| Title | : | Frost Mate (Demons of Frosteria, #0.5) |
| Author | : | |
| Rating | : | |
| ISBN | : | - |
| Language | : | English |
| Format Type | : | Kindle Edition |
| Number of Pages | : | 120 |
| Publication | : | Published December 22, 2021 |
Captain Korreth spends his days training Morozko’s Army, wanting nothing more than to quash the Changelings as they wreak havoc on Frosteria. But when a new trainee enters the barracks, he feels an inexplicable pull.
New recruit Zira has one thing on her mind, and it’s taking out the Changelings that slaughtered her family. She’s full of vengeance, but she can’t deny how difficult it is to focus in the presence of the captain.
With tensions rising in Frosteria and the mortal world, Korreth and Zira must work together, however, it will take the strongest of wills to ignore the call of a mate bond. That is, if they even wish to.
Frost Mate is a whole new, sexy, and action-packed retelling of Krampus! This novella will surely satisfy lovers of spicy monster romances, while still bringing the reader on a journey into an epic world.
Frost Mate (Demons of Frosteria, #0.5) Reviews
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Genre-crossing at its best! I've read most of Candace Robinson's work in the past, but this is the first foray into her writing partner's creative pen. She's teamed up with Elle Beaumont to tell the story of demons in Frosteria... but what that means is merely lurking beneath the surface. In this prequel novella, we meet Korreth and Zira, who team up to lead the fight to protect their home... but they are only the prelude to what I suspect is going to be an epic, action-packed world of intensity. The best message I can convey so far is that the writing feels seamless in this novella. Smooth, hot, and grand are the three words that come to mind. I can easily begin to picture the dramatic world, but I definitely long to hear more about it already. Zira is a force to be reckoned with, and Torreth's past seems like there's a lot to unpack, especially with his son. I look forward to seeing what these two dynamic authors bring to the genre, shaking it up and appealing to all those frozen monster lovers, in particular the heat that might melt them off the pages!
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Did someone say Krampus inspired spicy romance? I did! I did! And I co-wrote it!
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I really enjoyed this introduction into Frosteria. The Changelings were formidable, and I could definitely see one of them making an appearance in a nightmare sometime soon. I thought this take on them as well as the Krampi was a lot of fun. I absolutely loved Korreth and Zira. Like so much. And Aeryx was just adorable. I'm so excited to read Frost Claim and continue his story in this world.
***I voluntarily read a complimentary ARC of this book.*** -
My first venture into steamy monster romance. Why? I love dark stories and yeah, guilty as charged, steamy romance. But I wanted something with world building reminiscent of my other writing, and characters that weren't flat or silly. So, here we are! Happily co-written with Candace Robinson!
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Epic world building with a holiday twist. A snarky male leads. A strong female lead. And an adorable little monster stirring up trouble... what's not to love?!
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Smutty Krampus inspired novella? Has an actual plot? YESSSS.
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Snow and heat equal steam, and the steam is thick in this novella!
If you're looking for a quick read to warm both your heart and your cheeks, read Frost Mate. One moment I was contemplating pulling out the fan to cool my blush, and the next moment I was getting all teary-eyed by the tenderness.
Frost Mate is a unique take on the Krampus legend, and is perfect for fans of Maas. I only wish that I didn't have to wait until next autumn for the first novel! -
Yeah, ima need me more Korreth. Thanks 😘
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This year Krampus came to visit....
...and he brought his whole family with him too 😉. But don’t worry Krampi are not at all the scary demons we have heard about, that is just how we perceive them in our realm, in their own realm they are glorious creatures, who fight the changelings that try to steal our children (yes, that is how the legend began). The story offers the perfect balance of world-building and romance, yes, it is PNR, that keeps on burning nicely, which is just perfect to warm up the early winter days (and nights). Korreth and Zira instantly chemistry is not arbitrary, everything has a reason in the tale 😉 and then there is Aeryx the most wonderful little Krampus you would ever meet. Do you want me to tell you the plot? No, nope…. You deserve to savour every single bite of it, without pre-tasters, after all, as the authors will tell you ,‘this one is for those who love the beast’, and you love the beast, don’t you 😉
“Frost Mate”, the prequel to the upcoming “Demons of Frosteria” Series by Elle Beaumont & Candance Robinson is a delightful reading that will forever change your views on Krampi, and make you say farewell to your prejudices once and for all… while you await with awe for their next visit, lucky for us we don’t have to wait a full year for Aeryx to come back to tell us his own story, for he is the MC of the next and first full-length book in the series 😊 -
Frost Mate is a dual POV, steamy novella, inspired by Krampus.
For a 120 page book, it was put together well and kept me entertained the whole time. I appreciated that it took a minute before the steam appeared. It was sort of awkward that Zira enjoyed killing the changelings a little too much. But, the chemistry between her and Korreth was cute and I liked the banter between the characters. It was cute reading Korreth, Zira, and Aeryx's hide and seek game and how they all blend together well. I guess my only real complaint was that I wished Zira and Korreth's time in the cave wasn't as rushed. But, it is a novella so I can't complain that much when the rest was great otherwise lol
If you like the sound of mate bonds, demons, & mutual pining - try this steamy novella out.
Disclosure: I received an ARC of Frost Mate through BookSirens and I'm voluntarily leaving this review. -
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
🌶.5/5
This is dual in a 3rd POV. This was such a quick read and a bold start for the official book on Oct 2022. It has magic, mates, romance, and smut 🤪 it has an official playlist at the end of the book which I loved! I wish the main characters have more exposure in the next book but the first book will be about the male character’s son which I also loved because Aerynx was so adorable! -
Good start to a series in this short novella.
Gifted audio in exchange for an honest review.
Good start to world building, I’m not sure if this couple will be the base to a series or the next will be a new couple.
There’s a lot of sexual tension
Fated mates,
Captain of an army and a new recruit.
I did really enjoy the narration, Eva does a great job on the accents.
3 star listen. -
I received an ARC of Frost Mate in exchange for an honest review. This Krampus retelling is seamlessly co-authored by Elle Beaumont and Candace Robinson and puts a new and spicy twist on things! Excellent world-building and storytelling will keep you reading past your bedtime.
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This was just awesome!
I love the krampus lore woven in and the human realm versus theirs.
This is not for the faint of heart - to rid humans of changelings, some intense interventions have to happen. However, even these scenes are done in a way that keep you focused on the end result. And yes, that was vague, but I don't want to give away any spoilers!
The spice is right up there and the complexity of the MCs' bond and even life situation is done well. There are times where novellas l, in their brevity, can lose the world building, the trust growth, the three-dimensional lives and pasts, but Frost Mate delivered on all of that so easily!
I'm super excited to read Aeryx's story in the main series and this prequel was a great intro to the world and his past.
I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review. -
Think this was my introduction to the fated mates trope and not a very good one at that 😬. For starters one of them is completely oblivious and secondly within 5 pages they're already eye-fucking each other.
The fantasy elements don't even really hold up on their own either -
When I requested this book, I assumed it was romance, as it is labeled such. To me, this book is not necessarily a romance. It is predominately erotica. If erotica is a genre you like, you’ll like this book. For the first 60% or so of the story, the characters do not really interact romantically so much as reflect within themselves and in other ways how they are physically attracted to one another. I don’t really read erotica, so I didn’t quite like it, and I’m a bit disappointed that it was misrepresented.
As for the plot, discounting all of the sexual references, it was not bad, per se. Once I made it to halfway through, a little bit of romance started to shine through (while juxtaposed to the action), and Korreth and Zira warmed up to each other, so to speak, as people and not objects of a sexual nature.
What really missed the mark for me here possibly could not have been helped, as the novella is not so long: the magic system and backstory were not quite as developed as I would have liked. I understand it’s only a novella, but it is the build-up for the first full-length book in the series, so I feel it could have used up some of the space spent describing Korreth and Zira lusting after each other to provide some narrative details. The story greatly improved for me once there was an extra driving force to the plot.
Additionally, the mating bond was not quite explained; it just was, and the dynamics were left out. I hope it’s explained more in the premier book for the series; it would have made the romance more nuanced and less fleshy.
This was a perfect example of being drawn in with a beautiful, sparkly cover where the story didn’t necessarily live up to expectations.
My sincere thanks to Elle Beaumont and Candace Robinson via Book Sirens for the eARC, for which I willingly give my own opinion. -
This is my first read by Elle Beaumont and Candace Robinson, and I will definitely be reading more.
What I liked about this book:
1. This was such a quick, interesting read, involving all the great elements of fantasy, romance, and a fictional war. I'm a sucker for quick but interesting reads. Seriously, I gobble that sh*t up
2. Korreth is what all alphas should be. He's fierce, protective, gruff, but he's also sweet and sensual when he finds his perfect mate. Never have I had the urge to use this term, but he may have just became "daddy". Well earned, sir.
3. Aeryx is just the cutest little demon I've ever seen! What a strong, helpful, little soldier at such a young age. BUUUUUT, he TOTALLY didn't wipe that human girl's mind. MARK MY WORDS!!! There is another story there waiting to unfold. As soon as a guy mentions a girl's hair, that's it, they're fated!
Why it didn't get 5 stars:
1. Because it was short, I felt there was so much background I still wanted to know on these main characters. I want to know more about each of their pasts and possibly get throwback chapters about them. Will we get to know more later?
2. I didn't really connect with Zira. She had so much potential to be a badass, and I just felt like it fell flat for me. She was fine, but not greater than life.
4 frosty stars!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. -
“For those who believe their soul has a mate out there”
I AM DEFINITELY ONE OF THOSE PEOPLE! sorry I’m a bit book hungover now…and by a little I mean a lot.
Let’s just say if you are looking for a fast and steamy read (just in time for the holidays, to keep you toasty 😉) you HAVE to read Frost Mate! Like what are you waiting for! The publication? Well guess what, it releases tomorrow so wait no more!
I couldn’t peel my eyes from my screen, it was so addicting! As a novella setting up the series ahead, this did an AMAZING job of it! Yes, I am recommending the book although it was any a three star for me- and that is simply because I enjoyed it.
What’s preventing me from loving it, is that it delivered short in the character development- I couldn’t feel emotionally attached to them like I wanted to, so it wasn’t full of feeling for me. Don’t get me wrong, a few more chapters and development (that’s not spice) would probably have my heart. Although the spice got my head scattered in a good way (so I don’t why I’m complaining). But I have to be honest in saying that I couldn’t feel for the characters when I barely know them.
Overall though, this was a really great book. The spice? 10/10, I’m in love with it! The inspiration of Krampus arrived in flying colors, I expected no less! It was very easy to read, like literally took me two hours to read- and with breaks in between. So take it from someone who hasn’t been reading that much, that it’s definitely worth it to pick up Frost Mate!
Thank you to the author and publisher for providing me with an ebook advance reader copy for free- in exchange of me leaving a review both honestly and voluntarily. -
Frost Mate - Demons of Frosteria
By Elle Beaumont
Candace Robinson
Narrated by Eva Caine
I received a digital copy of this audiobook in exchange for an honest review.
So I basically went into this book knowing nothing about it other than conclusions that can be drawn from the cover. I’m so glad I checked it out though. I finished the audiobook today. I was about 70% through when I had to stop and look up if a secondary character would be starring in the next book, and they are. I love continuation stories where there is an HEA, no cliffhanger but the world and the characters continue on and you see them again through a different focus in the next book. This is an introductory novella. So not super long, not a super meaty story but I thoroughly enjoyed it. The authors did a great job of setting up the premise and world building. We get a chunk of backstory that will pay off in the next book. We learn about the culture of a mythical creature, their motivations and priorities. I have to say I love a hero with horns. There’s just something about it 🤷♀️ and I loved where this story went with building on existing folklore and expanding out into a wider mythos. A lot of people disparage romance but that takes a lot of talent to produce a thought provoking plot and top tier steam. The narrator did a fantastic job with this book. The right narrator can really elevate the overall experience of an audiobook. Kudos to Eva Caine for making me feel like I was right there in the snow. 5/5
The next book releases 10/26/22 so check this one out now to get ready. Available in kindle unlimited. -
Who doesn’t love a Krampas story? This interpretation of the folklore figure has the Krampi as protectors and warriors created in order to fight and eliminate changelings - evil creatures who steal the bodies of others.Captain Korreth has worked hard to reach his rank and is well respected but the changelings are growing bolder, thus the need for new recruits. When they arrive he finds he is inexplicably drawn to New Recruit Zira. The use of fated mates was well done, where one is aware from the start but the other - while feeling a draw to them - is not until they start to become intimate. A few complications and an important mission work to show both their difference in experience and the potential of their growing relationship. The power imbalance was well displayed but was not overdone - it was obvious but it was clear that this was just another aspect of their relationship.
Even so, this story was shallow and I felt it did not live up to its potential. The world building was great and I am really interested in this new and exciting world but as soon as the action was done and they consummated their mating the story just ended which brought down my overall impression. One of my biggest pet hates in stories is a sudden ending, and while this may have been done in order to maintain interest in the continuing story this idea was dashed when the introduction for the next story in this world was obviously going to be years later. I would recommend this story to those interested in a well thought out Krampas story but would warn about the sudden ending. -
After a book by Candace Robinson ("These Vicious Thorns") that was very much Not my cup of tea (too dark and the main protagonists not very developed secondary to all the short stories taking up the pages/time; see my review of that book for more details) and multiple series that WERE ("Vampires in Wonderland" and "Faeries of Oz"), I decided to take a chance on this book, figuring based on the cover it was likely more similar to the latter (i.e., Adult Romance, cheesy, very horny).
My hunch proved correct! This was a fun Adult fantasy/monster Romance novella that was very horny, full of enjoyable characters, and based on the "fated mates" trope.
I only rated it down to 4 stars because of a few things that are honestly personal preference:
1) i'm not a big fan of the trope (nor it being a Surprise).
2) the MMC did too much sauntering and honestly the writing describing how he walked started to annoy me (please use a different or variety of verb(s)!).
3) i wanted to see more of them!! this is very much an insta-love book and we don't really get to see what happens AFTER they get together (partly because it was a novella--there just wasn't time). I wish this had been a full-length novel instead of "just" a novella. We don't learn much about the main characters' personalities besides the MMC being a ~stoic grump with a heart of gold~ and the FMC being a ~trauma-hardened persistent Strong Female~ (without being annoying tho, thank god).
4) i hate pet names (, really???) -
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
This felt like a nice fairy tale with more explicit sex than I would have preferred in this context. I don't have a problem of any kind with consensual (and certainly not with written) porn, but I felt this wasn't where I wanted to find it; and there was a significant amount.
That said, this was a very nicely written story, & I connected with & bought into the characters strongly. I will likely read the follow-up (in one place this was labeled book 0.5 so I have no idea how long the series will be). I really liked that the characters acknowledged & acted on their feelings for each other early in the series (3/4 of the way through the book). One of today's things in many fantasy series is both people (& the reader) knows of the attraction, but they take book after book individually agonizing over it before they act on it. NOT the case here!
I also liked the strong female character. Wouldn't it be ironic if YA fantasy books was the death of sexism in America!
I don't tend to summarize plots in my reviews, as those summaries are readily available on the product page. My summary is that I really enjoyed a fun, fast read & the Soul Mate mark concept. Interesting parallel planet, also. Again, the only negative for me was there was too much pretty explicit sex for a Fantasy/Sci-Fi Book.
If the steamy sex doesn't bother you, I highly recommend this fun read! -
I hadn't dived into the subgenre of monster romance before this book. I am glad that this was my introduction.
Frost Mate's main characters are Krampi, but not the traditional terrifying versions of Krampus that we know from our world. No, in their world they are similar to horned humans who have magical powers and an affinity for the cold. Also they save children from changelings.
This novella is only 120 pages, so I was expecting some spice and that was about it. However, I got a fabulous amount of world building. I was totally drawn into the world and got a great sense of the issues the Krampi are facing and their magic.
Then we have the romance. There is a very strong fated mates trope so things move quickly, but there is enough of a slow burn that I didn't feel like it was rushed. I loved that it wasn't dragged out with a will they, won't they but there was that element of resistance still.
Finally there is what I can best describe as found family? I don't want to ruin it but there was a surprise and I loved the way that it affected how we viewed one of the characters. It made this spicy romp in the snow also very heartwarming.
I want more. I will absolutely be checking out the next book when it comes out in October 2022. -
The demon king Morozko used a drop of blood in the snow to make the Krampi his Immortal Army. The Krampi live in Frosteria, a frost world where they live to train and fight changelings. Krampi are to help all kind, including human kind. The changelings take over children's body's and must be beaten out of them and then killed to save the children. These author's have taken a play on our children's fears and given us a world of ice and snow with the Krampi as hero's there to train, fight and help protect us all without any humans knowledge. This is the story of Korreth and Zira and their fight against the changelings. They must go to earth to rescue a child that has been taken over by a changeling. Earthlings see and know the Krampi as Krampus. This is a well thought out world where they travel to earth from Frosteria to help mankind. It is an excellent read, full of action and adventure and steamy too. I am hoping this is the beginning of a series so I can see more of Frosteria and the Krampi who live there. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
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Yes!
I wanted to start my review like this because Elle didn't disappoint me again! I didn't read any of Candace's books before but this was a good quick read and excellent start to a new series in my opinion.
Honestly I must say that I was a little biased about the Krampus inspired book because umm, sorry but they are ugly and scary creatures. Sorry Krampus lovers! That's why this was my first ever Krampus book. I was so incredibly scared but the story was told very differently. I mean I am all for the horns thing after the Ice Planet Barbarians for sure. (Not just horns also spurs hihi- ICP internal jokes :P).
I have no idea if this counts as a spoiler so beware I guess, I don't really think so but hey I warned you :D. They are not looking like Krampus at all. They just look like that to humans which made me so happy and I imagined them like not blue ICP.
Korreth and Zira's story was hot and cute at the same time. I adored Aeryx. He is a natural warrior. Even though it was very weird to send a six year old alone into the human world, I am happy that we will start the series with his story. There is spice and plot here and if the novella has plot, honey, imagine the series.
I am already very excited for Frost Claim!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. -
Frost Mate is a great start to a new series taking place in the world of Frosteria with wonderfully realized characters and detailed world building that draws from the Krampus myth and takes the storyline to exiting new levels.
For Zara the stories heroine joining the Frost Demon King’s immortal army puts her in position to exact revenge on the evil changelings that destroyed her village killing family, friends and her lover. She certainly didn’t anticipate the attraction that blossoms between her and Krampi warrior Captain Korreth who is assigned to train her.
Frosteria is a fascinating place and this well written narrative takes the reader on an exquisite journey down it’s many paths.
The reader follows the two leads as they explore their steamy attraction to each other, deal with family dynamics while all coalesces around action, angst and a few surprises making for a very enjoyable read!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review. -
I couldn't resist requesting an ARC of this book. I mean, look at that cover! Lust at Christmas? Yes, please. A sexy retelling of Krampus? Er again, yes, please!
I wasn't taken by certain lusty blue aliens, so was hoping this might give me the monsters, spice, and a story I wanted.
Simply put, I loved this story and can't wait for more.
The relationship between Korreth and Zira is fantastic. They are both as firey and quick-witted as the other. There is a delicious build-up of sexual tension between them that has you smiling throughout.
I was completely surprised by the level of tenderness and endearing moments, not only between Korreth & Zira, but also Aeryx (you'll have to read to find out who that is).
The delicate descriptions of the mystical, icy realm made me wish I was there with my own Korreth. Not to mention the battles with the evil Changelings. This novella has everything.
Thank you so much, BookSirens for the ARC ebook. This is my honest review. -
This is a very unique and fast Novella. The world building is amazing and you get a good glimpse of their world. I love how the krampi are described to look one way in their world but in the human world they are scary krampus. I love that their magic comes from water and ice. They can make people forget ever seeing them. Korreth is a Captain of krampi army. He's a strong and very good looking man. He has horns on his head and has a familiar whom he is bonded to, think avatar in a way. His familiar is a reindeer omg i love that. He trains krampi to fight against the changlings whom kill his krampi and possess human children. Zira is out for revenge for her family and lover who were brutally killed by the changlings. She volunteered to join the krampi army so she could get a chance to kill changlings. This romance is a close proximity and fated mate trope. I love that they get a mating mark. This is a very great read. There is spice but its not too bad in my opinion.
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Short spicy romance
-Indie TBR review-
As a captain, Korreth's job is to train Morozko's Army in order to destroy the Changelings wreaking havoc on Frosteria. When new recruit Zira shows up, he is instantly drawn to her. Zira's only goal is to avenge her family, but the captain's presence makes it difficult to focus. In order to defeat the Changelings, they have to work together, despite the bond between them...
This was such a short and fun read! I loved the romance, it was hot and sweet at the same time and both characters were really cool and intriguing. Although the romantic plot was the main one, the subplot was pretty nice too, and it promises a really inspiring story for the sequel. The world is really interesting and complex, I loved the system, the creatures and the war raging in the dark. I cannot wait to discover more about it in Frost Claim. The sexual tension, although a bit rushed because of the whole "mates" thing, was delightful, and the spice definitely worth it. It was short, easy and quick to read, but with just the right balance between the spice and the plot. I got attached to the characters easily and the writing was really addictive and pleasant from both POVs. I will gladly read the next book in the series because i can't wait to see what happens with Aeryx!
I recommend if you like spicy romance in a fantasy world!
"Still, instinct screamed at him, warning him not to take this lightly."
TW: death, gore, blood, sexually explicit scenes, genocide, violence, war
