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Unholy Nights
For folks who like their Christmas a little twisted, seven tales of charms and magic, curses and intrigue…
Featuring novellas from popular authors Linda Barlow, Andra Brynn, Carly Carson, Alana Albertson, Kara Ashley Dey, Nicole Blanchard and Cherie Chulick.
A Kiss is Just a Kiss by Linda Barlow
It’s Christmastide, but Holly Mathers can’t seem to get into the spirit. She’s been obsessing for weeks over a hook-up gone wrong with the hot, green-eyed Will MacIvey, who’s treating her like the ghost of Christmas past. When she and her roommate are invited to a Winter Solstice celebration by their faculty advisor, Holly is thrilled to learn that Will is going to the party. Holly’s roommate has procured a sprig of enchanted mistletoe that she plans to use to steal a kiss from the sexy professor. When she chickens out, Holly decides to try the spell on Will, hoping that a kiss under the mistletoe will remind him of the steamy night he seems to have forgotten. But magic always comes with a price…
In the Bleak Midwinter by Andra Brynn
In the bleak midwinter…
With no money and nowhere to go, Ayla MacFarlane’s first midwinter break from college returns her to the decaying house she grew up in–and to the shadow of her father, whose perverse obsession with her made her years there a misery. Now under her father’s control again, Ayla knows that if she leaves once more it will only be a matter of time before their father turns his sights to her little sister Julia…
“There’s a boy in the woods…”
But the hunted are not always without protection. While Ayla has been away, Julia has made friends with a mysterious boy in the woods that surround their property. Certain he is up to no good, Ayla sets out to confront him, only to find a beautiful young man who speaks in riddles and makes her heart race. What is stranger is that he knows things no human should know, and he tells Ayla that he can help her…for a price.
The hunt is on…
As the solstice nears, the time of reckoning is at hand. Will Ayla have the courage to reclaim all her father stole from her and protect her little sister, or will she be be a slave to her fear, and lose her chance to save herself forever?
Love Charm for Dakota by Carly Carson
Nantucket is the home of hedge fund titans, old money and hidebound tradition. Habits are comfortable, and the habits of the rich are very comfortable. Into Cabot Saltonstall’s sedate world blows Dakota Bishop, possessor of a wild spirit and a magical love charm. Cabot’s blue-blood family history includes an ancestor who resigned from the Salem Witch trials, because he refused to believe in witchcraft.
But Cabot is all too willing to be bewitched.
Dakota can’t stay still long enough for anyone to tie her down, nor is Cabot the right kind of guy for her. If only he’d have sex with her so she could get him out of her system. Why does he need to be so traditional with his emotions and plans for the future?
Does she know enough of witchcraft to overcome the spell of the accidentally cast love charm?
The Snow Queen by Alana Albertson
Five years ago, Cambridge Ballet’s Sugar Plum Fairy and Cavalier vanished after performing The Nutcracker. Despite extensive city and statewide searches, no traces of them, besides their ballet slippers, were ever found. Every year since, another member of the cast has gone missing after closing night: the Mouse King, an Arabian Dancer, The Dew Drop Fairy, a Flower. Nieves Alba, who as a thirteen-year-old played Clara in the first ill-fated performance, is now cast as the Snow Queen. On closing night, every police officer in Boston surrounds the theater, determined to catch the perpetrator whom they’ve dubbed “The Nutcracker.” Can Nieves break the curse or will she be the next victim of America’s favorite ballet?
How Lovely Your Branches by Kara Ashley Dey
Recluse, Katie Crowe, has observed the world from a window in her father’s loveless house. With the death of her father and the departure of her only friend, Katie sees no point in venturing out. Then a new neighbor and his three female companions take up residence across the road in the very house her friend had vacated four months ago. Gabe’s eyes hold a promise to Katie when she gazes into them–a way out of her lonely prison, if she could but step beyond her threshold. Something holds her back: Though the past and its people seem far from her now, the trees still know her haunting secret.
The Perfect Gift by Nicole Blanchard
Sera Flaherty would rather take lumps of coal and be committed to the naughty list for life than admit that she has a role to play in her failing marriage. She deludes her way into a negative bank balance and is left with no chance of getting her husband Spencer a present. When faced with the reality of their relationship, Sera finds she’s willing to sacrifice anything to fix her mist...
Featuring novellas from popular authors Linda Barlow, Andra Brynn, Carly Carson, Alana Albertson, Kara Ashley Dey, Nicole Blanchard and Cherie Chulick.
A Kiss is Just a Kiss by Linda Barlow
It’s Christmastide, but Holly Mathers can’t seem to get into the spirit. She’s been obsessing for weeks over a hook-up gone wrong with the hot, green-eyed Will MacIvey, who’s treating her like the ghost of Christmas past. When she and her roommate are invited to a Winter Solstice celebration by their faculty advisor, Holly is thrilled to learn that Will is going to the party. Holly’s roommate has procured a sprig of enchanted mistletoe that she plans to use to steal a kiss from the sexy professor. When she chickens out, Holly decides to try the spell on Will, hoping that a kiss under the mistletoe will remind him of the steamy night he seems to have forgotten. But magic always comes with a price…
In the Bleak Midwinter by Andra Brynn
In the bleak midwinter…
With no money and nowhere to go, Ayla MacFarlane’s first midwinter break from college returns her to the decaying house she grew up in–and to the shadow of her father, whose perverse obsession with her made her years there a misery. Now under her father’s control again, Ayla knows that if she leaves once more it will only be a matter of time before their father turns his sights to her little sister Julia…
“There’s a boy in the woods…”
But the hunted are not always without protection. While Ayla has been away, Julia has made friends with a mysterious boy in the woods that surround their property. Certain he is up to no good, Ayla sets out to confront him, only to find a beautiful young man who speaks in riddles and makes her heart race. What is stranger is that he knows things no human should know, and he tells Ayla that he can help her…for a price.
The hunt is on…
As the solstice nears, the time of reckoning is at hand. Will Ayla have the courage to reclaim all her father stole from her and protect her little sister, or will she be be a slave to her fear, and lose her chance to save herself forever?
Love Charm for Dakota by Carly Carson
Nantucket is the home of hedge fund titans, old money and hidebound tradition. Habits are comfortable, and the habits of the rich are very comfortable. Into Cabot Saltonstall’s sedate world blows Dakota Bishop, possessor of a wild spirit and a magical love charm. Cabot’s blue-blood family history includes an ancestor who resigned from the Salem Witch trials, because he refused to believe in witchcraft.
But Cabot is all too willing to be bewitched.
Dakota can’t stay still long enough for anyone to tie her down, nor is Cabot the right kind of guy for her. If only he’d have sex with her so she could get him out of her system. Why does he need to be so traditional with his emotions and plans for the future?
Does she know enough of witchcraft to overcome the spell of the accidentally cast love charm?
The Snow Queen by Alana Albertson
Five years ago, Cambridge Ballet’s Sugar Plum Fairy and Cavalier vanished after performing The Nutcracker. Despite extensive city and statewide searches, no traces of them, besides their ballet slippers, were ever found. Every year since, another member of the cast has gone missing after closing night: the Mouse King, an Arabian Dancer, The Dew Drop Fairy, a Flower. Nieves Alba, who as a thirteen-year-old played Clara in the first ill-fated performance, is now cast as the Snow Queen. On closing night, every police officer in Boston surrounds the theater, determined to catch the perpetrator whom they’ve dubbed “The Nutcracker.” Can Nieves break the curse or will she be the next victim of America’s favorite ballet?
How Lovely Your Branches by Kara Ashley Dey
Recluse, Katie Crowe, has observed the world from a window in her father’s loveless house. With the death of her father and the departure of her only friend, Katie sees no point in venturing out. Then a new neighbor and his three female companions take up residence across the road in the very house her friend had vacated four months ago. Gabe’s eyes hold a promise to Katie when she gazes into them–a way out of her lonely prison, if she could but step beyond her threshold. Something holds her back: Though the past and its people seem far from her now, the trees still know her haunting secret.
The Perfect Gift by Nicole Blanchard
Sera Flaherty would rather take lumps of coal and be committed to the naughty list for life than admit that she has a role to play in her failing marriage. She deludes her way into a negative bank balance and is left with no chance of getting her husband Spencer a present. When faced with the reality of their relationship, Sera finds she’s willing to sacrifice anything to fix her mist...
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First published November 30, 2013
136 people want to read
About the author
Linda Barlow
46 books231 followersLinda Barlow is the author of 25 novels in various genres, including family sagas, historical and contemporary romance, romantic suspense, erotic romance, and general mainstream fiction.
Publishers have included Doubleday, Dell, Penguin, Warner Books, New American Library/Signet, Berkley/Putnam, Silhouette and Harlequin. Her books have been translated into approximately 20 foreign languages.
Linda is a New York Times and USA Today bestselling novelist. Several of her romances have hit the top 10 in the Kindle Store. She's also won numerous industry awards, including the Rita from Romance Writers of America (1989), Best New Historical Romance Author from Romantic Times (1986) and a Lifetime Achievement award from Romantic Times. She also contributed two essays to Dangerous Men and Adventurous Women, a collection of scholarly essays on the enduring appeal of the romance. This book won the Susan Koppelman Award for Excellence in Feminist Studies of Popular Culture and American Culture in 1993.
Linda is now indie publishing and loving it!
Linda served as President of Novelists, Inc. in 1992 and did two three-year terms on the Executive Council of the Authors Guild in the 1990s. She was Romance Writers of America’s keynote speaker at the annual conference in 1989.
When she is not at her computer writing, she is likely to be reading. She can't imagine what her life would be like without books!
Publishers have included Doubleday, Dell, Penguin, Warner Books, New American Library/Signet, Berkley/Putnam, Silhouette and Harlequin. Her books have been translated into approximately 20 foreign languages.
Linda is a New York Times and USA Today bestselling novelist. Several of her romances have hit the top 10 in the Kindle Store. She's also won numerous industry awards, including the Rita from Romance Writers of America (1989), Best New Historical Romance Author from Romantic Times (1986) and a Lifetime Achievement award from Romantic Times. She also contributed two essays to Dangerous Men and Adventurous Women, a collection of scholarly essays on the enduring appeal of the romance. This book won the Susan Koppelman Award for Excellence in Feminist Studies of Popular Culture and American Culture in 1993.
Linda is now indie publishing and loving it!
Linda served as President of Novelists, Inc. in 1992 and did two three-year terms on the Executive Council of the Authors Guild in the 1990s. She was Romance Writers of America’s keynote speaker at the annual conference in 1989.
When she is not at her computer writing, she is likely to be reading. She can't imagine what her life would be like without books!
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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
December 11, 2013
Recommended by Miss Construed
The Perfect Gift by Nicole Blanchard 4 stars
Sera Flaherty would rather take lumps of coal and be committed to the naughty list for life than admit that she has a role to play in her failing marriage. She deludes her way into a negative bank balance and is left with no chance of getting her husband Spencer a present. When faced with the reality of their relationship, Sera finds she’s willing to sacrifice anything to fix her mistakes and find her husband the perfect gift…even if doing will cost more than she bargained for.
I Loved the story line behind this one. It is sometimes an everyday struggles for couples with money, love and their relationship. Being Christmas time can sometimes be the greatest struggles with money for any family. Nicole brought us an amazing story about realizing that love can withstand struggles. All you have to do is admit your wrongs and work to fix the struggles together. I thought the story was going to go the way it did with the gifting and I was happy to see it all end the way it did.
[I'll add on with each novella I read]
The Perfect Gift by Nicole Blanchard 4 stars
Sera Flaherty would rather take lumps of coal and be committed to the naughty list for life than admit that she has a role to play in her failing marriage. She deludes her way into a negative bank balance and is left with no chance of getting her husband Spencer a present. When faced with the reality of their relationship, Sera finds she’s willing to sacrifice anything to fix her mistakes and find her husband the perfect gift…even if doing will cost more than she bargained for.
I Loved the story line behind this one. It is sometimes an everyday struggles for couples with money, love and their relationship. Being Christmas time can sometimes be the greatest struggles with money for any family. Nicole brought us an amazing story about realizing that love can withstand struggles. All you have to do is admit your wrongs and work to fix the struggles together. I thought the story was going to go the way it did with the gifting and I was happy to see it all end the way it did.
[I'll add on with each novella I read]
March 18, 2014
Reviews will be added as I read the stories.
A Kiss is Just a Kiss was a well written story that made me laugh at times! I could imagine my younger self doing some of run by/stalking? a guy's house hoping to see him in the window. Loved the bewitched mistletoe and its magical reactions. * I give this book 5 stars.
The Snow Queen was a fast paced story that was fun to read. It didn't take long but I was entertained. The Snow Queen has lots of twists and turns while you try to solve the mystery. I don't want to say too much and spoil the story for others.
I probably would have given 5 stars if I didn't feel as if there were a few story lines that I felt were rushed at the ending. And understanding ballet terms would be helpful so you can picture what the author is talking about.
This is an entertaining Christmas read for anyone who enjoys ballet, fantasy, romance and an all around good story! * I give this novella 4 stars.
* I received this book from NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
Love Charm for Dakota
How Lovely Your Branches
The Perfect Gift
Until the Twelfth Night
In the Bleak Midwinter
A Kiss is Just a Kiss was a well written story that made me laugh at times! I could imagine my younger self doing some of run by/stalking? a guy's house hoping to see him in the window. Loved the bewitched mistletoe and its magical reactions. * I give this book 5 stars.
The Snow Queen was a fast paced story that was fun to read. It didn't take long but I was entertained. The Snow Queen has lots of twists and turns while you try to solve the mystery. I don't want to say too much and spoil the story for others.
I probably would have given 5 stars if I didn't feel as if there were a few story lines that I felt were rushed at the ending. And understanding ballet terms would be helpful so you can picture what the author is talking about.
This is an entertaining Christmas read for anyone who enjoys ballet, fantasy, romance and an all around good story! * I give this novella 4 stars.
* I received this book from NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
Love Charm for Dakota
How Lovely Your Branches
The Perfect Gift
Until the Twelfth Night
In the Bleak Midwinter
July 29, 2016
This is a wonderful collection of short stories. You have some that are creepy, some with love, some are hot and everything in between. A Kiss is Just a Kiss was a delightful read. I like how Holly was trying to get over being a stalker. She wanted Will and one night wasn't enough. She even goes as far as.a.Love charm to see if it would work. At the end you are left wondering did it work or not. Until the Twelfth Night features Lady Elizabeth trying to get over the loss of her husband. She finds the house she is staying at is supposed to be haunted and she along with Captain Wolfe try to figure things out. The story of this ghost is a neat one. In the Bleak Midwinter Ayla has to return home on a break from school. She really only goes back to protect her sister from an abusive father. This is the darkest story to me. Ayla' s father is a horrible man. I think the author does a great job with the hunt and I like how it ended. How Lovely Your Branches was a very neat story. I loved all the characters and really wanted it to be a longer story. I wanted more of the characters. It is a spooky but hot read. The Snow Queen gives you the ballerina twist. While it is easy to guess who the bad guy is I love the twist he does with the ballerinas. This is a case of you don't know real love when it's been there all along. Love Charm for Dakota brings you a story about a witch and a love charm. I have to say at first I didn't like the male character is this book. He seemed cocky to me. I have to say he did redeem his self to me. The Perfect Gift was one of my favorite stories. When a marriage is falling apart one woman thinks getting the perfect gift will make things better. She and her husband have to see they had everything they need to be happy they just need to be open and communicate better. This one actually has a great lesson to me in. Material things don't mean as much as people think. I also love one couples name.in this book and never got the link till the end.
If you like paranormal stories or just stories that are different you will like this set. Unholy Nights includes a delightful range in plots and twist. There is a story for everyone to enjoy. While I did enjoy some stories more than others they all are good.
If you like paranormal stories or just stories that are different you will like this set. Unholy Nights includes a delightful range in plots and twist. There is a story for everyone to enjoy. While I did enjoy some stories more than others they all are good.
February 17, 2016
Unholy Nights is a collection of short stories by multiple Authors. There are seven short stories all together and each one is just as interesting as the next. The stories contain enchanted mistletoe, god-like woodland creatures, love charms, mysterious snow globes, witches and warlocks, deadly presents, and ghosts.
Paranormal Romance and Authors That Rock gave me this collection of stories to review and I enjoyed every story. There were some stories that I enjoyed more than others for example...Love Charm for Dakota by Carly Carson and A Kiss is Just a Kiss by Linda Barlow more than In the Bleak Midwinter by Andra Brynn and The Perfect Gift by Nicole Blanchard. I think this is a delicious treat for the holiday season and one that everyone should take a bite of. Each story has their own unique twists and turns that keep you guessing till the very end.
Paranormal Romance and Authors That Rock gave me this collection of stories to review and I enjoyed every story. There were some stories that I enjoyed more than others for example...Love Charm for Dakota by Carly Carson and A Kiss is Just a Kiss by Linda Barlow more than In the Bleak Midwinter by Andra Brynn and The Perfect Gift by Nicole Blanchard. I think this is a delicious treat for the holiday season and one that everyone should take a bite of. Each story has their own unique twists and turns that keep you guessing till the very end.
December 30, 2013
A common paranormal theme for a not-so-common Christmas season anthology. Let's have a look at each of the stories:
A kiss is just a kiss - two university students connect deeply and share a night of passion, but two months later the girl hasn't heard a word from the boy. Realistic and sexy, it's not until the very end that some magic element appears. It's quite an engaging story, though, and funny, where music and mistletoe play a significant part in the romance development.
In the Bleak Midwinter is extremely dark. Written in a haunting, poetic style, it recounts the twisted feeling and thoughts of a girl who's tormented by her own father. In the bleakest of winters, right before Christmas, she's losing herself. She wants to protect her sister from the same fate but can only turn to the forest for solace. There she finds a primitive power waiting to offer her a choice. She might be hunted again o strike a bargain with a hunter.
So, so dark, but dramatic and powerful in the way it calls on ancient creatures of Nature to exact vengeance on the worst of human beings. I hated how much this girls was hurt, but it's incredibly rewarding to get back at the man responsible for her pain. I felt it was very emotional and real how she's seduced by the hunter in the woods and how she finally gathers her courage to punish her tormentor.
A Love Charm for Dakota is a very romantic story about how finding true love can be aided by a little bit of mischievous magic. Dakota is a free spirit that takes life as it comes. Never belonged to a place or a special someone, but she's going to find both in the most unexpected way. I think it's funny to mix Christmas traditions with witchcraft in order to bring about a relationship. Dakota and Cabot have a great chemistry going on. Both the romantic and the sexy scenes are very well planned out, and I enjoyed Dakota's change of heart. She didn't want a traditional kind of guy because it challenged her way of life, but it had more to do with what she thought she couldn't have or didn't deserve than what really moved her. And we'll never know if the magical charm actually worked or if it was just the magic of love at work.
The Snow Queen - Even though the chain of events was predictable and far from memorable, I still enjoyed reading about the ballet dancing world. A young girl wants to become a prima ballerina, but it's going to prove difficult as year after year dancers keep disappearing right after the performance of The Nutcracker at Christmas. There is mystery, romance and danger that come in a supernatural way. Everything seemed a bit mild to me, but the ballet mystery was still appealing and the end was unexpected.
Another of my favourites: How Lovely Your Branches. Sensitive, sad, powerful in emotion and fear and magic. Plenty of sensuality mixed with darkness. the first part awoke my curiosity about Katie, why she's a reclusive in a house haunted by terrible memories. Then I was very pleased with the new neighbours who sported a coven-like behaviour. Hints of witchcraft started to spice things up, and I loved how a lost soul was welcomed into a sense of belonging and salvation.
It's mysterious, the writing is great, and the hot scenes were made hotter because they were beautifully tuned to the psychological needs and evolution of the many character. Really good.
Until the Twelfth Night reminds me of a Jane Austen setting with upper-class, very British conversations around tea and Christmas amenities. A young widow spends the holidays at a mansion with other lords and ladies of varying ages. She meets Captain Wolfe and finds him equally attractive and infuriating. As she tries to look to the future without a husband to cherish, ghost disturbances colour her stay in the mansion.
Even though the love declaration was too passionate for just a few days after meeting, the couple was likeable enough. What I enjoyed most was the period atmosphere and the ghost mystery.
The Perfect Gift is really good at describing the frustration of a married couple trying to cope with changes in their relationship and expectations. Both characters are likable, realistic and flawed, and they both try hard and make mistakes along the way. I'm not much into this kind of stories but I found this one well-written. I felt drawn into the hope, despair and love these two characters go through. And there is a significant role for a magical antique shop to play in the outcome.
Overall, this bundle of stories is well-stocked for all kinds of interests that include romance, darkness, sensuality and mystery.
A kiss is just a kiss - two university students connect deeply and share a night of passion, but two months later the girl hasn't heard a word from the boy. Realistic and sexy, it's not until the very end that some magic element appears. It's quite an engaging story, though, and funny, where music and mistletoe play a significant part in the romance development.
In the Bleak Midwinter is extremely dark. Written in a haunting, poetic style, it recounts the twisted feeling and thoughts of a girl who's tormented by her own father. In the bleakest of winters, right before Christmas, she's losing herself. She wants to protect her sister from the same fate but can only turn to the forest for solace. There she finds a primitive power waiting to offer her a choice. She might be hunted again o strike a bargain with a hunter.
So, so dark, but dramatic and powerful in the way it calls on ancient creatures of Nature to exact vengeance on the worst of human beings. I hated how much this girls was hurt, but it's incredibly rewarding to get back at the man responsible for her pain. I felt it was very emotional and real how she's seduced by the hunter in the woods and how she finally gathers her courage to punish her tormentor.
A Love Charm for Dakota is a very romantic story about how finding true love can be aided by a little bit of mischievous magic. Dakota is a free spirit that takes life as it comes. Never belonged to a place or a special someone, but she's going to find both in the most unexpected way. I think it's funny to mix Christmas traditions with witchcraft in order to bring about a relationship. Dakota and Cabot have a great chemistry going on. Both the romantic and the sexy scenes are very well planned out, and I enjoyed Dakota's change of heart. She didn't want a traditional kind of guy because it challenged her way of life, but it had more to do with what she thought she couldn't have or didn't deserve than what really moved her. And we'll never know if the magical charm actually worked or if it was just the magic of love at work.
The Snow Queen - Even though the chain of events was predictable and far from memorable, I still enjoyed reading about the ballet dancing world. A young girl wants to become a prima ballerina, but it's going to prove difficult as year after year dancers keep disappearing right after the performance of The Nutcracker at Christmas. There is mystery, romance and danger that come in a supernatural way. Everything seemed a bit mild to me, but the ballet mystery was still appealing and the end was unexpected.
Another of my favourites: How Lovely Your Branches. Sensitive, sad, powerful in emotion and fear and magic. Plenty of sensuality mixed with darkness. the first part awoke my curiosity about Katie, why she's a reclusive in a house haunted by terrible memories. Then I was very pleased with the new neighbours who sported a coven-like behaviour. Hints of witchcraft started to spice things up, and I loved how a lost soul was welcomed into a sense of belonging and salvation.
It's mysterious, the writing is great, and the hot scenes were made hotter because they were beautifully tuned to the psychological needs and evolution of the many character. Really good.
Until the Twelfth Night reminds me of a Jane Austen setting with upper-class, very British conversations around tea and Christmas amenities. A young widow spends the holidays at a mansion with other lords and ladies of varying ages. She meets Captain Wolfe and finds him equally attractive and infuriating. As she tries to look to the future without a husband to cherish, ghost disturbances colour her stay in the mansion.
Even though the love declaration was too passionate for just a few days after meeting, the couple was likeable enough. What I enjoyed most was the period atmosphere and the ghost mystery.
The Perfect Gift is really good at describing the frustration of a married couple trying to cope with changes in their relationship and expectations. Both characters are likable, realistic and flawed, and they both try hard and make mistakes along the way. I'm not much into this kind of stories but I found this one well-written. I felt drawn into the hope, despair and love these two characters go through. And there is a significant role for a magical antique shop to play in the outcome.
Overall, this bundle of stories is well-stocked for all kinds of interests that include romance, darkness, sensuality and mystery.
September 26, 2014
CARMIE'S REVIEW -
The anthology is made up of seven short stories with a twist of Christmas and paranormal.
A Kiss Is Just a Kiss by Linda Barlow
Every girl dreams of finding their perfect match. Holly Mathers and her college roommate Julie have found theirs. They just need to convince the men in question. They have one chance during winter break to make their big move. The girls go to a “witchy chick” for enchanted mistletoe with the plan of maneuvering their men into kissing them under it. A kiss is just a kiss or is it?
In the Bleak Midwinter by Andra Brynn
A word of warning before reading this tale – you may find the story line to be offensive.
Ayla comes home during midwinter break to check on her little sister, Julia and to protect her from their father. She doesn’t want what happened to her to happen to Julia. When Julia tells Ayla there is a boy living in the woods by their house Ayla goes looking for him to warn him away. Hunter is more than just a normal boy; he has been protecting Julia and wants to help Ayla figure out a solution to the situation.
A Love Charm for Dakota by Carly Carson
Brenna gifts her friend Dakota with a love charm. Dakota doesn’t believe in it and wants to find the same kind of love that Brenna has with her boyfriend Joe. Dakota is willing to humor her best friend and throws it off the ferry on the way to Nantucket. A storm blows in and Brenna, Joe and Dakota are stranded on Nantucket Island for the night giving fate the chance to prove Dakota wrong.
The Snow Queen by Alana Albertson
A mysterious string of disappearances has been plaguing the Cambridge Ballet for the past five years. Each year after the final performance of The Nutcracker a ballerina vanishes without a trace. The ballerinas do not dance the same role so police are mystified as to what the connection is. This year Nieves has been cast as the Snow Queen. She isn’t worried because she has her mentor Mikhail watching out of her and helping her train for the role. As the night of the final performance looms can the police catch the bad guy before he kidnaps another ballerina – maybe Nieves herself?
How Lovely Your Branches by Kara Ashley Dey
Katie Crowe is a prisoner of her haunted home. Gabe and his coven move into the vacanthouse across the street from Katie. They believe Katie is meant to be with them and set out to free her literally and figuratively.
Until the Twelfth Night by Cherie Chulick
Set in historical times, Elizabeth is a young widow who accepts an invitation from her latehusband’s family to spend Christmas with them. Elizabeth journeys to the manor which was built 500 years ago and comes complete with tales of being haunted. Elizabeth lets herself bedistracted from missing her husband by helping a young maid named Mary unite with her love one final time.
The Perfect Gift by Nicole Blanchard
The story of Sera and Spencer bring a modern twist to the classic tale of “The Gift of the Magi”. In this modern tale, the couple is struggling with unemployment, child rearing, compulsive shopping and trying to save their marriage which is on the verge of falling apart. Can they find the perfect Christmas gifts for each other on a budget? Can they find a Christmas miracle to save their marriage?
The anthology is made up of seven short stories with a twist of Christmas and paranormal.
A Kiss Is Just a Kiss by Linda Barlow
Every girl dreams of finding their perfect match. Holly Mathers and her college roommate Julie have found theirs. They just need to convince the men in question. They have one chance during winter break to make their big move. The girls go to a “witchy chick” for enchanted mistletoe with the plan of maneuvering their men into kissing them under it. A kiss is just a kiss or is it?
In the Bleak Midwinter by Andra Brynn
A word of warning before reading this tale – you may find the story line to be offensive.
Ayla comes home during midwinter break to check on her little sister, Julia and to protect her from their father. She doesn’t want what happened to her to happen to Julia. When Julia tells Ayla there is a boy living in the woods by their house Ayla goes looking for him to warn him away. Hunter is more than just a normal boy; he has been protecting Julia and wants to help Ayla figure out a solution to the situation.
A Love Charm for Dakota by Carly Carson
Brenna gifts her friend Dakota with a love charm. Dakota doesn’t believe in it and wants to find the same kind of love that Brenna has with her boyfriend Joe. Dakota is willing to humor her best friend and throws it off the ferry on the way to Nantucket. A storm blows in and Brenna, Joe and Dakota are stranded on Nantucket Island for the night giving fate the chance to prove Dakota wrong.
The Snow Queen by Alana Albertson
A mysterious string of disappearances has been plaguing the Cambridge Ballet for the past five years. Each year after the final performance of The Nutcracker a ballerina vanishes without a trace. The ballerinas do not dance the same role so police are mystified as to what the connection is. This year Nieves has been cast as the Snow Queen. She isn’t worried because she has her mentor Mikhail watching out of her and helping her train for the role. As the night of the final performance looms can the police catch the bad guy before he kidnaps another ballerina – maybe Nieves herself?
How Lovely Your Branches by Kara Ashley Dey
Katie Crowe is a prisoner of her haunted home. Gabe and his coven move into the vacanthouse across the street from Katie. They believe Katie is meant to be with them and set out to free her literally and figuratively.
Until the Twelfth Night by Cherie Chulick
Set in historical times, Elizabeth is a young widow who accepts an invitation from her latehusband’s family to spend Christmas with them. Elizabeth journeys to the manor which was built 500 years ago and comes complete with tales of being haunted. Elizabeth lets herself bedistracted from missing her husband by helping a young maid named Mary unite with her love one final time.
The Perfect Gift by Nicole Blanchard
The story of Sera and Spencer bring a modern twist to the classic tale of “The Gift of the Magi”. In this modern tale, the couple is struggling with unemployment, child rearing, compulsive shopping and trying to save their marriage which is on the verge of falling apart. Can they find the perfect Christmas gifts for each other on a budget? Can they find a Christmas miracle to save their marriage?
December 25, 2014
A Kiss is Just a Kiss by Linda Barlow
Short and Steamy. Liked the story but I wanted a bit more. The characters were interesting and easy to relate to. This book only took a hour to read. Perfect for the holidays, if you are looking for a little steamy holiday escape this book might be for you!
In the Bleak Midwinter by Andra Brynn
This book was sad, interesting and kind of demented. If you are looking for a unique winter tale. Defiantly original, I haven't come across a book like this. I liked that it took me a short while to read only like a hour or so. This book was well written. There just a lot I would like to point out but don't want to ruin this interesting book. You readers should check this book out for yourself. If you are looking for a unique winter tale you should consider checking this book out.
Love Charm for Dakota by Carly Carson
This novella was pretty good, but I didn't connect to it as much. It was interesting I was just hoping for a bit more. 3 stars.
The Snow Queen by Alana Albertson:
This book is defiantly worth 5 stars. A perfect little escape from my own holiday madness. I loved the little twists and turns and it was unique and original in its own way. This book was well-written and had me hooked from the start. I loved the characters and really enjoyed this little novella.
The Perfect Gift by Nicole Blanchard:
I really enjoyed this book. This book was interesting and unique. I was pretty surprised towards the end. Oh and I want to point out how pretty the cover is and that it really suits the book.
Short and Steamy. Liked the story but I wanted a bit more. The characters were interesting and easy to relate to. This book only took a hour to read. Perfect for the holidays, if you are looking for a little steamy holiday escape this book might be for you!
In the Bleak Midwinter by Andra Brynn
This book was sad, interesting and kind of demented. If you are looking for a unique winter tale. Defiantly original, I haven't come across a book like this. I liked that it took me a short while to read only like a hour or so. This book was well written. There just a lot I would like to point out but don't want to ruin this interesting book. You readers should check this book out for yourself. If you are looking for a unique winter tale you should consider checking this book out.
Love Charm for Dakota by Carly Carson
This novella was pretty good, but I didn't connect to it as much. It was interesting I was just hoping for a bit more. 3 stars.
The Snow Queen by Alana Albertson:
This book is defiantly worth 5 stars. A perfect little escape from my own holiday madness. I loved the little twists and turns and it was unique and original in its own way. This book was well-written and had me hooked from the start. I loved the characters and really enjoyed this little novella.
The Perfect Gift by Nicole Blanchard:
I really enjoyed this book. This book was interesting and unique. I was pretty surprised towards the end. Oh and I want to point out how pretty the cover is and that it really suits the book.
1-tbr-maybe
January 25, 2023A Kiss is Just a Kiss by Linda Barlow
In the Bleak Midwinter by Andra Brynn
Love Charm for Dakota by Carly Carson
The Snow Queen by Alana Albertson
How Lovely Your Branches by Kara Ashley Dey
The Perfect Gift by Nicole Blanchard
Until the Twelfth Night by Cherie Chulick
In the Bleak Midwinter by Andra Brynn
Love Charm for Dakota by Carly Carson
The Snow Queen by Alana Albertson
How Lovely Your Branches by Kara Ashley Dey
The Perfect Gift by Nicole Blanchard
Until the Twelfth Night by Cherie Chulick
December 26, 2013
I wanted to read something different this Christmas instead of the sweet romances I decided on something a little bit more wicked. Some of the novellas I absolutely loved, for example, A Kiss is Just a Kiss by Linda Barlow I found the story to be both entertaining and romantic. I also enjoyed the Snow queen by Alana Albertson, full of mystery and intrigue as well as a bit of romance, this was my favorite in the whole anthology. The perfect Present by Nicole Blanchard I found to be amusing, entertaining and romantic, so for these three novellas I am giving a rating of 3 out of 5, the others did not hold my attention or they had sensitive topics such as The bleak midwinter.
Overall Unholy nights are a good read for something a little different to your usual Christmas romances, and for someone who is after something a bit different I would recommend Unholy nights.
Overall Unholy nights are a good read for something a little different to your usual Christmas romances, and for someone who is after something a bit different I would recommend Unholy nights.
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November 29, 2013Cover reveal!!
Sign up for cover reveal / blog tour.
Keep an eye out for more information! I can't wait to share the synopsis for all of these amazing stories. I honored to be working with such talented authors!
Who else is terrified of mall Santas?
Sign up for cover reveal / blog tour.
Keep an eye out for more information! I can't wait to share the synopsis for all of these amazing stories. I honored to be working with such talented authors!
Who else is terrified of mall Santas?
January 1, 2014
Unholy Nights is the Anthology that consists of 7 stories:
A Kiss Is Just A Kiss by Linda Barlow
In the Bleak Midwinter by Andra Brynn
A Love Charm for Dakota by Carly Carson
The Snow Queen by Alana Albertson
How Lovely Your Branches by Kara Ashley Dey
Until the Twelfth Night by Cherie Chulick
The Perfect Gift by Nicole Blanchard.
Each one of these stories is equally twisted and wicked in their own unique way. All of them are a quick, enjoyable and great reads.
Beautiful way to spend this holiday season by reading these stories.
≧◔◡◔≦ 5 ✰ read ≧◉◡◉≦
>>>ARC received in exchange for an honest review<<<
A Kiss Is Just A Kiss by Linda Barlow
In the Bleak Midwinter by Andra Brynn
A Love Charm for Dakota by Carly Carson
The Snow Queen by Alana Albertson
How Lovely Your Branches by Kara Ashley Dey
Until the Twelfth Night by Cherie Chulick
The Perfect Gift by Nicole Blanchard.
Each one of these stories is equally twisted and wicked in their own unique way. All of them are a quick, enjoyable and great reads.
Beautiful way to spend this holiday season by reading these stories.
≧◔◡◔≦ 5 ✰ read ≧◉◡◉≦
>>>ARC received in exchange for an honest review<<<
December 30, 2013
Unholy Nights is an anthology made up of short stories that take a darker tone to the holiday theme. Seven stories from seven different authors each tale gives a different twist to holiday themes that are long familiar. It skims from the really bleak, edgy, even humorous but all a little bit darker than what we deem familiar during an otherwise festive time. Each tale displays each author's own unique voice, definitely worth reading.
*The ARC for this novel was provided by the publisher and NetGalley in return for an honest review*
*The ARC for this novel was provided by the publisher and NetGalley in return for an honest review*
December 17, 2013
Loved every one of these wickedly twisted holiday stories!
Review on Martini Times during the Unholy Nights Blog Tour - 12/17...
http://www.martinitimes.com/1/post/20...
Review on Martini Times during the Unholy Nights Blog Tour - 12/17...
http://www.martinitimes.com/1/post/20...
April 8, 2014
In the Bleak Midwinter ... you don't belong here :(
I'd rather see this one in a more horror-related anthology
All in all it was a fun collection of stories, but my 5 stars go to:
'The Perfect Gift by Nicole Blanchard' :)
I'd rather see this one in a more horror-related anthology
All in all it was a fun collection of stories, but my 5 stars go to:
'The Perfect Gift by Nicole Blanchard' :)
February 14, 2014
These short stories all have an unusual paranormal twist to them.
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews