Vulcan

Colony: Holiday #3

by Demelza Carlton

Every New Year's Eve, Vulcan takes the stage at the most exclusive club in the Colony. And every New Year's Eve, shy librarian Hestia takes the same table to watch the show.

But this year, Hestia's making a new year's resolution that could change everything.
If she dares…

Genres: Science Fiction, Novella, Romance, Paranormal Romance, Science Fiction Romance, Aliens, Paranormal

71 pages, Kindle Edition

Published December 31, 2020

About the author

USA Today Bestselling Author Demelza Carlton has always loved the ocean, but on her first snorkelling trip she found she was afraid of fish.
She has since swum with sea lions, sharks and sea cucumbers and stood on spray-drenched cliffs over a seething sea as a seven-metre cyclonic swell surged in, shattering a shipwreck below.
Sensationalist spin? No - Demelza tends to take a camera with her so she can capture and share the moment later; shipwrecks, sharks and all.
Demelza now lives in Perth, Western Australia, the shark attack capital of the world.
The Ocean's Gift series was her first foray into fiction, followed by the Nightmares trilogy. She swears the Mel Goes to Hell series ambushed her on a crowded train and wouldn't leave her alone.

Reviews

[*❆ Kαɾҽɳ ❆* · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a very bitter-sweet story, both characters are going through a tough New Year every year. They deal with their grief for their loved ones in a matter of different ways. And yet when they meet they find connections to each other, go through their griefs together and find an unshakeable love in this journey.
Loved it, broke my heart along the way but so worth it.

Received a copy from the author herself for an honest review, and this does not affect my rating or review of the book, thank you!

[Paige]

Not what I was expecting. Lots of backstory. Not really much sex at all.

[Aizlynne · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is recommended for readers 18+ did to adult content.

Like the first in the series, this is a very sweet, though not completely clean, romance. Vulcan and Hestia have both seen hard times and the comfort they find together is wonderful. The sex scenes are steamier than Ghost's were but still not crude or overly detailed.

[Coco.V]

🎁 FREE on Amazon & on Apple iBooks today (12/23/2021)! 🎁

[Sasha · Rating 4 out of 5]

I didn't really know what to expect going into this story. I haven't read anything in the series, but I felt like I was able to follow along well enough to have a good enough idea. The worldbuilding sounds interesting. We have aliens, and I'm not sure if the beings with mythic lore on Earth are aliens as well or mythic beings or what? That's more curiosity on my part and makes me want to continue the series.

There's a bit of an info dump, as it is a novella, and one of the characters does lampshade it.

This story went a lot deeper than I expected it. It gave the story more heart. It's two people who are trying to make the best with the hand they've been deal with. There's something really nice about that. This book is set at New Year's which is perfect for me as it is New Year's for me too.

They're both smitten with each other but it never feels like insta-love. It feels like attraction and connection, so I really appreciate that the story doesn't rush it.

This was pleasant and more than I expected. I'm interested in the world and continuing the series.

[The Mysterious Reader · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ok, I admit it. I’m a sucker for a good alien Sci-fi romance if it’s told well - by which I meant the sci-fi part works and the romance is well done and yummy. Demelza Carlton certainly hit that mark with Cowboys and Aliens (separately reviewed, the first in her Colony: Holiday series. And then some. I somehow missed the release of Ghost (Book 2), but that’s ok as when Vulcan (Book 3) came out that just gave me the chance to addictively binge read. And these two books were totally, deliciously, binge worthy. The leads and plots change each time (the common link being the Colony) but whether it’s book 2’s Hestia and Vulcan, or book 3’s Maia and Joost (a.k.a, Ghost), the lead abs supporting characters are perfected crafted, and the tales are just perfectly told total fun. Can’t get better if you’re in the mood for SFR, so no surprise that I highly recommend these books.

[Tima · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a short story but it’s packed with emotions. Both male and female lead have experienced significant personal loss and are still grieving. Their relationship builds as both have determined that it’s time to move past grief and to work on life.

I enjoyed the depth of emotions and that the main characters were book lovers - that was awesome! The individual development and relationship development was well crafted, especially since it’s so short.

The story is dual POV, well written and edited, and a beautiful new year romance. I received an advanced reader copy in exchange for an honest review.

[Mary Ellen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Life Triumphs Over Grief

Vulcan and Hestia lost everything that mattered to them in the war. After 19 years, they are both still living a half-life of grief, anger & regret. They have served as a sort of muse for each other from a distance. It’s time to start living a whole life.

Vulcan & Hestia have been fascinated by each other, but without making personal contact. This year is different. They share a drink. Vulcan walks Hestia home. They kiss. And life bursts inside them with an exuberance that cannot be stopped. There IS life after death. Share their journey.

I received a free copy of this book from the author and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Denise · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this short story about a librarian who lost everything and ended up at the Colony. Only her love of books and her New Year's Eves spent alone watching a group of dancers performing has kept Hestia sane. Vulcan lost his dream when the troupe of dancers he had just joined are all killed before they can reach the Colony and set up a new school. Now, he dances every New Year's Eve in honor of each of them. His eyes are always drawn to the woman in the balcony seat who always shows up to watch him dance. His illusions make it seem like the troupe is there, dancing with him, but he is really alone. On the night they finally meet, each of them will find their purpose.

[Adena Lee · Rating 4 out of 5]

Releasing the old and starting anew - New Year's Resolutions are hard to keep, particularly when someone is trying to change the entire course of their life. it is hard enough for everyday people; I never really thought how much more difficult it could be trauma survivors. Still, Vulcan and Hestia managed, although I note that it took 2 to keep a resolution. Maybe that is something I need to consider (if I can find someone like Vulcan for myself) ....

I received a copy from the author and I am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Lynall · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a short story, I loved the romance between the librarian and the dancer. They are both sad and mourning their loved ones loss, and when they find each other sparks fly! The sci-fi aspect of this story is a background to the romance, you can read it as a standalone, but it is definitely better if you have read the first two books. Really good, and I cant wait for more in this series, I hope the next stories are longer though, as the writing is great and I would love the stories to be longer

[Alison · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hestia is the Colony's only qualified librarian, but she has just been surviving since she lost Ayumu. Will this year change that? Vulcan is also a bit stuck in his past, but maybe it's time for him to move on. If these two cross paths, will it change it all for them? Or just be two lonely soul passing one another? I enjoyed this short story alien and human romance, both of them have suffered some loss and need to come back to life, and I like the chemistry they have.
I am voluntarily reviewing a copy I received, and giving my thoughts and opinions on it.

[Amber Christiansen · Rating 4 out of 5]

This fast read had a romance that was both cute and steamy. I enjoyed reading about Vulcan and Hestia as they helped each other heal from old wounds.

The only thing that pulled me out of the story was the 19 day year. I found that a little confusing, especially since there are also months mentioned. And the previous stories in this w gave me the impression that there was more time passing in a year, but maybe that was just my own assumptions. I'll have to read them again and see.

[Michelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

An energetic and entertaining story. Two opposites attract and bond over shared loses and mourned futures that will never be. Yet in each other they find exactly what they needed and didn’t even know they wanted. While short the story is most satisfying. The Colony has an eclectic population I eagerly await the next pair to become an unlikely but perfect couple.
I received an ARC from the author. I voluntarily review this book. This is my honest review.

[Peggy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Every New Years (nineteen days in the colony) Vulcan dances in memory of the friends and fellow dancers he lost before coming to the colony. Hestia lost her home and fiancé and was brought to the colony when her ship was attacked. She comes every year to watch his performance. When they finally meet, they find they have a lot in common besides the losses of the past. He loves the ‘’crypt” of old books at the library, and he loves poetry. She admires the grace and talent in his performance. They also discover that they like each other. Can these two lonely people help each other move beyond the losses they have endured and begin to live again in the new year? This is a short emotional story with two wonderful characters who need a great big hug. I enjoyed and recommend it.

I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book.

[Suez · Rating 5 out of 5]

You will quickly turn pages as you follow Hestia and Vulcan’s incredible, heart wrenching journey. These characters are filled with painful memories and loss ... together they can heal if only Hestia will take a chance. A most enjoyable fast paced 3rd book in this series, don’t miss any of it. This is a voluntary review of an advanced copy.

[Katherine Jordan · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a cute and sad short story of loss and love found. A dancer and a librarian find each other and provide solace to each other for losses sustained in war. One lost their entire dance troop and one the love of their life. It has a couple of twists that you will not expect but it is very cute and funny.

[Angela · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really felt for Hestia. The loss of a fiance, the length of time she slept all gives her a sad demeanour. Her ritual of spending New Years watching the dancers and having 2 drinks while bringing in the new year helps her with the painful memories. But learning just how Vulcan’s past plays into her ritual and how his own heart-rending loss forms his story adds to the depths of emotion.

[Diane · Rating 5 out of 5]

Here is a story of two people who lost everything but find each other. For New Years Eve Hestia goes to the Forge to watch Vulcan dance. Finally after 19 years they meet and fireworks happen. This is a cute short love story with a few surprises. I would recommend this book and series. Each book is a standalone. I received a free book and the views and opinions are my own.

[Asia · Rating 3 out of 5]

Cute and mercifully short.

It was a sweet romance. The characters were likable, and the story was well done. It lacked a lot of details(because the book is only like 70 pages). But if you're looking for a time filler, this book was good.

There was only one instance of a missed word(that I caught).

[Richard Goodrum · Rating 5 out of 5]

An enchanting love story: Hestia and Vulcan.

Easy-to-read. Entertaining. Happily Ever After. Page-turner. Romantic. Steamy. Tear-jerker. Whimsical. Wonderful characters.

I received a copy of this book as a gift from the author. This is my honest review.

[Amanda Bhear · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love it! It has that interesting twist in it that just keeps me reading one book to another. I don't know exactly how to describe it as. It just has something in it that has me turning pages until the end then reaching for the next one. They are just a lot of fun to read.

[Elspeth · Rating 2 out of 5]

After reading 3 books in this series I think I have to give up on it. The books are very short, the "insta-love" is even more insta than normal, and not a whole lot happens in any of them. It's too bad because I have liked her retelling books.

[Chris Mckay · Rating 5 out of 5]

Demelza as usual has written a wonderful short story you won't want to put down. A well thought out plot and sex that is hot hot hot.

[Kate · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another fun Colony Holiday book! This one staring a librarian! Love it. These are short and sweet reads. Thoroughly enjoyed it.

[Debora Barnett · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dancing for an audience of one

Vulcan performed for many but only had eyes for Hestia. They talk and drink after the performance. They go to the library for a private show.

[Mary Roya · Rating 5 out of 5]

Vulcan

Good story. This one showed a lot of emotional pain for H/H. I loved the dancing. The visual I got blew me away. What fun talent to have. Good read

[Sylvie · Rating 2 out of 5]

How long between New Years and the Thanksgiving Festival? It seemed to happen the next day.

[Liz · Rating 3 out of 5]

Definitely an insta-love story, with all the expected features that go along with that. This book felt a little bit like a series of scenes with random connections. It was still fun though.

[Shawna Sears · Rating 5 out of 5]

Vulcan is book 3 in the Colony: Holiday series of bite sized stories centered around a colony of intermingling aliens and humans as they get to know one another. The books can be read standalone and in any order. It is written in third person omniscient perspective from both leads' (alternating) point of view.

This short was certainly heavier than the last two, though there were still amusing moments. There was definitely an overabundance of sweet. Definitely gave me a sweet tooth. Vulcan is a performer who can create illusions and runs a bar under his name on the Colony. Hestia is a the Colony's librarian who is living a quiet and uneventful life. Her friends insist she get out of her shell and since this happens to be Vulcan's last New Years performance, the two end up in something of a collision course. The ensuing explosion is emotional, amusing, sweet, and a dose of spicy. They find a way to move through their losses together and make a new connection.

If you like your aliens talented, your tear ducts wet, and your romance sweet, steamy, and adorable, this is a good little read for you.