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The Village #3.5
Stirring Creatures: Holiday Special
Warning: This Village Series special holiday novella contains spoilers. The Village books 1-3 should be read first.
Christmas is coming in Singing Bear Village, but all is not jolly—at least for Christian. Though the other team members have met with Baz several times for work, when Christian gets assigned meetings, Baz never shows. Worried he’s offended their ambassador somehow, Christian seeks out Baz to see what the trouble is. But Baz’s answer is more than he bargained for.
Christmas is coming in Singing Bear Village, but all is not jolly—at least for Christian. Though the other team members have met with Baz several times for work, when Christian gets assigned meetings, Baz never shows. Worried he’s offended their ambassador somehow, Christian seeks out Baz to see what the trouble is. But Baz’s answer is more than he bargained for.
107 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 7, 2016
6 people are currently reading
126 people want to read
About the author
Darien Cox
26 books345 followersAuthor Darien Cox lives in New England and enjoys using romantic fiction to explore the intensity, insanity, humor, and chaos that accompanies cupid’s arrow.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews
December 12, 2016
Do NOT read this story unless you've read all three of The Village books. Stirring Creatures takes places a couple months after the end of book 3.
Whether or not you like this book depends on your expectations. If you're hoping to see our six MCs and their hybrid friends sitting around a Christmas tree, drinking eggnog, and singing carols, you're bound to be disappointed.
Forget warm & cozy. This is not a sweet holiday story. It's a story about sexual energy and out-of-this-world orgasms. It's edgy and intense, and includes a very naughty scene with Baz as voyeur.
Christian is sure Baz is avoiding him, and he's right. Elliot tries to convince Christian to just let Baz be, but Christian can't ever leave well enough alone.
The focus here is on Christian and Myles, with guest appearances by Elliot and Nolan. Sadly, JT and Rudy are barely mentioned.
I have to admit Myles was never my favorite MC. He's always seemed so uptight. But I saw a whole different side of Myles here, the dirty, wanton side, and I liked it. I liked it a lot.
While I felt sad for Baz, I think he found closure, and he really does have an amazing boyfriend. Let's face it: Joff rocks.
Stirring Creatures will throw you for a loop. It's strange and disconcerting, but honestly, that's what I love about this series. Nothing about Singing Bear Village is normal, and I, for one, embrace the weirdness.
Whether or not you like this book depends on your expectations. If you're hoping to see our six MCs and their hybrid friends sitting around a Christmas tree, drinking eggnog, and singing carols, you're bound to be disappointed.
Forget warm & cozy. This is not a sweet holiday story. It's a story about sexual energy and out-of-this-world orgasms. It's edgy and intense, and includes a very naughty scene with Baz as voyeur.
Christian is sure Baz is avoiding him, and he's right. Elliot tries to convince Christian to just let Baz be, but Christian can't ever leave well enough alone.
The focus here is on Christian and Myles, with guest appearances by Elliot and Nolan. Sadly, JT and Rudy are barely mentioned.
I have to admit Myles was never my favorite MC. He's always seemed so uptight. But I saw a whole different side of Myles here, the dirty, wanton side, and I liked it. I liked it a lot.
While I felt sad for Baz, I think he found closure, and he really does have an amazing boyfriend. Let's face it: Joff rocks.
Stirring Creatures will throw you for a loop. It's strange and disconcerting, but honestly, that's what I love about this series. Nothing about Singing Bear Village is normal, and I, for one, embrace the weirdness.
September 3, 2020
I had actually forgotten what a hot little number this was. Wow.
----------Orig Review Dec 2016-------
4.5 Stars
Well, that was an unexpectedly hot and very unique Christmas story. Did I mention hot? Cuz, damn.
----------Orig Review Dec 2016-------
4.5 Stars
Well, that was an unexpectedly hot and very unique Christmas story. Did I mention hot? Cuz, damn.
Read
January 17, 2019DNF. I thought I couldn’t hate Christian and Myles more but then this book happened. I should have known better. FML 😩
Myles had no right to react toward Baz the way he did. Christian was 100% at fault. Baz went out of his way to avoid Christian and in his desire to be liked he just kept pushing and pushing determined to get his way. Even after being told in book after book (3 by the way) how Baz felt about him he just shrugged it off like a superior alien race was beneath having a school-yard crush.
He was the equivalent of a small child who gets repeatedly told not to touch the stove cos it’s hot. They do it anyways cos what the hell, why not? What’s the worst that could happen? Eventually they get burned and then they come to you tears streaming down their faces wanting you to kiss it better. But, you wouldn’t have to if they had just listened to you. Yeah, that was Christian. Maybe the book got better and all is well but Myles’ reaction ruined the book for me completely. DNF in case you missed it the first time.
Myles had no right to react toward Baz the way he did. Christian was 100% at fault. Baz went out of his way to avoid Christian and in his desire to be liked he just kept pushing and pushing determined to get his way. Even after being told in book after book (3 by the way) how Baz felt about him he just shrugged it off like a superior alien race was beneath having a school-yard crush.
He was the equivalent of a small child who gets repeatedly told not to touch the stove cos it’s hot. They do it anyways cos what the hell, why not? What’s the worst that could happen? Eventually they get burned and then they come to you tears streaming down their faces wanting you to kiss it better. But, you wouldn’t have to if they had just listened to you. Yeah, that was Christian. Maybe the book got better and all is well but Myles’ reaction ruined the book for me completely. DNF in case you missed it the first time.
December 16, 2016
*4.5 stars*
Loved, loved, loved it! I knew I should count on Darien Cox for an out-of-the-box, messy holiday story. This is NOT your usual Christmas story, and quite frankly, I'm getting bored with those.
The story is told from Myles and Christian's POV, but the star here is Baz! I always felt that there was something unexplored in the storyline about Baz's crush for Christian, and this book made me so pleased. It tied up loose ends for me.
So Baz is causing trouble in Singing Bear Village and the solution is...um...explosive. And orgasmic. It's an orgasmic explosion. I think Elliot said it best:
I saw a side of Myles that I really loved here. I knew he loves Christian, but man....he really, really loves him! Honestly, though, Baz and Joff (the alien boyfriend) steal the show.
An original Christmas story, with hilarious and clever dialogue, Stirring Creatures is a must read for the fans of The Village.
This is NOT a standalone. Do not even attempt it.
Loved, loved, loved it! I knew I should count on Darien Cox for an out-of-the-box, messy holiday story. This is NOT your usual Christmas story, and quite frankly, I'm getting bored with those.
The story is told from Myles and Christian's POV, but the star here is Baz! I always felt that there was something unexplored in the storyline about Baz's crush for Christian, and this book made me so pleased. It tied up loose ends for me.
So Baz is causing trouble in Singing Bear Village and the solution is...um...explosive. And orgasmic. It's an orgasmic explosion. I think Elliot said it best:
"“What else would I wear to a Christmas party slash alien sex circus?
I saw a side of Myles that I really loved here. I knew he loves Christian, but man....he really, really loves him! Honestly, though, Baz and Joff (the alien boyfriend) steal the show.
An original Christmas story, with hilarious and clever dialogue, Stirring Creatures is a must read for the fans of The Village.
This is NOT a standalone. Do not even attempt it.
March 14, 2017
My heart goes out to Baz!!!
More detailed review to follow. :)
More detailed review to follow. :)
December 19, 2016
4 stars
I don't even know what to say about this one!! A must read for all the Baz fans out there.
I don't even know what to say about this one!! A must read for all the Baz fans out there.
September 11, 2020
Re-read September 2020
4.5 stars
Still love Baz, but Joff is close to taking his place :) Myles however, annoyed the fuck out of me here.
4.5 stars
Still love Baz, but Joff is close to taking his place :) Myles however, annoyed the fuck out of me here.
February 7, 2017
Darien Cox - this is one hell of an 'epilogue' to the series! Not so much of a typical Christmas story, although the plot is set just before Christmas, but believe me - that is the last thing that should keep you from reading this!
First advice: do not 'consume' this in a public place!
I read this sitting in a cafe and had to suppress so many OMGs and loud out gasps I was in danger of imploding (I guess, getting an inkling how Christian might have felt)
Baz is one of the most endearing characters I've ever come across, and in many ways this is his story as much as Christian and Myles. And it was awesome in every way.
I really don't want to give anything about the plot away, it would be a shame to spoil this for you. All I can say is - Baz has got a problem and a situation arises that needs resolving. And that is exactly what happens, but in the most unique way.
And as short as this book may seem, it is so intense, so well told and so hot, it feels much longer! And we also get to know Joff, Baz's boyfriend, better. He really cracked me up.
If you have read the series, this is a MUST read. Loved every word of it!
First advice: do not 'consume' this in a public place!
I read this sitting in a cafe and had to suppress so many OMGs and loud out gasps I was in danger of imploding (I guess, getting an inkling how Christian might have felt)
Baz is one of the most endearing characters I've ever come across, and in many ways this is his story as much as Christian and Myles. And it was awesome in every way.
I really don't want to give anything about the plot away, it would be a shame to spoil this for you. All I can say is - Baz has got a problem and a situation arises that needs resolving. And that is exactly what happens, but in the most unique way.
And as short as this book may seem, it is so intense, so well told and so hot, it feels much longer! And we also get to know Joff, Baz's boyfriend, better. He really cracked me up.
If you have read the series, this is a MUST read. Loved every word of it!
December 10, 2016
Well that's definitely NOT where I thought this book would go. I honestly have no idea how I feel about what I just read.
June 14, 2017
A Joyfully Jay review.
4.5 stars
Stirring Creatures is set after the third book in Darien Cox’s The Village series, Trapped in Your Storm. It is not intended to be read as a standalone and all of the books in this series connect to one another.
This is a short novella that focuses on Christian and his relationship with Baz. Baz has always acted a little differently around Christian and the team all thinks that he is attracted to Christian. Christian thinks that is absolutely ridiculous and surprises Baz with a visit. Since Baz is not expecting Christian, his emotions aren’t as reined in as he always tries to keep them around Christian and they sort of explode all over Christian in an other worldly way.
That’s about as much as I can say. The story is first and foremost an erotic interlude mixing Baz and Christian, but then also adding in Myles and Baz’s boyfriend, Joff, for a new take on sharing. Baz is one of my favorite characters in this series and it was awesome to see more of him. I could still use even more of Baz, especially from his own viewpoint as he’s truly a special character.
The book is billed as a holiday special, but other than the mention of a tree and candy canes, there is no holiday celebration and could have just been billed as a follow up story in general. I am not sure if this series is finished; I don’t want to be finished with it yet, as there could still be stories to tell. If you have followed this series, of course you want this one too. If not, start at book one so you can catch up on an entertaining series filled with intrigue, friends, and out of this world characters.
Read Michelle's review in its entirety here.
4.5 stars
Stirring Creatures is set after the third book in Darien Cox’s The Village series, Trapped in Your Storm. It is not intended to be read as a standalone and all of the books in this series connect to one another.
This is a short novella that focuses on Christian and his relationship with Baz. Baz has always acted a little differently around Christian and the team all thinks that he is attracted to Christian. Christian thinks that is absolutely ridiculous and surprises Baz with a visit. Since Baz is not expecting Christian, his emotions aren’t as reined in as he always tries to keep them around Christian and they sort of explode all over Christian in an other worldly way.
That’s about as much as I can say. The story is first and foremost an erotic interlude mixing Baz and Christian, but then also adding in Myles and Baz’s boyfriend, Joff, for a new take on sharing. Baz is one of my favorite characters in this series and it was awesome to see more of him. I could still use even more of Baz, especially from his own viewpoint as he’s truly a special character.
The book is billed as a holiday special, but other than the mention of a tree and candy canes, there is no holiday celebration and could have just been billed as a follow up story in general. I am not sure if this series is finished; I don’t want to be finished with it yet, as there could still be stories to tell. If you have followed this series, of course you want this one too. If not, start at book one so you can catch up on an entertaining series filled with intrigue, friends, and out of this world characters.
Read Michelle's review in its entirety here.
December 10, 2016
Darien has WOWed me once again. I think I speak for everyone when I say: WE SO NEEDED THIS NOVELLA TO HAPPEN.
And thank everything that's holy, it did. - sigh - And boy did it happen. Perhaps I feel a tad too strongly for Christian and Baz, but the "first half" was quite emotional for me.
And that "final scene" was just so good (IT WAS EVERYTHING!!)
I'll be re-reading it a bunch of times!
I'm so very glad this book happened :)
There is no way Darien can stop feeding us his boys now.
Just. No. Way. #WENEEDMORE.
And thank everything that's holy, it did. - sigh - And boy did it happen. Perhaps I feel a tad too strongly for Christian and Baz, but the "first half" was quite emotional for me.
And that "final scene" was just so good (IT WAS EVERYTHING!!)
I'll be re-reading it a bunch of times!
I'm so very glad this book happened :)
There is no way Darien can stop feeding us his boys now.
Just. No. Way. #WENEEDMORE.
December 10, 2016
Wow! Just wow!
This was very....different, and unexpected, but I enjoyed it so much. It's going to be hard to review this because almost anything would be a spoiler. However; *ahem* There is a conflict between Baz and Chris that becomes what seems to be an insurmountable problem. Myles isn't reacting well about it either and beyond that, the Whites are furious with poor Baz, fearing that cooperation with humans is endangered.
Darien has written his usual highly humorous narrative, as only he could, where Elliot and Nolan become the moderators of discussions for resolution. It's also very touching and I felt so bad for Baz! The whole "Village" series has been fantastic and this was a fitting addition. I'm still holding out hope for just one more!
This was very....different, and unexpected, but I enjoyed it so much. It's going to be hard to review this because almost anything would be a spoiler. However; *ahem* There is a conflict between Baz and Chris that becomes what seems to be an insurmountable problem. Myles isn't reacting well about it either and beyond that, the Whites are furious with poor Baz, fearing that cooperation with humans is endangered.
Darien has written his usual highly humorous narrative, as only he could, where Elliot and Nolan become the moderators of discussions for resolution. It's also very touching and I felt so bad for Baz! The whole "Village" series has been fantastic and this was a fitting addition. I'm still holding out hope for just one more!
December 11, 2016
Not sure how I feel about this, it's not what I was expecting. This just made me feel so bad for Baz.
December 9, 2016
Darien Cox can absolutely do no wrong with me and this was a perfect cap to a killer series
April 20, 2017
This was unexpectedly good. Christian is my favorite of the lot of guys, so I was glad to see it was a story revolving around him. And Baz, of course! I love that hybrid! I had a really good time reading this short story! Will we see more from this series in the future? I sure hope so!
October 15, 2022
I really could have lived without this one. Nothing inherently wrong with it. Just added nothing to the lore or world. Seemed like a "I wanted to write a very specific sex scene" excuse. I expect many folks would enjoy it, though.
December 11, 2016
Well that was...weird.
December 12, 2016
Ha. That's what you want in a Christmas story. None of this stupid christmas home decoration rubbish.
What, you ask? You'll have to read it.
What, you ask? You'll have to read it.
January 2, 2017
Loved this. Kinda weird and Kinky wonderfulness. Cuz I adore Baz. Miles was a dick. I get it but still....totally dickish.
July 27, 2018
3.5
This is the worst thing I've ever read.
And I loved it???
I have no words to describe it. I love Baz but this was almost too much. Joff needs to chill and so does Myles just for a different reason.
I think reading this was one of the most cringe worthy things I've subjected myself to in a long time. Half of me wants to read it again so I can see if I missed something while I was trying to not throw my phone across the room.
Honestly I love these aliens and thing Baz and Joff are meant for each other but geez. In all honesty I could have done without this novella very easily. The concept of alien sex was interesting and all but yeah, could have doesn't without.
I don't really regret reading just don't feel like the story was enhanced in any way by my reading it.
Cudos to Darien Cox for going the distance though. Never a dull moment for sure.
This is the worst thing I've ever read.
And I loved it???
I have no words to describe it. I love Baz but this was almost too much. Joff needs to chill and so does Myles just for a different reason.
I think reading this was one of the most cringe worthy things I've subjected myself to in a long time. Half of me wants to read it again so I can see if I missed something while I was trying to not throw my phone across the room.
Honestly I love these aliens and thing Baz and Joff are meant for each other but geez. In all honesty I could have done without this novella very easily. The concept of alien sex was interesting and all but yeah, could have doesn't without.
I don't really regret reading just don't feel like the story was enhanced in any way by my reading it.
Cudos to Darien Cox for going the distance though. Never a dull moment for sure.
March 25, 2017
I'm so sad this series is over. I loved it! I couldn't wait to read about Baz. I even mentioned it to Darien Cox and was warned not to skip ahead cuz it would ruin the other books for me. So I patiently waited for Baz's turn. (which wasn't a hardship because the whole series is amazing) I wasn't sure how Cox was going to write this story. I wanted Baz to have his HEA and I didn't see how that was possible with Chrischris. He did an awesome job wrapping this all up with a nice Christmas bow.
March 25, 2017
5 'I love everything about this series and was fucking stoked when I saw this book was out, how the hell did I miss it. And I was not disappointed, well I was because it ended and I want more, more, more. Loved the storyline following Baz, Christian, Myles and Joff. We've seen this coming for a while and the way Cox dealt with this was perfection cos I love all the characters involved and needed them to all be happy. Absolutely loved it' stars.
April 11, 2019
4 Stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
You have to read the previous books before reading this one or you will be very confused. This book made me really dislike Myles....He’s just too high strung and serious all the time, But what made me dislike him most was how bad he treated poor Baz and how mean he spoke to him. Baz is so lovable....I just wanted to protect him. Grab this one if you want a quick read about some of our favorite citizens from Singing Bear Village.
You have to read the previous books before reading this one or you will be very confused. This book made me really dislike Myles....He’s just too high strung and serious all the time, But what made me dislike him most was how bad he treated poor Baz and how mean he spoke to him. Baz is so lovable....I just wanted to protect him. Grab this one if you want a quick read about some of our favorite citizens from Singing Bear Village.
February 2, 2024
Hum. No.
It's fine for a writer to have fun with his MCs, but the different content of this short novel should be clearly specified in the blurb, because this was something else. Just a sexual fantasy, and on the ridiculous side.
And the two MCs' traits are even worse than in the second book.
Moreover there were some typos left.
You can (should) skip this one.
It's fine for a writer to have fun with his MCs, but the different content of this short novel should be clearly specified in the blurb, because this was something else. Just a sexual fantasy, and on the ridiculous side.
And the two MCs' traits are even worse than in the second book.
Moreover there were some typos left.
You can (should) skip this one.
September 2, 2017
Hoo boy, hot, kinky hybrid sex.
Not sure what else to say. Love is crazy. Sex is great. If we could share our feels like hybrids do, the world would be a better place.
Not sure what else to say. Love is crazy. Sex is great. If we could share our feels like hybrids do, the world would be a better place.
January 20, 2019
I've really enjoyed this series!
May 8, 2019
Kind of on the creepy side but also amusing. Nice little addition to the series.
July 24, 2023
3.5*
December 26, 2016
Storyline didn't really fit.....well written but unnecessary, in my opinion.
October 11, 2017
3.5 stars, I did like this one as well but it certainly had a different tone than the previous book. Very focused on the sexual aspect of the relationships, this time with our dear Baz and the affable Joff. I felt like more blame was put on Baz than should have been, clearly Baz was embarrassed of his reaction to Christian and tried his best to hide it. Baz reacted badly because Christian pushed something he shouldn't have, and ignored the advise of several of his friends to boot. But it made for an interesting story and some (arguably?) sexy times. Good story, not a great ending for the series in my opinion but I liked the main series so much I enjoyed this one for what it was.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews