Christmas Embrace

Immortals of New Orleans #10.5

by Kym Grosso

Joyeux Noël

A supernatural wedding brings everyone together during the holidays. But it doesn’t feel like Christmas for Detective Sydney Willows. She finds solace in the arms of her sexy vampire but with a fragile heart, not quite mended, she’s afraid to commit to an eternity. After she rescues an abandoned child and is then forced to give him away, she’s determined to fight for the family she never knew she wanted.

Vampire Kade Issacson never expected to have a baby but soon realizes what’s been missing in his life. After he’s forced to return the abandoned wolf pup to the pack, the child’s mother is found murdered in an alley. Vowing to protect the boy, Kade fights for him, swearing he’ll never give him back again.

Determined to win Sydney’s heart and her hand, Kade plans a surprise for his reluctant detective. Convinced their souls are destined for an eternal future, will he convince her to say yes once and for all?

Falling in love. Second chances. A new nemesis arises. Find out who’s naughty and nice as the Immortals of New Orleans conjure up Christmas magic.

Genres: Paranormal Romance, Romance, Paranormal, Novella, Shapeshifters, Vampires

97 pages, Kindle Edition

First published November 17, 2020

About the author

Kym Grosso is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of the erotic paranormal series, The Immortals of New Orleans, and the contemporary erotic suspense series, Club Altura. In addition to romance novels, Kym has written and published several articles about autism, and is passionate about autism advocacy. She is also a contributing essay author in Chicken Soup for the Soul: Raising Kids on the Spectrum.

Reviews

[Kat valentine ( Katsbookcornerreads) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Awesome Christmas theme book from Kym Grosso series immortals of new orleans. I'm not a big Christmas romance kind of girl unless it a paranormal romance and Christmas Embrace had my favorite couple Kade and Sydney front and center. I love both these vamps and I will have to admit that this book had me choked up and tearing up for both these characters. Its hard to put together a wedding for a friend when your heart feels like its been ripped out. The transition has been hard on our girl sydney but having to let go of baby Zach has left her feeling empty inside. Kade has been amazing with her but he feels like she's pulling farther away every day. So their both just trying to get ready for the marriage of their friends Luca and Samantha but something is about to happen to change both their lifes forever. What a beautiful story not only about loss but of real enduring love and friendship. I love this series and Kym is a awesome storyteller who writes characters who are so much like the rest of us with issues that we all can relate to and the only difference is their vamps and werewolves and other immortals. This is a short sexy, steamy read and just right for this time of the year. Until next time Luv's💞💋

[Karen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have to say that I was so excited to read this that I neglected to read the two full novels which came out before this. That means that some of the references went over my head, but I will of course rectify that situation as soon as possible. The writing as usual is outstanding with characters and situations that speak to the lives of everyone who enter their sphere. The fact that I love this universe kind of makes me biased but hey, good reading. This is actually pretty fast-paced but still manages to cover a lot of ground and set things up for the future.

Luca and Samantha are getting married on Christmas Eve and it is being hosted by Kade and Sydney. It is a supernatural wedding that is bringing everyone together for the season. Unfortunately for Sydney things do not feel quite so festive, she and Kade had to give back the baby they had hoped to adopt and bring into their family. But she still has her mate and maybe that will be enough.

When a massacre is committed in New Orleans and it turns out that the baby's mother is one of the casualties Sydney and Kade are ready to go to war to make sure that the child remains safe and with them. All this while trying to make sure that Samantha has the wedding that she has dreamed of. But we know how things never seem to go smoothly.

A new enemy sends out feelers but what else is new.

I love these vampires and wolves and am so happy to see them again and can't wait for their next appearance. Enjoy this!

[Sandy S · Rating 4 out of 5]

CHRISTMAS EMBRACE is a contemporary, adult, novella in Kym Grosso’s Immortals of New Orleans erotic, paranormal, romance series.


Told from several third person perspectives CHRISTMAS EMBRACE follows numerous intersecting paths including the preparations for the Christmas wedding of vampire Luca Macquarie, and high priestess Samantha Irving; Sydney Willows, and Kade Issacson’s heart breaking struggle to have a family; and a gruesome murder investigation that points to demonic powers, drug trafficking and possible human involvement.


As Samantha and Luca’s wedding draws near, Sydney Willows struggles with the heart break of giving up an orphaned pup, a child whose mother returned after months on the run. Struggling with her new vampire lifestyle, Sydney has thought about the losses and gains but the loss of a child is what has hurt them the most. On the scene of a murder, Sydney finds the wolf pup stuffed in the trash, and along with the man that she loves, is determined to remain a family, one way or another. When the alpha reveals the child is most likely going to be raised by the wolves, Kade makes preparations in event of a ruling that may go very wrong for the woman he loves.


CHRISTMAS EMBRACE is a story of family and friendships; relationships, healing and love. The premise is heart warming and engaging; the characters are familiar, energetic and edgy; the $ex scenes are passionate and intense. CHRISTMAS EMBRACE sets the stage for a new direction in the series arc, a direction involving a power struggle for control of the supernatural of New Orleans.

www.thereadingcafe.com

[Angie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was such a good paranormal Christmas novella. I loved that it revisited the first couple of the series and we got to see some of the other ones as well. I love it when authors do that. It's like a checkup on our favorite characters to see how they are doing and what they are up to. In this one, we get to see Sydney and Kade again. Sydney is still having a hard time being a vampire and losing her humanity but when she finds an abandoned wolf pup she knows that she is meant to be his mother. Until his birth mom shows up and takes him away. But fate has other plans and she finds him again. This time at a murder scene. And while all of this is happening Samantha and Luca are finally getting married in a Christmas Eve ceremony. It's so stinking cute. I loved this book and the things that the epilogue lead up to are setting up for some very interesting future novels. Don't miss out on some paranormal Christmas love!
*I received an ARC for an honest review*

[~V~ · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a cute quick read. I love Kade but i've never been a big fan of Sydney...he's way too good for her, although she was definitely more likeable in this story.

[Sydney M Neblett · Rating 5 out of 5]

The gift of family

These immortals have come so far since the first book. I love how with each new bride the more they embrace their humanity and the mortal world. This book is a fantastic look into the lives and love they have found. The author highlighted their relationships and still brought us new dangers, joys, and Christmas miracles. This book was an amazing holiday story, perfect for those cold winter days.

[Coco.V]

🎁 FREE on Amazon today (12/11/2021)! 🎁

[Sharon Richmond · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sweet Read

Christmas Embrace: An Immortals of New Orleans Novella
By Kim Grosso 4 Stars****

Sweet Read... I Love a Christmas story that makes you feel it.

If you love a good holiday season love story then you are going to sigh and moan with this one. Kade and Sydney are great characters with charisma that will draw you in to their story.

Loss of a child is not what any parent should have to experience, human or non human.
As a mother myself, I believe it is us moms who internalize the pain more, so I related to Sydney's character more. Kade though was still super cool and sexy.I

Christmas time is always beautiful and magical especially when a miracle comes along, but nothing is as magical as being given a second chance at what's missing that would make you while again.

I have voluntarily read an Advanced Reader Copy of this book and I'm voluntarily leaving a review for it.
Reviewer for Nook Books and More Blog.

[Carmen Alicea · Rating 5 out of 5]

More please!!

I love Sidney and Kade's story and the beautiful Immortals of New Orleans series. Each book is unique and a must-read. Out of all the books in this series so far, this has been my favorite one. I love getting to catch up with some of my favorite characters.

Sidney and Kade are perfect for each other. I loved the interaction and love between them. They know that as long as they stand together, nothing can stop them.

Sidney is a strong woman who knows what she wants and doesn't let anyone stand in her way. I love her spirit and fearlessness when it comes to those she loves. With Kade at her side, they are unstoppable.

A beautiful continuation of a fantastic series full of unforgettable characters. I have loved, devoured, and savored each book and can't wait for the next book. Author Kim Grosso is a master at creating steamy and heartwarming stories you will love. I absolutely recommend this amazing series!!

[Laura Harris · Rating 5 out of 5]

Short and Sweet

The story continues with hints of the future tales. This is the second book I’ve read by Kim Grasso. I find her stories engaging and filled with charm. Her characters are paranormal, witches, vampires, wolf shifters, demons and fae, oh my. It’s a fascinating world with sympathetic characters. I did not read Kade and Sydney’s original story but this was their story of their desire to be a family and Sydney’s struggle with her change from human to Vampire. Viktor is my favorite character and his book is next. I understand that reading the series in order will help understand their world better and there are cues as to what came before. Ms Grasso’s writing is entertaining, passionate, funny, sarcastic, and interesting. She creates a dark world whose paranormal inhabitants try to lighten it. It’s fun I’m hooked.

[Ana · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you love a good holiday season love story then you are going to sigh and moan with this one. Kade and Sydney are great characters with charisma that will draw you in to their story.

Sydney never thought she'd want a family until Zachary came into her life. Maybe being turned changed all the thoughts she had on family, but losing him has really changed her mind on it.

Kade never thought he'd want anything else other than Sydney, but losing Zachary made him rethink all that. Now that he has come back into their lives he really knows that's how he feels, especially seeing how it has affected Sydney. Maybe the wedding of Samantha and Luca would change her mind, although anything less than getting full custody of Zach could do that.

Nothing less than a Christmas Miracle can soothe Sydney and Kade will go to any lengths to keep his nefound family together.

[Sharon A Shovan · Rating 5 out of 5]

This short story is a fun catchup with news of what is going on with all the characters of the Immortals. What a nice Christmas treat! Sydney and Kade. Kade is a vampire and Sydney is a newly turned vampire. They fell in love and Kade wants to marry her but she is resisting. It is Christmas time. Their place is filled with tons of decorations all over everywhere. They both want children but it is not in the cards since both are vampires and Kade feels guilty. They were taking care of a baby wolf but the mother came to claim him. This devastated Sydney. They are having a wedding at their place for Samantha and Luca and Sydney is trying to be happy for them even though she is sad. She keeps reminding herself that she has Kade and that is enough. But is it? Come along and celebrate with this Christmas wedding and a few surprises.

[Heather · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another awesome Immortals of New Orleans book. I was hooked. Kade and Sydney have been together for awhile but have yet to get married or even engaged. Sydney had her life changed when Kade was forced to change her into a vampire and all of her hopes and dreams came to a screeching halt. This book is a resolution of sorts for these two. There is something sinister in New Orleans and it comes to their front door. Things from the not so recent past have a way of popping back up. Can these two find their way back to each other? This is Christmas and time for love and miracles.
I would recommend reading this book as part of the series and not a stand alone. My opinion is that it would flow easier. While it does not end in a real cliffhanger, it does set up for the next book in the series.

[Meiwilli · Rating 3 out of 5]

It’s been a few years since I visited this world. Unfortunately for me, I didn’t remember the hierarchy of characters of wolf, vampire, witch, etc., so while this novella should have been a revisiting of old friends, I found it confusing with a scattered plot for which I couldn’t keep up.

All the factions have gathered for Samantha and Luca’s wedding but of course, things don’t run smoothly. Several wolves are horrifically murdered in the street, the fate of baby Zachery, Kade and Sydney are contemplating leaving New Orleans, the old Dominique rears up, for better or worse, and the demons are back.

Christmas Embrace has a lot going on in a short storyline. On My Were Scale of Hotness, 3 stars.

[Shelley C · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 Embracing Christmas Miracle Stars🌟

Christmas Embrace is a novella Christmas story which embraces our New Orleans paranormals. Kade and Sydney are in a rut due to her having been recently turned into a vampire and because the little pup they were hoping to adopt has been returned to his birth mother😢

An unfortunate turn of events has the little pup falling back into their hands and we have some Christmas magic and miracles occurring on Christmas Eve when Samantha, the High Priestess marries her vampire, Luca❣️

I was about to start reading the Viktor when I realised I hadn’t read this yet…so hoping not to miss out on too much I thought I’d have a quick read before getting stuck in😁

[Ireadromancetoescape · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was given this ARC in exchange for a honest review
This book was amazing. Wouldn't expect anything less from the talented Kym Grosso.
Christmas Embrace Immortal of New Orleans. Book 11
I believe y'all will enjoy this story come and follow the journey of
Sydney and Kade and some other of your favs of The Immortals of New Orleans characters. There is a wedding (not telling you whose) you'll have to read it to find out. We are introduced to new dangers that I'm sure will find out more in the next book coming in 2021. Can't wait for next book. Find out what adventures they have in-store.

[Sharon · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars
It is always a wonderful surprise when beloved characters return. Everyone is in attendance for Samantha and Luca’s nuptials over the holiday season. Sydney is still dealing with her demons after being turned when she finds a wolf pup that will impact her life. There are more secrets that are revealed but the bottom line is family sticks together. For a novella, Ms. Grosso has given readers one heck of a fun ride with this one and I look forward to more from this series. I volunteered to read a copy of this book.

[Louise · Rating 5 out of 5]

. ! Loved it

I'm sorry it's just a novella I didn't want the book to end. Brilliant as expected I loved it. Can't wait for the next book. What I !ove about this series is that all the character we meet along the way you still have the characters from all previous instead of forgetting them . Love. Made Luca and Tristan they are hilarious together. New villains and can't wait to read the havoc the kids are going to cause. This is a must read series and I can't wait to read now how kade and Sydney are doing as parents bring on the next book

[Vicki Shaff · Rating 5 out of 5]

Awesome novella

Loved this Christmas novella and revisiting so many of the other characters in this series. Sydney still mourns the loss of her humanity and the loss of the wolf cub she and Kade fostered. It's Christmas and her best friend is getting married so she tries to put on a brave front. Then a miracle happens and the cub is brought back into their lives. Both she and Kade are determined to keep him this time and are willing to do whatever it takes. Turns out they get their Christmas miracle after all. Perfect story for the season.

[Andrea Floyd · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book

Another fantastic story by the author, the characters are so in love and he would do anything for her other than let her go , he is so entranced with her. All she wants is what she can never have now, a real family, but he will go to any length to even give her that.A dark entity threatens the town and the shifters, can they stand together to fight the common foe.Well worth your time to read, I look forward to the next installment.

[Ronnie E Brown · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jingle balls

It shows a very human side to the vampires especially Sydney. She only became a vampire because Kade couldn't bear to lose her in his life. She wants the trappings of normality and thought she finally had it with baby Zach until he was taken away when his mother showed up. To get him back was the best Christmas present either of them could have gotten. Sweet story but a little more danger would have suited me.

[Trudy Dowling · Rating 5 out of 5]

I do love this time of year for all the Christmas themed books that are released. This one topped the rest with a wedding, a beautiful paranormal wedding.

Of course it wouldn't be part of the Immortals of New Orleans series without something bad happening. It wouldn't be part of the series if there wasn't something messing with the characters.

Thankfully the author gave us a Christmas gift. We have a look into the future and it is going to be amazing.

[Julie Anne · Rating 5 out of 5]

A brilliant read.

Kindle recommended this book and I wish I knew before reading that it was part of a big series. Now I'll have to go back to the beginning. But it was written in such a way that I didn't feel lost, not knowing what had happened before and could still fall in love with these characters and know a bit about their past as the main characters love life developed into a stronger and deeper one than what it was before.

[Shirley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Magical Christmas

Brilliant book which I absolutely loved and would thoroughly recommend hoping that others enjoy it as much as I did. Once again we celebrate the continuing adventures of the supernatural community of New Orleans and their friends. A wedding at Christmas and the unexpected finding of the wolf pup that Sydney and Kade had to give back before. Add demons to the mix and the touch of humanity and you have a book filled with love and adventure.

[Rhonda · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this little novella with some of my favorites from this series. Sydney and Kade are one of my favorite couples and I loved them in this. Of course, we get the drama that I can't wait to see (hopefully) in the next book!!! If you love Immortals of New Orleans, you are NOT going to want to miss this.

[Joni Fenn · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was so happy to get a peek into the Immortals lives again. It really is like checking in with old friends. Sydney is still having issues coming to terms that she is now a vampire. Kade is doing all he can to help. The one thing Sydney truly wnts is a family. Will she ever have one? Find out in this book! I do recommend reading this series in order so that you understand what's going on.

[Laura Batton · Rating 5 out of 5]

I wanted to slowly devour this book! I've missed these characters! Sweet, hot novella packed with humor.. I laughed throughout with the banter between the guys ,, even some drama and of course great love scenes with some magic in the mix! Loved this book! Love this whole series! Kym is one of my auto buy authors! Can't wait for the next book! xo Laura

[Cindyann Wright · Rating 5 out of 5]

Was Worth the wait

I really enjoyed Christmas embrace. It was great catching up with the characters finding out where they were and what they were doing. It was left in a way that makes sure you're looking forward to the next book and that is one of the things I love about Kym Grosso

[Jules James · Rating 5 out of 5]

Worth the wait

I really enjoyed this book, while it was great knowing how each characters from all individual books were doing, it's Sydney and Kade's story that brought it home for me. They definitely have come a long way and Sydney has grown by leaps and bounds especially emotionally. This book definitely lives up to expectations

[Anna-Marie Buchner · Rating 5 out of 5]

Logan gave the best Christmas Gift

Okay loved this read. Have to be honest wasn't sure I would. For some reason Syd rubbed me the wrong way. But as the book progressed I understood her better. I'm curious who the person is behind the wolf killings. I totally can't wait for Viktor's book.