Title: Mending Noel
Series: North Pole City 01
Author: Charlie Cochet
Genre: Humor, Fantasy, Christmas
Length: Short (64pgs)
ISNB: 978-1-62380-203-5
Publisher: Dreamspinner Press (1st December 2012)
Heat Level: Low – Moderate
Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥ 3 ½ – 4 Hearts
Reviewer: Pixie
Blurb: All is not sparkly snowflakes and sweet candy canes in North Pole City. Office workers Tim and Noel do nothing all day but antagonize each other—petty fighting that might be based on hatred… or a heated mutual attraction. It’s up to Jack Frost and his elf-friend Rudy to broach the hostilities and introduce some Christmas kisses, but is the Frost Prince up to the challenge of launching a new romance when someone’s trying to break his holiday spirit?
Purchase Link: http://www.dreamspinnerpress.com/store/product_info.php?products_id=3375
Also available with DSP Evergreen 2012 Collection: http://www.dreamspinnerpress.com/store/product_info.php?products_id=3476&cPath=702
Review: Tim has had a bad day at work, his supervisor Noel is making his life hell and Tim is struggling to keep his elf cheer. Noel doesn’t understand why he is so hard on Tim, but when they both get caught in some trouble Jack Frost and Rain Dear Rudy steps in and Jack gives Noel advice, but will Noel and Tim be around long enough to enjoy it or will the Toy Soldiers and the Mouse Kings Hoodlum’s destroy what has just begun?
This is a very cute Christmas story with a touch of excitement in the way of danger and conspiracy. Tim doesn’t have a clue as to why Noel is so mean to him, all he knows is that they used to be friendly and then Noel turned mean. After another mean trick Tim is on his way home when he overhears something he shouldn’t and it leads to him and Noel being chased and threatened; now they have to help Jack Frost discover who is after him. Noel really hasn’t got a clue about why he is so mean to Tim but after a talk with Jack he begins to discover that he wants Tim to himself, but first they have to help Jack and Rudy to save themselves.
I thoroughly enjoyed this cute story, with Tim and Noel finally discovering what they feel for each other under the hostility. I loved the way that the North pole was set out with the different departments, but I also loved that Jack Frost and Rudy were shaking things up, but I loved Noel’s and Tim’s awkward relationship most of all. Noel turns into a mean schoolboy when Tim is around, always poking and prodding to get a reaction… the poor guy is broken and is jealous but finally opening up to Tim might just help mend him. These two characters are cute and loveable, although Noel is a bit of a grouch he does grow on you. Jack and Rudy’s part in this story was sweet and the ending for all of them was very happy.
I recommend this if you truly love Christmas capers, a nefarious plot, a true and abiding love, a newly found love, accepting each other and getting a very happy Christmas ending.