Step-Grinch

by Dani Wyatt

What do you get when you take one hot, off-limits felonious cowboy and a secret Grinch fantasy?
A Christmas Eve your parents do not want to hear about.
I’m home from school for the holidays and shocker, my mother and step-father are heading to some tropical retreat to celebrate. Without me.
Merry Christmas to me.
Then, I realize, I’m being followed.
That night, I wake to someone in my room.
He hissed in my ear saying it would be over soon, but I didn’t believe him.
Black clothes. Rough hands. Grinch mask.

I should have screamed. I should have fought.
Instead, I moaned when he called me little Cindy Lou Who. How does this masked intruder know my secrets? He wraps his hands around my throat as fear turns to something dark and sparkly and dangerous. The Montana snow is falling, and so am I.

I don’t know who he is.
But I’ve got a feeling when I find out...
Christmas will never be the same.

Author’s This filthy little novella features a masked intruder, a curvy heroine with a diary full of bad ideas, and a step-brother cowboy who knows exactly what she wants even if she doesn't know it's him. Pure fantasy f!lth. No cheating. Safe but very unholy. This Christmas, the Grinch isn’t the only one stuffing something where it doesn’t belong.

Genres: Christmas, Novella

106 pages, Kindle Edition

Published December 18, 2025

About the author

Since I was a little girl, I’ve made up stories. I would lay in my bed at night and before I knew what a trope was, I would make up these trope filled stories. Boy sees girl, boys falls for girl, boy saves girl….happily ever after. As I got older, the stories turned steamier and more intricate, but the basics never changed.

Now, my books are still full of romance but the naughty bits are naughtier, my hero’s are obsessed alpha types and my heroines are quirky, real women who come in all shapes and sizes.

So, sit back, banish the real world and get lost in some over the top romance with a heaping helping of hot. xoxoxo

Reviews

[april ♡ probably reading smut - safety reviews · Rating 3 out of 5]

3/5

TROPES:
-stepsiblings
-kinky as hell
-Grinch smut???
-cowboy, obsessive MMC
-pregnant FMC

This book was wild lmao. Is Grinch smut a thing? I didn't realize green dicks were on my 2025 Bingo card, but here we are!

This is pure smut and full of kinks. Read it for the escapism, you may or may not enjoy it- but you will damn sure always remember it lmao.

Also - the plot twist was crazy. That's all I'm gonna say!

SAFETY & SPOILERS:
Virgin/celibate: no past mentioned for either of them
OM/OW: none
Cheating/sharing: none
Kinks: Grinch play???, breeding, CNC, dubcon, daddy, degradation, dirty talk, knifeplay, lactation, fisting, rough sex, masked man/break in roleplay
Triggers: dubcon, CNC
HEA?: happy "ending", yes lmao

My bookshelves may contain spoilers.

[Pene|ope • Temp Hyperfixation: WC & OMV · Rating 4 out of 5]

This had no right being as good as it was.

[kymagirl · Rating 5 out of 5]

He breaks out of her fantasies and into her life. Christmas will never be the same.

Sadie comes home to Montana for the holidays expecting silence, snow, and solitude. Instead, she feels eyes on her wherever she goes. When a masked intruder steps from the shadows on Christmas Eve calling her Cindy Lou Who, fear collides with the dark thrill she’s only ever written about in secret. What happens next blurs the line between nightmare and fantasy as one touch changes everything.

The man behind the mask is Cutter, her stepbrother, freshly out of prison and impossible to forget. What begins as terror becomes awakening when he forces her to face the desires she’s buried deep. As secrets unravel and walls fall, they crash together in a storm of obsession, forgiveness, and love that refuses to follow the rules. Together they destroy the illusion of perfection and build something real from the wreckage. ‍

Sadie grows from a lonely girl craving control into a woman unafraid of her own darkness and worth. Cutter shifts from a broken, angry man into a fiercely protective partner who turns obsession into devotion. Their bond twists through fear, lust, and tenderness until it becomes something they can’t undo and wouldn’t want to. It’s messy, it’s raw, and it’s the kind of love that burns clean once the fire dies down.

A dark, steamy, forbidden, masked man, forced proximity, Christmastime, stepbrother erotic romance exploring taboo desire, power and submission, secrecy, identity, fantasy, family transgression, control, surrender, and forbidden love. It’s about the collision of fantasy and obsession where desire and shame intertwine, boundaries shatter, and two people find freedom, redemption, and connection in the darkness they can no longer deny.

The Elevator Pitch: A taboo holiday romance where long-buried desire erupts under falling snow. After years of secret longing, Sadie’s forbidden connection with her stepbrother ignites in one dangerous night that blurs fantasy and reality. Dark, sensual, and unapologetically raw, it’s about obsession, surrender, and love that thrives in the shadows.

[Chandra Luna · Rating 4 out of 5]

Some Christmas stories are cozy. Some are sweet. And then there are the stories that grab you by the throat (literally), drag you through the house, and make you rethink everything you thought you knew about holiday cheer.
Step-Grinch is that book — unapologetically dirty, deliciously bold, and impossible to put down.

Sadie comes home expecting family, warmth, maybe cookies by the fireplace. Instead? Her mom and stepdad ditch her for a luxury vacation while she’s left alone with her unmet desires, and…her favorite green toy.

But loneliness has a way of making fantasies louder — especially the forbidden kind.

Enter Cutter.
The rough-edged, misunderstood ex-con step-brother with a reputation nobody bothers to look past.
The man who sees her — truly sees her — even when she feels invisible.

Black clothes. A Grinch mask.
A whisper in the dark.
Fear that melts into fire.
Kink wrapped in tinsel and tied with a bow that says do not open if you’re faint of heart.

Their chemistry? Explosive.
The fantasy fulfillment? Off the charts.
This book doesn’t tease — it delivers.

This isn’t your peppermint-sweet Hallmark romance. It’s dirty talk that makes toes curl, age-gap tension that sizzles, and a connection built on being wanted for who you really are — flaws, desires, darkness and all. Sadie and Cutter fit together like sin and Santa, like mistletoe and bad decisions, like little Cindy Lou Who and the Grinch she should absolutely not want… but oh she does.

Expect:

🔥 Grinch-themed kink & filthy holiday heat
🔥 Age-gap tension & Daddy-style dirty talk
🔥 A heroine reclaiming desire without apology
🔥 A misunderstood, hot-as-hell cowboy who fights for her
🔥 Twists, obsession, and Christmas chaos wrapped in lights

Step-Grinch is for readers who want their holiday romance messy, kinky, rule-breaking, and fun as hell.
It’s outrageous in the best way — the kind of book you don’t admit you read at Christmas dinner… but you definitely think about under the table.

A little dangerous.
A lot filthy.
And unforgettable.

If you’re craving a spicy Christmas story that leans into fantasy instead of hiding from it, grab this one.
Just maybe don’t tell Santa. 😉

🎁 One night. One mask. One Grinch fantasy fulfilled.
And trust me — you’ll never look at Christmas the same way again.

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

[Charlene Erika Ramos · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received an ARC copy of Dani Wyatt’s newest addition to her Wanting What’s Wrong series, with a new spicy Christmas short. Thank you so much for giving me a chance to read it early.

I very much enjoyed reading this new release, introducing us to Cutter and Sadie’s story. I absolutely LOVED the naughty rhyming that made me laugh and snort out loud as I read. Sexy, naughty and downright filthy Dr. Seuss Grinch fantasy with a way older cowboy step brother just out of prison. A great short and spicy Christmas holiday story, I just wished we had a bit more coming from Cutter’s POV but I loved it either way.

If you’re definitely in the mood for a purely spicy and filthy read for Christmas, this book is definitely it. Just please make sure to read the warnings before deciding to read as it still has a few dark themes, including a masked intruder and CNC!

I’m excited to see what Dani cooks up next for this series and can’t wait :)

[Lauren Adkins · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was HOT! Like question your own mental state and life choices HOT!
Sadie basically gets abandoned by her family at Christmas because she doesn't meet their perfect image of family. Left alone with only her wildest fantasies and her favourite green toy (wink wink) she realises she might not be alone after all. Cutter is the side lined, convict no one wants to understand, except Sadie. They understand each other on so many levels and are willing to do ANYTHING to make their naughty list dreams reality. Definitely a harder read at the beginning, but if you can deal with crazy and slightly disturbed, buckle in, it's very very worth it.

Given ARC from author, honest review.

[Angi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Step grinch is full of every taboo troupe you’re looking for in a step to lover book. The plot of the book takes a few twists you may not see coming but the characters have a real love for each other and even as animalistic some of the fulfilled fantasies are in this book, the main characters share a deep and meaningful love of each other. It’s impressive how well Dani Wyatt can take an intense situation to a tender loving moment to follow. This is not a sweet romantic love story from start to finish but under everything you will find that too. This is a really good read.

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

[Praline 99 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Holiday romance.
Sadie is a young woman returning to her stepfather and mother's house for the holidays. She arrives after they've all left for the end-of-year festivities without her. While she's spending the holidays alone, she doesn't expect to find a stalker hiding in her room and to be trapped with him in the middle of a storm.
Will Sadie's secrets be her downfall, or will she experience a beautiful love story…

I absolutely adored this forbidden romance; it's very spicy. I couldn't put the book down until I knew how it ended for Sadie and her stalker.

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

[Christina · Rating 3 out of 5]

just not for me

DNF at about 60%
I don’t think it was poorly written. The Grinch theme was embedded well. Kinda funny. A lot of GREEN parts hehehe. And nice word play and rhyming.

Unfortunately, the tropes were just not for me. The spicy scenes were nice and spicy, but I personally am not a fan of daddy, good girl, milking, entitlement, helpless weak FMCs. And while I normally enjoy dark themes and CNC role play with dom-sub dynamics, something about this just didn’t do it for me and turned me off.
However, if you do enjoy the above tropes, I’m sure you’ll like this book.

[Tima · Rating 4 out of 5]

This short story is mostly female lead (Sadie) POV, well written, and a dark-sweet, contemporary, cnc, age gap romantic erotica tale with Cutter, the male lead and her step-brother recently released from prison. I enjoyed Sadie’s enjoyment of her own kinks. I enjoyed Cutter’s rough play that still considered Sadie’s needs, desires and safety. I enjoyed the variety of intimate play and the happy ending that showed it continuing.

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

[Anya Z. · Rating 5 out of 5]

💚Cutter & Sadie

ARC Review

Step-Grinch by Dani Wyatt is Absolute Filthy Christmas & Grinch Theme Kïnƙƴ Fụn̈!! There is literally *something* for everyone (at all levels) to enjoy! 🥵🔥💋 It is an ägë-gäp (15 years) with Dani's trademark Ḍäɗɗy Ḍïrtƴ Talk & ṣëxƴ tïmës, (no age regression in this story) romance with a lot of twists. It starts as fantasy insta-lust to insta-love in the beginning, but we find out a lot more... 😉 A very satisfying HEA with a fun future epilogue...

...I will never look at green food coloring the same way...lol... 🤭

[Trixie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I've read a story like this before where couples try out their fantasies, which can sometimes be a bit tricky to figure out. But the author really made me question if I had guessed right from the start.

Most of the story shows them acting out their fantasies, but it still ends happily for the couple. The MMC isn't as “evil” as they thought; he's usually a good guy, even if he's a little intense at times.

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

[Brice · Rating 4 out of 5]

This took me by surprise. Despite already having a good idea about how everything was gonna pan out and how weird things were gonna get because of the Grinch kink and the warnings, I should've raised the bar higher cuz my mouth fell open a lot. Good smutty read tho.


Plot: 👌👌
Characters: 👌👌
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️

POV: MPOV (mostly the h's), 1st person
OW/OM Drama: none
HEA: yes
Kinks:
- cnc
- roleplay
- knifeplay
- breeding kink
- lactation/breastfeeding kink
- toys
Tropes/Themes/Tags:
- step-siblings
- pregnancy
- cowboy
- age gap
- Grinch themed???

[Christina Astorga · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received an ARC and I'm freely reviewing.

4.5 stars. This is a filthy, quick read. If daddy fantasies aren't your thing, don't open this. Haha! Sadie is a young woman that has a dirty mind and the Grinch is there to make sure her fantasies become real. After a little while, I did figure out who the Grinch was so if a little mystery isn't your game, you won't like this either. A great read that captures you fast!

[Nix · Rating 2 out of 5]

this is a weird grinch ride for sure

⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️🌶️

Now this has some spice and a whole lot of trigger warnings but when I saw it gets weird buckle up.

It’s a grinch fantasy that took on so many taboo sections idk who to think about it. Calling things orbs of flesh though and the green food coloring was actual the most off putting.

The step siblings prison lawyer pregnancy all of it was just so much and felt like it over complicated the story

[Amy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ok. So I might be a little addicted to Dani's books and this series. I love each MMC so freaking much. This was really good and I wasn't expecting the little twist at the end. But I did love it. Cutter and Said has some smoking got chemistry. I loved that neither cared too much what their parents thought. It was very steamy and just perfect.

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

[Lynn M. Sanders · Rating 5 out of 5]

Perfectly filthy Grinch fun for the season!

When our beloved Dani Wyatt goes fully into an naughty fantasy she goes ALL in and it's so great!! I will never look at the Grinch or Cindy Loo the same way....or green food coloring! This book is such fun. Cutter and Sadie are great together. Ya know, I think dirty Dr Suess stories work for me!

[Mary Hudson · Rating 5 out of 5]

A delightfully filthy Christmas treat!

OMG! Dani Wyatt is a master at the wanting what’s wrong trope! Another delicious spicy treat from this yummy series! I highly recommend this book if you’re looking for a quick little filthy read that will set you on fire! A perfect holiday treat that will leave you completely satisfied!!!

[Christina · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you are looking for an ultra-naughty holiday read to put you in the Christmas spirit, look no further. This book had me fanning myself through almost every page! If step-siblings, high kink, and ultimate taboos are up your alley, you are going to have one festive good time. Need I say more? Go read it!
ARC Review

[Day · Rating 5 out of 5]

Grinch smut? Yes, please!
I LOVED reading this smutty novella. The whole thing is PERFECT if you need some really good Grinch smut this Christmas season. Cutter was ready to do anything that Sadie wrote in her little fanfic. The man did everything in his power to bring the Grinch to life through him. Ugh! It was so hot! I loved this story.

[Tamika · Rating 5 out of 5]

There were so many things that were unexpected, making this book a definite page turner for me. Totally didn't expect how the book went, but I loved everything about it, the suspense, the thrill and the dark romance.

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

[Syd Springer · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a really good book. I enjoyed the connection and chemistry between Sadie and Cutter. I enjoyed both Sadie's enjoyment of her kicks and Cutter letting loose and helping Sadie explore more. This was a short read but it was a good escape during the holidays.

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

[Jurnee · Rating 4 out of 5]

I just had to read it for the absurdity! lol The Grinch element was really detailed and entertaining, it felt well thought out. It wasn’t just the mask, there was a lot of role play that sealed the deal. Very sexy, very taboo, doesn’t take itself too seriously. My favorite chapter was Cutter’s even though it was light on the spice.

This is darker, rape fantasies and all, so proceed with caution.

[Christina Rogers · Rating 5 out of 5]

omg it starts dark but stick with it

For all you Dani Wyatt lovers out there this one is on the darker side but trust me when I say it’s worth it. I’m going to be vague bc there’s too much to give away. Let’s just say in this story the Grinch has met his match. Didn’t want it to end. Going to reread the wanting what’s wrong series after this one.

[Chrissy · Rating 4 out of 5]

This Christmas story really delivers the heat, and I thoroughly enjoyed the read! The characters are captivating, and the storyline is both entertaining and heartwarming, making it a perfect addition to the holiday season.

[Louise]

Left home alone during the holiday break, a home break-in, step-brother stalker, and reference to the Grinch..
What more could you want for a holiday quick read.

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

[Angel · Rating 5 out of 5]

love

This is one of my favorite series. I absolutely love all these books, and you have absolutely become one of my favorite writers. I think I’m kind of cool too because I live in Eastpointe, Michigan right by Detroit

[Elsa Reyna · Rating 5 out of 5]

It started kind of slow but I guess that is ok.
Love whatever she buys and she is an amazing author
She is so underrated, her books are so good...have them all in my kindle and shelf.

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

[Amber Novak · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the quick and easy but super spicy story of Cutter and Sadie. A little Christmas play and plenty of fun lead to a HEA for the couple this holiday seaosn.

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

[Mandee · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fun 🌶 🌶🌶 Little Grinchy Christmas Read

This was a fun fast-paced Spicy christmas story. If you're looking for an unrealistic smutty escape, this one is perfect for you.