Christmas Bite

Golden Vampires of Tuscany #2.5

by S. Hamil, Sharon Hamilton

He is the eldest brother of three orphaned dark vampire waifs, bound by a lifetime vow of service to protect the offspring of the Golden Vampire Monteleone family. This is a debt that Lionel Jett can never discharge.

Phoebe Dominichelli is a nineteen year old virgin, a Golden who has not taken the turning and who appears identical to her ancient great-great-grandmother, Maria Monteleone. Lionel Jett once harbored a secret and platonic love for Maria, who died as a mortal over three centuries ago.

The two vampire races are forbidden to mate, yet Phoebe and Lionel’s attraction risks their very souls. In addition, the war brewing between the two species threatens the entire vampire society. When the two worlds collide, who will win out? Will their brief affair be worth an eternity of damnation? Or, can duty and honor leave room for love or the possibility of a happily ever after?

Genres: Paranormal, Holiday

186 pages, Kindle Edition

First published November 20, 2018

About the author

S. HAMIL, Sharon Hamilton’s twisted sister, writes paranormal romance with a central theme of the healing power of true love. Her characters from multiple worlds including Heaven and the Underworld are angels, dark angels, vampires and some who are not quite sure what they are. They follow a bumpy path to redemption, but not exactly what they taught you in Sunday School!

Reviews

[Kari Hansen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lionel takes his oath to keep the Monteleone family safe very seriously especially when it comes Phoebe. From the first time he saw her she reminds him of her great, great grandmother who he loved and lost.

Phoebe is 19 so when she finds out that she is danger and that her parents want her to take a husband. It was supposed to be an arranged marriage until she finds her fated mate so she decides to marry Lionel. The only problem is that she and Lionel have developed feelings for each other but being together could cause widespread devastation.

This is not the end of the story for Lionel and Phoebe however it does end in a happy for now. With everything conspiring against them they have a battle on their hands. I received a complimentary copy of the audiobook and enjoyed the performance of the narrator.

[Darlene · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fated to be together, is this illicit love affair mor than they comprehend...

Secrets, dangerous plots and a war imminent, unfold in this new book by Sharon Hamilton, that is set to bring don the Vampire and Golden coverns.

Amongst the suspense, Phoebe is coming of age yet it’s an uncertain time, and once an attempt has been made to kidnap Phoebe... her over protective family assign trusted Monteleone protectors and Seals to guard her virtue. But those monumental decisions could very well be their undoing.

While Phoebe is over protected, she is also a very determined and head strong young woman, desiring of all that she is facing to have her time with Lionel mean more. They both feel that fated pull even when it’s supposedly wrong. How will the merging threats from both inside and outside interests affect this couple?

Fan’s of Sharon Hamiltons Military, Seals and Romantic Suspense books will enjoy the dramatic intrigue that threatens the Vampire Society and all those innocents they protect with their lives.

This is a very quick, easy to read novella. This is a prelude of more adventure and high stakes drama that is sure to come Lionel and Phoebe’s way. Not a traditional cliffhanger but you also know there is more to come with the way Sharon concludes this novella.

I’m am a fan of Sharon’s military book world and this series holds all those suspense and thrill elements but with that paranormal layer and twist. I would suggest starting from the beginning of this series to get a more familiar feel to all the persons of interest, otherwise it could be a little daunting at times to keep everyone clear.

[JigsawGirl · Rating 4 out of 5]

I don't want to classify this as a cliffhanger, but it is a bit of one. You really don't know what is going to ultimately happen with Lionel and Phoebe. There isn't an HEA. There is a potential war brewing. There is a source of evil that has not been satisfied and Lionel is standing in his way. Maybe it is a cliffhanger after all.

The book is intriguing. It is definitely not your typical vampire story. I have to be honest and admit that I did experience some confusion in regards to the relationships between the dark lords, the Golden Ones, the mortals, and Salaman.

Phoebe and Lionel were connected, but I didn't get the sense of any chemistry between them. It was written as though there was chemistry, but I didn't feel it at all.

I may read it again to see if I can get the relationships clear in my head. I would recommend that you give this book a try. It will be interesting to see what trials the next book brings.

I voluntarily read and reviewed this book received from the author.

[Sharon Grow · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is book number three of the Golden Vampires of Tuscany. Lionel Jett is the oldest Jett brother and he and his brothers are protectors for the Monteleone family. Lionel and his brothers, Hugh and Jeb are dark vampires and are bound to serve the family. With Jeb missing and presumed dead, Lionel and Hugh remain guardians for the family. Lionel is attracted to Phoebe Monteleone, but knows that there can never be any relationship between the two of them. When Lionel rescues Phoebe after she was attacked, she realizes that she has feelings for Lionel that she can’t quite explain. Phoebe, a nineteen-year-old virgin, has not been “turned”, but the attack left her weakened. Lionel realizes that Phoebe reminds him of her great-great-great grandmother Maria, whom he loved from afar those many years ago. Although I don’t usually read vampire stories, this was a very entertaining story written in Ms. Hamilton’s unique writing style. I received a free copy of this book and voluntarily chose to give an honest review. (by paytonpuppy)

[Catlou · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lionel Jett is a dark vamp who has served the Monteleone family for centuries. Phoebe Dominichelli is a Golden and mortal, who reminds Lionel of his long, lost love. This is the beginning of their story. It’s not your typical vampire story. There is depth to the characters and the storyline which draws you in and holds your interest throughout. It’s an appealing and intriguing tale which is a prequel to the next in the Golden Vampires series. It is an HFN romance and a tantalizing start to what I hope is not the end of Lionel and Phoebe’s story.

[Carolyn Spence · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an interesting story. I have not read a paranormal by Ms. Hamilton and I did enjoy it. There is so much detail for this story and I could follow it easily. Lionel is a dark vamp who lost his true love two centuries ago. He is a born protector, that is what he is made for. He is not made to cross the boundaries of races and choose Phoebe, a descendent of his one and only love. There is evil, there is love and there his hope in this book. I can't wait for the next chapter in this series.

I received this advanced reader's copy in exchange for an honest review.

[Cheryl · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the first non-Seal book of this author's I have read and I loved it. There is a cast-like hierarchy in this vampire community with humans at the very bottom and Golden vampires at the top. Lionel is a dark vampire who are servants of the Goldens. Phoebe is a Golden who has not decided if she will remain human or accept the turning to become a vampire. Either way she and Lionel can never be together since it is forbidden.

I enjoyed this story and I am looking forward to the next installment of this story.

[Karlee · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story is still around the Monteleone family but more about the dark brother that protects the family. Lionel Jett fell in love with Maria Monteleone many years ago so when he sees her again, or well sees Phoebe, a spitting image of Maria, he just wants to make sure she’s protected. A dark and a golden cannot be fated but there is a pull that both feel. Are they able to develop their feelings or is Pheobe’s life going to be in danger? This was a quick read and I’m anxious to see what’ll happen in the next book!

[Gerry · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very interesting vampire book. I really enjoyed it even though I hadn't read the first two books in the series. That caused me to be rather confused at first with all the unfamiliar characters and circumstances. All authors seem to have their own set of rules for vamps. There are the dark covens with guardians and evil guys, mortals, and Goldens who aren't affected by the sun. Even without background information, I liked it very much and look forward (or perhaps backward) to reading more.

[janelle beaver · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lots of details to this book paranormal, vampires.I enjoyed this book,but I wished I wold have stared at the beginning of the series.There wasn't a HEALTHY I'll have to read next book to see what happens

[sandy forguson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lionel and phoebe

Great book and characters can't wait to see how the story will end with Lionel and phoebe hoping their fasting becomes a reality would highly recommend and awaiting the fourth book

[Jeanne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful book

I like how the vampires protect their young and allow them to decide if they want to be vampires or not.

[Stephanie Villere · Rating 5 out of 5]

Christmas Bite, Golden Vampires of Tuscany # 2.5, written by S Hamil. This one may be short but it’s filled with action, excitement, destiny and death. Can’t wait to jump to the next book!

[Courtney · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good read. I liked this better than the first two books.

[Shelley · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is cliffhanger

Great worldbuilding. The three races are related, according to an ancient book. This story unites two races. What happy is the cliffhanger.