A Very Vampy Christmas By Kerrelyn Sparks - 4 stars

Christmas and mysteries (preferably something to do with murder) have been going together for a long time in literary works, and this book tries to follow that honoured tradition. Unfortunately, the inept writing of most of the writers, have made this book an absolute dud, except for one jewel at the end.

1)t“All I Want for Christmas” by Lori Avocato: One of the most moronic pieces that I have read. Henceforth, any anthology featuring this author would get a red flag from me, unless some truly exceptional authors have also contributed to that book.
2)t“The Lords of Misrule” by Dana Cameron: I totally fail to understand as to why the author had decided to peddle this constipation-inducing period piece onto us, in a Christmas-themed anthology. Pure crap.
3)t“The Ghost of Christmas Passed” by Mary Daheim: Dear God! If such stuff can find a place in a Harper & Collins book, then miracles (of all sorts) can happen indeed.
4)t“Partners in Crime” by Cait London: You know, Christmas used to be a time of not only festivities, but also of hangings (quite a festival in those days). Can someone revive that glorious tradition, starting with the hanging of the author of this miserable piece of s**t?
5)t“Holly Go Lightly” by Suzanne Macpherson: Another candidate for said hanging contest! You can imagine how nicely the book is shaping up.
6)t“A Very Vampy Christmas” by Kerrelyn Sparks: Finally! The only story that can be read, enjoyed, and chosen for a re-read.

But that last jewel doesn’t justify buying this entire bucket of lard. Hence, better get the Kerrelyn Sparks story in some other Paranormal Romance themed or single-author collection, and trash any thought that you might be having about buying this book.

While the plotting & characterization was good this seemed to be written more for young teens than young adults. I would be very interested in a G-rated adult book for those of us with some grey in our hair who are CW fans.

I got this book for the Kerrelyn Sparks story and it did not diappoint. The tale of Maggie and her "Don Orlando" and finding our who he really is was entertaining and fun. This story takes place after book 2 but before book 4 since Ian is still young, therefore it is before he takes the stay-awake potion in Texas in book 4. I really love the characters that Kerrelyn writes and look forward to the next installment in her series. This story was a nice little bridge between stories. And I always liked the character of Maggie so it was nice for her to get her own story, even if it was a short one.

I will probably get around to reading the rest of the stories as well, but really was only interested in the Kerrelyn Sparks one.

A Very Vampy Christmas....Kerrelyn Sparks. Maggie O'Brian helps Don Orlando (Pierce) regain his memory and unites him with his family.

I only read the Kerrelyn Sparks story, but it was cute. A vampire soap opera, real life amnesia, a hidden love child, and family secrets, what more can you ask for in a short story.

This review is for the short story ''A very vampy Christmas'' by Kerrelyn Sparks.
It is part of her Love at stake series.

In this cute story Maggie helps co star Don Orlando to find out more about his past.
They are both stars of the Digital Vampire Network soap ''As a vampire turns''

Don has amnesia and can't remember anything before he was turned vampire.
He and Maggie set out to find out who he really is and discover some interesting things!

I think that I have been mislead by this book. It was supposed to be romance/mystery. So far 2 mysteries and 1 kiss. 1 Kiss does not constitute a romance story in my book. Noticing a guy is good looking, isn't enough either.

I am going to make it through this book just because it has a short from the Love at Stake series.



Lori Avacato- All I want for Christmas.1 Star I liked the humor, but that was about all. The plot was sketchy, underdeveloped and unrealistic. There was a mystery but no Romance, only a lusting after a hot guy. There was a kiss from said hot guy under the mistletoe. That is not enough to classify as a romance. Not going to be looking for any of her work soon.

Dana Cameron- The Lords of Misrule. 3 Stars. I liked the story, good plot interesting characters. The mid level rating comes from my desire for a complete story. start, middle, end. I despise when an anthology story has great potential and the author just leaves the characters with out summing up the story or leaving you to assume there will be a HEA. Yes they left off happy but no conclusion. There was also no romance here. an interest but no romance.

Mary Dahiem- The Ghosts of Christmas Past 0 stars after 25 pages it seemed to be a list of the family tree, nothing interesting going on, i couldnt get into it.

Cait London- Partners in Crime-3 stars, cute story, some build up passion but not alot of romance.

Suzanne MacPherson- Holly go Lightly - 3 stars, cute snippet of life but not a mystery or romance not sure why the story was in this book.

Kerrelyn Sparks - a Very Vampy Christmas 5 stars Great story ! The beginning may have been a little rushed, but having followed the series it didn't matter to me. Funny, romance, HEA all a girl could want. This story actually made the book worthwhile.

I only read the story by Kerrelyn Sparks, and it was really cute. I think the stories have a lot of humor to them, which is what I really like.

I only read the Kerrelyn Sparks story, A Very Vampy Christmas which I enjoyed since I had wondered what had happened to Maggie, who was once a member of Roman's harem. Don Orlando is not who he seems, which is a good thing!

Another anthology where half the offerings were a slog to read while the other three were enjoyable. The Sparks, Macpherson and London offerings—the best of the six-were saved for last. The anthology involves different genres with a mystery element. Some are from established series while others are stand alone. Only one was from an other I know and enjoy, Kerrelyn Sparks and it was fun to revisit her vampire series. Five of the six are well written but the first three entries just weren’t my cup of Christmas punch. Maybe you will fare better.

I only read the Sparks story, but I liked it. It was cute. Nothing spectacular, but a fun, light read.