Book Reviews

Book Blurb

As a beloved Rein Dear and Christmas elf for Mayor Kringle, Donner prides himself on his flawless reputation, good sense, and wise decisions. Donner never does anything until he’s thought it through properly. He’s certainly not one to get flustered, infuriated, or fall prey to romantic nonsense. At least not until the most unlikely of elves begins chipping away at Donner’s defenses.

Calder is a Dockalfar—a dark elf. He’s wicked, untrustworthy, and armed with lethal magic. At least that’s what everyone thinks. It’s easy for them to believe the worst and mistrust him before they’ve even spoken to him, but Calder is out to prove that he’s more than his Dockalfar blood, especially to a certain Rein Dear who has caught his eye. But it will take more than sweet words for Donner to admit what’s in his heart.

 

 

First edition published by Dreamspinner Press, December 2016.

 

Book Review

Each year I look forward to another visit to North Pole City and Winter Wonderland. It’s a fascinating world that Charlie Cochet has created from a mixture of winter legends and stories, yet she has given it her very own “magical” touch that makes it really special. The North Pole is run like a modern company, the Rein Dear are a group of nine elite pilots in charge of the annual Big Flight, Mayor Kringle (the spirit of Christmas) is in charge, and the Frost family (spirits of winter of various talents) provides a hint of royalty and mystery in the neighboring Winter Wonderland. I do recommend you read these stories in order – they not only all build on each other, but they are also wonderful adventures and fun romances.

Cupid’s revelation that he is half Dockalfar, a dark elf, has resulted in one of his full Dockalfar brothers, Calder, to be allowed to train him in the use of dark magic. This creates all kinds of issues, since Dockalfar are sworn enemies of the Christmas elves and even though there has been a peace treaty for many years, having an actual dark elf in their midst is not easy for anyone from Jack Frost on down the entire hierarchy. Donner, one of the most “orderly” Rein Dear, makes sure his reputation is flawless at all times, so to see him tempted by Calder of all elves made me anticipate some great relationship fireworks. And I have to say, while there have been some unexpected pairings in this series, in fact all of them have been opposites in some way, this newest is the most unusual one so far.

Donner is hilarious in his righteousness and initial disdain for Calder. He is usually very calm and collected, but Calder infuriates him from the first time they met, and that was a big fat hint that something was going on right there.

Calder has battled his “evil” heritage all his life, and has stayed away from the truly bad stuff as much as he can. He is unusual in that regard, and has caught a lot of flak from his brothers and fellow dark elves, but he just doesn’t want to be bad. He has honor and wants to help, and he hates being stereotyped. And when he meets Donner, his determination to woo the gorgeous Christmas elf makes Calder redouble his efforts to show that he is a good guy.

Donner and Calder don’t have it easy. Even when Donner’s heart begins to thaw, there are many others who judge Calder by who he seems to be. There are quite a few obstacles, scary moments, and a surprise appearance of an old villain – lots of danger Donner and Calder have to face before they can have their happy ending.

If you like this fantasy world of Christmas and other magic, if you believe that opposites can – and do – attract, and if you're looking for a read that contains danger, the fight against prejudice, romance, and comes with a few shocks and surprises, then you will probably like this latest novella in this magical series.

 

 

 

 

DISCLAIMER: Books reviewed on this site were usually provided at no cost by the publisher or author. This book has been provided by the publisher for the purpose of a review.

Additional Information

Format	ebook
Length	Novella, 68 pages
Heat Level
Publication Date	16-December-2019
Price	$2.99 ebook
Buy Link	https://www.amazon.com/dp/B081BCXT34/