Off My Shelf: A Dark December
As the year comes to a close and the chill of winter sets in, there’s no better time to curl up with a captivating read that sends shivers down your spine. This December, I’ve curated a selection of enthralling books that delve into the realms of gothic romance and romantic suspense—genres that never fail to captivate with their dark and mysterious allure. From haunting tales of love and loss to heart-pounding journeys of passion and danger, these stories will transport you to worlds where shadows dance and secrets lurk around every corner. So, stoke the fire, pour yourself a warm beverage, and prepare to lose yourself in the pages of my December book picks—an enchanting assortment that celebrates the darker side of love and longing.
1) Alice: A Christmas Story by Shani Struthers
I’ll Be Alone For Christmas is a suspenseful novella filled with terror, a dash of gore, and packed with Christmas spirit.
Romee's winter break was planned out months ahead. A week at a cabin in the woods sounded romantic, and maybe it was just what her boyfriend of two years needed to pop the question.
Instead, he proposed they break up, a week before they were destined to wake up Christmas morning, happier than ever. Heartbroken but undaunted, Romee embarks on a solitary journey to the remote cabin, yearning for peace and closure in the tranquil snowscape. Six nights of isolation, wine, and TV shows seemed like the perfect remedy for a breakup.
Yet, from the moment she arrives, an ominous presence clings to her. The house is old, creaking and shifting, as if harboring another occupant. Bizarre occurrences escalate as each day passes, blurring the line between reality and a nightmare, making her question everything. She is alone, right?
When Romee decides it’s time to leave the vacation rental early, it’s already too late. Snowed in and unable to escape, she has to survive the frigid conditions and limited resources... And the possibility that someone sees her when she’s sleeping and knows when she’s awake.
Out of work for months, Lussi Meyer is desperate to work anywhere in publishing. Prestigious Blackwood-Patterson isn’t the perfect fit, but a bizarre set of circumstances leads to her hire and a firm mandate: Lussi must find the next horror superstar to compete with Stephen King, Anne Rice, and Peter Straub. It’s the ’80s, after all, and horror is the hottest genre.
But as soon as she arrives, Lussi finds herself the target of her co-workers' mean-spirited pranks. The hazing reaches its peak during the company’s annual Secret Santa gift exchange, when Lussi receives a demonic-looking object that she recognizes but doesn't understand. Suddenly, her coworkers begin falling victim to a series of horrific accidents akin to a George Romero movie, and Lussi suspects that her gift is involved. With the help of her former author, the flamboyant Fabien Nightingale, Lussi must track down her anonymous Secret Santa and figure out the true meaning of the cursed object in her possession before it destroys the company—and her soul.
Six friends. One holiday tradition. How many dead bodies?
When a former member of their clique dies unexpectedly, five friends reunite for a holiday tradition in an attempt to atone for their sins. But on the night of their gift exchange, they’re faced with a grim reality when a snowstorm hits and mysterious boxes appear under the Christmas tree. An unwelcome Secret Santa is among the group, and they must unearth the secrets of their past if they're going to survive the night.
In this pitch-black thriller, Tackett explores mean-girl culture in an atmospheric, Appalachian setting that will have readers questioning all their past friendships.
Lily Grant's husband James disappeared two years ago on Christmas Eve and no trace of him has ever been found. She haunts the halls of Silent Elms, a grand manor house, awaiting his return and torturing herself as to his fate.
Life is made even more miserable for Lily when her in-laws arrive to celebrate Christmas. They all loathe her and resent her close relationship with their father, the patriarch of the family. The arrival of a mysterious stranger who closely resembles James initiates a chain of strange events at Silent Elms that threaten Lily's sanity, leading to a climax which could cause the house of Grant to fall.
Mia and her friends were hoping for a fun-filled Christmas getaway at a remote lodge, surrounded by snow and holiday cheer. But as a powerful blizzard closes in, the lodge becomes a place of mystery and fear. Strange symbols, eerie noises, and an unsettling legend start to unravel the group's sense of safety.
With their bonds tested and fears mounting, Mia and her friends must find the strength to confront the unknown. As the night grows darker and the snow piles higher, the line between myth and reality begins to blur.
Silent Night: A Christmas Horror is a gripping tale of friendship, courage, and the terrifying unknown. This winter, discover what hides in the shadows when the world outside is frozen and escape seems impossible.
Emersyn
All I want is a secluded getaway.
Instead, I get a wrong turn, a fortnight blizzard, and...
A malevolent, enticing, and unstable stranger.
Merry Christmas to me.
Here's to unwrapping his insanity...
And trying not to lose mine.
Turner
I come here when I lose my grip.
I come here so I can wreak havoc alone.
Instead, I get an unplanned and unwanted gift.
How dare she show up.
She doesn't belong here...
But now, I'm not sure I can let her go.
Here, a lonely librarian bumps into the man of her dreams and is swept away into a whirlwind romance. A big city girl runs into her high school sweetheart and rekindles a forgotten spark. A secret prince escapes the pressures of royalty - and finds his true love.
Except this year, something sinister has infected Hallmark's Christmas magic, turning Christmas morning dreams into Christmas Eve nightmares.
Hell has come to Hallmark!
When Isla reluctantly accepts her estranged sister Clara's invitation to spend Christmas at a luxury mountain retreat, she expects awkward family tension – not a fight for survival. After years of silence following their mother's death, this holiday reunion seems too good to be true. And it is.
As a brutal snowstorm cuts them off from civilization, dark secrets begin to surface. With time running out and nowhere to run, two sisters must put aside years of mistrust to survive the night. But in a house full of lies, how do you know who to trust?
A pulse-pounding Christmas thriller that will make you think twice about accepting that family holiday invitation.
Perfect for fans of domestic suspense who like their Christmas cookies with a side of terror.
As the season unfolds, I hope you will take some time for yourself by curling up with one or two of these great reads. Who knows, you might just discover a new favorite among these dark and mesmerizing narratives. Happy reading!
**Most of these books are available on Kindle Unlimited from Amazon. Book cover images and summaries were also provided by Amazon.