Review: Enchanting Elf Helps a Marine Discover His Lost Christmas Spirit
Rating: 5 out of 5
Date: 11 22, 2013
For the past year, Marine Sergeant Ryan "Rebel" Brun, a bilateral, below the knee amputee, was recuperating at Mike's Place.  Under the watchful eye of his care nurse, Nöel Torres, who was not afraid to deliver tough love when he refused to comply with his treatment, Rebel's recovery progressed.  His love of Christmas was lost, however, along with his legs.InHave Yourself a Marine Christmas (Always a Marine), we learned that Nöel became the person Rebel trusted most, even when he reacted to any mention of Christmas like an angry bear.  With a healthy dose of patience and compassion, Nöel helped Rebel move to an independent living apartment and their relationship became more intimate.  Nöel feared that he was simply attached to her because she was his nurse.  Rebel assured her that he was attracted to the woman she was - the only one who saw him as a whole man, not a disabled one.Heather Long's talent in creating tortured, yet fully redeemable, multi-layered characters was evident in her development of Rebel.  Even though he battled his own demons, he was able to help another wounded warrior begin the healing process, in the true spirit of those who have worn the uniform.  Nöel and Rebel's individual and shared vulnerability was beautifully crafted.  She found a man who loved her and he found his Nöel - the one who renewed his Christmas spirit.  Their yearlong connection and building passion culminated in steamy, imaginative, sultry scenes that are Ms. Long's specialty.Fans of the "Always a Marine" short story series will recognize cameos by beloved characters Cara and Derek fromMarine with Benefits (1Night Stand Series)and Luke and Rebecca Dexter fromOnce Her Man, Always Her Man (1 Night Stand Series).As with the rest of this holiday collection, proceeds from this book will benefit "Toys for Tots." Please buy this book and give it to your friends.  Pay Rebel and Nöel's story forward, as a reminder of the true spirit of the holidays.