A Vampire for Christmas
Laurie London, Michele Hauf,
Caridad Piñeiro, Alexis Morgan
Harlequin
October 18, 2011
Paperback, 384 pages
Amazon | Goodreads
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.
Review:
When I read the title for this book, I knew I had to read it. I mean, seriously, who wouldn’t want a vampire for X-mas? And since the book included short stories by authors I’d been meaning to check out for a while, it made me feel even more excited to give it a try.
Each story was a bit different from what I expected. They all offered many steamy scenes and had a heavy dose of romance, but none really introduced anything groundbreaking or new in terms of vampirism. Still, that was okay with me. The vampires featured were enough to satisfy my cravings, and the plots moved quickly enough for me to be okay with the insta-love angle.
My favorite of the group was Enchanted by Blood by Laurie London, which, I found out, is part of the Sweetblood series, so I’m now curious about the other stories in the series. Anybody read them? Are they good?
Red-Headed Stepchild
Sabina Kane #1
Jaye Wells
Orbit
Kindle Edition, 352 pages
Amazon | Goodreads
In a world where being of mixed-blood is a major liability, Sabina Kane has the only profession fit for an outcast: assassin. But, her latest mission threatens the fragile peace between the vampire and mage races and Sabina must scramble to figure out which side she’s on. She’s never brought her work home with her—until now.
This time, it’s personal.
Review:
Agh! I want to kick myself for not liking this book as much as I’d hoped I would. I’d read a few reviews for it that had me thinking I’d LOVE it, but meh, it wasn’t for me. And I only blame myself for this, because the writing was solid and there were some truly quirky and funny characters that I thought were pretty cool. Overall, I just didn’t care for how obvious the villains were or how the ‘sexual’ tension felt forced. Just because the heroine and her ‘mentor’ don’t get along and pretend they’re not attracted to each other, doesn’t mean they have palpable chemistry, or at least any I was feeling.
Naked
Megan Hart (Author), Lauren Fortgang (Narrator)
Audiobook: 10 hrs & 9 mins
Harlequin Enterprises, Ltd.
Amazon | Audible | Goodreads
No strings. No regrets. And no going back….
I didn’t think he wanted me. And I wasn’t about to get involved with him, not after what I’d heard. Sure, Alex Kennedy was tall, dark, and unbearably hot, but I’ve been burned before. When I solicited him to model for my erotic photography book, I didn’t expect such a heated, passionate photo session. And now that we’ve crossed that line, our bodies aren’t the only things that have been exposed.
But I can’t give my heart to a man who’s so…unconventional. His last sexual relationship was with a married couple. It’s enough that my ex-fiancee preferred men; I can’t take that chance again, no matter how much my body thrives on Alex’s touch. I can’t risk it, but I can’t resist it, either.
Alex can be very convincing when he wants something. And he wants me.
Audiobook Review:
Note to self: Reading an erotic novel is very different than listening to one. *blushes*
I’d been wanting to try a Hart novel for a long time, so when I spotted Naked for more than half off it’s usual price on Audible, I snagged it. I didn’t realize that Alex, the object of desire for Olivia, had been in a previous book, Tempted.
The whole time I listen to this story, I felt so uneasy, but not just because of the amount of smexy scenes it included. My main reason was because I couldn’t support the building romance between Olivia and Alex. For Olivia, as I grew to know her and like her, I also became increasingly worried that her heart would be broken in a similar fashion as it had been in the past. In fact, I kept expecting it to happen. For Alex, I felt like he was trying to be something he was not. He largely remained a mystery to me and, I think, to Olivia as well. Their love seemed very fragile, and their story was a bit too uncomfortable for my taste. I didn’t mind that they were an unconventional couple, not at all. Stuff like that usually makes me happy. I just didn’t like finishing the book and feeling that their HEA wasn’t going to last.
Posted at 6:00 am • Labels: 2012, 3 stars, anthology, Book Review, paranormal romance, romance, Vampires
Oh you listened to hart? I blushed just reading her short story
And I am gonna try the Kane one and hopefully I will like it :/
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*giggles* Yes listening to a sexy audiobook is very different than reading it.
I felt the same when listening to KMM Highlander series on audio.. OMgooodness! Specially with this special male narrator whose voice is like .. *faints*
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Oh my—
I tried listening to a “smutty” read once and just couldn't do it. My cheeks were very red and well it was just weird LOL!
Red-Headed Stepchild—I like the series but not because of Sabina. Gigaul on the other hand……:)
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YAY for mini-reviews! My brain is much to write a complete review so minis are the way to go. Like you, I don't mind reading unconventional romances either but it also saddens me when I think the couple's HEA is fleeting and easily broken. It's like they work so hard to get to that point and then in a second it's gone.
p.s. Yeah, there is absolutely no way to listen to a smutty audiobook. Let me tell you it took me a while to get over the huge jump from the chastity of Tw to the OMG of BDB.
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Who doesn't want a vampire for christmas? Me, well exept if he looks like Edward and has more personality!
lol.
Great mini reviews!
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Sweet Mini's….;)
Ive had Red-Head on my TBR since it came, heres saying Ill probably never get to it…:(
Oh my gosh I accidentally requested an erotic from Netgalley last week and started reading it and almost fell over when the sex stuff started…eyes burning………LOL
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Now I want to read a Vampire for Christmas
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Oh, I've heard such good things about Redheaded Stepchild! Bummer that it wasn't for you. And yeah, I can't imagine listening to an erotic novel! (Especially since I only do audiobooks in the car; I'd be so afraid that another driver would hear it at red lights!)
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I don't think my rather epic immaturity could handle listening to an erotic story. I'm all for reading them (and maybe rereading some parts
, but I think I would lose it trying to listen to one out loud. *dies just thinking about it* Aside from that, it's too bad the protagonists were awkward and uncomfortable in and of themselves, that would take the experience to a whole new level I think. Thanks for the mini reviews Missie! Love them:)
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@Blodeuedd, I'm looking forward to your thoughts on Red-Headed. I bet you'll have better insight in the the story than me.
@Danny, Oh, I bet any of KMM stories on audiobook would be pretty racy!
@Felicia, I LOVED GIGAUL! I wish he was my minion or at the very least, I'd be his. LOL
@Rummanah, Yup! Even as often as I switch up my reading, it always takes me a while to adjust to the details. LOL
@Nina, Right?! Sign me up too.
@Tina, I bet your eyes would have rather been checking out Jax's tush. LOL
@Juju, Go for it.
@Lauren, I'm not likely to try another erotic novel on audiobook. Sure, it could be very funny, but also way too embarrassing… for me.
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I bet it's different listening to the sexy books! Sorry you didn't like it to much. I've been super curious about her books too and have Tempted waiting. I'm definitely curious to see what I'll think about it.
As for Sabina Kane, it sucks you didn't like that too much either. I've been thinking about reading it a few times, but I'm starting to doubt it's anything for me based on some reviews I've read… I guess time will tell if I decide to pick it up sometime! Great reviews.
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Great mini reviews. Tood bad you didn't really go for Red-Headed Step Child. But not everything is for everybody…it's actually great to read a different perspective on the book. A far as the audiobook, I'm blushing for you. I can't quite imagine listening to one on audio.
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I have never listened to a sexy audiobook. I bet I would be blushing the whole time too.
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I really liked the Sabina Kane's series but I confess it's difficult when we expect too much. Will you read the other books?
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@Jenny, I have to admit that many of the smexy scenes had me cracking up.
@Rebecca, The SK series is really popular, so again, I think it is a ME thing. And I'm really looking forward to READING Tempted. I want to know more about Alex.
@Lisa, I dare you to try one.
@Melliane, I was thinking about it, but then I heard that Sabine and Adam don't even hook up until book 4! That would kill me.
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“Just because the heroine and her 'mentor' don't get along and pretend they're not attracted to each other, doesn't mean they have palpable chemistry.” Why do people assume that because two people don't get along, it's because they secretly like each other? Sometimes they just might dislike each other.
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yes it's true that their story is really long. I understand.
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I would tell you stick with the Sabina Kane book – the first one didn't quite flow right but after that the story does get better – and so does the chemistry! The comedy snark improves as well!
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Shhhhh dont tell the hubs that, because he watches SOA with me, I tell him I love it for the story….. what I really love is Jax-butt!
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Dude!! I don't know if I could listen to an erotic book…. I'd totally be like, “OMG!” the whole time!! Lol
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I have Laurie London's first book but still haven't read it. I'm happy to hear you liked this short story though cause she's such a sweet person! Not that it matters, but I've been a little afraid to read her book since I like HER so much.
I have Red-Headed Stepchild on my TBR to read soon I really hope I like it more then you! But now I'm glad I didn't get the whole series yet. I'll give the first one a try first.
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I would have loved to watch you listen to that last book. Suddenly blushing red! ;D
Oh and I'm sure you would return a Vampire for Christmas. I'll be there to take him for you. *giggles*
And I'm disappointed about RHSC. I hope I end up liking the series better. But… I can see why I may not. :/
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A Vampire for Christmas does sound kind of fun… I may have to look this one up to read for next Christmas!
Megan @ Storybook Love Affair
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I am in the mood to read an erotic story, listen to an erotic story, be in an… no I should stop right there. Perhaps I should just live vicariously through fiction.
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I also did not like the Sabina Kane book. Bought the Vampire for Christmas just for the Alexis Morgan book, but still have to read it.
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Ummm, I can imagine listening to an erotic story would be awk-ward. Don't think I'll try that any time soon! I blush enough reading them.
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LOL I love your mini-reviews, Missie!! They're so awesome! <3 The title for A Vampire for Christmas really makes me want to read it too, because OF COURSE I want one! But oh my gosh, I don't think I could ever handle listening to an erotic novel! I can barely read slightly steamy scenes in YA books without going beet red (which is always very embarrassing LOL!)! x)
Looooooove this!
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I bummed to hear that you didn't enjoy Red-Headed Stepchild as much as I did. This is one of my favorite series though
Thanks for the honest review on these!
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Love the mini reviews! I wanted a vampire for X-mas, but Jake and Greg didn't get me one. Said it was too dangerous.Pssh.
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Oh Missie, no worries on not liking Redheaded Step child more than you did. As you said, and I truly believe, not every book will be absolutely loved by everyone.
But so glad you gave it a go. Thanks for the reviews.
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I have problems reading erotic stories. For some reason my brain goes into extreme logic mode and I'm like “how is that possible?? He can't be THERE and THERE at the same time! Doesn't that hurt?”….etc… lmao
Bummer about Red-Headed Stepchild. I've been interested in this one for awhile. I just haven't had time to get to it yet.
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I've been debating reading Red Headed Step Child, but I've never picked it up. Maybe I'll think about a library book, but it sounds like it's one of those books that would probably frustrate me. Also, I would like a vampire for Christmas. Make a note. I expect one in my stocking next year.
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