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Holidays Suck! #1
Vampire Claus
’Twas the night before Christmas, but what’s stirring is a little more dangerous than a mouse.
Taviano is nearly two hundred years old and never wakes in the same place twice. Weary and jaded, the vampire still indulges in memories of childhood Christmases in Naples. He lingers in shadow, spying on mortals as they enjoy the holiday.
When Taviano spots a handsome young man in Boston loaded down with presents and about to be mugged, he can’t help but intervene. Soon he’s talking to joyous, naïve, strong-willed and funny Paul, a short-order cook who raised funds to buy Christmas presents for LGBTQ children. Before he knows what’s happened, Taviano is wrapped up in Paul’s arms and then in his scheme to get the presents delivered by Christmas morning.
A vampire turned into a Christmas elf… What could go wrong?
Vampire Claus is a 30,000-word standalone gay romance about a lonely vampire and a fearless mortal with no instinct for self-preservation. A heartwarming ending, no cliffhanger, and a young man who discovers he has a thing for fangs. Isn’t that what Christmas is all about?
Taviano is nearly two hundred years old and never wakes in the same place twice. Weary and jaded, the vampire still indulges in memories of childhood Christmases in Naples. He lingers in shadow, spying on mortals as they enjoy the holiday.
When Taviano spots a handsome young man in Boston loaded down with presents and about to be mugged, he can’t help but intervene. Soon he’s talking to joyous, naïve, strong-willed and funny Paul, a short-order cook who raised funds to buy Christmas presents for LGBTQ children. Before he knows what’s happened, Taviano is wrapped up in Paul’s arms and then in his scheme to get the presents delivered by Christmas morning.
A vampire turned into a Christmas elf… What could go wrong?
Vampire Claus is a 30,000-word standalone gay romance about a lonely vampire and a fearless mortal with no instinct for self-preservation. A heartwarming ending, no cliffhanger, and a young man who discovers he has a thing for fangs. Isn’t that what Christmas is all about?
Audiobook
First published November 15, 2017
66 people are currently reading
370 people want to read
About the author
Robert Winter
19 books351 followersRobert Winter is a recovering lawyer who likes writing about hot men in love much more than drafting a legal brief. Once upon a time, he went to Georgetown University law school. Upon graduation, he moved to New York to work in a large law firm, but later returned to Washington, DC. The legal work was entertaining and Robert spent a lot of time in bankruptcy court, usually representing either groups of creditor or the debtors themselves. But legal work didn’t satisfy the urge Robert felt to tell stories.
When he turned 50, Robert left behind the (allegedly) glamorous world of international law firms and bankruptcy court to pursue his real passion. Now he spends time with his husband in Montreal, QC.
When Robert isn’t writing, he loves to cook Indian food. The aromas of the spice blends excite and challenge him. Although he’s never been to India, the food seems comforting and home-like. Add a trip to the Golden Triangle to the bucket list!
When he turned 50, Robert left behind the (allegedly) glamorous world of international law firms and bankruptcy court to pursue his real passion. Now he spends time with his husband in Montreal, QC.
When Robert isn’t writing, he loves to cook Indian food. The aromas of the spice blends excite and challenge him. Although he’s never been to India, the food seems comforting and home-like. Add a trip to the Golden Triangle to the bucket list!
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December 9, 2017
Vampire Claus is the first book I have read by Robert Winter. This is a short, and dare I say sweet, vampire m/m Christmas story that I was glad to add to my Christmas reading this year.
Taviano is a two hundred year old vampire. He has never slept in the same place more than one night. In his culture, vampires claim areas as their own feeding ground. Another vampire can not remain in another’s claimed area or they are asking for trouble. It’s almost Christmas and Taviano still remembers the joys of Christmas Mass. He is on the roof of a church in Boston listening in to the services. He considers himself a monster destined to living life in the shadows. He only feeds on the worst of society and does his best not to kill them. But his existence is solitary and lonely.
It’s on this night that he notices a man carrying a bunch of shopping bags down a deserted street. Behind the man are three hoodlums intent on robbing him. The man is completely oblivious to the nearing danger so Taviano takes it upon himself to protect him. He soon finds himself face to face with a man who he can’t take his eyes off of. And it’s obvious his new friend feels the same way.
“Why should just one man out of the multitudes he’d encountered draw him so profoundly and calm his demon?”
This was such a cute story! Not only does he meet a new friend, he finds himself drawn into Paul’s gift giving escapade. He also learns that some of the ideas he thought were facts regarding his nature, are not true. And that maybe he’s not such a monster after all. He and Paul spend the night getting to know one another and experiencing the joys of each other’s bodies but Taviano knows that he must move on soon and wipe Paul’s memories of their time together away. Only this isn’t what Paul wants. He wants to remember every moment of their encounter.
What will happen when daylight approaches and Paul and Taviano must part? Will they be given the chance to find out what the future holds for them together or is one night all they will be allowed? This was definitely a new take on vampires and I really enjoyed it. It was short, sweet and hot. If this is a genre you enjoy, maybe you’ll like it as well!
Taviano is a two hundred year old vampire. He has never slept in the same place more than one night. In his culture, vampires claim areas as their own feeding ground. Another vampire can not remain in another’s claimed area or they are asking for trouble. It’s almost Christmas and Taviano still remembers the joys of Christmas Mass. He is on the roof of a church in Boston listening in to the services. He considers himself a monster destined to living life in the shadows. He only feeds on the worst of society and does his best not to kill them. But his existence is solitary and lonely.
It’s on this night that he notices a man carrying a bunch of shopping bags down a deserted street. Behind the man are three hoodlums intent on robbing him. The man is completely oblivious to the nearing danger so Taviano takes it upon himself to protect him. He soon finds himself face to face with a man who he can’t take his eyes off of. And it’s obvious his new friend feels the same way.
“Why should just one man out of the multitudes he’d encountered draw him so profoundly and calm his demon?”
This was such a cute story! Not only does he meet a new friend, he finds himself drawn into Paul’s gift giving escapade. He also learns that some of the ideas he thought were facts regarding his nature, are not true. And that maybe he’s not such a monster after all. He and Paul spend the night getting to know one another and experiencing the joys of each other’s bodies but Taviano knows that he must move on soon and wipe Paul’s memories of their time together away. Only this isn’t what Paul wants. He wants to remember every moment of their encounter.
What will happen when daylight approaches and Paul and Taviano must part? Will they be given the chance to find out what the future holds for them together or is one night all they will be allowed? This was definitely a new take on vampires and I really enjoyed it. It was short, sweet and hot. If this is a genre you enjoy, maybe you’ll like it as well!
November 18, 2017
Total cover crush here, folks. I'll admit it.
So imagine my delight when the story from this new-to-me author turned out to be good as well.
At 22, Taviano was turned into a vampire against his will and had since roamed the earth for nearly two centuries, never spending more than a single night in the same place. He saw himself as a monster, so he had resigned himself to his nomadic existence, which was more than he felt he deserved.
And then he met, funny, charming, and eternally-upbeat 24 y.o. Paul, who'd been disowned by his family, yet still was somehow a caring, generous soul. He was also brave, bordering on stupidly so.
Upon learning Taviano's vampiric secret, Paul only wanted to get closer to the man who'd both rescued him from being mugged and saved Christmas for a group of LGBT kids living in a shelter. Taviano may have seen himself as a devil, but Paul saw him as being his angel.
The third character in this story was Taviano's "bloodbeast", with its unending, uncontrollable, unquenchable thirst for blood and carnage. I loved how the bloodbeast was "a thing" living inside Taviano, always fighting for dominance, like a dangerous parasite that must be fought and kept on a tight leash.
I'd never read quite that take on vampire lore before, so I found this new setup quite refreshing. Especially when, as the story progressed, we were shown that there was both forethought and purpose to at least some of Taviano's bloodbeast's actions. Mindless killing machine? Possibly. But there was definitely more there, too.
I absolutely adored the easy connection between Taviano and Paul. They were both great characters, but we do learn a bit more about Taviano, as the story is told entirely from his point of view.
I also thoroughly enjoyed the big, "Oh Shit, We All Gonna Die" danger scene toward the end of the book and how unpredictable it turned out, refusing to take the path generally traveled in most of the vampire tales that I'd previously read.
The story immediately grabbed my attention and kept it, only ramping up my interest for what I considered a very strong finish.
This was definitely an insta-love situation, but I didn't mind, as their developing emotions felt believable, plus, the story was fairly sexy, but didn't come across as gratuitous.
If I had to point out one possible shortcoming, I'd have to say that some of Paul's use of language did cause my eyes to roll on occasion, when he got a bit too "Obscure Urban Dictionary 2017 Edition" for my tastes.
But overall, I loved this novella. I'd rate it at around 4.25 stars and highly recommend it to anyone looking for a tale of both Christmas and blood sucking.
And a HOT cover, I mustn't forget that. ;- )
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July 7, 2018
Cross-posted at Shelf Inflicted and at Outlaw Reviews
Taviano was just 22 when he was turned into a vampire nearly 200 years ago. Having spent many years wandering, the lonely, nomadic vampire has decided to observe the city of Boston from the top of St. Stephen’s. The evening mass, the snowfall, and the Christmas trees seen through apartment windows, all make Taviano long for his childhood in Naples, Italy.
With his human life now over, Taviano skulks around in the dark, taking nourishment from the dregs of society. Over the years, Taviano has learned that he doesn’t have to kill his victims in order to satisfy the bloodbeast that lives within him. Though he still believes he’s a monster, his human feelings and memories remain intact.
It takes a near mugging and an encounter with a bright, compassionate young man named Paul to help Taviano recover his humanity, use his powers to help the less fortunate, and discover he is not the monster he’s always believed himself to be.
I loved the warmth, the strong connection and the steamy love scenes between Paul and Taviano. I enjoyed the glimpses of Taviano’s past and the fact that Taviano’s bloodbeast has his own underlying motives.
As much as I loved Paul’s kind spirit, his excessive use of slang drove me nuts.
This tender and funny romance is full of surprises and Christmas joy, with just enough danger and tension to keep it from feeling like a Hallmark movie.
I thoroughly enjoyed it and would definitely read another story with these two as long as Paul learns some proper English!
*This book was provided by the author via IndiGo Marketing & Design in exchange for an honest review.
Taviano was just 22 when he was turned into a vampire nearly 200 years ago. Having spent many years wandering, the lonely, nomadic vampire has decided to observe the city of Boston from the top of St. Stephen’s. The evening mass, the snowfall, and the Christmas trees seen through apartment windows, all make Taviano long for his childhood in Naples, Italy.
With his human life now over, Taviano skulks around in the dark, taking nourishment from the dregs of society. Over the years, Taviano has learned that he doesn’t have to kill his victims in order to satisfy the bloodbeast that lives within him. Though he still believes he’s a monster, his human feelings and memories remain intact.
It takes a near mugging and an encounter with a bright, compassionate young man named Paul to help Taviano recover his humanity, use his powers to help the less fortunate, and discover he is not the monster he’s always believed himself to be.
I loved the warmth, the strong connection and the steamy love scenes between Paul and Taviano. I enjoyed the glimpses of Taviano’s past and the fact that Taviano’s bloodbeast has his own underlying motives.
As much as I loved Paul’s kind spirit, his excessive use of slang drove me nuts.
This tender and funny romance is full of surprises and Christmas joy, with just enough danger and tension to keep it from feeling like a Hallmark movie.
I thoroughly enjoyed it and would definitely read another story with these two as long as Paul learns some proper English!
*This book was provided by the author via IndiGo Marketing & Design in exchange for an honest review.
November 20, 2017
~3.5~
This is not a typical vampire story. Winter's vampire thinks of his otherness as a beast lurking inside him. There's Taviano, the human who died in 19th century Italy, and then there's the dark monster who wants to drink blood, fight, and destroy. Taviano has been a slave to his beast for nearly 200 years.
But when Taviano meets the sweet and naive Paul one Christmas Eve (by stopping Paul from getting mugged and worse), everything changes. The beast doesn't want to hurt or kill Paul. The beast calms when Paul is around.
I was not even remotely surprised when Paul and Taviano figure out what links them together. I expected the story to go that way.
There was more violence than I like, particularly for a holiday story, and the relationship was really rushed, although I can forgive that because FATE.
What really turned me off was Paul's dialect. Dear god, Paul sounded like a 14-year-old street thug. Do guys in their 20s in the North End of Boston really talk like this? Even if they do, the language was incredibly jarring in written form and too stark a contrast to Taviano's more cultured, formal speech. The juxtaposition was clearly purposeful, but it annoyed me something fierce.
There's a difference between sounding young and innocent, and sounding dumb. Sadly, Paul crossed into the latter territory more than once.
I also could have done without Taviano thinking of every possible way the relationship wouldn't work in the last chapter. The story was romantic and sexy until that point, and then Taviano had to go and be a downer.
Rounding down; I would have murdered for an epilogue.
This is not a typical vampire story. Winter's vampire thinks of his otherness as a beast lurking inside him. There's Taviano, the human who died in 19th century Italy, and then there's the dark monster who wants to drink blood, fight, and destroy. Taviano has been a slave to his beast for nearly 200 years.
But when Taviano meets the sweet and naive Paul one Christmas Eve (by stopping Paul from getting mugged and worse), everything changes. The beast doesn't want to hurt or kill Paul. The beast calms when Paul is around.
I was not even remotely surprised when Paul and Taviano figure out what links them together. I expected the story to go that way.
There was more violence than I like, particularly for a holiday story, and the relationship was really rushed, although I can forgive that because FATE.
What really turned me off was Paul's dialect. Dear god, Paul sounded like a 14-year-old street thug. Do guys in their 20s in the North End of Boston really talk like this? Even if they do, the language was incredibly jarring in written form and too stark a contrast to Taviano's more cultured, formal speech. The juxtaposition was clearly purposeful, but it annoyed me something fierce.
There's a difference between sounding young and innocent, and sounding dumb. Sadly, Paul crossed into the latter territory more than once.
I also could have done without Taviano thinking of every possible way the relationship wouldn't work in the last chapter. The story was romantic and sexy until that point, and then Taviano had to go and be a downer.
Rounding down; I would have murdered for an epilogue.
November 20, 2017
3.25 stars
It was an okay book, great at times, and pretty meh at others. I loved Taviano’s character, he was an amazingly endearing vampire. But Paul’s lingo was a bit jarring to me. Everytime he would talk in that way of his, my head would snap back at the contrast to Taviano’s cultured, courteous language.
It was an okay book, great at times, and pretty meh at others. I loved Taviano’s character, he was an amazingly endearing vampire. But Paul’s lingo was a bit jarring to me. Everytime he would talk in that way of his, my head would snap back at the contrast to Taviano’s cultured, courteous language.
December 13, 2017
I think this is a heartwarming and sweet holiday novella with a different approach to holiday theme. I was surprised by how much I think the novella is well-written and attractive given that this is only a 97 pages novella. 😊 Sweet, a bit angsty, exciting and thrilling. 💝
Taviano, a two hundred years old vampire, who never stays in one place more than one night, traveling across the world aimlessly searching for something or may be someone whom he didn’t even know what he’s looking for. Lonely, self-punished, wretched soul who’s yearning for love and affection. And on one fated Christmas eve, he met a young, lively and happy man called Paul, who works as a cook in a neighborhood diner and a volunteer of LGBTQ shelter. He noticed that the lively, young man’s innate Christmas spirit is going to get stolen soon since he’s about to be mugged by three men in an alley.
Taviano and Paul helped each other. One by rescuing Christmas of the children of LGBTQ shelter and saved Paul and one by not being afraid and able to accept Taviano as a vampire and freely give the love and affection that this poor man desperately craved. 😌 The attraction is insta, very insta. 😁 But everything doesn’t need to be factual and logical in a holiday novella. I’m more than willing to look past that since I really love the storyline of this novella. 😉 The mating of Taviano and Paul was really hot. Who knows ichor from Taviano drives Paul mad with desire! 😌 Everything worked out perfectly in the end with a very merry HEA 👏 and I love the twist about the connection between Taviano and paul. It was a very clever and surprising twist. 🧡💚🧡
3.5 festive-spirited, sweet cooks and sexy vampire stars
⭐️⭐️⭐��💫
Taviano, a two hundred years old vampire, who never stays in one place more than one night, traveling across the world aimlessly searching for something or may be someone whom he didn’t even know what he’s looking for. Lonely, self-punished, wretched soul who’s yearning for love and affection. And on one fated Christmas eve, he met a young, lively and happy man called Paul, who works as a cook in a neighborhood diner and a volunteer of LGBTQ shelter. He noticed that the lively, young man’s innate Christmas spirit is going to get stolen soon since he’s about to be mugged by three men in an alley.
Taviano and Paul helped each other. One by rescuing Christmas of the children of LGBTQ shelter and saved Paul and one by not being afraid and able to accept Taviano as a vampire and freely give the love and affection that this poor man desperately craved. 😌 The attraction is insta, very insta. 😁 But everything doesn’t need to be factual and logical in a holiday novella. I’m more than willing to look past that since I really love the storyline of this novella. 😉 The mating of Taviano and Paul was really hot. Who knows ichor from Taviano drives Paul mad with desire! 😌 Everything worked out perfectly in the end with a very merry HEA 👏 and I love the twist about the connection between Taviano and paul. It was a very clever and surprising twist. 🧡💚🧡
3.5 festive-spirited, sweet cooks and sexy vampire stars
⭐️⭐️⭐��💫
November 16, 2017
Wow wow wow, Winter stuns again with his brilliant writing.
This isn't a story I would have picked up for myself but I simply can't resist Robert Winter's writing. I've read everything he's published so far and have enjoyed every single story. From age-gap to mystery/suspense to PNR, he covers tropes like they were in his personal sandbox to play with.
In this lovely PNR Christmas novella we meet old Italian vampire Taviano whose basic goodness has not dimmed in the hundreds of years he's unwillingly hosted a blood demon.
We first meet him crouching on top of a church enjoying Christmas Mass from as close as he can get. He goes directly from this un-vampire activity to saving a young man from a mugging.
Paul is a very special young man. One whose inner goodness rivals Taviano's. A perfect match. Soulmates even.
Both of their lives take a decided turn for the better after their initial meeting.
While this is a novella, the story isn't shorted in the least. We get laugh out loud humor, detailed action scenes, stunning reveals, hot sex scenes and a wonderful HEA.
I was even left wanting more stories in this setting.
Five huge stars for me.
Review ARC graciously provided by the author via IndiGo Marketing & Design
This isn't a story I would have picked up for myself but I simply can't resist Robert Winter's writing. I've read everything he's published so far and have enjoyed every single story. From age-gap to mystery/suspense to PNR, he covers tropes like they were in his personal sandbox to play with.
In this lovely PNR Christmas novella we meet old Italian vampire Taviano whose basic goodness has not dimmed in the hundreds of years he's unwillingly hosted a blood demon.
We first meet him crouching on top of a church enjoying Christmas Mass from as close as he can get. He goes directly from this un-vampire activity to saving a young man from a mugging.
Paul is a very special young man. One whose inner goodness rivals Taviano's. A perfect match. Soulmates even.
Both of their lives take a decided turn for the better after their initial meeting.
While this is a novella, the story isn't shorted in the least. We get laugh out loud humor, detailed action scenes, stunning reveals, hot sex scenes and a wonderful HEA.
I was even left wanting more stories in this setting.
Five huge stars for me.
Review ARC graciously provided by the author via IndiGo Marketing & Design
December 27, 2022
Reread December 2022
Still very sweet and feel good story. I was excited to see a continuation of their lives. Though, Paul’s vocabulary skills still got on my nerves 🙄
Originally read November 2017
I really, really enjoyed this holiday novella. It was definitely a different take on being a vampire and how it's a separate entity from its human host. Not to mention, the magic that is involved. I was left with wanting more of these two for sure and how they will live life from here on out.
Taviano was amazing. I absolutely LOVED him. He was the perfect hero and a sexy Italian vampire to boot. I struggled a bit with Paul. I loved his attitude and he’s willing to help others. He really was a good person. However, the way he talked at times came across just too immature like he was in middle school instead of an adult. Had some of the more "modern teen" lingo been left out, this would have been 5 stars for me. I loved everything else about it but the way he talked just threw me off.
I would highly recommend it though for sweet holiday read.
Still very sweet and feel good story. I was excited to see a continuation of their lives. Though, Paul’s vocabulary skills still got on my nerves 🙄
Originally read November 2017
I really, really enjoyed this holiday novella. It was definitely a different take on being a vampire and how it's a separate entity from its human host. Not to mention, the magic that is involved. I was left with wanting more of these two for sure and how they will live life from here on out.
Taviano was amazing. I absolutely LOVED him. He was the perfect hero and a sexy Italian vampire to boot. I struggled a bit with Paul. I loved his attitude and he’s willing to help others. He really was a good person. However, the way he talked at times came across just too immature like he was in middle school instead of an adult. Had some of the more "modern teen" lingo been left out, this would have been 5 stars for me. I loved everything else about it but the way he talked just threw me off.
I would highly recommend it though for sweet holiday read.
December 12, 2017
3.75 stars!
This was such a sweet quick read perfect for this holiday season.
“Vampire Claus” is the story of Taviano his an almost 200 year old vampire who has travel the world and now finds himself feeling adrift, after being alone so many years. A chance encounter brings into his life Paul, who seems to pull in his long forgotten emotions and wishing for things he never thought he could have.
Loved both characters they were so different but complemented each other perfectly. Taviano who had such a bad concept of himself he believed himself a monster, a predator but in reality he was protective and did what he has to do to survive. Paul was awesome funny, quirky and I love loved how accepting he was of Taviano, no hesitation, no doubts. I always appreciate a character who sees everything with an open mind and when he feels it in his heart he goes for it, this was Paul.
This was a fast paced read, no drama, just a bit of action with a whole lot of love between two characters who find love when they least expected. With the help of a sneaky beast who ended up having the biggest heart. ♥️
This was such a sweet quick read perfect for this holiday season.
“Vampire Claus” is the story of Taviano his an almost 200 year old vampire who has travel the world and now finds himself feeling adrift, after being alone so many years. A chance encounter brings into his life Paul, who seems to pull in his long forgotten emotions and wishing for things he never thought he could have.
Loved both characters they were so different but complemented each other perfectly. Taviano who had such a bad concept of himself he believed himself a monster, a predator but in reality he was protective and did what he has to do to survive. Paul was awesome funny, quirky and I love loved how accepting he was of Taviano, no hesitation, no doubts. I always appreciate a character who sees everything with an open mind and when he feels it in his heart he goes for it, this was Paul.
This was a fast paced read, no drama, just a bit of action with a whole lot of love between two characters who find love when they least expected. With the help of a sneaky beast who ended up having the biggest heart. ♥️
November 22, 2017
I can’t review this book without mentioning the fabulous cover, I mean the cover alone guaranteed I’d read this book.
Now the book itself, I do love a good vampire book and what’s better than a handsome tortured soul turned against his will and battling his inner demon?
There was so much about this book I liked.
Taviano was fabulous as the nearly two hundred year old melancholy vampire who’s spends his time alone and on the move.
I liked the inner demon and the ichor in fact I liked the vampires that had been created here.
What I didn’t like was Paul every-time he opened his mouth.
Now I know Taviano is old and cultured and Paul is not but seriously the way he spoke, I found myself cringing every single time he started speak.
Here’s a few examples:
“Awesome-sauce.”
“Not the deets. Duh.
“Never? Man, you’re so lucky. I used to be the goat at dates,” Paul enthused. “Greatest of all time. Goat. Get it?”
“Dude! That was… so amazeballs...”
“Dub is a win. You rock my clothes, bruh. That’s my new aesthetic.”
“Hundo-p,”
“Oh man. You got game.”
This is not a thirteen year old boy this is a man in his twenties and it grated on me and made me cringe constantly which is not what I look for in a romance. It also spoilt the hot scenes because I was waiting for Paul to speak and ruin everything.
My other problem (this is a smaller one) and one that’s bothered me in books before is the over use of a name. For the majority of this book there’s just two characters so what’s wrong with sticking a few pronouns in there?
Paul is overused there’s small paragraphs where Paul is used four times. Now you can argue that I’m being picky but it bothered me and so I can’t not mention it.
Unfortunately despite the cover and Taviano I can’t give more than 3*
Now the book itself, I do love a good vampire book and what’s better than a handsome tortured soul turned against his will and battling his inner demon?
There was so much about this book I liked.
Taviano was fabulous as the nearly two hundred year old melancholy vampire who’s spends his time alone and on the move.
I liked the inner demon and the ichor in fact I liked the vampires that had been created here.
What I didn’t like was Paul every-time he opened his mouth.
Now I know Taviano is old and cultured and Paul is not but seriously the way he spoke, I found myself cringing every single time he started speak.
Here’s a few examples:
“Awesome-sauce.”
“Not the deets. Duh.
“Never? Man, you’re so lucky. I used to be the goat at dates,” Paul enthused. “Greatest of all time. Goat. Get it?”
“Dude! That was… so amazeballs...”
“Dub is a win. You rock my clothes, bruh. That’s my new aesthetic.”
“Hundo-p,”
“Oh man. You got game.”
This is not a thirteen year old boy this is a man in his twenties and it grated on me and made me cringe constantly which is not what I look for in a romance. It also spoilt the hot scenes because I was waiting for Paul to speak and ruin everything.
My other problem (this is a smaller one) and one that’s bothered me in books before is the over use of a name. For the majority of this book there’s just two characters so what’s wrong with sticking a few pronouns in there?
Paul is overused there’s small paragraphs where Paul is used four times. Now you can argue that I’m being picky but it bothered me and so I can’t not mention it.
Unfortunately despite the cover and Taviano I can’t give more than 3*
November 10, 2017
I liked this! I’m not always a fan of vampires, but Taviano was so sweet, I really liked him.
Taviano is a hundred and ninety-four year old vampire roaming the street looking for someone to feed from. Taviano only feeds from bad men though, so when he sees three men stalking a lone figure he knows they are planning on robbing the poor man.
Before they can hurt the man, Taviano grabs them, feeds from them and alters their memories. Of course the man, Paul, has seen everything and needs his memory altered now too. But instead of being afraid of Taviano, Paul seems smitten.
Taviano doesn’t know why but he is hesitant to simply alter Paul’s memory and end their night together. So he ends up trailing after Paul to help him deliver gifts at the local GBLT homeless shelter..
This was very cute. There was a lot of insta-love going on, but who cares, it’s a heart-warming holiday story with a sexy vampire!
I also loved Paul. He used an awful lot of slang, but I decided it was adorable instead of annoying. He was just so OTT, I couldn’t help but love him.
I thought the end was a little rushed, but I didn’t mind it all that much. It had a good solid HFN with lots of hints to a real HEA.
Yeah, this was a very nice holiday read.
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An ARC of Vampire Claus was generously provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.
This review has been cross-posted at Gay Book Reviews.
Taviano is a hundred and ninety-four year old vampire roaming the street looking for someone to feed from. Taviano only feeds from bad men though, so when he sees three men stalking a lone figure he knows they are planning on robbing the poor man.
Before they can hurt the man, Taviano grabs them, feeds from them and alters their memories. Of course the man, Paul, has seen everything and needs his memory altered now too. But instead of being afraid of Taviano, Paul seems smitten.
Taviano doesn’t know why but he is hesitant to simply alter Paul’s memory and end their night together. So he ends up trailing after Paul to help him deliver gifts at the local GBLT homeless shelter..
This was very cute. There was a lot of insta-love going on, but who cares, it’s a heart-warming holiday story with a sexy vampire!
I also loved Paul. He used an awful lot of slang, but I decided it was adorable instead of annoying. He was just so OTT, I couldn’t help but love him.
I thought the end was a little rushed, but I didn’t mind it all that much. It had a good solid HFN with lots of hints to a real HEA.
Yeah, this was a very nice holiday read.
------------------------------
An ARC of Vampire Claus was generously provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.
This review has been cross-posted at Gay Book Reviews.
November 15, 2017
Robert Winter’s stories are always creative and completely unique, and he has outdone himself with Vampire Claus. This novelette is complex and a bit dark, and Winter weaves an intriguing tale with a positive and hopeful message. These are characters I definitely hope to see more of in the future.
Feeling nostalgic for the Christmases of his youth, and reminiscing about his boyhood lover, the vampire Taviano stops to peer in on a Christmas Eve Mass. When Taviano hears a commotion and intervenes to prevent a mugging, he is immediately drawn to Paul, the intended victim.
This is a beautifully written scene and sets the stage for the rest of the story. Here Winter explains about the two entities that exist within the vampire: The human part of Taviano remains with his memories, desires, and emotions intact. Alongside that lives the demon, the “bloodbeast”, the vampire. One body, two distinct beings who, up to this point, do not interact.
Taviano examines his attraction to Paul,
With Taviano free to embrace his human side he is playful and sweet. He is amazed to find he can use his power to create happiness and help others, and how good it feels to do just that. With the help of Paul’s positive outlook, Taviano reclaims a number of important things for himself.
One of my favorite aspects of Robert Winter’s writing is how different each story is, and Vampire Claus is just that. He doesn’t follow a formula, his characters are complicated, and the relationships they form are fascinating to watch. I really hope to see more of the Vampire Taviano and Paul, maybe we can see how they celebrate Easter?
Feeling nostalgic for the Christmases of his youth, and reminiscing about his boyhood lover, the vampire Taviano stops to peer in on a Christmas Eve Mass. When Taviano hears a commotion and intervenes to prevent a mugging, he is immediately drawn to Paul, the intended victim.
This is a beautifully written scene and sets the stage for the rest of the story. Here Winter explains about the two entities that exist within the vampire: The human part of Taviano remains with his memories, desires, and emotions intact. Alongside that lives the demon, the “bloodbeast”, the vampire. One body, two distinct beings who, up to this point, do not interact.
Taviano examines his attraction to Paul,
“The bloodbeast remained strangely quiet, drifting in his belly and mind, but asleep. With that awareness, Taviano finally had to admit that the yearning he felt was entirely his own.”Well Taviano has almost two hundred years of yearning to make up for and Paul definitely has no complaints. The sex is hot and wonderfully kinky.
With Taviano free to embrace his human side he is playful and sweet. He is amazed to find he can use his power to create happiness and help others, and how good it feels to do just that. With the help of Paul’s positive outlook, Taviano reclaims a number of important things for himself.
One of my favorite aspects of Robert Winter’s writing is how different each story is, and Vampire Claus is just that. He doesn’t follow a formula, his characters are complicated, and the relationships they form are fascinating to watch. I really hope to see more of the Vampire Taviano and Paul, maybe we can see how they celebrate Easter?
November 24, 2018
There is nothing like a smoking hot, 200-year-old lonely vampire at Christmas time. What to do , what to do ...
Taviano, you had me at your old world name. So charming.
He sees beautiful, young Paul who is about to be robbed by thugs and saves him. Paul was carrying gifts on his way to a local LGBT shelter to be a secret Santa.
Well, chemistry and kindness ensue and I’m content in my Christmas miracle flow until Paul had to go and open his mouth. The street dialect was out of character, silly and plain wrong. I kept having to Google because I’m old and decrepit.
Bummer. That’s like, old lady slang for disappointment.
Taviano, you had me at your old world name. So charming.
He sees beautiful, young Paul who is about to be robbed by thugs and saves him. Paul was carrying gifts on his way to a local LGBT shelter to be a secret Santa.
Well, chemistry and kindness ensue and I’m content in my Christmas miracle flow until Paul had to go and open his mouth. The street dialect was out of character, silly and plain wrong. I kept having to Google because I’m old and decrepit.
Bummer. That’s like, old lady slang for disappointment.
November 17, 2017
Overall book rating: 4
Audio Book: N/A
Book Cover: 4
So... I’m thinking this here would make a really great full length novel.
How absolutely fabulous would it be to get all this at a nice pace? To really get into it and the MC’s heads? To find out all the - little/not so little – things these two would have to navigate their way over and around to make this work???
My mind is like already going a 100 miles an hour with the possibilities!
I’m thinking – long-time consumption of ichor in any form, having the neat consequence of Paul not aging anymore? I’m thinking Taviano making “better” friends with his blood monster and finding a way to communicate their mutual desires on a more “safe-for-Paul-and-Tav” base. I’m thinking...
Oh I’m just thinking a whole lot of good stuff.
I enjoyed the read a great deal. I Loved Taviano and his story.
I liked Paul as well, though his manner of speaking did get on my nerves a bit every now and then. He’s what? 24? Hmmmm I guess I’m getting old or something, but not even my 17 year old uses the slang our sweet Paul throws out in overflowing amounts.
What ev’s. I guess it didn’t irritate me enough to make me dislike the story. LOVED it!
I really loved the presents for the kids thing. My favourite part...:
I got to hear over and over again about the intruder last night who left a shit-ton of gifts. Your trick totally worked, by the way. The youngest kid there is Cody and when he showed me his new Pokémon ball, he whispered, ‘Santa brought this.’”
I also of course loved the way Taviano wanted to learn more about Paul, wanted to spend just a little more time with him.. wanted things he didn’t thing were possible.
And that “blood monster”? How seriously cool is he when he gets his fight on? No. I’m thinking potential here. Lots of it. I’ve always loved a good vampire/human story.
Ps. Brownie points to the author for NOT LETTING THE HUMANS BE AWARE of the existence of these creatures! Part of the thrill about Vampire stories are just that! This MYSTERY about them. It so ticks me off when that is taken out of the equation. Lots of little things I was crazy mad about in this one. Really well thought out I think.
Audio Book: N/A
Book Cover: 4
So... I’m thinking this here would make a really great full length novel.
How absolutely fabulous would it be to get all this at a nice pace? To really get into it and the MC’s heads? To find out all the - little/not so little – things these two would have to navigate their way over and around to make this work???
My mind is like already going a 100 miles an hour with the possibilities!
I’m thinking – long-time consumption of ichor in any form, having the neat consequence of Paul not aging anymore? I’m thinking Taviano making “better” friends with his blood monster and finding a way to communicate their mutual desires on a more “safe-for-Paul-and-Tav” base. I’m thinking...
Oh I’m just thinking a whole lot of good stuff.
I enjoyed the read a great deal. I Loved Taviano and his story.
I liked Paul as well, though his manner of speaking did get on my nerves a bit every now and then. He’s what? 24? Hmmmm I guess I’m getting old or something, but not even my 17 year old uses the slang our sweet Paul throws out in overflowing amounts.
What ev’s. I guess it didn’t irritate me enough to make me dislike the story. LOVED it!
I really loved the presents for the kids thing. My favourite part...:
I got to hear over and over again about the intruder last night who left a shit-ton of gifts. Your trick totally worked, by the way. The youngest kid there is Cody and when he showed me his new Pokémon ball, he whispered, ‘Santa brought this.’”
I also of course loved the way Taviano wanted to learn more about Paul, wanted to spend just a little more time with him.. wanted things he didn’t thing were possible.
And that “blood monster”? How seriously cool is he when he gets his fight on? No. I’m thinking potential here. Lots of it. I’ve always loved a good vampire/human story.
Ps. Brownie points to the author for NOT LETTING THE HUMANS BE AWARE of the existence of these creatures! Part of the thrill about Vampire stories are just that! This MYSTERY about them. It so ticks me off when that is taken out of the equation. Lots of little things I was crazy mad about in this one. Really well thought out I think.
May 28, 2018
Twas the night before Christmas, but what’s stirring is a little more dangerous than a mouse.
This was ace! Robert Winter's festive fare really hit the heights for me, I loved Taviano the jaded vampire wondering what it was all about and sweet Paul, who he saves from a mugging.
The Boston setting felt like another character as well although it just gently anchored the story in the background but I got a real feel for Little Italy and the foggy and potentially dangerous streets.
Paul was seriously funny, a fully developed character who came into his own when suddenly confronted by someone (or something) his eyes were telling him couldn't be real. His outbursts had me actually laughing out loud as I read this book.
The humour also creeps up on you as Taviano realises he's been slowly coerced into being a festive elf for a bunch of LBGT kids who otherwise wouldn't know the joys of Christmas morning gifts from Santa. The scene as he sneaks through the centre to drop off the presents Paul has bought is delightful.
Without spoiling the story, there's a bit of drama before their romance gets nicely wrapped up in a beautiful big Christmas bow (and a Happy Ever After that might last just a wee bit longer than most)
#ARC received from the author in return for an honest and unbiased review.
This was ace! Robert Winter's festive fare really hit the heights for me, I loved Taviano the jaded vampire wondering what it was all about and sweet Paul, who he saves from a mugging.
The Boston setting felt like another character as well although it just gently anchored the story in the background but I got a real feel for Little Italy and the foggy and potentially dangerous streets.
Paul was seriously funny, a fully developed character who came into his own when suddenly confronted by someone (or something) his eyes were telling him couldn't be real. His outbursts had me actually laughing out loud as I read this book.
The humour also creeps up on you as Taviano realises he's been slowly coerced into being a festive elf for a bunch of LBGT kids who otherwise wouldn't know the joys of Christmas morning gifts from Santa. The scene as he sneaks through the centre to drop off the presents Paul has bought is delightful.
Without spoiling the story, there's a bit of drama before their romance gets nicely wrapped up in a beautiful big Christmas bow (and a Happy Ever After that might last just a wee bit longer than most)
#ARC received from the author in return for an honest and unbiased review.
April 17, 2019
*** Sweet ! A heartwarming, exciting Vampire Christmas romance ! Two hundred year old Vampire,
Taviano is passing through,
when he's sitting on the belfry looking around Boston.
He spots a man laden with packages who is about to be mugged. It is big hearted Paul, 22, who is bringing gifts
to the LGBT teen youth center. Taviano swoops in to get rid of the evil attackers.
This Christmas tale with a twist is fun, heartwarming and sexy. We learn a few different things about Vampires; like this Fascinating !
We see their connection, what each has been through, and how they get along. I loved each of these men. Sweet Paul helps Taviano visit the church, where so many of Taviano's memories lie. We see their very sexy times, with an added twist, and it's a fun twist.
There is a territorial battle and more. Loved it!
We see a great Vampire and the feisty but lonely, Paul, find their best Christmas ever.
I highly recommend this novella. ENJOY !
====================
Taviano is passing through,
when he's sitting on the belfry looking around Boston.
He spots a man laden with packages who is about to be mugged. It is big hearted Paul, 22, who is bringing gifts
to the LGBT teen youth center. Taviano swoops in to get rid of the evil attackers.
This Christmas tale with a twist is fun, heartwarming and sexy. We learn a few different things about Vampires; like this Fascinating !
We see their connection, what each has been through, and how they get along. I loved each of these men. Sweet Paul helps Taviano visit the church, where so many of Taviano's memories lie. We see their very sexy times, with an added twist, and it's a fun twist.
There is a territorial battle and more. Loved it!
We see a great Vampire and the feisty but lonely, Paul, find their best Christmas ever.
I highly recommend this novella. ENJOY !
====================
November 16, 2017
Christmas Blood Magic!
This was a devastatingly sweet and original Christmas short. Taviano, a two hundred year old vampire finds himself listening to Christmas mass atop a church in Boston. Below him he spies a young man loaded down with presents about to get mugged. He swoops down and saves Paul from the thugs. Thus our MCs meet.
What was original about this was the take on vampirism. Here, there was a duality to the condition where the once human body hosted a blood demon. The two fought for control. The demon craves blood. The host craves, well, in this case he craves what he once lost.
Who will win out in regards to sweet Paul, the demon or Taviano, or could they both maybe want the same thing? A Christmas wish perhaps?
This was my first story by this author and I’ll be definitely be checking out his other books!
And by the way...fangs and BJ’s are hot!
This was a devastatingly sweet and original Christmas short. Taviano, a two hundred year old vampire finds himself listening to Christmas mass atop a church in Boston. Below him he spies a young man loaded down with presents about to get mugged. He swoops down and saves Paul from the thugs. Thus our MCs meet.
What was original about this was the take on vampirism. Here, there was a duality to the condition where the once human body hosted a blood demon. The two fought for control. The demon craves blood. The host craves, well, in this case he craves what he once lost.
Who will win out in regards to sweet Paul, the demon or Taviano, or could they both maybe want the same thing? A Christmas wish perhaps?
This was my first story by this author and I’ll be definitely be checking out his other books!
And by the way...fangs and BJ’s are hot!
December 3, 2022
My paranormal Christmas novella Vampire Claus is coming on November 15th! Vampire Claus will be available for preorder approximately one week before the release date, in paperback and on Kindle Unlimited. I had a lot of fun writing this one. It's a change of pace from my contemporary stories but I hope the romance still shines through.
Read
November 21, 2017 5 Hearts!
I love Christmas. I don’t love the commercialization of the holiday but I love the traditions that I have kept with me from a young girl to the traditions I make as an adult. Growing up Catholic, Christmas had a mystical and almost mythical feeling to it with the rituals we had at home as well as at church. So you can see, finding a Christmas story that deals with Catholicism fondly was a blessing for me. Oh, there is also an Italian Vampire who misses mass, has a heartbreaking back story and finds the most perfect human for him on a night perched up on a Catholic church… yeah, this story was made for me.
I have written this review at least four different times and still can’t find the right words to say how much I fell in love with this story.
We meet our resident one hundred ninety- four year old vampire Taviano as he watches mass as close as he dares above the streets of Boston. Taviano is a lone vampire, making his way through the world a day at a time to avoid territorial creatures of the night and not wanting to claim anything for himself. Safe up on his church to perch, Taviano hears the beginning of a mugging that draws his attention. Not only are three men about to mug a young man dressed in red with his hands full of bagged gifts, but Taviano feels something different pull at him he hasn’t felt in years.
From the first meeting with Paul as Taviano saves him, I was in love. Not only does Taviano find Paul attractive but finds him innocent, humble and shockingly his bloodbeast doesn’t want to eat him. Paul is observant during his rescue, with how Taviano dealt with the men. The exchange about Taviano being a ninja was adorable, but when they get back to Paul’s place to clean up his wound, he finds out what Taviano really is.
Goodness but I loved the heck out of Paul. He is similar to Taviano in ways of their heritage, both coming from Italian families and both being ostracized from the family for being gay. Paul knows what it’s like to wake up on a Christmas morning alone and doesn’t want the LGBTQ kids at the shelter to suffer the same disappointment so he raised funds to buy them gifts. Those are the same gifts the men try to mug him for when Taviano rescues him and those same gifts get delivered to the shelter in the best way.
Taviano of course owns my heart. He’s this amazing creature, a man turned vampire who has to fight the bloodbeast living inside him and find a way to balance what it wants and what he’s become. He lives from location to location, always on the move to survive and not cause conflict with others. He feeds on those he deems deplorable and does everything he can not to kill, to only feed and to erase the memory of what he’s done. He’s lonely. OMG is he every lonely and his isolation from physical contact and what he loved as a human hurt my romantic heart. I loved how honest he was with Paul about everything and his decisions at the end had me hugging my Nook.
The take on vampirism in this was refreshing. Taviano’s sire was hell bent on teaching him the ways of living as a vamp but he was deceitful and garish with what he let Taviano believe he could and couldn’t do. Thank goodness Paul likes the vampire enough to challenge what he’s believed for over a hundred years. I liked that that Taviano considered himself a host to the demon, that he thought them to be separate beings and he tried to control the demon’s blood lust. I liked the inclusion of Ichor flowing through Taviano’s body to keep him “alive” and how the mythology of his vampirism blended with that of Greek gods.
I know. I am being kinda vague about this and trust me, I don’t want to be. I want to tell you about the emotional moments that had me in tears – both happy and bittersweet – of the humor Taviano possess and the way he treats the “language barrier” between he and Paul. I want to tell you how utterly romantic this story is. How the lyrical writing is so breathtaking and beautiful that it flows off the page and wraps around you until you are part of the story. I want to tell you about my heart breaking when Taviano tells Paul how he became a vampire, when he tells Paul about the boy he loved and what happens when he gives his past lover a name. I want to tell you how amazing the action is within this story and about the supernatural beings within. I want to tell you how hot Ichor can be during sex, what it does once inside you and I want to tell you that this ends so damn perfectly that really, I just want to tell you to read this because you won’t regret a single word.
I don’t know what else to say. I am still stuck in the story with Taviano and Paul right now. I went over my notes and highlights and instead of pulling from them for this review, I read the story again. It was that good, that romantic and that special.
I love Christmas. I don’t love the commercialization of the holiday but I love the traditions that I have kept with me from a young girl to the traditions I make as an adult. Growing up Catholic, Christmas had a mystical and almost mythical feeling to it with the rituals we had at home as well as at church. So you can see, finding a Christmas story that deals with Catholicism fondly was a blessing for me. Oh, there is also an Italian Vampire who misses mass, has a heartbreaking back story and finds the most perfect human for him on a night perched up on a Catholic church… yeah, this story was made for me.
I have written this review at least four different times and still can’t find the right words to say how much I fell in love with this story.
We meet our resident one hundred ninety- four year old vampire Taviano as he watches mass as close as he dares above the streets of Boston. Taviano is a lone vampire, making his way through the world a day at a time to avoid territorial creatures of the night and not wanting to claim anything for himself. Safe up on his church to perch, Taviano hears the beginning of a mugging that draws his attention. Not only are three men about to mug a young man dressed in red with his hands full of bagged gifts, but Taviano feels something different pull at him he hasn’t felt in years.
His demon’s hunger for blood drove him for such long years. He’d all but forgotten what it was like to hunger for touch.
From the first meeting with Paul as Taviano saves him, I was in love. Not only does Taviano find Paul attractive but finds him innocent, humble and shockingly his bloodbeast doesn’t want to eat him. Paul is observant during his rescue, with how Taviano dealt with the men. The exchange about Taviano being a ninja was adorable, but when they get back to Paul’s place to clean up his wound, he finds out what Taviano really is.
Goodness but I loved the heck out of Paul. He is similar to Taviano in ways of their heritage, both coming from Italian families and both being ostracized from the family for being gay. Paul knows what it’s like to wake up on a Christmas morning alone and doesn’t want the LGBTQ kids at the shelter to suffer the same disappointment so he raised funds to buy them gifts. Those are the same gifts the men try to mug him for when Taviano rescues him and those same gifts get delivered to the shelter in the best way.
Taviano of course owns my heart. He’s this amazing creature, a man turned vampire who has to fight the bloodbeast living inside him and find a way to balance what it wants and what he’s become. He lives from location to location, always on the move to survive and not cause conflict with others. He feeds on those he deems deplorable and does everything he can not to kill, to only feed and to erase the memory of what he’s done. He’s lonely. OMG is he every lonely and his isolation from physical contact and what he loved as a human hurt my romantic heart. I loved how honest he was with Paul about everything and his decisions at the end had me hugging my Nook.
Paul flashed him a grin and it was the sweetest thing Taviano had seen in a very long time. He wanted to see it again. Besides, he might actually have started to remember how to talk normally. How to banter.
Or at least, not act like a monstrous recluse who ate everyone he met.
The take on vampirism in this was refreshing. Taviano’s sire was hell bent on teaching him the ways of living as a vamp but he was deceitful and garish with what he let Taviano believe he could and couldn’t do. Thank goodness Paul likes the vampire enough to challenge what he’s believed for over a hundred years. I liked that that Taviano considered himself a host to the demon, that he thought them to be separate beings and he tried to control the demon’s blood lust. I liked the inclusion of Ichor flowing through Taviano’s body to keep him “alive” and how the mythology of his vampirism blended with that of Greek gods.
I know. I am being kinda vague about this and trust me, I don’t want to be. I want to tell you about the emotional moments that had me in tears – both happy and bittersweet – of the humor Taviano possess and the way he treats the “language barrier” between he and Paul. I want to tell you how utterly romantic this story is. How the lyrical writing is so breathtaking and beautiful that it flows off the page and wraps around you until you are part of the story. I want to tell you about my heart breaking when Taviano tells Paul how he became a vampire, when he tells Paul about the boy he loved and what happens when he gives his past lover a name. I want to tell you how amazing the action is within this story and about the supernatural beings within. I want to tell you how hot Ichor can be during sex, what it does once inside you and I want to tell you that this ends so damn perfectly that really, I just want to tell you to read this because you won’t regret a single word.
I don’t know what else to say. I am still stuck in the story with Taviano and Paul right now. I went over my notes and highlights and instead of pulling from them for this review, I read the story again. It was that good, that romantic and that special.
November 27, 2017
“Touching instead of taking. Kissing instead of drinking.”
This is not your typical vampire tale. And I loved it! Robert Winter’s Vampire Claus is my first vampire holiday read and oh-what-a-surprise it is! I could feel the magical spirit of Christmas Eve here in these pages. The hush of snow falling, the soft touch of spirit and soul, and the twinkle and joy of giving were all wrapped up in warmth and memories and life.
Taviano, a 200 year old vampire, is watching from high above the city of Boston when he spots Paul about to be mugged. After sweeping in to save the day, Taviano’s holiday takes an unexpected turn filled with desire and need and magic. This story felt like a slow, sweet stroll through Christmas Eve. The way these two men shared of themselves and trusted each other was romantic and sexy and fun. I loved spending the night with them. Paul’s sweet, generosity paired up with Taviano’s loneliness and hunger for a connection perfectly. The only snag in the story for me was Paul’s excessive use of slang. Slang is fun in small doses, Paul!!! Small doses! :)
One of my favorite aspects of this story though was the new spin on the vampire/monster lore. Is Taviano the monster or is it something inside of him he can’t control? Mr. Winter gives Taviano’s inner vampire demon a life and agenda all its own, which added a new feel to this vampire read for me. The night had smiles, action, guilt, and sex appeal like every good fang filled tale should have though. The sexy combination of a damaged, dangerous, lonely hero and a trusting and loving soul makes such an addictive read. You keep waiting for the bite and the end or the evil to win out. But does it? You’re going to have to read to find out.
This romantic holiday story has it all—Christmas ninjas, passion, heart, and the dangerous pleasures of fangs. Every tremble, quiver, and lick curled my toes!
This was my first time meeting Robert Winter and I can’t wait for more.
Recommended holiday read. It will put you right in the mood!
August 4, 2022
Robert Winter is one of my top three favorite M/M romance authors. I have read and own almost everything he has written...so when Hoopla offered this short little Christmas tale by Robert Winter, and actually READ by him, I didn't care if it was August, I had to hear it. Audio was the only format that they had, and I wasn't fussy. The story, what I could hear of it, was delightful as I wouldn't have expected anything less from this author. The book was recorded badly. The audio was like listening to it being read in a big hollow drum. This was not in any way the fault of the author. I'm going to order the book and see what I missed. I thought the idea of the story was brilliant. I never met a gay vampire...well truthfully, I've never met a vampire or any orientation:) If there is one out there, I want it to be like Taviano. In spite of the bad recording, I did love the entire concept and I gave it 3 stars ...because, after all it IS Robert Winter.
December 12, 2017
Different certainly, for both a vampire tale and a holiday story. I quite liked it. I like this author’s writing and the way he spins his stories.
Hot, short and sweet with bits of Christmas warmth mixed in, I enjoyed reading!
Hot, short and sweet with bits of Christmas warmth mixed in, I enjoyed reading!
December 7, 2017
This could have been a super cool, new take on Vampires.
Well, I guess it was still that, mostly.
The story was interesting. The love was sweet, a bit creepy at the end, maybe? The lore was refreshing, a little odd, but different enough and I was into it. What I wasn't into was Paul. No wait. I liked Paul, at least the idea of Paul. I just wish he never opened his mouth and uttered a word. Really. The slang he used, which I didn't know 80% of, yes, I am ancient, made me want to gag and kept pulling me way out of the story. It was cringe-worthy and not the least bit endearing, cute or even funny. No.
So, of course based on the title I knew this would be a way very different Christmas story, and it was, it was also a way different Vampire story and I am just unsure whether I liked it or not. Mostly I guess.
Well, I guess it was still that, mostly.
The story was interesting. The love was sweet, a bit creepy at the end, maybe? The lore was refreshing, a little odd, but different enough and I was into it. What I wasn't into was Paul. No wait. I liked Paul, at least the idea of Paul. I just wish he never opened his mouth and uttered a word. Really. The slang he used, which I didn't know 80% of, yes, I am ancient, made me want to gag and kept pulling me way out of the story. It was cringe-worthy and not the least bit endearing, cute or even funny. No.
So, of course based on the title I knew this would be a way very different Christmas story, and it was, it was also a way different Vampire story and I am just unsure whether I liked it or not. Mostly I guess.
November 27, 2017
.
This vampire story took me back to the good old days of vampire romance, with the tortured vampire with a good heart, who lives alone for centuries, only feeding when he has to, and then, only feeding on the worst of society, always hating what he's become. But then Taviano meets Paul, and of course, everything changes. Paul is different, and for the first time in decades, Taviano finds himself drawn to another person. I didn't really like the twist of who Paul was, and to be honest, Paul's way of speaking really annoyed me. It was like a cross between street tough and internet speak, and I've just NEVER heard people talk that way.
But in the end, it was a fairly sweet story, and I'll be checking out more by this author.
This vampire story took me back to the good old days of vampire romance, with the tortured vampire with a good heart, who lives alone for centuries, only feeding when he has to, and then, only feeding on the worst of society, always hating what he's become. But then Taviano meets Paul, and of course, everything changes. Paul is different, and for the first time in decades, Taviano finds himself drawn to another person. I didn't really like the twist of who Paul was, and to be honest, Paul's way of speaking really annoyed me. It was like a cross between street tough and internet speak, and I've just NEVER heard people talk that way.
But in the end, it was a fairly sweet story, and I'll be checking out more by this author.
December 9, 2017
3.5 stars.
First (shallow) things first: sexy cover is sexy.
It’s a tale as old as time, at least when it comes to paranormal romance: a tortured and tormented vampire saves a sweet yet sassy human – and the human saves him back. While this story does incorporate some of the more common aspects of vampire folklore, it nevertheless felt fresh and fun. And yes, I just referred to a demon as fun. Winter's conceptualization of vampirism is innovative.
For me, Taviano was the star of the story. As I noted above but have no qualms reiterating, this was a sexy tale. Suspenseful. Sweet. The charm and warmth of Christmas pervades.
I rounded down, though, because I wanted to reach through my Kindle and slap Paul half the time that he opened his mouth. I may be an “old” milennial, but none of the “young” milennials that I know verbally communicate like that. This either means that I make good life decisions in that respect or it’s not very common. And in this case, I’m actually hoping for the latter.
I also wasn’t sure how I felt about Paul’s lineage. Touching? Creepy? Both?
The ending is very much a HFN, and although the HEA seems slightly elusive, I appreciated the realism. Before I seem boinkers for discussing realism in a paranormal romance, let me explain. While I may be suspending belief about the existence of vampires, I nevertheless want the vampire to read how I would imagine a real vampire. I want to believe in him. I want to believe in their love. I want to believe in their challenges and concerns as much as their triumphs. Winter depicts that well. He also left me hopeful that they will find their way toward a HEA.
This was my first story by Winter, and I’d love to read more – paranormal or not!
First (shallow) things first: sexy cover is sexy.
It’s a tale as old as time, at least when it comes to paranormal romance: a tortured and tormented vampire saves a sweet yet sassy human – and the human saves him back. While this story does incorporate some of the more common aspects of vampire folklore, it nevertheless felt fresh and fun. And yes, I just referred to a demon as fun. Winter's conceptualization of vampirism is innovative.
For me, Taviano was the star of the story. As I noted above but have no qualms reiterating, this was a sexy tale. Suspenseful. Sweet. The charm and warmth of Christmas pervades.
I rounded down, though, because I wanted to reach through my Kindle and slap Paul half the time that he opened his mouth. I may be an “old” milennial, but none of the “young” milennials that I know verbally communicate like that. This either means that I make good life decisions in that respect or it’s not very common. And in this case, I’m actually hoping for the latter.
I also wasn’t sure how I felt about Paul’s lineage. Touching? Creepy? Both?
The ending is very much a HFN, and although the HEA seems slightly elusive, I appreciated the realism. Before I seem boinkers for discussing realism in a paranormal romance, let me explain. While I may be suspending belief about the existence of vampires, I nevertheless want the vampire to read how I would imagine a real vampire. I want to believe in him. I want to believe in their love. I want to believe in their challenges and concerns as much as their triumphs. Winter depicts that well. He also left me hopeful that they will find their way toward a HEA.
This was my first story by Winter, and I’d love to read more – paranormal or not!
November 18, 2017
4.5 Stars
This is probably my favorite Winter/Christmas themed book of the past several years. From the distinctive Vampire mythology - resembling more how shifters are described as having separate, cognizant inner beasts - to the absolutely spot on current slang, this is one story I could see myself reading each Holiday season. (I loved how Taviano struggled to understand half of what Paul was saying!)
The sex was ridiculously hot...but it was also much more erotic and sensual in nature than a lot of my current picks. Well, that's in keeping with the other book I've read by this author, so I shouldn't be surprised by that.
I also adored how some myths were validated and others dispelled; that bit in the church I think was a turning point for Taviano, and if it weren't for Paul I'm not sure he'd have ever tested that "limitation." No matter how much The Church itself meant to Taviano in the past, the way he felt about what he'd become would prevent him from allowing himself that comfort.
Even the sort of cheesy historical connection between the two MCs didn't dim my enjoyment of the story, especially when we get the input of Taviano's inner bloodbeast explaining his motivation for traveling to Boston, and finding Paul.
*sigh*
Robert Winter is quickly become an auto-buy author...
This is probably my favorite Winter/Christmas themed book of the past several years. From the distinctive Vampire mythology - resembling more how shifters are described as having separate, cognizant inner beasts - to the absolutely spot on current slang, this is one story I could see myself reading each Holiday season. (I loved how Taviano struggled to understand half of what Paul was saying!)
The sex was ridiculously hot...but it was also much more erotic and sensual in nature than a lot of my current picks. Well, that's in keeping with the other book I've read by this author, so I shouldn't be surprised by that.
I also adored how some myths were validated and others dispelled; that bit in the church I think was a turning point for Taviano, and if it weren't for Paul I'm not sure he'd have ever tested that "limitation." No matter how much The Church itself meant to Taviano in the past, the way he felt about what he'd become would prevent him from allowing himself that comfort.
Even the sort of cheesy historical connection between the two MCs didn't dim my enjoyment of the story, especially when we get the input of Taviano's inner bloodbeast explaining his motivation for traveling to Boston, and finding Paul.
*sigh*
Robert Winter is quickly become an auto-buy author...
November 16, 2017
1.5 stars.
I love paranormal and this sounded like a really interesting Christmas spin with a vampire. But I cannot see why there is so much love for this book. It's like a gay quasi-Twilight with characters I just could not get into and dialogue that left me cringing.
Taviano is one hundred and ninety years old, but twenty-two at his turning, and Paul, whom he helps when he's being mugged with gifts for local LGBTQ+ kids, is twenty-four. I didn't understand the attraction of either man, and there is nothing to suggest chemistry. I can excuse insta-lust/love in paranormal books, but it never developed into something believable or with chemistry in this book. However, that's the least of what got on my last nerve. Taviano isn’t supposed to understand any modern terminology, it made me laugh because the guy's been around through different decades and eras and changing language, he would have picked things up. Paul, however, makes up for Taviano's loss with oodles of modern speak, talking like a twelve to fourteen-year old. There was no need for this heavy-handed juxtaposition of eras and characters by the author. The difference is handled perfectly in books like Vespers, where Thaddeus is an old vampire, and quite old fashioned, and Sara youthful and current.
I just could not get over sentences like -
“Awesome-sauce.” Paul blinked a few times and cleared his throat.
I buddy read this with someone more than half my age and they rolled their eyes at the language throughout. It seems it isn't just me being older.
Anyway, when Tavainao is on a rooftop he spies some guys stalking someone, threatening him. Does he think muggers? No. He thinks bandits. He could've learned another name by 2017.
He slipped away into the darkness and repeated his instructions to Mike and the other bandit he’d dealt with first.
Ah, but he did know muggers because pretty soon after he thinks this –
Taviano had to grin back. “You’re remarkably calm for someone who was mugged tonight and cut with a knife.”
“No, I got this, bruh.
And, of course, Paul still speaks like a pre-teen/teen, bruh!
After he's mugged and Taviano mentions a potential for a scar, Paul is not perplexed or worried. No, badass dude is badass about it all-
“Put a bandage on it, keep it clean, and I suspect you won’t scar.”
Paul’s eyes widened and he smiled hugely. “I didn’t even think about a scar. That would be gangsta! A real war wound, right?”
Yes. A ‘real war wound’. You're totally gangsta, Paul. *Sigh.
And this is how Paul smells to Taviano. I don't know, I've never thought like this about anyone's scent. I'm not a vampire, but in my reading this is a new one, and it's really specific... and random.
His senses filtered out the mundane traces of life so he could savor the essence of the man beneath. Rosemary and lemons and the wind through a grove of olive trees.
But Taviano is nothing if not specific –
Taviano threw his head back and laughed. It had been sixty-seven years and nine months since he laughed like that.
And the prose occasionally switches to shades of purple. I do love some purple prose but it doesn’t work or fit within this book.
Paul still wouldn’t look at him so Taviano audaciously, unexpectedly, reached out to stroke his cheek. The slight stubble scritched as he curled his finger under Paul’s chin and tugged until their eyes met.
But then -
“You’re neat. Do people still say that?”
Paul buried his face against his chest again. “Not for, like, thirty years.
Come on! If Taviano learned “neat” in the 50’s/ 60’s he could have learned some more contemporary words for these last few decades.
And this analogy by Paul sat badly on me as I read. These gifts are for "kids." This is highly inappropriate, in my opinion. Guess I’m a prude -
Paul rolled his eyes. “I guess the ninja monastery didn’t have TV. Anyway, these kids were gonna get shafted come Christmas morning, like, by the biggest dick without lube.”
“That’s…painfully descriptive,” Taviano chuckled.
“Whatever. Prude,” Paul muttered with a grin as he tried to gather his bags of gifts.
Just… no!
The positives about the book? It’s easy to read. You can kick back and not think and just let the concept of the story wash over you - it’s happy and festive.
In the end, I felt a huge disconnect from the dialogue and the characters of Vampire Claus but plenty of people seem to love this one. So check out the other glowing reviews, and you can always try a sample on Amazon and see for yourself.
“Everyone’s awake now. Do you want to knock on the door so they can thank you?” When Paul shook his head, he asked again, “Are you certain?”
“Hundo-p,” Paul exclaimed as he straightened and tried to get himself under control. “That means I’m one hundred percent sure.”
And on that note, I rest my review.
I love paranormal and this sounded like a really interesting Christmas spin with a vampire. But I cannot see why there is so much love for this book. It's like a gay quasi-Twilight with characters I just could not get into and dialogue that left me cringing.
Taviano is one hundred and ninety years old, but twenty-two at his turning, and Paul, whom he helps when he's being mugged with gifts for local LGBTQ+ kids, is twenty-four. I didn't understand the attraction of either man, and there is nothing to suggest chemistry. I can excuse insta-lust/love in paranormal books, but it never developed into something believable or with chemistry in this book. However, that's the least of what got on my last nerve. Taviano isn’t supposed to understand any modern terminology, it made me laugh because the guy's been around through different decades and eras and changing language, he would have picked things up. Paul, however, makes up for Taviano's loss with oodles of modern speak, talking like a twelve to fourteen-year old. There was no need for this heavy-handed juxtaposition of eras and characters by the author. The difference is handled perfectly in books like Vespers, where Thaddeus is an old vampire, and quite old fashioned, and Sara youthful and current.
I just could not get over sentences like -
“Awesome-sauce.” Paul blinked a few times and cleared his throat.
I buddy read this with someone more than half my age and they rolled their eyes at the language throughout. It seems it isn't just me being older.
Anyway, when Tavainao is on a rooftop he spies some guys stalking someone, threatening him. Does he think muggers? No. He thinks bandits. He could've learned another name by 2017.
He slipped away into the darkness and repeated his instructions to Mike and the other bandit he’d dealt with first.
Ah, but he did know muggers because pretty soon after he thinks this –
Taviano had to grin back. “You’re remarkably calm for someone who was mugged tonight and cut with a knife.”
“No, I got this, bruh.
And, of course, Paul still speaks like a pre-teen/teen, bruh!
After he's mugged and Taviano mentions a potential for a scar, Paul is not perplexed or worried. No, badass dude is badass about it all-
“Put a bandage on it, keep it clean, and I suspect you won’t scar.”
Paul’s eyes widened and he smiled hugely. “I didn’t even think about a scar. That would be gangsta! A real war wound, right?”
Yes. A ‘real war wound’. You're totally gangsta, Paul. *Sigh.
And this is how Paul smells to Taviano. I don't know, I've never thought like this about anyone's scent. I'm not a vampire, but in my reading this is a new one, and it's really specific... and random.
His senses filtered out the mundane traces of life so he could savor the essence of the man beneath. Rosemary and lemons and the wind through a grove of olive trees.
But Taviano is nothing if not specific –
Taviano threw his head back and laughed. It had been sixty-seven years and nine months since he laughed like that.
And the prose occasionally switches to shades of purple. I do love some purple prose but it doesn’t work or fit within this book.
Paul still wouldn’t look at him so Taviano audaciously, unexpectedly, reached out to stroke his cheek. The slight stubble scritched as he curled his finger under Paul’s chin and tugged until their eyes met.
But then -
“You’re neat. Do people still say that?”
Paul buried his face against his chest again. “Not for, like, thirty years.
Come on! If Taviano learned “neat” in the 50’s/ 60’s he could have learned some more contemporary words for these last few decades.
And this analogy by Paul sat badly on me as I read. These gifts are for "kids." This is highly inappropriate, in my opinion. Guess I’m a prude -
Paul rolled his eyes. “I guess the ninja monastery didn’t have TV. Anyway, these kids were gonna get shafted come Christmas morning, like, by the biggest dick without lube.”
“That’s…painfully descriptive,” Taviano chuckled.
“Whatever. Prude,” Paul muttered with a grin as he tried to gather his bags of gifts.
Just… no!
The positives about the book? It’s easy to read. You can kick back and not think and just let the concept of the story wash over you - it’s happy and festive.
In the end, I felt a huge disconnect from the dialogue and the characters of Vampire Claus but plenty of people seem to love this one. So check out the other glowing reviews, and you can always try a sample on Amazon and see for yourself.
“Everyone’s awake now. Do you want to knock on the door so they can thank you?” When Paul shook his head, he asked again, “Are you certain?”
“Hundo-p,” Paul exclaimed as he straightened and tried to get himself under control. “That means I’m one hundred percent sure.”
And on that note, I rest my review.
December 13, 2023
This was a short quick read that I liked. Taviano is nearly two hundred years old and never wakes in the same place twice. On Christmas Eve he is in Boston when he spots a young carrying bags about to be robbed he steps in. Paul, a short-order cook who raised funds to buy Christmas presents for LGBTQ children he thinks Taviano is some kind of ninja when he steps in to help him. Before helping Paul Taviano was issued a warning by the local vamp that he was not wanted in her area. While helping Paul with his packages they go back to his place and start fooling around and they get hot and heavy until he remembers that he has to deliver the gifts. This was a really good read this was my first time reading this author. This was lighter than I thought it would be. Taviano has been alone for almost two hundred years and Paul gave him something he lost he was able to go to church his maker told him never go in again. After having sex the other vamp returns with her friends and he let his beast take over after they hurt Paul. This was a good read it was well written with no errors in grammar or spelling. I am looking forward to reading more of this authors work.
Taviano
Taviano
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December 30, 2022
MM Romance
Love At First Sight Vampire Santa Claus
3.5 Stars ⭐️
A To Z Book Title Challenge: V
”Sure it’s only been a few hours. But every great love story begins somewhere. Maybe this is ours.”
I’m not sure what to say about this book. The title made me laugh when I saw it but the first chapter was a bit of a slog to get through. However, once Taviano and Paul meet this became strangely adorable and I smiled a lot while reading it. Taviano sees himself as a beast who doesn’t deserve to have anything good in his life and has just been existing solely for his inner beast but Paul sees him as an avenging ninja angel and that gives him hope for the first time in centuries.
This was definitely a love at first sight, cheese fest at times but it also had action and some drama. The sex scenes were hot and had some nice benefits for Paul 😂 and I loved the actual ‘vampire Santa’ part. Taviano’s back story was quite sad but there was a bit of a twist that I found quite interesting and to find out this will be a trilogy made me happy. There’s no cliffhangers here but an ongoing loose plot line and I’m curious to see where it goes. For an instalove novella, this was pretty good.
Love At First Sight Vampire Santa Claus
3.5 Stars ⭐️
A To Z Book Title Challenge: V
”Sure it’s only been a few hours. But every great love story begins somewhere. Maybe this is ours.”
I’m not sure what to say about this book. The title made me laugh when I saw it but the first chapter was a bit of a slog to get through. However, once Taviano and Paul meet this became strangely adorable and I smiled a lot while reading it. Taviano sees himself as a beast who doesn’t deserve to have anything good in his life and has just been existing solely for his inner beast but Paul sees him as an avenging ninja angel and that gives him hope for the first time in centuries.
This was definitely a love at first sight, cheese fest at times but it also had action and some drama. The sex scenes were hot and had some nice benefits for Paul 😂 and I loved the actual ‘vampire Santa’ part. Taviano’s back story was quite sad but there was a bit of a twist that I found quite interesting and to find out this will be a trilogy made me happy. There’s no cliffhangers here but an ongoing loose plot line and I’m curious to see where it goes. For an instalove novella, this was pretty good.
December 28, 2021
This was one of the rare instenses where the book feels longer than it was, and it definitely was a good thing. Took me a little to long to finish as Christmas as gone bye but it was an enjoyable and perfect read for the time of year. Need to remember to read more paranormal Christmas book next year!
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