If Santa makes a list of books, and not just children, then this one definitely goes on the naughty side of the ledger.

There have been many books I have read where I chuckled to myself, but few where I actually laughed aloud. Holly Berry is one of the later. I greatly enjoyed the author’s clever turns of a phrase and the outlandish inconsistencies between traditional concepts of Christmas and Holly’s perspective on life at the North Pole. About one-third of the way through the book, Holly is transferred to a group of fairies who grant Christmas wishes for adults, in an attempt to find a more suitable working environment for her. Now, the story is more than just laughs, as she experiences a number of human longings and pleasures. At the ripe old age of 3 months (fairies are created full grow), this transition is a bit like giving her the keys to the car, when all she has done is read the owner’s manual. Additionally, as she is a “pain-loving” fairy, as the author describes her, some of those longings are rather kinky and on occasion, tend toward self-destructive.

My primary concerns about the book are twofold. First, the relationship between Holly and Kian, the focus of her Christmas wish assignment, is complex. At times, they are setting ground rules for exploring their S&M relationship; at other times, they are exploring it. And during both, the nature of their feelings change. With all these moving parts, it is difficult to follow when they are acting in role and when they are planning for that role. Second, the story ventures into self-mutilation, albeit at a relatively minor level. I presume the author did this to show that Kian is essential in order for Holly to understand and manage her desires. Even so, for me personally, this is too much darkness for what is otherwise a tongue-in-cheek spoof. ( )

I read what you write says it all. I don’t shy away from any genre, though I have many favorites, erotica in its many forms is not generally among them and thankfully I am not asked to review it very often. It seems all too often authors of that particular type of story fall back on crude language, crass simple dialogue and stark description, the likes of which belongs on an internet forum or better still in their author's heads, and should never be published for actual readers. I certainly don’t mind if the characters, acting in character, behave that way, however when the exposition and prose sound as if it came out of the mouth of a pimp for $5 hookers, the story is going to leave me flat. When reviewing this genre, I consider myself lucky if come across stories with a humorous slant or enough of a romance story to carry the overt sexuality. Not having read anything from this author before, I had no idea what to expect from her BDSM Erotica. A sweet funny love story with a Christmas spin certainly threw me for a spin.

The lifestyle depicted is obviously not for everyone, however this story is well written and complexly developed. A Christmas fairy with knack for self harm and innate curiosity for sex could be such a cliche, however she was anything but that. She was real and warm and evoked real emotions. The competing men could have just been stereotypical, but they instead showed themselves to be caring partners. Thankfully this book also isn’t the rampant stereotypical drivel that lately feeds media sensations. The sex scenes were both titillating and genuine. Erotic, wet and sexy for sure, but also love making, a term that doesn’t often get used for word porn. It is also not often that, that one gets a delightful novel to go with along with fantasy sex.

I received a copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review ( )