Unexpected Gifts: Pleasure Times Four

Pleasure Times Four Christmas #1

by Candace Blevins

Polly was nearly killed in a vampire battle near the end of the American Civil War. Her body needed time to heal, but she awakens into a startling future no one in the eighteen hundreds could've possibly dreamed of. To further complicate things, Polly wakes a week before Thanksgiving, so she'll have to navigate the craziness of modern day Christmas on top of everything else.

Jayce is an ancient vampire who's taking it easy while he lives under this identity. He was a famous physicist in the roaring twenties, but he's currently a bartender, where everyone knows him as Ace. Abbott assigns the super-genius to teach Polly about this world she's awakened to -- with cars, airplanes, indoor plumbing, and smartphones with a camera in every human's hand.

Cole is a bear shifter, and is Jayce's partner. Lover. Whatever. Cole is a physics professor and doesn't have time for silly labels -- nor is he thrilled with the prospect of having a seven hundred year old former Queen of England living in their home. If she thinks he's bowing to her, she'll be sorely disappointed.

Sergei was abducted from foster care by an evil vampire as a child, and turned into a werewolf. Abbott rescued him when he took over Maryland, and he's living with Jayce and Cole, employed as their house manager, but he wants to be so much more to them.

Two vampires, a grizzly bear, and a werewolf. It sounds like the beginning of a joke, but these four living under one roof is serious business. Follow them through an extraordinary Christmas season as they each find ways to offer Unexpected Gifts.

Unexpected Gifts can be read as a stand-alone.

Genres: Vampires, Shapeshifters, Menage, Paranormal Romance, Paranormal, M M Romance, BDSM

Kindle Edition

First published November 24, 2018

About the author

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Candace Blevins writes urban fantasy, paranormal romance, epic fantasy contemporary BDSM romance, and two kick-ass motorcycle club series. She’s published more than fifty books. Candace lives with her husband of twenty-four years and their two teenaged daughters. The family’s beloved, goofy, retired racing greyhounds are usually at her side as she writes, quietly keeping her company. Or sometimes not so quietly.

Her urban fantasy series, Only Human, gives us a world where weredragons, werewolves, werelions, three different species of vampires, and a variety of other mythological beings exist.

Candace's various paranormal romance series are all sister series to the Only Human series, and give some secondary characters their happily ever after.

Her Dark(ish) Faerie Tale series gives us a close-up and personal look at Queen Mab, and her Dark Underbelly series is, as you’d expect, dark and (if you’re a little twisted) oh-so-yummy.

Her contemporary Safeword series gives us characters who happen to have some extreme kinks. Relationships can be difficult enough without throwing power exchange into the mix, and her books show characters who care enough about each other to fight to make the relationship work. Each couple in the Safeword series gives the reader a different take on the lifestyle.

You can visit Candace on the web at candaceblevins.com. Feel free to friend her on Facebook at facebook.com/candacesblevins and Goodreads at goodreads.com/CandaceBlevins. You can also join facebook.com/groups/CandacesKinksters to get sneak peeks into what she's writing now, images that inspire her, and the occasional juicy teaser.

Stay up to date on Candace’s newest releases, and get exclusive excerpts by joining her mailing list at http://bit.ly/cb-new-release.

Only Human series, urban fantasy
• Only Human
• An Unhuman Journey
• Of Humans and Monsters
• Defining Human
• Edge of Humanity
• Infinitely Human
• Unhuman Acts

Rolling Thunder Motorcycle Club
• Duke
• Brain
• Bash Volume I
• Bash Volume II
• Bash Volume III
• Horse
• Gonzo
• Nix
• Ghost
• Bud
• Razor
• Bubbles
• McGyver

The Birmingham RTMC
• Bobcat
• Dementor
• Frost
• Squatch

Cat out of Hell, series, paranormal romance:
• Cat out of Hell Volume I
• Cat out of Hell Volume II
• Cat out of Hell Volume III

The Dark Underbelly of The Chattanooga Supernaturals
• Pride (A short story featuring The Lion King)
• Indentured Freedom: Owned by the Vampire
• Leashed
• An Elegant Weapon

A Dark(ish) Faerie Tale
• Slave
• Lady
• Consort
• Queen

A Paranormal Halloween, paranormal romance
• Hallowed Destiny – Forged by Darkness
• Unhallowed Murder
• Countdown to Murder
• Unholy Murder

Pleasure Times Four Christmas series, ménage/RH paranormal romance
• Unexpected Gifts
• The Gift
• Present Tense
• Imperfect Gifts

Chattanooga Supernaturals series, paranormal romance:
• The Dragon King
• Riding the Storm
• Acceptable Risk
• Careful What You Ask For
• Uncaged
• Cocky Queen

The Safeword series, intense BDSM contemporary romance
• Safeword Rainbow
• Safeword: Davenport
• Safewords: Davenport and Chiffon
• Safeword: Quinacridone
• Safeword: Matte
• Safeword: Matte – In Training
• No Safeword: Matte – The Honeymoon
• No Safeword: Matte – Happily Ever After
• Safeword: Arabesque
• Safeword: Mayday (TBA)

Reviews

[Simply Love Book Reviews · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well, in all honesty, I was a little surprised with the beginning of this story. Candace was a wee bit political and that shocked me. But, it was truly integral to the story and I understood why as the story continued. And, no, it did not take away from the book at all … only enhanced it as Polly becomes more and more acclimated to the 21st Century.

With four main characters, it is a little hard to write a true synopsis of this story. So much happened between the four of them and Abbott that, to write a summary of what happened would be impossible. I will say that there were a lot of lessons to be learned by all the characters and trust was one of the biggest ones. Trust in Polly/Moira, trust that Sergei knew what he truly wanted, trust that the love Cole and Jayce have will only be enhanced with the addition of Sergei and Polly and trust that Abbott will make the right decision. Through learning trust, they also all found themselves and the meaning of love.

I adored their first Christmas together and how they all came together to show their love and hoped that the traditions they started were repeated. I loved Grumpy Bear and his morals. I thought Sergei, with his background, was very well-adjusted and making the most of the situation he was in … he was, at times, adorable, obstinate and loveable. Jayce was Jayce … humble, opinionated and loving. As for Polly/Moira, well, she started off at the bottom of the totem pole – untrustworthy, unpopular and uppity then, with the help of Jayce, Cole and Sergei, she found the meaning of life, love and trust. It was a beautiful transformation and truly made my heart happy.

So, yes, Candace Blevins again gave us a beautiful story. Honestly, Unexpected Gifts is one of my favorite books in the Chattanooga Supernaturals series. It was heart-warming and erotic. It made me smile more times than I could count. But, most of all, Unexpected Gifts truly was about love, trust and giving people a second chance and showed that people could change with a little help and a lot of understanding and love.

[BookAddict ✒ La Crimson Femme · Rating 4 out of 5]

Holiday seasons, specifically Christmas is the time people bring their loved ones together and celebrate. What happens when two additional people show up to the party of two and make it four? For Cole and Jayce, they are happily together. Cole's bear shifter is a partner to Jayce's vampire desires. Their dynamic is super hot and when they hit the sheets, there is fire. With Jayce getting reading to start his next "life" and coming out of the shadows, Cole is eagerly looking forward to their compatible love of physics research together. Never did they think they would need more than each other.

In comes Polly... a former Queen of a realm and now Master Vampire. Polly is woman who is used to running the show and knowing the most. Being asleep for 150 years - through industrial revolution as well as our digital age is going to be tough. Lucky for her, the vampire world is ready for such challenges as they have a curriculum to bring their sleeping vampires back up to speed.

I'm mixed about this story. Here's why. I loved the tough topics tackled in this story. From the very beginning, there are discussions on social economic viewpoints that appeal to me. In addition, we see the counterpoints between experience and youth. I can see the perspective of both Cole and Jayce. I understand it because once, I was Cole and I would have been as outraged as he is with Jayce. Now, I lean more towards Jayce's beliefs and it is hard to be as gracious as Jayce. I'm not saying that older and richer people know better. I am saying that with experience, some people with knowledge will turn it into wisdom. And in a country which is so very young compared to others, it is easy to lose sight of the long view. This is what I love about Ms. Blevins. She cleverly sneaks in these concepts and discussion points that make me want to chat with her up into the wee hours of the night. This intellectual stimulation is so appealing. She keeps slipping in these points to ponder throughout the entire story. This is what makes the story work so well for me.

From a character perspective, this is one of the few books in her large repertoire where I just did not connect with the characters. I admire them. I thought each one of them were unique and interesting. I just didn't connect with them and there was no chemistry between me and the four. Even if I liked Sergei and thought he was the most adorable service bottom and pet, I just did not feel vested in him or the other three. This is why I'm mixed on this holiday treat. I loved the subject mattered studied and would love to read more about it and yet, the characters were meh.

Seeing a more relaxed interaction of Abbott with his people and his tentative interaction with shifters is a nice abet worrisome insight. Full confession - I love Abbott. It distresses me to no end how he and the shifters have a strained relationship. I think a lot of it has to do with the Vampire logic versus Shifter emotions. For me, Ms. Blevins does an amazing job of showing how the long lived see life and make decisions different than those who are short lived. Yes, the shifters live longer, and yet they are still children in experience. Whilst some are better at control of their emotions, they tend to act based on feelings and emotions instead of looking at the long game. This is not to say the vampires are always right. Cold logic equates to a very lonely and cold bed if not tempered with emotion. This blend of logic and emotion is done so well in Ms. Blevin's books. I love it.

Whilst this review is getting a bit dry, the erotic scenes in this story are not. They are so sexy and panty moistening goodness. Good lord, Ms. Blevins cranks up the sexy kink with this foursome. There is zero intense BDSM. Instead, there are sexy shenanigans with threesomes and foursomes. They are explosively hawt and not to be missed. When it comes to sex scenes, Ms. Blevins is one of the few authors I will read every word and revel in the sex scenes.

This erotic romance is highly recommended to paranormal readers who enjoy multiple partners.

* I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book.

Side note for those who stuck through to the end of this long review - Cards Against Humanity is an awesome game to play with erotic authors. I have had the pleasure to play this twice now and each time it has been way too wrong and hilarious. Deviant buggers... all of them. You know who you are.

[Jeanny · Rating 3 out of 5]

3 stars. A bit overly sweet for my taste but that’s entirely personal preference. You may like a sweet story.

[Tee Cullen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Who knew that so many different species could co-exist or fall in love for that matter. Take a ride with Jayce and Cole as they find their other mates in this great story. Jayce is thousands of years old and he is in love With Cole a bear-shifter. But they have something missing in their relationship and have often thought about adding a third. Usually they just bring home a shifter to play with but it just isn't the same. They know that their houseman Sergei who is a wolf, thinks he is in love with them and they care for him. But he comes with a complicated history he was kidnapped as a child and taken into slavery and because he shields himself they can't be sure he is wanting this for the right reason or if he thinks he owes it to them. Then Polly/Moria awakens after being asleep for 150 years and is sent to Jayce to teach modern day cultures to her. I like watching these 4 find love for each other and opening their lives to let each one know they are loved beyond anything else. They never planned to find the love they feel for each other. Jayce and Cole thought they were happy alone as a couple but they realize they have a lot more love to give. Not only is this a coming of age story for Sergei but, also for Moira too. It doesn't matter that she is over 700 yrs old she has been a princess, a queen and even owned her own properties and had more money than she will ever need. She never had love. She never knew what love was until now.

[Donna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Unexpected Gifts takes us on a journey of discovery. A slave learning to make good decisions when he’s never had to make them before. A vampire just out of a 150 year healing stasis has to decide who she is going to be in this modern world. And 2 long time lovers have to figure out if their love can stand an addition or two. This is not a light fluffy romance. This goes deeper and will leave you thinking long past the last page about the nature of family and freedom. Well done Ms. Blevins.

[Annette Cousins · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ms Blevins certainly knows how to draw you in with her writing. This is not your typical romance story with a happy ever after. There are so many undercurrents between the four characters and the story line has hidden depths. A story of growth, of understanding, love and respect while overcoming ones past and fears. Beautiful and brilliant book, take the time and savour it. Fall in love with them as they go on their journey if discovery.

[Kathryn · Rating 3 out of 5]

Polly aka Moira woke up in the 21st century after sustaining a nearly mortal wound in a battle almost 150 years earlier. She used to be a queen at one point. At the age of 12 she had been given to a king to be his wife so she didn't have much of a childhood. She's temporarily in the territory of master vampire Abbot. She's been assigned to Jayce, another vampire in Abbot's territory, to be brought up to speed on all things modern. Cole is Jayce's lover and friend who is a bear shifter. They are equals in their relationship and intellect. In this household lives another shifter named Sergei. Sergei was kept as a slave all of his young life and as a newly freed slave he is still under the control and protection of Abbot. He is "on loan" to Jayce and Cole as a butler, housekeeper, cook and caretaker. I loved the characters but the story seemed to move too fast through Moira's adjustment to the 21st century. Also the development of the relationship of Jayce and Cole moving from just the two of them to four seemed to move too fast as well. The story covers a year of time and much of it seemed to happen in the background with just the high points being given to us. This was not a favorite book of mine by Candace Blevins. It seemed too sappy. It was a Christmas installment so of course it would have to be. But as with any Candace Blevins book the story was well written with descriptive settings and few if any typos.

[Eva Millien · Rating 5 out of 5]

This scorching hot and emotionally gripping holiday romance captures hearts and makes readers wish for three sexy partners to be put in their Christmas stockings. All the characters are strong, captivating and draw readers to them with their vulnerabilities, personalities and intense passion. The relationship between this foursome is complicated and slowly develops over time as they Jayce and Cole open their hearts and their relationship to Sergei and Polly and accepting them as part of their family. The passion is abundant throughout the story and the intimate scenes range from hot to scorching and include – mm, mmm, and mmmf scenes. The story also gives readers the emotional perspective of all four characters throughout which ensures that readers fall in love with them all.

The story is fast paced and has an unexpected seamless flow which makes it easy for readers to become completely caught up in the story. The author does a great job of integrating the various perspectives, present lives and future hopes into this story so that while Polly is learning how to adapt to this time period, it doesn’t interrupt the flow of the story or how the present progresses. Also, the Abbott holds the foursomes happiness in his hands and the characters are uncertain of building a relationship that could be broken apart which adds an intriguing bit of suspense that further enhances this heartwarming holiday romance.

[Jaycee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Suffering a sugar high from the omnipresent Hallmark Christmas chickflicks I am addicted to, I needed a Candace Blevins Christmas story to balance my blood glucose levels. She delivered. And its not that the basic message was any different, really, but every once in a while I do prefer its delivery with fangs and claws and other things you will *never* see on Hallmark!

I love character driven stories. Deep, vivid characters. The kinds of characters that bring their individual selves into a perfect whole; "perfect" being a relative term of course, where any relationship is involved. But this is a story where the sum is greater than its parts, and the journey this time is made more complex by numbers and species and age gaps that redefine "age gap". The journey is quite beautiful and is amped up by the supernatural setting. Its PNR/UF at is finest; emphasis on romance this time, methinks.

On the UF side, there are some enticing glimpses into the future of the Chattanooga Supernaturals and combined with the romance side of things, all readers should more than get their cookie in this outing.

The Christmas setting heightens all the feels, for certain, but the story is without season. And my heart feels good. Its the perfect escape.

[Badh · Rating 4 out of 5]

Merry Christmas

I love the Paranormal world that Candace Blevins has created. Great characters, lots of fun kink, sex in just about every possible combo, and wonderful relationships. This one is just an excellent example of all that.

[Book Ninja · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a lovely treat for upcoming holidays. This is a story about love and second chances and fits perfectly in this time of year.
I was wondering how will 4 so different people with different past work out together and Ms Blevins knows how to interwine them marvelously.
Cole - a bear shifter and Jayce - a powerful vampire complete each other in their partnership. They are in love and happy together. They are sort of equal partners and their sex is smoking hot. It seems they don't need nobody else, until Polly comes around. She is strong, independent vampire who has some bad reputation due to her past. As she was asleep for 150 years, she is now forced to learn all the history, social etiquette and technology in modern time. Let's not forget Sergei – a werewolf and their house manager, wanting to be more. He was such a sweet albeit strong pet and so desperately in need of unconditional love and trust. I admired Jayce, he was the stone in their relationship. Smart, wise, patient and full of great ideas...

I was fond of hard topics they discussed and how they confronted past vs. Present. The history, economics, social class and relationships it was all covered. The character development is evident through the plot, even though there is a clear difference between mature and foolish behavior and how age really means wisdom. I loved the dynamics between the main characters. Their relationship between each other was special and when they all came together, it was on fire.
Unexpected gifts are all about family and friends and treats in Christmas time and it warmed my heart. There is some sexy time, but it is not the main point. The best moment for me was when Polly finally understands what Christmas all is about. For me that was when she finally finds her humanity and it warmed my heart. It was also great to see Abbott in other perspective too.
Ms Blevins knows how to write a good romance, with great details, enough steamy sex, intelligent and funny dialogue with heart-warming moments. It is not easy to combine but she managed it again.

[Pat Orendorff · Rating 5 out of 5]

While the start of the book seems to be a love story of the ages with a vampire taking care of another one for more than 150 years even moving her body with him everytime he does, waiting until she's healed enough to awaken, it isn't.
Instead the central characters are an ancient vampire and his bearshifter lover. I found myself invested in the strong, intense relationship between Jayce and Cole both supernatuals having very similiar scientific geeky brains but exuding sexuality that's burning hot. Yet they're secure enough in their love that they sometimes bring in others for a night or so that it has them thinking of adding a third to their passionate duo.
Sergei, a werewolf who is employed to take care of them and their home, wants desperately to be that one as he's already crazy in love with Cole and delights in pampering both of them.
Polly now known as Moira is not just a guest but is their student needing to be brought into the modern world. I found some of the discussions of history and morality were fascinating. Their use of media, movies and television to aid in her education was intriguing.
As Moira becomes more familiar with the other three and feelings develop she wonders is there room for her and could it become a romance of four?
It's a stand alone story but still filled with lots of familiar Chattanooga Supernaturals. After all it is the holidays a time for family and friends to gather and these are some of the ones closest to Master Abbott who hosts some of these get-togethers.
While not quite her usual style Ms Blevins has written an intriguing story filled with compelling characters and profound ideas that I believe will keep me thinking about them for quite some time.
And yes once again as with her previous books I have already read it a second time.
I received an ARC in return for an honest review not necessarily a positive one.

[Dar · Rating 5 out of 5]

Honestly, straight up, I am reading this book and wondering "what's up with the title?" I mean, I completely and utterly lapped up the story like a cat at a cream convention, but I couldn't figure out the title. Then I hit the very end of the book, and had an "awwww" moment, which, if you read this authour, doesn't happen often, and it was completely unexpected, and I didn't see it coming. Still, the cockles of my heart were warmed by this instance and the title, the holiday theme, and the character dynamic all crystalized for me like snowflake it the atmosphere!

Personal musings aside, this story was a super sexy, I mean super sexy, story between Jayce and Cole, then add another, then add another. Polly comes to live with them to learn about the world, Dimitri is already living with them and wants more. From the very beginning of the story, the journey for each character begins. How do they fit in the world, in the many faceted relationships taking place, the dynamics within the household, and is any of that aligning with what they want; Do they know what they want? How do they get what they want?

The story can easily be read as a stand alone, but if you have read any of the preceding books in the worlds, you get to visit the coterie house and the inhabitants, and Razor and Matty are in for a bit. In the end though, Jayce, Cole, Polly, and Dimitri find out about themselves, each other, and what they want, to be happy, and it starts and concludes, over the holidays :)

[Titania · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had to take a moment after reading this story to collect my thoughts. Ms. Blevins gave me a story that is deeply emotional. I found myself needing time to collect my thoughts and feelings surrounding this well written story.

Polly had to learn not only how to survive with today's technology but also in a world which would allow her time to just be. She grew up in a time were you did not really have a childhood. A time when women really had not say. A time were your intelligence was colored by treachery and a need for power. Meeting Jayce, Cole and Sergei changed her. It allowed her an opportunity to be more than just a power hungry woman with allegiance to no one. I allowed her an opportunity to begin the process of learning who she is and who she wants to become. And I loved the journey. I loved the process that Ms. Blevins took not only Polly on but also the men in her life.

This story by Ms. Blevins had very little sexy times and I appreciated that. Ms. Blevins focused on the characters and their needs and growth. Adding sex for sex sake would have taken away from this compelling story of love and growth. That is not to say that love was not apparent because it very much was. But is was subtle and fit not just the story but the characters as well.

I adored this story. It made me think. It made me feel. It made me appreciate. I am positive that I will return to this book time and time again. Thank you Ms. Blevins for what you gave me with this addition to this world.

[Tanja · Rating 5 out of 5]

For once, Candace wrote the blurb that said it all - "Two vampires, a grizzly bear and a werewolf. It sounds like the beginning of a joke." :) this is exactly how you feel reading the first couple a chapters and you are swooning soooo hard from 4 different characters: egos, attitudes, different centuries under one roof. I would ran away screaming !!!!
But Candace is not a novice in such a plot twist (this is THE plot twist of the century, among others... lets face it, Candace lives for these).
Polly (later Moira) is a vampire that awakens after a loooong recovery, but thank God, Concilio has a curriculum to bring their sleeping vampires back up to speed. that part had me giggling and thinking about taking all the accomplishments for granted. Jayce is a smart(ass) vampire that is charged with teaching Polly about the modern times and also to host her into his home he shares with Cole who is a very smart grizzly bear and Sergei (I have a colleague named Sergei and I keep picturing him in this role ROFL !! soooooo not what Candace envisioned) a werewolf with a troubled past that has yet to blossom.
This story has many hidden stories and underlines, its a delight - the perfect novella for this time of pre-Christmas time. One of Candace readers called the "the ideal Hallmark moment, except this one is whit claws and fangs" and I have to agree.
this is the perfect book to spend time on, while the wait for the next book is on !!!

[Daria · Rating 5 out of 5]

Candace Blevins nails it again, I just loved everything about her newest release. Unexpected Gifts. Just because you have the means to throw your weight around it doesn't mean you have to.

I loved the history that Candace included perfectly detailed and just enough that it didn't have your eyes rolling in your head. It was a great mix of detail and story. More so if you actually know the history. *smiles* nope not telling. Read it

Polly woke up and her world has changed, cars, planes and automobiles oh my. Jace is smarter than your average supernatural, but its like he's so calm and smooth in his personality. I automatically fell in love with him. The Abbot thought he'd be the perfect teacher for Polly. Sergie was so amazing! his personality shined through, just wanted to grab him up and hug him. Cole I absolutely adored his gruffness and his need to hold back, the way his personality was written was dead on.

The varied emotions came through in each of their personalities that was a huge sale for me, the rest just fell in place. The teachings, using movies was a great tool. the introduction to the family was smooth and so like Abbot. and and the cameo by Razor! loved it! Love, passion and strength. How each of them melded together and complimented well deserved the 5 star review. Enjoy

[Simplistic · Rating 5 out of 5]

Two ancient Vampires, an ex slave and a bear shifter. Who would think they would find love together. Cole is a bear shifter in love with Jayce an ancient Vampire. Sergei is their employee who is in control of running their household. Then Polly aka Moira is thrown in the mix when she wakes from a 150 year sleep, to a new century that she is unfamiliar with. Jayce has agreed to help her learn about the centuries she has missed as well as this one. Cole was not happy at first he thought she was going to be a pampered princess but she proves them all wrong. Together they will find what love really means. The First few chapters I thought I wasn't going to enjoy but they were just to establish Polly's world before now. Once we got to see them interacting and meshing the boo fell into a very good read. Myself I was glad Jayce and Cole finally found their mold. They played around with others before but once they decide to let Stergei and Moira in they realize that true love trumps all. I recommend you go on this ride and let these 4 win you over. Ms. Blevins done and awesome job telling their story.

[Gab · Rating 5 out of 5]

Happy Supernatural Holidays!
An established pair of lovers and their housekeeper, living quietly together in their mountain aerie. And here comes Abbott and sets them the task to educate a former princess-queen-queen mother with a wonky reputation.
What could become a total disaster Ms Blevins turns into a colorful tapestry of musings about economics and politics, and luscious menage scenes. She lets us watch an uncommon bond develop. Lets us watch a person grow into a better, more rounded version of herself and find, and celebrate, humanity.
But for me it's the little werewolf, well, little compared to the other three, larger than life personalities, who is the glue that binds them together.
He encompasses the concept of devotion to, and love of family in its purest form. Despite, or rather because of, his horrific upbringing.
This is a celebration of giving thanks for the good things in life without drowning in Hallmark sweetness.
Well, it's Blevins style!

[Leslie OBrien · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you are looking for a feel-good Christmas story, then you need to snap up Candace Blevins “Unexpected Gifts” right now. While it’s part of the Chattanooga Supernaturals universe, it is a standalone story that will give you all those warm and fuzzy feelings that comes with drinking just enough hot chocolate and not eating too many warm, delicious Christmas cookies.

Likes: As with Ms Blevins other stories, she has a flare for the details that comes out in the storytelling making you feel as though you’re a part of the story and not simply reading it. Her characters are warm (or cool) flesh and blood with very real thoughts, concerns, desires, and fears. And it’s a Christmas story! Which, I loved. So many times I’ve ready holiday stories that could have taken place at any time, but this is a not-so-Hallmark-heart-warming story of finding love from unlikely allies and realizing that happily ever after is possible.

[Heart5 · Rating 5 out of 5]

I started this one with the idea that I would read for twenty minutes or so before moving on to something else. Two hours later I finally put it down. As always the author offered up multiple well developed characters coming together in a story that pulled me in from the first page. I loved the way this one looks at our current society from individuals that have seen cultures rise and fall. The sweet Christmas side of the story was nice, and honestly not something I would ever expect from this series. This book left me looking forward to things to come in the world Ms. Blevins has created.

[Melanie Marnell · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Family For Christmas

This is a story about finding love both familial and romantic. It's an holiday tale with an unorthodox mix of characters: two vampires, one powerful and ancient and the other recently emerged from a long regeneration; and two shifters, a grizzly and a wolf. I loved the bonds that formed among the characters and how a young wolf shifter teaches the others about the omportance of family and celebrating the Christmas spirit. I have long been a fan Candace Blevins and her fertile imagination and this book demonstrates her creativity once again.

[zoegrl · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a loving story

This may be the first time I cried while reading one of Candace's books. Not that I haven't cried but this time I really cried!!!! I was touched by Moira's need to be loved. Though I have many people who love me, I crave the kind of love she has found!!!

The story was/is beautiful!!!! I loved the emotion & the growth that Moira went through. It's important to change & grow & be the best person you can be!!! Thank you Candace. You're stories Rock!!!

Enjoy!!!

[Tracey · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was an amazing holiday book between 4 people trying to work together under 1 house. This is a paranormal romance with spicy scene such as mm, mmm, mmmf . These characters faces some challenges and develop feelings for each other was awesome to read. I really enjoyed the journey each character took in they end to find the home and love that was unexpected for these 4some. I couldn't put this book down I really enjoyed this book.

[Milena · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it! As usual Candace delivers a great story. Whenever we are in the Supernaturals world we are definitely in for a treat. The relationship these four have as a whole and individually is great. It's nice to see more of the humanity the supernaturals are developing as they form relationships in this modern context. We get to see some of our favorite characters and get a bit of what is coming up.

[Erica Paythress · Rating 5 out of 5]

Two vampires, a grizzly bear, and a werewolf. It sounds like the beginning of a joke, but these four living under one roof is serious business. Follow them through an extraordinary Christmas season as they each find ways to offer Unexpected Gifts.

When I read that I was not sure what to except. What I found was a family. They came with baggage and learn how to work together. In the end, they were truly a family. Two vampires, a grizzly bear, and a werewolf in love with each other.

[Kristi · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed the layers of who was with who for what reason. Each person brought a unique personality (kudos for each character being a complex person) to the dynamic that meshed and conflicted at times with the others.

There were a couple of places that seemed a little rushed but overall, this was a sweet romance. Sweet by this author is not the same as "sweet romance" by other authors. It's still got vampires, shifters, paranormal shenanigans and politics, and drama.

[Hayley Klasen · Rating 5 out of 5]

a fantastic way to while away the holidays with this fantastic book. It gives an honest look at the challenges every person experiences in relationships, personal growth and learning to fit into the world and relationships with others. it is a gift that leaves you wanting more of Candace and her amazing world she has created and continues to add such depth to.

[Kathleen Williams · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great read

I just can't get enough of these characters from the Chattanooga series. Another great addition to the family that is growing in the supernatural's family.
Christmas story for a Bear, Werewolf and two Vampires that get very special Christmas gifts. Hope you enjoy it as much as I have.

[Rosie Hill · Rating 5 out of 5]

What I really like about Candace's books is the consistency across all of them. It all plays in a world with it's own rules. People from different books meet, have interactions and I do not have to read a page of summary of another book, when that happens. - It all feels natural consistent and entertaining.
And of course this part of the story is just a fun read.

[Helen Wawrejko · Rating 5 out of 5]

A centuries old vampire awakens from a century+ sleep, and must learn about the modern world. Tasked with educating Moira, 3 supernaturals have her a guest in their home. Family dynamics is prevalent in this holiday centered story. Sexy erotica at its best.