Subbing for Santa

by Sarah J.D.

You have been invited to play a game.
The name of the game is, Subbing for Santa.
The rules are simple.
If Santa issues an order, the submissive must obey.
If not, the submissive will be punished.

So what will it be my little elf?
Will you play with me?

What is a girl to do when she receives such an invitation?
Most girls, sensible girls, would refuse, because who knows what sort of person this is posing as Santa? He could be a serial killer for all I know.
Lucky for Santa, I’m not like most girls.
I’ll happily submit if it helps me get through this Christmas season.
BUT, by accepting the invitation, have I made a mistake?
As this anonymous stranger begins his torment on me, I quickly realise that I could be in serious danger. There’s nowhere to run, though. He has me right where he wants me, and I fear I may not make it out alive.


!! CONTENT WARNING !!
FOR READERS OVER THE AGE OF 18.
Subbing for Santa is a standalone book which ties in with Sarah JD’s other series and does NOT end on a cliffhanger.
Please note: This is a dark contemporary MF romance that contains subjects that maybe triggering to some readers.
Please take a moment and head over to Sarah JD’s website to read the full warning.

Genres: Christmas, Holiday, Dark Romance, BDSM, Smut, Romance, Dark

290 pages, Kindle Edition

Published December 13, 2022

About the author

Sarah JD, also known as Sarah Jane Duncan, is a dark romance author living in Australia with Mr Duncan who stole her off the market back in high school.
Sarah can be found in her writing room plotting out her next smut filled romance filled with angst, violence, and themes so dark you should probably question why you love it so much.

Sarah writes about strong females who have to fight against the odds to find their power, their voice, and their truth. Her heroines possess the strength that only comes from being a survivor, and through their trauma, battles and struggles, they learn to trust again, and find love.

There’s nothing easy about their stories. They are hard, gritty, and painfully heartbreaking at times. But what doesn’t kill us makes us stronger, right? And when you throw in a swoon worthy guy, or an alphahole that you just want to slap, but also fall to your knees and obey, it’s the recipe for a rollercoaster ride.

So buckle up. Read the warnings. And let yourself get lost in the dark stories Sarah creates.

Reviews

[Valkyrie ✨ · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was hard to rate because I had two major issues with the story.

My first issues is that this is a sequel or a spin off of another series I haven’t read. I didn’t know when I first picked it up, and by the time I realized my mistake, I was too intrigued to stop reading. So I guess this is my fault.

My second issue, and the real reason why I struggled with this one, is whatever happened in that other series I haven’t read yet. Apparently the main girl in that series was underaged and had sexual encounters with the main girl from this book, which has her feeling guilty in this sequel. Which, alright, at least she regrets it. But like, wtf? Whatever happened in that series, they ended up becoming friends and she helped the minor to escape the shady situation she was in. So there is that. But I was really uncomfortable when I read about it without knowing the detail and nuances of the situation.

This dark romance crosses the line in several occasions, just keep that in mind if you decide to read. The writing is excellent, tho. And the balance between smut and romance was great. But these two were very depraved kinky mofos lol

I loved how they worked the rules of their relationship, and how she went from poly to monogamous, and how he accompanied her along the way without pressuring. That part was really interesting and so well done.

[Shauni · Rating 5 out of 5]

I want my own Santa for Christmas this year!

This is the best Christmas themed book I've read, with a plot mixed of Christmas, a whole lot of drama and a little bit of intrigue. It was a perfect blend that makes it perfect to read this time of year as well as any other time. I LOVED the whole intrigue behind who Santa actually is and I was buzzing ... I love him. I want to be his little elf. I love Agatha, have done since I met her in the insatiable series so I was excited & happy to find she was getting her own story and HEA. I love the connections this author weaves between books, she is amazing! I highly recommend this book... It is steamy AF!

[clea whaley · Rating 2 out of 5]

What started out as a fun time quickly drained me of all my holiday spirit.

[Amanda Gold · Rating 5 out of 5]

Woah that was steamy
Please read trigger warnings beforehand.
Crosses a lot of boundaries and while I loved most of it, the underage part didn’t sit well with me. But the fact that the MFC had loads of regret and was friends and helped this underage person, that did help. I won’t say too much as the story is so good beyond this.

I could not put down this Santa themed book.

Well written and fast paced story of sex and romance, tantric and sex parties and mafia. Chasing and role play. Group sex, girl on girl and loads more. And did I mention sex? Be prepared for a hot and steamy wild ride. There is a great story line too!! This author knows how to get you hooked.

If you need a break from plain old romance and need a heart racing sexual feast this is for you. Merry Christmas

[Book.Wolf · Rating 4 out of 5]

Dirty santa book.. Check

I really liked this book. I also loved the fact that it still had a story to and its not just smut.
really recommend reading this around xmas time if your into dark romance.

And as always please check the trigger warnings!!

[Anoesjka Connolly · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this story. It had me laughing out loud at the antics that Aggie & Griff got upto. I loved how there were snippets of the other characters from the other books interspersed in there. The story flows so well, and had me interested right from the start, wondering what was going to happen, and who was this Santa that was watching everything that Aggie did? I loved their games they played with each other, and also the bad-ass vibe Aggie gives off, especially to Griffin's family. This story was a great feel good read, despite a few bad things happening, and I couldn’t put it down!

[Sue Harbers · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a spicy and fun holiday standalone! Agatha is a supporting character from Rhys’ story and she was a great friend to her so it’s nice to read her own story. Santa is an interesting guy, even when he’s unveiled there’s still a lot more to him than meets the eye. I dare say these two are everything the other one needs. I love the crossover of Rhys and Aggie getting her much deserved HEA!

[Shedevilreads Bookstagram · Rating 4 out of 5]

Subbing For Santa by Sarah JD is a dark Christmas romance.

This is the first book of Sarah's that I have read, and it won't be my last. I really enjoyed the relationship between Agatha and Griffin. I liked that we got both of their points of views throughout the book.

I would recommend this book if you like dark romances, holiday romances, contemporary romances, or romantic suspense.

[Silke K · Rating 5 out of 5]

Following orders can be fun...

I really enjoyed this dark romance.
Agatha and Griffith both have kinky sides to them. Agatha accepts the envelope and box to start the game. A cell phone and commands are her only clues to this game. Will she finish when Christmas nears, or chicken out?
A fun and dark read that leads to what they truly wanted from one another.
Read the TW first.

[Melanie Brown · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was given this book as a part of an Advent Calendar on an Australian book group on Facebook, so picked it up knowing basically nothing about it, except for the title.

It is as it sounds, but also has a delicate level of stalking and psychological suspense, making it just as much plot as it is spice!

Santa & his Little Elf have a game to play and a lust to satisfy, but they both also have their secrets and Santa for a long while has a bunch of walls around himself, that women don't get let in to.

This book has a number of trigger warnings which should definitely be take seriously, but it is worth getting through it to see if they get their HEA.

[Rachel Stephens · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic
I thought it had an original and interesting storyline. The twists and turns kept me guessing. Everytime I thought the story was gonna go one direction it totally surprised me. I loved the fact that i couldnt figure it out. I also loved the whole mystery of who Santa might be! There was so much steam and it was delicious. The relationship between Agatha and Santa was filled with fire and they fit each other perfectly. I loved how their relationship evolved throughout the story!!
Another fantastic read from Sarah!!

[Felicia's Review · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am loving this world of Sarah JD. We now have Agatha AKA Moxie. I really think you should read the Insatiable series before reading this. This book was amazing and I couldn’t put it down. This book has alot of mystery and few twist. I love we got some side characters from the Insatiable series story I would not mind more. This does have a lot of dirty scenes and so hot! I can't wait for what else Sarah JD gives us.

[Katie Carwardine · Rating 5 out of 5]

I Loved this book. I especially loved the games Griffith played with Agatha before revealing himself. I was surprised but pleased by the fact that this tied into insatiable kitten. If you liked those books, you’ll love this one.

[Danielle Lawson · Rating 4 out of 5]

What delicious read!!

Loved this book from cover to cover....was hooked even more when it turned into an entirely different feel half way through....so good and perfect combo of plot and spice!!

[Lemon · Rating 2 out of 5]

Plot: 3/5 • Smut: 4/5 ————> Other than the smut being good, I had to force myself to finish this. For some reason so could not get into it. I understand fiction, but this just all seemed forced and fake. 😔

[Michelle Bernskoetter · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a fun read it started out hot and ended the same way. It was a quick read because I just couldn’t put it down. First mafia read that I have done. Didn’t even know if was mafia but really enjoyed. This was a stand alone but there are other books about to start reading those

[Brianna Carter · Rating 4 out of 5]

Read it for a book group chat on Facebook. I enjoyed actually reading about a dark romance set in Australia
Not as dark as it was made out to be but I enjoyed it a lot. Had some laughs too

[Brianna Refalo · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you are looking for a dark christmas smutfest then look no further.
smut in almost every chapter. The plot was absolutely rediculous but the vibes were immaculate.
merry christmas hos

[Rona · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is filled with raunchy, dark, explicit fun! I truly enjoyed their back and forth banter. The smut was superb. 🥵

[mads · Rating 1 out of 5]

1/5 ⭐️

my bells are not jingled 🙂‍↔️🙅‍♀️
I think I lost brain cells reading this book. The beginning started off alright, but after unmasking the secret Santa very quickly into the book, the plot just went all over the place after that. Also the drama the FMC was running from was focused on a sexual situation (club setting) involving a minor & that just felt like such an unnecessary & icky choice of conflict to go with? Some of the smut was alright, but overall this was a flop, imo.

[Jessica Gorgen · Rating 5 out of 5]

good

This was a good book. Interesting reason for why he started the game he did. But I also liked that she held her own and got some payback. And she’s a real hero at the end.

[Jennifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

OMG! I loved this book! Best one yet from Miss Sarah. I loved everything about this book, but especially Santa. Definitely a must read!

[Annettesbookbanter · Rating 3 out of 5]

I gave this a 3 as there was nothing wrong with the writing it just wasn't my thing, particularly a lot of the type of spice in it. I would definitely suggest checking the triggers before reading.

[Feral Words · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely wonderful!

I absolutely LOVE Santa!

This story checks so many boxes and it's far more than a holiday story. This is hands down my favorite holiday season book of 2023.

Nothing happens the way I thought it would. I never would have guessed Santa's real identity or how the two were connected.

This man really would burn the world down for her and there is a lot happening in this book (tropes galore!) but it all flows organically and it really well paced.

I'm absolutely coming back to read more from this author!

[MC · Rating 1 out of 5]

DNF. The main character admits to engaging in child trafficking and using underage sex slaves almost immediately as the reason for her “hiding out” and “laying low” while the scandal subsided. That’s reprehensible and beyond disgusting. I didn’t read past that point. End of game, go to jail, no excuse for writing that shit.

[spicy_book_nook · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thoughts: Santa should be on the naughty list… not Agatha. He is one bad man 😉 I loved that there was no 3rd act break up and that Agatha ends up saving the day. I did not like that there was no aftercare from Santa, just him saying don’t forget your aftercare and leaving. I get it was because he was going to ruin the game and lose control but aftercare is like 101 of BDSM life. He redeems himself once the game is over so that helps.

Overall Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Plot / Storyline 👩🏻‍💻: 📑📑📑📑
Heat / Burn (slow / fast): 🐢🐢🐇🐇🐇
Darkness: 🖤🖤🖤
Red Flags: 🚩🚩🚩🚩
Kinks: 🫦🫦🫦🫦
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
Range of Emotions: 🥺🤣🫣🥵😏♥️
Ending: 👩🏻‍❤️‍👨🏻 {HEA}
POV: 👫🏻 {Dual}

***spoilers - whole story***
Agatha (Aggie) is a 28 year old hiding out from her life, living in a secluded part of Australia. Aggie had a hard childhood, her father was an abusive drunk and her mother a lazy drunk. She was involved in a Sex Club scandal. An underage girl was kidnapped. She was 17 and blackmailed people to get in. Aggie tried to take the girl under her wing to keep her safe but the owners though took a liking to her and wanted her for themselves. The club was dismantled and Aggie fled, her name was on a list that some of the other members got rid of. She is now a tantric sex therapist and does cam on the side.
Aggie receives a mystery letter from “Santa” asking her to play a game. It will only last a few days but she must obey his every word. She agrees and the game begins. Santa never lets Aggie see him. He plays mind games with her as well as physical games (which are super hot). He always leaves immediately after they play because he can’t control himself.
Aggie is feeling unwanted and realizes he only wants to play the game. She tries to hide it but cries a lot.
Santa is losing his mind and wants to take her now but knows he needs to wait. He tells Aggie he has been watching her for a while and knows everything about her including the scandal but understands she isn’t a predator. Aggie is glad for it being out but knows there is still one secret he doesn’t know, it’s why she ran from home and hasn’t seen her mother or sister in over ten years.
Finally Santa reveals he is Griffin Marx, part of an organized crime family, he doesn’t like to use mafia. Also, her land lord. Griffin is in love with her and wants her to meet his family. His sister Fallon is a jerk but most everyone else is fine. Fallon brings up her scandal and gets demoted in rank because she wasn’t supposed to. A bad guy pops up sending Griffin a picture that he is watching Aggie. Griffin rushes home and finds someone on property (one of the bad guys men) and executes him, Aggie watching). Griffin thinks he has lost her but she takes him to where her father is buried. She executed him because he unalived her brother in her mom’s womb after he beat her mom. This was her final secret.
While on the family yacht, one of the crew takes the whole family hostage and Aggie unalives him, saving the day.
They get married in the end ♥️

[R1vana · Rating 4 out of 5]

”The way we connect like a puzzle piece. The pull our bodies have on each other. The way we fit together just right."

Agatha Fiera wanted to find love. Sex has always been good for her. She loved it but she never actually experienced intimacy. One night stands are a temporary “relief” since there is no aftercare.
So when one day she gets a mail from Santa and be his “temporary toy play”, she decides to give it a go knowing it is so f-ing creepy:
”If I take the package inside the mailbox, it means I'm accepting the terms of being Santa's submissive.
The thought makes me smirk. I could be playing sub for a big burly white bearded accountant for all I know, yet here 1 am, still willing to play.
Why?
Because I'm lonely and not particularly picky at this point. And pathetic, but I'll worry about that part later.”

Now, when she met Santa, she never expected love or intimacy. But the more possessive he got, he more she can’t seem to denies it.
-
‘S’ is portrayed as Santa but his family is part of mafia aka a criminal family. <\Spoiler>
He is a pure definition of a stalker. A creepy one as it. But he is a hot red flag. his names is griffin and he is her landlord and has cameras everywhere. I like how Agatha put up restraint on G whenever he tries to do stuff that cross limits.
They both have so many kinks: voyeurism; dom/sub; hunter/prey(chase); an*l play; primal play.
When Griffin wants something, he would not let go: “Poor little thing doesn't even realise she's already mine.
He sent her an invitation in order to know and "I needed to see if you have what it takes,"
"Have what it takes for what?" she asks, her brows furrowing.
"To be my woman.”
-
The more he stalks her, the more he has come to realization that he wants her permanently:

Fuck, Aggie. I've waited a lifetime for you to come into my life.”

W: sexual content; stalking; blood; kidnapping; death of a parent; murder

[Stacey Foss · Rating 5 out of 5]

Agatha (Moxie) was left a note asking her if she wants to play a game she has no idea who left the note but she is intrigued and decides to play. Submitting for Santa. She has different tasks she is supposed to perform and if she does she gets rewarded and if she fails she is punished. She soon learns that she is being watched all the time and that he has access to her home. Even though it makes her a little nervous she keeps playing. If you have read other books by this author you have a knowledge of the characters in this book and who they are. I loved that the other characters play a role in this story it was fun to see them again. Griffin is one hot Santa who can't get Aggie his little elf out of his mind he is going to make her his and by playing his game she is proving that she can survive in his world. when Aggie finds out who he is she is not scared but wants to take things slow but Griffin doesn't know the word. We get twists and secrets and truths that will make your heart melt and of course this book is one hot and steamy story that will melt you panties as well as your heart. Agatha feels all along never having someone just for her but Griffin is going to prove her wrong and be the one person she can always rely on. Griffin will be your next book boyfriend and will make you want to submit to Santa. I was given this book as an ARC for my honest review.

[Carrie West · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.75 ⭐️ for the good parts.

When did the stalker to lovers trope become so popular? News to me. Thanks for the heads up people.

Agatha’s story started slow for me. Almost painfully slow. With how she was describing her life and recent events that have taken place, a whole different storyline was starting to build in my head. Almost mad none of those things didn’t pan out.

Throughout the story, Agatha was worried her past would cause Griffin to leave her. Seeing as it is me, the worst possible scenarios were running through my mind and the anticipation was starting to frustrate me. Especially since Griffin is an extremely active member of The Marx Family and their dealings are not going to leave anyone feeling warm and cozy on the inside. Then the “truth” is revealed. Don’t mistake me as not caring. What she had to go through was crap and should not have happened. It is just not a “truth” that would even make Griffin twitch. Really ma’am?

Ugh. The story was good in parts, but lacked for me in places that would have shown more growth or connection to the characters. Chasing each other in the woods? Yes. A twisted game of hide and seek after turning each others power off? Do. It. Bumping nasties in from of an unobstructed window while there is someone threatening your life and sending “look what I can see” photos to your gang banger boyfriend? Fuck no!

[Paige Ridler · Rating 4 out of 5]

🎄Subbing For Santa - By Sarah JD🎄

“I squeal, and Santa starts to laugh as I jump around, trying to get a grip on the tag”

Well, that was filthy…. and I’m here for it! If you’re in the mood for a naughty holiday read with Dark Romance, BDSM and a sprinkle of stalker tendencies then Subbing for Santa is right up your alley 😉.

Agatha, a woman with a complicated and twisted past, with a few skeletons in her closet, is no stranger to using her body to get what she needs. Butttt when she’s caught in Santa’s view, things are about to change…for good I promise! What begins as a game to test limits soon becomes so much more than either can resist.

This book has all the heat, tension and all of those dark, depraved, delicious edges you need. However, as a heads up this is packed with a bucket load of trigger warnings so be sure to check the list before jumping in. Your mental health and safety come first, always! 🙏

Rating:
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.25
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️