Christmas with a Bite

by Patricia A. Wolf

A paranormal category romance from Entangled's Covet imprint…

 

Sometimes the holidays totally bite...

 

This Christmas, Mara Livingston is determined to start over. But as she's driving to her "new" home, a freak winter storm forces her off the road. Now she's stranded in the middle of nowhere. Then he shows up. And there's something strangely familiar about him...

 

Connor Reese never expected to see Mara again. Nor is he prepared for the onslaught of emotions―including an unimaginable rush of desire―she stirs within him. Now he has a chance to claim the woman he's always wanted. Except, there are a couple of small details that Mara doesn't know. The first is that Connor is a vampire. And the second is that if his family finds out about Mara, she will most certainly be killed...

Genres: Vampires, Christmas, Romance, Paranormal, Contemporary, Holiday, Royalty

224 pages, Kindle Edition

First published December 14, 2014

About the author

Patricia A. Wolf lives in Texas with her husband, daughter, and two English mastiffs (who act more like horses for her little girl). Aside from writing, Patricia enjoys reading every kind of romance book she can get her hands on, cycling behind her husband (so she can check him out), watching movies in the comfort of her home (which she doesn't get to do often since most of her time is spent chasing after a two year old, being a wife, and writing), and traveling (whenever possible, that is).

Her current series are: Immortal Secrets, The House of Elysian, and The Miracle of Christmas. Patricia is currently working on a top secret new series that is sure to set your romance taste buds on fire.

Author of Kissed by a Vampire, An Immortal Secrets Novella
Girls Night Out - Anthology - Volume 2 by C.J. Ellisson, Lila Dubois, Calinda B and Patricia A. Wolf
Christmas with A Bite, House of Elysian series - Releasing Fall 2014
Christmas Noel, A Christmas Miracle series - Now Available

https://twitter.com/PatriciaAWolf
www.pinterest.com/patriciaawolf
www.facebook.com/Patricia-A-Wolf-Author

Reviews

[Carol [Goodreads Addict] · Rating 4 out of 5]

RATING 3.5 STARS

Christmas With a Bite is by Patricia A. Wolf. Fate has brought this couple together not one, not two, but three times. Will destiny finally get it’s way this Christmas?

Mara Livingston’s divorce is final. She was deeply hurt by her now ex-husband and is on the way home for a much needed Christmas with her family in Denver, Colorado. Its two weeks before Christmas and a freak Texas storm has popped up, making the roads treacherous with ice. Mara is doing her best to keep her car on the road but loses control and slides off the highway. She’s in the middle of no-where and leaves the safety of her car to try to find help. Unfortunately things go from bad to worse until she is rescued by a man who seems vaguely familiar.



Conner Reese is a vampire and by choice lives in a remote cabin in seclusion. He can’t believe that Mara has come upon his cabin by accident. It’s not the first time they’ve met but Mara doesn’t seem to remember him. When they touch, there is something there, something electrical. Is it fate that has brought her back to him?

“How could this woman stir emotions in him so raw after such a long time? Why did he feel as if he’d known her for more than just one dance?”



After the storm passes, Mara continues her trip on to Denver to see her family. Denver is also where Conner’s family lives. Conner is the son of royals. He is heir to the House of Elysian. After a two year absence, his parents are desperate for him to come home and take a mate. It is time for him to assume his role.

“Mara was not just a mortal. She was his destiny, and no matter what he had to do, he would find a way to be with her.”

This book has been on my to read list for quite some time and I was thrilled to add it to my Christmas reading this year. Unfortunately, it didn’t really deliver as I hoped it would. When Conner first reunites with his parents, his father very sternly reminds Conner of the rules against vampires mating with humans. And that he would under no circumstances be allowed to choose a human. There is the hint of severe consequences if he doesn’t obey. That Mara could be in danger. So I waited and waited for something big to happen. And it never really did.



The sexy times between Mara and Conner were indeed very steamy. But, I didn’t really feel the connection between them. There were no warm and fuzzy feelings in my tummy. With that all being said, it was still a sweet Christmas story of destiny bringing two souls together at Christmas and finally getting their chance for a happy ever after.

[The BookChick · Rating 4 out of 5]

I always love this time of year because I enjoy holiday romances. I also enjoy paranormal romance, as it is one of my preferred reading genres. Christmas with a Bite combines the best of both worlds. This story is sweet and sexy...with a bite.

Connor Reece and Mara Livingston are wonderful MCs and balance each other out well...especially since fate is hellbent on seeing them together. Through the course of Mara's life, Connor is there at pivotal points but they are always separated by circumstance and then marriage. But fate will not be denied and absolutely throws the couple together after a freak Texas snowstorm, an accident, and a pack of wolves. I will share no details because it's something you truly have to read to enjoy. But that said, Connor comes to Mara's aid at a time when she desperately needs his help. When Connor encounters the beautiful Mara, he immediately knows who she is. After all, she is the woman who has haunted his dreams and teased his desires ever since he encountered her at her sister and his friend's brother's wedding. Connor and Mara flirted pretty hard and heavy during the wedding and they should have gotten together again. But no. Mara was wooed away by the then-charming Rob who captured her attention and took Mara and Connor on divergent paths. The charming Rob turned into cheating scum and Mara extracted herself from their marriage. *Insert a cheer from Fate*. Mara has decided that she is going to leave Texas -- where Rob is -- and return to her home state of Colorado to be with her family. However, that freak snowstorm and accident derails or re-rails Mara and places her directly in front of Connor's cabin. At first, Connor is very brusque toward Mara. It's not because he doesn't want her but because he does. And a lot. Connor has secluded himself in his cabin for the past two years after the suicide of his girlfriend -- a woman he thought loved him. Yet, she went absolutely stark raving mad when Connor revealed his true self to her. She called him a monster and ended her own life. Connor blames himself for her death and sinks into a pit of self-loathing. Enter Mara *and another cheer from Fate*. Knowing that he and Mara will be snowed into together for a few days at least, Connor almost instantly thaws toward her and the rest, as they say, is history.

Ok...maybe not so much history but I refuse to tell the high points and low points of the story. There are several more interactions, outside of the cabin, that draw the couple closer together. It almost ... almost ... has a Romeo and Juliet feel, especially when you discover WHO Connor is. And his identity threatens his claim on Mara ... maybe. Seriously, no details here :). The story was quite enjoyable and it captured my attention from beginning to end. The added interactions between Connor and Mara's family made the book quite sweet -- especially from Connor's family.

I definitely recommend Christmas with a Bite if you are in the market for a sexy holiday romance with a bite.

[Dani (Dani Reviews Things) · Rating 3 out of 5]

My two sentence review: This started really well!!!!!!!!! And then it became increasingly bewildering...

Basically, this book was nearly impossible for me to give a rating for. On the one hand, the plot got weirder the further along I read, with far too much convenience with some things. ("Oh hi, this thing exists that you've never heard of in your centuries of being alive and guess what? We have it!") On the other, I did actually enjoy reading it. If anything, the outlandishness of some things made it more fun with the addition of a friend I could go WTF to in DMs.

The romance itself is hard for me to judge. I liked it and I didn't. It started with some fun, a nice building tension with banter and boardgames. But then it escalated, with professions of love in a matter of days. It was bizarre that Mara got upset with Conner for keeping secrets because, really, who would divulge everything about themselves to someone they only really knew for a few days??? The whole romance side of the relationship was entirely too rushed, even taking into account the whole "mate" thing. The bedroom scenes were spicy, though, so the physical aspect of the relationship was en pointe.

It lost a star from me for a particular reason: the use of suicide as a plot device. Apparently Conner's ex was so shocked at discovering he's a vampire that she shot herself in the head. She was later described as needy and reliant on him. This was used to achieve two things. First, so Conner would have a reason to be Sad and withdraw from his family, and for Mara to then be all "oh, you poor man sad face". Second, to provide a convenient contrast and show that Mara isn't Crazy and Dependent (even though she does act like she can't ever leave Conner). I didn't think it was necessary to throw in a "crazy lady" suicidal ex just to prove how perfect Mara and Conner are together. Soz.

So yeah, I think 3 stars is a happy medium. It was fun and sexy and different, but it was also a little ridiculous and insta-lovey, with a "crazy" ex thrown in for drama.

PS – It needs an extra round of proofreading. People were eating "desert". Sounds...dusty...

I received this book for free in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect the content of my review.

This review was originally posted on Love in a time of Feminism

[Kim Reads (Read Your Writes Book Reviews) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Reviewed by Kim
for Read Your Writes Book Reviews

So, when I am think of Christmas romances, I think of snow, Christmas trees, the magic of the season, and that anything and everything is possible, including finding love.

The title Christmas with a Bite is a little deceiving. At least for me, it was. With the word "Christmas" in the title, I'm thinking I'm going to get a true Christmas romance. But in fact, this book could have taken place anytime. Yes, there's snow. Yes, Christmas is mentioned and there is a Christmas tree or two, but I just didn't get the warm and fuzzies I usually get in a Christmas story.

Mara Livingston and Connor Reece meet for the second time when a freak snowstorm causes Mara to wreck her car on a deserted road. Connor arrives just in time to save her from a hungry pack of wolves and gives her shelter throughout the storm. I will admit that a lot of the book was a read it before experience, but the book does contain surprises.

From the blurb, you know that these two have met before. But what you don't know is just how far these two actually go back. That discovery was one of my favorite parts.

Christmas with a Bite gives you the forbidden love story with Connor being a vampire and Mara being human. Patricia A. Wolf has written wonderful secondary characters. You get the possibility of a series, with a discovery found in the book. However, how that series is going to play out, I have no idea. I do know that I’m looking forward to more books.

**Personal Purchase**

[Emalie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Full review on my blog

Book provided by NetGalley.

This was a nice and entertaining read for christmas. It wasn’t bad and the writing was good, but I kinda felt like this is just average. Which is not a bad thing, if you just want to be entertained and read something light – like me. Though I don’t think I will pick this up again, at least not till next years’ december.

[Sophie · Rating 1 out of 5]

Shameless log lol. Wish the writing was more developed and more details in it. First xmas themed read !!

[Clio Reads · Rating 1 out of 5]

I don't read a lot of vampire fiction, but when I do, I guess I'm a purist. You can play around with the traditional mythology of vamps all you like -- I don't care about garlic, crucifixes, wooden stakes, or whether or not they can see their reflection in mirrors -- but at the very least, your vampire characters have to avoid sunlight. I don't hold truck with all these newfangled vampires who can walk around at any time, day or night, just like the rest of us. To me, that's a crucial part of the deal of becoming immortal: you can live forever, be fabulously wealthy and unearthly gorgeous, have superhuman speed and senses, and maybe even the ability to read minds or "glamour" mortals into doing your bidding... but you have to give up your summer home in the tropics. Otherwise, what's the real cost of the trade?

Connor is one of these New Age-y vamps who can walk around in daylight and eat human food (though it doesn't satisfy, nutritionally). Where's the drama in that? That's Strike One.

Strike Two: This story was very predictable. If you've ever read a paranormal romance, you know exactly where this story is going from the very first chapter. Vamp meets mortal. Overwhelming sexual attraction convinces vamp that mortal is his Fated Mate. But, vamps can't be with mortals; it's too perilous! Oh, no! Yet this is TRUE LOVE, and not even mortality (or lack of it) can stop TRUE LOVE.

Strike Three: This book is unbelievably anticlimactic. It keeps setting up conflicts only to have them resolve with no drama at all. Examples (and here there be spoilers. Though not really, since like I said, the plot's too predictable to really "spoil"):

In the first chapter, Mara gets in a car accident in a snowstorm in the middle of nowhere and gets chased by a pack of wolves. Just as she's about to be eaten by the wolves, Connor rescues her. (You there! I see you rolling your eyes at me!) You might think that maybe these wolves will matter to the story, like maybe they'll turn out to be shapeshifters and Connor's mortal enemies or something... but no. They're just hungry wolves. In a snowstorm. In Texas. Whatevs.

Connor's all, "I can't possibly have sex with this woman. No mortals for me." -And then he does. Of course. -And NOTHING HAPPENS.

Connor's vampire parents (Dad's uber-grumpy, Mom's uber-sweet; both are kind of creepy in their uber-ness) are all, "No mortals for you, Connor!" -And then they invite Mara to dinner and are perfectly nice to her. -And NOTHING HAPPENS.

Connor's all, "But the laws of our people say my mate must be an immortal, and here I'm in love with a human, oh! Woe is me!" - And then his best friend is like, "Chill out, Dude, I happen to have this magical amulet that makes people immortal in my back pocket, and you can have it for free since we're such good buddies." -And NOTHING HAPPENS.

If this were baseball, this book would already be out of strikes, but there were more. Connor reveals his Dangerous Secret to Mara, and she (reasonably) decides she needs some time to think about it. He gives her about ten minutes, and then shows up at her house on Christmas morning bearing insanely expensive gifts not only for her but also for everyone in her family -- like, jewelry for Mara's mom, and an all-expenses paid trip to Aruba without the kids for Mara's sister and husband, and rather than saying, "Buddy, you can't buy your way into this family, and by the way it's kind of stalkery to buy my family members the exact perfect gifts that you know are perfect because of vampire-y mind reading, especially since we've only been dating for a week", Mara and her folks are all, "Oooh, shiny!"

Connor doesn't glitter. But this book couldn't have been any worse if he did.

[Linda · Rating 4 out of 5]

A light, sweet and sexy paranormal Christmas romance... with a bite

Conner Reese for Christmas. Now that sounded like jingle bells all the way. More time with him would be the perfect gift.

CHRISTMAS WITH A BITE by Patricia A. Wolf features some of my favorite 'things': vampires, a steamy second-chance-at-love and Christmas! It was an enjoyable, auspicious start to the author's House of Elysian series with a steamy romance, likeable characters and intriguing vampiric political intrigue.

This is the story of human Mara Livingston and vampire Connor Reese. As the story opens, it's nearing Christmas and Mara is driving home in an insane winter storm ...until she loses control and wrecks in the middle of nowhere. Her cell phone doesn't work. Her options are limited. She doesn't have the clothing to cope with the cold in her car and decides to walk to the nearest house and request help. That turns out to be a very bad choice when she quickly becomes the prey of some hungry wolves. Luckily Connor's home is near and he arrives just in time...

Connor has never forgotten Mara. They had shared a magical dance once a long time ago... at her sister's and his friend's brother's wedding before she'd married Rob, a cheating scum. Now, fate has stranded her - no longer married to her worthless husband - at his cabin far from civilization. Is this a second-chance-at-love for them or will his secrets spell doom for what could have been?

Mara and Connor came across as genuine, realistic characters. Mara is not trusting of men after Rob's betrayals and Connor is reeling and feeling responsible after his own partner called him a monster and took her own life. I loved Mara's and Rob's fairy tale beginning and was pulling for them through-out, but any hopes for a bright future for the couple seemed bleak indeed. The holiday timing worked well with the story. Days spent snowed-in worked their magic. But... they were going to need every thread of Christmas' magic for their love to have a chance.

This is the first book I've ever read by Patricia Wolf. This tale was slightly repetitious, but I feel that it shows a lot of promise and has some really cool characters. I do love vampire stories and holiday romances!!!! I'm thinking this series will get stronger and I'm looking forward to seeing that happen! I would recommend CHRISTMAS WITH A BITE to anyone who enjoys light, sweet and sexy paranormal Christmas romances... with a bite.

My full review is posted at Reading Between The Wines Book Club. Please check it out there: http://www.readingbetweenthewinesbook...

3 1/2 Wine Glasses!

[Amaranthine · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book has a great start, but sadly, is lacking in follow through. As we begin, Mara is newly divorced, and though somewhat bitter over what her life has become, she is craving time spent with friends and family. In contrast, Connor is a loner, though he is similarly haunted by his life choices and last relationship.

The plot in this novel is sort of convoluted and all over the place. A lot of the storyline is very vague, and there are many confusing portions that appear to be continuity issues. Some examples are:

-- Connnor continually makes comments within his mental narrative regarding the need to stay out of sunlight…then has no problem walking Mara to the car and going shopping with her, both during the day.

-- It is made clear from the very beginning that it is forbidden for humans to know about the existence of vampires. Yet, Connor clearly told his previous lover; and his best friend, the best friend’s brother, and the brother’s wife all know…and no one cares??

-- The fact that Mara remembered literally nothing of their first meeting. It was mentioned repeatedly, and it seemed incredibly obvious that it was going to be some sort of plot twist, and then nothing.

Additionally, Connor’s demeanor with his family is just utterly bizarre. It is stated that he was turned at 30, and has lived many decades since, but when around his “parents” he behaves more like a spoiled child than anything. The fact that he has known, and cared for these people for so long, yet seems to have no real idea how they will react to seemingly anything makes very little sense.

Lastly, the dialog is a bit strange. There are no smooth segues between topics, and there are several instances where it really seems as though whole sentences are missing. Both of these issues contribute toward making conversations read as quite choppy and confusing.

For the sake of full disclosure it must be stated that I received this book, free of charge, from Netgalley.

[Stacy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mara is ready for a new start after she finalizes her divorce from her cheating husband. She becomes stranded during a snow storm and finds her way to a remote cabin. The man that lies there looks familiar, but she can't place him and she is thankful for his help. Connor is hiding away after the suicide death of his girlfriend. Mara, the woman he hasn't forgotten from one dance at his best friends brothers wedding many years ago, is the very last person he expects to show up on his doorstep. He still wants her, but has no choice but to keep her at arms length. That plan doesn't work as well as he wants it to.

The whole story is about how Mara and Connor are fated to be together. They went their separate ways, but found there way back to each other anyways. I enjoyed all the characters in this book. When it first started I thought it might be only Mara and Connor stuck in a cabin, falling in love and I am glad to say it was so much more than that. We get to meet friends and family and they are all involved in the overall storyline. Mara has a really hard time trusting men after her ex husband and Connor has a secret he can't share with her, so its obvious that there was going to be a problem at some point. I really enjoyed how Mara found out about Connor being a vampire. For one, it wasn't expected and two, I think she handled it how I would have handled it if I was in her position. The romance and relationship developed nicely and it was easy to become invested in it's outcome.

I don't see anything that suggests CHRISTMAS WITH A BITE will be part of a series and that is totally OK because I was happy at the end and don't really have a huge pull to read more about Mara and Connor. Their story ended well and I am fine with it being kept that way. This was a nice fast paced, easy romance for those looking for one.

* This book was provided free of charge from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

[Christi Snow · Rating 3 out of 5]

My Review:
Fate...that's what this book is all about and it takes place during the snowy Christmas season in Texas...so that fate feels a bit more magical.

I liked the set-up on this one. Mara is in a car wreck in the middle of a freak snowstorm in Texas and she ends up on Connor's doorstep...the tiny cabin where he's been hiding out for the last two years. But this isn't the first time they've ever met...although Mara doesn't remember the other instance (and that was never cleared up as to why she didn't remember.) There are a huge number of coincidences set into motion in this book that show that Mara and Connor are meant to be together. Fate has definitely played a hand in this one.

BUT Connor is a vampire and revealing that hasn't worked out so well for him in the past. And that's before the details even come out about who/why he's hiding out. And then there's Mara who's just had her divorce finalized. She doesn't trust her own judgement of people anymore.

There were some cute scenes in this one and I'm always sucker for a snowbound story line (although where did Connor go to get the food and if he could do that, why did he not Mara when he didn't want her there?) I liked the back story for Connor and definitely liked their joint back story. Although, the timelines for how/when everything happened seemed to be off in parts of the story.

If you like to mix Christmas with a bit of paranormal, this is a decent read. You don't find too many vampires sitting around the Christmas tree so I enjoyed that aspect of it.

Note: This book had such great possibilities that I think could have been revealed if a heavier hand had been used during the editing process. Everything was there. It fell just a bit short in the follow-through and had a bit of a disjointed feel to it.

I received a complimentary copy of this book in return for an honest review.

[Eva Millien · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mara Livingston stirs an onslaught of emotions and an unimaginable rush of desire in vampire, Connor Reece and he wants to claim her as his own but if his family finds out about Mara she will most certainly be killed in this heartwarming paranormal holiday romance.

This fast paced and smooth flowing plot warms the heart with a charming holiday romance full of suspense and romance. Connor fell for Mara years ago but fearing and now that fate has brought her to his doorstep he doesn’t want to let her go. The reader can’t help but get caught up in Connor and Mara’s romance as there attraction vibrates with fiery intensity from every page and the emotional turmoil of the courtship draws the reader deep into the story. Mara is starting over and leaving her past behind and she believes that Connor may be just what her heart desires but he’s keeping secrets.

The well written scenes and details capture the imagination and bring the story to life as Connor tries to reconcile his desire for Mara and his family obligations. As their romance blossoms throughout the holiday season which causes quite a bit of tension as Connor tries to keep her safe from her family but he knows that she is the only woman for him. All of the characters are strong, compelling and grab the reader’s attention from the very beginning and ensure that the reader comes back for more.

The author has created a fascinating new world of vampires that has caught my interest and the heartwarming holiday cheer of the happily ever after for this couple really captured my heart as well. I was enthralled with the book from the very beginning that starts off with excitement and progresses with lots of sizzling passion and I can’t wait to see where the author takes this new series.

4 ½ STARS

[bookaholic ge · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a very good book. It was definitely a sexy and funny book to enjoy during the holidays. This book was a very good example of falling for the one that got away. I think everybody can relate to this book. I mean who has not met someone and wondered just how different your life could have been if you picked one person to be in a relationship instead of another! Add in a sexy Vampire because hey Vampires need love too, and you have a sexy Christmas story to keep you warm over the holidays.

Mara Livingston is taking the saying 'new year new me' to a whole new level. Just getting over her divorce she is ready to start her life over well before the new year hits. She gets into a car accident and Connor Reece comes to the rescue

Connor Reece never expected to see Mara again so he is very surprised when he realizes just who he is saving. Connor has tried having a relationship with a human in the past and to say that it did not work out is putting it mildly. Can Connor and Mara let go of the past so they can let in the future? Read and find out people.. Good job Patricia A. Wolf.

[Emily (Mrs B's Books) · Rating 4 out of 5]

**My thanks to NetGalley and EntangledPublishing LLC, for providing me with a free copy for an honest review**

A paranormal christmas story that will have you grinning at times and shows you a strong female and male character. I was please that with what happened to Mara and with what she learns she doesn't fall apart, but respectfully requests time to 'deal' with the information that has been given to her.

Connor is a lust filled vampire who remembers meeting Mara at a wedding about ten years ago, before she was married and wanting her then, feeling the attraction and heat he feels even now.

Loved how well that Connor integrated with her family and took her thoughts and feelings seriously.

This is a heart-warming story that is fast-paced and warming.

[Karinosa · Rating 3 out of 5]

Mara has a lot to learn about men. Conner has some things he needs to deal with. Having a failed relationship previously with disasterous final consequences. He is wary of his un believe-able attraction and feelings towards this woman. Connor holds a huge secret, but is inexplicably attracted to Mara. She has no reason to trust him, but she wants him. This was a fast read and I enjoyed it. I was sad for Mar a when she was and I was invested in this relationship. Not bad at all. Vampires are sexy in my book. I enjoyed it. No complaints on my part!

I received this ARC from the author via Net Galley for my honest review. Thank You, Net Galley!

[Heather andrews · Rating 5 out of 5]

Conner sure has a high sex drive:
"I want to do it again."
"Oh," she breathed, eyeing him as he positioned himself between her spread legs, naked and very eager to sample the pleasures she found with him again. "I'd like that too."
Mara sometimes has a rough go of following orders so her man needs to be extra bossy, "I watched you shake your cute, little a** at the night club. I know you can dance. All you need to do is let me lead." I loved Conner he was a gentleman but yet he could be wild and untamed.

[The Book Girl · Rating 1 out of 5]

Previously posted onThe Young Girl Who Loved Books


This book was so horrible. I couldn’t even handle it at times. Get ready for a long rant.

My issues with this book start with the first chapter. This story is crazy predictable, which really disappointed me because I was ready to love this book after the synopsis. The main character Mara gets into a car accident in the middle of a bad snowstorm. She is in the middle of nowhere because she thought her GPS would take her a quicker way.I am trying to understand why you would think backroads would be better than the main roads in the middle of a snowstorm. This part just really bugged me.)

After she crashes she gets chased by a pack of wolves. They chase her deep into the wolves, and just when all hope is lost and she gives up, a guy named Connor rescues her. Which isn’t predictable is it? Of course, it is predictable. I expected these wolves had a purpose in this story, unfortunately, that was wrong. They have no point, they are simply hungry wolves, in Texas, in the middle of a snowstorm, cause that makes sense.

This vampire guy named Connor has some sort of sexual obsession with her from the get-go, he just wants to have sex with her right away. He has this odd internal monologue conflict about how he can’t have sex with another mortal.


I had a major issue with the way he reacted on a couple of pages in, having just met mara why is he so upset that she was married before. I mean really to call him a “real fucking douchebag”seemed like a bit much. I thought was a crazy thing to say about someone you don’t know. Also how on earth did he know that Mara was such a treasure in the few hours he had known her.


““My divorce was finalized today, as a matter of fact,” she
said with a heavy sigh. “I’m a free woman.”
He steeled himself. That wasn’t what he expected to

hear. She had been married? He wanted to tear the head right off the bastard’s shoulders. The bloody image made his stomach growl.

“I’m sorry,” he muttered, but he was far from it. He was grateful the dumbass hadn’t figured out what a treasure Mara was, even if he couldn’t keep her for himself.

“I’m not,” she admitted, a forced smile gracing her face. “I can’t believe I stayed with him as long as I did. He was a real fucking douchebag.”

Later in the story, we do find out that their paths had crossed before but for some reason, fate was keeping them apart. This sets up to your typical story about the one that got away. Normally I enjoy stories that make the reader think about what would have happened if you made a different choice in your life? Does fate actually exist? Would you be the same person if things had happened differently? These are normally really interesting reads for me. Unfortunately the way this story read just really rubbed me the wrong way. It came off as convoluted and extremely forced.

Another issue I have is on page 26, Conor is deciding sleeping arrangements and wants her to sleep in his bed. Of course having just met this guy she doesn’t want to sleep in the bed. When she says no, his reaction is far from okay, He glares at her and dares her to argue with him. I guess I just really had an issue with how much he seemed to force her. That's a big no for me.

This is some hot steamy sex in this novel. I don’t mind books that have some aspects of sex but this was slightly ridiculous. I really couldn’t contain my laughter reading this part,“He pressed her body into the mattress, his touch igniting desires that burned within her. Wicked arousal claimed her, setting her world on a tailspin. Heat pulsed at her neck as his lips stayed latched onto her flesh.” No one really thinks this way, do they? It just seemed absolutely ridiculous to me. I didn’t enjoy any of these parts.

I did like the twist of Christmas this book had. I had never read a paranormal fiction book set around any particular holiday season so that was interesting. It is a light quick read. I am sure there are some that would enjoy this particular tale, but it just wasn’t for me.

Disclaimer: I received this book as an ARC from Entangled Publishing and NetGalley for review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Tracey · Rating 5 out of 5]

*This ARC was received in exchange for an honest review*

This is the story of Mara Livingston who is driving to start her new life in a new home, but she gets caught in a freak winter storm which runs her off the road, after be stranded in the middle of nowhere and to put the icing on the cake she has sprained her ankle and can’t call for help as no bars on her phone. But out comes a sexy Connor Reese to the rescue who takes her to his cabin.

When Connor sees Mara his attraction to her spikes, he hadn’t thought he would see her again after their night together when Mara sister got married.

Connor has secluded himself at the cabin after his ex-girlfriend killed herself in front of him and he blames himself, so he doesn’t want to jeopardise this new relationship.  Connor has secrets and one of them is that he is a vampire, can he tell Mara what he is, or risk her take the same steps as his ex.

This was a great Christmas romance with the fates deciding that Connor and Mara should be together, but circumstances keep tearing them apart and we find out how they really met and how Mara reacts when Connor tells her he is a vampire.

Can’t wait to see what comes next by Patricia A Wolf.  

[Sissy's Romance Book Review · Rating 5 out of 5]

Christmas with a Bite by Patricia A Wolf. This is the story of Mara Livingston and Connor Reese.
Mara is trying to start fresh after a awful divorce with a lying and cheating husband. On her way to see family she has an accident in a snow storm that leads he to meet up with Connor. Connor is a vampire and with that he feels like a monster which has lead him to isolate himself. When he goes to help the person that has been in an accident he learns that it is Mara. Mara thinks she seen Connor before but cannot place where that was. Connor has met Mara before and when he did he wanted her above all else but he chose to send her safely on because he feared his family would hurt her. But now that fate has sent her to him again he is not sure that he can leave her again..so he goes forward to get back in with the family in hopes of being able to finally be with Mara. But Mara soon learns where she has seen him and feels taken back that he wasn't forthcoming with this knowledge.
This was my first book by this author and I hope to read more by her again!

[Katherine Yearwood · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was nice and entertaining read. When Mara Livingston looking to start over after a failed marriage. On the road to visit her family for the holidays, her troubles or fait stepped in to reunite her with her destiny. Connor Reese never forgot the one time he meets Mara. But as the story progressed we see that Mara and Connor was really destined to be together. However, Connor has a secret that Mara being human can’t find out or her life will be in danger.
Christmas with a Bite was a quick read with likable characters.

[Amy A · Rating 3 out of 5]

Originally posted at Vampire Book Club

Mara Livingston is headed home for the holidays. Just ending a marriage that’s already been over for too many years, Mara’s ready to get home to her family and heal. When weather slows down her trip, she tries taking an alternate route, but that also proves futile as she ends up crashing her car into a snow bank.

Luckily, help comes in the form of handsome stranger Connor Reece. It’s been too long since Mara has felt that pull toward a man, but considering she doesn’t really know him, she’s going to keep herself at a distance for now. Being snowed in at his cabin for a few days will give them plenty of time to become acquainted.

Connor’s cabin has been his sanctuary for the last two years. Retreating there after a terrible event in his life, he’s cut himself off from friends and family. So he’s obviously not looking for company, but when Mara shows up in need of help he definitely won’t turn her away. Howsoever much he’s attracted to Mara, there’s one tiny little secret that keeps him from pursuing thing further with her. That secret: He just happens to be a vampire.

For all that this is a story about vampires, Patricia A. Wolf does a great job of truly evoking the holiday spirit of this time of year complete with snow, sitting by the fire, Christmas shopping, opening gifts, etc. I love this time of year and if, like me, you are looking for a book to curl up with on the couch on a cold (and possibly snowy) night, then this sexy vampire romance will fill those shoes.

Mara and Connor’s romance starts out like one would expect a “handsome stranger rescues me and offers me shelter in his cozy cabin in the woods” story to start out, meaning the sparks certainly fly between the two, but both are hesitant because, well, they don’t really know each other and have been hurt in the past. What starts out as a pretty predictable romance, Wolf turns around as soon as our characters move things into the real world. Once there the issues with Connor being a vampire really come to light and the story does have an interesting take on vampire lore. All while being ensconced in Christmas-y goodness.

Now, the bad news. For all that Christmas with a Bite offers interesting take on vampires, I honestly felt like I started reading a book that is in the middle of an already established series. Believe me, I checked to see if maybe I missed a novella or something to no avail. While checking to see about any missed books, I did happen to learn that this is supposed to be part of a writing-in-progress series. So it’s the first one, and while I myself oftentimes feel like world-building can put a damper on a first book in a series, I felt it definitely needed more. Plus, I wanted to learn more about Connor’s family.

Secondly, there were a lot of “coincidences” that popped up between Mara and Connor. Some of these I will chalk up to fate and some the magical power of love, but others just didn’t seem to fit right and really, for me, held no purpose.

But looking past these pretty minor negatives, Christmas with a Bite, provided some hot, steamy sex and decorated it with a nice Christmas bow. And because it’s the season of giving, I leave you with this little morsel:

“He pressed her body into the mattress, his touch igniting desires that burned within her. Wicked arousal claimed her, setting her world on a tailspin. Heat pulsed at her neck as his lips stayed latched onto her flesh.”

Happy Holidays!

[Book Binge · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mara is on her way home for Christmas when she gets caught in a storm and her car goes off the road. She’s in the middle of nowhere and when she gets out to find help she is surrounded by wolves. She runs for her life and is saved by Connor Reece. He takes her to his isolated cabin so she can recover. Reece immediately recognizes Mara as the woman he met at a friends’ wedding 8 years earlier. He was fascinated by her then and never truly got her off of his mind even after many years had passed. When Mara awakens she doesn’t recognize Connor but is soon as fascinated by him as he is of her.

Connor takes Mara home to Denver but he doesn’t want to let her go. Unfortunately he is a vampire prince and his parents do not want him getting involved with a mortal as he had in the past. He knows he has to leave Mara but he loves her and doesn’t want to let her go. He can’t tell her who/what he is and it kills him to keep it from her. He can’t tell her though as his last lover he told killed herself to get away from the monster she thought he was.

Mara is bowled over by her feelings for Connor but finds out that he’s keeping a secret from her and that’s unacceptable. While at a Christmas dinner Mara is invited by Connor’s parents to dinner and that’s where Mara’s life takes a huge turn.

This is a cute but kind of intense category romance. I liked that parts of it were fun and light as well as sexy. Other parts were pretty intense and sad. It was almost insta-love but not quite. The story is one of fate playing a role in the lives of these two MC’s. Mara and Connor had a history beyond meeting at the wedding that is revealed and it’s incredibly sweet.

There was a major contradiction to the story. Connor was told that he could never be with a mortal and he certainly could never tell a mortal about his vampirism. That’s shot all to hell many times over in the book and that was a bit disturbing. I also found a lack of drama in the story and I felt there needed to be more in order for the final result to be completely satisfying.

Overall a good quick read.

Rating: 3.5 out of 5

This review was originally posted on Book Binge by Tracy.

[Marta Cox · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mara is finally divorced from her cheating husband and as it's Christmas is driving home to be with her family. It's not the easiest of conditions to travel in though and pretty soon the icy conditions see Mara spinning out of control. Caught off the beaten track with no cell phone connection she takes a chance on hiking out of there but when a pack of wolves surround her she's pretty sure she's all out of luck but fate is about to lend a hand!
Connor is a vampire who hates the monster he believes he is. He has spent the past two years alone and yet one night will change his life forever. There's a human in trouble near his home and Connor rescues her but one look at her face and he recognises her as the woman he once met at a party and wanted with all his being. She walked away then but maybe this time she will not. All is not right though as Mara clearly has no recollection of ever meeting him and so Connor tries hard to fight the intense attraction he has for her but nothing is quite as it seems . This couple have far more of a connection than either of them realise and destiny cannot be denied. This was a very passionate story with a hero with more than one appetite ! As a vampire he needs blood but as a man he really really wants Mara! It's a feeling that they share and Mara quickly starts to fall hard for this mysterious male but for Connor it's a bittersweet Christmas knowing his vampire clan would heavily disapprove and by loving Mara he is putting her in danger. I would have liked a little more of the vampire side of things if honest and it was very surprising to learn just how entrenched in Maras life Connor is. I would expect vampires to be secretive but it seemed to this reader that Connor failed to get that memo! There's quite a lot of interaction with Maras family which made for a sweet and amusing Christmas tale but it's the vampires that surprised the most and sorry but no spoilers here. If you are in the mood for a sexy Christmas story with bite than this should fit the bill nicely. Go with the flow and just enjoy the ride but remember fate has a way of catching up!
Copy gifted by publisher in exchange for an honest review

[Marta Cox · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mara is finally divorced from her cheating husband and as it's Christmas is driving home to be with her family. It's not the easiest of conditions to travel in though and pretty soon the icy conditions see Mara spinning out of control. Caught off the beaten track with no cell phone connection she takes a chance on hiking out of there but when a pack of wolves surround her she's pretty sure she's all out of luck but fate is about to lend a hand!
Connor is a vampire who hates the monster he believes he is. He has spent the past two years alone and yet one night will change his life forever. There's a human in trouble near his home and Connor rescues her but one look at her face and he recognises her as the woman he once met at a party and wanted with all his being. She walked away then but maybe this time she will not. All is not right though as Mara clearly has no recollection of ever meeting him and so Connor tries hard to fight the intense attraction he has for her but nothing is quite as it seems . This couple have far more of a connection than either of them realise and destiny cannot be denied. This was a very passionate story with a hero with more than one appetite ! As a vampire he needs blood but as a man he really really wants Mara! It's a feeling that they share and Mara quickly starts to fall hard for this mysterious male but for Connor it's a bittersweet Christmas knowing his vampire clan would heavily disapprove and by loving Mara he is putting her in danger. I would have liked a little more of the vampire side of things if honest and it was very surprising to learn just how entrenched in Maras life Connor is. I would expect vampires to be secretive but it seemed to this reader that Connor failed to get that memo! There's quite a lot of interaction with Maras family which made for a sweet and amusing Christmas tale but it's the vampires that surprised the most and sorry but no spoilers here. If you are in the mood for a sexy Christmas story with bite than this should fit the bill nicely. Go with the flow and just enjoy the ride but remember fate has a way of catching up!

[Melanie Marsh · Rating 3 out of 5]

I gave this book 3.5 because I didn’t feel like there was enough drama/tension/action going on with the things Mara and Connor went through. I feel like there should have been more emotion and conflict. I liked the book enough to continue reading it to the end, but not so much that I’m super excited or in love with it. It is a nice enough book though, and I can imagine there are plenty of people who would enjoy this book as it is.

Christmas with a Bite was a sweet story about the quintessential “one that got away”. Mara and Connor have crossed paths before, but the time has never been right for them to pursue one another. The question of whether “Fate” has been involved is asked. Do you believe in Fate? Connor has been present at several of the most important moments of Mara’s life.

This story gives the reader a reason to think about the past, and how life would have or could have turned out differently had they chosen another mate. I know I have thought about this sort of thing myself, so it’s not too farfetched to think someone else might have the same thoughts.

As usual, there is tension leading up to the meeting of Connor’s family, but for good reason. He’s sure they will kill Mara when they find out he is in love with a human. In addition to dealing with the problem of Connor’s family, he is also concerned about telling her he’s a vampire, due to some unfortunate events that occurred the last time he shared that information with someone.

Connor and Mara are very obviously meant for each other. Their relationship, while new in the terms of being a relationship is actually very sweet, and I found myself really hoping things work out for them and they would have their happy ever after. Due to their pasts, they both seem like they deserve the chance to be happy.

I would recommend Christmas with a Bite to anyone looking for a light and sweet holiday themed story that is nice and entertaining.

I received a review copy of this book. It in no way influenced my opinion of the story or my review.

[Jeannie Zelos · Rating 3 out of 5]

 
 
Christmas with a Bite, (Entangled Covet), Patricia A. Wolf
Review from Jeannie Zelos book reviews
Genre: Fantasy/Paranormal Romance.
I’m a sucker for all things vampire ( hah- just realised what I wrote...snigger) so I was keen to read this. I know with Entangled novels I'm going to get a fun read, but that they will usually be fairly light, stand alone reads. That’s fine with me, sometimes I just want a light and easy read.This was fun, but there were a bit too many things that didn’t feel right to me to make it more than a three star read.
It had a promising start, and I was hoping that would continue but...it’s covering only a few days and in that time Mara meets Connor, falls in love, leaves him etc, all without knowing he’s a vampire. Then when he finds her a couple of days later she has the wobblies as she overhears he’s keeping a secret from her...well come-on Mara, do people spill every little thing to people they’ve just met? 
Then there’s the conundrum of his family – first we are told humans knowing about vampires is a no-no with them, then we find out that actually three people within the small group already know. They seem to have fluctuating views about Mara too, which I found hard to grasp. Connor worries about whether Mara will be safe with his family- he thinks they’ll kill her if they know about him and her, and the conversations where he’s told explicitly by his father No Humans, and its time to chose a vampire mate indicate that. Then he’s concerned about whether Mara would want to become Vampire, he thinks it’s too much of a change to her life but...they can go out in the day, they look normal, they can eat human food and drink bottled blood so it’s ( to me) not such a big change, apart from the immortality part of course!  
The story itself is a fun read, and well written, and if you can get past those things that spoiled it for me then maybe its one you’ll love.
Stars: Three, an OK read 
ARC supplied by Netgalley and publishers 

[Adeselna · Rating 3 out of 5]

ARC provided by Entangled Covet

It’s almost Christmas! YEY! And to help me relax from all the exams I have to prepare, all the reports I have to write, nothing better than a Christmas story with vampires! Boy, do I still love reading about vampires, especially when authors get creative with the world build. I mean, I still have a secret passion over Nosferatu, I am not gonna lie, the guy creeps me out, but boy do I love him. Also J. R. Ward has some nice ideas, Kim Harrison rocks the world build and the setting and even if some stories are not as original and new, it’s still nice to read a cozy Christmas novel with vampires, even if these two don’t seem to mix. It is not a very deep novel, it focus more about how two people from different worlds are meant to be together, but mostly it focuses on Mara and how the marriage wrecked her. She has lost some of her confidence but kept some of her humor (and she kicks ass with board games). Connor is also healing, but from the loss of her ex-lover and he also suffers from some lack of self-esteem, thinking that he is a monster. More than just crying and self-pity, both decide that they should overcome the bad experience with their ex-lovers and make amends in bed. I have nothing against that…
The writing style and the more sensual hot explicit scenes are nicely done, it is the typical sex scene in today’s erotica where the women easily achieves the orgasm, but giving that Connor is a paranormal being, I accept it.
The secondary characters were okay, mostly the human ones are weird, but Connor’s vampire side has so much potential that I wouldn't mind reading a novel only with that side. Forget human side, vampire side is great!
Wolf creates a solid setting of a new vampire lineage with rules that have plenty room to be extended and improved in a sequel, maybe with Connor best friend. I don’t believe I will ever get tired of reading novels with vampires if they are like Connor and his family. I demand more!

[Gigi staub · Rating 3 out of 5]

Sometimes the holidays totally bite...

This Christmas, Mara Livingston is determined to start over. But as she's driving to her "new" home, a freak winter storm forces her off the road. Now she's stranded in the middle of nowhere. Then he shows up. And there's something strangely familiar about him...

Connor Reece never expected to see Mara again. Nor is he prepared for the onslaught of emotions―including an unimaginable rush of desire―she stirs within him. Now he has a chance to claim the woman he's always wanted. Except, there are a couple of small details that Mara doesn't know. The first is that Connor is a vampire. And the second is that if his family finds out about Mara, she will most certainly be killed...

Review:

A great little vampire Christmas tale.

Thoroughly entertaining story of Mara and Connor who met years ago at her sisters wedding, but fate stepped in the way before they got a chance to get closer. Now, years later Mara has divorced her cheating husband and she is trying to make it back home for Christmas. Again, fate gets in the way and Mara lands on Connor's doorstep.

Connor remembers Mara because he knows she is his mate, but Mara does not remember him. I still have a unanswered question on who messed with Mara's memory and unless I missed it I don't remember reading it. There is a lot of sizzling chemistry between Mara and Connor that make them a passionate couple. I liked how the author tied in Connor finding out that he was the one who had saved Mara as a little girl and how life keeps bringing them together. When Connor's parents make a big deal out of him not getting involved with another human and the consequences, I thought there would be a little more drama. In the end they were not very strict with keeping it a secret when Mara's whole family knew the truth.

I enjoyed this story and new to me Author and will be interested to see what else she puts out.

3Stars

[April Symes · Rating 5 out of 5]

****A gifted copy was provided by the publisher for an honest review****

This story is all about FATE and second chances.

Mara Livingston has just gotten divorced from a slime ball of an ex-husband. She is driving to see her family. She has a wreck driving on the roads and crashes into an embankment while its snowing. This is where Connor Reece meets (again) Mara. Connor met Mara years ago at her sister’s wedding and fell hard for her but Connor knew his family wouldn’t allow her in to their family then due to vampire politics and he had to let her go then or else she would be killed.

Connor helps Mara out of the wreck and gets her to his place. Mara kept telling Connor he seemed so familiar. Connor wanted to badly to tell her where they met years ago but he had made sure to do some mind block of that incident. After a few days with Connor, she is able to get back to her family but hopes to see Connor again since the chemistry between them is so electric.

Mara falls for Connor and Connor wants badly to bare all to Mara about him (i.e. being a vampire) but he can’t. He is afraid his family will kill Mara. Connor decides to go back into the family fold and show no fear to them and help them know Mara so they will not harm her and that way he can bring Mara into the fold so he will be able to love her wholly, with no lies, no deception.

Mara doesn’t want to go thru another relationship where the partner lies and hides information. She now remembers where she knew Connor from after some help from her sister.

The plot of the story moved fast, the characters, main and secondary were fantastic and the holiday feel was great. I especially enjoyed the second chance theme in this story. I really enjoyed how the author kept my attention on the story. I didn’t want to put this book down until I finished. Hope she writes more in this book world for I really enjoyed the characters.

My rating: 5.0 stars *****

[Rhianna · Rating 2 out of 5]

Totally soapy...

During the holiday season I crave a few holiday themed reads to help bolster that whole Christmas Spirit thing the way that some people need to watch Elf or Love, Actually. But I'm primarily a paranormal elements kind of girl and finding those with a holiday theme is pretty tough. Thus, I was really hoping I'd like CHRISTMAS WITH A BITE.

The central failing of CWAB was that, like many a holiday paranormal novella before it, it really wasn't a holiday story. It was a romance where the holidays happened and the hero happened to have a secret past as a vampire. Which was it's first failing for me. Where it further failed was in just how wangsty and soapy the plotline was. Connor can't tell Mara he's a vampire because his ex killed herself when she couldn't deal with finding out. Oh, and to protect that secret his parents will kill her if she finds out. What!?! How does he have parents? The mythology behind this never quite makes it flush in the vampire-with-parents thing. Don't wanna spoil the ending but let's just say there is a TON of drama only to lead up to the most anticlimatic ending I've encountered in a very, very long time.

My complaints aside, as a series—because this is the first book (?) in the House of Elysian series—there were elements that intrigued me enough I'd give a second book a chance to win me over. Wolf isn't a bad writer (I read her novella KISSED BY A VAMPIRE in the Girls Night Out Vol. 2 anthology and gave it 3 stars) this just isn't a very good story. If you're looking for a high-drama paranormal romance it's worth checking out but if you want a holiday tale I'd suggest a skip.

Notes: Review copy received via publisher.