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Frostbitten
A 2016 Riptide Holiday Charity Story Shy nurse Cora both dreads and lives for the moments she sees Zeke, an orderly at the hospital where she works. Zeke is too handsome, too compelling, too much, and seems totally unaware of Cora. But before she can bring herself to his attention, an explosion rips through the hospital Christmas party. Zeke has noticed Cora — in fact, he’s so irresistibly drawn to her that he saves her from the explosion by turning her into a vampire, much to the jealousy and resentment of his partner, Merrick. Zeke hates being a vampire, and now that she’ll live, doesn’t want Cora to suffer his fate. If they can both resist the overwhelming instinct to bond, joining their bodies as Cora draws her maker’s blood, she might be able to return to her normal human life. As Merrick uses every erotic trick to keep Zeke distracted from the blood passion, Cora becomes more and more drawn to both of her reluctant captors. And more and more happy to abandon her old life in exchange for an eternity with two hot immortal lovers. All she has to do is convince Merrick and Zeke that being a vampire isn’t all that bad. * * * * * * * Twenty percent of the proceeds from this title will be donated to The Trevor Project. Word 29,300; page 110
110 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 26, 2016
13 people are currently reading
93 people want to read
About the author
Charlotte Stein
115 books2,153 followersCharlotte Stein is the RT and DABWAHA nominated author of over fifty short stories, novellas and novels. When not writing deeply emotional and intensely sexy books, she can be found eating jelly turtles, watching terrible sitcoms and occasionally lusting after hunks. For more on Charlotte, visit: www.charlottestein.net
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November 14, 2016
Frostbitten is part of the 2016 Holiday Charity Bundle put out by Riptide Publishing. It is written by Charlotte Stein. Charlotte is a new to me author and I had no idea what to expect. What I got was a book that sucked me in immediately and I could not put it down. The way this story is told is so unique and I loved it!
Cora is a nurse who has been crushing for some time over the new orderly, Zeke. She is so enamored with him that she can’t speak when he’s around. So she goes out of her way to try to avoid him. That is until the night of the Christmas party. He has put himself face to face with her, forcing her to talk. He has a male friend there with him that seems none to happy about Zeke talking to her. In fact, his expression is downright hostile. But then everything blows up, literally. There is a huge explosion. Cora is sure that she was horribly injured, beyond what she could live through. But she remembers Zeke carrying her out.
When Cora wakes up, she is in a strange house, shack more like, chained to a wall. But the biggest surprise is that she is uninjured. How could that be? Zeke is there as is his friend, who she learns is named Merrick. Zeke tries to tell her a crazy tale of he and Merick being vampires. That he had to turn her to save her. But that he couldn’t bare the thought of losing her. Now, she must stay chained for seven days, to let the vampire poison work it’s way out of her system. Since Zeke is the one who gave her the vampire poison, the seven days would be torture for the both of them, the draw to one another hard to deny.
Merrick has been a vampire the longest. He is the one who created Zeke. They are partners. Merrick hates what he is. And he lets Cora know without a doubt how he feels about her presence there. The longer Cora is there, though, she sees something else behind his eyes. She sees compassion and caring. The longer Cora is there, the more she begins to think that her place is there, with Merrick and Zeke. That she wants to complete the change and spend her eternity with them.
There was just something about this book. Have you ever been so involved in a story that it’s like you hear a narrator in your head? I will warn you that the sexy times are down and dirty. These three are newbies at being all together at once but they don’t seem to struggle much with finding the way. I loved the impact, though, that Cora had on Merrick. It was so amazing to watch his walls crumble.
So, if paranormal romance is your thing with plenty of steam, then this one is for you. For me, this book was such a wonderful surprise. I hope it will be for you as well.
Cora is a nurse who has been crushing for some time over the new orderly, Zeke. She is so enamored with him that she can’t speak when he’s around. So she goes out of her way to try to avoid him. That is until the night of the Christmas party. He has put himself face to face with her, forcing her to talk. He has a male friend there with him that seems none to happy about Zeke talking to her. In fact, his expression is downright hostile. But then everything blows up, literally. There is a huge explosion. Cora is sure that she was horribly injured, beyond what she could live through. But she remembers Zeke carrying her out.
When Cora wakes up, she is in a strange house, shack more like, chained to a wall. But the biggest surprise is that she is uninjured. How could that be? Zeke is there as is his friend, who she learns is named Merrick. Zeke tries to tell her a crazy tale of he and Merick being vampires. That he had to turn her to save her. But that he couldn’t bare the thought of losing her. Now, she must stay chained for seven days, to let the vampire poison work it’s way out of her system. Since Zeke is the one who gave her the vampire poison, the seven days would be torture for the both of them, the draw to one another hard to deny.
Merrick has been a vampire the longest. He is the one who created Zeke. They are partners. Merrick hates what he is. And he lets Cora know without a doubt how he feels about her presence there. The longer Cora is there, though, she sees something else behind his eyes. She sees compassion and caring. The longer Cora is there, the more she begins to think that her place is there, with Merrick and Zeke. That she wants to complete the change and spend her eternity with them.
There was just something about this book. Have you ever been so involved in a story that it’s like you hear a narrator in your head? I will warn you that the sexy times are down and dirty. These three are newbies at being all together at once but they don’t seem to struggle much with finding the way. I loved the impact, though, that Cora had on Merrick. It was so amazing to watch his walls crumble.
So, if paranormal romance is your thing with plenty of steam, then this one is for you. For me, this book was such a wonderful surprise. I hope it will be for you as well.
November 15, 2016
One minute shy nurse Cora is talking to her crush Zeke and the next she finds herself chained in a cabin. When Zeke and a man intent on hating her (Merrick) tell her she is now a vampire. Cora is both confused and intrigued.
I liked this one, but I didn't LOVE it. It is really a short book and because of that I never really felt connected to any of the characters. It might have helped if less time had been spent with Cora chained to a wall and being treated like a dog by Merrick, and more time spent building up the menage relationship. It all just felt SO rushed. Even the sex scenes which should have been SMOKIN came across rather boring and lackluster.
Overall, I enjoyed it and it kept me turning the pages, so a solid 3 stars from yours truly.
November 9, 2016
2.5 to 3*
This is the first book I've read by this author I was attracted initially by the cover and then the synopsis.
It opens at the hospital Christmas party where shy nurse Cora is standing face to face with her crush Zeke. She's avoided him for months but now she's inches away but she's too shy to actually talk to him but he's speaking to her so she has to reply
"Never after all right.”
Is what comes out of her mouth.
Another man is there with his hand on Zeke's shoulder, a man looking at her with cold disdain, Zeke's boyfriend?
Before she can ponder this further her whole world is rocked as an explosion rips through the room and everything goes black.
She wakes up chained and confused with no idea where she is or what's going on.
She needs to resist blood, Zeke needs to resist her and Merrick, Merrick is there hating her.
This book never really got going for me, I didn't fully engage with any of the characters or the story, I have to like at least one of the characters I'm reading about (preferably more) for the story to work for me but in this case I just didn't.
I don't know if the fault lies with me or the book but at about half way I struggled to finish it.
Twenty percent of the proceeds of this title will be donated to The Trevor Project.
ARC kindly provided by NetGalley and Riptide Publishing
December 9, 2016
Quite possibly the most restrained "hedonistic" vampires ever.
I thought for sure this would be a slam dunk.
√ Ménage
√ Vamps
√ Charlotte Stein
How could it go this wrong? HOWWWW???
Admittedly it's been awhile since I read a Charlotte Stein, but I just knew I was in for a smutfest of epic proportions; the kind that would leave my kindle kinda sticky. I was so looking forward to it too. Frostbitten is kind of smutty but the smut is mostly a product of Cora's thoughts rather than any actual grinding. I like tension if it's for the sake of relationship development but the relationship developing between these three is all based on something call a "fever". I usually like the fated/destined trope but I didn't like or connect with any of these characters I mean, if you can fight off your destiny for weeks when it's right under your nose, ripe for the taking is it really your fate?
Nevertheless, I would've found a way to get on board this "fever" deal had it been more like this.
But it felt more like this.
So yeah, kinda hokey. I might've been able to roll with the hokey had they gotten their sandwich on, but it just turned into a strange love triangle that reminded me of that Strokes song. Again, not what I bargained for and made me feel bad for Merrick because no one wants to be the third wheel, or in this case thrown over for a "fevered" RN. Not to worry, eventually things even out because "the fever" spreads and overtakes Merrick. It's airborne, I guess. It never gets explained why what's typically supposed to only happen to a vamp once happens to her and Merrick twice.
Speaking of Merrick, he starts off as the mean vamp. The bad one. I like those. I mean, if you're going to be a bastard commit to it and give it 100% effort. He did until "the fever" struck and then he turned into emo vamp and even tried to commit suicide! WUT?
The story of how Cora ends up in their care is the standard 'I had to otherwise you'd DIE'. Not original but a classic nonetheless. I'm not put out by that; however, I am put off by the writing style. I'm not sure if it was an effort to establish Cora's persona or if Stein's style has evolved over time, but there was too much redundancy. Words are repeated two, three, four times. The same sentiment is expressed twice with slight modifications back to back. Over and over and over again. Probably a third of the story could've been excised and would've been better off for it, in my opinion.
The sex is so-so but by the time it happened I was mailing it in, so I'm probably not the best judge.
I can't recommend this but I can say opinions are varied and I would recommend reading other reviews before deciding.
A copy was provided by Netgalley.
I thought for sure this would be a slam dunk.
√ Ménage
√ Vamps
√ Charlotte Stein
How could it go this wrong? HOWWWW???
Admittedly it's been awhile since I read a Charlotte Stein, but I just knew I was in for a smutfest of epic proportions; the kind that would leave my kindle kinda sticky. I was so looking forward to it too. Frostbitten is kind of smutty but the smut is mostly a product of Cora's thoughts rather than any actual grinding. I like tension if it's for the sake of relationship development but the relationship developing between these three is all based on something call a "fever". I usually like the fated/destined trope but I didn't like or connect with any of these characters I mean, if you can fight off your destiny for weeks when it's right under your nose, ripe for the taking is it really your fate?
Nevertheless, I would've found a way to get on board this "fever" deal had it been more like this.
But it felt more like this.
So yeah, kinda hokey. I might've been able to roll with the hokey had they gotten their sandwich on, but it just turned into a strange love triangle that reminded me of that Strokes song. Again, not what I bargained for and made me feel bad for Merrick because no one wants to be the third wheel, or in this case thrown over for a "fevered" RN. Not to worry, eventually things even out because "the fever" spreads and overtakes Merrick. It's airborne, I guess. It never gets explained why what's typically supposed to only happen to a vamp once happens to her and Merrick twice.
Speaking of Merrick, he starts off as the mean vamp. The bad one. I like those. I mean, if you're going to be a bastard commit to it and give it 100% effort. He did until "the fever" struck and then he turned into emo vamp and even tried to commit suicide! WUT?
The story of how Cora ends up in their care is the standard 'I had to otherwise you'd DIE'. Not original but a classic nonetheless. I'm not put out by that; however, I am put off by the writing style. I'm not sure if it was an effort to establish Cora's persona or if Stein's style has evolved over time, but there was too much redundancy. Words are repeated two, three, four times. The same sentiment is expressed twice with slight modifications back to back. Over and over and over again. Probably a third of the story could've been excised and would've been better off for it, in my opinion.
The sex is so-so but by the time it happened I was mailing it in, so I'm probably not the best judge.
I can't recommend this but I can say opinions are varied and I would recommend reading other reviews before deciding.
A copy was provided by Netgalley.
November 14, 2016
Cora has always been a shy woman, noticing orderly Zeke and his friend Merrick but never going out of her way to engage in a discussion with them. That all changes when an explosion rips apart a holiday party and she wakes up chained to a wall in a dreary basement, with an intense bloodlust. To save her life, Zeke had no choice but to turn her into a vampire like him and his partner. But if he can keep her from feeding on blood for one week, she can go back to being fully human and live the life she deserves. Cora though doesn’t think being human is all it’s cracked up to be and sets about changing the minds of her two vampire captors, once and for all.
Oh, Ms. Stein. Never a dull moment with you. This is a short novella but takes a Christmas idea and turns it completely on its head. It’s about as Christmassy as …well…a vampire menage story. The fact that it starts out as a holiday party is really the only link to Christmas. The interplay (and I don’t just mean physically) between Cora, Zeke and Merrick is quite fascinating as Merrick is the one determined to keep his distance and yet finds himself drawn to Cora, unable to resist her. The story is one of confusion at first (as Cora tries to make sense of what is happening), then longing, then lust, then hope. It’s bloody, and sexy and full of trademark Stein sex scenes and hard to put down. It’s not going to be for everyone, but I enjoyed it thoroughly.
Note: a copy of this story was provided by the publisher via NetGalley for review.
Oh, Ms. Stein. Never a dull moment with you. This is a short novella but takes a Christmas idea and turns it completely on its head. It’s about as Christmassy as …well…a vampire menage story. The fact that it starts out as a holiday party is really the only link to Christmas. The interplay (and I don’t just mean physically) between Cora, Zeke and Merrick is quite fascinating as Merrick is the one determined to keep his distance and yet finds himself drawn to Cora, unable to resist her. The story is one of confusion at first (as Cora tries to make sense of what is happening), then longing, then lust, then hope. It’s bloody, and sexy and full of trademark Stein sex scenes and hard to put down. It’s not going to be for everyone, but I enjoyed it thoroughly.
Note: a copy of this story was provided by the publisher via NetGalley for review.
November 29, 2016
"Frostbitten" (2016 Holiday Charity Bundle) is written by author Charlotte Stein.
Published: November 28, 2016
Told in heroine's POV
My Rating 3 Stars...
Cora, Zeke and Derrick.....
I originally rated this as 3.5 stars. However, while writing my review, I changed that to 3 stars. I have quite a bit to say about this romance. First it was not very romantic. There are three main characters however it felt like the heroine was the main and the heroes were secondary characters. This novella is written only from the heroine's perspective. I usually prefer alternating POVs in my romances however I do read and enjoy plenty that are only a single POV. I struggled with this one. I will add that the author gave broad insight into Cora's mind. I understood her pain and suffering; emotional and physical. Unfortunately that was not the case with Zeke and Derrick. I had no connection with them at all. Not even in the end. That said, had this book been written with all three perspectives I would have loved it.
Also, other than good looking, tall, with blue mesmerizing eyes...I could not picture what the heroes looked like. Maybe I missed it while reading but I didn't know what Cora looked like either. The setting was bland, non descriptive as well. All we got was a dirty old cabin and a basement bedroom. One more issue I had was that this book is part of a holiday bundle BUT the only reference to Christmas was the mention in the first scene of the book taking place at a Christmas party. And that was brief to say the least.
Zeke and Merrick are very old vampires. They are also in a relationship with each other. Zeke works as an orderly at the same hospital Cora is a nurse. Although the trio does not officially know each other, they were involved in a tense conversation when an explosion occurs. In order to save Cora's life, Zeke "changes" her to all of their dismay. Especially Merrick.
When she regains consciousness, after the explosion, Cora finds herself sparsely dressed and chained to a wall in an old, filthy cabin. I won't give away any details as to why. You should read it for yourself to find out about her imprisonment. I will tell you it is an understatement when I say Cora was angry and dismayed. There were a heck of a lot of other emotions involved.
Merrick is angry that Zeke changed Cora. He is even more distraught over the fact that Zeke's feelings for her are very intense and possessive. "Feverish" is how they described it.
This trio had to go through so much emotional pain and stress in order to find their HEA. In regards to the ending, it was a bit abrupt and I really wish the author gave us an epilogue. So if you enjoy paranormal romance with a vampire twist that is steamy, dirty and sexual with the added bonus of a MMF relationship told in one POV, than you should give this a try. It is a short novel.
Published: November 28, 2016
Told in heroine's POV
My Rating 3 Stars...
Cora, Zeke and Derrick.....
I originally rated this as 3.5 stars. However, while writing my review, I changed that to 3 stars. I have quite a bit to say about this romance. First it was not very romantic. There are three main characters however it felt like the heroine was the main and the heroes were secondary characters. This novella is written only from the heroine's perspective. I usually prefer alternating POVs in my romances however I do read and enjoy plenty that are only a single POV. I struggled with this one. I will add that the author gave broad insight into Cora's mind. I understood her pain and suffering; emotional and physical. Unfortunately that was not the case with Zeke and Derrick. I had no connection with them at all. Not even in the end. That said, had this book been written with all three perspectives I would have loved it.
Also, other than good looking, tall, with blue mesmerizing eyes...I could not picture what the heroes looked like. Maybe I missed it while reading but I didn't know what Cora looked like either. The setting was bland, non descriptive as well. All we got was a dirty old cabin and a basement bedroom. One more issue I had was that this book is part of a holiday bundle BUT the only reference to Christmas was the mention in the first scene of the book taking place at a Christmas party. And that was brief to say the least.
Zeke and Merrick are very old vampires. They are also in a relationship with each other. Zeke works as an orderly at the same hospital Cora is a nurse. Although the trio does not officially know each other, they were involved in a tense conversation when an explosion occurs. In order to save Cora's life, Zeke "changes" her to all of their dismay. Especially Merrick.
When she regains consciousness, after the explosion, Cora finds herself sparsely dressed and chained to a wall in an old, filthy cabin. I won't give away any details as to why. You should read it for yourself to find out about her imprisonment. I will tell you it is an understatement when I say Cora was angry and dismayed. There were a heck of a lot of other emotions involved.
Merrick is angry that Zeke changed Cora. He is even more distraught over the fact that Zeke's feelings for her are very intense and possessive. "Feverish" is how they described it.
This trio had to go through so much emotional pain and stress in order to find their HEA. In regards to the ending, it was a bit abrupt and I really wish the author gave us an epilogue. So if you enjoy paranormal romance with a vampire twist that is steamy, dirty and sexual with the added bonus of a MMF relationship told in one POV, than you should give this a try. It is a short novel.
November 28, 2016
I bought this ebook as part of a holiday bundle, and I found it disappointing. There were a lot of minor flaws (conversations that don't make sense, electricity in a remote, abandoned cabin, retaining shyness after nursing school) that might be forgivable if the story had significant other virtues.
Instead, here are the three insurmountable problems I had with the story (limited spoilers):
1. Unexplained giant creepy doll in the bedroom. Why introduce a giant creepy doll with "straw hands" if it does not figure into the plot at all? Especially when so few other things receive description - this is not an immersive world.
2. For a love triangle to make sense, all three involved persons need to be equally compelling. Instead, we have one who is a rough sketch of "tall, handsome, and doesn't want people he's attracted to burn to death". Our other hero is "even taller, also handsome, acts like an asshole" but has the advantage of stereotypical vampire angst and hidden hurt around a heart of gold to make him more fully realized. Our main character doesn't have much going on - we are told she is a nurse and is shy, but she doesn't demonstrate either trait.
3. Consent.
The main character starts the story in a sort of fugue state that resembles either a stroke or the prodrome period of a migraine, possibly heavy sedation. She can't track conversations, is unable to speak coherently, and has trouble with her balance. There is no point in the story where the character is entirely lucid, so her consent cannot be given.
One of her two suitors also spends a significant amount of time under some sort of vampire-lust confusion, so his consent is questionable as well.
To be clear: desire is not consent. Destiny is not consent. Hormones, pheromones, and magic vampire lust are not consent.
In summary:
We don't know anything about the lives of the characters, the decisions during the story are motivated by an uncertain cloud of "because vampire", so it's hard to see any growth or change in the characters. That's followed up by some fairly tame sex that we are to believe is perverted because dirty words and vampire. There isn't enough "now" in the story for there to be a happily ever after.
This doesn't qualify as romance, not even erotica. There isn't so much a story arc as the progression of a disease. Don't read it.
Instead, here are the three insurmountable problems I had with the story (limited spoilers):
1. Unexplained giant creepy doll in the bedroom. Why introduce a giant creepy doll with "straw hands" if it does not figure into the plot at all? Especially when so few other things receive description - this is not an immersive world.
2. For a love triangle to make sense, all three involved persons need to be equally compelling. Instead, we have one who is a rough sketch of "tall, handsome, and doesn't want people he's attracted to burn to death". Our other hero is "even taller, also handsome, acts like an asshole" but has the advantage of stereotypical vampire angst and hidden hurt around a heart of gold to make him more fully realized. Our main character doesn't have much going on - we are told she is a nurse and is shy, but she doesn't demonstrate either trait.
3. Consent.
The main character starts the story in a sort of fugue state that resembles either a stroke or the prodrome period of a migraine, possibly heavy sedation. She can't track conversations, is unable to speak coherently, and has trouble with her balance. There is no point in the story where the character is entirely lucid, so her consent cannot be given.
One of her two suitors also spends a significant amount of time under some sort of vampire-lust confusion, so his consent is questionable as well.
To be clear: desire is not consent. Destiny is not consent. Hormones, pheromones, and magic vampire lust are not consent.
In summary:
We don't know anything about the lives of the characters, the decisions during the story are motivated by an uncertain cloud of "because vampire", so it's hard to see any growth or change in the characters. That's followed up by some fairly tame sex that we are to believe is perverted because dirty words and vampire. There isn't enough "now" in the story for there to be a happily ever after.
This doesn't qualify as romance, not even erotica. There isn't so much a story arc as the progression of a disease. Don't read it.
April 27, 2022
“It’s the little things, you know? The way someone looks at you across a hallway; the hint of something deeper underneath. The slow swing of their words or the clipped cold way they keep them in, their smell like something sharp in the middle of a winter forest, their small kindnesses, their great sacrifices, their willingness to welcome you in even when they’re sure they can’t."
Loved Stein's writing, but the overall story left a lot to be desired.
Loved Stein's writing, but the overall story left a lot to be desired.
November 22, 2016
ARC received for review
argh!! It was just bad. After the first few pages I just started speed reading. Maybe it's just me, but it was weird and weirder.
argh!! It was just bad. After the first few pages I just started speed reading. Maybe it's just me, but it was weird and weirder.
never-for-me
November 9, 2016I DON'T REALLY ENJOY MOST MÉNAGE STORIES.
However, I have read a few and sometimes even enjoyed some but they have to make sense and have some context.
This one is not for me!
This is just my personal preference.
However, I have read a few and sometimes even enjoyed some but they have to make sense and have some context.
This one is not for me!
This is just my personal preference.
July 6, 2024
3.5/5 rounding down
Hmm this had a lot of potential and while I did enjoy it, I do think it needed a bit of work. It was all buildup and no pay off. I wanted to see the three of them as a couple, living together and doing vamp stuff but we didn't get any of that. It felt like the beginning of story or maybe like book 1 of a duology. Still a good story, I just wish there was more.
Hmm this had a lot of potential and while I did enjoy it, I do think it needed a bit of work. It was all buildup and no pay off. I wanted to see the three of them as a couple, living together and doing vamp stuff but we didn't get any of that. It felt like the beginning of story or maybe like book 1 of a duology. Still a good story, I just wish there was more.
December 27, 2016
This book got on my nerves on many occasions.
At first I wasn't going to finish it, but I decided to finish the book.
The biggest thing that was so irritating was the writing style this author uses. There's barely any dialogue, and that's fine, but it just went on and on. And when you think the author is talking about essential things, the author is just going on and on.
Even the "so called erotic parts" were written badly.
Could have been better. 2 star rating.
**ARC provided by Netgalley for a honest review**
At first I wasn't going to finish it, but I decided to finish the book.
The biggest thing that was so irritating was the writing style this author uses. There's barely any dialogue, and that's fine, but it just went on and on. And when you think the author is talking about essential things, the author is just going on and on.
Even the "so called erotic parts" were written badly.
Could have been better. 2 star rating.
**ARC provided by Netgalley for a honest review**
November 3, 2016
Vampire erotica; is it as terrible as it sounds? Yes and no. A quick erotica read for those who like strong female leads and are partial to vampires and threesomes.
Review at The Pluviophile Reader: http://bit.ly/2fdmcqb
2/5 stars.
ebook, 110 pages.
Read Oct 28, 2016.
A big thanks to Netgalley for allowing me an ARC edition of this book to review. I picked this book as I had previously read Control by the same author and I thought that was a pretty killer piece of erotica. For the record, what I define as a good piece of erotica is one that is decently written and contains more sex than romance. Because let’s be honest, if I wanted something romantic, I’d read romance. I read erotica because I want to read about some steamy sex.
Cora is a nurse who has the hots for her co-worker Zeke. He makes her uncomfortable. To the point where she isn’t sure she loves being around him or can’t stand it because she feels she is constantly embarrassing herself. However, things are taken to a whole other level when at the Christmas party the whole building explodes. Cora finds herself remarkably alive and captive by Zeke and his very cold and serious friend Merrick. She also seems to have an insatiable thirst for blood and desire for her two gorgeous captors.
I found this brief novel very disappointing. The writing felt rushed and poorly composed and did not compare to the previous book I had read by this author.On top of that I found the sex scenes rushed and lacking their desired effect, which is unfortunate as the context had the potential to be really steamy. I mean, come on, two guys and one woman? Heck yeah! Sadly, this book failed to deliver.
The one thing I was sure I would not like was the vampire theme but I actually feel that this is the one thing the author did well. The theme wasn’t too over the top and tastefully done. However, the romance at the end was icky. Just too cheesy for me. I do, however, appreciate how the author makes her female characters strong and independent which, is probably what I enjoyed so much about Control .
Overall I would recommend this book for those looking for a quick erotica read with a strong female read and are partial to vampires and threesomes.
Review at The Pluviophile Reader: http://bit.ly/2fdmcqb
2/5 stars.
ebook, 110 pages.
Read Oct 28, 2016.
A big thanks to Netgalley for allowing me an ARC edition of this book to review. I picked this book as I had previously read Control by the same author and I thought that was a pretty killer piece of erotica. For the record, what I define as a good piece of erotica is one that is decently written and contains more sex than romance. Because let’s be honest, if I wanted something romantic, I’d read romance. I read erotica because I want to read about some steamy sex.
Cora is a nurse who has the hots for her co-worker Zeke. He makes her uncomfortable. To the point where she isn’t sure she loves being around him or can’t stand it because she feels she is constantly embarrassing herself. However, things are taken to a whole other level when at the Christmas party the whole building explodes. Cora finds herself remarkably alive and captive by Zeke and his very cold and serious friend Merrick. She also seems to have an insatiable thirst for blood and desire for her two gorgeous captors.
I found this brief novel very disappointing. The writing felt rushed and poorly composed and did not compare to the previous book I had read by this author.On top of that I found the sex scenes rushed and lacking their desired effect, which is unfortunate as the context had the potential to be really steamy. I mean, come on, two guys and one woman? Heck yeah! Sadly, this book failed to deliver.
The one thing I was sure I would not like was the vampire theme but I actually feel that this is the one thing the author did well. The theme wasn’t too over the top and tastefully done. However, the romance at the end was icky. Just too cheesy for me. I do, however, appreciate how the author makes her female characters strong and independent which, is probably what I enjoyed so much about Control .
Overall I would recommend this book for those looking for a quick erotica read with a strong female read and are partial to vampires and threesomes.
May 20, 2019
2.7 stars.
It's been a while since I've read a book involving vampires. Only one character came off convincing as a stereotypical, albeit professional blood-drinker (Merrick), the other spent a lot of time being under the influence of a desire fever (Zeke), and the heroine (Cora), well she spent far too much time in her head while resisting the urge to rut against anything that moved. This is a quick read. The writing style kind of left me frustrated because I need an equal balance of dialogue/action/self-introspection. There was too much of the latter and not enough of the former that when the characters started tossing out the L word, I was looking around like "where?" Where, how, and why did love form between three people, two of which had been together for centuries, and a woman too shy to hold even a basic conversation with her crush without passing out?? But all right, whatever floats your boat. This provided some steam, but most of it was vague and would occasionally give you a peek as to what was happening during their bedroom acrobatics. Lower expectations if you go into this thinking its about to be the kinkiest, freakiest, sexiest, nastiest menage. Nope. It was pretty tame like how soft-core porn is shot. You see the foreplay but not the penetration, if you get my drift. The last love scene does go into a bit more detail as to what's happening, but once the characters come, story's over.
As for character development? Well, Cora's development was expected going from human to vampire, but Merrick...it was like he only changed because of the "fever". So it all seemed a bit convenient and dubious. But anyways, reading a book like this are we really expecting to be wow'd with revolutionary character arcs? It's not a bad story. Just something to whet the tongue, pun not intended.
It's been a while since I've read a book involving vampires. Only one character came off convincing as a stereotypical, albeit professional blood-drinker (Merrick), the other spent a lot of time being under the influence of a desire fever (Zeke), and the heroine (Cora), well she spent far too much time in her head while resisting the urge to rut against anything that moved. This is a quick read. The writing style kind of left me frustrated because I need an equal balance of dialogue/action/self-introspection. There was too much of the latter and not enough of the former that when the characters started tossing out the L word, I was looking around like "where?" Where, how, and why did love form between three people, two of which had been together for centuries, and a woman too shy to hold even a basic conversation with her crush without passing out?? But all right, whatever floats your boat. This provided some steam, but most of it was vague and would occasionally give you a peek as to what was happening during their bedroom acrobatics. Lower expectations if you go into this thinking its about to be the kinkiest, freakiest, sexiest, nastiest menage. Nope. It was pretty tame like how soft-core porn is shot. You see the foreplay but not the penetration, if you get my drift. The last love scene does go into a bit more detail as to what's happening, but once the characters come, story's over.
As for character development? Well, Cora's development was expected going from human to vampire, but Merrick...it was like he only changed because of the "fever". So it all seemed a bit convenient and dubious. But anyways, reading a book like this are we really expecting to be wow'd with revolutionary character arcs? It's not a bad story. Just something to whet the tongue, pun not intended.
April 27, 2017
Short and sexy.
The vampire thing is really just a sideline to allow for the justification of dirty sex between three people on scant acquaintance. Which is fine by me. Stein is The Best menage writer. She's often pretty same-y, at least one of the trio is usually initially reluctant and then turns out to be most into the whole thing. But, the writing is of such quality it doesn't matter to me; I enjoyed this one as much as all the others. Not enough detail, story or characterisation to make five stars, but easily four for me.
The vampire thing is really just a sideline to allow for the justification of dirty sex between three people on scant acquaintance. Which is fine by me. Stein is The Best menage writer. She's often pretty same-y, at least one of the trio is usually initially reluctant and then turns out to be most into the whole thing. But, the writing is of such quality it doesn't matter to me; I enjoyed this one as much as all the others. Not enough detail, story or characterisation to make five stars, but easily four for me.
December 27, 2016
This review was written for Joyfully Jay reviews and can be accessed here: http://joyfullyjay.com/2016/12/review...
4.25 stars.
Cora is a nurse with an undeniable attraction for Zeke, a handsome orderly. Despite her repeated attempts to ignore and avoid him, she’s inexplicably drawn into his orbit time and again. At the holiday party, she and Zeke come face to face, along with Zeke’s boyfriend, Merrick. Merrick isn’t enthused about Cora, sensing there’s an attraction he doesn’t want Zeke to pursue, but that’s all moot when the gas main explodes below them and Cora wakes up chained to the wall in a desolate cabin.
Zeke and Merrick eventually turn up to explain to Cora that she’s being chained for her own good. She’d been nearly killed by the explosion, but Zeke infected her with a vampire virus that healed her mortal wounds. The catch is, if Cora will remain bound and not take any blood from either Zeke or Merrick, her fever will abate and she’ll go back to being human in about a week.
Unfortunately, at first Cora doesn’t believe Zeke or Merrick, whose cold eyes stun her into submission. She breaks free and must be collected before she can do harm. That does convince her of her otherworldly status, however, and she’s not that upset over it. Her human life was sterile and empty, and being a vampire, witnessing the passion between Zeke and Merrick, makes her crave both of them. She wants to join them, though she’s afraid that Merrick will never accept her.
This is a really compelling, sensual read. Cora narrates the whole novella, and she’s clearly a vivid thinker. Plus, once she’s infected, her viewpoint becomes distorted and hazy, with a sing-song quality that lulled me along. I dug it. There’s a little bit of sex, in the middle and the end, with M/M, M/F and MMF arrangements. Cora’s a big player, though, in her own transformation and with saving the relationship between Zeke and Merrick—and also their fledgling triad. I loved her strength. I loved how she made it work for all three of them. Merrick’s guilt over being a vampire is sincere, and he becomes a far more sympathetic character when viewed in this light. By the end, it’s an emotional rollercoaster, with Cora saving Merrick saving Zeke and then happy ménage sexytimes. Yum.
This book is part of the 2016 Holiday Charity Bundle from Riptide, with 20% of proceeds going toward The Trevor Project. Having read all three books in that package, I HIGHLY recommend it.
4.25 stars.
Cora is a nurse with an undeniable attraction for Zeke, a handsome orderly. Despite her repeated attempts to ignore and avoid him, she’s inexplicably drawn into his orbit time and again. At the holiday party, she and Zeke come face to face, along with Zeke’s boyfriend, Merrick. Merrick isn’t enthused about Cora, sensing there’s an attraction he doesn’t want Zeke to pursue, but that’s all moot when the gas main explodes below them and Cora wakes up chained to the wall in a desolate cabin.
Zeke and Merrick eventually turn up to explain to Cora that she’s being chained for her own good. She’d been nearly killed by the explosion, but Zeke infected her with a vampire virus that healed her mortal wounds. The catch is, if Cora will remain bound and not take any blood from either Zeke or Merrick, her fever will abate and she’ll go back to being human in about a week.
Unfortunately, at first Cora doesn’t believe Zeke or Merrick, whose cold eyes stun her into submission. She breaks free and must be collected before she can do harm. That does convince her of her otherworldly status, however, and she’s not that upset over it. Her human life was sterile and empty, and being a vampire, witnessing the passion between Zeke and Merrick, makes her crave both of them. She wants to join them, though she’s afraid that Merrick will never accept her.
This is a really compelling, sensual read. Cora narrates the whole novella, and she’s clearly a vivid thinker. Plus, once she’s infected, her viewpoint becomes distorted and hazy, with a sing-song quality that lulled me along. I dug it. There’s a little bit of sex, in the middle and the end, with M/M, M/F and MMF arrangements. Cora’s a big player, though, in her own transformation and with saving the relationship between Zeke and Merrick—and also their fledgling triad. I loved her strength. I loved how she made it work for all three of them. Merrick’s guilt over being a vampire is sincere, and he becomes a far more sympathetic character when viewed in this light. By the end, it’s an emotional rollercoaster, with Cora saving Merrick saving Zeke and then happy ménage sexytimes. Yum.
This book is part of the 2016 Holiday Charity Bundle from Riptide, with 20% of proceeds going toward The Trevor Project. Having read all three books in that package, I HIGHLY recommend it.
November 15, 2016
I kept hoping this story would get better, so I kept reading one more chapter, but unfortunately it did not. I didn't connect to these characters or this story. I enjoy vampire stories,but this story just did not work for me. I did not like the dynamic between these characters. This love story was not very believable for me, even for a paranormal read.
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book.
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book.
December 5, 2016
Oh man Charlotte Stein can pack a lot into a short novella! I very much enjoyed the relationship building between all of our main characters...here's my complete review:
http://bit.ly/2gHcpsL
http://bit.ly/2gHcpsL
January 1, 2017
More sex than story. Very little character development. Not much resolution to the ending.
March 18, 2017
Previously reviewed at The Good, the Bad and the Unread:
Anthologies and book bundles are a great way to test out new authors, as well as trying out genres that don’t usually appeal, and when a donation to charity is involved it seems pointless to only buy and read the parts of a collection that particularly appeal. Thus it was that I found myself reading a vampire menage by an author I’d not encountered before, as the shortest story in a bundle of three festive reads from Riptide. What could possibly go wrong?
Cora and Zeke have avoided acting on the attraction between them for months, barely even speaking to each other when they absolutely have to pass in the corridors at the hospital where they work. They’re finally managing to make polite conversation at a Christmas party – in spite of the open hostility from a man who appears to be Zeke’s date – when the hospital is destroyed by a gas main explosion. The next thing Cora knows, she’s waking up chained to the wall in a cellar, completely unscathed – as are, it seems, Zeke and his lover Merrick. Not have they all mysteriously survived, however; Cora also has a strange craving for blood.
Zeke and Merrick are, of course, vampires – and not the sparkly kind – though neither is happy with their status. If Cora can keep her hands off the pair of them for a week, and drink no blood other than her own, she will revert to being human – and not at all exploded, one hopes – which is why they’ve chained her up. It transpires that vampires share a particular special bond with one other person – or possibly two in the case of Cora, Zeke and Merrick – and that person will draw them irresistibly whether human or vampire. Being angsty types, Zeke and – particularly – Merrick don’t want to condemn Cora to an eternity as a blood-sucking monster, and so are determined to keep her locked up and away from the pair of them until her bloodlust has disappeared.
Cora, meanwhile, is quite keen on the idea of being a vampire if it means she gets to spend all of eternity with Zeke and Merrick, and she sets out to show them what a good time they can all have together. Honestly, I’m sure this is a great story for anyone who likes that kind of thing, but for me far too many questions are left unanswered as to what the trio will go on to do with themselves once Cora’s vampiric – or otherwise – fate has been decided. Merrick makes reference to vampires being parasites, but never really explains whether they feed on unsuspecting humans, on willing victims, or on blood-bags Zeke brings home from work with him (and even that presents an ethical issue in terms of any people who might actually need transfusions).
All in all, the least successful story in the bundle for me, though one that will doubtless appeal to fans of the genre.
Anthologies and book bundles are a great way to test out new authors, as well as trying out genres that don’t usually appeal, and when a donation to charity is involved it seems pointless to only buy and read the parts of a collection that particularly appeal. Thus it was that I found myself reading a vampire menage by an author I’d not encountered before, as the shortest story in a bundle of three festive reads from Riptide. What could possibly go wrong?
Cora and Zeke have avoided acting on the attraction between them for months, barely even speaking to each other when they absolutely have to pass in the corridors at the hospital where they work. They’re finally managing to make polite conversation at a Christmas party – in spite of the open hostility from a man who appears to be Zeke’s date – when the hospital is destroyed by a gas main explosion. The next thing Cora knows, she’s waking up chained to the wall in a cellar, completely unscathed – as are, it seems, Zeke and his lover Merrick. Not have they all mysteriously survived, however; Cora also has a strange craving for blood.
Zeke and Merrick are, of course, vampires – and not the sparkly kind – though neither is happy with their status. If Cora can keep her hands off the pair of them for a week, and drink no blood other than her own, she will revert to being human – and not at all exploded, one hopes – which is why they’ve chained her up. It transpires that vampires share a particular special bond with one other person – or possibly two in the case of Cora, Zeke and Merrick – and that person will draw them irresistibly whether human or vampire. Being angsty types, Zeke and – particularly – Merrick don’t want to condemn Cora to an eternity as a blood-sucking monster, and so are determined to keep her locked up and away from the pair of them until her bloodlust has disappeared.
Cora, meanwhile, is quite keen on the idea of being a vampire if it means she gets to spend all of eternity with Zeke and Merrick, and she sets out to show them what a good time they can all have together. Honestly, I’m sure this is a great story for anyone who likes that kind of thing, but for me far too many questions are left unanswered as to what the trio will go on to do with themselves once Cora’s vampiric – or otherwise – fate has been decided. Merrick makes reference to vampires being parasites, but never really explains whether they feed on unsuspecting humans, on willing victims, or on blood-bags Zeke brings home from work with him (and even that presents an ethical issue in terms of any people who might actually need transfusions).
All in all, the least successful story in the bundle for me, though one that will doubtless appeal to fans of the genre.
November 6, 2016
Thank you, Netgalley, for giving me an ARC in exchange for my honest review.
Frank!y, had Charlotte Stein not written this book, I never would have considered reading it. But since I am a died in the wool fan, I gave it a shot.
Charlotte Stein is a master at creatng characters who are troubled with an inner struggle that tortures them.. And who would be better than a trio of vampires at personal angst? Each of the three has their own turmoil that we feel in our bones with them through her very talented writing.
The writing is almost poetic in its beauty as the story unfolds. Her dialogue is fresh, and the sentiments expressed are unexpected and fun. She a!ways has a way of taking a statement to a place that is surprising and amusing, and it is through this that the characters literally jump off the page.
She also creates a scenario of tremendous sensuality in this story, although in this book it's a rather odd one. All the more fun. While the book unfolds with the typical pattern for a romance plot, this one is unexpectedly unique. Fine job.
Frank!y, had Charlotte Stein not written this book, I never would have considered reading it. But since I am a died in the wool fan, I gave it a shot.
Charlotte Stein is a master at creatng characters who are troubled with an inner struggle that tortures them.. And who would be better than a trio of vampires at personal angst? Each of the three has their own turmoil that we feel in our bones with them through her very talented writing.
The writing is almost poetic in its beauty as the story unfolds. Her dialogue is fresh, and the sentiments expressed are unexpected and fun. She a!ways has a way of taking a statement to a place that is surprising and amusing, and it is through this that the characters literally jump off the page.
She also creates a scenario of tremendous sensuality in this story, although in this book it's a rather odd one. All the more fun. While the book unfolds with the typical pattern for a romance plot, this one is unexpectedly unique. Fine job.
May 26, 2017
To be honest, I got this book because I am a fan of paranormal/vampire books. But I was left with a feeling of wanting.
While the story was interesting, and the twists that the author added about the vampires, I just couldn’t get into the book and felt like Merrick was a big aspect of that.
I did get that Merrick was trying to protect Cora, but his negative attitude throughout the whole story just ruined the book for me.
The sexy scenes in this book were done very well – but for me it wasn’t enough to “save” the book for me overall.
I’m sure that others will feel differently about this book, but I just couldn’t get into the story overall.
Reviewed by Crystal Marie for Crystal's Many Reviewers
*Copy Provided for review*
While the story was interesting, and the twists that the author added about the vampires, I just couldn’t get into the book and felt like Merrick was a big aspect of that.
I did get that Merrick was trying to protect Cora, but his negative attitude throughout the whole story just ruined the book for me.
The sexy scenes in this book were done very well – but for me it wasn’t enough to “save” the book for me overall.
I’m sure that others will feel differently about this book, but I just couldn’t get into the story overall.
Reviewed by Crystal Marie for Crystal's Many Reviewers
*Copy Provided for review*
May 19, 2017
I found it fine, not great not desperate. 2.5*
Not much of a story per se but an interesting take on the process of being turned vampire. Not much history on the two guys and only a little more on Cora.
It is really a lead up to the three of them getting together and then there is lots of descriptions on how they are together - fine but didn't get me too excited!!
Not much of a story per se but an interesting take on the process of being turned vampire. Not much history on the two guys and only a little more on Cora.
It is really a lead up to the three of them getting together and then there is lots of descriptions on how they are together - fine but didn't get me too excited!!
September 11, 2020
I think the length of this one did a disservice to the potential of the story, there was too much compacted in such a short word count, and yet also, not enough either. I would probably be interested in reading a fuller version of this, but as it stood, it had potential but didn’t get there for me.
January 23, 2019
Incredibly hot vampire threesome with the Charlotte Stein signature wit and internal monologue. I loved every moment.
January 8, 2021
Dnf
I tried with this book i really did but the writing style is awful i couldn't follow along at all.
I tried with this book i really did but the writing style is awful i couldn't follow along at all.
February 3, 2022
Vampire, ménage de trois porn.
How vampire on vampire on vampire sex.
How vampire on vampire on vampire sex.
February 7, 2017
2.5 stars rounded up cuz the first two thirds was fun.
March 18, 2017
Have you ever read something and then immediately thought to yourself “wtf did I just read?’ That is the best way I can describe Forstbitten. Half of the time I wasn’t sure what was even going on. The writing was so bizarre, vague, and all over the place, I am still trying to find the plot. I thought the erotic scenes could save it, but those were a mess as well. Everything about this book made it sound enticing. However, the execution was so poorly done, I am left wondering what drugs the author was on when she wrote it and would I understand it if I took them too?
November 29, 2016
Frostbitten, Charlotte Stein
Review from Jeannie Zelos book reviews
Genre: Romance, Erotica
This title is part of the 2016 Holiday Charity Bundle collection supporting The Trevor Project.
I’d loved one of Charlotte’s stories I’d read before, so knew I enjoyed her writing style, and this – vampires, ménage, and a synopsis that sounded fun, meant I’d clicked the request button before realising it was a novella.
My bad. :-( I so struggle with those, some people love them but me, I always feel the stories are too truncated, that I don’t get to really know the characters and events.
This book was a perfect example of that – as a full length novel I think I’d love it, but everything happened so fast here that I just didn’t feel properly connected to the story or characters.
When it starts Zeke has been the subject of Cora’s crush for a while. She’s the shy, retiring type though, so doesn’t do more than blush and get tongue tied each time she sees him. Its the xmas party and he’s brought Merrick with him. From the freezing glares he’s directing at her Cora can see that Merrick is more than just a friend to him, and that he’s Not Happy at Zeke talking to her.
Then everything goes bang and she wakes up a captive. The first part was a great beginning, but of course once she’s transformed and captive there’s a lot of ground to cover in just such a short time.
For me it was hard to accept she understood and welcomed what had happened, she just didn’t seem to me to have that sort of nature. Then it was hard to see how Merrick went from that cold, jealous, supercilious vampire who seemed to hate her, into something else entirely.
Its a great story, but so cut short by the length restrictions that the reasons for events, the side parts and consequences just couldn’t be fit in, and I needed them. The sex though – wham, that’s there, in spades. Sensual and erotic and lots of it.
If you want a short hot read, with a good story ( even though its very compressed) this is your read.
Lots of people like novellas, one of my friends loves them- she reads a few pages each night and says at least this way she can still remember the beginning when she reaches the end....
If you want a short and very erotic read this is perfect, if like me you want more depth, a longer, more fleshed out story then you may feel that this is not really your kind of read.
The Trevor Project is well worth supporting though.
Stars: Three and a half, short and spicy, just a bit too short for me
ARC supplied for review purposes by Netgalley and publisher
Review from Jeannie Zelos book reviews
Genre: Romance, Erotica
This title is part of the 2016 Holiday Charity Bundle collection supporting The Trevor Project.
I’d loved one of Charlotte’s stories I’d read before, so knew I enjoyed her writing style, and this – vampires, ménage, and a synopsis that sounded fun, meant I’d clicked the request button before realising it was a novella.
My bad. :-( I so struggle with those, some people love them but me, I always feel the stories are too truncated, that I don’t get to really know the characters and events.
This book was a perfect example of that – as a full length novel I think I’d love it, but everything happened so fast here that I just didn’t feel properly connected to the story or characters.
When it starts Zeke has been the subject of Cora’s crush for a while. She’s the shy, retiring type though, so doesn’t do more than blush and get tongue tied each time she sees him. Its the xmas party and he’s brought Merrick with him. From the freezing glares he’s directing at her Cora can see that Merrick is more than just a friend to him, and that he’s Not Happy at Zeke talking to her.
Then everything goes bang and she wakes up a captive. The first part was a great beginning, but of course once she’s transformed and captive there’s a lot of ground to cover in just such a short time.
For me it was hard to accept she understood and welcomed what had happened, she just didn’t seem to me to have that sort of nature. Then it was hard to see how Merrick went from that cold, jealous, supercilious vampire who seemed to hate her, into something else entirely.
Its a great story, but so cut short by the length restrictions that the reasons for events, the side parts and consequences just couldn’t be fit in, and I needed them. The sex though – wham, that’s there, in spades. Sensual and erotic and lots of it.
If you want a short hot read, with a good story ( even though its very compressed) this is your read.
Lots of people like novellas, one of my friends loves them- she reads a few pages each night and says at least this way she can still remember the beginning when she reaches the end....
If you want a short and very erotic read this is perfect, if like me you want more depth, a longer, more fleshed out story then you may feel that this is not really your kind of read.
The Trevor Project is well worth supporting though.
Stars: Three and a half, short and spicy, just a bit too short for me
ARC supplied for review purposes by Netgalley and publisher
Displaying 1 - 30 of 58 reviews