Elaine White's Life in Books
The Author
Elaine White is the author of multi-genre MM romance, celebrating 'love is love' and offering diversity in both genre and character within her stories.
Growing up in a small town and fighting cancer in her early teens taught her that life is short and dreams should be pursued. She lives vicariously through her independent, and often hellion characters, exploring all possibilities within the romantic universe.
The Winner of two Watty Awards – Collector's Dream (An Unpredictable Life) and Hidden Gem (Faithfully) – and an Honourable Mention in 2016's Rainbow Awards (A Royal Craving) Elaine is a self-professed geek, reading addict, and a romantic at heart.
The Reviewer
I’m an author and reader, who just can’t get away from books. I discovered the MM genre a few years ago and became addicted.
Top #50 UK reviewer on Goodreads
#1 reviewer on Divine Magazine
Mending Noel
Book – Mending Noel (North Pole City Tales #1)Author – Charlie Cochet
Star rating - ★★★★★
No. of Pages – 64
Cover – Nice, but not really on par with the others in the series
POV – 3rd person, dual POV
Would I read it again – Yes!
Genre – LGBT, Holiday, Fantasy, Christmas
This was a lovely Christmassy story, filled with heart-warming sweetness and hope.
Easily suitable for the YA/NA market, because there's no 18+ material, the story focused on the emotions, while adding a sprinkle of Christmas to almost every aspect, without feeling overdone or exaggerated.
From the Rein Deer Squadron, Jack Frost, the Mouse King, Mayor Kringle, the AAD (Abominable Administrative Department), Mayo Kringle's Construction Firm, Claus College, Sugar Plum Fairies and Elves, there was a little bit of Christmas everywhere, in the sweetest way! I loved that the exclamations were all holiday-related and appropriate – Pixie dust, Holy Holly. Together, the gentle but constant dedication to the holiday season made the world of North Pole City seem more authentic.
As main characters, I really hated Noel to begin with, until he got his own POV about the midway point of the story. Then it all became clear. He and Tim were lovely, sweet and charming in all the right ways. Great characters to read in terms of POV and their personalities being bright enough to shine through the pages and make them seem real.
The additional characters – and romance! – of Rudy and Jack was brilliantly done. Not only did their story pave the way for Tim and Noel's future and their relationship, but it was the warmth that was needed, even when Noel was still a little frosty. Both big, strong characters and in the Rein Deer Squadron, it was nice to see their gentle side when with each other and the impact that their situation had on the rest of the Rein Deers.
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Favourite Quote
“Just keep this in mind – the bitter cold that comes from your own heart can never compare to the warmth of having someone you love in your arms. It's time to be brave, Noel.”
“He led Tim in a sweeping waltz, noticing how Tim pressed his lips together whenever Noel turned him. Pretending not to have noticed, Noel picked up his pace just a little ad pulled away enough to spin Tim, who let out a snicker. Twirling him back, Noel grinned broadly. “You laughed.”
“I didn't want to,” Tim said with a pout.”
