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A Loving Nip #1
A Nip of Good Cheer
Daystrum Striplan, second in command of the Esson vampire coven, knows he’s been distracted the past month or two. He just can’t figure out what tugs at his mind…or rather…whom. Every night Daystrum’s dreams are plagued by a slender male figure with striking blue eyes. When he wakes, his fangs ache with the need to sink them into the man’s column of tanned flesh and taste his blood. Unfortunately, Daystrum can’t remember where or when—hell, even if—he’s met the man in his dreams. Then, the evening of the coven Christmas party, Daystrum scents the object of his obsession, Korbin Harris. He’s not the only one who notices the human, though. Jaymes, the master of a visiting coven also expresses his interest, and that vampire doesn’t have to beg forgiveness for forgetting their first meeting…a meeting that Korbin remembers. Can Daystrum earn the forgiveness and affection of his wayward beloved?
124 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 1, 2014
33 people are currently reading
161 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews
December 22, 2014
Cute but damn, how hard is it to get someone to beta read and edit before publication? Seriously, moving body parts, actions that don't fit context and apparent missing phrases or sentences.
The story is part of the existing world built buy the author but apparently an additional series in an already stretched thin universe.
The problem is there is no conflict, danger or action. There is a conflict plot but it involves setting up the next book in the series. No drama here.
This only relates to Christmas as it begins there is a formal Christmas party that both MC's quickly leave.
One sex scene that was over quickly unless you count a private handjob in the shower.
Boring!
The story is part of the existing world built buy the author but apparently an additional series in an already stretched thin universe.
The problem is there is no conflict, danger or action. There is a conflict plot but it involves setting up the next book in the series. No drama here.
This only relates to Christmas as it begins there is a formal Christmas party that both MC's quickly leave.
One sex scene that was over quickly unless you count a private handjob in the shower.
Boring!
June 29, 2022
*3,75 Sterne*
January 25, 2015
Daystrum is such a great name – and even more so for a vampire. I like it so much that I almost don’t care about anything else here. Doesn’t really work that way, alas.
I just wish the characters had more uniqueness to them. I am not even asking for much. I remember this author sometimes had characters that stood out from among the rest. These days it feels like it’s always the same story with the same people. Not sure she even bothers with characterization beyond “this one is intelligent, this one is overweight, this one used to be homophobic, this one’s brawny” and so on.
It doesn’t help that in this book much time is spent setting up a future pairing. Or at least too much time in comparison to what the actual romance receives. That’s one of the issues with such brief books.
So, I totally love Daystrum’s name, but he’s just another in an endless stream of ever-same paper dolls to me. And Korbin? Well. He likes math.
The writing is lacking as well – in ways that editing should have caught.
All of this is making me sad.
I pick these books up as a reliable source of safe mushiness, but somehow I keep expecting more than just the bare bones of a story. I do seem to remember that some of the earlier volumes worked that way for me. These days, though, I end up largely disappointed.
I just wish the author would take more time (and words) with each individual volume and couple. It’d be worth it for sure.
I just wish the characters had more uniqueness to them. I am not even asking for much. I remember this author sometimes had characters that stood out from among the rest. These days it feels like it’s always the same story with the same people. Not sure she even bothers with characterization beyond “this one is intelligent, this one is overweight, this one used to be homophobic, this one’s brawny” and so on.
It doesn’t help that in this book much time is spent setting up a future pairing. Or at least too much time in comparison to what the actual romance receives. That’s one of the issues with such brief books.
So, I totally love Daystrum’s name, but he’s just another in an endless stream of ever-same paper dolls to me. And Korbin? Well. He likes math.
The writing is lacking as well – in ways that editing should have caught.
All of this is making me sad.
I pick these books up as a reliable source of safe mushiness, but somehow I keep expecting more than just the bare bones of a story. I do seem to remember that some of the earlier volumes worked that way for me. These days, though, I end up largely disappointed.
I just wish the author would take more time (and words) with each individual volume and couple. It’d be worth it for sure.
December 26, 2014
I rate this book a 1.5... This story could have been so much better if it wasn't for all the type-o's and incomplete pasages. Once again you have another book out by Charlie with so many errors... making it very difficult for the reader to follow the story. A couple of times I needed to re-read a passage just to make sense at what the author intended to say. I definitely recommend Charlie Richards investing in beta readers to proof read your work before going to publication. It's a disservice to your fans to have to suffer through countless of your books with the same issues. I know theirs deadlines that needs to be meet, but is it worth the quality of work suffering by putting out such work and losing fans in the process??? It's getting to the point before purchasing one of Charlie's book... I'm asking myself do I really want to buy this book knowing what the outcome of the work is going to be.
December 22, 2014
Korbin saw Daystrum in Love On An Owl's Wing and we learned of his interest in Wooing His Wolf.
An enjoyable story that brings together one set of mates and sets up the story for another.
For those wondering, we first met Daystrom back in A Bite of Fulfillment
An enjoyable story that brings together one set of mates and sets up the story for another.
For those wondering, we first met Daystrom back in A Bite of Fulfillment
September 17, 2022
1.5 Stars
This was too short for my liking with hardly any character building with a fleeting back story.
This was too short for my liking with hardly any character building with a fleeting back story.
June 3, 2016
Characters are connected to previous books/series:
Educating the Platypus & Wooing His Wolf
Huh. Maybe, more like 2.5? Hell if I know.
It was pretty meh to me, to be honest.
There wasn't much focus on the main couple, not really. There was nearly an equal amount of focus on Paul, who'll be part of the next book's pair (with Jaymes). The second half of the book was more about Paul's drama than the main couple's relationship. It seemed like once Korbin and Daystrum realized they were mates, things just jumped to the secondary story line with Paul. I don't mind dual story lines, but when I book such as this is so short, it'd be nice if secondary plots didn't overshadow the main point of the book - Korbin/Daystrum! You know?
I'm not entirely looking forward to the second book. I don't mind age-gaps when done well, but...
Educating the Platypus & Wooing His Wolf
Huh. Maybe, more like 2.5? Hell if I know.
It was pretty meh to me, to be honest.
There wasn't much focus on the main couple, not really. There was nearly an equal amount of focus on Paul, who'll be part of the next book's pair (with Jaymes). The second half of the book was more about Paul's drama than the main couple's relationship. It seemed like once Korbin and Daystrum realized they were mates, things just jumped to the secondary story line with Paul. I don't mind dual story lines, but when I book such as this is so short, it'd be nice if secondary plots didn't overshadow the main point of the book - Korbin/Daystrum! You know?
I'm not entirely looking forward to the second book. I don't mind age-gaps when done well, but...
April 19, 2015
I'm gonna say the same thing about this book that I do every other Charlie Richards book; it's like candy. Bad for you, but enjoyable and fun to digest.
August 6, 2015
Not the best start for a new series. It won't stop me from reading the rest though. It was just ok for me.
November 5, 2017
I’m between 3 and 4 stars on this one, mostly because I think it is better than some of her other works but still not really doing it for me. I am so happy that this book didn’t commit the sins that I really disliked about other works by Ms. Richards. Namely, the human MC, Korbin in this case, is not a hapless weakling yearning to be rescued. He’s got a good head on his shoulders, is smart and compassionate. Second, there was no gratuitous murder of homophobic characters; although, the homophobic characters, Paul’s foster family, were there. My issues with this is that it seems to be stuck somewhere between different series in the guise of setting up yet another new series. There is really no action or angst other than the briefly addressed issue of Paul’s situation. Key to the goings on here are Adalric, Seth and Toni from the A Paranormal’s Love series, and Kontra, Yuma, Payson and others from the Kontra’s Menagerie series. Each of those series has crossovers to other series as well. Seems with all these paranormals running through so many different series that perhaps Ms. Richards has bitten off more than she can chew (pun intended).
March 16, 2024
The primary relationship here is standard and boring, nothing even remotely exciting.
I don’t know why this is a spin off rather than just a continuation of the same series except maybe to separate out the Christmas books. But this was barely Christmasy, only a bunch of holiday trees establishing it as such. The book is so heavily dependent on the previous books that an info dump about who is whom and what is what is necessary including what happened to his own roommates finding their beloveds. It’s not like it’s even focused on a new group or coven.
The secondary plot is that of an older and powerful vampire finding his mate in a 17-year-old boy. I really hate the trope of paranormals finding their underage mate. I’ve gotten enough books about that under my belt which have dealt with that both well and badly that I wish they would just go back to pretending it never happens. It’s not like these are about any hard-hitting social issues. It makes me super uncomfortable.
I doubt I’ll Rea as more of these unless it’s for a challenge (like this time). They just don’t hold the same interest for me anymore.
I don’t know why this is a spin off rather than just a continuation of the same series except maybe to separate out the Christmas books. But this was barely Christmasy, only a bunch of holiday trees establishing it as such. The book is so heavily dependent on the previous books that an info dump about who is whom and what is what is necessary including what happened to his own roommates finding their beloveds. It’s not like it’s even focused on a new group or coven.
The secondary plot is that of an older and powerful vampire finding his mate in a 17-year-old boy. I really hate the trope of paranormals finding their underage mate. I’ve gotten enough books about that under my belt which have dealt with that both well and badly that I wish they would just go back to pretending it never happens. It’s not like these are about any hard-hitting social issues. It makes me super uncomfortable.
I doubt I’ll Rea as more of these unless it’s for a challenge (like this time). They just don’t hold the same interest for me anymore.
June 16, 2017
I loved this, especially after finding out that Daystrum (vampire) was okay, because the last I've read in her other series, he was just recovering from being attacked, so in this he was fine. He suddenly realizes that Korbin is his beloved. A lot of the plot centers around Paul and Jaymes and their issues, but still, this was sweet and just awesome. I'll be reading the next book in the series. Simply engrossing.
March 11, 2018
This is my first time reading Charlie Richard's books. I enjoyed the story, but I wish I had read them in the right order as I feel it would have helped a lot to read the other series that introduced these characters first. But its no big deal I will just hunt them down and binge read them.
November 20, 2018
3.5✨ There are definitely at least a few other books I’ll be reading from this series.
October 17, 2019
Second in Command Daystrum and Mathematics Student Korbin
November 5, 2023
This was a good time. Her writing and characters are so addictive to me I can’t wait for more.
January 9, 2016
Am I His Beloved?
Finally I got to read the first book in A Loving Nip services. It was as satisfying and as interesting as I hoped it would be.
Be forewarned you really need to read three books from the Kontra's Menagerie series: #17 Educating the Platypus; #18 Love on an Owl's Wing; #19 Wooing His Wolf before you begin this series. These three books established the basic friendships and courtships of the four best friends that are constantly referred to in the book. Also some members of Kontra's Menagerie and Aldaric's coven are reintroduced enough to get a good sense of who they are and how important & powerful Kontra is.
Korbin has been feels lonely with two of his best friends mated and living elsewhere. His alone time also gives him a chance to really think about his future beyond a part time business venture with his best buds. Working as a Tutor for a Big Brother program and having spent the past three years assisting his friends, as well as other college students, Korbin finally realized he wanted more out of his life. He wants to go to graduate school and become a professor. He really loved helping others learn.
His remaining roommate & BFF (best friend forever) teased him mercilessly about a Vampire that Korbin had made the mistake of mentioning a few months back. Korbin was confused and hurt by how he felt such a strong attraction to the Vampire, enough that to inquire about him with other shifters especially Kontra.
He was told a Vampire had to bite his Beloved to be certain, but he would have felt the pull of his Beloved's blood if he'd been near him. Korbin was so disappointed. He fought hard to rid himself of his crush, but he couldn't control his nightly erotic dreams that starred the handsome Vampire, Daystrum.
A Christmas party - a black tie affair - gives Korbin an opportunity to not only see his moved out & mated best friends, but the Vampire who has plagued his waking and sleeping hours. Determined not to make a fool of himself despite his friends continuous teasing (and betting on his love life). He begins a nice conversation with a tall handsome sophisticated Vampire, Jaymes that appeared to have some status at the huge coven.
Unfortunately for the first time second in command, Daystrum felt his Beloved blood pull and it coincidentally was the collegiate Human Korbin who he jealously watched being escorted by the higher ranking Jaymes. If it weren't for the psychic visions of Tim, the Grizzly alpha's mate, the two "mates" may have missed more time together. Korbin was not pleased with having been ignored. There definitely needed to be some groveling.
What I really enjoyed about this first story was the introduction of several very interesting characters, whose stories I can't wait to read and see how they relate them back to characters in Richards other series: Stone Ridge Wolves, Paranormal Love Story, and Kontra's Menagerie.
Finally I got to read the first book in A Loving Nip services. It was as satisfying and as interesting as I hoped it would be.
Be forewarned you really need to read three books from the Kontra's Menagerie series: #17 Educating the Platypus; #18 Love on an Owl's Wing; #19 Wooing His Wolf before you begin this series. These three books established the basic friendships and courtships of the four best friends that are constantly referred to in the book. Also some members of Kontra's Menagerie and Aldaric's coven are reintroduced enough to get a good sense of who they are and how important & powerful Kontra is.
Korbin has been feels lonely with two of his best friends mated and living elsewhere. His alone time also gives him a chance to really think about his future beyond a part time business venture with his best buds. Working as a Tutor for a Big Brother program and having spent the past three years assisting his friends, as well as other college students, Korbin finally realized he wanted more out of his life. He wants to go to graduate school and become a professor. He really loved helping others learn.
His remaining roommate & BFF (best friend forever) teased him mercilessly about a Vampire that Korbin had made the mistake of mentioning a few months back. Korbin was confused and hurt by how he felt such a strong attraction to the Vampire, enough that to inquire about him with other shifters especially Kontra.
He was told a Vampire had to bite his Beloved to be certain, but he would have felt the pull of his Beloved's blood if he'd been near him. Korbin was so disappointed. He fought hard to rid himself of his crush, but he couldn't control his nightly erotic dreams that starred the handsome Vampire, Daystrum.
A Christmas party - a black tie affair - gives Korbin an opportunity to not only see his moved out & mated best friends, but the Vampire who has plagued his waking and sleeping hours. Determined not to make a fool of himself despite his friends continuous teasing (and betting on his love life). He begins a nice conversation with a tall handsome sophisticated Vampire, Jaymes that appeared to have some status at the huge coven.
Unfortunately for the first time second in command, Daystrum felt his Beloved blood pull and it coincidentally was the collegiate Human Korbin who he jealously watched being escorted by the higher ranking Jaymes. If it weren't for the psychic visions of Tim, the Grizzly alpha's mate, the two "mates" may have missed more time together. Korbin was not pleased with having been ignored. There definitely needed to be some groveling.
What I really enjoyed about this first story was the introduction of several very interesting characters, whose stories I can't wait to read and see how they relate them back to characters in Richards other series: Stone Ridge Wolves, Paranormal Love Story, and Kontra's Menagerie.
January 2, 2015
I had no idea we were moving on to another spin off series!! I literally bought the book just bc it was a new Charlie Richards and was pleasantly surprised when I realized we were now focusing on the vampire covens.
This book was about Daystrum the vamp (coolest name ever) and Korbin the human. Korbin was one of the 4 friends...3 human one shifter.. who all grew up together and have been getting mated off one by one.
This book Also introduced Paul Korbins 17 yo little brother thru the community program who is also the future Beloved of Jaymes Master of the vamp coven a few towns over.
I Have to say that mid book the focus began to shift from Korbin and Daystrum to Paul bc Paul found himself in a sticky situation. I was also shocked and a little bummed when I "turned" the page and the book was over. It had seemed more like a chapter ending more than an actual book ending. We had no real resolution on Paul's situation and I wanted more time with Paul and Daystrum. The book was a good length I just wish more of it had been spent developing the main couples relationship.
This book was about Daystrum the vamp (coolest name ever) and Korbin the human. Korbin was one of the 4 friends...3 human one shifter.. who all grew up together and have been getting mated off one by one.
This book Also introduced Paul Korbins 17 yo little brother thru the community program who is also the future Beloved of Jaymes Master of the vamp coven a few towns over.
I Have to say that mid book the focus began to shift from Korbin and Daystrum to Paul bc Paul found himself in a sticky situation. I was also shocked and a little bummed when I "turned" the page and the book was over. It had seemed more like a chapter ending more than an actual book ending. We had no real resolution on Paul's situation and I wanted more time with Paul and Daystrum. The book was a good length I just wish more of it had been spent developing the main couples relationship.
April 30, 2016
Korbin Harris has been studying hard with the goal of becoming a professor. He has had a crush on Daystrum Stricklin since he first laid eyes on him, but he does not think Daystrum returns his desires or even remembers him. Unfortunately, his friends remind him of the Christmas party which Korbin would prefer to skip. HE does not wish to see Daystrum. but his friends will not take no.
Daystrum is finally recovering from his injuries. Has been having erotic dreams and is sure it is his beloved. The dreams are a plague as he never sees his face. At the party he scents the object of his dreams and spots Korbin. Unfortunately, a visiting vampire has also spotted Korbin.
I love when someone has to work hard for their love. Daystrum had some explaining to do to convince his beloved he was serious. He also had to convince him before Jaymes, the visiting vampire, takes him from Daystrum. There was an underlying plot that was amazing to highlight the suspense.
Daystrum is finally recovering from his injuries. Has been having erotic dreams and is sure it is his beloved. The dreams are a plague as he never sees his face. At the party he scents the object of his dreams and spots Korbin. Unfortunately, a visiting vampire has also spotted Korbin.
I love when someone has to work hard for their love. Daystrum had some explaining to do to convince his beloved he was serious. He also had to convince him before Jaymes, the visiting vampire, takes him from Daystrum. There was an underlying plot that was amazing to highlight the suspense.
December 14, 2015
Mostly a cute.. but kind of boring.. read. There's not any big action taking place and the reason for forgetting his mate wasn't some big huge deal to overcome.
This is NOT really a stand alone either. You could probably get away with reading this without any other Charlie Richards books but it won't make nearly as much sense for those that haven't read all the connecting series... eh that would be...
Wolves of Stone Ridge
Kontra's Menagerie
A Paranormal's Love
I think those are the only ones but there's quite a few.. Probably should make a big series arc to contain ALL of them.. snicker.. Lynn Hagen should also have that.
Moving on.. I am willing to give the next one a try. I've yet to really draw a line in the sand on any of this author's series so I guess I will have to endure if it's less than stellar
2.5 stars is my stand for not enough action
This is NOT really a stand alone either. You could probably get away with reading this without any other Charlie Richards books but it won't make nearly as much sense for those that haven't read all the connecting series... eh that would be...
Wolves of Stone Ridge
Kontra's Menagerie
A Paranormal's Love
I think those are the only ones but there's quite a few.. Probably should make a big series arc to contain ALL of them.. snicker.. Lynn Hagen should also have that.
Moving on.. I am willing to give the next one a try. I've yet to really draw a line in the sand on any of this author's series so I guess I will have to endure if it's less than stellar
2.5 stars is my stand for not enough action
March 7, 2015
Charlie Richards style of writing is fun loving sassy and you can see it in this book from beginning to end. Daystrum (vampire) is recovering from a previous injury that unfortunately has landed him in the hot seat but not in a good way with his soul mate, his beloved. Korbin Harris (human) is such a cutie and smarter than your average bear who has "The Lust" for one gorgeous vampire. Thinking his feelings are not returned he attempts to move forward with his life and catches the eyes of another charmer. Thum thum thum thum it is never easy in the paranormal world and things sure gets hot and heavy for all involved and this short book definitely feels like a 3 course meal in a 5 star restaurant. So don't miss out and take a nip of good cheer tonight.
January 13, 2015
While I do think it's cool that Ms. Richards is setting a number of her stories in my home state, her books would gain some real traction if she would take the time to learn a bit more about the area she's writing about and actually write about it. At one point there's a cookout going on in the story and one key ingredient is missing from the food line up which any good New Mexican would never leave out, especially when there are cheeseburgers on the menu ... Green Chile. Also, would it hurt to acknowledge that the characters in these books who are going to college are attending UNM?
Otherwise, a good short story.
Otherwise, a good short story.
March 23, 2015
Daystrum is the second in command of the vampire coven and he was severely injured With his injury had some problems recognize his beloved when he visits. Korbin thinks that Daystrum is just not interested in him. When Korbin and his friends are invited to the coven holiday party. Daystrum has to make Korbin see that they are mates and make it up to him. It was a joy to read about some of the previous characters in this book
OVERALL IMPRESSION OF THE BOOK: A great book I Loved it.....Can't wait for the next one
MY RATING: 5 Hearts *****
OVERALL IMPRESSION OF THE BOOK: A great book I Loved it.....Can't wait for the next one
MY RATING: 5 Hearts *****
January 4, 2015
This is a spin-off of one of her other series (Kontra's Menagerie, I think?) so I felt a little bit jolt by not knowing who all the characters were, since I only read a few books in that series. Still, it was overall easy to pick up on and enjoy. I am definitely interested in more m/m vampire stories than shifter stories these days, so I thought it was a sweet and enjoyable read!
June 18, 2024
Decided to indulge in some classic Charlie Richards. Yep, while characters are not fully developed, Charlie's use of inferred traits and stereotyping is on point for a shorter story. Her plot work is great and the main conflict for the book is addressed by the end while a background plot is moved forward. All good 4/5
December 19, 2014
Daystrum and Korbin :) I've been waiting for Korbin's book! This really didn't disappoint. I am looking forward to reading the rest of this series. Vamps, vamps, and more vamps! YAY!
I would have liked to know what accident Daystrum was in though.
I would have liked to know what accident Daystrum was in though.
July 29, 2017
OK
Cute little love story. Story had no excitement, passion or action. Story was pretty predictable. I thought Jaymes' interest in Korbin would add some excitement but that quickly fizzled out.
Cute little love story. Story had no excitement, passion or action. Story was pretty predictable. I thought Jaymes' interest in Korbin would add some excitement but that quickly fizzled out.
September 14, 2020
Wolves, then shifters, followed by Gargoyles, now Vampires
A quick sweet uncomplicated story to start off the Vampire series. Visited some old friends briefly so this series appears as if it will mingle with the other 3 as well. Looking forward to Paul's story.
A quick sweet uncomplicated story to start off the Vampire series. Visited some old friends briefly so this series appears as if it will mingle with the other 3 as well. Looking forward to Paul's story.
December 25, 2014
Better than the last few only because there were no action scenes to screw up. A pretty cut and dry romance with loads of sex scenes and no really major conflicts to drive the characters.
December 26, 2014
A Nip of Good Cheer (A Loving Nip Book 1)
A great book I Loved it can't wait to read the next one in the series I hope it's soon I will be watching for it...
A great book I Loved it can't wait to read the next one in the series I hope it's soon I will be watching for it...
Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews