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Tinsel & Tentacles
ALL THEY WANT FOR CHRISTMAS IS… TENTACLES.
The Manager
Marci Collins has been crushing on her hot rockstar boss–and his equally hot bodyguard–for years. Now they’re all in New York City for Christmas, and she only has one wish. It’s just the chance she’s been waiting for… but making a move might cost her everything and everyone she loves.
The Bodyguard
It’s Ryder’s job to put his body between danger and his rockstar client, but after years on guard duty, he’s desperate to put his body on top of him… and his delicious manager. Always prepared for every situation, is he ready to take the ultimate risk to fulfill his deepest desires?
The Rockstar
World famous rock star Barney Myles needs a miracle. All he wants for Christmas are his manager and bodyguard underneath the mistletoe… but he’s hiding a secret that could ruin his chances with them for good.
Little does he realize Marci and Ryder know more than he thinks, and they have a plan to make all their holiday fantasies come true.
The Manager
Marci Collins has been crushing on her hot rockstar boss–and his equally hot bodyguard–for years. Now they’re all in New York City for Christmas, and she only has one wish. It’s just the chance she’s been waiting for… but making a move might cost her everything and everyone she loves.
The Bodyguard
It’s Ryder’s job to put his body between danger and his rockstar client, but after years on guard duty, he’s desperate to put his body on top of him… and his delicious manager. Always prepared for every situation, is he ready to take the ultimate risk to fulfill his deepest desires?
The Rockstar
World famous rock star Barney Myles needs a miracle. All he wants for Christmas are his manager and bodyguard underneath the mistletoe… but he’s hiding a secret that could ruin his chances with them for good.
Little does he realize Marci and Ryder know more than he thinks, and they have a plan to make all their holiday fantasies come true.
91 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 2, 2022
116 people are currently reading
809 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 231 reviews
December 3, 2022
If there's a hole...it gets stuffed. Christmas miracle.
March 12, 2023
So I just read this short novella about a man, a woman, and a tentacle man. I have so many questions about the tentacle man that are never answered in the book lol. But hey it was a pretty good short novella. I guess I’m going backwards I read the valentines novella first, then this, and soon I’ll read the thanksgiving novella!
December 21, 2022
Holy hot tentacle love!
Well wasn’t this a delightful surprise?!
I’m all about monster romances lately and when I saw this cover…CLICK. Had to have it. And I’m so glad I read it!
I loved the alternating POVs of all three characters. It was nice to get in their heads and see how they really feel about each other. And I swear I could feel everything too. So much heart in this well-written romance between three lovable characters had me smiling from cover to cover. They are SO SWEET together!!
In a short amount of time, I quickly fell for Barney, Marci, and Ryder, I felt like I knew them, and I couldn’t help but want to see them happy and in love.
I have found a new author to follow and read every word she writes!
Well wasn’t this a delightful surprise?!
I’m all about monster romances lately and when I saw this cover…CLICK. Had to have it. And I’m so glad I read it!
I loved the alternating POVs of all three characters. It was nice to get in their heads and see how they really feel about each other. And I swear I could feel everything too. So much heart in this well-written romance between three lovable characters had me smiling from cover to cover. They are SO SWEET together!!
In a short amount of time, I quickly fell for Barney, Marci, and Ryder, I felt like I knew them, and I couldn’t help but want to see them happy and in love.
I have found a new author to follow and read every word she writes!
December 19, 2023
Spicy MMF Wholesomeness sprinkled with Tentacles 🥹🔥
December 26, 2023
Note: Some of my goodreads shelves can be spoilers
Overall: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Readability: 📖📖📖📖
Feels: 🦋🦋🦋
Emotional Depth: 💔💔
Sexual Tension: ⚡⚡⚡
Romance: 💞💞💞
Sensuality: 💋💋💋 (probably more detailed heavy than emotional – I like a balance)
Sex Scene Length: 🍑🍑🍑
Steam Scale (Number of Sex Scenes): 🔥🔥🔥
Humor: Yes
Perspective: First person from Marci, Ryder and Barney (alternating chapters)
More character focused or plot focused? More character focused
When mains are first on page together: Immediately
Cliffhanger: No, this ends with a happy for now
Epilogue: Yes
Format: bought e-book
(Descriptions found at end of my review)
Should I read in order?
Yes. The sequel is titled Diamonds and Tentacles
Basic plot:
(Why didn't anyone tell me I had have a random sentence here instead of a full thought? 😂) Marci, Ryder and Barney have a great working relationship - but that all changes after Marci and Ryder witness something they never expected of Barney.
Give this a try if you want:
- monster romance
- MMF
- holiday romance
- the bodyguard, the rockstar, and the manager
- shorter novel
- unrequited love
- higher steam but it’s in the latter half – 3 scenes in a short amount of pages
First line:
“I know, mom. It’s a busy time is all.”
My thoughts:
This is such a quick, fun read. Perfect holiday shenanigans PLUS tentacles. What more could I want??
I liked that we got all 3 mains points of view. Loved all 3 characters! Of course the background is all pretty light considering the short page count, but it was still delightful.
Content warnings: (This should be taken as a minimum because I could have missed some!)
Locations of kisses/intimate scenes:
Extra stuff like what my review breakdowns mean, where to find me, and book clubs
Overall: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Readability: 📖📖📖📖
Feels: 🦋🦋🦋
Emotional Depth: 💔💔
Sexual Tension: ⚡⚡⚡
Romance: 💞💞💞
Sensuality: 💋💋💋 (probably more detailed heavy than emotional – I like a balance)
Sex Scene Length: 🍑🍑🍑
Steam Scale (Number of Sex Scenes): 🔥🔥🔥
Humor: Yes
Perspective: First person from Marci, Ryder and Barney (alternating chapters)
More character focused or plot focused? More character focused
When mains are first on page together: Immediately
Cliffhanger: No, this ends with a happy for now
Epilogue: Yes
Format: bought e-book
(Descriptions found at end of my review)
Should I read in order?
Yes. The sequel is titled Diamonds and Tentacles
Basic plot:
(Why didn't anyone tell me I had have a random sentence here instead of a full thought? 😂) Marci, Ryder and Barney have a great working relationship - but that all changes after Marci and Ryder witness something they never expected of Barney.
Give this a try if you want:
- monster romance
- MMF
- holiday romance
- the bodyguard, the rockstar, and the manager
- shorter novel
- unrequited love
- higher steam but it’s in the latter half – 3 scenes in a short amount of pages
First line:
“I know, mom. It’s a busy time is all.”
My thoughts:
This is such a quick, fun read. Perfect holiday shenanigans PLUS tentacles. What more could I want??
I liked that we got all 3 mains points of view. Loved all 3 characters! Of course the background is all pretty light considering the short page count, but it was still delightful.
Content warnings: (This should be taken as a minimum because I could have missed some!)
Locations of kisses/intimate scenes:
Extra stuff like what my review breakdowns mean, where to find me, and book clubs
December 15, 2022
TINSEL & TENTACLES was such a cute read and these three should be protected at all costs! Barney might be a rock star but he has a big secret and it's not just that he's crushing on both his bodyguard and his manager. When Ryder and Marci accidentally discover what Barney is hiding, they realize it's time to explore what's been simmering between them all for years.
I loved all three of our MCs from Barney's soft soul, to Ryder's protective steak, to Marci's fun ideas. At the start of TINSEL & TENTACLES, they've already known each other for years and the attraction has been growing though none of them have crossed any professional lines. Once Marci and Ryder discover Barney's other form things develop quickly as they all fall into bed and a relationship.
The plot relies heavily on the connection and love that's already been built over the prior years but I didn't mind that. It's clearly meant to be a low-angst, fluffy monster romance with a nice bit of steam at the end.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Favorite Quotes:
“Sometimes I hope there’s a security breach just so I have an excuse to throw my body on top of yours.”
Okay, so he’s into me. Rock on.
- - - - -
I stick my chest out. “Grab my tit.”
“Come again?” Ryder’s eyes bug.
“That’s what she said.” I point to my boob. “Grab it. It’s okay.”
“It’s not sexy when you say it like that.” Ryder gazes down at my cleavage. “Shouldn’t we maybe kiss or something first?”
“Seriously, you’re making it even more awkward.” I reach out and take his hand and bring it up until he’s hovering right over my chest. “Get a good fistful.”
“Marci—”
“For fuck’s sake, just grab my tits Ryder!”
I loved all three of our MCs from Barney's soft soul, to Ryder's protective steak, to Marci's fun ideas. At the start of TINSEL & TENTACLES, they've already known each other for years and the attraction has been growing though none of them have crossed any professional lines. Once Marci and Ryder discover Barney's other form things develop quickly as they all fall into bed and a relationship.
The plot relies heavily on the connection and love that's already been built over the prior years but I didn't mind that. It's clearly meant to be a low-angst, fluffy monster romance with a nice bit of steam at the end.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Favorite Quotes:
“Sometimes I hope there’s a security breach just so I have an excuse to throw my body on top of yours.”
Okay, so he’s into me. Rock on.
- - - - -
I stick my chest out. “Grab my tit.”
“Come again?” Ryder’s eyes bug.
“That’s what she said.” I point to my boob. “Grab it. It’s okay.”
“It’s not sexy when you say it like that.” Ryder gazes down at my cleavage. “Shouldn’t we maybe kiss or something first?”
“Seriously, you’re making it even more awkward.” I reach out and take his hand and bring it up until he’s hovering right over my chest. “Get a good fistful.”
“Marci—”
“For fuck’s sake, just grab my tits Ryder!”
December 21, 2024
3.5 ⭐️
Christmas in New York vibes and tentacles that suck on clits? Yes please.
Christmas in New York vibes and tentacles that suck on clits? Yes please.
May 16, 2023
This would have been a lot better if it weren't so childish. They say things like 'doofus,' 'goofs,' 'hashtag' and 'that's what she said,' followed almost immediately by some form of the word 'fuck.' Which could possibly work under the right circumstances. It didn't work here. Their personalities are pretty much all the same person.
I stick my chest out. "Grab my tit."
"Come again?" Ryder's eyes bug.
"That's what she said." I point to my boob. "Grab it. It's okay."
It was also annoying how, after they first find out about Barney having tentacles, everything suddenly points to it and he shows some sign of distress that is suddenly so obvious even though they've all spent years together. A box of calamari, going to a sushi restaurant, etc.
It is great how they all go over consent (even if it was... interesting how it was done) but then they turn around and wake each other with sex. That wasn't spoken about! I guess they could have used the red, yellow, green light system with it. However, it's also just something that's... overlooked rather often. Either way, glad things were brought up and talked about.
The sex scenes were rather repetitive but fun. The ending was rather fitting, although I dunno why it needed to be called 'epilogue' instead of just the next chapter, lol. Marci's mom's bit seemed very unnecessary...
I really like the cover to this version. The one on my Kindle is different and not remotely as good.
All-in-all, interesting enough and a quick read. I'd check out others from this author and definitely from this series. (Hoping they aren't as childishly written.)
I stick my chest out. "Grab my tit."
"Come again?" Ryder's eyes bug.
"That's what she said." I point to my boob. "Grab it. It's okay."
It was also annoying how, after they first find out about Barney having tentacles, everything suddenly points to it and he shows some sign of distress that is suddenly so obvious even though they've all spent years together. A box of calamari, going to a sushi restaurant, etc.
It is great how they all go over consent (even if it was... interesting how it was done) but then they turn around and wake each other with sex. That wasn't spoken about! I guess they could have used the red, yellow, green light system with it. However, it's also just something that's... overlooked rather often. Either way, glad things were brought up and talked about.
The sex scenes were rather repetitive but fun. The ending was rather fitting, although I dunno why it needed to be called 'epilogue' instead of just the next chapter, lol. Marci's mom's bit seemed very unnecessary...
I really like the cover to this version. The one on my Kindle is different and not remotely as good.
All-in-all, interesting enough and a quick read. I'd check out others from this author and definitely from this series. (Hoping they aren't as childishly written.)
November 27, 2023
It was soo short and literally had no plot but smut
December 6, 2022
Christmas wishes do come true ;)
Tinsel & Tentacles… *laughs, shaking my head* I guess I really have gone full monsterf*cker because I loved this festive novella, lol. It was adorable, heartwarming, and so sweet. The three main characters were very likable and I really enjoyed the dynamics between them; I also loved the POV switches.
The steamy scenes left me wanting more if I’m being completely honest, but I loved that everything was extremely consensual, things were discussed/laid out beforehand (so rare!), and everyone was into everyone, in all the ways 😏
Tinsel & Tentacles… *laughs, shaking my head* I guess I really have gone full monsterf*cker because I loved this festive novella, lol. It was adorable, heartwarming, and so sweet. The three main characters were very likable and I really enjoyed the dynamics between them; I also loved the POV switches.
The steamy scenes left me wanting more if I’m being completely honest, but I loved that everything was extremely consensual, things were discussed/laid out beforehand (so rare!), and everyone was into everyone, in all the ways 😏
December 17, 2022
Super cute romance. Easy to read and no stress.
December 30, 2022
A fun, spicy, and quick MMF holiday romance with a small paranormal element.
Read
December 26, 2023I read this out loud to my family. No smut til after 50% in and the logistics of the tentacles was confusing. H2O who. Merry Christmas
December 27, 2024
MMF. Squid or octopus…. Idk but it has 8 tentacles. Hardly any tinsel. I will say the first half of the book was actually cute and had potential to be a good story.
December 9, 2024
{Tinsel & Tentacles}
by Kate McDarris
|| REVIEW ||
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Length: 91p
Source: Kindle - owned
QOTD: Have you ever met a celebrity?
or
QOTD: Day reading or night reading?
•••••••
Y’all, let’s just say…if there’s a hole, it’s getting stuffed.
Pure monster smut holiday fun! Marci, the manager, Ryder the bodyguard, and Barney the rockstar with, oh yea, tentacles. They’re all in love with each other and it shows.
But beyond the smut, the story leading up to the SCENES was heartfelt and sweet as can be. And the story leading to the ending was so perfect and beautiful. I’m definitely going to have to read more of this writer with her humor and writing style!
I had some times where I giggled and despite the use of tentacles, the mmf scenes were pretty awesome. Everything about these three just worked and I ended up loving their dynamics.
•
•
•
by Kate McDarris
|| REVIEW ||
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Length: 91p
Source: Kindle - owned
QOTD: Have you ever met a celebrity?
or
QOTD: Day reading or night reading?
•••••••
Y’all, let’s just say…if there’s a hole, it’s getting stuffed.
Pure monster smut holiday fun! Marci, the manager, Ryder the bodyguard, and Barney the rockstar with, oh yea, tentacles. They’re all in love with each other and it shows.
But beyond the smut, the story leading up to the SCENES was heartfelt and sweet as can be. And the story leading to the ending was so perfect and beautiful. I’m definitely going to have to read more of this writer with her humor and writing style!
I had some times where I giggled and despite the use of tentacles, the mmf scenes were pretty awesome. Everything about these three just worked and I ended up loving their dynamics.
•
•
•
November 30, 2023
3.5 - fluffy little Christmas story
This book had its moments; the little parts where the author’s good sense of humor peaked through. Barney was a cutie and so were the others. I especially liked that he was pink.
I feel like there should have been a bit more disbelief about him being tentacled. And maybe an explanation of where he came from, even if it was only a couple lines.
But overall, it’s as sappy as a hallmark except with a throuple, a monster MMC, and spice.
Spice: 4/5
Triggers: depression
This book had its moments; the little parts where the author’s good sense of humor peaked through. Barney was a cutie and so were the others. I especially liked that he was pink.
I feel like there should have been a bit more disbelief about him being tentacled. And maybe an explanation of where he came from, even if it was only a couple lines.
But overall, it’s as sappy as a hallmark except with a throuple, a monster MMC, and spice.
Spice: 4/5
Triggers: depression
December 21, 2022
I devoured this book; I couldn't stop reading it. It's a super hot sweet monster romance—a perfect read for a cold winter's night.
ɪᴛ'ꜱ ᴘᴜʀᴇ ᴍᴀɢɪᴄ, ᴛʜᴇ ᴛʜʀᴇᴇ ᴏꜰ ᴜꜱ ᴀʟʟ ᴛᴀɴɢʟᴇᴅ ᴛᴏɢᴇᴛʜᴇʀ ʟɪᴋᴇ ᴛʜɪꜱ. ɪ'ᴍ ꜱᴏ ʙʟɪꜱꜱᴇᴅ ᴏᴜᴛ, ɪ ᴅᴏɴ'ᴛ ᴇᴠᴇɴ ᴋɴᴏᴡ ᴡʜᴀᴛ'ꜱ ᴍᴇ ᴀɴᴅ ᴡʜᴀᴛ'ꜱ ᴛʜᴇᴍ ᴀɴʏᴍᴏʀᴇ. ᴡᴇ'ʀᴇ ᴏɴᴇ ʙɪɢ, ᴡʀɪᴛʜɪɴɢ ʙᴀʟʟ ᴏꜰ ᴘʟᴇᴀꜱᴜʀᴇ.
A throuple made in heaven, these three were perfection. I want more of them. I am hoping she does another book with these characters.
ɪᴛ'ꜱ ᴘᴜʀᴇ ᴍᴀɢɪᴄ, ᴛʜᴇ ᴛʜʀᴇᴇ ᴏꜰ ᴜꜱ ᴀʟʟ ᴛᴀɴɢʟᴇᴅ ᴛᴏɢᴇᴛʜᴇʀ ʟɪᴋᴇ ᴛʜɪꜱ. ɪ'ᴍ ꜱᴏ ʙʟɪꜱꜱᴇᴅ ᴏᴜᴛ, ɪ ᴅᴏɴ'ᴛ ᴇᴠᴇɴ ᴋɴᴏᴡ ᴡʜᴀᴛ'ꜱ ᴍᴇ ᴀɴᴅ ᴡʜᴀᴛ'ꜱ ᴛʜᴇᴍ ᴀɴʏᴍᴏʀᴇ. ᴡᴇ'ʀᴇ ᴏɴᴇ ʙɪɢ, ᴡʀɪᴛʜɪɴɢ ʙᴀʟʟ ᴏꜰ ᴘʟᴇᴀꜱᴜʀᴇ.
A throuple made in heaven, these three were perfection. I want more of them. I am hoping she does another book with these characters.
November 8, 2024
if hallmark and “monsters” made a love story
This is such a sweet love story about finally giving into your desires. Love truly is love no matter the shape - also who knew tentacles could create a Christmas miracle.
This is such a sweet love story about finally giving into your desires. Love truly is love no matter the shape - also who knew tentacles could create a Christmas miracle.
December 20, 2024
Sweet and fun read!
We follow Barney - the rockstar, Ryder - the bodyguard and Marci the manager and their relationship blooming.
I randomly clicked on this and started reading and I got hooked. All great vibes with Christmas feels!
We follow Barney - the rockstar, Ryder - the bodyguard and Marci the manager and their relationship blooming.
I randomly clicked on this and started reading and I got hooked. All great vibes with Christmas feels!
December 15, 2022
This made me giggle, but was also very cute. 4/5 for the tentacle rockstar.
April 11, 2023
Nothing like reading a saucy Christmas monster romance in April.
December 25, 2025
Merry Christmas?
December 5, 2022
Who wouldn’t want to have a threesome with a hot bodyguard && a rockstar musician with tentacles ?!
Those suction cups add a whole new level of spice!
Medium to high burn 🔥
MMF
Workplace romance
Tentacle play
🍑 stuff
Christmas in NYC
Those suction cups add a whole new level of spice!
Medium to high burn 🔥
MMF
Workplace romance
Tentacle play
🍑 stuff
Christmas in NYC
December 11, 2024
3.5-4 stars
This was a super cute festive short read!
Marci is a very lucky lady 🫠
The only thing I would have liked would be an explanation as to why Barney has tentacles? Maybe this is explained in the second book? Which I will be reading FYI!
All in all, I had fun, and the spice was sooo good 🤭
This was a super cute festive short read!
Marci is a very lucky lady 🫠
The only thing I would have liked would be an explanation as to why Barney has tentacles? Maybe this is explained in the second book? Which I will be reading FYI!
All in all, I had fun, and the spice was sooo good 🤭
November 24, 2025
Cringiest mfs ever also why did they never ask why he has tentacles
December 10, 2024
Just. Wasn’t a fan. I like monster smut, however this book either needed to be longer or shorter. It’s either a quick one-shot about f*cking an octopus/man OR it’s a whole ass love story about a rockstar/manager/bodyguard. This seemed like the author wanted the latter but it felt really rushed for me. It would’ve been better if it was under 100 pages and just octopus smut. 🤷🏻♀️
It also felt really immature. “Just grab my boob Ryder”. Like what are we in middle school.
It also felt really immature. “Just grab my boob Ryder”. Like what are we in middle school.
December 22, 2023
I feel like I could have written this exact book about lance bass when I was in the 7th grade 💀
December 20, 2024
if I ever get beckoned to with a tentacle I’m fleeing the country
December 25, 2024
I wish I could wish upon a Christmas tree to unread this
December 12, 2025
This is a fun monster MMF holiday novella and the first book in the Monster Mash Holiday Story series.
FMC Marci is The Manager, she handles everything for MMC Barney, The Rockstar, while MMC Ryder, The Bodyguard, keeps the whole crew safe. They’ve always kept things professional… until while on tour in NYC, Marci and Ryder accidentally catch Barney in the bath and discover his big secret (it’s tentacles). They try to pretend they didn’t see anything, but a series of holiday adventures brings everyone’s feelings to the surface, leading to an adorable case of miscommunication that ultimately brings them all together.
I really enjoyed this story, it was fun, sweet, steamy, and full of Christmas shenanigans. I loved all the characters and appreciated their individual POV chapters. This was a delightful, easy read. I’ll definitely be checking out the sequel, Diamonds & Tentacles, as well as the other stories in the series.
Spice 4/5
Plot: 4/5
Writing: 4/5
My Enjoyment: 4/5
FMC Marci is The Manager, she handles everything for MMC Barney, The Rockstar, while MMC Ryder, The Bodyguard, keeps the whole crew safe. They’ve always kept things professional… until while on tour in NYC, Marci and Ryder accidentally catch Barney in the bath and discover his big secret (it’s tentacles). They try to pretend they didn’t see anything, but a series of holiday adventures brings everyone’s feelings to the surface, leading to an adorable case of miscommunication that ultimately brings them all together.
I really enjoyed this story, it was fun, sweet, steamy, and full of Christmas shenanigans. I loved all the characters and appreciated their individual POV chapters. This was a delightful, easy read. I’ll definitely be checking out the sequel, Diamonds & Tentacles, as well as the other stories in the series.
Spice 4/5
Plot: 4/5
Writing: 4/5
My Enjoyment: 4/5
Displaying 1 - 30 of 231 reviews