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Bewitched and Bewildered #0.5

My Gifts At Christmas

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As the holidays approach Caspian has resigned himself to the fact that life in the City of Eternal Night is just one meaningless day after another. When his older brother, Magnus, asks him to greet a scientist working on improving the quality of their blood resources, he is surprised to hear that the man is a shifter. Once they meet he is shocked they are mates. When he looks at what Broderick Monroe is carrying on his hip, his heart melts. In one fateful afternoon, he goes from being Noctem Falls' most eligible bachelor, to a mated man with a baby girl!

Broderick Monroe is still reeling from losing his best friend and mother of his child to a senseless carriage accident, when the Prince of the Vampires writes and extends an offer to move him to the Noctem Falls and further fund his research. His only worry his how his toddler Beth will handle living below ground and how the vampire citizens will react to shifters in their city.

When they arrive they are welcomed by the Prince's brother and Broderick almost faints when he realizes this god-like man his is mate. He soon realizes that his mate is as beautiful on the inside as he is on the outside. Caspian turns his entire life to suit his and Beth's needs, becoming a model mate and father. What more could he ask Father Christmas for?

As Caspian and Broderick carve out a new life together, they both start to suspect that the small accidents Beth has been having on a regular basis may not be exactly normal. Being the only shifters in Noctem Falls seemed daunting at first, but when Beth nearly dies for the fourth time in a week, Broderick realizes that it may take an entire city of super strong and fast vampires to keep his baby girl alive!

Father Christmas has his work cut out for him in the City of Eternal Night.

162 pages, Kindle Edition

First published December 29, 2020

348 people are currently reading
599 people want to read

About the author

Alanea Alder

31 books3,621 followers

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5 stars
1,019 (62%)
4 stars
375 (22%)
3 stars
193 (11%)
2 stars
41 (2%)
1 star
15 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 118 reviews
Profile Image for LiteratureLover.
112 reviews14 followers
December 7, 2021
~My Thoughts~
To me, this book does not count as part of the journey these people are going through. This is the story of Beth's fathers and how they felt they were coming together as a family when it all began. This book should have been longer considering if this was part of the Bewitched and Bewildered series. While I am disappointed that this story is not propelled forward, I am looking forward to the next book in the series.
~Story~
I know that the story of Beth's fathers is just an introduction to how they felt when Beth was introduced as an infant to Noctem Falls. This really does not move the story forward it's just a reminder of the holidays. While the story is short, it's just a holiday reading. Just like the author's writing, the story has its moments.
Profile Image for Sydney M Neblett.
2,661 reviews27 followers
February 5, 2023
My Gifts at Christmas
A time of new beginnings
This author continues to amaze me with her ability to bring fresh new situations to her storybook world. I love this little glimpse into the back story of Beth and how she and her father became part of the vampire ruling house. The characters are exactly the way I expected them to be and with each new person introduced to the story it was like greeting an old friend. The reality of Beth’s lack of luck took on an entire new meaning when the author made me wince with each new injury she incurred. This book was everything and more that I had hoped for, and I can’t wait to see where she takes her series next.
5 stars

Tis the Season
Creating new traditions
This was such an awesome little, short story. I know that in the past I would have loved to treat The Elf on the Shelf to the same method of removal as Felix uses. Like all of the books in this series, this one made a smile cross my face and laughter burst from my lips. I hope the author continues to share these shorts with us, they really help to round out the Bewitched and Bewildered daily life experiences.
5 stars
Profile Image for Janet Faes.
215 reviews
December 29, 2020
Great mini collection of stories. Firstly is a short story about Vivi, then a longer story of Caspian and Broderick get together, and finally a short story of Elf on a Shelf.
Profile Image for Darcy.
14.4k reviews543 followers
January 2, 2021
This one was short, but still fun to read. I liked that we got to see how Beth became so beloved to the Vampires and her dads meeting and mating. I loved how Broderick was so stunned at suddenly becoming a Royal and all that came with it. But the best was how Beth won over everyone she came in contact with. The last chapter had me laughing, loved how Meryn and her crew all viewed Christmas and how not all human traditions are good ones.
Profile Image for anna.
1,060 reviews11 followers
July 27, 2022
this book felt like it should’ve been read after something. because suddenly there were too many new characters who all knew each other and they all lived their great event.
also i was so confused when suddenly we weren’t following beth’s story but all these other new characters’. who were they? why?
but the main love arch was so ridiculous i loved it.
516 reviews1 follower
May 3, 2021
Short but sweet

I have read this series 4 times now and they still make me laugh out loud. You really can't go wrong reading anything from Amanda Alder I've loved everything I've read .
Profile Image for Patricia Lopes.
254 reviews46 followers
November 18, 2021
A short story divided in 2 parts.

1st part - Magnum returns from his visit to Meryn in the land of the fae and has to gently maneuver Vivi, his godsdaughter, to work less hours in the lab because of the pregnancy, when he is done he remembers the day Beth entered his life and brought color to it.

2nd part - Caspian finds his mate and discovers that he is now a papa too. This is the story of their mating and we see the 1st times Bethy was hurt, leading to the decision to get Tarak, Turuk & Tarragon as guards/babysitters.
Profile Image for Bruna ♈.
19 reviews5 followers
July 29, 2022
Simplesmente perfeito 💙💜🖤💛💚❤️🤍🧡
O único defeito foi que acabou rápido 🥲
Profile Image for Lee-anna Dunk.
1,348 reviews54 followers
January 1, 2021
So good

This series by Alanea Alder is one of my favourite paranormal romance series to date. Every character is relatable on some level the story line is exceptionally well written and draws the reader in so well you think your actually in the story. it was good to read about Broderick and Caspian and how Bethy brought a bunch of hot vampires who were feeling monotonous in their day to day musings together to become a family so full of love and admiration for a little girl who was so accident Prone that they had to bring in a witch healer to watch over her 24/7. I love this series so much and look forward to the next book in the series . If you haven't yet read these books i truly encourage you to start them ASAP they are honestly the best paranormal romance books out there .

The only criticism I have with this book is that in previous books Alanea described Broderick as a very gorgeous well built man however in this story he is described as nerdy and mousey and I feel there should have been more detail in the claiming between Caspian and Brodrick that kind of fell short for me . Also I would have liked to have seen the reaction they got from the people at the ball to their claiming especially after the way Broderick was treated when he was being fitted for his clothes for the ball.
Profile Image for terrie huffman.
69 reviews
January 7, 2021
My Gifts

I enjoy reading the B &B series. This book was good but not quite what I was expecting. It really didn't include the main character of the series but was actually a history of the coming together of Beth's parents. This in itself could have been included in a book that revolves around the main character Meryn. I also find these stories to be to short to be asking $4.99 . I think $2.99 would be be a more practical price only because stories itself are extremely short. I have read other series that were just as great and longer for the same price,if not,cheaper. As a fan I pay the price but as a consumer it's overpriced. Hopefully, the stories will become longer. I do recommend reading the series as it is a fun book to read just expect to be finished reading before you finish your coffee. One last thing you need to have read and be updated on all characters to read this book.
Profile Image for Kate Anders.
Author 2 books24 followers
March 2, 2021
Lighthearted and cute

Normally I’m not a huge fan of novellas, except in situations like this, where they compliment a series I already love. This one was cute, gave some good extra background, and gave us some glimpses of past and present.

I already really loved Beth as a character, she was a great second character to introduce and I love seeing her throughout the series, so it was really kind of cool to get her family backstory. You hear so much about what it was like for her growing up in a city of vampires, and how she is so prone to injury, so seeing her arrive and how the adults in her life all fell for her and went above and beyond to keep her alive was really cute. I also liked seeing her father’s come together, it was cute. The story itself is short, so there isn’t much outside of glimpses of the past and a little bit about how they celebrate the holiday, its very lighthearted without the underlying plot line that follows the rest of the series.
Profile Image for L.
52 reviews17 followers
December 30, 2020
I am disappointed at the story, it started promising and then it went downhill.

For a series that has lots of sexy time this short story didn’t even bother with one. Seriously why write a m/m story if you are going to take the cowards way out and mate them with a handy? They didn’t even kiss on instances where they normally would. Add to it that the conflict introduce was not even satisfied and you have one annoyed reader.

He never introduce Broderick as his mate or put the exlovers on their place! She just simply jump to a different storyline completely for the end of the book. I was expecting a story that made justice to the writing style of the series so far instead I got a water down incomplete version with unsatisfactory romance.

I would only recommend this reading to super fans of the series otherwise is a waste of time.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Annie.
1,883 reviews13 followers
December 31, 2020
Great light holiday story
Magnus happy to have so many people he now calls family. He can't wait for all the babies that will soon make their family bigger. He reminisces back to the Christmas when Broadrick and Bethy entered their lives. His little brother Caspian found his mate in Broadrick and Bethy stole the hearts of all who met her.
Ryuu contemplates the up coming Christmas Holiday, he has become more than just a squire to Maryn. He is a valued and loved member of a big extended family. All he wants is to make Maryn's Christmas the best she has ever had. His new family bring their holiday traditions and Colton tires to interduce a new one.
A sweet and a little steamy slice of life holiday story. Contains MM
Profile Image for Rachel .
2,250 reviews1 follower
February 3, 2021
Another great add to the series. This is the perfect adorable story for the holiday! This picks up timeline wise after 'My Warrior' with a Present scene, then it's about the Past with Beth as a baby. This was a great way to tie things together and if you were like me you wanted to see a adorable baby Beth catch all the heart from some stuffy vampires! Loved seeing Caspian and Broderick more; they are sexy and swoon worthy for sure!

Also added in this was the short story 'Tis the Season' which timeline wise is after 'My Healer' and is a cute story about the Alpha Unit finding their footing with their new family and some great Christmas ideas! Can't wait for the next.
Profile Image for Jessica.
95 reviews10 followers
April 18, 2021
I am very confused by the timing of this book. I loved seeing the prologue showing Magnus and Vivi and the epilogue showing the Lyconia crew. However, So I am just overall confused. I loved seeing Broderick and Caspian's story, but I want more of the main people!
1,231 reviews4 followers
January 1, 2021
A beautiful gift!

I highly recommend and appreciate this truly magical book and the series in which it ,s to all readers who know love is the gift that last for eternity. The many ways love is illustrated thru this amazing book are amazingly heartwarming and inspiring. I wish the world could adopt the open hearts and acceptance these characters share with the people that become their family. Many blessings to all this holiday season, may then last all thru the new year. Enjoy!
1,137 reviews3 followers
January 10, 2021
My Gifts at Christmas (Bewitched and Bewildered Series by Alanea Alder )

Absolutely Love this entire series by Alanea Alder,it's a must have series for your own personal library!💖Can't stop rereading it because it's always a wonderful time reading about them all. You're going to absolutely love Meryn!!!😅 Alanea Alder has never disappointed with her wonderfully written characters and their interactions and thourghly engaging storylines.Thank you Alanea Alder for writing skill,humor and imagination!😍
1,146 reviews2 followers
February 2, 2021
I absolutely love this series

We go back in time and walk through how Caspian met Broderick and Beth. Magnus and Sebastian accelerating about a baby and even fight over her attention. Broderick and Caspian get to know each other. Beth meets the Warriors and wins their hearts. Once they discover she gets seriously hurt a lot Magnus finds found the clock guards and a healer. Then fast forward to Meryn and crew. They have an issue with Elf on a Shelf. It was very funny. Love, love this book.
Profile Image for Starla.
952 reviews
February 11, 2022
A heart felt book with lots of laughs

I read the reviews of people being upset about this book being in the past and Mervyn not being a main character. I love Meryn & while I missed laughing hysterically at her antics. I loved reading about how Beth became the beloved Princess of the City of Eternal Night. I found this book funny and so much fun as the people and warriors all fell in love with Beth when she arrived at Noctem Falls. This was a beautiful story. I cannot wait until the next one.
Profile Image for Joseph Hargis.
10 reviews
August 4, 2022
A Bromance?

This was a disappointment. Previous books in this series had a threat hanging over everyone. There was humor, suspense, mystery, and struggles in the relationships of the various characters as they coped with things we all do. The pace was good and the resolution was well worked out. In contrast, this book focused almost completely on the bromance of Caspian and Broderick. I was 62% through the book and put it down. This was not what I came to expect from Bewitched and Bewildered.
Profile Image for Sam Everard.
235 reviews12 followers
January 1, 2021
This novella made for a sweet addition to the B&B series. Caspian and Broderick have always been favorites of mine, so to watch them meet and to watch the change to come over Noctem Falls due to Beth's arrival was a welcome treat. Now, if we could just add a mating story for Magnus...

Either way, this was a short but very enjoyable read, and one that anyone who has read the series will love. Highly recommend.
Profile Image for Elaine Kirby.
972 reviews2 followers
January 3, 2021
This Was Fun!

The 2 stories in this book were a fun read. Especially the 1st story which gave us (the readers) some background information on Bethy aka Beth & her fathers’ mating.

The 2nd story was interesting in it had to with the Elf on the Shelf & what Meryn made the Elf do to get it thrown into the fireplace. Because she found it creepy.

Thank you Alanea for this heart warming book.
Profile Image for Sandra Wolfe.
745 reviews4 followers
January 3, 2021
Thank you!

Thank you so much for this amazing Xmas present! It was so great getting to see the back story of Beth, Caspian and Broderick. I adore Magnus so much and wish for a mate for him so bad. He is one of my top characters. The extra bit with Meryn at the was great too. My kid is obsessed with elf on the shelf and now all elves. He has a weird creepy amount of them. But you’re only a kid once so creep on. Can’t wait for more!
Profile Image for Carol Ann.
3 reviews
September 28, 2021
What is happening to this series

This is a short story that should have been included in another book. It wasn’t worth the cost. I have loved the rest of the books in this series, but the time lapse between books is almost a year now. When I saw that this is what she put out instead of advancing the story I was so disappointed. Now it’s the end of September, 9 months later, and still no book. Very frustrating.
523 reviews3 followers
December 30, 2020
Very , very good

I have read the whole series and I can't get enough . The characters get better with each book . I can't get over how each female lead has her own levels of strength and love . The storyline keeps getting more interesting . I have had to re-read the whole series a couple of times because I can't get enough . I miss the guy in the grocery store , but I have really enjoyed getting to know Beth as a baby . Worth every penny .
688 reviews
January 2, 2021
My Gifts at Christmas

The Bewitched and Bewildered series is a must have
in any bookshelf or ereader. It the best.
Written with such in-depth feeling, you think you are there.
You'll laugh and cry with the characters and talk about them
As if they are your best friends.
Thank you Amanda Alder, just ... thanks
468 reviews2 followers
January 2, 2021
Caspian's Story

A background novella/novelette (?) about how Broderick and Beth as a baby came to Noctem Falls. After the first three days, she's already broken both arms and gotten burned. Magnus sets up a plan.
In a second shorter story, at the Alpha Estate Elf in a Shelf doesn't go over to well.
2,518 reviews16 followers
January 5, 2021
Great book

Oh how I loved reading this novella. Just seeing how Beth and Broderick came to be in Noctem Falls was amazing. I loved the almost instant connections they formed. I fell in love with these characters all over again. Then to see how they celebrated their first Xmas in Lycaonia was so much fun. Cannot wait for the next book.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 118 reviews

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