What do you think?
Rate this book
Nocturne Falls #5.5
A Vampire's Valentine Surprise
When Delaney Ellingham enters the Nocturne Falls Valentine’s Day Bake-Off, she has no idea that an old rival will create such havoc. Her husband, Hugh, and her friends come to her aid, but even they can’t guess the surprise that lays in store…
Originally Published In Kiss and spell anthology.
Originally Published In Kiss and spell anthology.
ebook
First published February 8, 2016
165 people are currently reading
1030 people want to read
About the author
Kristen Painter
187 books3,416 followersKristen Painter likes to balance her obsessions with shoes and cats by making the lives of her characters miserable and surprising her readers with interesting twists. She currently writes award-winning paranormal romance, paranormal women's fiction, and cozy mysteries. The former college English teacher can often be found on twitter @Kristen_Painter, Facebook at www.facebook.com/KristenPainterAuthor where she loves to interact with readers and her blog: http://kristenpainter.com/blog/.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 151 reviews
February 20, 2017
When authors revisit old favorites in a novella, and you internally fangirl. #myprayershavebeenanswered
Huh.. I probably should’ve been reading this book a week ago for Valentine's Day, but oh well~
---------
*melts into a puddle* This is pretty much the fluffiest, cutest thing ever. There’s a certain development that I should’ve seen coming, but I was still pleasantly surprised. I love Delaney&Hugh so much. <3 I’m also glad to see some old characters back in this book.
Things that you might want to know (WARNING: Spoilers below)
Is there a happy/satisfying ending?
Love triangle? Cheating? Angst level?
Tears-worthy?
Humor?
What age level would be appropriate?
Huh.. I probably should’ve been reading this book a week ago for Valentine's Day, but oh well~
---------
*melts into a puddle* This is pretty much the fluffiest, cutest thing ever. There’s a certain development that I should’ve seen coming, but I was still pleasantly surprised. I love Delaney&Hugh so much. <3 I’m also glad to see some old characters back in this book.
Things that you might want to know (WARNING: Spoilers below)
Is there a happy/satisfying ending?
Love triangle? Cheating? Angst level?
Tears-worthy?
Humor?
What age level would be appropriate?
March 26, 2017
In this novella we revisit our first couple, Delaney and Hugh. It was so great to see them again and sweet to see Hugh’s devotion for Delaney hasn’t waned even a tiny bit. They’re still in love and this time, they’re tackling a Valentine’s Day bake off. This was quick, sweet and revealed something that warmed my heart right up. A definite must read for fans of this series.
February 14, 2020
Perfect little story to enjoy on Valentine's Day. It was cute and romantic and a nice follow up on Delaney and Hugh's story. Too bad we didn't get to see DeDe's reaction to the news.
March 20, 2021
This is a super cute and short in between Novella. It is book 5.5 of the Nocturne Falls series. In The Vampire's Valentine Surprise, we get to catch up with Hugh and Delaney Ellingham, the couple from book 1 in the series. Delaney has entered the towns special cookie, candy, and cake baking competition. She's feeling run down and sick though, very unlike a vampire since they don't catch colds or flus.
In this book, we are also introduced to Delaney's friend Roxy who is planning to move to Nocturne Falls. She is the main character in the next full book. I'm looking forward to reading that!
In this book, we are also introduced to Delaney's friend Roxy who is planning to move to Nocturne Falls. She is the main character in the next full book. I'm looking forward to reading that!
April 16, 2020
Damn it feels good to be a vampire...
January 6, 2017
This was SO cute. Loved that we got to go back and take a second look at a happy couple a little ways down the line. The perfect length. Definitely hope she writes more of these.
July 28, 2017
The Vampire’s Valentine Surprise was yet another quick little read in the amazing world of Nocturne Falls written by Kristen Painter! As you may already know, I ADORE this series, despite being vastly behind!! LOL! Nocturne Falls is definitely up there in my top bookish worlds I’d want to live in, I’d say right up there after Hogwarts!
In this one we see Delaney preparing for the Nocturne Falls’ Valentine’s Day Bake-Off. She’s been driving her husband Hugh a wee bit crazy with all the sugar and taste testing, but once the big day finally arrives, trouble is soon to follow. Delaney takes ill with a few moments of baking. It’s looking very likely that someone may have poisoned her coffee drink or perhaps put in a nasty spell. And when Delaney previously sees her arch-nemesis and competitor leaving her tent, her suspicions are aroused.
She quickly puts Hugh on the case, as she’s kind of busy trying to win the bake-off in all three categories. I love Delaney’s determination to finish a bake-off when she very well might be poisoned. When we learn the truth behind the matter it’s nothing short of shocking!!
Reading this little story only reminded me once again why I adore this series so much! It’s just a fun little world filled with paranormal peeps! I would give anything to live in this world! Lol! If I haven’t sold you off on this series yet, I highly recommend it! It’s the prefect kind of read for paranormal lovers who enjoy a bit of mystery as well!
Overall Rating 5/5 stars
In this one we see Delaney preparing for the Nocturne Falls’ Valentine’s Day Bake-Off. She’s been driving her husband Hugh a wee bit crazy with all the sugar and taste testing, but once the big day finally arrives, trouble is soon to follow. Delaney takes ill with a few moments of baking. It’s looking very likely that someone may have poisoned her coffee drink or perhaps put in a nasty spell. And when Delaney previously sees her arch-nemesis and competitor leaving her tent, her suspicions are aroused.
She quickly puts Hugh on the case, as she’s kind of busy trying to win the bake-off in all three categories. I love Delaney’s determination to finish a bake-off when she very well might be poisoned. When we learn the truth behind the matter it’s nothing short of shocking!!
Reading this little story only reminded me once again why I adore this series so much! It’s just a fun little world filled with paranormal peeps! I would give anything to live in this world! Lol! If I haven’t sold you off on this series yet, I highly recommend it! It’s the prefect kind of read for paranormal lovers who enjoy a bit of mystery as well!
Overall Rating 5/5 stars
June 5, 2017
Just Too Sweet!
Hugh Ellingham definately has his hands full when his wife Delaney enters the Valintine Day Bake off. Suspicion that Icky Vicky may have tampered with Delaney's coffee adds to the. already high tensions, especially when it looks like Delaney's health is suddenly taking an inexplicable turn for the worse. Oh, but are they in for a surprise, and what a surprise! Winning the baking contest is not all there is to get at stake in this years bake-off!
Hugh Ellingham definately has his hands full when his wife Delaney enters the Valintine Day Bake off. Suspicion that Icky Vicky may have tampered with Delaney's coffee adds to the. already high tensions, especially when it looks like Delaney's health is suddenly taking an inexplicable turn for the worse. Oh, but are they in for a surprise, and what a surprise! Winning the baking contest is not all there is to get at stake in this years bake-off!
July 26, 2017
I have enjoyed this series from the very first book. Although you do get a little update on Hugh and Delaney in the later books, I always wanted to know more about them. In this book you get the update on Delaney's life since she became a vampire and how she and Hugh are doing. Spoiler Alert...They are still happily married.
January 25, 2020
Listened to this through Audible Escape. The first couple of the series stars in this short, and it was nice to see them again (more than mentions in other books). I guessed the surprise right away, and would really like another book or short on them!
July 31, 2018
oh i just loved this story
December 31, 2018
eh, nothing really happens in this short story.
April 9, 2020
wonderful stories with great characters and a lot of chuckles..luckily they are also on audible escapes so that made them whip by. I am hopeful there are going to be other series with this author.
January 4, 2018
No surprises for the reader but very cute.
May 14, 2022
Cute! This felt like an epilogue for Delaney and Hugh. Short and sweet with a dash of swoon.
Read
March 24, 2016I originally read this adorable short Nocturne Falls story in the Kiss and Spell anthology and LOVE that I now get to have it on its own with adorable cover to add to my eBook collection.
Revisiting with characters is always fun and this was the perfect time to bring back Hugh and Delaney! Readers who haven't read The Vampire's Mail Order Bride (Which is currently free by the way - so what are you waiting for) would definitely want to after this introduction but the great thing about these little shorts is they make a GREAT introduction for people who haven't yet discover the addiction that is Nocturne Falls.
Great little 5 star read to pass a little time! V""V
Revisiting with characters is always fun and this was the perfect time to bring back Hugh and Delaney! Readers who haven't read The Vampire's Mail Order Bride (Which is currently free by the way - so what are you waiting for) would definitely want to after this introduction but the great thing about these little shorts is they make a GREAT introduction for people who haven't yet discover the addiction that is Nocturne Falls.
Great little 5 star read to pass a little time! V""V
April 1, 2016
Nocturne Falls There's No Place Like It In The World
Can you imagine living in a place where it's Halloween 365 days a year? It sounds like the ultimate place to live.
With cakes, cookies and chocolates on her mind Delaney prepares for Nocturne Falls holiday bake off. Everyone is her test subject. It's a miracle that no one has gone into a diabetic coma with all the sugar they've eaten.
It's a short story that shows humor, the love a vampire has for his baker wife and the surprise she has for him.
Can you imagine living in a place where it's Halloween 365 days a year? It sounds like the ultimate place to live.
With cakes, cookies and chocolates on her mind Delaney prepares for Nocturne Falls holiday bake off. Everyone is her test subject. It's a miracle that no one has gone into a diabetic coma with all the sugar they've eaten.
It's a short story that shows humor, the love a vampire has for his baker wife and the surprise she has for him.
November 11, 2020
If you are reading the whole series - and I do encourage you to do that and to do it in order - this book is a bit of a followup to book one.
Book One - The Vampire's Mail Order Bride is Hugh and Delaney's story, and it is a good story. This book takes place months after their marriage and gives us a glimpse into some of their life. Delaney has her candy shop and it is going well, and although she may not need to do anything, this is what she loves and she is good at it.
The Valentine's Bake Off is a big deal, and she is determined to win - it's just what she needs to really launch her mail-order chocolates. But something is up - she is not feelin herself - she's nausea, tired, dizzy and so much more. When she sees a rival in her kitchen space she is sure that she has been poisoned. When she asks Pandora, her friend and a witch to check, here is no poison, but something else turns up.
This is a really quick short read - but it is fun to come back to characters that you have already read about and see what is going on. I love that - it's like becoming friends with them - you don't just et the one book and then never hear about them again. Then again in this series, previous characters are showing up in the books all the time and it is awesome!!
Book One - The Vampire's Mail Order Bride is Hugh and Delaney's story, and it is a good story. This book takes place months after their marriage and gives us a glimpse into some of their life. Delaney has her candy shop and it is going well, and although she may not need to do anything, this is what she loves and she is good at it.
The Valentine's Bake Off is a big deal, and she is determined to win - it's just what she needs to really launch her mail-order chocolates. But something is up - she is not feelin herself - she's nausea, tired, dizzy and so much more. When she sees a rival in her kitchen space she is sure that she has been poisoned. When she asks Pandora, her friend and a witch to check, here is no poison, but something else turns up.
This is a really quick short read - but it is fun to come back to characters that you have already read about and see what is going on. I love that - it's like becoming friends with them - you don't just et the one book and then never hear about them again. Then again in this series, previous characters are showing up in the books all the time and it is awesome!!
December 16, 2020
Series: Nocturne Falls #5.5
Rating: 4 stars - It was really good
Delaney Ellingham is determined to win the Nocturne Falls Valentine’s Day Bake-Off, but an old rival is trying to create havoc for her. Her husband and friends come to her aid but they get a bigger surprise in the end.
This was a fun and cute holiday novella. It was nice to check back in with Hugh and Delaney. Delaney is determined to win the bake-off and has been obsessing over it for weeks. Both Hugh and Stanhill are sugared out and can’t wait for the event to be over. I loved revisiting this original couple and the surprise that is in store for them.
Overall, this was a cute, fluffy novella that is filled with love. I really love these slice-of-life novellas and hope we get more in the future.
This review was originally posted at Red-Haired Ash Reads.
Rating: 4 stars - It was really good
Delaney Ellingham is determined to win the Nocturne Falls Valentine’s Day Bake-Off, but an old rival is trying to create havoc for her. Her husband and friends come to her aid but they get a bigger surprise in the end.
This was a fun and cute holiday novella. It was nice to check back in with Hugh and Delaney. Delaney is determined to win the bake-off and has been obsessing over it for weeks. Both Hugh and Stanhill are sugared out and can’t wait for the event to be over. I loved revisiting this original couple and the surprise that is in store for them.
Overall, this was a cute, fluffy novella that is filled with love. I really love these slice-of-life novellas and hope we get more in the future.
This review was originally posted at Red-Haired Ash Reads.
October 9, 2020
Delaney Ellingham is feeling run down. But that’s not a surprise since she’s prepping to be in three different categories in the Valentine’s Day bake off. One in which her arch enemy’s daughter (who she actually likes) is also participating albeit in a different division. But is it just stress or something more sinister.
This is the novella in this series that made me realize that I really just need to stop reading Painter’s interstitials; I do not like them. The regular books are super fun, fast, and fluffy but when that gets compressed into a novella, it is just fast with not as much of the fun.
This is the novella in this series that made me realize that I really just need to stop reading Painter’s interstitials; I do not like them. The regular books are super fun, fast, and fluffy but when that gets compressed into a novella, it is just fast with not as much of the fun.
September 9, 2021
Delaney's in a tizzy about the upcoming Valentine's Day Bake-Off and poor Hugh and Stanhill have to put up with taste testing all her sugary sweets. Which doesn't sound terrible except that's A LOT of sugar.
Once the bake-off starts, things take a different turn as Delaney begins to suspect a rival of trying to sabotage her chances at winning.
Cute, quick, and not entirely unexpected, I'm digging the time I'm spending in Nocturne Falls.
-Kelly @ Reading the Paranormal
Once the bake-off starts, things take a different turn as Delaney begins to suspect a rival of trying to sabotage her chances at winning.
Cute, quick, and not entirely unexpected, I'm digging the time I'm spending in Nocturne Falls.
-Kelly @ Reading the Paranormal
September 16, 2021
I enjoy this series and have read all of the full length novels. I'm just getting started on these additional novellas as the author was good enough to make them available on KU. This was a short, fun story about Delaney Ellingham entering a baking contest. It included a bit of a mystery and some surprises, along with characters from other books in that series who I like. I enjoyed it. If you like paranormal romance with good world building and likeable characters who do keep popping up in successive stories, you'll really enjoy this series.
July 12, 2022
What a perfect little vignette!
I only just found this little short story and it had me smiling from word one. By word twenty or thirty I was chuckling - and that held through to the end.
This story takes us back to Hugh and Delaney Ellingham, the protagonists of the first book. Now they have obviously continued to appear throughout the series, but it’s so nice to get a little more story focused just on them. In a way it’s like stopping by to visit old friends.
Just be sure to bring an appetite because Delaney is baking!
I only just found this little short story and it had me smiling from word one. By word twenty or thirty I was chuckling - and that held through to the end.
This story takes us back to Hugh and Delaney Ellingham, the protagonists of the first book. Now they have obviously continued to appear throughout the series, but it’s so nice to get a little more story focused just on them. In a way it’s like stopping by to visit old friends.
Just be sure to bring an appetite because Delaney is baking!
January 21, 2023
A fun series that connects characters from book to book which brings cohesion to the story as the characters move through the years and mature in their lives. It doesn't matter what type of genre I read, I am always happy when a series is delightful to read and holds my interest throughout. For this series, I chose Audible books and enjoyed the narration of B.J. Harrison. He does a great job of narrating with feeling and voices/inflections that make it easy to keep track of the characters as the dialogue progresses.
Read this series and you will be delighted too.
Read this series and you will be delighted too.
July 26, 2018
3 1/2
Cute but obvious what the surprise is. Continuation of Delaney, not a new romance like some of the shorts. Nice to see all the characters of Nocturne There was no answer there and the romance is lacking. Cute story still.
Cute but obvious what the surprise is. Continuation of Delaney, not a new romance like some of the shorts. Nice to see all the characters of Nocturne There was no answer there and the romance is lacking. Cute story still.
January 23, 2021
Check out my blog to know the answers to
What it is about?
POV?
HEA/HFN?
Funny parts?
Sad parts?
Love triangle?
Insta-love?
Cheating?
Super insecure character?
Trigger warning?
How realistic is it?
Who should read this
Who Shouldn’t read this
https://headoverbooks.home.blog/2021/...
My Instagram- https://www.instagram.com/headoverboo...
What it is about?
POV?
HEA/HFN?
Funny parts?
Sad parts?
Love triangle?
Insta-love?
Cheating?
Super insecure character?
Trigger warning?
How realistic is it?
Who should read this
Who Shouldn’t read this
https://headoverbooks.home.blog/2021/...
My Instagram- https://www.instagram.com/headoverboo...
May 11, 2022
I know exciting another series by Kristen Painter, Nocturne Falls. This is book 5.5 in this series all about the supernaturals living in Nocturne Falls where Halloween is celebrated 365 days a year. The tourist think that everyone that looks like a werewolf, witch or vampire is in costume. The series is like the last one I read Shadowvale where each book is about a different person in Nocturne Falls.
May 6, 2025
A Vampire’s Valentine Surprise was so cute!
A Vampire's Valentine Surprise, book 5.5 of the Nocturne Falls series by Kristen Painter @kristen_painter. It's been a while since I've visited Nocturne Falls!
Such a cute story that we caught up with Delaney & Hugh! Tropes: Contemporary, Paranormal (Vampires), Catch Up with characters from book 1, Bake Off, Maybe Sabotage, Surprise Storyline & HEA!
A Vampire's Valentine Surprise, book 5.5 of the Nocturne Falls series by Kristen Painter @kristen_painter. It's been a while since I've visited Nocturne Falls!
Such a cute story that we caught up with Delaney & Hugh! Tropes: Contemporary, Paranormal (Vampires), Catch Up with characters from book 1, Bake Off, Maybe Sabotage, Surprise Storyline & HEA!
June 21, 2017
Epic
Do I really need to say more than epic, great story, its so good to be able to carry on further with the stories of books you've already read,the characters become almost like a family when you read them, but them whoosh their gone. But not with the Nocturn Falls books. Long may the family reign and continue to expand.
Do I really need to say more than epic, great story, its so good to be able to carry on further with the stories of books you've already read,the characters become almost like a family when you read them, but them whoosh their gone. But not with the Nocturn Falls books. Long may the family reign and continue to expand.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 151 reviews