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A Christmas to Die For
A Christmas to Die For
Drink way too much tequila at the office Christmas party? Check.
Get fired after doing something stupid at said Christmas party? Check.
Hallucinate flying reindeer in the sky? Check.
Watch those flying reindeer turn into naked people …? Check?
Discover magical elves are trying to kill you? Um … Wait! I don’t want to check that one!
Either I’m having the most epic blackout or my hangover has thrown me into the craziest world that has ever existed. I just found out that Santa is not only real, but he and his people can shapeshift into reindeer. I also just discovered that elves are real, which would be cool, except they’re evil and want to kill me! If that wasn’t bad enough, the elves and reindeer are at war with each other. So, not exactly like the cheery, heartwarming stories we’ve been told.
If a war between elves and reindeer isn’t shocking enough, it hardly holds a candle to finding out that I’m supposed to be the one person who can save an entire planet. Yeah, talk about being totally unqualified for the job. At least that overshadows the fact that I might now have a Santa kink when the young, hot, white-haired warrior is sent to protect me. But can I really help save Santa and his people? Can I stop the elves? Or is everyone doomed to suffer the deadliest Christmas ever?
To find out if this will be a Christmas to die for, buckle up in your sleigh, pour yourself an eggnog, and sing a Christmas tune, because this tale is about to get jolly and insane.
Drink way too much tequila at the office Christmas party? Check.
Get fired after doing something stupid at said Christmas party? Check.
Hallucinate flying reindeer in the sky? Check.
Watch those flying reindeer turn into naked people …? Check?
Discover magical elves are trying to kill you? Um … Wait! I don’t want to check that one!
Either I’m having the most epic blackout or my hangover has thrown me into the craziest world that has ever existed. I just found out that Santa is not only real, but he and his people can shapeshift into reindeer. I also just discovered that elves are real, which would be cool, except they’re evil and want to kill me! If that wasn’t bad enough, the elves and reindeer are at war with each other. So, not exactly like the cheery, heartwarming stories we’ve been told.
If a war between elves and reindeer isn’t shocking enough, it hardly holds a candle to finding out that I’m supposed to be the one person who can save an entire planet. Yeah, talk about being totally unqualified for the job. At least that overshadows the fact that I might now have a Santa kink when the young, hot, white-haired warrior is sent to protect me. But can I really help save Santa and his people? Can I stop the elves? Or is everyone doomed to suffer the deadliest Christmas ever?
To find out if this will be a Christmas to die for, buckle up in your sleigh, pour yourself an eggnog, and sing a Christmas tune, because this tale is about to get jolly and insane.
281 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 4, 2020
39 people are currently reading
348 people want to read
About the author
Jessica Frances
29 books404 followersReader. Author. Book Hoarder. I’m asexual. I believe in human rights. That means BIPOC and LGBT+ people matter and deserve respect and protection. Trans people exist and they deserve every right given to cis people. I believe Palestine should be free and that what is happening to them is genocide. Books are political and if you don’t like hearing that, then you’re likely on the wrong side of history. Sit in your discomfort. Banning books is barbaric and pointless. Strict gun laws save lives. Amplify important and minority voices. Keep reading. Keep learning. Keep trying to do better.
I only have facebook (which I rarely use) and instagram (which I use only slightly more). Any other social media platforms with me on them are impostors.
I only have facebook (which I rarely use) and instagram (which I use only slightly more). Any other social media platforms with me on them are impostors.
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November 25, 2020
A Christmas to Die For is a stand alone book by Jessica Frances. This is a M/M holiday story. But, let me tell you, this is not your usual Hallmark type Christmas book! Holy Amazeballs, this book blew my mind! Did I swoon? Yes! Did it fog my glasses? Yes! Did I laugh out loud? Yes! But then add in murderous elves and shape shifting reindeer and you’re in for the ride of your life!
Toby Kinsley is twenty nine years old and lives in a town called Tinselballs, North Carolina. Toby has just been fired from his twenty seventh job! He didn’t like the job anyway. Yes, Toby has had a little too much tequila so when he’s walking (stumbling) home and a group of HUGE reindeer land, one with a glowing red nose, he’s sure it’s his drunken brain dreaming it all up. But the bad dream won’t end, in fact, he’s not dreaming. When evil elves start attacking them, shooting flaming arrows and blowing things up, things get real.
“Okay, reindeer and elves? This has to be some sort of cosmic joke on me.”
Santa is the leader in charge of saving his planet called Christmas. They have been at war with the murderous elves for as long as he can remember. There is one person, a human, that has the ability to save his planet and end the war, and he and his team have come to earth to get him and bring him back to Christmas.
“It’s still somewhat disbelieving to me that this puny human, one who continued to impress upon us that he is both crazy and insane, has the fate of my planet in his hands. Why do I get the strong feeling that we are quite possibly doomed?”
While Toby, Santa and the team try to escape the evil elves and get back to Christmas, Santa becomes Toby’s protector. He can’t understand why but the idea of anyone else protecting him bothers him. He doesn’t have attachments. But the more time they are together, the stronger the feelings become.
“I’m not part of your war.”
“You’re the most important part.”
Okay, first, yes, there is a war with evil, murderous elves. But this book is also so funny. So many giggle inducing lines. Santa is unaccustomed to the ways of humans. His interpretations are hilarious. There are also sad moments as there are in any war. I loved Toby’s growth as the book progressed. When we first meet him, he’s at his lowest. But he carries the responsibility of saving a planet, of saving an entire race. And he rises to that challenge. There is also romance within these pages as Toby and Santa fall for each other. They were so cute together.
Jessica Frances never fails to amaze me with her ability to think outside of the box. Every book is a surprise. I knew in advance this wasn’t going to be a warm and fuzzy holiday tale. But, I still wasn’t prepared for everything this book contained. I loved everything about it. So settle in and hold on tight. You’re in for the ride of your lives!
For more about this book and so many others, come and visit me at Carol's Crazy Bookish World.
https://www.facebook.com/groups/Carol...
Toby Kinsley is twenty nine years old and lives in a town called Tinselballs, North Carolina. Toby has just been fired from his twenty seventh job! He didn’t like the job anyway. Yes, Toby has had a little too much tequila so when he’s walking (stumbling) home and a group of HUGE reindeer land, one with a glowing red nose, he’s sure it’s his drunken brain dreaming it all up. But the bad dream won’t end, in fact, he’s not dreaming. When evil elves start attacking them, shooting flaming arrows and blowing things up, things get real.
“Okay, reindeer and elves? This has to be some sort of cosmic joke on me.”
Santa is the leader in charge of saving his planet called Christmas. They have been at war with the murderous elves for as long as he can remember. There is one person, a human, that has the ability to save his planet and end the war, and he and his team have come to earth to get him and bring him back to Christmas.
“It’s still somewhat disbelieving to me that this puny human, one who continued to impress upon us that he is both crazy and insane, has the fate of my planet in his hands. Why do I get the strong feeling that we are quite possibly doomed?”
While Toby, Santa and the team try to escape the evil elves and get back to Christmas, Santa becomes Toby’s protector. He can’t understand why but the idea of anyone else protecting him bothers him. He doesn’t have attachments. But the more time they are together, the stronger the feelings become.
“I’m not part of your war.”
“You’re the most important part.”
Okay, first, yes, there is a war with evil, murderous elves. But this book is also so funny. So many giggle inducing lines. Santa is unaccustomed to the ways of humans. His interpretations are hilarious. There are also sad moments as there are in any war. I loved Toby’s growth as the book progressed. When we first meet him, he’s at his lowest. But he carries the responsibility of saving a planet, of saving an entire race. And he rises to that challenge. There is also romance within these pages as Toby and Santa fall for each other. They were so cute together.
Jessica Frances never fails to amaze me with her ability to think outside of the box. Every book is a surprise. I knew in advance this wasn’t going to be a warm and fuzzy holiday tale. But, I still wasn’t prepared for everything this book contained. I loved everything about it. So settle in and hold on tight. You’re in for the ride of your lives!
For more about this book and so many others, come and visit me at Carol's Crazy Bookish World.
https://www.facebook.com/groups/Carol...
January 11, 2021
When I started Jessica Frances' A Christmas to Die For I had absolutely no idea what I was getting myself into. The whole beginning is so goofy and silly, and I wasn't sure if I should be laughing or rolling my eyes... well I'm SO glad I stuck it out!
In addition to excellent comedic timing, Ms. Frances has a stellar sense of humor. These are creative and well developed characters, who have great chemistry. It's a very compelling romance.
Mostly though, it's an exciting sci-fi adventure with all kinds of clever nods to Santa, elves, and shape-shifting reindeers.
100% fun, all the way through.
a copy of A Christmas to Die for was provided to me by NetGalley for the purpose of my honest review
In addition to excellent comedic timing, Ms. Frances has a stellar sense of humor. These are creative and well developed characters, who have great chemistry. It's a very compelling romance.
Mostly though, it's an exciting sci-fi adventure with all kinds of clever nods to Santa, elves, and shape-shifting reindeers.
100% fun, all the way through.
a copy of A Christmas to Die for was provided to me by NetGalley for the purpose of my honest review
November 25, 2020
Killer elves, flying reindeer, & Merry Jollians ...oh my.
An unabashed, 8’ sexy AF & naked-all-the-time Santa? Oh yes!
But first, can we all just take a moment to look at this cover and appreciate the hotness and fierceness of it? After reading this story, I couldn’t imagine a more perfect cover.
I was glued to the pages of this sci-fi, fantasy, M/M, Christmas-with-some-killer-elves-twist.
Is it Sci-Fi? Yes!
Fantastical? Most definitely!
Funny? Oh hell yes. So many snort-giggle moments.
Holiday-ish? YUP. Complete with Santa, reindeer, tree ornaments, and a planet called Christmas.
Sexy? OMG, yes...the steam levels were off-the-charts.
I think my favorite thing is how unique this story was. It’s unlike anything I’ve read and I loved every second of it. The author knocked it out of the park with this one. She wowed me in every way possible.
I went into this one expecting humor...got LOTS of it.
I wanted sexy, M/M lovin’ that made my toes tingle...DONE.
I wanted to be pulled into a magical world of lovable characters to escape from the real world... I got exactly that.
Toby’s growth from beginning to end was a beautiful thing to witness. Watching him go from self-loathing to confident & strong and willing & more than able was heartwarming. When it was time for him to step up, he did so without hesitation. He might’ve had lots of questions and WTFs, but he was self-sacrificing and did what had to be done.
He. Stole. My. Heart.
And let’s talk about Santa. Not only is he 8-foot of delicious Jolly man...who’s naked 99% of the time *heart eyes*... but he’s protective and caring and wants to be good enough for his puny human.
This story has it all. Love and goodness and passion and humor and war and romance and magic and Christmas and elves (evil little bastards though) and so much fun. And have I mentioned a hot warrior Santa?
I cannot say enough good things about this book. If you’re looking for something different and sexy and entertaining and action-packed with plenty of romance, you’ll definitely want to grab this!!
Just in case you were wondering, Santa loves carrots and HATES nachos.
An unabashed, 8’ sexy AF & naked-all-the-time Santa? Oh yes!
But first, can we all just take a moment to look at this cover and appreciate the hotness and fierceness of it? After reading this story, I couldn’t imagine a more perfect cover.
I was glued to the pages of this sci-fi, fantasy, M/M, Christmas-with-some-killer-elves-twist.
Is it Sci-Fi? Yes!
Fantastical? Most definitely!
Funny? Oh hell yes. So many snort-giggle moments.
Holiday-ish? YUP. Complete with Santa, reindeer, tree ornaments, and a planet called Christmas.
Sexy? OMG, yes...the steam levels were off-the-charts.
I think my favorite thing is how unique this story was. It’s unlike anything I’ve read and I loved every second of it. The author knocked it out of the park with this one. She wowed me in every way possible.
I went into this one expecting humor...got LOTS of it.
I wanted sexy, M/M lovin’ that made my toes tingle...DONE.
I wanted to be pulled into a magical world of lovable characters to escape from the real world... I got exactly that.
Toby’s growth from beginning to end was a beautiful thing to witness. Watching him go from self-loathing to confident & strong and willing & more than able was heartwarming. When it was time for him to step up, he did so without hesitation. He might’ve had lots of questions and WTFs, but he was self-sacrificing and did what had to be done.
He. Stole. My. Heart.
And let’s talk about Santa. Not only is he 8-foot of delicious Jolly man...who’s naked 99% of the time *heart eyes*... but he’s protective and caring and wants to be good enough for his puny human.
This story has it all. Love and goodness and passion and humor and war and romance and magic and Christmas and elves (evil little bastards though) and so much fun. And have I mentioned a hot warrior Santa?
I cannot say enough good things about this book. If you’re looking for something different and sexy and entertaining and action-packed with plenty of romance, you’ll definitely want to grab this!!
Just in case you were wondering, Santa loves carrots and HATES nachos.
December 29, 2020
What a fantastical read! Shape shifting reindeer at war on the planet Christmas with elves turned cra cra by, well, you have to read it to figure it out. Chanel your inner Gremlins when you think of the elves. The shape shifting reindeer? Fighters, lead by none other than Santa, a title bestowed to a ranking officer.
The reindeer travel to earth to find the human that can save their planet. That would be Toby, a lonely, hapless man with the worst luck ever.
Santa in his human form is eight feet of deliciousness the likes of which we can only dream of, with snow white hair and a white beard. Tall, muscular, young and beautiful.
Toby is gobsmacked. And here starts a tale that you must see, or read, to believe.
There is war, ugliness, sadness, pain, grief and healing. LOL moments, first dates and mind boggling sex.
A puny human. Self-deprecating, funny and kind. Does he find the courage, self-sacrifice and strength to save a planet? Will he fall in love with the stoic, beautiful Santa? Will Santa gain a friend, a confidante, a lover, a mate?
Read it and see. So much more than the average.
Extraordinary. 🦌🎅❄🦌❄🎅
The reindeer travel to earth to find the human that can save their planet. That would be Toby, a lonely, hapless man with the worst luck ever.
Santa in his human form is eight feet of deliciousness the likes of which we can only dream of, with snow white hair and a white beard. Tall, muscular, young and beautiful.
Toby is gobsmacked. And here starts a tale that you must see, or read, to believe.
There is war, ugliness, sadness, pain, grief and healing. LOL moments, first dates and mind boggling sex.
A puny human. Self-deprecating, funny and kind. Does he find the courage, self-sacrifice and strength to save a planet? Will he fall in love with the stoic, beautiful Santa? Will Santa gain a friend, a confidante, a lover, a mate?
Read it and see. So much more than the average.
Extraordinary. 🦌🎅❄🦌❄🎅
November 23, 2020
This is not the holiday book you were expecting. I think you need to take that holiday disclaimer seriously. I mean for those who know me - I chose light-hearted, fluffy bunny, low angst, and low drama. Throw in all the sex and insta-love and I am in Hallmark heaven in book form. Pretty easy that way. I found Jessica through her Midsummer series - which I adore no joke. So when she said:
I have a sci-fi, rom-com, MM romance Christmas story coming out would you be interested in reading? I'm like sure I'm game. She also added "darker undertones". I am willing and able for readership - sign me up.
As I have come to expect with Jessica's writing, it's never dull, always engaging, willing to take unexpected turns, moments with the couple that makes you swoon with their heartfelt feelings. Yes, we got that in A Christmas to Die For. However, I will admit, I figured I could handle Rocky getting shot in Midsummer surely I could handle 'darker undertones'. Low and behold I can - behind my hands peeking over.
Short summary: Santa and the elves are at war on the planet Christmas. Santa has to retrieve the last chance to save Christmas in a puny human named Toby.
The story journeys from silly over-the-top humor that will have you giggle, to a romance that makes you hopeful and gooey inside, and then to a war-torn planet as the troops go to save Christmas.
What I loved:
- The couple. They are adorable. Mismatched but somehow made for each other.
- The twist on the retelling of the Christmas Santa story.
- The epilogue - hands down the best part of the book and what made my heart rejoice.
What to consider:
- This is fantasy.
- This is also about war so if you are queasy...
To summarize the book - this aint the holiday story your typical romance author would write. It's different, has a couple of lessons to remember. Santa will always be bigger than life.
I have a sci-fi, rom-com, MM romance Christmas story coming out would you be interested in reading? I'm like sure I'm game. She also added "darker undertones". I am willing and able for readership - sign me up.
As I have come to expect with Jessica's writing, it's never dull, always engaging, willing to take unexpected turns, moments with the couple that makes you swoon with their heartfelt feelings. Yes, we got that in A Christmas to Die For. However, I will admit, I figured I could handle Rocky getting shot in Midsummer surely I could handle 'darker undertones'. Low and behold I can - behind my hands peeking over.
Short summary: Santa and the elves are at war on the planet Christmas. Santa has to retrieve the last chance to save Christmas in a puny human named Toby.
The story journeys from silly over-the-top humor that will have you giggle, to a romance that makes you hopeful and gooey inside, and then to a war-torn planet as the troops go to save Christmas.
What I loved:
- The couple. They are adorable. Mismatched but somehow made for each other.
- The twist on the retelling of the Christmas Santa story.
- The epilogue - hands down the best part of the book and what made my heart rejoice.
What to consider:
- This is fantasy.
- This is also about war so if you are queasy...
To summarize the book - this aint the holiday story your typical romance author would write. It's different, has a couple of lessons to remember. Santa will always be bigger than life.
November 2, 2020
Bwahahahha! This is the funniest Christmas story you will read this year!
Flying reindeer, a sexy Santa, killer elves, and a guy who doesn't know what just dropped into his life.
I don't even need to say anything more.
Flying reindeer, a sexy Santa, killer elves, and a guy who doesn't know what just dropped into his life.
I don't even need to say anything more.
December 10, 2020
Wow! This was just the story I needed! I loved it! The blurb didn't do it justice. The author neatly incorporated Christmas theme and created a story of war, love, courage and sacrifice. I kid you not, I couldn't put it down!
What starts as funny and quirky narrative quickly transforms into fast paced rush of running for one's life and falling in love. I loved Toby. He is such a cute character full of self deprecating humor, sarcasm and courage. He was thrown into a wild situation with impossible odds, yet when the time came his selflessness and strength was what brought about the best outcome possible. Ru was a fighter and leader of his people who has sacrificed his all to survive. While doing that he managed to find his inner teddy bear and fall in love with a human who was more than he seemed.
I loved how Ms Frances incorporated Christmas and created a separate unique world full of familiar to us notions yet so different at the same time. This was no sweet fairy tale - it was gritty, angry and at times deadly with an absolute gamut of emotions that made me catch my breath until the very end. The author showed how even with all their differences both Toby and Ru found common ground to build on, to love and fight for what was right and never give up.
The end was so satisfying and happy, I didn't want it to end. I loved everything about this book - action, angst, suspense, magic, steam, all the hilarious quips courtesy of Toby and all the moments of confusion provided by Ru to show him as more approachable and unintentionally funny. With a cast of singular supporting characters and excellent world building this turned out to be such an unconventional Christmas story. I am so glad I found it. The author really knows how to grab reader's attention. I highly recommend it.
What starts as funny and quirky narrative quickly transforms into fast paced rush of running for one's life and falling in love. I loved Toby. He is such a cute character full of self deprecating humor, sarcasm and courage. He was thrown into a wild situation with impossible odds, yet when the time came his selflessness and strength was what brought about the best outcome possible. Ru was a fighter and leader of his people who has sacrificed his all to survive. While doing that he managed to find his inner teddy bear and fall in love with a human who was more than he seemed.
I loved how Ms Frances incorporated Christmas and created a separate unique world full of familiar to us notions yet so different at the same time. This was no sweet fairy tale - it was gritty, angry and at times deadly with an absolute gamut of emotions that made me catch my breath until the very end. The author showed how even with all their differences both Toby and Ru found common ground to build on, to love and fight for what was right and never give up.
The end was so satisfying and happy, I didn't want it to end. I loved everything about this book - action, angst, suspense, magic, steam, all the hilarious quips courtesy of Toby and all the moments of confusion provided by Ru to show him as more approachable and unintentionally funny. With a cast of singular supporting characters and excellent world building this turned out to be such an unconventional Christmas story. I am so glad I found it. The author really knows how to grab reader's attention. I highly recommend it.
December 10, 2020
Ru & My Human
This one was definitely a different kind of read for me. It was a fun escape from the real world. Shifters, elves, a human and war all with a Christmas theme!
This one was definitely a different kind of read for me. It was a fun escape from the real world. Shifters, elves, a human and war all with a Christmas theme!
November 23, 2020
Tipsy Toby lives in Tinselballs, NC. Although it should be jobless (again) Tipsy Toby. While in his drunken state he comes across reindeer, giant reindeer. Who turn into naked very large people. Who are soon fighting elves....seriously elves?
I wasn’t really sure what I expected from this book. But what I got was amazing.
It was imaginative, funny, sad, had the sexiest Santa ever, and don’t even get me started on the porn.
There’s so much I want to say but just can’t. I’ll just say it’s not like any Christmas story I’ve ever read (or even thought of). Enjoy the journey and the wonderful cover.
Review Copy requested and reviewed on behalf of OMGReads.
I wasn’t really sure what I expected from this book. But what I got was amazing.
It was imaginative, funny, sad, had the sexiest Santa ever, and don’t even get me started on the porn.
There’s so much I want to say but just can’t. I’ll just say it’s not like any Christmas story I’ve ever read (or even thought of). Enjoy the journey and the wonderful cover.
Review Copy requested and reviewed on behalf of OMGReads.
December 6, 2020
Oh WOW
I have been anticipating this story for at least a month, maybe longer. I think my anticipation started with this amazing cover, and moved into the interesting, unique blurb. I am a voracious reader, but I have NEVER anticipated a story by a new-to-me author as much as I have this story. It’s absolutely in my top 20 books this year. It was super fast paced, interesting, entertaining, and sexy. I adored every moment, especially the unexpected humor from Nik. Very well done!
I have been anticipating this story for at least a month, maybe longer. I think my anticipation started with this amazing cover, and moved into the interesting, unique blurb. I am a voracious reader, but I have NEVER anticipated a story by a new-to-me author as much as I have this story. It’s absolutely in my top 20 books this year. It was super fast paced, interesting, entertaining, and sexy. I adored every moment, especially the unexpected humor from Nik. Very well done!
January 13, 2022
3.5 stars
This was definitely a fun, somewhat odd, but interesting way to cap off the holiday reading season.
This was definitely a fun, somewhat odd, but interesting way to cap off the holiday reading season.
December 14, 2020
Serious plot twist!!!!! Great page turner
December 18, 2020
4.5. It’s kinda crazy, but really fun! A great holiday read!
December 24, 2021
A Christmas to Die for was unlike anything I've ever read. EVER. Unique storyline, steamy AF MM romance, humor, action, and of course Christmas...uhhh...cheer?
What can I even say about this book? How about WTFFFFFF? I was not expecting any of this. What starts as a quirky, hilarious first chapter turns quickly into a quirky, hilarious, action-packed, STEAMY (🔥🔥🔥) little romance with a plot I've never in my life experienced. And I'm not gonna talk about the details because the blurb doesn't do this book justice and you HAVE to go into it without any idea of the plot because you will be BLOWN AWAY.
I will say I absolutely adored Toby. He was so sweet, so naive, so emotional. And I adored Ru/Santa. His reaction to things cracked me up. He was such an honest character with the weight of his home on his shoulders. The two of them together was inevitable, destined, and can I say it again? ADORABLE. Like, for reals, y'all.
Murderous elves, shapeshifting reindeer, sharp wings, action scenes, a little gore, lots of laughs, quite a few sexy times, and one of the most original, interesting plots I've ever devoured.
You NEED to read this one. It'll change your life. I want to blab about the plot, but I can't because you need to go in blind. But I loved it. LOVED IT.
November 16, 2021
3.5 Stars
This was so different than any Christmas story I've read and I really enjoyed it. It's pretty violent, but Frances has such great comedic timing that it wasn't unbearable and all around just interesting and fun
This was so different than any Christmas story I've read and I really enjoyed it. It's pretty violent, but Frances has such great comedic timing that it wasn't unbearable and all around just interesting and fun
November 19, 2021
2 Stars
Review:
This was not at all what I was expecting, but it was certainly a unique take on the myths and traditions we relate to Christmas. Santa, the reindeer, and the elves were not the ones that we know, but rather shapeshifting aliens from the planet Christmas. They visited Earth once a long time ago (long in Earth time, not long in their time), which is how our version of Christmas came about. Unfortunately, beyond that bit of creativity, this wasn't for me.
Santa's entire personality was based on the fact that he was an alien/supernatural. He had no personality beyond an oddly stiff POV voice that used a lot of formal words, as well as a lot of "puny humans" this and "I don't know that word, but it must mean something good" that. At one point, the human said he was horny, and Santa asked if that meant he had horns.
It was also one of those books where the characters were immediately imagining what it would be like to have sex with each other, and there was just a lot of focus on sex in a strange way, with minimal development of the non-sex parts of the romance (even though they supposedly loved each other enough to spend their lives together). At one point, they decided they'd have sex, but Toby wanted to go on a date first, so they stopped at a sex shop and he then put in a butt plug in the bathroom of the movie theater to prepare himself for Santa's giant dick.
I'm gonna leave you all with a quote, because I feel like it's a good litmus test. If you're into it, maybe give the book a try, but if it makes you cringe, maybe give the book a pass.
Overall, this had a unique idea for a Christmas story, but I couldn't get into it.
*Rating: 2 Stars // Read Date: 2020 // Format: Ebook via TTS*
Recommended For:
Maybe anyone who likes m/m romance, sex-focused feelings in the romance, sci-fi, the kind of alien/supernatural personality I described, and unique Christmas stories.
More Reviews @ Metaphors and Moonlight
Review:
This was not at all what I was expecting, but it was certainly a unique take on the myths and traditions we relate to Christmas. Santa, the reindeer, and the elves were not the ones that we know, but rather shapeshifting aliens from the planet Christmas. They visited Earth once a long time ago (long in Earth time, not long in their time), which is how our version of Christmas came about. Unfortunately, beyond that bit of creativity, this wasn't for me.
Santa's entire personality was based on the fact that he was an alien/supernatural. He had no personality beyond an oddly stiff POV voice that used a lot of formal words, as well as a lot of "puny humans" this and "I don't know that word, but it must mean something good" that. At one point, the human said he was horny, and Santa asked if that meant he had horns.
It was also one of those books where the characters were immediately imagining what it would be like to have sex with each other, and there was just a lot of focus on sex in a strange way, with minimal development of the non-sex parts of the romance (even though they supposedly loved each other enough to spend their lives together). At one point, they decided they'd have sex, but Toby wanted to go on a date first, so they stopped at a sex shop and he then put in a butt plug in the bathroom of the movie theater to prepare himself for Santa's giant dick.
I'm gonna leave you all with a quote, because I feel like it's a good litmus test. If you're into it, maybe give the book a try, but if it makes you cringe, maybe give the book a pass.
If I were to part this human’s cheeks, if I were to finger his asshole, would he accept it? Would he like it? I move my fingers down to the crease of his ass, but I don’t breach further. I’m here to protect this human, even if it is from myself. I eye my crotch, wondering over the erection, which I fear won’t go away until I have fucked it into submission.
Overall, this had a unique idea for a Christmas story, but I couldn't get into it.
*Rating: 2 Stars // Read Date: 2020 // Format: Ebook via TTS*
Recommended For:
Maybe anyone who likes m/m romance, sex-focused feelings in the romance, sci-fi, the kind of alien/supernatural personality I described, and unique Christmas stories.
More Reviews @ Metaphors and Moonlight
December 2, 2020
Jessica Frances is an author that I don't think I'll ever get enough of. I'll say that right now. Which means I had some pretty dang high expectations going into this. I wanted humor, I wanted adventure, I wanted something unique, and I wanted diversity, I wanted romance. I was not disappointed in the least. A Christmas to Die For is guaranteed to be the most unique holiday read you're going to find this year!
Jessica Frances has taken all we know about Christmas and spun in into a unique and exciting new world that will keep you captivated start to finish. I don't really want to give a lot of detail here because a huge part in what I loved about this book was discovering all the ways she built things we know and love about the season into something totally new. Let's just say I won't be looking at Santa, his reindeer, or the elves the same way ever again...I may just try to sneak away in Santa's sleigh this year!
Jessica Frances has taken all we know about Christmas and spun in into a unique and exciting new world that will keep you captivated start to finish. I don't really want to give a lot of detail here because a huge part in what I loved about this book was discovering all the ways she built things we know and love about the season into something totally new. Let's just say I won't be looking at Santa, his reindeer, or the elves the same way ever again...I may just try to sneak away in Santa's sleigh this year!
December 3, 2020
There isn’t a lot of explicit sex but the characters run around naked. I have to admit the first sex scene between Santa and Toby I actually read every single word and laughed my but off!
Omg the characters are amazing and outerwardly.
Let me back up just a bit. Toby was in his office party got to drunk got himself fired and lost a best friend. When he levy he ran into giant rain deer that turned to naked people with white hair. His house was blowed up by elf attack so the Jollies decided to take Toby to Christmas to figure how to kill the elves
This story has the best characters, best plot, best storyline, then the romance blooms and things get really hot.
This is a fun, unusual twist on a Christmas story with, magic, reindeer
, suspense, drama, but held together with copious amounts of humor.
This is just what I needed to lift my spirits.
Omg the characters are amazing and outerwardly.
Let me back up just a bit. Toby was in his office party got to drunk got himself fired and lost a best friend. When he levy he ran into giant rain deer that turned to naked people with white hair. His house was blowed up by elf attack so the Jollies decided to take Toby to Christmas to figure how to kill the elves
This story has the best characters, best plot, best storyline, then the romance blooms and things get really hot.
This is a fun, unusual twist on a Christmas story with, magic, reindeer
, suspense, drama, but held together with copious amounts of humor.
This is just what I needed to lift my spirits.
December 14, 2020
Not the usual Christmas story...
...but I loved this story! I've been on a roll, reading all the Christmas stories I can get my hands on. Most are sweet, and fluffy, and totally candy coated.
This story is not fluffy and sweet. It's set in conflict and war. Santa is a war general. Christmas is the planet he lives on. Elves are evil beings, trying to kill Santa and his team of shape shifting reindeer.
Everything Toby thought he knew about Earth's holiday traditions are false. He soon discovers he is the Savior of another planet's race of people.
Can Toby find the strength to do what he is told will save another's race of beings?
The fate of an entire planet rests squarely on Toby's shoulders.
The story is told in alternating POV. It's a fun read., and no cliffhangers.
...but I loved this story! I've been on a roll, reading all the Christmas stories I can get my hands on. Most are sweet, and fluffy, and totally candy coated.
This story is not fluffy and sweet. It's set in conflict and war. Santa is a war general. Christmas is the planet he lives on. Elves are evil beings, trying to kill Santa and his team of shape shifting reindeer.
Everything Toby thought he knew about Earth's holiday traditions are false. He soon discovers he is the Savior of another planet's race of people.
Can Toby find the strength to do what he is told will save another's race of beings?
The fate of an entire planet rests squarely on Toby's shoulders.
The story is told in alternating POV. It's a fun read., and no cliffhangers.
December 16, 2020
An exciting Christmas read that definitely doesn’t go in the direction you would think. It is quirky and fun with a tone of seriousness running through it.
The characters are well developed and spirited. If you are looking for something different to read than your typical festive reads then this one is for you.
Mixing lore and science fiction shouldn’t work so well but is does and is amazingly well done.
The characters are well developed and spirited. If you are looking for something different to read than your typical festive reads then this one is for you.
Mixing lore and science fiction shouldn’t work so well but is does and is amazingly well done.
December 20, 2020
This was a great book! The world building so creative, witty, and on point, that I barely minded the fact I disliked Toby, the human mc, so very much.
I realize my dislike of Toby is personal, so I’ve left it out of my rating of the book. But truly, if he had just slipped on ice and died in the first scenes, that’ve been great 👌
I realize my dislike of Toby is personal, so I’ve left it out of my rating of the book. But truly, if he had just slipped on ice and died in the first scenes, that’ve been great 👌
December 26, 2020
Vast Differences, Strong Connection!
Stumbling home drunk, Toby Kinsley is accosted/rescued by a giant reindeer/humanoid/Alien, Santa/Nik Saint/Ru from killer elves and the rest is their history. Wow! What a fantasy, what a storyline. The author has a phenomenal imagination. After reading so many sweet Christmasy romantic stories, I enjoy a twisted tale or two. This is one fun, crazy, dark, intriguing with some sexy romance on the side or in between saving a planet tale. Hold on, this is a very bumpy ride!
Stumbling home drunk, Toby Kinsley is accosted/rescued by a giant reindeer/humanoid/Alien, Santa/Nik Saint/Ru from killer elves and the rest is their history. Wow! What a fantasy, what a storyline. The author has a phenomenal imagination. After reading so many sweet Christmasy romantic stories, I enjoy a twisted tale or two. This is one fun, crazy, dark, intriguing with some sexy romance on the side or in between saving a planet tale. Hold on, this is a very bumpy ride!
November 22, 2020
It’s that time of year when I gorge on Christmas hallmark movies, die hard (because it’s a must) and sweet romantic Christmas in small town reads. I stumbled across this read and almost jumped for joy at the chance to read this. I love Christmas everything but this book was perfection! An out of the norm, alien Santa’s and evil elves at war mixed with the hilarity of a human who may have had to much to drink at his Christmas party. I laughed so hard at this book because it would probably be how I would react under the circumstances. There is humor, violence, crazy Christmas similarities, love and heat. This M/M twisted romance will only add to your dirty Santa cravings. And it will leave you with an awe and a smile. Seriously enjoyed the antics and creativity this author put into this book! Will have to add it to my every year read list!
December 10, 2020
Christmas romance with a twist
This book was not at all what I was expecting. This is a good thing. Christmas wars on Christmas with elves and reindeer plus Santa. It was crazy but great.
There is a romantic element too which I found very sweet. Liked the HEA too.
This book was not at all what I was expecting. This is a good thing. Christmas wars on Christmas with elves and reindeer plus Santa. It was crazy but great.
There is a romantic element too which I found very sweet. Liked the HEA too.
July 16, 2023
Starting this before bed was a mistake. I planned on reading a couple of chapters instead I stayed up to finish the whole book in one sitting.
Brilliantly funny, I'd recommend to anyone who's dislikes overly saccharine Christmas romances.
Brilliantly funny, I'd recommend to anyone who's dislikes overly saccharine Christmas romances.
December 12, 2020
What a sleighwreck! I'm not sure that this book was intended to be as hilarious as it was, but it definitely made me laugh out loud! The blurb doesn't even come close to giving you an idea what you're in for. Just pick it up and read. It only takes a few pages for the sleighwreck to happen and you won't be able to look away!
December 12, 2023
This is a really different take on the whole Christmas theme 🎅
I like different, so this was totally my jam.
But considering the recent developments with conflicts escalating everywhere, I had a hard time reading about the raging war on Christmas.
The author manages to write an intriguing and smart story with some fun and fluffy parts even though the situation for Santa is dire.
I'm really excited to read more of this new to me author!
I like different, so this was totally my jam.
But considering the recent developments with conflicts escalating everywhere, I had a hard time reading about the raging war on Christmas.
The author manages to write an intriguing and smart story with some fun and fluffy parts even though the situation for Santa is dire.
I'm really excited to read more of this new to me author!
December 25, 2020
2.75
This book answers the long asked question "What if Christmas was sci-fi? And also gay and horny?"
I know we've all asked ourselves this at some point, but fear not, A Christmas To Die For is here to put that burning question to rest.
In all seriousness, this was super entertaining for the first 25%. I was hella amused by the idea of shapeshifting reindeer being a weird, buff, and of course naked alien race. Can't forget that part. Ding-a-lings waving around all willy nilly. Because of course these aliens run so warm they can't stand wearing clothes. The Merry Jollians (yes, that's really what they're called) are from the icy planet Christmas and are basically space heaters...from space.
The concept was hilarious, I live for this weird and campy nonsense, but this could have used some editing and paring down. The writing was dragging, there was too much rehashing because the MC was so shocked by everything he kept asking "SO WHAT YOURE TELLING ME IS BLAH BLAH BLAH? REALLY? UNBELIEVABLE!" and repeats all the same things that were just explained, to emphasize his shock and disbelief and it just wasn't keeping my attention anymore.
This was silly as hell and while at first I was loving it, eventually I couldn't help rolling my eyes when the reindeer started breathing fire. Yes. Breathing fire lmao.
This book answers the long asked question "What if Christmas was sci-fi? And also gay and horny?"
I know we've all asked ourselves this at some point, but fear not, A Christmas To Die For is here to put that burning question to rest.
In all seriousness, this was super entertaining for the first 25%. I was hella amused by the idea of shapeshifting reindeer being a weird, buff, and of course naked alien race. Can't forget that part. Ding-a-lings waving around all willy nilly. Because of course these aliens run so warm they can't stand wearing clothes. The Merry Jollians (yes, that's really what they're called) are from the icy planet Christmas and are basically space heaters...from space.
The concept was hilarious, I live for this weird and campy nonsense, but this could have used some editing and paring down. The writing was dragging, there was too much rehashing because the MC was so shocked by everything he kept asking "SO WHAT YOURE TELLING ME IS BLAH BLAH BLAH? REALLY? UNBELIEVABLE!" and repeats all the same things that were just explained, to emphasize his shock and disbelief and it just wasn't keeping my attention anymore.
This was silly as hell and while at first I was loving it, eventually I couldn't help rolling my eyes when the reindeer started breathing fire. Yes. Breathing fire lmao.
December 11, 2020
5 Stars!
So, I've been very blah this season, be it the pandemic or stress or whatever, I don't know. I've just found it very difficult to find a book that wows me lately... until A Christmas to Die For. From the first page until the last, I was totally mesmerized by this original story.
Santa, aka Ru or Rudolph, is an 8ft shapeshifter alien from the planet Christmas and is his team's leader as they travel to Earth to find and later, protect, Toby, a human whose family has been safekeeping the one thing that can save Santa's planet from the killing elves who are after them. He's grumpy and gruff, and it was lovely seeing Toby melt that gruff exterior. Toby is a puny human, LOL, but he's a hilarious one. I just loved him, he was quirky and fun. His scenes had me in stitches more than once. The chemistry between these two was explosive and they were super hot together, but above all, I loved how well they fit with each other despite being so different.
The plot was intriguing and captivating and I was totally invested in Toby and Ru's relationship. It was such a fun, fast-paced, action-packed read and I couldn't put it down until I finished it. Definitely a must-read!
*** Copy provided to Bayou Book Junkie for my reading pleasure, a review wasn't a requirement. ***
So, I've been very blah this season, be it the pandemic or stress or whatever, I don't know. I've just found it very difficult to find a book that wows me lately... until A Christmas to Die For. From the first page until the last, I was totally mesmerized by this original story.
Santa, aka Ru or Rudolph, is an 8ft shapeshifter alien from the planet Christmas and is his team's leader as they travel to Earth to find and later, protect, Toby, a human whose family has been safekeeping the one thing that can save Santa's planet from the killing elves who are after them. He's grumpy and gruff, and it was lovely seeing Toby melt that gruff exterior. Toby is a puny human, LOL, but he's a hilarious one. I just loved him, he was quirky and fun. His scenes had me in stitches more than once. The chemistry between these two was explosive and they were super hot together, but above all, I loved how well they fit with each other despite being so different.
The plot was intriguing and captivating and I was totally invested in Toby and Ru's relationship. It was such a fun, fast-paced, action-packed read and I couldn't put it down until I finished it. Definitely a must-read!
*** Copy provided to Bayou Book Junkie for my reading pleasure, a review wasn't a requirement. ***
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