Once Upon a Midnight Solstice

A Cursed Holiday #1

by Gwen Knight

Enjoy a little magic this Christmas from some of your favorite paranormal authors...

"Death by Mistletoe" by Gwen Knight

Survival Rule #16: Never kiss beneath cursed mistletoe...unbridled passion will get you every time.

"The Alpha's Christmas Mate" by R.E. Butler

At a Christmas Eve wedding, an Alpha lion finds his true mate.

"The Wolf Who Stole Christmas" by C.E. Black

"Celebrate Me" by Kristen Strassel

"Lir's Lady: A Fada Shapeshifter Story" by Rebecca Rivard

On midwinter's eve, sexy shifter Lir returns to claim his fae lady in one magical, passion-filled night.

"A Kiss for Solstice" by Elizabeth Allyn-Dean

Sometimes, all you need is a kiss...

504 pages, Kindle Edition

Published December 13, 2016

About the author

Gwen Knight is a Canadian girl currently living in Jasper, AB. She graduated from the University of Lethbridge with a degree in Archaeology and Geography. Her interests consist of playing in the dirt, designing elaborate snow forts, boating, and archery. She enjoys meeting new people and can be followed at facebook.com/GwenKnight.authorpage and on Twitter @GwenKnightx

Reviews

[Ana · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is such a great XMas treat!! This box set is full of awesome stories from a few of the greatest authors in this genre.

Death by Mistletoe by Gwen Knight
5 Stars Rumor Has It!

Rumor is the daughter of the Alpha of a wolf pack, daddy is set in his old ways and wants Rumor to chose a mate at the Winter Solstice, but Rumor has other ideas. She soon discovers that dear old dad isn't all that she believed and that changes everything. At the same time she realizes that the animosity there has been between Evan Knox brother to the alpha of a neighboring rival pack and helrself since they were children was all just a front. Now the love will overshadow all the hurt she has suffered. A story full of mystery, suspense and above all love and the spirit of Christmas surprises.

The Alpha's Christmas Mate by R.e. Butler
5 stars Sprinkled with Sugar!

Sugar always believed the best thing to ever happen to her was being adopted by a wolf family after the death of her parents. Being a rare Snow Leopard, she couldn't have been luckier, or better loved. That is until the wedding day of her sister to a lion shifter! As she waited for Maddox brother to the groom and Best Man to come and escort her in as the Maid of Honor, her leopard decided to make an appearance when she caught sight and wind of him without prior notice. Will this be the best Christmas wedding, or the end to Maddox's reign as alpha of his pride? Wonderful XMas story!

The Wolf Who Stole Christmas by C.E. Black
5 stars Growl, Bah, Hum, Bug!

Very heart wrenching, but hopeful and thoughtful Christmas story.
Kellen is confused, grumpy, his wolf is too cause they can't remember anything and he gets horrible headaches all time, not to mention the confusing dark nightmares every night and day too. All he wants to do is sleep when his wolf isn't bugging him to go for a run. Then his worst nightmare occurs, he gets neighbors! All the peace and quiet that has been his life since he moved here is gone when a curvaceous beauty and her son move right next door. Joanna and her 9 year old son Cameron move in to their new house hoping to move on with their lives after their loss. But one look at her neighbor and all of Joanne's plans go out the window. How can she forget and move on when she can't forget the man that was her husband? This story made me mad, made me cry and made me jump for joy!

Celebrate Me by Kristen Strassel
5 stars How to Mend a Broken Mind

Delany a human who has been broken for years since she was a child, beaten and kept in a cage, got to a point where she stopped talking. Shea is a wolf shifter who was caged and made to fight other wolves in their wolf forms on the full moon, now he only knows fighting in the ring, he is broken. When Shea sees the broken Delany he feels he has finally found the one person he can relate to and makes it his mission to mend her broken mind. Can these 2 broken souls mend each other. Such a heart wrenching yet hopeful story, made me cry for the pain and cry for joy.

Lir's Lady by Rebecca Rivard
5 stars Ride Into the Sunset

Lir has been mooning over the gorgeous Sun Fae Isleen since he was her Head Guard and lover centuries ago, he was a young Fada Shifter, too young to be taken serious. He always knew she was his intended mate, but as a Puca shifter he could never tell her. Now centuries later he returns as a mature man and hopes she will realize that they are meant to be mates. Will one night be enough to woo and intice her to realize the truth and say it, or will he have to spend the rest of his long life longing and seeing the face of his Sun Fae in every woman he sees?

Chamber Music by D.J. Shaw
3 stars Music to the Ears

Celestine always thought Fairies were myths till she met Dusk, or did she? Find out what is behind the history of her cello and what part she plays in all that is magical and what part she and Dudk will play in it.

[Diana Page · Rating 4 out of 5]

Death by Mistletoe" by Gwen Knight 5⭐'s

The Alpha's Christmas Mate" by R.E. Butler 4✨'s

The Wolf Who Stole Christmas" by C.E. Black 4⭐'s

"Celebrate Me" by Kristen Strassel 4⭐'s

Lir's Lady: A Fada Shapeshifter Story" by Rebecca Rivard 3.5⭐'s

Chamber Music" by DJ Shaw 3⭐s

A Kiss for Solstice" by Elizabeth Allyn-Dean 4⭐'s

Almost all of these stories had something to them that made me go " EXCELLENT" as I read them. I got to the end totally in the Yule/Christmas Shifter feel good place except for one and that is the one I gave 3⭐'s ; Chamber Music, the whole story was one I really wanted to like, it had Fae and magical musical instruments, but it just never really took off for me, the missing cello was found almost immediately, she was known dnapped to Faerie , then taken back to finish her concert, it just didn't fulfill the Magical/Christmasy vibe like the others. But if you love paranormal romance, hot , sexy men of the shifter / magical persuasion and lots of Yule/Christmas cheer, then this Anthology is for you !! Solid 4⭐'s !! Though it have to say Gwen Knight and CE Black really stood out to me . I recieved a gifted copy and am voluntarily choosing to leave an honest and unbiased review.

[Yvonne Daniels · Rating 5 out of 5]

Once Upon A Midnight SolsticeKindle Edition
by Gwen Knight , R.E. Butler , & 5 more
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I loved and enjoyed reading every storyline of this entire Box Set! They are Absolutely amazing! Each author are gifted storytellers. They are authors you can one click without hesitation and know you are going to enjoy every word without reading the blurb! All of these author should be at top of NYT, USA Today, and National bestseller lists everywhere! What a fantastic Christmas novellas. If you love reading Christmas romantic love stories then you will absolutely adore most of these novellas. They will make you laugh, give you Christmas Cheer, Fun and spirit! All of These authors will make it so easy to picture these characters. Each author brings their main characters to life with their chemistry being scorching hot, and so that in a way that you can easily see how their main and secondary characters development really lets you get to know the characters. This collection is priceless. I hope it definitely make you laugh and put you in the Christmas mood as you read this collection.

Death by Mistletoe" by Gwen Knight
This is a delightful and entertaining read! I'm so happy that I got read it. It made me want to read another book by this author. Rumor is curvy werewolf who is the fourth in line of her pack She is investigating a vicious wolf attack , but a gorgeous sexy Knox Evans is her arch nemesis is also investigating the same attack a few days before Christmas .
The Alpha's Christmas Mate by R.E. Butler
WOW! What a wonderful read!!! Oh and you may find that you have a huge crush on Maddox by the time you get to the end of the book... I certainly have!!!
Sugar is a beauty inside and out but she is lonely and she wants to find her mate.
Without spoiling the story I will just say that this book is a brilliant journey to teach you how when feelings grow it can change everything!
With a few twists that keep you reading, and certain scenes that will leave you compleately breathless
The Wolf Who Stole Christmas" by C.E. Black
This is an amazing book about love, strength, and fighting for something you never thought you would have again. This story has a great depth to it. This has a love that makes you appreciate what you have.
Celebrate Me by Kristen Strassel
This book is full of beautiful, sensual, exciting, intense, emotional events. I can't believe how realistic this story felt and that's a truly great thing! The story is great.
Lir's Lady by Rebecca Rivard
WOW! this book was good!!! Loved the characters! Especially Isleen is fearless, talk about awesome. I love Lir's character he is a Irish púca shapeshifter Lir is perfect for Isleen, they fit together really well and just made the story that much more enjoyable. Loved the action and the romance, it's so well done.
Chamber Music by DJ Shaw
This story is one I really wanted to like, because it had Fae and magical musical instruments, but it's not very Christmasy, it's a kind of mystery, there is a missing cello. The story has some magic but very little romance.
A Kiss for Solstice by Elizabeth Allyn-Dean
This is a Magnificent storyline. I know that reviews aren't always believable but I can say I was very empress with this storyline, from the beginning I thought this is such great story to read. I became so engrossed with this story from the first paragraph. Such action, romance, adventure, good over evil and of course Love with our Heroes and Herones

Awesome collection of Holiday paranormal stories. There's nothing better than reading an anthology from different authors. This has a little bit of everything you need to keep you warm during a long cold winter's night. I really enjoyed this. I found some new authors, and there is a few of my favorite authors.. It's fun, sweet, sexy, and very emotional. I loved almost every story they were some great Christmas romances that will give you the feeling of happiness.
Most of these stories are magnificent , There is about two I got to the end of I wasn't crazy about But if you love paranormal romance with gorgeous, sexy heroes, heroines and lots of Christmas cheer then you will enjoy this Anthology as much as I did! I am voluntarily reviewing this Box Set that's gifted to me by the author with no obligation. I highly recommend this Box Set.

If you believe in the world of love and paranormal romance then the possibilities are endless and fascinating.

[Jamoz23 · Rating 5 out of 5]

GWEN KNIGHT - DEATH BY MISTLETOE.
Very enjoyable read with one hell of a storyline.
Great action and well paced.

RE BUTLER - THE ALPHAS CHRISTMAS MATE
Good short read, loved the characters and storyline.

CE BLACK - THE WOLF WHO STOLE CHRISTMAS
What a tearjerker of a story, so sad but what a lovely Christmas read. My heart bled for Kellan and even more for his family Joanna and Cameron.
How strong was Jo to do what she did.

KRISTEN STRASSEL - CELEBRATE ME
I read book 1 in this series and wasn't impressed. Didn't realise this was the same series. This is book 5 and I didn't enjoy it any better than book 1. Just not my type of shifter story.

REBECCA RIVARD LIR'S LADY - A FADA SHAPESHIFTER STORY
Okay but didn't grab me as I didn't feel like we got to really know Isleen or Lir.

ELIZABETH ALLYN-DEAN - A KISS FOR SOLSTICE
Different and sort of enjoyable play on the wicked stepmother theme.

[Mandy (MP Book Reviews) · Rating 5 out of 5]

I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.

Death by Mistletoe by Gwen Knight
Never kiss beneath cursed mistletoe - you just know from the word "cursed" it's not going to be pretty for either of them. Can Rumour and Knox solve all the killings and survive the curse themselves?

This is a lovely shifter story containing love, passion, magic, betrayal and a wished for HEA. I loved the way the story developed and the interplay of all the characters and the politics that also needed to be navigated.

The Alpha's Christmas Mate by R.E. Butler
Sugar Pierce is a snow leopard shifter and agrees to be her sister's Maid of Honour. Maddox Haynes is an alpha lion shifter and is the Best Man at the same wedding. When they meet will sparks fly or will they choose their packs and deny any attraction they may feel for each other?

This was a lovely story nicely told. I enjoyed the ending which showed how people can work together to achieve the right thing and it can be easier than they probably thought.

The Wolf Who Stole Christmas by C.E. Black
Kellan Archer just wants a quiet life but it appears his new neighbour Joanna Mackay and her son might have other ideas. Giving him cookies and trying to get him to feel the spirit of Christmas is not going to work and he'll do his damnedest to make sure it doesn't.

This was a really sweet story that gets you right to the heart - I have to admit I cried reading this story so read it when no one is watching!

Celebrate Me by Kristen Strassel
Delaney arrives unable to speak due to trauma, and Shea is damaged in his own way due to a difficult younger life. Can they find happiness and joy by helping each other?

This was a lovely Christmas story showing how love can conquer pretty much all. Carefully told and with the right amount of detail.

Lir's Lady: A Fada Shapeshifter Story by Rebecca Rivard
Shifter Lir has returned to claim his fae mate via a gamble with a passion filled night - will everything work out the way he wants or will he have to go away alone again?

This was a lovely story with lots of feelings and emotions getting involved with feelings of duty affected by out of date impressions.

Chamber Music by DJ Shaw
Can Celestine play her cello solo in the concert and can she also solve the connection she has to her magical cello?

A strange little story but quite pleasant. I like the ending but it was a bit rushed I felt at the end and could have been done nicer in more detail.

A Kiss for Solstice by Elizabeth Allyn-Dean
Zelda's sister is being kept a hostage in order to force her to do things for their step-mother - can the kiss between Dax and Zelda be the start of a solution to this problem?

This was a great story - a nice length for it to be quite involving and well told so I could feel the drama and emotions. A nice twist on the evil step-mother class of story. I think we all need our own Dax.

[Lexee Toste · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Death by Mistletoe" by Gwen Knight - I really enjoyed this story!! The characters were great! This has some mystery going on as we see the two main characters figure it out and fall in love. I thought that the story was interesting and flowed well. The sex is explicit and fit the story. The characters really made it for me.

"The Alpha's Christmas Mate" by R.E. Butler - This story was just adorable!!!! I loved the characters. They meet and figure out that they are true mates at their siblings wedding. There was a lot of adorable romance in this story and it just makes you feel good as you read it. I would love to read more in this series!

"The Wolf Who Stole Christmas" by C.E. Black - This had an interesting play on it. I thought it was a nice, feel good romance of a family finding it's way back together. We get to see them figure things out again as they each try and be patient.

"Celebrate Me" by Kristen Strassel - This was a great story with great characters as well. Both of the characters have been broken and are trying to heal. They meet each other and are drawn together. They have things to work out in order for things to work but the two of them just touched my heart! The sex is fairly explicit and fits the characters and story. This hooked me to the other characters as well and I'll be checking out some more in the series.

"Lir's Lady: A Fada Shapeshifter Story" by Rebecca Rivard - I enjoyed this story. The characters were good and so was the story. I loved the fae world that we got to see in this story. The 2 characters have a past and it plays a major part in this story. They have to work through what happened then in order for things to work out now. The story flowed and kept me engaged.

Chamber Music by DJ Shaw - This was an interesting read. It was probably my least favorite story in this collection. It wasn't bad it just didn't quite connect with me. I really enjoyed the beginning of the story but not as much the end of it. I wasn't expecting it to go the way that it did. The story flowed pretty well.

"A Kiss for Solstice" by Elizabeth Allyn-Dean - I really enjoyed this story! It had me hooked from the start and I didn't really want to put it down once I started. It kept me engaged with the characters and with the plot. It was well done.

I really enjoyed this collection. They had great characters and some Christmas spirit throughout all the books.
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book.

[Lyn Mckenzie · Rating 5 out of 5]

The only book I have read in this anthology is Gwen Knight's book, although I plan to read the rest. Here are my thoughts

Oh Wow what an absolutely captivating work of art this book is, i adored it!!! I love the author's writing style in this book, there is just something very intimate and personal about it, so it's like a true tale of power, dominance, secrets and full of fighting spirit against situations that others control.


I loved the way this book started, mystery and question from the first sentence, definitely got me hooked on the story straight away! This book is a novella but it doesn't feel that way due to the way it was written. There is no aspect of it being rushed, the whole storyline happens in the way that it is supposed to, the imagination and the creative vision that this book has a very addicting quality to it, making you definitely want to read more of this series and of the author’s work, especially if it's up to this high standard!!!


I loved Rumor, she is such a brilliant character, the thing i loved about her the most was her determination, her stubbornness and her fiery passion for life! She has always had to be strong which has made her the woman that she is, she cares deeply about those she let's in and will protect them to her last breath. I also loved reading about Knox,i loved his character from the start…. you really couldn't get any more Alpha male, he screams it although he keeps this hidden for his own reasons. He is an extremely passionate with protective instincts of those he sees as his to protect.


I adored this book i really did and i am dying to read more of this authors work now, one taste is not enough, pick up this book and you will see what i mean! This is a must read book that i suggest everyone needs to read!!!

[Mary Croteau · Rating 2 out of 5]

Only two of the stories worth it

R.E. Butler and C.E. Black make this worthwhile. Other than their stories, this is not worth the time it takes to read.

[Jeneane · Rating 5 out of 5]

Awesome collection of Holiday paranormal stories. There's nothing better than reading an anthology from different authors. This has a little bit of everything you need to keep you warm during a long cold winter's night. My favorite was The Wold Who Stole Christmas by CE Black. Kellan is a grumpy loner wolf who has new neighbors. He's attracted to the female but is so use to being a loner hes going to try to get her to move. Joanna has lost her husband and she's trying to make Christmas special for her son. Christmas is thier favorite holiday but the sexy grumpy neighbor may just ruin it. This book was a nice surprise from CE Black. It's fun, sweet, sexy, and very emotional. I loved every word in the book. It's a great Christmas romance that will give you the feels

[MyChienneLit · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am voluntarily submitting my honest review after receiving an ARC of this anthology generously provided by one of the authors.

This delightful collection of stories is the perfect way for shifter romance fans to revel in the winter season. Each story is a bite-sized celebration of the winter solstice, as well as a celebration of love. Easily read in a short amount of time, the works chosen for inclusion are excellent introductions to each author's work. From the magic of fated mates finding each other to the joy of family reuniting after tragedy, this anthology has it all. Fans of shifter romance will love this collection of short stories, perfect for reading by the fire on the winter solstice!

[~My Book Obsession~ · Rating 5 out of 5]

So far I've only read A Wolf Who Stole Christmas but can't wait to dig into the others. This is a sweet and heartfelt story. I love Jo and Kellan reaction to each other. They have chemistry!

Kellan has lost his memory and lives alone. He spends his days watching football or other sports or letting is wolf run free.
That is until his new neighbor moves in he becomes obsessed with her. Her curves, her smile everything. However, Joanna is going through a tougher time she lost her husband and doesn't know if she's ready to move forward.

You will love this short awesome read. It will pull at your heartstrings.

[Jessica Woods · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a good anthology of short stories and novellas full of shifters, fae, and witches. Although some of the stories are stronger than others, Gwen Knight and CE Black's stories are homeruns for sure. A new to me author, Gwen Knight's Death by Mistletoe grabbed by attention on page one and the humor and action in it kept me reading nonstop to the end. C.E. Black's The Wolf Who stole Christmas was a sweet love story of a werewolf who had lost his memory and the people who love him trying to help him recover it. But all the stories in the book are spiced up with some heat and most end in sweet HEAs making for good reads. My review is based upon a review copy.

[Crystal · Rating 5 out of 5]

There are some amazing authors in this set and I can't wait to read all of the books. Will update as read more of the books in the set.

Death by Mistletoe - Gwen Knight - Rumor is the Alpha's daughter and sent to investigate a death in the pack. It's one of several deaths. Knox arrives to do his own investigation and comes up with an interesting theory in the case. Can these two solve the case before anyone else dies? This one takes a couple of interesting turns and I really can't wait to read more about the packs, the witches and Fae in this world.

[Teri · Rating 4 out of 5]

So far the only story I have read is The Wolf Who Stole Christmas"
by Author C. E. Black

A tragic accident leaves a child fatherless and a true love alone for Christmas. In an effort to help force healing along a desperate move could bring it all crashing down. A cute and sometimes sad yet beautiful and passionate story of the miracles of Christmas.

I can hardly wait for the chance to read more. This one was awesome so I expect nothing less from the rest of these awesome authors.

[Deb · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a great collection of stories & authors! So far I've read Rebecca Rivard's, "Lir's Lady: A Fada Shapeshifter Story" which is so engaging I didn't want to put it down :) I can't wait to get back to reading the other stories stories & will update my review when I can, but I know they'll all be fantastic, too! So I do highly recommend this to all fans of fiction, especially who love fantasy and paranormal like I do :D

[Andi G. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic read. A bunch of amazing authors teamed up to bring forth a superb collection to complete a seasonal atmosphere. A set of stories that will make your holidays even cozier. I highly recommended for anyone who wants a unique and different experience brought by each story as a standalone but THE BEST PART it s all in a BUNDLE.

[Kris Branch · Rating 4 out of 5]

Best bet for the price

Out of the 7 authors listed, I was already reading R.E. Butler, but now I have 4 more authors to check out. Only 2 stories were not my cup of tea, where I found myself fast forwarding. The other were action packed and or heart warming a.d just right for Christmas short stories.

[Ann · Rating 4 out of 5]

A nice collection of Christmas/Winter related stories. Not all of the books were to my taste but my favorites were:
"Death by Mistletoe" by Gwen Knight - 5 stars and
"The Alpha's Christmas Mate" by R.E. Butler - 5 stars
I enjoyed both the characters and the storylines in these two books.
This review is my honest opinion. I received no compensation for it.

[Emma Taylor · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read Gwen Knight's contribution Death By Mistletoe. I'm looking forward to reading the others.

I absolutely loved Death By Mistletoe and I adored the characters, the plot. Everything. I wish it was longer though because by the time I finished I wasn't ready to say goodbye to the characters.

[Katie Rogers · Rating 5 out of 5]

Death by mistletoe

I loved this book! A controlling dad, but what can you expect when your dads the alpha? An unwavering mom to balance it out. And a very hunky partner in the case, who just happens to get on every nerve she has...
Great book

[lisa jung · Rating 4 out of 5]

bundle up

A hot and snowy bundle of delecious alpha males and mate. A great price for this holiday romance bundle. grat read

[Deborah · Rating 4 out of 5]

R.E. Butler Never Disappoints

This bundle is a entertaining fun read. All of the stories were good, not a bad one in the bundle. Enjoy I did.

[Melinda Kaye · Rating 4 out of 5]

Most of the stories were pretty good, although short which can be a bi frustrating.

[Ruth Hambley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful collection

A truly excellent collection of stories. I especially enjoyed R E Butlers contribution. Well written and excellent value. A must read.