Christmas Child
Gabriella BradleyContemporary erotic romance
Available from Extasy Books
ISBN: 1-55410-183-2
August 2004
| CHIRSTMAS CHILD, by Gabriella Bradley, is part of a
series that deals with the Tarot Cards. Gabriella
Bradley’s book concentrates on the Lovers card, the
card that deals with love, sex, and decisions. The
heroine of the story is Susan. Her parents were older
when they had their one and only child. They’re very
protective of Susan. Her clothes are handmade, and she
works at the family’s small grocery store. Susan longs
to break free from their domineering, though loving,
grasp.
An opportunity to live like a nineteen year old comes when Susan’s best friend, Tracy, has a birthday party. Tracy leads a carefree life. Susan is permitted to attend the party, and plans her conservative wardrobe with high hopes. But when she arrives, Tracy convinces Susan to change her outfit into one that is much more daring. Paul, the most popular boy in school, pays special attention to Susan. The couple dance at the party, which eventually leads to making out in the backyard. But Paul is a nice guy, and stops when he knows Susan wants him to. Panicked, Susan realizes her curfew is passed and she rushes home without changing. A strange man stops Susan and offers her a ride. He then drives to a secluded spot and rapes Susan. She doesn’t scream or struggle, but the moment is obviously a rape. The stranger takes Susan home, and it is revealed in the next scene his name is Michael, he regrets his actions, and he is terribly unhappy. Susan is able to enjoy the last days of her senior year in high school. She even develops a relationship with Paul, though she doesn’t feel the same way he does. Much of which has to do with her rape experiences. But when Susan and Tracy take a vacation, Susan has to go to the doctor because of flu like symptoms and she finds out she is pregnant. Her parents are devastated, particularly her straight-laced father, and she is forced to live on her own. CHIRSTMAS CHILD is a very dramatic story that deals with heavy issues. Susan is a well-developed character who just wants happiness. I struggled with finding Michael a redeemable character. The author does a decent attempt at trying to show how rape can be excusable, but I wasn’t convinced. Instead of dealing with his issues, Michael tends to run from them, a trait I personally don’t admire. So perhaps my own tastes are reflecting why this story did not appeal to me. Also, the writing was a bit rough at times. But Gabriella Bradley has a vivid imagination, and the book will be enjoyed to those who like twists in a story. It should be noted that though CHIRSTMAS CHILD is published by eXtasy, and there are sensual moments, the book does not concentrate on love scenes, but is more focused on the development of Susan’s struggles and triumphs.
Overall rating:
Reviewer: Jennifer Lynne |
