Kensington Brava
ISBN: 978-0-7582-4761-2
October 2010
Paranormal Romance Anthology
Vampires...and Christmas. Hmmm, seems like an odd combination to me. Let's join our country when vampires are all around and accepted, although not everyone knows much about them or their lifestyle. Just a little sneak peek at how vampires celebrate Christmas, or at least want to celebrate Christmas.
All I Vant For Christmas
Boston, Massachusetts – a Month Before Christmas
Despite being a vampire, Connor Drake would just like to have a pleasant Thanksgiving dinner for ONCE in his life, but his brother and sister, Liam and Maeve, are having none of it. Of course, vampires don't need food, but the thought of a family dinner for once is a pleasant dream. Connor owns several world famous restaurants all over the world and lives at Drake Manor with anything his heart desires. Liam and Maeve are vampires, too, but they prefer to flaunt their tattoos, piercings, pink and blue hair and combat boots. After another fight over dinner, Connor asks for advice from Angelina Ricci, friend and matchmaker to the vampire world. She suggests he hire an event coordinator as he again seeks to have a cozy family Christmas. Huh , he'll give it a try, but all Connor sees is another epic failure in the wings.
Jillian Parker is excited over the possibility of working with the famous Connor Drake, even though he is a vampire. Vampires are in all areas of society now, but Jillian really doesn't know much about them. The large mansion is impressive, as is the tall, handsome Connor. After talking with him, Jillian guarantees his house will look great for Christmas and simply ooze the holidays , but in no way can she make his brother and sister feel the holiday spirit, too.
Jillian is curious, and Connor is enthralled, and we all know what happens when a mysterious bad boy and a woman looking for a little loving on the wild side get together. Oh yeah, game on. All I Vant For Christmas will give you more than you need in the romance department and have you looking around for one of those hot vampires. Bring him on….
A Vampire In Her Stocking
Boston , Massachusetts – Weeks Before Christmas
Vivian Harrison has worked for journalist Sean Spice at DNN nightly news for over two years and has had a crush on him the whole time. The night Sean calls her into his office, she knows something bad is about to happen, but she's not being fired. Sean is quitting because he has a brain tumor and doesn't have long to live. Vivian breaks down and blubbers to Sean that she loves him. Well, Sean is not a man to ignore a statement like that, and a quickie on the desk is all she ever dreamed it could be. The next day, when she talks, or rather cries to her friend, the vampire matchmaker Angelina, about Sean, Angelina gives her an idea. If Vivian would “turn” Sean, he could become immortal just like her. Yes, Vivian is a vampire, and if she drinks his blood first, and he drinks hers, he will become a vampire and immortal just like every other vampire. Vivian doesn't think that is a good idea at all, until the next morning Sean is wrapped in a red ribbon on the sofa in her living room. Who could have done this other than Angelina?
Sean is confused, terrified, and irate. He's not sure what happened, and this bull about being a vampire is just plain stupid. He's probably having a really bad dream... yeah, that's it . But when they have sex a second time, it's like nothing that ever happened to him. Sean definitely needs time to gradually figure out what happened to him and what his life will be like in the future; Sean figures he must be alone to think this thing through.
A Vampire In Her Stocking explains the vampire life and how a regular person would act if it happened to him or her. Will the Christmas season heal the rift between Sean and Vivian, and can Sean accept his destiny? A Vampire In Her Stocking will soothe all your fears.
IT'S A WONDERFUL BITE
Boston , Massachusetts - Christmas Eve
Angelina Ricci is beyond proud of herself for her matchmaking abilities the past couple of weeks. You can clearly see the vampire/human bond of Connor Drake and Jillian Parker; they are living together, and his two siblings even seem to like her. It's plain to see the Christmas party at Drake Manor is all Connor wished it to be with Christmas trees, garlands, carol singing, twinkling lights and ornaments. And knowing what's happening between Vivian and Sean gives Angelina hope that “turning” Sean was the right idea. The only thing that could make life perfect would be if Ian Hart, her lover, finally popped the question. After a considerable number of years, you'd think Ian would get the hint.
Later that night, watching “It's a Wonderful Life,” Ian's favorite movie, has Angelina wondering just what their lives would be like if they weren't vampires. . .
The next morning Angelina wakes up in a different world; Ian's still a policeman and apparently so is she. She remembers their past life, but other than looking as hot as ever, Ian has no idea of their history, except they are still lovers. Trying to keep them both alive will tax all Angelina's human abilities and soon has her regretting her wish. Is this something she can change so she can go back to her old life?
THE BITE BEFORE CHRISTMAS is a light and airy read about the Christmas season, just with all the vampires who are all around us highlighted. They can love and lust just like the rest of us; they just have extra “abilities.” I guarantee you will thoroughly enjoy and relish each story, and they will put you in the spirit of the Season while you carefully watch those around you...which of them are vampires, hmmmm?
Cece Johns
****
Great review, right? Are you interested in owning a copy of THE BITE BEFORE CHRISTMAS? Then post away and tell us about your favorite Christmas story, whether it be a romantic tale or a childhood book.
I'll announce a winner on Wednesday night.