Winter Tales: An Original Sinners Christmas Anthology

The Original Sinners #8.7

by Tiffany Reisz

Return to USA Today bestseller Tiffany Reisz's Original Sinners series with Winter Tales, a collection of three fan-favorite Christmas novellas plus a brand-new novella exclusive to this anthology.

In December Wine, the long-awaited story of Nora Sutherlin's first meeting with Nico can finally be told. Nora enlists her editor (and sometimes lover) Zach Easton on a mission to track down Kingsley's long-lost son. Nicolas "Nico" Delacroix turns out to be young, strikingly handsome, and very French. He wants nothing to do with his father...but everything to do with Nora.

This special holiday-themed collection also includes the novellas Poinsettia, The Christmas Truce, and The Scent of Winter (previously available only as ebooks). A bonus short story starring S�ren rounds out the Winter Tales anthology.

Genres: BDSM, Romance, Erotica, Contemporary, Christmas, Novella, Short Stories

360 pages, Paperback

First published November 19, 2019

About the author

Tiffany Reisz is the USA Today-bestselling author. She lives in Kentucky with her husband and two cats. Find her online at TiffanyReisz.com.

Reviews

[Shabby -BookBistroBlog · Rating 5 out of 5]

This Christmas Santa Tiffany brings a bag full of Søren anecdotes. It was truly embarrassment of the riches as we get not 1, not 2, but 5 short stories, of time lapses in Original Sinners series
The winter tale was just like a winter holiday, crisp, fragrant and nostalgic. The warmth brought in by Kingsley's son (yep!!) Nico. Both are taken by surprise at this unexpected revelation.Nora and Zach find themselves on the way to Soret in France to meet Nicholas himself and share the news. And of course, what's a few night stoppages on the way between Nora the Mistress and the guy who gave her the BEST ANAL SEX ever!! So that tiny juicy morsel is to make me and the story moist......worked!👍
Lots of emotions overflow and trickle from the eyes of the characters and readers. It's sweet in its own way, though a long road ahead lies for King, Juliette, Nora, Søren and Zach & Grace. Cause they hold Søren's son too!!!!
Surprise! Surprise!
Next three stories are all linked to holiday cheer too. There's Nora celebrating Christmas overwhelmingly with younger Kingsley when her and Søren were on a break. There's Magdalena teaching Søren some tricks when he comes back for assurance and confidence after Fionn, his son is born.
It lands perfectly before the holidays and Hopefully there will be more during to warm us with Tiffany's trademark style of kink with my fave priest!
The 5 stars for tender hiccups
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[Optimist ♰King's Wench♰ · Rating 4 out of 5]

December Wine - ????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????



I'm probably going to fumble this but bear with me for a sec.

Reisz is a talented writer. She singlehandedly has made me not just like or care about but become borderline obsessed with these characters who are openly and unabashedly polyamorous. Me! Who is openly and unabashedly possessive and, I daresay, a bit jealous. That in and of itself is a monumental feat. However, I think that very character trait may be the proverbial fly in the ointment here.

This is the second Nico story that's left me wanting because, yet again, it wasn't Nico and Nora; it was Nora and Zach, Nora and Søren, Nora and Søren's baby Fionn, Nora and King and Nico was little more than a secondary character.

Part of my frustration is wanting Nora to on page dominate Nico but the larger issue is their relationship never seems to be centerstage. It's never just them and when it is it's just fleeting glimpses. Maybe I want something that simply isn't ever going to come to fruition which I fully realize is irrational and I should build a bridge, but it is what it is nonetheless.

The story itself carries the infinite readability I've come to expect from Reisz as well as her trademark emotiveness, kinky sexitimes and sensible characterizations. Yet I still found myself wilting little by little as I read and realized the inevitable, which is undoubtedly a "me" issue. A "me" issue I'm stumped as to how to rate but it's all I've got right now.

As always, my opinions are my own and YMMV.

The Christmas Truce - Somewhere between 3-3.5 🎄🎄🎄

I feel like I've read this before? Let's face it, I probably have.

They say memory is the first thing to go, yes? IDK... I forget.

Anywhat, in news that will shock exactly no one, I enjoyed the King portion of the truce more than the Nora portion. I love that man. I would count the ways but we'd be here all day so suffice to say he entertains me greatly and has the ability to break my heart sometimes simultaneously.

In this story he did both. BUT! It warmed my heart to see him and Søren have a moment, for Søren to give him something to sustain him besides friendship.

Plus, it was pretty sexy. That one cane strike...



Poinsettia - 🎄🎄🎄🎄🎄🎄

This is classic Reisz. I freely admit that any story that doesn't feature King I'm liable to start cleaning my andirons but I requested this thing so I pushed through and lo and behold... I found myself engrossed. That Reisz weaves a strange magic I tell ya.



So King isn't in it in it but Søren is mooning over him.

Let me repeat that for the cheap seats: Søren. Is. Mooning. Over. King. Like, "I'll never love again; he's the only one for me; I just want to see his face and know he's ok for Christmas." You could've knocked me over with a spreader bar. I didn't think he had it in him

"There's only one Kingsley."

You're damn right there is. It warmed my heart to see Søren so miserable which undoubtedly makes me a bit of a sadist myself but 🤷🏻‍♀️

Magdalena and Father Ballard were also pleasant surprises as was the gifting, so I guess I need to break down, quit being such a hard-ass and read that Søren book.

The Scent of Winter - 🎄🎄🎄🎄🎄

I read this one when it was originally released and adored it (Original Review) but I'm a sucker for Søren showing King how important he is to him since he got hosed for an eternity.

I enjoyed it just as much but I do wish there was more pain involved since sadomasochism is definitely in their wheelhouse but I did thoroughly enjoy the domination.

"...You are not allowed to get lost unless I want to lose you. You aren't allowed to be found, unless it's me doing the finding. And the only way you're allowed to die is if I choose to kill you with my own hands. Your life doesn't belong to you anymore, and if I have to murder you tonight and paint the snow with your blood to make you understand that, I will. You are mine, Kingsley. End of discussion."

*shivers*

Yap. Still as good as I remember.

Blood & Snow - 🎄🎄🎄

The more I get to know this Magdalena person the more I like her. She might out sadist the Original Sadist a.k.a. Søren. That kind of makes me giddy especially when she unleashes it on him.

I'm hoping she plays a role in The Priest which *I think* this is probably a foreshadowing teaser for what's to come as it takes place shortly after he finds out he's Fionn's father.

Reisz is a master of pulling heartstrings and this story was no different. She's humanizing Søren incrementally with these stories. Here with him verbalizing his fear of Nora leaving him and, honestly, I'm not sure how I feel about that. I've spent soooooooo long being pissed at him, thinking he was a stone cold SOB but now... I find myself having some empathy or something in that neighborhood towards him yet still wary he's going to asshole out again any second now. Which is a testament to Reisz' prowess with the pen.

Overall a good anthology to pick up especially for fans of the series. 3.5 stars rounded up to 4

An ARC was provided by NetGalley.

[Jennifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Winter Tales is a collection of Christmas short stories from Tiffany Reisz's delectable Original Sinners series. Although Reisz has gifted her newsletter subscribers with a free Christmas short story every holiday, this year's story is exclusive to this book. But, she generously included a bonus short story at the end and added a few favorites from years past that were not previously available in print. It makes the perfect gift to give yourself and another Original Sinners fan, and you can thank the Reisz goddess for all the hours she and her manservant surely invested to make it happen ... just ... for ... you. Merry Christmas ♥

This collection includes the following new and familiar Christmas short stories:
-December Wine (New, 2019)
-The Christmas Truce (2017)
-Poinsettia (2015)
-The Scent of Winter (2016)
-Bonus Short Story: Blood & Snow (New, 2019)

Every single one is amazing and the perfect fix to get fans through their homesickness until the next book. Yes, next book. April 2020. Google it, and you're welcome.


Thank you to the following for permitting me access to an advance reader's copy (ARC) of Winter Tales. This generosity did not impact my honesty when rating/reviewing.
Source: NetGalley
Author: Tiffany Reisz
Publisher: 8th Circle Press
Genres: Erotica, Romance
Pub Date: November 19, 2019

[warhawke · Rating 4 out of 5]

Title: Winter Tales
Author: Tiffany Reisz
Type: The Original Sinners Christmas Anthology
POV: Third Person
Rating:

Note: Review and rating are for the brand new novella, December Wine only.




In this novella, Nora Sutherlin and Zach Easton went to France on a mission to inform Nicolas (Nico) Delacroix of his heritage. I enjoyed seeing their first encounter with the attractions just simmering on the surface. It’s nice to see Nico’s vulnerability and how it mirrored her own past.

If you had any idea… Nico, if you knew how shitty fathers could be—trust me, I know all about shitty fathers—you would realize you won the father lottery, twice.

It’s always delightful to go back to my favorite Original Sinners characters, and it’s an extra treat when the story involved side characters that I’ve always wanted to know more about.






❄🎄❄ . . . (F)BR With Twinsie CC . . . ❄🎄❄






For more reviews/reveals/giveaways visit:

[CC · Rating 4 out of 5]

In this novella, December Wine, Nora Sutherlin has decided to act on her knowledge of a secret that affects Kingsley. Taking along her editor, Zach Easton, for moral support, she meets the mysterious Nicolas Delacroix and makes the decision to irrevocably change his life.

“There was life here, lurking behind the trees and inside the vines and under the ground and over the clouds. Life, biding its time, hiding, waiting…”

What occurs in this storyline fills in the gaps regarding Nora’s emotions surrounding a particular event. It also explores Nora’s feelings about being true to her friend. As for Nico, getting more history about him certainly added dimension to his character and for what is to come between he and Nora.

“He was Nico, not Nicolas. And she was Nora, not an Eleanor.”

As always, returning to the Original Sinners is entertaining with exploration in emotional depth, humor and sexual pleasures.



*An ARC was provided in exchange for an honest review.*



*This was a (F)BR with Twinsie Hawkey!*



For more reviews/reveals/giveaways visit:

[✰ Bianca ✰ BJ's Book Blog ✰ · Rating 5 out of 5]

This Anthology brings us right back into the Original Sinners world.
And if you haven't yet read this series - please do it right the eff now - start with book 1 The Siren and keep going ... it's so worth it!

We already know some of the stories - but this first one is brand new!

We follow Nora and editor hottie Zach to France. Nora wants to find King's son!
We all know how that story ends - but we never knew how they found him, how they first meet!
And also - Zach and Nora might spend some sexy times together...☺

Then we get to hear a few other little scenes from our favorite people. Like this one about a Christmas a few years before the first book. Our three darlings are not really on speaking/loving terms, but that year we might get a very sexy threesome holiday. ☺

I just adore this series. I could read a new story/novella/novel/3000-pager every month for the rest of forever!
Which is kind of weird. I hate religion and I'm not into BDSM. But these people are some of the best book characters ever written. I love them. I love their lives and their stories and adventures.

This was a beautiful holiday anthology!
Something really pretty to sit on your Original Sinner shelf.


♡ ♡

[Monique · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 'Christmas & Winter Delights' stars

There are five novellas in this anthology. Some old, some new but all of them utterly delightful.

December Wine ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

When I read the blurb and saw that December Wine is about Nora and Nico, I lost a tiny bit of enthusiasm. It's not that I wouldn't like Nico but honestly, I don't care much about him. Or at least, I didn't until now. He came into the story so out of the blue and I never warmed up to him. But December Wine gave him the exact introduction of his character that I didn't even know I needed it. Because, of course, I love him now. He is his father's son after all.

He snorted the purest French snort, and the eyeroll he gave her should have been on the French flag.

However, this novella is not only about Nora meeting Nico for the first time. It's also about that week in Paris.

“But I do clearly recall saying something along the lines of, ‘I’ll let you have Søren for a night if I can have Zach for a week.’ And thus the unholy deal was struck.” She giggled wickedly, the only way she ever giggled.

Seeing Zach and Nora together, I realized how much I missed that. It would have never worked between them for a long term but still, their chemistry has always been off the charts. I could say they are my favorite non-couple.

The kiss was soft and warm and deep and wet this time. A kiss that couldn’t be taken back. A kiss that had big plans for the night. A kiss that meant business.

And Mon Dieu how I missed Zach. My sinfully sexy dream editor. I can still dream I'll meet him in real life someday, right? 😍😊😉😆 Bloody unfair that he is just a fictional character.

Zach slouched in his chair, looking like the sexiest college professor in the long and storied history of sexy college professors.

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ my review

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ my review

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ my review


Blood and Snow ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Short bonus story which is like Poinsettia approximately 30 years later. I still adore Magdalena and I love that she didn't change a bit. This vicious madame can still put Søren to his place.

“Except that you’re so incredibly sadistic you make me feel almost vanilla in comparison.”

[Hulya Kara Yuksel · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's always so much fun to meet with Mistress Nora again. :D She's the most funny but also the sexy heroine that I've ever read so far... <3


*ARC provided by NetGalley.

[crίѕтίŋα•●Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ●• · Rating 5 out of 5]

🎄• 1 - ‘December Wine’ - 5 ⭐️

“If there were any hard feelings at all, they evaporated the second the nurse put Fionn in my arms. And I knew then that I had been given a gift I could never hope to repay. So I finally have one reason to like that priest of yours. But just the one.”
- Zach Easton

“The second he finds out about you, he will love you with all his heart. You will have a guardian angel who will swoop in at the first word of your first prayer to him. When you need five Euros, he’ll give you five thousand. When you need to talk to him on the phone, he’ll fly over to talk face to face. If you’re in the mood to hear a violin concerto, he’ll rent out Carnegie Hall and hire a symphony orchestra to play your favorite pieces for you. If you want a snack, he’ll serve you a feast. And if anyone ever so much as hurts a single hair on your head, he will bring down the hammer of God on them so hard your enemies will never so much as breathe in your presence again. If you had any idea… Nico, if you knew how shitty fathers could be—trust me, I know all about shitty fathers—you would realize you won the father lottery. Twice.”
- Nora Sutherlin


🎁 • 2 - ‘The Christmas Truce’ - 5 ⭐️

“Christmas knocks in our hearts. It makes a place where the goods things can slip inside, the bright, warm things. The candlelight. The music. Old friends dropping by unannounced. And more…love? Hope? Forgiveness? It makes sense that Christmas makes us want to forgive each other, if only for a day.”
- Soren

“Too bad it can’t be Christmas every day.”
- Nora Sutherlin


🎅🏼 • 3 - ‘Poinsettia’ - 4 ⭐️

“Don’t be embarrassed. Sex is a very beautiful act between a woman and a man’s wallet.”
- Magdalena

“It’s a miracle of God when two sadists alone in a room together manage to agree on anything, isn’t it?”
- Marcus


☃️ • 4 - ‘The Scent of Winter’ - 5 ⭐️

“You are not allowed to get lost unless I want to lose you. You aren’t allowed to be found, unless it’s me doing the finding. And the only way you’re allowed to die is if I choose to kill you with my own hands. Your life doesn’t belong to you anymore, and if I have to murder you tonight and paint the snow with your blood to make you understand that, I will. You are mine, Kingsley. End of discussion.”
- Søren

“I want you spent. I want you hollow. I want you to have nothing left inside you. No will to live. No will to die. No anger. No fight. No hope. No sorrow. Nothing.”
- Søren


❄️ • 5 - ‘Blood & Snow’ - 4 ⭐️

“Joy and terror—they’re twins, you know. Joy is born first. Then terror a few minutes after. Joy arrives when you recognize what you have. Terror comes on its heels, terror that you’ll lose the thing that gave you all that joy.”
- Magdalena

“I’ll need snow, blood and snow. Warm blood for your heart. Ice cold snow for your soul.”
(...)
“This is the secret of my happiness. I learned how to change my fate. You don’t have to live with the lines fate draws for us. We can cut our own lines if we’re willing to take up the knife and put the blade to ourselves.”
- Magdalena

[Keep Calm Novel On · Rating 5 out of 5]

The author provided a copy of the eBook in exchange for an honest review.

Fans of Original Sinners will enjoy this anthology of short stories, Winter Tales. The reader is able to catch up with favourite characters and their eventful lives. The author’s well-written short stories will capture the attention of the reader and will be immediately drawn into the lives of the well-developed characters. The primary and secondary characters have strong and distinct voices and unique personalities. The author always creates character-driven stories. Tiffany Reisz clearly knows her audience and this page-turner does not disappoint.

[Starr (AKA Starrfish) Rivers · Rating 3 out of 5]

Sooooo, I thought about giving this book 4 stars just for the novella, "The Scent of Winter." which is of course, an ode of love from King to Soren.

But nope, I can't. This series just isn't going to get more than 3 stars from me no matter what.

Good writing. Interesting characters - Soren is my fave.

BUT.

While the love story between King and Soren was somewhat satisfying, bringing closure to something the reader has always known but never proven - because Soren has never explicitly stated it (and even to this point, I don't think he's every said the words "I love you" to King.) But he's been a lot more than just implicit in this story. He's admitted to loving King and Nora equally. And in fact, after his long trip (years?) to some foreign land on assignment, he came home to King first, not Nora. And the reason was that he wanted to tell King how much he loved him. And Nora has always been secure in Soren's love. No doubt in her mind whatsoever. Never jealous of anything or anyone. But King has never been secure. 1) because Soren never told him explicitly, always calling him whore, telling him the opposite of what he really feels, it was his sadistic way, like the Mistress is with Soren. 2) I think King and Soren's relationship is just much more complex. It happened before Soren was mature or experienced enough to know it for what it truly was. Only in Soren's old age, after knowing Nora, and so many other people in his life, being THE Dom at the club, etc., only after all that does he truly KNOW how he feels about King.

That's my theory and I'm sticking to it.

Now, if I were to take this further, and I had to do some googling first...from Wikipedia, the source of all truth:

"The Christian doctrine of the Trinity (Latin: Trinitas, lit. 'triad', from Latin: trinus "threefold")[1] holds that God is one God, but three coeternal consubstantial persons[2] or hypostases[3]—the Father, the Son (Jesus Christ), and the Holy Spirit—as "one God in three Divine persons". The three persons are distinct, yet are one "substance, essence or nature" (homoousios).[4] In this context, a "nature" is what one is, whereas a "person" is who one is.[5]"

TR can't hit you on the head hard enough about the holy trinity with Soren, Eleanor and Kingsley triangle. Soren is God. Nora is Jesus. And King is the Holy Spirit (Soren gave him his "sole" after all).

Soren loves both and they both love Soren. They love each other too, but the nexus is Soren. Soren calls Nora "Little One" like I said before bc he views her almost like his child, his heart. He's been said to be fatherly to her by many people, and in so many ways he raised her. That kind of love is very different than the "love" one would have for one's soul or soul-mate, which is what King is.

Nora behaves like a child, a wayward wild child (which is one of the reasons I don't like her, too capricious). But she has some of the good qualities of "Jesus." Like ready forgiveness, generosity. The difference is that she does soooooo many things that need other ppl's forgiveness. Martyr she's def not. And she's secure in Soren's love the way a child is always secure in a parent's love (in the usual scenario). Her sometimes jealousy and hurt are more childish in nature, not an "adult" level hurt.

King's love for Soren is much more desperate. Nora runs from Soren many times, and always comes back, but King would rather run TO Soren. It's just that Soren turns away from him. If you believe Soren is happiest when he's at his most sadistic, then he loves King best. It's an adult to adult love. Not an adult to child love. Soren is at his most brutal, his most free, his most HIMSELF with King. And that's why he doesn't tell King he loves him, (he's being his sadistic best to hurt King anyway he can), but also because he probably doesn't think he needs to. In fact, many times he says so - "don't you know? why do you ask? How can you think that..." he says these things all the time, like he's bewildered why King needs reassurance from him.

And because King loves Soren most, he hurts the most. And adult to adult love is not guaranteed. Not like a father's love for his child. And the more Soren doesn't express his love, the more King hurts.

So in a way, this story was satisfying to finally remove all doubt how Soren feels about King.

BUT.

I wanted it spelled out more than that. Because I want Soren and King to be the TRUE LOVE couple in this series, NOT Soren and Nora or even the 3 of them together in the damn "holy trinity", it was unsatisfying, therefore, 1 star removed.

And because there are 3 other stories NOT about Soren and King, another star removed.

I may or may not read books mostly about Soren in the series. He's my fave. But I like him best when he's with King. So, I guess I won't read more.

And that is the last reason this is 3 stars. I won't read more.

[Karen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reading an Original Sinners book makes me as giddy as a kipper. I do those wicked little giggles. Those throaty dirty laughs. Full on belly wobble chuckles. And I don’t move unless I need a wee. Then I move and move quickly usually with my kindle in hand so I don’t miss a beat.

If Søren was a season he would be winter. Cold, hard, ice, sharp, unforgiving, unyielding, cruel. And yet TR reveals little by little that within the ice beats a heart so pure and full of love that I forget to be scared of him anymore.

Winter Tales is a joyful anthology of 5 Sinners tales:

December Wine tells of Nora and Zach’s expedition to France to find the illegitimate son of Kingsley. Zach and Nora have the green light to misbehave and misbehave they do. It is a story as delicious as the wine made by Nico.

The Christmas Truce, when the snow began to melt and the giving and receiving of Christmas gifts is heart warming. I want to put my lovely threesome in a snow globe and keep them always. I reviewed this one when I first read it. Second read was still worthy of 5 stars.

Poinsettia is the young Søren in Rome enjoying the gifts of Christmas with his favourite Domme instructress Magdalena. Their gifts for each other brought tears of joy to my eyes. Full review posted separately (always thinking of my goodreads target).

The Scent Of Winter, oh the winter and that smell of snow, smoke and pine cones that is so Søren. This beautiful tale is THE one that made me realise how human Søren is. That his heart beats with love, with fear, with jealousy, with pain and longing. My heart melted just like his did. I already reviewed this one separately but updated it.

And finally Blood and Wine where Søren aka Bambi visits Magdalena again. It’s timing is just after the birth of Fionn and Søren is looking for reassurance and comfort from his former teacher. And why not flog a young European royal just for funsies?

My adoration of all things Sinners continues.

[Amarilli 73 · Rating 4 out of 5]

Grazie alla newsletter di Tiffany Reisz, quest'anno ho potuto ricevere l'ebook WINTER TALES, una speciale antologia a tema natalizio dell'autrice, che include alcune novelle collegate alla serie, più un racconto bonus su Søren.
Alcuni sono stati una rilettura per me, altri una bella scoperta. Potevo non inserire l'antologia tra le mie recensioni natalizie?

DECEMBER WINE
Il racconto si colloca tra la fine del quarto e l'inizio del quinto libro della serie Original Sinner.
Insieme a Zach, neopapà (anche se sul padre di Fionn bisognerebbe aprire un capitolo infinito e qui sto zitta 🤐 ), Nora si reca in Francia per rintracciare il figlio di Kingsley.
Ma ovviamente Nicolas "Nico" Delacroix è esattamente la progenie di suo padre: enigmatico, insidioso, birichino. Già al primo incontro si fa intendere bene.
Allora: di lui e Nora mi importava poco o nulla, ma a mio parere Zach ruba loro la scena. Ecco, lui è l'editor con cui potrei scrivere capolavori...

THE CHRISTMAS TRUCE
Rilettura pure questa, e avevo sinceramente rimosso queste scene in tema natalizio, ma ovviamente con l'atmosfera cupa/scherzosa/BDSM dei nostri Nora, Kingsley e Søren.
Eppure anche loro, e a modo loro, si concedono una tregua almeno in questo periodo.

POINSETTIA
Novella ambientata nel periodo "romano" di Søren. Finalmente vediamo il nostro sadico ventenne alle prese con Magdalena, una dominatrice che per una volta lo sorprende quanto a cattiveria.
Fa un certo effetto vederlo per una volta in svantaggio (e quando lei lo chiama Bambi, ho sghignazzato...).

THE SCENT OF WINTER
La mia preferita in assoluto.
Non è zuccherosa, perchè Søren e Kingsley non possono esserlo, però insieme sono dolcissimi. Per quanto incredibile, Kingsley che di per sé è un predatore, vicino al suo amico del cuore/fratello elettivo/alleato/amante diventa un coniglietto.

“𝓘 𝓷𝓮𝓮𝓭 𝔂𝓸𝓾, 𝓽𝓸𝓸.”
“𝓝𝓸𝔀?” 𝓚𝓲𝓷𝓰𝓼𝓵𝓮𝔂 𝓪𝓼𝓴𝓮𝓭.
𝓢ø𝓻𝓮𝓷 𝓴𝓲𝓼𝓼𝓮𝓭 𝓱𝓲𝓶 𝓸𝓷 𝓱𝓲𝓼 𝓷𝓮𝓬𝓴 𝓪𝓽 𝓽𝓱𝓮 𝓹𝓸𝓲𝓷𝓽 𝓱𝓲𝓼 𝓳𝓪𝔀𝓵𝓲𝓷𝓮 𝓶𝓮𝓽 𝓱𝓲𝓼 𝓽𝓱𝓻𝓸𝓪𝓽. “𝓐𝓵𝔀𝓪𝔂𝓼.”

"Anch'io ho bisogno di te".
"Adesso?" Chiese Kingsley.
Søren lo baciò sul collo nel punto in cui la linea della mascella incontrava la gola. "Sempre."

Credo che in poche pagine si riesca a percepire l'intensità spaventosa dell'amore tra questi due.

“𝓘 𝓼𝔀𝓮𝓪𝓻 𝓸𝓷 𝓪𝓵𝓵 𝓽𝓱𝓪𝓽 𝓲𝓼 𝓱𝓸𝓵𝔂, 𝓲𝓯 𝔂𝓸𝓾 𝓮𝓿𝓮𝓻 𝓰𝓮𝓽 𝓵𝓸𝓼𝓽 𝓲𝓷 𝓽𝓱𝓮 𝔀𝓸𝓸𝓭𝓼 𝓪𝓰𝓪𝓲𝓷...”
“𝓨𝓸𝓾’𝓵𝓵 𝓴𝓲𝓵𝓵 𝓶𝓮?”
𝓢ø𝓻𝓮𝓷 𝓭𝓾𝓰 𝓱𝓲𝓼 𝓱𝓪𝓷𝓭𝓼 𝓭𝓮𝓮𝓹 𝓲𝓷𝓽𝓸 𝓚𝓲𝓷𝓰𝓼𝓵𝓮𝔂’𝓼 𝓱𝓪𝓲𝓻, 𝓱𝓸𝓵𝓭𝓲𝓷𝓰 𝓲𝓽 𝓼𝓸 𝓽𝓲𝓰𝓱𝓽 𝓱𝓮 𝔀𝓱𝓲𝓶𝓹𝓮𝓻𝓮𝓭.“𝓝𝓸,” 𝓢ø𝓻𝓮𝓷 𝓼𝓪𝓲𝓭. “𝓘’𝓵𝓵 𝓯𝓲𝓷𝓭 𝔂𝓸𝓾.”

"Giuro su tutto ciò che è santo, se ti perdi di nuovo nel bosco..."
"Mi ucciderai?"
Søren scavò con le mani nel folto dei capelli di Kingsley, stringendoli così forte da farlo mugolare.
"No", disse Søren. "Ti troverò."

BLOOD & SNOW
E infine un racconto dedicato a Søren, stavolta adulto e di ritorno a Roma, che è già un programma nel titolo. Se avete letto Poinsettia, conoscete già Magdalena. Ebbene, Bambi la va a trovare circa tre decadi dopo.
Cosa aggiungere? Imperdibili, se siete fan della saga.

[Insane Book Lover · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love everything Tiffany writes!!! Just that!!!

[Deanna❤Pink Lady❤️ · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely adore this author’s Original Sinners books!!! They are an all time favorite series of mine. These little novellas are the perfect additions to the series. Soren, King and Nora are such unique and mesmerizing characters and any novellas or stories are a must read for me. There are 5 total short stores with 3 previously published and 2 that are new. Wonderful rereads and delightful and perfect new ones. I would recommend to readers who have read the Original Sinners books prior to reading Winter Tales.

*advanced copy provided by Netgalley in exchange for an honest review*

[Lacey (laceybooklovers) · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am always SO happy when Tiffany Reisz writes anything related to my favorite erotica series ever, The Original Sinners. This is one of the few series that I can never get tired of. I adore everything about Nora, Søren, Kingsley, and the rest of this brilliant cast of characters. Any time I pick up a book or story with them, it's like coming back to old (kinky) friends. And whether it's a full length book or a holiday themed novella, I'll take anything and everything from TR. This time, with Winter Tales, we get 4 novellas plus a bonus short story that all work perfectly with the winter holiday.

December Wine, the new novella in this collection, is probably my favorite of the 5, mainly because I just love Nico so, so much. I wish we got more of him and Nora! We finally get to see how these two met for the very first time in France, and we can tell how besotted they become despite being complete strangers. I just want a full length book for them PLEASE! I need to know everything that happened between them meeting to how Nora became his Dom.

We also get novellas featuring Søren and his time with Magdalena in Italy, Søren and Kingsley sharing a cabin in the woods in the winter, and of course one with the dirty trio all together. The bonus short story takes place after the final Original Sinners book, which turns out not to be the final one anymore! God bless, but we are getting more of the OS world, and this short story is a little bridge to the upcoming book, The Priest.

Tiffany Reisz amazes me every time I open up one of her books. Her writing is stunning, the way she's able to write love, kink, and humor so flawlessly. I cannot get enough of her words and I'm so glad we aren't done with the Original Sinners series just yet!

[Gitte TotallyBookedBlog · Rating 5 out of 5]

‘A son for King. A son for Søren. But what about Nora? Who did Nora get?’

The Winter Tales anthology has the following novellas: December Wine, The Christmas Truce, Poinsetta, The Scent of Winter and Blood & Wine. Whilst I have read some of these novellas before; the magic, the intensity of emotions and the spontaneous laughter has not been lost and I enjoyed them as much as the first time round, if not more.

“So there it is,” Elle said. “I give you my heart.”
‘Slowly Søren closed his fingers around the hart and pressed his fisted hand to his chest.’ “Thank you, Little One,” he said, his voice hardly a whisper.’

You know Christmas is coming when Tiffany Reisz releases an Original Sinners novella. Once again it’s like breathing in the fresh crisp scent of winter, which invigorates your soul, whilst at the same time, make you crave a warm embrace. Tiffany Reisz gives you that and more with her words. She always does.

‘What he remembered was the loneliness. The worst kind of loneliness. The loneliness of being in love with someone he couldn’t have.’

Tiffany Reisz reminds you why you fell in love with her writing in the first place, she reminds you why you fell in love with her characters, and why every single time you return to their world, it feels like coming home. It is quite the feat that, despite all the years and books which have come to pass, Tiffany Reisz still manages to show unexplored sides to her characters, whilst retaining what is so fundamentally them. You think you know every character inside out, after all you’ve been through so much with them, yet they never fail to surprise you whilst at the same time giving you closure on situations and emotions you didn’t even know you needed or had. This, at the same time as affirming something you’ve always been quite sure of. That you love them. Every single one. It’s a connection of hearts which can never be broken.

“Maybe I want to fall to my death”
“You’re not allowed.”
“I’m not allowed?”

“No,” Søren said. “You are not allowed. You are not allowed to get lost unless I want to lose you. You aren’t allowed to be found, unless it’s me doing the finding. And the only way you’re allowed to die is if I choose to kill you with my own hands. Your life doesn’t belong to you anymore, and if I have to murder you tonight and paint the snow with your blood to make you understand that, I will. You are mine, Kingsley. End of discussion.”

Tiffany Reisz is so incredibly clever, a writing genius if you will. The way in which she uniquely writes these short stories so flawlessly, like a snapshot set in a moment you may have visited before or which came to pass, as you were busy elsewhere with either Nora, Søren or Kingsley. Well, it is quite an amazing accomplishment. The way in which she weaves her own brand of sharpness, sarcasm and sometimes silly humour with relevant musings of friendship, loyalty and love is quite simply outstanding.

“You always hold every card. Every last fucking card while the rest of us stand around with nothing in our hands but our hearts.”

The Scent of Winter and Blood & Wine had me in floods of tears. My heart just couldn’t take the intense traces of vulnerability as well as the humanity and power of love. It overwhelmed me and my heart felt too big for my chest with love, compassion and a deep sense of need to crawl into the pages, kneel and rest my head against Søren as my arms envelop him. December Wine and Christmas Truce made me laugh and marvel at the human connection which Nora has with those who play such an important part of her life. Her awe-inspiring love and loyalty.

‘He still had the smooth skin of a much younger man, but his eyes were ancient. They’d always been ancient, as if he’d lived a thousand lives before and carried what he’d seen in all those lives into every incarnation.’

I have purposely not divulged any details of the novellas, as every reader who is in as deep as I am with this series, will not need cliff notes. All you need to know is that this is Tiffany Reisz, this is the Original Sinners. We will feel, we will laugh, we will cry and we will crave more. It will never be enough -but for now- just for now, I feel overwhelmingly sated.

“Joy and terror – they’re twins, you know. Joy is born first. Then terror a few minutes after. Joy arrives when you recognize what you have. Terror comes on its heel, terror that you’ll lose the thing that gave you all that joy.”

He looked her in the eyes. “If she leaves me, I don’t know how I’ll survive it.”

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[Danny Tyran · Rating 4 out of 5]

Had I known that only the last short story was new, I'd have only read the last one. I'm not inclined to reread even the novels and short stories I've loved. But since the first stories I had read were good and I had liked them, it wasn't too painful. ;)

For those who have never read the first two Winter tales, I recommend this collection of short stories. For the rest of you...

[Mirjam · Rating 4 out of 5]

Winter Tales is an anthology about our most beloved unholy trinity.

December Wine



After visiting Fionn in London, Zach accompanies Nora to France to tell Nico about his biological father. All the emotions involved in Nico telling about his father, has Nora & Zach realise that they will have to the exact same thing with Fionn somewhere down the future.
Beautiful story, lots of feels!



The Christmas Truce


“As the hart panteth after the water brooks, so panteth my soul after thee…”

The Christmas Truce review


Poinsettia


Poinsettia review
Poinsettia is a beautiful story about Søren, age 20, especially since you learn more about Søren 's feelings toward Kingsley.


The Scent of Winter


The Scent of Winter review
“I thought we could use a few days away together before Christmas.”
“So you had me kidnapped?”
“I did nothing of the sort, I had you shipped to me.”


Blood & Snow


Søren is worried and pays Magdalena a visit. He needs her to reassure him and take away his worries.


ARC provided in exchange for an honest review.

[Jamie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Did Reisz intentionally make this five stories so I could read one story a day from solstice to Christmas like an advent calendar? Probably so. ’Tis the season. Merry happy.

Serious question though, why is The Scent of Winter so good? (A: because The Prince is so good and it’s thirty-three years later.)

“It shouldn’t have been that simple, but it was. A little more light where before there was darkness. A little more beauty where before there was emptiness. All the bad things that were there before were still there, but at least there was one more small good thing in the world.”

- - -

Original review:

December Wine — What consistently gets me about Tiffany Reisz is her take on theology. The nativity at the end really really got to me.

The Christmas Truce — my favorite Christmas novella now, ousting Cecilia Grant from her spot. So thoroughly lovely with the triangle of friendships between Kingsley, Søren, and Nora.

Poinsettia — The ending touched a place inside me that’s still sore, years later, and it made me cry. See above re: Tiffany Reisz’s theology.

“Christ called the clergy hypocrites, but he dined with prostitutes. He would have liked you more than me. Even more, Christ would have loved you more than he loved me. I know this. It hurts me and humbles me to say it but it is true—you’re closer to God in your brothel than I am in my church. Jesus had a great fondness for women named Magdalena, after all.”

The Scent of Winter — okay no, this is my new favorite Christmas novella. The hawk and the hare.

Blood and Snow — this needed to be the bookend of December Wine. The two sides of the same story.

“Joy and terror—they’re twins, you know. Joy is born first. Then terror a few minutes after. Joy arrives when you recognize what you have. Terror comes on its heels, terror that you’ll lose the thing that gave you all that joy.”

[Linda (un)Conventional Bookworms · Rating 5 out of 5]

*I received a free copy of Winter Tales. This has in no way influenced my review which is honest and unbiased.*

I don't know what it is about the Original Sinners that always, always gets to me. Well, I do know, of course, Reisz is such an amazing writer that starting one of her books feels like catching up with really good friends. Friends I might be a tad afraid of, but still friends.

The stories in Winter Tales are little, private glimpses into the lives of Nora, Søren and King, and those glimpses are everything!

If you're a fan of the Original Sinners, this is a must read, that's for sure. And it also explains some things that were left secret in the full novels.

The writing is, as always, beautiful and haunting. The characters are just as compelling as they were when I first started reading The Siren. And I am a very happy reader.

[Myla · Rating 4 out of 5]

In December Wine, a brand-new novella, Nora together with Zach is in search of Kingsley's son Nico. I really like how comfortable Nora and Zach have become to each other's naughty preferences. Tiffany Reisz never failed to remind us why Mistress Nora is such an unforgettable character. Her sassy dialogue is something I'm always looking forward to reading and in this novella is no exception to her sassiness. Winter Tales also includes previously published short stories that are always worth a reread. If you want a book that will keep you warm during the winter season? This is a must-read!

Note. ARC was provided via Net Galley for an honest review.

[Ang C · Rating 5 out of 5]

With Winter Tales , Tiffany Reisz proved once again why she is one of my most beloved authors. Her dynamic characters, their interwoven relationships, the intensity of the love they share, the darkness in their souls, the unraveling of secrets, the witty dialogue, and above all - the extreme kinkiness - happily lured me back into the Sinners world, never wanting the experience to end. Here, as with each publication, Reisz delivered sheer brilliance in her prose that left me both satisfied with these short stories, yet thirsty for more. She's cunning and genius in that regard - consistently feeding my addiction and curiosity when it comes to Søren, Nora, and Kingsley, while knowing there is so much more to explore when it comes to these characters. Reisz's unique and masterful writing style, coupled with several captivating story-lines, the Mistress of Erotica earned ten plus stars for this Christmas holiday-themed anthology.


December Wine - M/F

Taking place after Søren and Nora's night of terror, this compelling novella featured Nora and Zach during their free-pass getaway in France. Nora is on a mission to seek out Kingsley’s long-lost son, Nicolas "Nico" Delacroix. Here we see some of the many conflicts a morose Nora is struggling with - a new and uncertain future that will include both Nico and Fionn (Zach and Grace's son fathered by Søren) and how their presence affects the trio. Their relationships may be forever changed, and Nora bears the weight of these worries on her shoulders.



Sexy, steamy, and somewhat melancholy, the highly anticipated December Wine gave insight into these characters’ lives that I longed for since reading The Mistress. Also, it was an opportunity to learn more about the old soul that is Nico, who I absolutely adore.



The Christmas Truce - M/F/M

Set before The Siren , this little treat was a flashback to one passionate night shared between Søren, Nora, and Kingsley. An unforgettable ménage where the quarreling trio briefly set aside their grievances to enjoy the holiday and make their Christmas wishes come true. Be warned ~ this tidbit is off-the-charts erotic. But all kinkiness aside, there are several emotional and tearful moments laced throughout the novella.



Poinsettia & Blood and Snow

There are countless reasons why I adore all things Søren. His omnipotent and dominant personality has fascinated me since my first read of The Siren. Sadistic, enigmatic, charismatic and intense, he is the heart and soul of this series, in my opinion. A master manipulator, this is Søren's world as all other characters have no choice but to gravitate towards him. A true paradox, he is both savage and saintly.



However, in these two short stories, we see a different side of Father Marcus Stearns in both the present day and in the past as a young man in the seminary. Seeing him conflicted, struggling, and vulnerable, added another layer to his multifaceted persona as he sought counsel from Mistress Magdalena (a cruel but witty Dominatrix, whose brutality rivals that of Søren's). Witnessing his fears, seeing his humanity, I fell in love with the mighty Søren all over again.





The Scent of Winter - M/M



Of all the tales within this anthology, The Scent of Winter was, without a doubt, the most emotional. Never have I witnessed two characters so in love cause each other such tremendous pain. It's a common theme throughout the series, but for me, this was extraordinarily intense as their sorrow was gut-wrenching. For decades, Kingsley and Søren have both loved and loathed each other for a variety of reasons, and it is here where a major issue comes to an explosive head - as secrets are finally confessed, confronted, and resolved. Beautifully written and overly touching, this novella was truly a remarkable story.






Merci Tiffany Reisz, for yet another outstanding read, as Winter Tales has joined the ranks as one of my most favorite reads of this year. I consumed this anthology not once, but twice before composing my thoughts for this review - it was that fantastic. Until the next release, I will mourn the loss of these characters and all their craziness. Another magnificent tale and a must-read for all Original Sinners fans!

[☾ Dαɴιyα ☽ · Rating 4 out of 5]

I step into the Original Sinners world and I never want to leave.

Especially now.

When I closed my copy of Winter Tales, all I wanted was more OS tales. I had the urge to go back to The Siren again and reread everything and anything that is Original Sinners related. It would be lovely to get away from the world and get lost in these books once again. Until I manage to do that, a few words about these wintery tales from me are long overdue.

Tiffany Reisz has been gifting us with Original Sinners Christmas stories for a long time. They've always been something to look forward to in the cold, bleak winter time, especially in the years after the series ended the first time with the eight book. It's really nice to have them collected in print form. I love having them in print on my bookshelf. It makes the book lover and the OS fan in me very content.

There are five winter tales in this collection. Three I've read before, and happily reread, and two are new.

This series has introduced us to a lot of characters, but at the heart of it is the unholy trinity: Kingsley, Nora, and Søren. All three are present in one way or the other throughout the collection, though I would say Søren here has the lead role. That's how it felt to me, at least.

The tale that comes first chronologically is Poinsettia . Poinsettia is the story of a Christmas many years ago. Christmas that young Søren spent in the house of a sadistic madam that was a great teacher to him. Magdalena was quite mean to him. It's something I enjoyed reading the first, second, and the third time. Søren was lovesick over Kingsley. I enjoyed that even more. If only Kingsley knew about it.

Next comes The Christmas Truce in which my dearest trio put their differences aside for one night. The story is set at a difficult time in their relationships, but they let it all go for a little while and celebrated in style. Original Sinners style. With a flashback to an even earlier and even more difficult Christmas for Nora and Søren, this was two Christmas stories in one. It was sweet, emotional, heartwarming, and a bit kinky.

Next in line are the two new additions: December Wine and Blood and Snow.

December Wine has a few elements to the plot. It is about finding Kingsley's son Nico. It is the very start of Nora and Nico's relationship. It's a glimpse into Nico's life and personality. More than that it is Nora and Zach's last tryst. Nora bargained a night with Søren for a week with Zach, and this is that week after which they're friends and friends only. So, it was sort of a goodbye to Zach and hello to Nico. The story is also filled with uncertainty of what the future will be for them all. Lots of changes happened at that time. New city, new children, new relationships.

That brings me to Blood and Snow . It's another Søren and Magdalena story. It takes place at the same time as December Wine, and as such it is also filled with uncertainty. Søren was in such a mental state he sought out Magdalena. A nice bonus short.

The last and my favorite story of the five is The Scent of Winter . It comes as no shock the story entirely from Kingsley's POV is my favorite. I'm nothing if not consistent when it comes to my fangirling. In fact, my original review for this novella was:

"KINGSLEY! KINGSLEY!

KINGSLEY!!!"

Yeah, that summed it up nicely.

The Scent of Winter was Kingsley and Søren's. Two winter stories in one: one from their teenage days, and one from their fifties. All quite romantic and bittersweet.

And that's all five lovely winter tales. I look forward to the future ones, and revisiting the old ones, because as I said at the beginning, I step into the world of the Original Sinners, and I never want to leave.


***An ARC was provided to me by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review, but I also got a paperback copy from Amazon in exchange for my money, sooo...***

[Holly Reads Xx · Rating 5 out of 5]

Winter Tales is a collection of short stories about my fave kinksters all set in (you guessed it) the winter months!

First up we have a new story about Nico, Nora and Zach (December Wine), all about Nora’s first meeting with Nico! We all know the basics of how it happened but to see it all play out was perfect and it really made me want to read Mischief (Nico and Nora’s short set in Salem at Halloween). Every time I know a story is coming up with Nico I always think “meh” because let’s face it, he’s no Søren, and I am 100% dedicated to my priest! And yet Tiffany Reisz makes me fall in love with the young Frenchman every time!!! I have such a fickle heart. Anyway, it was brilliant, and add in Søren and Kingsley at the end? Perfection!!

Then we have A Christmas Truce, which is one of my favourite Original Sinner shorts! After years apart, the Unholy Trinity (Søren, Nora and Kingsley) call a Christmas truce and spend a very wonderful, very sexy night together. What could be better? I love this story every time I read it!

Next up is Poinsettia, a story about Magdalena (Remember the madam who Søren went to for help as a young Jesuit in training?) and Søren aged 20. I absolutely loved this story, Magda was hilarious! In true Dominatrix style she talks down to Søren, treating him like a child, and there’s a part where she makes him stand against a doorframe...well I won’t go anymore into it but I laughed so very hard!! This short had me highlighting so many random little comments that just helped to absolutely make the story! Combined with the happy/emotional/wonderful ending...it was truly perfect!

Now...The Scent Of Winter. Another fantastic short, this one all about the King and the priest. You know that emoji with the love hearts in the eyes? That’s me. Kingsley and Søren find their own special piece of heaven in a cold little cottage, much like they did all those years ago in school. I’m sure you can imagine where the story goes from here. I love them both so much!

And finally, Blood And Snow. Oh I was so excited for Søren to be back visiting with Magda, 30 years later! She’s still giving him a hard time and making him work for everything she gives! She’s such a great character and livens up every page she graces. Her parting shot to Søren had me cackling knowing what was in store for his life from that moment on.

The Original Sinners truly are my happy place, and no winter is complete without a new story to snuggle under a blanket with. I could happily read about them forever.

[Angy Potter - Collector of Book Boyfriends · Rating 5 out of 5]

PERFECTION!
--
Beta read!

[Michelle Rodriguez · Rating 5 out of 5]

How do I love Tiffany Reisz, let me count the ways ... If you're not an Original Sinners fan, we can't be friends, just kidding (maybe not). In all seriousness, please read from the beginning, this novella is may be lost on you if you haven't read the other books. Not to say you can't read it because you can and if you do, after you have, I say start from the very beginning with The Siren.

Ok enough of my tangent let me get this review going. I've missed Zach. He's come a long way from being the overly stuffy editor in The Siren, to now loving husband to Grace and father to Fionn. He's still a bit stuffy when need be. When Nora comes to England and ask for his help in finding someone near and dear to Kingsley, he was there for her.

This Christmas novella was more emotional than Ms. Reisz's previous ones, for those of you who have read the Original Sinners series, you will all understand.

I cannot sing enough praises or psalms for that matter for this author. She always brings laughter, joy and tears to my reading enjoyment. Ms. Reisz is on my bucket list of authors I would love to meet. Besides this novella, several other short stories that you may or may not have read which makes the read extra delicious. November 19, 2019 cannot get here soon enough for all of you to experience the magic of her writing.



*An ARC was provided via Net Galley for an honest review.*

[Danielle Tremblay · Rating 4 out of 5]

Having enjoyed several books from the original Sinners collection and having loved them, I am looking forward to The Priest, especially since Søren is my favourite character in the series. But as this novel won't be published for a few months, I thought this collection of short stories could help me wait. And it gave me a good time over the holidays.

"Kingsley wished there were angels here to worship Søren. He deserved it, all of it, the seraphim and the archangels and all the heavenly host. But Kingsley couldn’t give that to him. So he kissed him instead.
And lo, a Christmas miracle occurred, and the only miracle Kingsley wished for.
​
Søren returned the kiss."

It's sweet in its own way for King, Juliette, Nora, Søren and Zach & Grace hold Søren's son.

Tiffany Reisz remains true to form, with her special sense of humour and kinky sex scenes. So anyone who liked her previous work should enjoy this collection.

[Pam]

Copy kindly provided by 8th Circle Press, via NetGalley, for an honest review.

[AJ · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars

Fans of The Original Sinners rejoice! For here we get five snippets with our beloved characters – some that have been published before, and some that haven’t, but all together for the first time in one delicious collection.

Because of the incredibly complex story told throughout the Original Sinners series, I would not recommend reading this one without having those books first. These characters and their twisted dynamic are a fave of mine, so I jumped at the opportunity to visit with them once again.

December Wine – 4 stars

This is the story of how Nora meets Nico, the previously unknown adult son of Kingsley. Travelling to France with her editor, Zach, Nora tracks the young man down to give him the news about his secret parentage, giving us the chance to see that first initial meeting, the flirtation that comes just from Nora being Nora, and the emotion of her difficult mission.

It’s an emotional one, but it’s balanced by the brilliantly witty interplay between Nora and Zach – both of whom have been given the freedom to embrace their short time together in all the ways, which they take full advantage of!

With a quick glimpse of Søren, Kingsley and even little Fionn, this is a great little read.

The Christmas Truce – 5 stars

I loved this one! And not just because it’s super smutty, but because it’s the unholy trinity of Nora, Søren and Kingsley reuniting for one illicit night in the midst of Nora and King’s estrangement from Søren. Of course it’s ridiculously sexy, but it’s the closeness and the banter between these three that is so incredibly captivating, and I loved this chance to see more of them together. Nora and Kingsley, in particular, have a fabulous dynamic, the every word, touch and glance between them is just magic.

“You think we should go upstairs now?” Kingsley asked. “Our lady probably fell asleep waiting on us to make up our cocks.”
“Our lady is probably at the top of the stairs eavesdropping on us,” Søren said.
“Am not!” Nora yelled down.

Poinsettia – 3.5 stars

A quick story featuring 20 year old Marcus Sterns who is in Rome and training with the Jesuits. He has befriended a local madam who helps him exercise his sadistic needs, and he visits her on Christmas Eve where they share secrets and very special gifts.

A sweet read which gives us insight into a young Søren during his early separation from Kingsley.

“You never kiss Caterina.”
“Kissing is for lovers,” Marcus said. “We’re friends only.”
“You flog her, cane her, cut her, burn her, and ejaculate on her back when you’re finished.”
“This is why I have so few friends.”

The Scent of Winter – 5 stars

I think this one is my favourite. A beautifully emotional story between Søren and Kingsley set after the events of the whole series. We get both a flashback to their high school days, as well as a heartwrenching encounter between them as Søren opens up about his feelings, and the secrets he has been keeping from his Kingsley. My heart ached for them both as they confront their complex feelings for each other, but it’s ultimately a beautiful story with lots of feels (and some sexy times) and I loved seeing these two together.

“I missed you,” Søren said. “And I…I ached for you. And not your friendship. I had that. I ached for you physically. I wanted you in bed again, on your knees again. I wanted to be inside you again. I wanted to own you again.”

Kingsley inhaled again. “I love the scent of winter,” he said. “I love the scent of winter enough to suffer the cold for it.”

Blood and Wine – 3.5 stars

A moment of vulnerability from Søren as he visits his old friend, Magdalena, in Rome shortly after the birth of Fionn. Seeking counsel and comfort, he opens up about his fears and we get the chance to see the not-so-strong side of this fierce character, which I really enjoyed. Plus, Magdalena is so freaking entertaining.


This is a great collection for fans of the series. I loved it!

4.5 stars.

An Advanced Review Copy was generously provided by the author via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.