A NIGHT OWL REVIEWS BOOK REVIEW | Reviewed by: Lexile
Hot, hilarious and rocking sums up this short story by Celia Kyle. This is one of the few times when I would have been happy whether the love interests ended up together or not because this was such a fun read. Kyle's depiction of "Uncle Satan" as a much-maligned older man trying to regain some respect was possibly the best, though I'd argue Samael's...enthusiasm for his job was equally amusing.
Holly is a feisty woman who cares about her job and Damon is resigned to help her do it. Not for His son's birthday of course, that would be wrong (on so many levels), but that commercially popular holiday with giving out gifts. Other than that storyline (which brings up more amusing tidbits in the latter fourth of the story) there's the romance between Holly and Damon that was definitely hot, but rather undeveloped. She found him gorgeous, he found her annoying, but was still strangely drawn to her.
Its only after a mishap that Damon realizes he doesn't want to be without her and Holly makes a rather unprecedented choice. Other than some token resistance the two fall into a relationship easily. In many ways I think this would have served well as an expanded novella--I would have liked to know a bit more about Kyle's unique view of Hell (or in the least seen Satan get maligned some more) and seen some of Holly's other adventures there (like meeting the Harpys).
Make no mistake this is unrepentant brain candy--deeper thinking, or religious views, should be checked at the door. It short and hot you can't go wrong with that combination.
Mar 09, 2010 | 978-1-59578-645-6
5 = Rare - Top Pick | 4.5 = I Loved It - Top Pick | 4 = Good Solid Read
3.5 = Enjoyable | 3 Stars = OK - Needs a few changes | 2 Stars = It just didn't click / DNF
Book Blurb for Holly-Day
Hell’s demons, Satan included, have decided that maybe their bit of Hell should celebrate the holidays. Not Christmas, mind you, because that would be wrong. But they’d like something sparkly, shiny and flame-resistant for November and December. (Since the shops are decorating so early year after year.) So, Damon the demon, aptly named because it seems that most demons are named Damon, is sent in search of the perfect holiday (but not Christmas) decorator. He found Holly.
Holly Boughs, so named because her mother loved the holidays, is in line for this year’s prestigious Best Store Window Award. They’re looking for the best of the best of the best. (Sir!) She’s decorated her fanny off, put on the finishing touches, and is ready for anything--except being kidnapped, dragged to Hell and told to do it all over again. Without anything melting. Um, yeah.
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