Snowflakes and Shapeshifters: A Holiday Rom Com Novella

by Amity Grey

Vixen Merritt ha one holiday survive Christmas in PineHaven Hollow without decking anyone with her antlers. Being a shapeshifting reindeer comes with enough baggage, and returning home means enduring carols, cookies, and her family's relentless cheer. She's grumpy and prickly, and she certainly isn't looking for love.

Enter Crispin "Frost" Hale, a snowman who came to life last Christmas thanks to a burst of holiday magic. He's charmingly clueless about human traditions, and hopelessly optimistic. He's also convinced that Vixen's fiery spirit is exactly what he's been waiting for.

When a blizzard traps them together, sparks fly faster than sleigh bells on Christmas Eve. Between magical mishaps, laugh-out-loud misunderstandings (snowmen don't do hot cocoa), and the undeniable pull of romance, Vixen and Crispin discover that sometimes the most unpredictable magic is falling head over hooves in love.

Full of frosty hijinks, enchanted snowfalls, and heartwarming cheer, Snowflakes and Shapeshifters is a holiday rom com that proves even the grumpiest reindeer can't outrun Christmas magic...or a snowman with a heart that refuses to melt.

102 pages, Kindle Edition

Published December 24, 2025

Reviews

[Ashley · Rating 3 out of 5]

Spice: 2

Tropes:
grumpy x sunshine
Christmas novella
he falls first
shapeshifters
small town romance
Dual POV

Snowflakes and Shapeshifters was a Christmas novella full of banter and all the puns you can imagine. It made me chuckle out loud a couple of times at the puns lol. Vixen is a reindeer shapeshifter that has come home for the holidays. Her parents are Dasher and Prancer and while her family is full of Christmas spirit, Vixen is not. Escaping the holiday cheer for a coffee run, Vixen runs into Crispin, a snowman shifter. He's the jolly to her scrooge and soon finds his way to get beneath Vixen's hard exterior to crack the ice around her heart.

I thought this was a fun and cute read. Definitely different, which I enjoyed! I've never read a snowman shifter story before. Definitely gives Frosty vibes, which I haven't read in a Christmas story this season yet! It also kinda gave me Beauty and the Beast vibes with the whole curse/love aspect. I'd recommend this one for quick holiday read!

[Crystal Reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

Omgggg… this is the perfect holiday romcom. The puns in this book had me laughing out loud, they were too funny. It’s a quick read, full of festive fun, it was cute, ridiculous puns, and of course some holiday love.

Vixen is a shapeshifting reindeer who has come home for the holidays and she is not exactly thrilled. She is pretty Grinchy when it comes to all of the holiday festivities and the last thing she is looking for is love.

Crispen is our snowman who was cursed and has come to life. He is full of puns and very very optimistic about everything. And when he meets Vixen, he just knows she is the one for him.

These two get snowed in and of course Crispen drives Vixen crazy! She is annoyed with his “charm” and puns at first, but as time goes on she starts to warm up to him and chemistry between the two blossom. He was definitely the sunshine to her grumpy, but he got her to soften up and she defrosted him.

[Cdngurl85 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gahhhhhh!!! My Queen!!! I LOVED THIS BOOK!!!

OMG I can't even describe how much I loved Snowflakes and Shapeshifters! It's so different from your other books, but it's amazing.

It was pun-ny, it was sweet, it was spicy, it was sad....it was every emotion you can think of.

10/10 definitely will be reading again as should everyone else!!!

[Brooklyn L. Wolves · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a cute Christmas novella and I loved every bit of it. This was the cutest story I’ve read and the character development throughout was done really well.

[Rae · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to the author for allowing me to adv read Snowflakes and Shapeshifters!
Zero Spoiler review (won't be a long one as not adding any spoilers)

This was a very quick, quite cute sort of romance, specially for the author who I've read previous work from before.
It was written well, was easy to read and made for a very lovely Christmas romance. The FMC didn't annoy me - that happens quite a bit recently so its refreshing when you find one that isn't annoying lol. The comedy was cheesy but done for a reason so I had zero issue with the cheesy bits lol

Overall, I really enjoyed this short read and give it a solid 4 stars! :D

[Nicole (book_drake on IG) · Rating 5 out of 5]

🎄✨ 5⭐ Holiday Rom-Com Review ✨🎄
Snowflakes and Shapeshifters by @authorkisarayen_amitygrey

This novella is pun-packed, sugar-cookie sweet, and absolutely sleighs from page one. ❄️🛷 If you want a fast, cozy read that feels like a Hallmark movie collided with magical chaos and excellent banter—this is it.

Vixen Merritt is a grumpy shapeshifting reindeer just trying to survive Christmas without decking someone with her antlers (a mood). Crispin “Frost” Hale is a sentient snowman, professional optimist, and self-declared pun dealer. When a blizzard traps them together? Let the festive nonsense—and feelings—begin. 💘☃️

The humor is the real star here. I was cackling the whole time, especially with gems like:

“I’m Crispin. Crispin Hale. Local snow-man. Part-time pun dealer.”
“Vixen Merritt. Local reindeer. Full-time holiday hostage.”

ICONIC behavior.

And honestly, this exchange alone deserves its own ornament:

“Too late. I’m punstoppable.”

I mean. Say less.

The book leans hard into playful absurdity and knows exactly what it’s doing. From magical mishaps…

“Frostina?”
“My snow globe. She had a tiny, enchanted snowman inside. Now she’s just… slush with trauma.”

…to sitcom-level banter:

“You’re ridiculous.”
“And you’re grumpy,” he said cheerfully. “We’re basically a sitcom waiting to happen.”

And yes, the romance is just as cute as the comedy—soft, cozy, and perfectly paced for a novella. Forced proximity, grumpy x sunshine, holiday magic, and a snowman with a heart that absolutely refuses to melt. 🥹❄️

🎁 Why this is a 5-star holiday win:
• Laugh-out-loud, pun-heavy banter
• Grumpy reindeer x sunshine snowman ☃️🦌
• Cozy winter vibes + magical hijinks
• Short, sweet, and ridiculously fun
• Reads like a festive sitcom episode you never want to end

Final verdict? Five stars, zero chill, all the cheer. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
This book is proof that sometimes the best holiday magic comes with sequins, sarcasm, and a snowman who takes his puns very seriously.

If you need a quick, cozy, pun-derful read to boost your holiday spirit—add this one to your sleigh immediately. 🎄✨

[Becca · Rating 4 out of 5]

🌟🌟ARC review🌟🌟

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Holiday magic, grumpy hearts, and the softest snowman ever.

I went into this book expecting a cute, quirky holiday romance and came out absolutely charmed, emotionally warmed, and faintly obsessed with a sentient snowman named Frost.

Vixen Merritt is everything I love in a grumpy heroine—prickly, sarcastic, tired of everyone’s cheer, and just trying to survive Christmas in PineHaven Hollow without committing festive violence with her antlers. Her struggle with family expectations and seasonal overload felt surprisingly relatable, even with the whole shapeshifting reindeer thing.

And then there’s Crispin “Frost” Hale. Oh my goodness. A snowman brought to life by holiday magic who is pure optimism, sweet confusion, and earnest devotion? Absolute perfection. His misunderstandings about human traditions had me laughing out loud, and his gentle persistence melted Vixen’s defenses in the most tender, old-fashioned way. He’s proof that sometimes the softest hearts make the biggest impact.

The forced proximity during the blizzard was chef’s kiss—sparks flying, banter snapping, and romance blooming naturally amid magical mishaps and cozy chaos. The story balances humor and heart beautifully, reminding us that love often shows up when we’re least prepared and most resistant.

Snowflakes and Shapeshifters felt like a warm mug of something sweet on a cold winter night: comforting, whimsical, and just magical enough to believe in miracles again. If you love grumpy/sunshine dynamics, holiday fantasy romance, and stories that honor tradition while embracing the unexpected, this one’s a delightful treat. ❄️❤️

[neeshreads · Rating 4 out of 5]

Stars: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐/5
Spice: 🌶️.5/5

I didn’t know that I needed a Frosty the Snowman retelling in my life, until now. This holiday rom-com was like sipping a cup of warm cocoa with lots of marshmallows and the perfect dose of fluff after some darker reads!

🎄Holiday Rom-Com
❄️He Falls First
🎄Grumpy 🦌Reindeer🦌 Shifter FMC
❄️Jolly & ☃️Frosty☃️ MMC
🎄Home for the Holidays
❄️So Many Puns
🎄☃️Frosty the Snowman☃️ Retelling

Vixen Merritt is headed home for Christmas in PineHaven Hollow and hopes that she can survive the relentless holiday carols, cookies, cocoa and cheer that is her hometown’s personality. She’s that last person who wants to participate in the Reindeer Games and her prickly demeanor means she isn’t looking for love…or being bombarded by the endless optimism of Crispin “Frost” Hale. Little does Vixen know that Crispin is a snowman who came to life last Christmas, and that he’s convinced that Vixen’s fiery spirit is exactly what he’s been waiting for to change his life forever.

When these two get trapped in a blizzard, sparks fly…and under the heat? Will Crispin melt or will the undeniable pull they feel lead to new beginnings?

So, did I fall in love with the most adorable, punniest, sentient snowman? Sure did. Every silly pun made me smile, and I’d sign up for Crispin’s type of devotion any day! Loved seeing Crispin “defrost” Vixen and get her to embrace the magic of the holidays – their grumpy x sunshine dynamic was just the cutest! If you’re looking for a feel-good holiday rom-com that will have you embracing the magic of the season, give this a try!

[Gareth Davies · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received an ARC copy of this book, which releases on Christmas Eve. If you're looking for a fun and festive tale to get you in the mood for the holiday season, look no further.

Blending her love of shifters and other fantasy elements with a Hallmark vibe, the author tells the story of the grumpy Vixen (yes, that one) reluctantly returning to her family home for Christmas. Her family's relentless cheer is hard for her to endure at the best of times, but this year she's plagued by Crispin, a clumsy and cheerful snowman who never met a pun he didn't like. Inevitably, opposites attract with results too spicy to appear on the Hallmark channel - and consequences too terrible.

This light, delightful story explores the nature of love in a surprisingly profound way. I recommend curling up before a roaring fire with a hot cup of cocoa and reading it in one go.

[Sinful Book · Rating 5 out of 5]

Christmas reindeer shapeshifter!

I've read many shapeshifter romances, and I always look forward to the out of the ordinary times of shapeshifters just like this one. Written as a novella, so it goes by quickly, it is in a dual POV, which is also something I love when reading. This paranormal romance seems to be set in a Christmas-type town. Vixen is a reindeer that just really doesn't seem to like or care for Christmas, but destiny has other things set out for her when she is stuck with Crispen and his frosty loving pun running mouth.

Overall, I give the book 5 stars with its Christmas fun, lots of puns and good funny banter between Vixen and Crispen. As for spice, hold on tight; it gets hot to a level 3.5, almost 4, with its peppers.

[Andrea Brado · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a cute quick rom com read. Vixen and Crispin couldn’t be more opposite. Crispin is happy go lucky with a “punny” approach to life. Vixen is more of a grumpy, realistic personality. When it comes to Christmas, their approaches are massively different. But both are hiding a secret and fate (or not) keeps throwing them together.

—-

The names are cute and I love the idea of a snowman shifter and a reindeer shifter. The happily ever warning note provided by the author was helpful for my grinch soul.

My only annoyance is the meddling of the mom and cousin. It creates a reality in which the entire meet cute realm has been crafted instead of experienced.

[Ariel Oliver · Rating 4 out of 5]

An adorable Christmas Novella that is super PUNNY!

Crispen is a punny snowman and Vixen is a grumpy reindeer shifter. Their meet-cute is in a little café and they are super cute together.

This novella had me giggling and kicking my feet throughout because you can see from the beginning how Crispen is drawn to her and how she tries to resist his adorable charm. They keep getting paired together to prepare things for the holidays and things get steamy between them.

Cute and so sweet it will give you a toothache! 😂 Definitely worth reading this season.

Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice: 🌶

[Candis Arnett · Rating 4 out of 5]

ARC Review

Snowflakes and Shapeshifters was such a fun little holiday rom-com! It was like reading a hallmark movie! Vixen is a shapeshifting reindeer who is not so excited about coming home for the holidays. She runs into Crispen, our pun filled cursed snowman who gets under her skin! I enjoyed all the banter and the puns! If you're looking for a quick, funny read this holiday season add Snowflakes and Shapeshifters to your list!

[Kalene · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an amazing shape shifter story!!!! It had me not wanting to put it down!!! Amity did amazing as always!! I can't wait to see what she has next! I loved Vixen and laughed at Crispin often. I enjoyed this story a lot.

[Maria · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was such a cute hallmark rom com shifter Christmas novella. I absolutely loved it. It helps puts you in the Christmas mood. Absolutely enjoyable!

[NeedMoreBookSpace · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very adorable grumpy/sunshine winter rom com novella about the power of love. I want that snowflake ball gown lol

[Charlene Alana Henderson · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was such a quick christmas novella , thats heartwarming, magical, has shapeshifters, snowflakes and much more. I ran through this. O enjoyed it. Great characters storyline and plot.