin, Diana is forced by her fiance's family to partake in their Krampusnacht tradition. The game is simple: evade Krampus until dawn and be rewarded, or be caught and suffer your due punishment. The Kohler's have stacked the deck in their favor, but they have no idea what Diana is capable of. She strikes a bargain with Krampus, agreeing to let him into the cabin to hunt the Kohler's, even if it makes her own eventual punishment worse.

Punished by Krampus is a dark holiday monster romance novella with a morally grey main character who refuses to be a victim. It has the perfect amount of spice and violence for a nice holiday cheer for those who might not be in the Christmas mood. A perfectly engaging read.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Victoria · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved this book. While the horror aspects aren't over the top they are done in a way that lends to the overall story telling. The spice/smut is amazing! I read this in one day and wish there was more especially in the epilogue!

While at first I wasn't sure how to feel about Krampus and smut I was not disappointed in any way what so ever! The build up in this book is great, the anticipation of everything that unravels is on point in such a great way....almost make you want to be a naughty little sinner all year just for the reward you may or may not get!

Highly recommended to all fans of monster smut but especially those who love a little horror involved!

Solid 5/5 will definitely be a reread in the future!!!.

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

[Kristen N · Rating 5 out of 5]

This isnt a holiday romance. While the spice and kinks are there, the revenge tops it all.There isnt a HEA, the story gives you an ending almost truthful for monsters.

Diana goes to meet her soon to be new in laws for there early Christmas. What she didnt know was the Christmas was actually the German holiday, Krampusnacht. The only way shes allowed to be part if the family is if she survives the punishment he will give her. But Diana has other plans when she finds out the family's intentions and the revenge is everything.

Louis a big crybaby who wants a pure woman. One who will bend to him, one who wont be punished. But he has our lovely fierce Diana finally become the person she is supposed to be with his pathetic actions. She becomes a woman who isnt broken, not actually. She becomes A woman who is fierce, a woman who has to fight to live the life she wants.

[Amber · Rating 4 out of 5]

The was such a fun quick read! So freaking HOT!! 🥵 it was graphic, gory, and everything I wanted it to be. Diana thinks she’s spending the week with her fiancée family in their family cabin but things do not turn out like she was expecting. They’ve been making sacrifices every year to Krumpus in order to gain money and prestige. What they didn’t expect was Diana. She’s not what she’s been pretending to be this whole time. Instead of throwing out the timid submissive weak girl they though they were, they threw out a vengeful woman headset on getting revenge. She’s a con artist and in no way going down without a fight. She’s take her punishment from Krampus but only after they’ve gotten what they deserve. Then comes the action and gore! It was amazing!! And the punishment Krumpus hands out to Diana? So deliciously wicked. I’ve found a whole new kink and need more monster romance asap!

[MaddMoxxie · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭐⭐⭐⭐✨ Hunger in the Dark

I absolutely loved Punished by Krampus. Diana was the heart of the story for me. She felt raw, flawed, and deeply human in a way that made every choice she faced feel meaningful. Skyla writes tension with such skill that I found myself holding my breath through entire scenes.

What makes this book stand out is the moral landscape. No one is truly good or truly bad, and that complexity gives the story incredible weight. Every character feels like they exist in their own shadowed space, and that is exactly the kind of world I love to sink into.

The atmosphere, the slow burn of danger, and the messy humanity of everyone involved made this an unforgettable read.

I received an advance reader copy from the author and am sharing my honest review.

[Sumi · Rating 5 out of 5]

I do love a good feminine rage story. Skyla Gray's novella about Diana and her fiancé's family is just the thing to counteract any holiday OTT sweetness. It's time to meet the family for Christmas, and Diana gets thrown into an annual tradition. Meet Krampus! Run and face your punishments for your sins! Unlike the others in the cabin getaway, Diana has the wherewithal to recognize her actions in the past and the prices paid to maintain her facade. Plus, she is not going to back down from a fight and Krampus is not the villain.

It's a dark-ish story, not for the squeamish, but the ending is a HFN. Skyla Gray is a writer who knows her craft of writing a great story.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[kiwi · Rating 2 out of 5]

This had me stopping to look up whether it was a romance ("Did I accidentally pick up a non-romance book?") in the middle of the night, but then I noticed that Romance is even in the title. Most of the book was a lot more focused on the horror of a filthy rich family who got away (up till then) with their disgusting secrets, then the satisfying act of them being punished thanks to the FMC helping Krampus, and a bit of insta-lust erotica between her and Krampus. It really didn't read like Romance. No feelings, no connection, just "punish me, Krampus daddy" (she doesn't actually call him daddy, but honestly, otherwise it's a spot on summary 😂).

I didn't hate this book, but I really feel like this isn't what I signed up for when I picked up specifically a Romance book.

[Unnamednonsense · Rating 3 out of 5]

I read this in late 2025 and completely forgot to post a review here

My review from BookSirens:

There was nothing wrong with this book by any means. I just expected a little more from it. A little more hint, a little less spice. I know that it’s a spicy novella, but I was still hoping there would be a bit more plot than spice. The spice we got certainly delivered though. If you’re looking for a spicy monster romance novella that is Christmas themed, this is certainly the one for you.

No matter what, I’ll always read what Skyla writes. They’re fun, not very series books that are great pallet cleansers between books.

Thank you very much for BookSirens and Skyla Gray for an arc of this book.

[Aubri · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am head over heels for this Novella! This was a super quick, winter / holiday read and I absolutely loved it!!

Krampus was such a beautifully well-developed character. Absolutely loved him!!

And our FMC Diana? She shocked me in every way! What a messed up lil lady. I love her.

This novella was packed with slow-build spice, a fantastic and suspenseful plot! I would highly recommend this! It left me wanting more, waiting to hear about the next “adventure” for our characters!

Be sure to check trigger warnings before reading!

I received an advance review copy for free from BookSirens, and I am leaving this review voluntarily! Thank you BookSirens! 🩵

[Chere Gruver · Rating 4 out of 5]

Can she survive Krampus?

When Diana agrees to go to her fiancé’s family cabin for the holidays, she never expected for his father and older brother to lock her outside in the freezing cold. When Krampus catches her, Diana decides to make a deal with him—she’s willing to take her punishment, but she will also help him get the rest of the family. I have to admit, there is a bit more gore in this story than what I truly feel comfortable with, that would be the reason for the four stars instead of five. However, it is well written and did hold my interest throughout.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.