Ellora's Cave Presents...
The Twelve Quickies of Christmas Reviews

Added December 16, 2003

Book Eleven - Elf Song

Author: Samantha Winston
Publisher: Ellora's Cave
Available At: www.ellorascave.com
Publishing Date: December 22, 2003
Genre: Romance: Erotic/Fantasy/Holiday/Novella
Format: Ebook download in PDF/HTML/LIT/Mobipocket
Price: $2.99
ISBN: 1-84360-735-2
Author Email/Website: www.samanthawinston.com
Reviewer: Sharyn McGinty

Everyone knows the story of the Nutcracker Prince. How he was changed into a nutcracker by an evil magician and given as a present to the young Clara. How Clara freed him from the evil spell journeyed to the home of the Sugar Plum Fairy and defeated the Mouse King. But what happened after the Mouse King was defeated?

It had been several years since the fairy Prince Branagh had been freed from the evil enchantment and defeated the Mouse King. Now he spent most of his time hidden away from his people, except at Christmas when he returned to the home of his aunt, the Sugar Plum Fairy. Wounded in battle, Branagh didn't like for anyone to see him without his glamour, after all fairies were supposed to be beautiful, not scarred.

Melle, an elf, had wanted to catch a glimpse of the fabled prince for years now. But he arrived in secret and she had never been asked to attend the special dinner and dance, so the opportunity never arose. Tonight, though, she would see him. After finishing her chores, Melle slipped silently into the chamber set aside for the Prince, built a fire and hid behind the curtains to wait for his arrival.

More than anything Branagh wished to find a woman who would love him as he was, scarred and wounded, not as he should be. Finding Melle in his quarters was a surprise, but the desire he saw in her eyes was a godsend. Unable to deny his desire, he takes her to bed.

She had lost her husband in the war and hadn't felt desire for any man until now. Branagh was gorgeous and she wanted him. As they gave into their desire, she felt the elf song, rising within her. She had never thought she would feel it again, and knew she had found love and her soulmate.

The song that encircled him as Melle reached her peak enchanted Branagh. It bound him and he knew he would love her the rest of his life. But as heir to the throne he was promised to marry a fairy princess, never before had an elf sat on the throne. Would their newfound love survive the test of banishment?

As a devoted fan of fantasy and a lover of the Nutcracker story, I was thrilled beyond measure to review Elf Song. Ms. Winston captured the magic of the Nutcracker story and made it her own. Here is a noteworthy tale, filled with magic, love, danger, passion, and above all, Christmas spirit. Melle and Branagh are perfect for each other and their world unforgettable. Don't miss this delectable keeper!

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Added December 16, 2003

Book Twelve - Christmas Angel

Author: Lisa Marie Rice
Publisher: Ellora's Cave
Available At: www.ellorascave.com
Publishing Date: December 23, 2003
Genre: Romance: Erotic/Contemporary/Holiday
Format: Ebook download in PDF/HTML/Mobipocket/MS Reader
Price: $2.99
ISBN: 1-84360-736-8
Reviewer: Robin Taylor

Working at the Amman Embassy in Jordan, just a year before, is when Nicole Caron spent one short week with Alessandro della Torre, but that week is one she'll never forget. Sensual pleasures unlike she'd ever dreamed is what she experienced with him. She also fell in love. It is now Christmas in Naples, Italy, and Nicole is seeing the beauty of the Bay of Naples.

Nicole's career began rather quickly in the diplomatic corps and she's traveled the world. After suffering a grueling period of grief and sorrow, and watching the time tick by, she is now working in Naples and wonders if she is finally healing after Alessandro disappeared from her life. When he approaches her on Christmas Eve, with a gift of a Christmas angel, her heart nearly stops. Nicole is not the only one who fell in love that week. So, why did Alessandro leave her, and why has he approached her now?

What an affecting story! I was so touched, so involved, when I read of why Alessandro disappeared. The love between him and Nicole is palpable, making A Christmas Angel a very enjoyable read.

As this is the last of Ellora's Cave's The Twelve Quickies of Christmas, I must admit to feeling a bit of sadness. However, I'm very pleased to have read such an emotional and sensual story to conclude this special treat by twelve wonderful Ellora's Cave authors.

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