Winter Wonderland: A Christmas Quartet

Nocturne Falls Universe

by Fiona Roarke, Kira Nyte, Larissa Emerald

This Nocturne Falls Universe Christmas quartet contains four stories of holiday goodness.
In this collection:

Baby, It’s Alien Outside by Fiona Roarke
Vilma Hart has everything she could desire. Considerate sons, a beloved niece and the freedom to live her life as she chooses. The only thing she doesn’t have is a sweet grandchild to love and spoil.
Milo Vandervere has spent his adult life wandering from one adventure to the next across the galaxy. Now, he’s eager to set down near his nephew and the lad’s soon-to-be family by marriage. A grand-nephew or grand-niece would be just the ticket.
When they’re snowed in together, the powerful witch and Alpha-Prime alien see nothing wrong with giving their wishes for baby joy a little magical push … But who’s spelling whom?


Touched By His Christmas Magic by Kira Nyte
A rare condition forced Sophia Lourdes to live in darkness until a cure opened some of the world to her experience-starved soul, including the supernatural haven of Nocturne Falls, Georgia. Her illness taught her to appreciate everything. Despite her determination to keep her heart safe, she appreciates a certain adorable young man most of all.
Witch Jackson Emery wants nothing more than to have Sophia for his own. Where most see him as a rumpled, clumsy geek, the beautiful vampire considers him brilliant and the way she looks at him...
If only her overprotective brother would ease up, they could discover if the spark between them will become an enduring flame.


The Falcon’s Christmas Surprise by Candace Colt
Rekindling love after forty years, falcon-shifter Solange Ford hit the open road with her handsome wolf-shifter Clark Hayworth. Five months later and homesick to return to Nocturne Falls for the holidays, Solange admits she acted on a starry-eyed impulse to take off with Clark. She leaves him in the Florida Keys, alone with his RV and Harley.
Three days before Christmas, Solange receives a chilling call that Clark is seriously injured after a motorcycle wreck. Leaving him was all wrong and she desperately wants to see him, but a fierce blizzard paralyzes all travel out of Nocturne Falls.
Though she hasn't flown long distances in years, Solange shifts to falcon for the eight-hundred-mile trip to Marathon Key. Thrown off course by an ice storm, exhausted and starving, she lands on a chicken farm guarded by menacing German Shepherds.
With no option but her wits, Solange hatches a plan. But will it work to get her back to Clark in time?


Rockin' Around the Cauldron by Larissa Emerald
Kamdyn and Cedric are set to be married in two weeks. All the arrangements are in place, but when Kamdyn’s magical powers begin going haywire, Cedric wonders if she inherited some evil force along with a gift of increased abilities. If she can’t control her magical outbursts, she could be asked to leave Nocturne Falls.

Genres: Christmas, Holiday, Paranormal Romance, Magic, Paranormal

252 pages, Kindle Edition

First published November 23, 2018

About the author

Fiona Roarke is a multi-published author who lives a quiet life with the exception of the characters and stories roaming around in her head. She writes about sexy alpha heroes and used them to launch her very first series, Bad Boys in Big Trouble.

Next up, a new Sci-Fi contemporary romance series set in Arkansas. When she's not curled on the sofa reading a great book or at the movie theater watching the latest action film, Fiona spends her time writing about the next bad boy (or bad boy alien) who needs his story told.

A hearty dose of laughter, each and every day, is required along with lots of coffee first thing in the morning as important parts of her routine.

Reviews

[Madison Warner Fairbanks · Rating 4 out of 5]

Winter Wonderland, a Christmas anthology from the Nocturne Falls Universe

Four short paranormal Christmas stories. All are part of the authors’ storylines from the Nocturne Falls Universe. All touch on holidays and weddings.
Lovely and quick snippets of happy events.

Baby, It’s Alien Outside by Fiona Roarke
Now that matchmaker Vilma has her children all paired off, she wants grandchildren. The couples feel turnabout is fair play. It’s a cute second time around story for the witch and alien...after they do a spell to get grandchildren.

The Falcon’s Christmas Surprise by Candace Colt
It takes an accident for Solange to realize what Clark means to her.

Rockin’ Around the Cauldron by Larissa Emerald
The wedding of Cedric and Kamdyn.
Kamdyn is having magic control issues. She’s afraid she’s turning evil but the Witches Council helps with meetings.
This is best having read the previous in this authors storyline.

Touched by Christmas Magic by Kira Nyte
Nerd Jackson steps up and gets the perfect gift for his wanna be girlfriend Sophia.
Adorable. Both the couple and the short story.

[Kevin · Rating 2 out of 5]

The first of the four short stories takes place in Nocturne Falls at Christmastime, and a couple of the characters from that universe briefly appear. It mostly concerns three couples somehow related to each other (how exactly is confusing), plus a mother/aunt who's a witch, and an uncle who's from another planet.
The three couples are worried that the mother/aunt will perform a fertility spell so that they will have children. They come up with a plan to trap her in a building with one of the couple's uncles so that she's too distracted to meddle.
It turns out that the two older characters had previously met and fell in love, but they were both in disguise at the time.
In the second story, two shifters have fallen in love and broken up twice. The male is a werewolf, who lives in the Florida Keys, and apparently does not heal as quickly as all the other shifters I know. He gets into a motorcycle accident. The female is a falcon shifter who lives in Nocturne Falls, Georgia. When she hears of his accident, she tries her best to get to him so they can reunite. She has decided that her family does not need her as much as does the love of her life.
Typos: "road" for "rode," many sentence fragments, incorrect verb tenses, lay for lie a few times.
Story number three takes place in Nocturne Falls, and features some of the original characters. It concerns a magical couple engaged to be married. The man is worried that his bride-to-be is not in control of her magic, so stages an intervention, which she resists at first.
Typos: Way too many for me to list. It's worse than an elementary school writing assignment.
Story number four got off to such a slow start that quickly I gave up reading.

[Myriam · Rating 5 out of 5]

Four and a half stars.
Baby, It’s Alien Outside by Fiona Roarke
This is already the author's eighth  story in Nocturne Falls following the three rescue stories Close Encounters Of The Alien Kind, Invasion of the Alien Snatchers and The Alien Who Fell To Earth. There is also  a short story Have Yourself a Merry Little Alien from Merry & Bright: A Christmas Anthology (Nocturne Falls Universe), The Dragon's Spellbound Alien, The Vampire's Unintended Alien, and The Witch's Enchanted Alien. The stories are best read in order and complemented by the author's Alienn, Arkansas series, You've Got Aliens, How to Lose an Alien in 10 Days, My Big Fat Alien Wedding, and 10 Things Aliens Hate About You has been announced.
This was a really fun story in the holiday spirit, all about family, love and grandchildren. This is a story of Vilma, Victor and Warrick's mom, and Milo, Max's uncle from Alpha-Prime, we met them both in previous stories, so they are not unknowns. Vilma already had a reputation for throwing love spells and signing up her children for blind dating, however, this time the tables have turned, or have they?
This was a great addition to the series, and I loved it. I can't wait to see what the author comes up with next. I love this whole combination of Alienn and Nocturne Falls and all the developments with these lovable Aliens.
The Falcon’s Christmas Surprise by Candace Colt
This is the sixth story in the series by this author and the stories are best read in order. The story follows The Falcon Finds his Mate about Jess and Ryan,  The Falcon Tames the Psychic about Brianna and Connor (Ryan's brother), The Psychics Say I Do from Merry & Bright: A Christmas Anthology, The Falcon's Full House introducing new characters Rachel and Ian, and The Falcon's Second Chance, story about Solange.
To my utter delight, this story continues with the adventures of Solange and Clark. Due to the nature of the story, most of it occurs away from Nocturne Falls, however, it does not take away from the magic and romance. If anything, the romance is off the charts. Solange is, as usual, a wonderful determined self, and a pure delight. She is without a doubt my favourite character in the Falcon series. During her escapades, she meets an interesting couple of twin sisters, which I hope will be featured in future stories. This story was lovely and a great addition to the Nocturne Falls Universe and the Falcon family.
Rockin' Around the Cauldron by Larissa Emerald
This is the seventh story by this author in the Nocturne Falls Universe, following The Vampire Bounty Hunter’s Unexpected Catch, The Shaman Charms the Shifter, The Witch’s Snow Globe Wish in Merry & Bright: A Christmas Anthology (Nocturne Falls Universe), The Dragon Falls For The Fairy Godmother, The Inspector Claims The Vampiress, and The Lion, The Witch, and The Secret Garden. As with the previous stories, the reading order is not of essence because these are mostly standalone stories and do not follow the same characters.
This is a story of Kamdyn and Cedric, who we met in the previous story. They are to be married and are going through all kinds of hurdles of wedding planning, while they struggle with Kamdyn's newly obtained powers and all kinds of issues and fears that come with it. 
Touched By His Christmas Magic by Kira Nyte
This is the seventh story by this author in the Nocturne Falls Universe following A Dragon Speaks Her Name, A Dragon Gambles For His Girl, A Dragon’s Christmas Mayhem from Merry & Bright: A Christmas Anthology (Nocturne Falls Universe) following dragons and their keepers, The Princes Protects Her Huntsman, which shifts to fae, Touched By Her Elven Magic and Touched By His Vampire Charm. The previous stories were good, and the last two were great. The previous stories were good, and the last three were great.
This is a story of Sophia, a vampire, Draven's sister who we met in the previous story, and Jackson, a witch and a scientist, who we met in several previous stories, as he was helping Vivian and Kalen. Their story is sweet as can be, as they shyly dance around their attraction, trying to find a quiet moment away from the family and friends to express their mutual feelings to each other. Misunderstandings and insecurities make their courting a bit awkward, as the meddling from others makes it uncomfortable. Regardless, they find their way to each other, as it was meant to be. This is a very sweet and lovely story and I enjoyed it very much.
The Nocturne Falls is a great series and the reading order is: The Vampire's Mail Order Bride (Nocturne Falls #1), The Werewolf Meets His Match (Nocturne Falls #2), The Gargoyle Gets His Girl (Nocturne Falls, #3), The Professor Woos The Witch (Nocturne Falls, #4), and The Witch’s Halloween Hero (Nocturne Falls #4.5) in Spell of the Ball Anthology, The Werewolf's Christmas Wish (Nocturne Falls #4.6) in Hex the Halls Anthology, The Vampire’s Fake Fiancée (Nocturne Falls #5), A Vampire's Valentine Surprise (Nocturne Falls #5.5), Miss Frost Solves A Cold Case: A Nocturne Falls Mystery (Jayne Frost #1), The Shifter Romances The Writer (Nocturne Falls #6), Miss Frost Ices The Imp: A Nocturne Falls Mystery (Jayne Frost #2), The Vampire’s True Love Trials (Nocturne Falls #6.5) in Taming the Vampire collection, Miss Frost Saves The Sandman: A Nocturne Falls Mystery (Jayne Frost #3), The Dragon Finds Forever (Nocturne Falls #7), The Vampire's Accidental Wife (Nocturne Falls #8), Miss Frost Cracks A Caper: A Nocturne Falls Mystery (Jayne Frost #4), Miss Frost Braves The Blizzard: A Nocturne Falls Mystery (Jayne Frost #5), The Reaper Rescues The Genie (Nocturne Falls #9), The Detective Wins The Witch (Nocturne Falls Book 10), Miss Frost Chills The Cheater: A Nocturne Falls Mystery (Jayne Frost Book 6), and ever growing series of Nocturne Universe Novels, which surpassed 40 by now. Great world to get yourself immersed in.

[Ashley (Red-Haired Ash Reads) · Rating 3 out of 5]

Rating: 2.5 stars

**The overall rating is the average of the following ratings.**

Baby, It's Alien Outside by Fiona Roarke:
Alienn, Arkansas #3.7
2 stars - It was ok

While this was a cute conclusion to the Hart family’s story, Vilma finally finding her lost love, I did have a big issue with it. My issue with this story is the constant badger to her children for grandkids. As a woman who doesn’t want kids, yet hears about how I should by everyone, this is something that irritates me when I find it in romances. I deal enough with this in real life. Another issue was the spell that Vilma and Max do. If you want to know the specifics of that you can read the spoiler. It really bothered me that they did a fertility spell to make their kids get pregnant. They are basically taking away their choice in when or if they want to get pregnant.

The Falcon's Christmas Surprise by Candace Colt:
1.5 stars - It wasn’t great

This story is the continuation of Solange and Clark’s relationship from The Falcon's Second Chance. I have not read that book, so events in this story were at first confusing because this picks up a few months after that book. This is going to have a lot of spoilers so don’t continue reading if you don’t want the story spoiled.

This basically was a couple who jumped back into their relationship after being apart for forty years and yet still didn’t want to make an effort to make it work. Both of them refused to discuss the situation and make a plan that worked for both of their lifestyles, and ended up splitting shortly because of that. Clark doesn’t even try to understand Solange’s depression at being away from her family and missing key events. He brings it up but it doesn’t change his stance at refusing to travel to Solange’s home for the holidays. Then when Clark gets hurt, Solange rushes back to see him and jumps right back into their relationship. They never discuss how they will make it work or anything they just jump right into marriage. I was just very irritated by both of these characters and that is why I am this story gets only 1.5 stars. I don’t know if my stance on this couple would be different if I had read their book, but at this point I don’t want to if this is the conclusion.

The only thing I really enjoyed about this story was the two sisters who help Solange out. They were dog shifters and they seem like fascinating women. I would totally read a book with them.


Rockin Around the Cauldron by Larissa Emerald:
3 stars - I liked it

Kamdyn and Cedric are preparing for their upcoming wedding and honeymoon. Unfortunately Kamdyn is struggling to control her new surge in magic and it's causing some issues before their big day.

I really loved how supportive Cedric was in this story. He knew something was wrong with Kamdyn and did whatever he could to help her overcome it. He seeks help with other witches and doesn’t let Kamdyn push him away when she gets angry about it. I loved a hero, or heroine, who is supportive of their partners. Overall, this was a cute little story about two people dealing with wedding stress and magical malfunctions.

Touched by His Christmas Magic by Kira Nyte:
4 stars - It was really good

This was adorable! Sophia is just now experiencing a normal vampire life.She has spent most of her life unable to tolerate artificial light or sunlight so has lived in a world of darkness. Jackson was an adorably awkward wizard who just wants to be with Sophia. These two were just so cute together. I loved how protective her brother was but also helpful with pushing Jackson towards Sophia. The present Jackson gives Sophia was perfect and thoughtful.

Basically, these two were adorable and I wish their story had been longer because I could have read a whole book with these two

You can also find my reviews at Red-Haired Ash Reads.

[Mullen Natalie · Rating 1 out of 5]

this is a total fail.
No real Christmas stories but 3 out of 4 books that are not even 1 star. This book was a waste of time and money and I am really angry. Wanted some nice interesting Nocturne Falls Christmas Stories and that is NOT what they are
So here are my ratings for each book:

1. Baby its alien outside , a short story that could have been a 5 star if she would have given us a little more about those 2. Loved the idea, a nice quick read. so I rate it a 3.5 to 4 star

2. The falcon`s Christmas surprise. What was that? She leaves him, he has an accident , she goes back. End of story. Dry and boring. Not playing in Nocturne Falls at all. not even 1 star

3. Rocking around the Cauldron. A woman treating her fiance like grab. Give her some medication and look for someone that does not have a mental problem would be my advice for him. If you are not adult enough to handle yourself you should not be adult enough to marry. .. I can not stand teenager like behavior sold as adults. What does this all have to do with a Christmas story? That is all I have to say about this book. Had to skip, I did not even finished this . Not a Christmas story at all. Not even 1 star

4. Touched by Christmas magic. Boring boring boring ..How can you waste so much time on people playing a game? So very boring, so I had to skipped and skipped and gave up Not even 1 star

[Jennifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a book of 4 short stories. They are a great way to start the Christmas season.

Baby, It's Alien Outside

Fun story. I love how the past is brought into the story, both long ago past and recent past. Loved the characters.


The Falcon's Christmas Surprise

Distance makes the heart grow fonder. A perfect story to prove that adage.


Rocking Around the Cauldron

The story was good, but the solution was a bit too easy. And no answer was ever really found.


Touched by his Christmas Magic

I really enjoyed reading about this group of friends. They have such interesting lives. Sophia and Jackson's relationship is unique and celebrating their Christmas with them was fun.

[Eden · Rating 3 out of 5]

I rated this lower than the other Nocturne Falls Universe books. I'm not sure if it was the fact that I read it after Christmas, or that I only knew the characters from one previous Nocturne Falls Universe book or what, but the book just didn't seem to have the Nocturne Falls flavor that I have come to expect. The writing wasn't as tight, my copy had several spots where there were words misspelled, or a word repeated twice in a sentence (the second time making no sense).
I would recommend this book only to those who have read the full length stories by the four authors in the collection. It just didn't flow for me.
2019 - bk 5

[David Vise · Rating 5 out of 5]

This enjoyable set of four seasonal short stories by authors who have all previous contributed to the Nocturne Falls Universe series revisits characters from earlier works and ties up various ends and scenarios. Fans of the series will no doubt want to add it to their Xmas reading list :)
Possibly not an ideal place to start for newbies though as these stories are best enjoyed after reading through the characters previous adventures.

[Suzan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this collection, especially as two of stories were ones I had hoped for! Namely Vilma & Milo's and also Jackson & Sophia's. It was a great collection of stories! Each one a quick & fun read.

[Kim · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love Christmas stories. And these short stories were a great way to kick off the Christmas reading season for me. Can't wait to read more from these authors. I am totally in love with Nocturne Falls!

[Hsu Lee · Rating 5 out of 5]

I voluntarily offered to review this book with no obligations and my opinions are honest!
It was a great book!
I love the Nocturne Falls series + the NFU Universe.
This is a great collection for the holidays!
I totally recommend this collection!

[niki_reads_romance · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great compilation of short stories!

I’ve loved all the previous NF stories from these authors, and I’m so glad we were able to revisit them in this collection of sweet, short stories.

[Ruth · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fuzzy feelgoog

Lovely Christmas fun with misunderstanding and forgiveness. There is even a shotgun wedding hidden in there. Too say more would spoil the surprise.

[Don · Rating 4 out of 5]

3 out of 4

It’s. A good book three of 4 stories are v good. The first 3 are good the last drags on and goes no where.

[Jennifer Lowrance · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nocturne Falls character's and the Christmas season, what's not to love?! 4 great
short stories that were fun to read and a great jump start on the holiday spirit!

[Ken Liljengren · Rating 4 out of 5]

Always nice and entertaining visiting Nocturne Falls and the "people" living there.

Thank You Ladies

Ken

[Regina J. Arnold · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great collection

Some of the stories are just right. While other s stopped to soon or went on to long. Be prepared before you start this collection

[Lokien · Rating 3 out of 5]

Sweet

Once again I'm lost in the story hopping.😑i can't remember one story arc from the next most of the time.