Review

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 by 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 and it seemed he and the heroine Charlotte had 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, and she feels as though she knows Trace from somewhere. Trace knows he needs to walk away but how can he? This is a deeply felt love story with Christmas as an incidental backdrop. However, all the elements work here.

Rating: 4     Heat: Sensual

Monsters Don't Do Christmas by 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, one who was turned the previous Christmas and is struggling with his new-life state. When he is swarmed by some werewolves, Daniel is rescued by a woman, Olivia Adorata. She accepts what he is (without batting an eye!) and invites him to her apartment and even bakes cookies for him. Oh, and she is a rising pop star. This couple did not click for me. Nor did their romance or the story in general work for me. Even the backwash of Christmas sentiment, which I am usually a sucker for, didn't work in this story.

Rating: 2     Heat: Sensual

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, I love that the story was set in the 1930's. It felt refreshing. Damien was a fine hero. Since he was turned into a vamp by his enemy back in the 1820's, it seems he has had a guardian angel looking over him. 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 does see 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.

Rating: 3.5  Heat: Sensual

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 their 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 those poor types and soon he is exchanging small jobs for a few meals all the while staking the place out. There is great character development. Eagan is the world weary cop/vampire who has done and seen plenty and Della's generous heart and loving spirit touches him deeply. There are also some great secondary characters for a short story. How they ultimately get together has been done many times in vampire stories so just go with it. This is a heart-warming romance with Christmas a major player in this entertaining tale.

Rating: 5    Heat: Sensual

Reviewed by Karyn