Disarming Donner

North Pole City Tales #5

by Charlie Cochet

North Pole City Book Five

As a beloved Rein Dear and Christmas elf for Mayor Kringle, Donner prides himself on his flawless reputation, good sense, and wise decisions. Donner never does anything until he’s thought it through properly. He’s certainly not one to get flustered, infuriated, or fall prey to romantic nonsense. At least not until the most unlikely of elves begins chipping away at Donner’s defenses.

Calder is a Dockalfar—a dark elf. He’s wicked, untrustworthy, and armed with lethal magic. At least that’s what everyone thinks. It’s easy for them to believe the worst and mistrust him before they’ve even spoken to him, but Calder is out to prove that he’s more than his Dockalfar blood, especially to a certain Rein Dear who has caught his eye. But it will take more than sweet words for Donner to admit what’s in his heart.

Genres: M M Romance, Fantasy, Holiday, Christmas, Romance, Magic, Paranormal

68 pages, Kindle Edition

First published December 21, 2016

About the author

Step into a world of romance, humor, and heart-pounding action with Charlie Cochet, the international bestselling author behind the captivating THIRDS series. Embrace a fusion of Cuban flair and American charm as you dive into her stories with unforgettable characters and a dash of delightful mayhem.

Fueled by a love for classic rock and Cuban lattes, Charlie resides in Central Florida with her rascally Doxiepoo and a very opinionated German Shepherd. When she isn’t writing, she’s losing herself in a whirlwind of books and movies.

Charlie’s stories will stir your imagination and ignite your passion. So grab your favorite coffee, turn up the music, and prepare for your next adventure.



Website: http://www.charliecochet.com
Patreon: http://www.thirdshq.com
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/charliecochet
Join Charlie's FB fan group

Reviews

[* A Reader Obsessed * · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 Stars

Dark Elf + Rein Dear = Continued cute storytelling in Cochet’s reimagined North Pole!

Merry Christmas!

[Meags · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 Stars

Disarming Donner is yet another cute, heart-warming and Christmassy novella in Cochet’s charmingly imaginative North Pole series.

In this fifth instalment, we follow Rein Dear Donner as he unexpectedly and (ever-so-slightly) reluctantly falls head over heels for Calder, the publicly feared and rejected Dockalfar (a dark elf), who only wants to live in peace and find a love to call his own.

Together, Calder and Donner form a fast-evolving but strong and romantic bond, all during the lead up to Prince Jack Frost’s upcoming wedding to his long-time sweetheart Rudy Rein Dear.

There’s a little bit of excitement here and a little bit of conflict to overcome, but overall, this is another fluffy and joyful romance addition to Cochet’s inspired Christmas-themed series.

[Cadiva · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was my favourite one so far. I loved Calder, the dark elf, whose kind heart was hidden inside his daunting exterior.

Donner was also funny, such a wee little prim and proper Rein Dear until he actually saw what was really in Calder's heart.

This series is just the perfect thing to bring warmth and happiness at this time of year. I love the whole setting.

[Melissa · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was cute. another great installment to the North Pole City series. ;) Donner got over his fear of Calder pretty quickly, but that didn't really bother me. The adorableness factor alone is worth 4 stars. ;)

[Kit (Metaphors and Moonlight) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Instead of being about two Christmas elves, this one in the series was about a Christmas elf and a Dockalfar (dark elf), which I thought made it a little more interesting because we got to learn a bit about the Dockalfar. And I felt so bad for Calder! Like, the dark elves aren't even allowed to have sweets or music, but poor Calder enjoyed those things. And the way everyone ran from him in terror no matter how friendly he was was so sad! He was so kind and thoughtful though. Donner, on the other hand, was a prejudiced jerk at the beginning. (So was Jack, for that matter.) But in the end, everyone got past their prejudice and all was well and sweet, making this another light, quick read.

*Note: Even though each book has different main characters, I recommend reading these in order.*

*I've read this book multiple times. This review was written after my 1st read.*

*Rating: 3.5 Stars // Read Date: 2017 // Format: Ebook*
*Rating: 3.5 Stars // Read Date: 2024 // Format: Ebook via TTS*

Original Review @ Metaphors and Moonlight

[Adam · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars

Each time I pick up a book from the North Pole City series, I’m enchanted. They’re animated Christmas movies in book format, with the addition of gay romance. A winning combination!



At the beginning of ‘Disarming Donner’, Calder and Donner have already known each other for a while. Calder takes every chance he can get Donner flustered, and Donner consistently falls for Calder’s teasing. Their early interactions are cute and funny.

It’s also clear that the two feel something for each other. Calder can’t stop thinking about Donner’s violet eyes and soft lips. And Donner can’t stop his mind from wandering to the infuriating elf.

The main stumbling block to their relationship is that Calder is a Dockalfar - a dark elf. It was a bit sad to see the mistrust and discrimination that Calder has to put up with, but it doesn’t take long for Donner, and the rest of North Pole City, to learn not to judge a book by its cover.

Once Donner realizes that he what he feels for Calder is anything other than hate, Donner doesn’t let the attitudes of those around him hold him back from loving Calder. On the other end, I really liked seeing how attentive Calder was to Donner, slowly drawing him out of his shell.

Plus, I really liked seeing prim and proper Donner get down and dirty with Calder. The sex scene was delightfully steamy.

The romance was sweet and fluffy insta-love, and I was all on board for it. Donner’s change of heart was quick, but I didn’t mind. The HEA was all butterflies and roses.

If you’re looking for sweet and inventive holiday MM reads, give this series a try!

[Len Evans Jr · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is my 2nd favorite of the series. My favorite is still book 2: "The Heart of Frost" but this book is a close second. This story was incredible, I so loved the relationship between Donner and Calder. They were the last two people anyone in this world of ice and Christmas would have expected to fall in love. That in of itself makes it special, and when they fall they both decide that it matters not what anyone else thinks, their love for each other is all that matters. Nice little moral of the story, Don't judge people by their race, socioeconomic class, sexual orientation or whom they love. Decide how you feel about them based on who they are as an individual and how they treat others. Awesome story, can't wait till December 20th to read Dasher and the Frost King's story. This series has truly been a joy to read!!!!

[Gerbera_Reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story was absolutely sweet! I liked Donner's feisty attitude and slight prim tendencies. He was at times too cute for words. Calder, the dark elf, was a gentle giant who was kind and patient despite everyone treating like something that stuck to the bottom of their shoe. I enjoyed how gradually Donner saw Calder for his kind nature and soft heart and loved him despite of what anyone else thought. There were lovely moments and gestures between them as well as painful misunderstandings that could have turned deadly if not for Donner's faith in Calder and Calder's honor and decency. I enjoy another story about North Pole City and it's perpetually jovial inhabitants. Great story right before Christmas!

[Serena Yates · Rating 4 out of 5]

Each year I look forward to another visit to North Pole City and Winter Wonderland. It’s a fascinating world that Charlie Cochet has created from a mixture of winter legends and stories, yet she has given it her very own “magical” touch that makes it really special. The North Pole is run like a modern company, the Rein Dear are a group of nine elite pilots in charge of the annual Big Flight, Mayor Kringle (the spirit of Christmas) is in charge, and the Frost family (spirits of winter of various talents) provides a hint of royalty and mystery in the neighboring Winter Wonderland. I do recommend you read these stories in order – they not only all build on each other, but they are also wonderful adventures and fun romances.


Please find my full review of the second edition on Rainbow Book Reviews.

[♣ Irish Smurfétté ♣]

This isn't for me. :)

It's not badly written or anything like that. It reads young, which also isn't bad, but it's not for me.

I made it to 46%. Of what I read, this would actually be fun for a young teen or even a tweener. :)

[Shelby · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 Stars

This story fits within the series well. It's a bit of an enemies to lovers story, but was fairly predictable. Admittedly though the pieces with Calder and one little elf youngling were pretty adorable. Donner and Calder do seem to fit together well, but this story due to its' length moves through things pretty quickly. This story does kinda close out the storyline from the previous book though. Calder and reindeer brother can now really move away from the Dockalfar heritage and into the new life they want to live.

[The Novel Approach · Rating 4 out of 5]

One of my favorite moments in December every year is when I see the cover reveal and release date for the next book in the North Pole City Tales. The covers are beyond adorable, I’m always so excited to see the new installment, and my excitement over the books is always rewarded. The series is consistently well-written and fun; Charlie Cochet nails every one of these stories, including this year’s.

Disarming Donner picks up with part of the storyline from Loving Blitz, where we learned the dark secret Cupid was keeping—that he was part Dockalfar. These dark elves are known for their bitterness and use of dark magic, which is a reputation Cupid’s brother Gunne certainly lived up to. But Cupid’s other brother, Calder, is completely different. Calder only wants people to see past the history and actions of other Dockalfar, and see him for him. Calder doesn’t want the other elves in North Pole City or nearby Winter Wonderland to fear him; he is a gentle and generous soul who simply wants to be loved.

While training Cupid to learn to fully use his magic, Calder develops a crush on Donner, one of the other Rein Dear. I loved the initial meetings between these two. Donner was so flummoxed and appalled by Calder’s cheekiness, and Calder couldn’t help but take advantage of that and do whatever he could to get under Donner’s skin. Lots of cute, funny stuff going on even before Donner realized his attraction to Calder. I enjoyed Donner’s character so much as well. He’s so sincere and kindhearted; I loved getting to know him.

The flow of the book was great. Cochet does a nice job, as always, of introducing the characters and building up the connection. The bulk of the story focuses on Calder, and his work on convincing Cupid and Donner’s fellow Christmas elves, and maybe most importantly, Jack Frost, that he is different than Gunne, and that he only wants to help the people of North Pole City. The romance between Donner and Calder is also lovely – they were so natural and sweet with each other—but, I think my favorite thing about this book was learning about Calder and watching his growth and acceptance into Donner’s life, as well as the lives of everyone else around him.

Though, of course there was an interesting and exciting conflict, Disarming Donner is heavy on charm and light on drama, which is exactly what I look for in a book from this delightful series. If you haven’t started the North Pole City Tales yet, I would definitely encourage you to read the other books first. But, if you are caught up, then go grab this one now! And, then join me in the long, twelve month wait until next December.

Review by Jules for The Novel Approach

[Relly · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.75 stars 🌟

This one is my favourite of the series.
Calder was a fabulous character and well matched with Donner.
Looking forward to the next one

[Mrs.V · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book! One of my favorite in the series.
I loved how Donner starts so judgmental and prickly towards Calder, but slowly but surely his views and feelings about the dark elf change while he realizes that Calder is indeed a good elf at heart!
A lovely story of forgiveness, finding new, chosen families, standing up for your loved ones and mending hearts!

[Duck · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was a little disappointed with this one. I think it was just too short. I was excited about Calder, but I don't think the book is long enough to really do him justice. Donner gave me whiplash with his total 180 change in feelings.

As a side note I think the publisher should have released this book earlier. It was released too close to Christmas which left me unable to read it until after the holiday.

[Colin Hardy · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is another solid, sweet and enjoyable story, this time with the underlying theme of overcoming prejudice. As with the other tales, this one is an interesting balance of fairy tale saccharine and budding love affair all of it done with a light touch. The story is simple and follows a predictable path. There is a twist near the end that provides a refreshing dose of tension. Such things don’t last, but it does raise the plot.

Characterisation is well done although the individuals are familiar in most cases. Both central characters are the product of their respective histories and there are limited reminiscences that add a little richness to the personalities. There is a change in location that allows for certain plot features to be revealed. Description of the setting is limited to providing a context for the plot, recognising the short story format, it would still have benefitted from a little more description.

The central characters are reasonably well drawn. One is prissy and virginal, which does not fit so well when it is suggested he has had intimacy with others in the past. Similarly, the other has a history of being shunned by others and yet has no difficulty flirting. It is these little things that make the characters not as strong as others created by the author. That aside, there are touching little scenes where they start to understand one another. There is a token sex scene that is presented quite well, although given the characters involved it seems just a little too easy.

The plot runs at a steady pace as the story is both interesting and varied. The book is a little shorter than others in the series and so can be read quite quickly.

The element of tension towards the end of the book is resolved to allow for a happy ending that picks up on plot elements revealed earlier. It is a neat ending for these characters and it also provides a hint as to the nature of the next book.

This review is also posted at Gay Book Reviews

[Ramona · Rating 5 out of 5]

So schön!
Dieser Teil kämpft mit Vorurteilen. Calder ist ein Dunkelelf und wird mit Misstrauen, Angst und Hass in North Pole City empfangen. Dabei ist er ein lieber Kerl. Er hat es nicht einfach, Jack Frost, den Rein Dears und vor allem Donner zu beweisen, dass er keine Gefahr darstellt.
Liebe bedeutet Mut ...

[Teresa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good addition

I really liked Calder and I liked that Donner saw his goodness quickly. There’s a little action and danger, some self sacrifice and love.

[Tina · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a mashup between a main character who is soooooooooo worried about his reputation and an elf who is considered a bad elf. The author tells a good story about accepting people for who they are and the things that they do and not judging them by gossip heard. You also have to learn to trust your heart. Another great book in this series.

[Gabriella · Rating 4 out of 5]

I can totally see the appeal of a dark elf like Calder. Because who can resist a dark elf who wants to do good and has a good heart. Sweet.

[Kendra T · Rating 4 out of 5]

Donner is a Rein Dear and Calder is Cupid’s Dockalfar brother. No one trusts a Dockalfar, and Donner is in that camp at the beginning of the book. Calder is a total sweetheart. He doesn’t want to be evil and tries to do good whenever he can. It was a great little story about falling into the belief of stereotypes and not giving people chances. Donner and Calder were adorable together. It was great to see Donner see the heart inside Calder and eventually stand up for him. Great story thread between the books with Gunne. Looking forward to the big Wedding and to see Dasher charm the pants off the King.

I am voluntarily reviewing an ARC provided by LesCourt Author Services

[Sandra · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars I wasn't so sure about this one. I've listened to all the other books of the series as audio books, and wasn't sure how the series would translate to written for me. I didn't like how judgmental Donner was of Calder. The addition of him having a different skin color actually made it very poignant and more uncomfortable.

But Calder was so easy going and good natured, not to mentioned understanding. We learn that the Christmas Elves do have genuine reason to be fearful of the Dockalfar, but Calder is determined to prove them wrong.

When things turn around it happens very quickly. Going from I-hate-his-kind to he's-sweet to he's-my-one-true-love in a fairly predictable rapid fire sequence of events that takes place over like 2 days. (And an oh-by-the-way three weeks have passed). But honestly? I didn't mind.

The flow and pace work perfectly for this type of story. It fits the novella length, any more detail would have bogged it down. And despite flowing quickly, I believed the relationship progression as well as the attraction. And an unexpectedly steamy sex scene from our innocent little Christmas Elf was much appreciated!

I can now officially say that I enjoy this series just as much in written form as I do in audio. It's a fun and light read, read it in a few hours. The perfect night cap at Christmas time.

Received from the publisher in exchange for an honest review, reviewed for Hearts On Fire

[justanya · Rating 3 out of 5]

So cute. So Christmas. So sweet!

I really enjoyed this story. Think of it as a bedtime story for adults. It's heartwarming yumminess all rolled into one.
Disarming Donner is a short quick Christmas tale about a dark elf named Calder and an adorable reindeer named Donner :)

Calder has had a tough time making friends and gaining acceptance in North Pole City. The only person that treats him with any kind of acceptance is his sweet brother Cupid. Everyone else either tremble in fear, avoid him like the plague... or in Donner's case, fight the attraction that's brewing between them. No matter how hard he tries, Calder always gets the short end of the stick and he understands, after all; the dark elves murdered the Queen of Frost which triggered a great war and deep hatred between the two realms. The only reason Calder is allowed in Winter Wonderland is because Mayor Kringle invited him. Calder is there to help his brother Cupid, learn how to control his Dark elf powers.

The more Donner observes Calder as he helps Cupid or try to interact with other citizens, the more his heart begin to soften towards the gentle giant. The transition from mistrust and dislike to attraction and love is to die for. I couldn't resist smiling whenever Donner had to reverse his misguided opinions of Calder. I couldn't resist pumping my fist in the air when Donner finally succumbed to the mutual attraction they share.

As I said, this is a short, well-written holiday read that packs quite a punch. Read it. I enjoyed it :)

[Barb ~rede-2-read~ · Rating 4 out of 5]

Number 5 in the North Pole City Tales, Charlie Cochet brings us another very sweet story of elves, fairies, Jack Frost, and Rudy and his fellow Rein Dear. Reading these stories is like reading an adult Christmas tale, complete with toy soldiers and sugar plum fairies.

In this story, Cupid’s half-brother, Calder, is in North Pole City to train Cupid, now that it’s been revealed that he is part dark elf. He needs to learn to control his magic, and Calder, a good elf at heart, is the most sensible choice. Calder is a big guy, handsome, dark-skinned, and attractive to the diminutive Donner, Cupid’s friend. Donner, with his violet-colored eyes and sweet temperament unknowingly attracts Calder's attention. But Donner, like the others in NP City, wants nothing to do with a Dockalfar—a dark elf, and despite his attraction to Caldar, he keeps him at bay. Until an accident happens that changes everything.

Honestly? These stories shouldn’t make any sense, and they shouldn’t be so darn cute or make me want to gobble them up faster than Christmas cookies, but they do. Too sweet for some? Maybe. But I’ll bet once readers start this series, it will be very hard to put the books down. I know I’m sticking with it to the end of the series, and I recommend that others do the same. Another super sweet stocking stuffer to share with my friends, this is my holiday auto-buy every year.

ARC provided by the publisher through Scattered Thoughts and Rogue Words in exchange for an impartial review.

[Jules Lovestoread · Rating 4 out of 5]

I never want this series to end! Tons of love for Calder and Donner. <3333333 Full review coming to www.thenovelapproachreviews.com

[Fernanda Bomtempo-Marzo · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was cute.

[⚣Michaelle⚣ · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 Stars

[Heather York · Rating 5 out of 5]

Not only a lovely holiday romance that we've come to expect from NPCT but also a lesson in not judging people by others' actions. Just lovely all around.

Blogger Note: This is a combined review for the last three because frankly I can't imagine just reading one of the series, for this reader its all or nothing and as I've broken the series into 2 parts for my Saturday Series Spotlights on my blog I decided that's how I would divide up the reviews as well.

Having read the first three books in less than 2 days time and seeing as the final book wasn't released until the 20th, I decided to wait until the 19th to begin #4(Loving Blitz) because I knew that once I started Loving I would go directly into Disarming Donner(#5) and then I'd have a heartbreakingly near week-long wait for the finale, The King's Courage. So anywho, on to my second half series review.

As with so many series that each installment centers on a different couple, it takes a couple of chapters to get into each new pair because I'm just not ready to let go of the previous duo. Well, North Pole City Tales was no different really but seeing as this is more of a holiday novella series, I tried to open my heart before beginning each new entry and it worked because Cupid/Blitzen, Donner/Calder, and Dasher/Eirik were all brilliant. I just can't get over the creativity and imagination the author put into this Christmas universe. I know I touched on it in my review for the first three but seriously, Rein Dear Squadron, Toy Solider Army, Elves, King of Frost, and my personal favorite the Mayor Kringle. Its just such a unique take on the legendary characters we've come to love with the holidays and a wonderfully adult version that sets your pulse racing.

If you are looking for something different and yet scream Christmas spirit than North Pole City Tales is worth checking out. Don't think though that just because I said it screams Christmas spirit and is full of characters we were introduced to as children that its all happy happy with no drama because there is just the right amount to make NPCT a well rounded heartwarming journey. I wouldn't call it angst but there is some drama but there is also humor, lust, friendship, and tons of love. Now that the author has written the finale, if you haven't read it this is the perfect time to start. Charlie Cochet has once again proven that we are never too old to let the holiday magic into our hearts.

[Karolina Cebula · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Disarming Donner" is our next romantic adventure in the world of "North Pole City Tales" series. I think that this time Charlie Cochet managed to overpower all her previous parts, as the fifth novella is really the best one.

Let's start with the fact that its biggest advantage is the story presented in it, which emphasizes the topic of one's heart. "Disarming Donner" is a novella about looking deep into the soul, seeing the inner beauty hidden by appearance, overcoming prejudices. To some extent, it is also a story about courage. Courage to acknowledge one's feelings, even if there's a possibility that other people don't accept them.

I think it is also worth mentioning that "Disarming Donner" is a novella not only wonderfully romantic, but also surprising, sometimes really dramatic and filled to the brim with all sorts of emotions that the reader feels as well. In short, this story is simply fantastic and beautiful.

______________________

„Disarming Donner” jest naszą kolejną romantyczną przygodą w świecie serii „North Pole City Tales”. Uważam, że tym razem Charlie Cochet udało się przebić wszystkie dotychczasowe części, jako że piąta nowelka jest doprawdy najlepsza.

Zacznijmy od tego, że jej największą zaletą jest przedstawiona w niej historia, która kładzie nacisk na serce. „Disarming Donner” jest bowiem opowieścią o spoglądaniu w głąb duszy, dostrzeżeniu piękna pod powłoką zewnętrzną, pokonywaniu uprzedzeń. W pewnym stopniu jest to także historia o odwadze. Odwadze do przyznania się do swoich uczuć, które mogą spotkać się z niezadowoleniem otoczenia.

Myślę, że w kilku słowach warto również wspomnieć, iż „Disarming Donner” jest nowelką nie tylko cudownie romantyczną, ale także zaskakującą, czasami naprawdę dramatyczną i po brzegi wypełnioną najróżniejszymi emocjami, które udzielają się także czytelnikowi. Mówiąc krótko, jest to historia po prostu fantastyczna i piękna.

[Xanthe · Rating 4 out of 5]

This, to me, was a tale of looking below the surface and how appearances can be deceiving.
Calder may be a Dockalfar (evil elf) but he is filled with good will and just a want to be loved. He is in town, training his brother, Cupid, now that he's aware of his Dockalfar powers.
Donner strongly dislikes Calder, or at least wants to but it doesn't take long for Calder to show others his true fun, loving and kind colours. A connection/relationship slowly builds between them as Donner opens himself up tot he idea of it at disregards what others may think.
Oh, how I just want to hug Calder! He puts up with the fear and trepidation of nearly every elf in North Pole City and still manages to keep looking on the bright side. Donner really develops as he comes to stand beside Calder and put up a united front against others which is wonderful to read. Drama ensues in a couple of places, once even had a tear with outcome for Calder and Cupid.
I love how this story develops and plays out. It really drew me in with both MC's from the beginning and the evolution of their romance was wonderful to read.
A great addition to the series and a recommended read. I'd say to read the series in order as there's mention of relationships and events that happened in previous books.
I received an ARC and am happily giving my review.