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Subbing for Santa

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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.

299 pages, Kindle Edition

Published December 13, 2022

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About the author

Sarah J.D.

16 books564 followers
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.

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5 stars
252 (51%)
4 stars
132 (26%)
3 stars
76 (15%)
2 stars
20 (4%)
1 star
11 (2%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 61 reviews
Profile Image for Valkyrie ✨.
630 reviews795 followers
December 24, 2022
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.

Profile Image for Shauni.
489 reviews
December 13, 2022
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!
450 reviews5 followers
December 13, 2022
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!
Profile Image for Sue Harbers.
1,041 reviews11 followers
December 13, 2022
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!
Profile Image for Felicia.
1,794 reviews91 followers
January 7, 2023
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.
Profile Image for Silke  K.
305 reviews2 followers
March 15, 2024
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.
Profile Image for Rachel Stephens.
1,211 reviews20 followers
December 11, 2022
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!!
Profile Image for Felicia's Review.
1,888 reviews25 followers
December 11, 2022
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.
December 13, 2022
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.
Profile Image for Rona.
13 reviews7 followers
December 10, 2022
This book is filled with raunchy, dark, explicit fun! I truly enjoyed their back and forth banter. The smut was superb. 🥵
2,264 reviews10 followers
November 19, 2023
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.
Profile Image for Jennifer.
210 reviews
November 15, 2022
OMG! I loved this book! Best one yet from Miss Sarah. I loved everything about this book, but especially Santa. Definitely a must read!
Profile Image for Feral Words.
209 reviews11 followers
October 29, 2023
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!
Profile Image for MC.
303 reviews1 follower
December 27, 2022
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.
Profile Image for R1vana.
430 reviews8 followers
December 25, 2022
”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
1,086 reviews8 followers
December 14, 2022
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.
Profile Image for Carrie West.
256 reviews9 followers
December 6, 2023
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!
284 reviews
December 18, 2022
I had no idea what to expect going into this book, other than we’ve met this character before in one of Sarah’s other books. And let me tell ya, I was so excited to learn who’s story this was!

I absolutely loved this book! 🙌 It had me hooked from beginning to end, and even after finding out who Santa was, the storyline continued to be just as intriguing as before we knew!

This story ties in perfectly with all the other series set in this world, but could definitely be read as a standalone if you wish. (Although I do highly recommend reading the other series first, especially The Insatiable series, because I think you’ll find it’ll make you love and appreciate this story even more!)

This was the perfect dark, smutty holiday read and I cannot recommend it enough if you love kinky and suspenseful books with an ending you won’t see coming!
March 13, 2024
So I will say, even though it is like a soft dark romance type thing, I still suggest reading trigger warnings bc it does have some dark aspects to it. This book also involves some BDSM, to the point it is borderline creepy and stalkerish, but it is exciting at the same time. Let’s just say there isn’t just FM involved, so it is extra spicy in that department.

I do love how the prologue explains the game, so that way she can avoid adding it to the storyline and taking up room there, as well as there was so many twisty turnies throughout the book that I didn’t expect! This book 100% deserves 5 stars, and yet I feel like she could’ve added another book to make it a duet… mostly bc I wanted to hear more about what happened throughout the year before epilogue. With that said, that is a personal opinion and as I said, still deserves a 5 star review!
Profile Image for Erin Figueiredo.
3,028 reviews63 followers
December 18, 2022
This was an absolutely fantastic, sexy and highly erotic Christmas story that had me enthralled and devouring every delicious second of it and never wanting it to end! It was so damn exciting, thrilling, and spicy that I was a sopping mess throughout.

Agatha and Santa allow us to be a part of their thrilling Christmas game that was filled with extremely sexy moments, some suspense, mystery and drama that kept me gripping my kindle tightly and turning the pages quickly to see what was going to happen next.

The story has the perfect blend of darkness, depravity, passion, heartwarming moments and love, which was all blended together into one fantastic story with an equally fantastic ending. I definitely need my own Santa for Christmas now!
Profile Image for Jessica Robbins.
2,593 reviews45 followers
December 26, 2022
*I received a free copy of this book which I voluntarily chose to write an honest review for.
 
I have to admit that I highly enjoy revisiting a world I enjoyed even if I am following new characters. We dive back into Kitty's dark world only this time we follow Agatha who we met briefly in Kitty's story (I suggest reading that story first as it makes this one so much better and understandable). She has received an enticing offer from Santa if she can bring herself to submit and enjoy. Makes for a steamy good time as the story progresses showing the dirty side of Santa. I had a fun time reading it getting to know Aggie so mush better. I really liked it so I give it 4/5 stars.
Profile Image for Kayla Smith.
88 reviews
January 21, 2024
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Characters - 4/5
Spice - 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️

Holy fuck. I had no idea what I was getting into with this novel but boy was I pleased. Don’t let the name fool you - this is a kinky, sex fest dark romance novel with plenty of spice.

I’m usually not one for sex parties or the borderline sex addict FMC but hot damn, this author does it well. I loved Santa (our MMC) and how his relationship with his little elf (our FMC) made her reevaluate her needs and desires.

This was a quick read, knocked over in a few hours with every one of them filled with plenty of spice. While this book isn’t extremely plot heavy, it works well for the premise and isn’t let down by that.
2,953 reviews45 followers
December 13, 2022
Well Holy Hotness, Santa takes Moxie (Agatha) into dirty submission. He has her doing things that make her question her sanity but crave more at the same time. He was Big Brother, Santa and Dom all in one. She is watched at all times even when she thinks she can be defiant and get away with something, he is there to punish her in sexy and dirty ways. I don't expect anything less from Sarah J.D. She can bring out the naughty in her characters. I also want to add that if you have not read Insatiable Series, then some things may not make sense to you. Nevertheless, I enjoyed this book.
Profile Image for Charlotte.
3,214 reviews45 followers
December 14, 2022
I'd advice you to maybe read the Insatiable series before reading this book because Aggie (Agatha FMC) pops up in that series and it also gives some background to her too. It was a refreshingly different read I thought. Aggie's quiet getaway becomes a place where a stalker named Santa begins a seductive game of tests & trials for her. To see how far he can push her using s** and seduction to do so. Only when he is finally unmasked that brings its own problems and complications in itself. This was a cracking read with characters I genuinely liked
Profile Image for Jennifer.
120 reviews
December 15, 2022
If you are looking for a naughty good Christmas read then this is the book for you! As expected with all of Sarah's books...you'll get excitement,  mystery,  hot AF MMC, and all of the spice 🔥

We get to live through the mystery and excitement with Agatha since she has no idea who Santa is but we are here for it! Finding out who Santa was was like a "duh" 🤦‍♀️ moment. I liked how the story didn't stop there and you figure out why he played his game the way he did and she did not let us down! You go girl!
Profile Image for Emma (emjbookshelf).
855 reviews19 followers
December 23, 2023
Subbing for Santa

Aggie has been invited to play a game, most sensible girls would refuse but Aggie is up for a challenge. Griff has been watching Aggie for a while now and wants to get to know Aggie without revealing who is is, so he creates a game he thinks they will both enjoy.

I really enjoyed the games they played, plenty of heat and spice and I liked Griffs family so would love to read more about them. Christmas and Mafia, what's not to love.
Profile Image for Alicia Lopez.
27 reviews1 follower
January 13, 2024
Loved It!

This was my first book by this author but I guarantee it won’t be my last if she has others. I don’t even know how I found the book but I’m so glad I did. I loved everything about it. The plot was good and the spice was super spicy and that’s the best kinda spice. I loved Aggie and Griffin together and watching their relationship build and grow. They deserved the HEA that they got!
175 reviews
December 18, 2022
📚ARC Review📚
Subbing for Santa by @sarah.jane.duncan

🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 / 🌶🌶🌶🌶

❗️CHECK TRIGGER WARNINGS❗️

Spicy holiday quick read! LOVED it! Griff 🤤 and ALL THE KINKS 🙊😳 I wanna unread it so I can read it again! I’m literally speechless!!

#ARCreview #ARCread #ARCreadersofinstagram #bookish #bookrecs #bookaholic #bookstagram #ObsidianAuthorServies #SarahJaneDuncan #SubbingForSanta #spicychristmasread
Profile Image for Zara McCormick.
Author 2 books1 follower
December 19, 2022
What a book. And just prefect for this time of year. Really get you into the festive spirit. It is a stalking dark romance with the mafia link. I loved it. I honestly couldn’t put it down. The games Santa and little elf play are amazing. Would make you want your own Santa.

Can’t wait to read more from this author
Profile Image for Jess.
344 reviews
December 19, 2022
I am so glad we got a story about Agatha. She met her match when she got an anonymous present and started playing her mystery man’s game. “Santa” or Griffin was amazing and I loved his character. I love stalker vibes for my MMC, so that was a WIN for me! Definitely go read this dark spicy spicy romance!!

Displaying 1 - 30 of 61 reviews

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