Book review: A Vampire's Christmas Carol by Cynthia Eden

A Vampire's Christmas Carol by Cynthia Eden

Holiday paranormal romance

novella/ebook, 72 pages

Published November 11th 2013 (first published November 6th 2013)

This holiday season has bite.

Ben Prescott hates Christmas—he’s a vampire, and to him, there’s certainly nothing jolly about the holiday season. While the humans are running around being merry, he’s hunting in the shadows. Ben plans to spend the holidays his way…by stalking deadly prey. 

But fate has other plans for Ben.

Three visitors are coming Ben’s way…A demon who will force Ben to face his past, a ghost who will show Ben the present he could have, and a shifter who will reveal the darkness that waits in Ben’s future. Unless Ben can change his ways, he may just turn into a real monster, one who can’t be saved by anyone or anything.

’Tis the season…to be undead.

Ben’s redemption rests in the hands of the one woman he loved and lost—Simone Laurent. If Ben is going to have a chance at being more than just the beast in the darkness, he has to prove himself to the lovely Simone. A very hard task, considering that, once upon a Christmas Eve, Simone died in Ben’s arms…

The sign of a very good story is the 'sadness factor' one endures after reading the final word. This is the second novel I've read by Cynthia Nixon that I've really enjoyed. I must read more of her titles. A Vampire's Christmas Carol is an entertaining update of the Dickens' classic and the author imbued it with likable characters and an interesting conflict. Poor Ben, a miserable, unhappy vampire. He laments the loss of his true love, the beautiful Simone, and has never been the same. This Christmas Eve, one action results in the proclamation by a visitor that Ben will be visited by three individuals that evening. He can either change or remain the same unpleasant being, but does he want to seek redemption? Only Ben can make that decision.

The guests Ben encounters that evening take the reader through various times in this vampire's life, especially when he comes face-to-face with the same woman he feels responsible for her death. It is a night for remembering things unpleasant and wonderful. A couple of supernatural beings help Ben decide what to do to change his future. 

This novella packed a lot of emotion, a likable cast of characters, and a sexy romantic love story. Too bad it was only a novella. I liked Ben and how he faces his problems and I also liked his supporting cast. What an interesting and unique bunch! I also liked the world building and the romance was touching. A Vampire's Christmas Carol warmed my heart and satisfied my craving for a well-written paranormal tale.

Rating: 4

Cover comment:

Works for me.

Book source:

I received a promotional copy in return for my honest review.