Novella Review: Elf Trouble by Sherry James

The Studs 4 Hire series returns in the seasonal novella, Elf Trouble by Sherry James.

Gil Boyd wants nothing to do with the hyper-commercialized version of Christmas that abounds these days. When his bosses at Studs 4 Hire volunteer his services to a local animal shelter for their annual Santa Paws fundraiser, he silences his inner Grinch and hopes to get the job done quickly.

What he doesn't count on is quirky shelter volunteer, Holly Everwood, whose filled to the brim with Christmas spirit. Along with her band of cantankerous mutts, Holly will tempt Gil's resolve to stay unattached this holiday season.

I've missed the Studs 4 Hire series, so I was thrilled to learn of this new release. Though past Studs 4 Hire novels have focused more on the female owners of the company that hires out fabulous looking handymen, this novella finds one of the "studs" as the main character.

Having grown up under less than ideal circumstances, Gil Boyd despises Christmas. When his bosses ask him to build a Santa house for an animal shelter's annual fundraiser, he tries just about everything he can think of to weasel out of the job. But they think he will be perfect for it, so eventually Gil agrees.

When a crisis strikes at the animal shelter, volunteer Holly Everwood suddenly finds herself in charge of making sure their Santa Paws fundraiser is a huge success, including working with Gil to design and build the Santa house.

Sparks quickly fly between the two, but both have reasons not to get involved. As they find it harder and harder to keep things professional between them, the days to the Santa Paws fundraiser are quickly approaching and it seems impossible that the project will be completed on time.

This is a quick, funny, and sexy read. James knows her genre and puts together a fabulous story that will get your blood pumping and tickle your funny bone. The dogs add a neat element to this romantic seasonal tale. You'll definitely want to see how Gil and Holly get to their happily ever after.


Print Length: 159 pages
Publisher: Dusty Trail Publishing; 1 edition (December 19, 2013)
ISBN #: 9780991281053
ASIN: B00HGWSZUM
BN ID: 2940148918691

I purchased a digital copy of this book for my Kindle. This review contains my honest opinions, which I have not been compensated for in any way.

This is the 15th book I've read for the following challenge: