23 of 24 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
A real pleasure, January 12, 2005
This review is from: What Do You Say to a Naked Elf? (Mass Market Paperback)
Fantastic! And even better -- loads of fun.
I was prepared to dislike Jane, the herione, after her introduction (first impression: grating -- and ungrateful to the people who saved her) but I kept on reading. I am so glad I did.
Sterling manages to create an intricate world complete with elves and other magical creatures without a single stereotype (or over-the-top dramatic flourishes that give a fantasy that comic book feel) And she manages to convey a complex universe without sacrificing the story.
Her characters are as good as the story. Even Jane quickly shows that she's determined rather than bratty. She and Charlie are a great match. Sterling's people and her story were lively, interesting and did I mention -- FUN. Exactly the sort of escape one needs during a dreary winter storm. Warming to the core.
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17 of 19 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
Hmm..., January 4, 2005
This review is from: What Do You Say to a Naked Elf? (Mass Market Paperback)
Jane Drysdale's life was radically altered when she hit a bunny with her car. At least, it looked like a bunny- but it wasn't, it was an elf who shape shifted into one. Now she' son trial for his murder, with a too die for lawyer as her defense. That is only the tip of the ice berg. Secrets buried since before she was born begin coming to light, making all she knows about the past false, and both her and her stalwart defender's futures something they never imagined.
**** The title would make one believe that this is light weight fluff, but it's much more. Many elements come together, making this a great way to keep your resolution to only read good books this year. ****
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13 of 14 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
Quick, Fun Fantasy Romance with Attitude (and Fairy Wings!), March 18, 2005
This review is from: What Do You Say to a Naked Elf? (Mass Market Paperback)
Despite its odd title, WHAT DO YOU SAY TO A NAKED ELF is a fun fairy-tale of a romance set in a magical world of elves and fairies that can only reached through a living, thinking portal. And into the portal steps Jane, a modern day gal with a snarky attitude. Well, actually, Jane is kidnapped and dragged through the portal - but only after she runs over a shape-shifting elf disguised as a bunny. Hence begins Jane's adventure as she goes to court (in a castle, no less) to face murder charges.
Jane's lawyer, Charlie, is a gorgeous half-breed with luminous fairy wings. He is a reluctant lawyer and a reluctant hero. That is, when Jane isn't driving him batty, she's driving him wild. Especially when she touches his wings (I never thought of fairy wings as being erogenous!). They make for a cute couple.
I thought this was a fun, tongue-in-cheek story that has as much romance as it does questing adventure. Jane can sometimes over do it on the sly, snide comments (especially in the first chapter), but she is also a strong, confident heroine who follows her heart, no matter what others say. She also plots the Seduction of Charlie, Phases 1-3, which was different. Not many romances feature the girl doing all the chasing.
The resolution of this story didn't make as much sense as I wanted (of course, I finished it at 1 am, so that could have been due to exhaustion), but I think the point of this story was to enjoy the journey. It was rather creative, I have to add.
I recommend this book for those who enjoy fairy tales as much as romance, as well as for pop culture references. If your idea of a true "fantasy hero" is an elf or fairy, read this!
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