HQN Books Oct 18 2011
384 pages By Michelle Hauf, Caridad Pineiro, Alexis Morgan and Laurie London
BLURB ON BACK OF BOOK
All they want for Christmas is you…It's the time of year for twinkling lights on trees and kisses under the mistletoe. Yet the passing of another year means nothing to the stunning immortals who lurk in the shadows of the new-fallen snow.
And they don't care if you've been naughty or nice.
Let four fanged lovers open your eyes to a passion you never dared to imagine. After all, there's no place like home for the holidays—and these dazzling vampires can't wait for an invitation.
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I found this anthology of sexy vampire stories to be a bit of a mixed bag. Let's face it, vampires and Christmas do not exactly go together. But the concept works. Sentiment and emotion can grip the hardest, coldest people at Christmas, even cool, detached Vampires.
Enchanted by the Blood-Laurie London
This is a short story to follow a full length novel in her 'Sweetblood' series. I haven't read it, but this short story flowed well enough that you do not have to read the previous novels. Trace was a fine vamp hero, it seems he and the heroine Charlotte have met before. Over a year ago they were deeply involved and deeply in love, only Trace had to wipe her memories because she saw too much at a party. Now? The spark is still there, Charlotte is confused, she feels as if she has known Trace from somewhere. Trace knows he needs to walk away, but how can he? A deeply felt love story with Christmas as an incidental backdrop, but all the elements work here.
4 out of 5 heat: 3
Monsters Don't Do Christmas-Michelle Hauf
I have enjoyed Michelle Hauf's novels in the past, however this story did not do it for me on any level.
Daniel Harrison is the hero. He is a newly made vampire turned the previous Christmas who is struggling with his new-life state. While being swarmed by some werewolves he is rescued by a woman. Olivia Adorata. She accepts what he is and invites him to her apartment and even bakes cookies. Oh, and she is a rising pop star. This couple did not click for me, nor did their romance. Even the backwash of Christmas sentiment which I am usually a sucker for, didn't work in this story for me either.
2 out of 5 Heat rating 3
When Herald Angels Sing By Caridad Pineiro
If you want a vampire story soaked in Christmas sentiment, than this short story is for you. First off, love the story was set in the 1930's, how refreshing. Damien was a fine hero. Turned into a vamp by his enemy back in the 1820's, it seems he has had a guardian angel looking over him since that time. Angelina has appeared in his life in various forms throughout his existence. Damien is given a trip though his past (in a Dickensian way, of course) and we see Damien was a cold bastard through the years, especially with his dealings with Angelina. Not exactly a cuddly Christmas hero, but ultimately he sees the errors of ways and realizes his love for Angelina. Lots of emotion and heavenly intervention, but this story is touching and has a solid Christmas spirit.
3.5 out of 5 heat 3
All I Want For Christmas by Alexis Morgan
I really enjoyed this one. Eagan McHale is a vampire policeman working undercover in a seedy neighborhood where teenagers are showing up dead from blood loss. In the center of this is a diner run by the heroine, Della Breit. Della is almost too good to be true, giving out hot chocolate and pie to down on your luck patrons. She is being held up by a couple of hoodies when Eagan steps in to save the day. She assumes Eagan is one of these down on your luck types and soon he is exchanging small jobs for a few meals all the while staking the place out. Great character development, Eagan the world weary cop/vampire has done and seen plenty, Della's generous heart and loving spirit touches him deeply. Also some great secondary characters for a short story. How they ultimately get together has been done many times in Vampire stories, just go with it. Heartwarming romance with Christmas a major player in this entertaining tale.
5 out of 5 heat 3
TOTAL RATING FOR BOOK: 3.5 out of 5
*Reviewed for The Season
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