Doug: A Tale of Vampires, Maidens, and Stolen Candelabras

by Shannon Mae

Doug
I have a problem—and it isn’t just being a vampire named Doug. Maidens keep winding up at my castle, freaking out when they find out I’m a vampire, and stealing my candelabras. Really, it’s enough to give a vamp a complex. Not to mention the fortune I’m spending on replacing the candelabras. Luckily, the nearby home store keeps them in stock. They also happen to employ a very cute cashier named Vlad, who ends up stopping by my castle. Now if I can only hide my fangs long enough to avoid him running off screaming into the night with my new candelabra.

Vlad
My mother was a fan of the supernatural (hence the name Vlad), but I don’t believe the customer when he mutters about being a vampire (because what vampire is named Doug?). Imagine my surprise when I find out he really does live in a castle. Doug is a pretty extraordinary guy, and we have way more in common than I expected. Not only that, but things definitely seem a little fairy-tale-like, including how fast I’m falling for the cute guy who I just met. (And are those actually fangs in his mouth?)

Tags: Doug is tired of screaming maidens and stolen candelabras; Mrs. Butters is a meddlesome creature; Vlad really knows how to go with the flow, even if that means rocking a pink bathrobe; knitting and crocheting are art forms; flappy sky puppies are adorable.

Doug: A Tale of Vampires, Maidens, and Stolen Candelabras is a 16k short story.

Genres: Vampires, Humor, Magic, Fantasy, M M Romance, Romance, LGBT

114 pages, Paperback

First published March 28, 2025

Reviews

[Anna · Rating 3 out of 5]

The relationship happened way too fast so I didn't care about that. I only cared about Doug's candelabras. I didn't even highlight anything cause nothing stood out.

I think it needed to be longer and the relationship fleshed out more. But for a novella (that's not connected to any other series!!!), it was pretty good. Finished within a day.

[Kirstine Hansen · Rating 3 out of 5]

Newsletter freebie, from the writer of the Hellhounds of Paradise Falls series.

A clueless vampire named Doug, a cute blond guy named Vlad, a cool castle, a meddlesome and suspiciously capable housekeeper, and oh so many candelabras. The writer has managed to pack a lot of lovely silly into little more than a hundred pages.

I chuckled nervously. This was weird, even for me. This whole place was surreal. Was Tim Curry about to come down the steps in a corset? Had I fallen and hit my head on the road back there and this was all a hallucination?

See?

“Oh. My. God,” he pronounced slowly. “You’re a bat.”
I waited for the yelling or the freaking out.
Only his voice got soft and sweet. “Look at you, all fluffy and adorable with those big eyes and your little fangs!”
My fangs were not little, and I stared at him fiercely. “Awww, you’re so cute! You’re like a flappy little sky puppy! So adorable!”
I am not cute, I spoke into his head. I was surprised I could even manage it— usually it only worked with other vampires or supernatural beings, and Vlad was definitely not supernatural.
Vlad gasped. “And you can talk in my head! That’s so cool! Who wants a scratch? Do you want a little pet?” he cooed.
I am a creature of the night, bringing fear and despair, or at the very least disgust, to all who see me, I told him.
“You are not disgusting! You’re adorable! I bet you feel as soft as you look. Who wants a little scritch behind their ears? Hmmm? Who wants a little pet?” he cooed again.

[Kate · Rating 4 out of 5]

**********Contains Spoilers**********

I really enjoyed this novella and I hope that Shannon decides to expand this world. Even with the short length of this story, I found it no less enjoyable than the Hellhounds of Paradise Falls Series. I thought Doug & Vlad were great together and Mrs Butters just made this story that much better, she definitely enjoys meddling in Doug’s life but she just wants him to find happiness. I had a smile on my face throughout. I’m really looking forward to reading more books from Shannon Mae in the future. I’d recommend this novella and author to others.

******I received a copy of this book because I’m a member of the author’s Patreon. I would still happily review this book even if I purchased it myself. My thoughts and feelings about this book are completely unbiased******

[Lois · Rating 5 out of 5]

I got a digital edition of this and I loved it. So much fun crammed into so few pages. I laughed out loud at the maiden's who kept turning up at Doug's door and them running away screaming and always taking the candelabra with them. The housekeeper was a hoot, but best of all was Vlad, who was so completely unfazed by it all. You can read it in about 90 mins, so it's perfect for a lazy cup of coffee in the afternoon

[Golden Child · Rating 5 out of 5]

Doug & Vlad: Super cute short about Doug, the vampire and Vlad, an unshakable human. Oh and of course, Mrs. Butters! Vlad makes the decision to return Doug’s credit card and Mrs. Butters makes sure he never leaves. Which he doesn’t. Enjoyed this short. Would love to see Doug and Vlad again…and Mrs. Butters!

[Indyannah · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved this! Doug was adorable and I couldn't help but laugh and have a goofy smile on my face the whole time. It's a bit silly and fun but also really sweet. The highlight for me was Mrs. Butters! 🤣 I definitely had a good time reading this!

[Kathryn J · Rating 5 out of 5]

Adorable

[Ashley Matics · Rating 5 out of 5]

Short and sweet novella about a vampire with a meddling housekeeper. It was so good that I read it all in one sitting!

[Robbin Ward · Rating 5 out of 5]

CUTE STORY

[Haven Lockeby · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is such a cute, no angst novella! I would really like to have a Mrs. Butters of my own 😂

[Lenka · Rating 5 out of 5]

A really fun paranormal novella

[Andrea · Rating 4 out of 5]

Absolute fun! Loved it.

[Mary · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cute little read!0

[Marie · Rating 4 out of 5]

A sweet and fun little lunch time read. Would be interested to read Fred’s book.

[Jai Oni · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️1/2
Enjoyment: ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️

[Jessi Thomas · Rating 4 out of 5]

totally adorable