Christmas With An Unhinged Trucker

by C. Jackson II

She thought she was about to hit a lick.

Kami is broke, desperate, and working a truck stop just days before Christmas. Looking for a quick score, she approaches a quiet trucker traveling alone.

Big mistake.

She wakes up handcuffed in his truck.

Naz isn't the type of man people forget. Quiet, intense, and impossible to read, he's spent most of his life carrying burdens no one else can see. What starts as a reckless decision becomes something neither of them expected.

On a cold ride across state lines, attraction turns into obsession, walls begin to crumble, and two broken people find comfort in the last place they expected. But when Kami's past comes looking for her, she'll have to decide if the man everyone else would run from is the only man willing to stay.

Christmas With An Unhinged Trucker is a dark holiday romance filled with tension, obsession, humor, heat, and an unforgettable happily-ever-after.

"A little dark, a little festive, and impossible to put down." - Goodreads reviewer

Genres: Christmas

124 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 10, 2026

About the author

C. Jackson II is a Baton Rouge born storyteller whose books take a gritty, emotional, and unapologetic look at love, loyalty, and power in the South. His writing blends street realism with deep character storytelling, setting a new standard for Southern street lit.

Currently incarcerated, Jackson turned his pain into purpose, transforming from hustling in the streets to building a literary brand from a cell. Writing became his freedom, and his books became his mission.He is the author of Faithful To Nobody and the breakout holiday novella Saint Dickalos, which reached Top 10 on Amazon and earned bestseller status in multiple categories. This Christmas he returns with Christmas With An Unhinged Trucker, a dark holiday romance about a woman who knocks on the wrong truck and the man who refuses to give her back. Out November 1.

Every page he writes shows that no matter where you start, you can rewrite your ending.

Reviews

[Mz_MELLO YELLO from the BAY · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not Your Ordinary Christmas

I’ve heard stories about the woman that work truck stops. I think they called them “Lot Lizzards”. Hey don’t knock no one hustle, I don’t. You just never know someone story. This was a nice quick read. Though it turn out for the best, you never know what could’ve happened. Yeah ya boy Naz did more than just save her and protect her, he returned her home. He saw something in her that she never saw in herself.
Kami was your average girl who wanted something different in life but was bamboozled into the shenanigans of Tru. That wining and dining only lasted so long and the true reason of her purpose was exposed. She never thought that one night would change it all. She also never thought she would return home.

This is a new to me author and honestly didn’t know what to expect. I’ve only read a handful of books by male authors and I have to say , that needs to change. I plan to read more by this author as I was not disappointed in this read

[Faye Patterson · Rating 5 out of 5]

ARC Review

Baby, this was such a cute, quick read! This novella is a short read, and I finished it in one day. I really enjoyed Naz and Kami’s story and watching these two find each other when they needed someone the most.

Kami found herself in a situation she couldn’t get herself out of, but little did she know, Naz was going to be the perfect man to come along and rescue her. And baby, Naz was NOT playing about Kami!

Both Naz and Kami were going through their own things, and somehow finding each other felt like exactly what they both needed. Naz was exactly what Kami needed in that moment, and he made sure she knew she wasn’t dealing with everything alone.

But Kami was also the person Naz needed after experiencing such a devastating loss. She brought something back into his life that he didn’t even realize was missing. She changed him in ways he didn’t expect, and I loved watching their connection grow.

Overall, I really enjoyed this story. Naz and Kami needed each other, and sometimes the person you never expected to meet ends up being the exact person you needed all along.

[Tiffany · Rating 5 out of 5]

Baybee!!! CJ2 hit us with a short and SWEET and did not miss!!! I absolutely LOVED it. Anytime a book can make me HOLLA...out loud?! Listen. Ya girl Kami thought she came up on a SWEET lick only to be hit with a uno reverse from Naz ( first holiday Bae of the season for me; its giving "my man, my man, my man").
CJ2 CARRIED when writing this. The details made me SEE, HEAR, and FEEL everything I was reading. The pacing of the book was spot on for the overall vibe of the book. Every chapter I came to I found myself "singing" it, putting a smile on my face.
As chaotic as the holiday season tend to be, its usually one of the best times to reflect on life, whether good or bad. Kami and Naz were able to do just that. TOGETHER. And I love that for them!!! Definitely a 5 🌟 read for me!

[Antqunett Harris · Rating 5 out of 5]

THIS WAS A GRAET WAY TO START OFF THE HOLIDAY SEASON WITH THIS BOOK. This book had me locked in from beginning to end! I felt so bad for my girl. Kami was from a small town thinking she found love and Tru played her.BUT when NAZ came in that was a man for you (my man my man) he was unhinged but he didn't play about Kami. He came in when she least expected it,he was all she needed. She was all he needed as well. Kami brought something back into NAZ life and changed him. Overall I enjoyed this story. Sometimes you will meet a person that you never knew you needed.
If you're looking for a nice quick Christmas read with a little spice J, some romance, some drama, and two people finding each other in perfect timing add this to your TBR

[CHIQUITA JETTER · Rating 5 out of 5]

📖 ARC REVIEW 🚨🎄 CHILEEEEE, THIS AIN’T YOUR TYPICAL CHRISTMAS ROMANCE! 😭🚛🔪

First of all, an UNHINGED trucker?! At CHRISTMAS?! Baby, I already knew we were in for a wild ride! 😂😭

Christmas With an Unhinged Trucker by C. Jackson II is giving DARK, TWISTED, TOXIC, and a whole lot of WHAT IN THE WORLD DID I JUST READ?! 👀🔥

One minute we got Christmas music playing, and the next somebody is handcuffed to a truck bed?! SIRRRR, WHAT IS WRONG WITH YOU?! 😭🤣

If you love your fictional men dangerous, morally questionable, and a few screws short, BABYYYY, buckle up! This is NOT a Hallmark Christmas movie! 😂🎄

⚠️ 18+ | Dark Romance | Captivity | Forced Proximity | Unhinged MMC
— Thank you to C. Jackson II for the opportunity to read this ARC!

[BrownBookNerd · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was short and straight to the point. I enjoyed it so much I couldn’t put it down. Kami was just trying to make her money for the night and thought she found the perfect man to do just that, but she ended up getting way more than she bargained for. Although Naz was unhinged af, he was also cool, calm and collected lol. Oh and he didn’t play about Kami. I enjoyed the dynamic of the characters and their story together. I found it to be both real and raw. This is the perfect read for the holidays with a touch of crazy that I highly recommend you adding to your tbr.

Thank you to the author for the ARC.

[Shanay Towner · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was everything I hoped it would be and MORE! 😍

Naz and Kami were such well-rounded characters. Naz had that quiet-but-strong demeanor, and Kami was strong in her own way. I especially loved that she wasn’t the typical “perfect” character — she felt real.

I was completely locked into this story and seriously could not put it down! It had just the right touch of darkness mixed with the perfect amount of Christmas vibes. 🎄🖤

I fully recommend this one if you’re looking for something a little dark, a little festive, and impossible to put down! ✨📚

[Dai · Rating 4 out of 5]

ADVANCED READERS COPY REVIEW

This book caught me by surprise!

I will admit I was very much intrigued by the cover of the book however once I started reading I couldn’t put the book down. This short read had me laughing, sighing, getting irritated and on the edge of my seat for bits and pieces. This was different however I felt as if I was right there along for the ride.

Sweets wasn’t expecting her robbery to go wrong and Naz wasn’t expecting to find live again but sometimes Christmas brings cheer.

Definitely recommend !

[NeenaLovesBooks · Rating 4 out of 5]

This one definitely kept me engaged. I love a good kidnapping trope, lol. Sweets did get in my nerves a tiny bit tho. She just kept on trying to get away from Naz, but get away to what ! I just kept saying , girl nothing but bs is waiting for you if you escape ! It didn’t take long for Naz to win her over so I didn’t have too too much of an attitude with her . But Naz was truly “don’t judge a book by its cover” kinda man . Loved me some Naz. If you’re looking for a good start to the Christmas novels this year, start here !

[LayLay · Rating 3.5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. Kami thought she was bout to hit a lick but got way more than she bargained for! Naz being quiet, but deadly was my favorite part about his character. That man was calm in every situation it was sometimes scary lol. He didn’t play about his Sweets at alllll. The ending was so cute. If you want a nice, quick read this is it.

[La Carter · Rating 4 out of 5]

“Believe in me even when I don’t believe in myself!” Chileeeee! Now this is a MAN! He saw something in her from hello! He was unhinged fasho but he didn’t play about her! I was not expecting this plot but I loved it. Had me smiling and rubbing my feet together while getting ready for the holidays. Lol.

[Arie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was short and very much played into that naughty and nice. I enjoyed this read very much, and it was my first holiday-themed book. I was a little taken aback with Kami at first, but my girl ain’t a quitter. I definitely do love Naz though, his protectiveness is scary yet, attractive to read about. A great read, and definitely would recommend to read cozied up this Christmas!

[TK Fletcher · Rating 4.5 out of 5]

I love an ARC from an author friend. Listen READ THIS BOOK. The way my girl Kami went from one bad situation to a scary situation was a good time. She thought she hit a lick but Naz was not to be played with. He was unhinged but in a good way. I love an intentional calm man but his calm ass was scary at times. This was short but good.

[Charel · Rating 5 out of 5]

loved it

First of all, I want to say thank you for allowing me to be an ARC READER .. I liked how we got to know our main character; she is very relatable . The plot twists were crazy as hell; I was clutching my pearls every page. The spice was 🌶️🌶️2. I loved it .. He super saved that hoe 🤣🤣🤣 9/10 only because I wish we had more spicy

[ShayEveryday · Rating 5 out of 5]

When I tell you I was locked in on this book couldn’t put it down! Nas is one of those rare men that comes into your life right when you need him and it’s one of those things you least expect!!!! I neeeeed MOREEEE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Jai · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book made me start to like holiday novellas!! I like my men unhinged and Naz definitely fit the bill lol. I lived for the sweet moments between the MCs and I’m happy my girl Kami got what she deserved. If you’re looking for something, sweet, crazy and quick, this is definitely the one.

[Justkyyreading · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was short and sweet ! Communication is Key! Kami thought Naz was crazy whole time he was looking out for her and she didn’t even know it. However I probably would’ve reacted the same way! I wish it was longer so I could really see how things play out for them. Over all a great read! 🤗

[LaRon T. · Rating 5 out of 5]

First time ARC reader! I really enjoyed Naz and Kami’s story! Kami’s backstory was sad and relatable to a lot of young women. Naz was the epitome of don’t judge a book by its cover. He saw something in Kami that others didn’t take the time to see. He was quiet and a bit unhinged, but still had a good heart. It’s a great quick read!

[Karma · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nazarene’s brother need a book next.

Didn’t know what to expect with this one. But C.Jackson did his big one, this was a cute quick read. Maybe we will see something in the future with Naz’s brother(s).

[Jasmine Helton · Rating 5 out of 5]

A short read with spice and drama! I need me a Naz in my life! He didnt play about "Sweets!" She didn't know what she got herself into when she got in that truck!!

[Adrian · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good Plot

Very good read from beginning to end. The story was great, the presentation and the ending. Unlike anything else I've read.

[Cemera (Cece) B · Rating 4 out of 5]

I might be toxic for liking Naz 😆

This is not your average Christmas love story

Our girl Kami has been hoodwinked into being a street walker against her will. She thinks Naz is going to be just another customer but she was wrong.

Naz is literally captain save a H0€ and kidnaps her for her own good.

It a good holiday novella, i enjoyed it

[Tazz 7906 · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed reading this book! It's absolutely on par with the level of Unhingedness that I truly enjoy 🤗. I'm looking forward to more books by the author.

[Ashley Rodriguez · Rating 5 out of 5]

Unhinged Trucker

My boy CJ II gonna give us one heck of a trucker story every time. At first you might not think you’ll get any romance but this is indeed a good romance story. My girl was just trying to find a way to survive when the unexpected happened. Such a good read.

[Taela Jackson · Rating 4.25 out of 5]

Now THIS was a Christmas romance with a little chaos! 😂🎄

This was such a cute, spicy holiday novella, and I genuinely enjoyed myself reading it. Think Hallmark Christmas romance, but for grown folks, with an absolutely unhinged male lead.

And when I say unhinged, I mean UNHINGED. 😂

But I can’t even lie, there was something oddly endearing about this man. He was attentive, protective, and completely obsessed with our female main character. Was he morally questionable? Absolutely. But I enjoyed their dynamic and the little cat-and-mouse game they had going on.

I also appreciated the female main character’s backstory. There were moments when I wanted her to just let her guard down, but considering everything she’d experienced and how the men in her life had repeatedly failed her, I understood her hesitation. Her distrust didn’t come out of nowhere.

One thing I really appreciated was how the author handled the progression of their relationship. Even though the story takes place over a short period, it didn’t feel like he was forcing an entire love story into a handful of days. There was attraction and chemistry, but the deeper relationship was given room to develop beyond the main storyline. I especially appreciated the one-year-later epilogue!

My only real complaint? I wanted MORE! I understand this was intended to be a quick Christmas novella, but I would’ve loved a little more development in certain areas, especially the reunion with her grandmother after five years apart. I feel like that could’ve been such a beautiful moment to explore.

Overall, this was a fun, spicy, unconventional Christmas romance that genuinely gave me some holiday joy. It had humor, chemistry, a little chaos, and just enough sweetness to balance out the madness.

If you’re looking for a quick holiday romance with an obsessive, morally gray male lead, I’d definitely recommend giving this one a read!

[MagicKalUniKorn · Rating 4.5 out of 5]

ARC received directly from the author. All opinions are my own.

Naz was EVERYTHING. Quiet, gentle, protective, and carrying the grief of losing his wife, he had completely buried himself in work and stopped living outside of it. Then Kami came along and shook up his entire world.

Kami had been through hell. After being lured to Memphis under the guise of love and spending years being abused and exploited, she had learned to survive however she could. Watching her slowly realize that Naz wasn’t another man looking to hurt her, but someone who genuinely wanted to protect her, was my favorite part of their story.

And that UNO REVERSE when Kami thought she was about to rob him?! 😂 She really thought she had Naz figured out, only to wake up handcuffed to the bunk.

And when another trucker came after her and Naz came to her rescue? That man was unhinged but protective as hell. 😂

I loved watching Naz and Kami open up to each other, find safety in one another, and build something neither of them thought they could have. From Christmas Eve with Naz’s family to him taking Kami home to her grandmother, those moments really showed how much their relationship had changed both of them.

And the ending? Kami getting married, pregnant, and finally opening the bakery she dreamed about? 🥹❤️ THAT’S the kind of ending I love.

Overall, I really enjoyed this one and would definitely recommend it to anyone who likes urban romance with protective MMCs, healing, found family, and a little holiday chaos. 🎄❤️

[Latoya TrueBeauty Robinson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Emotional Rollercoaster

What a ride. This book gonna make you feel all the feels sometimes all at the same time. Kami Kami Kami girl she went from me feeling sorry for her to Pissing me off to rooting for her. And Naz was just trying to do the right thing while drowning in grief and anger. I wanted him to find his voice sooner. I think she needed to be put in danger to realize he was truly saving her. Then the family dinner had me hollering cause why they did that to them puppies 🤣🤣🤣🤣 then I went back to crying my eyes out because im an orphan now and well I was triggered but that's what grief does it sneaks up on you. Then the church scene I was crying again. Roman 8:28 And we know God cause everything to work together for His accord for those who are called according to His purpose.

Eventhough both Naz and Kami were in the throws of despair it reminded me of Romans 8:28 in that it does not teach that every event is good, or that we should pretend it is. It teaches something stronger: that in the hands of a redeeming Father, nothing is wasted. The promise is not that we will always understand God’s providence, but that we can trust his heart because the God who did not spare his own Son will not abandon the work he has begun in those he has called.

They got a reader out of me. Can't wait to see more of this author's work

[SJRLibrary · Rating 4.5 out of 5]

Thank you to C.Jackson II for the opportunity to read this novella. This is my first book by C.Jackson and I really enjoyed it! I am constantly looking for arcs to read that have black MCs and I am glad that I was able to read this one.
I liked that it had just the right about of spice (since for most of the story, Kami, the FMC, felt that she was being kidnapped and it would have been inappropriate). Naz, the MMC, definitely was flawed with his execution but his intentions were good and he was (mostly) a green flag. Every woman deserves a man who would fight like this for her and treat her like the queen she is!

[Vivian_May_Read · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had the pleasure of being an ARC reader for this book and man oh man, this was a REALLY GOOD READ!!! This is my first time reading from this author and I’ll definitely read more. This book had me on edge a few times because Sweets was making me nervous. I mean as you can tell from the title he was unhinged BUT some stuff she was doing had me mad at her for him and also scared for her, like girl SAT DOWN!!! I liked Naz for her, their “relationship” was sooo unconventional but she needed him and he needed her🥹. Every time I drive past a LOVES truck stop I literally laugh out loud and look around being nosy now 🤭🤫

[Shanaye Hurtt · Rating 4.75 out of 5]

Thank you for letting me arc!

I thoroughly enjoyed this book! I was in a little bit of a reading slump which it helped me get out of! I also was able to finish it in a day once I was able to sit down and really lock in.

This book follows a lady of the night, Kami aka Sweets, “getting saved” by a trucker, Naz during Christmas time (if this is your first time reading any of his books he’s going to make the plot during Christmas 😅).

I liked how over time Sweets was able to soften which in turned softened Naz.
I do wish there was a tiny bit more spice.

All in all, it was a good ready and now I’m actually ready for Christmas time! 😅