Title:  All I Want for Christmas is a Faerie Assassin?!

Author:  H.L. Macfarlane

Published:  September 1, 2021

Source:  Received via StoryOrigin

Type:  audiobook

Blurb:

She didn’t want to be alone at the most wonderful time of the year. When he shows up, she may decide to rethink that…

London, England. Charlotte Connors is tired of asking for a man, only to find coal in her stocking. Emboldened by a little liquid courage, she gives up on Father Christmas and uses her grandmother’s old book to summon a faerie plus-one for the holiday party. But when against all odds it actually works, Charlotte finds herself face-to-face with a foul-mouthed, hungover hitman.

Bain was looking to sleep it off after taking revelling to new heights at the Winter Solstice. Instead, the acerbic assassin is stuck with a naïve, pathetic human who doesn’t even have a target in mind. But since she owes him a favour if he does her bidding, the clever killer strikes a deal that will allow him to finally take revenge for a broken contract.

Though he gets under her skin with each four-letter word, Charlotte can’t help being drawn to her temporary paranormal paramour. But just as Bain starts to fall for the foolish mortal, he discovers the object of his vengeance is her boss.

Can this mismatched pair somehow snowball into happily ever after?

All I Want for Christmas is a Faerie Assassin?! is a cheerful romantic comedy novella. If you like modern takes on folktales, humorous otherworldly fantasies and Yuletide wishes gone crazy then you’ll love H. L. Macfarlane’s festive tale.

Check it on Amazon & Goodreads 

L. Macfarlane’s “All I Want for Christmas Is a Faerie Assassin?!” is a whimsical and enchanting tale that brings together the magic of Christmas and the allure of faerie folklore.

After several attempts at finding a decent boyfriend, all Charlotte Connors wants is a guy willing to be her pretend boyfriend for the holidays. Since one is hard to find, she decides to conjure a faerie. And the spell worked, only …the said faerie is an assassin and not at all nice; good looking, but annoying. Still, they come to an agreement that would benefit both Charlotte and Bain – our faerie.

A perfect read for the winter season, Christmas is at the center of all themes. Charlotte doesn’t want to be alone on this special day. She wants her love story, but also she doesn’t want to go to her family’s Christmas dinner with another douche. Unfortunately, the faerie she called for is not far from it either. At least he’s very good looking and willing to pretend. All throughout the book we see the Christmas lights, preparing for end of the year parties, shopping for gifts and the perfect dress for New Year. It gives out that holiday warmth and cheer.

Among all the coziness, the author also raises awareness about harassment at the office, with our main character’s boss creeping on her and insisting for a date. All seems innocent and she doesn’t take his actions as more than what they appear.

Both characters are a delight. They are perfect for each other. She is cute and innocent, but knows how to stand her ground in front of Bain. She’s not willing to put up with his mood and somehow manages to crack the walls he’s hiding behind. Bain looks completely out of place in the human world. Annoyed for being summoned and forced to interrupt his sleep, he sees the opportunity to get his revenge on a contract gone wrong in his past. It was nice seeing his defenses crumble for Charlotte.

The writing was engaging and vivid, painting a magical world that feels both familiar and extraordinary. The author managed to balance light-hearted moments with deeper themes of love, friendship, and self-discovery. I would have wanted an epilogue though, as I was left wondering how will the two make their relationship work between the two realms.

The narration was beautiful as well! Broghanne Jessamine did a wonderful job interpreting Charlotte and her emotions, as well as Bain’s moods and grumpiness. The British accent does not make it for a difficult read at all, on the contrary. Considering that the action is in UK’s London, it is only fitting. Congratulations for a great job!

Cover Review: Would you look at that cover! It has Christmas vibes everywhere, from the trees, the icy background to her green and red outfit. Obviously we have the blue hair and pointy ears of our faerie. I love it!!!

Overall, “All I Want for Christmas Is a Faerie Assassin?!” is a charming and delightful story that will leave readers with a smile on their faces and a warm feeling in their hearts. It’s a must-read for anyone looking to add a bit of magic to their Christmas reading list. I loved it and I loved the cozy feelings I was left with at the end.

About The Author

Hayley Louise Macfarlane hails from the very tiny hamlet of Balmaha on the shores of Loch Lomond in Scotland. After graduating with a PhD in molecular genetics she did a complete 180 and moved into writing fiction. Though she loves writing multiple genres (fantasy, romance, sci-fi, psychological fiction and horror so far!) she is most widely known for her enemies-to-lovers STEM rom-com, The Unbalanced Equation, and her Gothic, Scottish fairy tale, Prince of Foxes – book one of the Bright Spear trilogy.