A Python for Christmas: A Four Snakes of Vancity Short Story

by Charlene Pender

The Four Snakes of Vancity abide by four rules —and Ivan is about to break one of them. He’s been in love with Mei for as long as he can remember, but their love is forbidden. Born into rival gangs, their families rip them apart before their relationship can blossom. But now, seven years later, Ivan has a plan. A plan to nab himself the best Christmas present he could ever hope for.

Ivan is the furthest thing from Mei’s mind. She knows the four rules as well as anyone associated with her uncle’s business and assumes she’s safe. She’s untouchable. Busy preparing for the holidays and her father’s impending arrival, she never expects to be kidnapped while Christmas shopping, and least of all expects to see him.

As feelings and memories from the past resurface, Mei is hesitant to be with Ivan. But Ivan? He’s convinced they’ll be together, one way… or another.

This short story ends abruptly and is meant to leave readers begging for more. A pre-cursor to the FOUR SNAKES OF VANCITY mafia romance series. This story features forbidden love, childhood lovers, rival gangs, and a pinch of pent up spice...

67 pages, Kindle Edition

Published December 4, 2023

Reviews

[Jessica (Read book. Repeat) · Rating 4 out of 5]

You can find this review and all my others over at Read Book. Repeat

I received a complimentary copy of this book and am leaving this review voluntarily.

Actual rating of 4.5

Vancity is ruled by The Four Snakes. And these four snakes abide by four rules. One of which, Ivan, a Cobra, is about to break in spades. The Family members who are not a part of the life, are known as garters, which means they are untouchable and safe, never to be used or hurt to gain advantage. Mei is a garter. Her uncle is a Python, and she has no connection in his wheelings and dealings, so the last thing she expects is to be kidnapped while she's rushing to do a last-minute Christmas shop. And she definitely doesn't expect to be kidnapped by her childhood love. The love she had to forget about because two different snakes can never be together. Mei is terrified of the consequences that Ivan will face should they be found, but Ivan is determined that they will be together, no matter what.

This was a super quick and fun read that gives a fantastic taste to the series to come. It gave me a great look at Pender's writing style, which I am all for. And also gave us a little bit of an insight into the mafia world that we'll be seeing in the main series. I feel like this was a great choice to make because it allowed the reader to get the basic run down on how the Four Snakes and their world works, without info dumping, and it means that we shouldn't need a big recap in book one.

This was told through alternating points of view between Mei and Ivan. I really loved how both characters, even in such a short page count, really stood off the page. Pender was able to create such rich and fully developed characters in less than a hundred pages, so I cannot wait to see what she does with a full-length novel! I was completely engaged in the story from the beginning, and I fell straight into Mei and Ivan's world without even trying.

I loved the cute little touches that Ivan had included in their little halfway cabin, and I could see straight away how deeply he cares for Mei. I got a solid feel for both of their distinct personalities and I'm looking forward to getting to know them better. This short story does end abruptly, but it's exactly what it says it is, a taster and a little precursor to the main story which is to come.

I can say, without a shadow of a doubt, that I will be picking the series up as soon as I can because I need to see how Ivan and Mei's story unfolds. I'm also keen to learn more about the Four Snakes and their lives in general and how they came to be.

If you're looking for a super quick yet enjoyable read to help round out your reading goals for the year. Pick this one up! It's the perfect little taste test, with a short page count, but it sure does pack a punch. It also gave me major festive vibes which I'm all about this year!!

[Alicia Amberg · Rating 5 out of 5]

I LOVED this short story. I don't read short stories often but this one has my heart. I want a full novel! I loved the dynamic and the character's tension. The spicy scene was... HOT. This was a great palate cleanser for me and will be keeping an eye out for new releases!

If you love mafia, forbidden love, and hurt her you... you know, you'll absolutely love this little holiday-dark romance.

5 stars overall and 3-5 on the spice level but a 5 star kinda spice. Not only was the spice in the MMC POV but it was written in the "woman's gaze."

[Savannah Giles · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
🌶🌶/5

Spoilers: YES

A Python for Christmas follows Ivan and Mei. Ivan would do anything to get Mei back. Including kidnapping her, killing for her, and breaking two of the four cardinal rules.

It was a short read, but well worth it. There was a ton of interesting world building and explaining how the four snakes work.

All in all, I would recommend this short story for those of you who are looking fir a short, dark mafia romance.

[Sherleen · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a gang short story with a kind of Romeo and Juliet vibe. Is action packed, describes the characters and the environment that they grew up in, that determined the troubles they are facing at this time. The storytelling is great and the ending will keep you at the end of your seat. Don't come at me when you finish reading it, I don't want to give away any spoilers. *evil laugh* Add it to your holidays reads!!

[Michelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mafia romance. Forbidden love. A corba in love with a garter from another family. Tore apart from there families. Ivan now has broken two of the cardinal rules.

This is the beginning of the series and gives you a taste. And i enjoyed the taste as set in canada and definitely couldn't put this novella down.

[Jessica Beattie · Rating 4 out of 5]

🐍ARC REVIEW🐍


Rival gangs. Cardinal rules broken. A second chance at love.

I loved this story. I love Ivan & Mei. But boy are they in for some heavy turbulence in their future.

I cannot wait to read the rest of the story!! This book ends on a cliffhanger and it definitely left me wanting more!!!

[Tabatha Slagle · Rating 4 out of 5]

This short by Charlene Pender introduces you to Mei, Ivan, and VanCity. It is short, so just be aware of that going in. It is simply an introductory teaser to a new world. It does start off slower as you get some background, but it ends with a bang. I'm intrigued to see what the series brings.

[Caitlynn Gilles · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! ❤️💚 🎄This steamy Christmas, enemies to lovers, dark romance short story was so captivating, could not put it down, read straight through it! Really really want to know what happens??!!! Can't wait for more🥵

[Michaela · Rating 5 out of 5]

Super fast read and definitely leaves you wanting more, just as the author promises. Can’t wait for the rest of the series to come out because I need to know what Ivan does to be with Mei!!!

[Brittany Posey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fast paced, short story that leaves you craving for more! I can't wait till more of this series is released.

[GKP2460 · Rating 4 out of 5]

An excellent fast paced story that wasn't near enough of Ivan and Mei. I need more NOW!

[Alex ✨ · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved this short story and I can't wait to see what else is to come for the series!

[Ramona Rebarchik · Rating 5 out of 5]

Need more

Well written but as the prologue says it ends abruptly. I really wish this had been released after the book that it precedes was written before the other was released.

[Courtney · Rating 5 out of 5]

I need more!!!

Spice: 2.5/5
Overall: 5/5

This was such a good teaser! I can't wait to read more of Ivan and Mei's story.

Ivan is obsessed with Mei, and I need this in my life, asap!🥵

[Stephanie P · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a quick read! But it’s an introduction to the Four Snakes of Vancity! This definitely set the story up and explains the rules of the gangs! I can’t wait to read more!!!

[Books.of.steph · Rating 4 out of 5]

I thought this was a good short story to introduce us to this new world. It was definitely a very quick read but there was enough information to make sure we didn't feel lost and to grab our interest. With the length of the story you do not get to see a lot of background information or any kind of growth but this is not what it is meant to be. This is just a tease and it introduces us to the main characters and what will most probably an epic Romeo and Juliet love story. I am looking forward to have the first full length book!

[Mikayla Sawyer · Rating 4 out of 5]

It’s super cute and way shorter than I thought it was going to be but I still enjoyed it. Definitely a good introduction into the world. It leaves you wanting to read more to find out what happens next which I definitely want to know 😅.