Heather Long is an outstanding author of military, paranormal, contemporary, and western romance and I've been lucky enough to call her crit partner for a few years. Actually, almost two years exactly since we just celebrated the anniversary of our friendship (which coincided with the end of a mutual publisher, sadly).
She's read all my books, offered invaluable advice, and been a cheerleader and boot in my ass when I needed it, so I'm maybe just a little fangirl over her work. Since I've read just about every word she's written in the past couple years, I feel like a proud auntie when a new book releases. With this story? A proud auntie who hung out in the delivery room.
You see, Heather bestowed a great honor on me and let me name the character in this story. I named him after a friend and rattled off a few characteristics of my uncle, a Marine himself, who served proudly. The uncle was a prankster, loving nothing more than making others laugh, and the friend was one who helped me through some really dark days.
That said, she then molded what I mentioned into a character I fell in love with. Rebel is injured in body and spirit and this Christmas tale is heartwarming. Capturing that spirit and the magic of the season, Long crafted a tale that made me laugh and cry in turns--while remaining sexy and sweet.
A portion of the proceeds of the sale of this and her other holiday Marines will benefit Toys for Tots, a campaign to put gifts in the hands of children in need. If you're looking for a well told tale which gives not only in the transformative and uplifting nature of the story, but literally GIVES this season, you should look no further than
Have Yourself a Marine Christmas. Better yet, snag all of the holiday Marines and settle down with a cup of cocoa and gobble them all up. I know I'll be rereading them this season :)
Have Yourself a Marine Christmas
By Heather Long
Always a Marine Series
ISBN:
Buy Links
Blurb:
Rebel with a holiday… Ryan Edward Brun—Rebel to his friends—has always loved Christmas. Whether raising money for Toys for Tots, delivering presents dressed up like Santa Claus or driving his platoon crazy with Christmas ‘surprises,’ he never lacked for Christmas spirit—until he lost his legs to an IED.
Operation Good Cheer… Noël Torres has watched over Rebel for months, holding his hand when he wanted to give up, and bullying him when he got lazy. But with Christmas right around the corner and decorations filling every room in their wing of Mike’s Place, the barren oasis Rebel surrounds himself with breaks her heart. He won’t call his family, he’s not sending out cards, he won’t pull any pranks—she decides to get this Marine back into the holiday action.
An elf on a mission… With the help of some kids, a few good Marines, and Santa Claus, Noël is determined to give Rebel a very Marine Christmas…
Find it on Goodreads!Heather Long's Website
