What do you think?
Rate this book
A Swift Herd for Solstice
A story from the Dreamspinner Press 2013 Advent Calendar collection Heartwarming.
Martin Jones is driving home after working retail on Black Friday when he nearly hits an elk in the middle of the road. A drunk elk. A drunk, talking elk. Martin is pretty sure he's hallucinating—right up until he discovers shape shifter Haven Clarke in his bed the next morning. Their awkward meeting leads to a friendship that quickly deepens, and soon Haven has to take Martin to meet his herd’s leaders. What Martin finds out may change his life forever.
Martin Jones is driving home after working retail on Black Friday when he nearly hits an elk in the middle of the road. A drunk elk. A drunk, talking elk. Martin is pretty sure he's hallucinating—right up until he discovers shape shifter Haven Clarke in his bed the next morning. Their awkward meeting leads to a friendship that quickly deepens, and soon Haven has to take Martin to meet his herd’s leaders. What Martin finds out may change his life forever.
50 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 30, 2013
1 person is currently reading
34 people want to read
About the author
Andi Van
10 books39 followersAndi Van is a foul-mouthed troublemaker who lives near San Diego with a baseball bat that's forever being used for things other than baseball and a fondness for rum and caffeine (though not necessarily together).
Andi is fluent in three languages (English, sarcasm, and profanity), and takes pride in a highly developed -- if somewhat bizarre -- sense of humor.
Andi's pronouns are they/them. They identify as nonbinary, and ask that you not misgender them. Thank you!
Andi is fluent in three languages (English, sarcasm, and profanity), and takes pride in a highly developed -- if somewhat bizarre -- sense of humor.
Andi's pronouns are they/them. They identify as nonbinary, and ask that you not misgender them. Thank you!
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews
December 27, 2013
I like shifter stories and I like cute and fluffy, this is both.
Martin is a young man struggling to make ends meet, when one day after a long day at work he almost ( literally) runs in to a very drunk Elk. Although Martin and the Elk argue if he's an elk or a reindeer.
It's a cute and funny. A bit instant love and no angst or conflict, but easy and quick.
It did skip over a lot of the intermediate time ( the story covers a little over a years time) so I missed seeing some of the relationship development, but all in all it was a fun and light.
Martin is a young man struggling to make ends meet, when one day after a long day at work he almost ( literally) runs in to a very drunk Elk. Although Martin and the Elk argue if he's an elk or a reindeer.
It's a cute and funny. A bit instant love and no angst or conflict, but easy and quick.
It did skip over a lot of the intermediate time ( the story covers a little over a years time) so I missed seeing some of the relationship development, but all in all it was a fun and light.
December 26, 2018
A new twist on shifters - elk shifters. Haven happens to not only be an elk shifter but appears drunk as he meets his love for the first time one lonely night.
A cute holiday story celebrating the solstice and all things shifter. Sweet and different.
A cute holiday story celebrating the solstice and all things shifter. Sweet and different.
December 9, 2013
This is not your average shifter story. No Lions, and Tigers, and Bears...Oh my! I am not even going to START with wolves...avalanche warnings in that direction.
This was a cute read about a human and a Elk shifter falling into a nice slow burn love.
This was a cute read about a human and a Elk shifter falling into a nice slow burn love.
December 25, 2013
This is a fun, angst-free story about a man who runs into an elk shifter, thinking, probably thanks to the time of year, it might be a reindeer. The situation is actually pretty funny, aided by the fact that the tone of the story is pretty realistic (no mystery around the shifting, or major herd or pack politics). The focus is really on the reaction of both the shifter, who unwittingly give a away the secret of his species' existence, and the human, whose world view suddenly changes.
It's difficult to imagine what a meeting with a shifter might be like, and most people will probably never even try. But if you ever have, it probably didn't involve running into one who is drunk, in his shifted form, and insisting on you talking to him before giving him a lift to wherever it is he needs to go. That is the situation Martin finds himself in when he's already exhausted from working on Black Friday, so he cannot seem to take the whole situation seriously at first.
I had to smile when Haven, the shifter in question, falls asleep on Martin before he can ever make it to the stranger's home, and they end up sharing a bed – both too exhausted to do anything else. It does, however, give Martin and Haven a chance to get to know each other, figure out Martin's reaction to a lover who is hundreds of years old, and come up with a next step.
If you like stories that feel more "real" than fantastical", because they are very much rooted in the reality we know, if you enjoy reading about men who have to deal with a total change of the world as they know it, and if you're looking for a fun, entertaining read without a touch of the paranormal but no major drama or tension, then you will probably like this short story.
NOTE: This book was provided by Dreamspinner Press for the purpose of a review on Rainbow Book Reviews.
It's difficult to imagine what a meeting with a shifter might be like, and most people will probably never even try. But if you ever have, it probably didn't involve running into one who is drunk, in his shifted form, and insisting on you talking to him before giving him a lift to wherever it is he needs to go. That is the situation Martin finds himself in when he's already exhausted from working on Black Friday, so he cannot seem to take the whole situation seriously at first.
I had to smile when Haven, the shifter in question, falls asleep on Martin before he can ever make it to the stranger's home, and they end up sharing a bed – both too exhausted to do anything else. It does, however, give Martin and Haven a chance to get to know each other, figure out Martin's reaction to a lover who is hundreds of years old, and come up with a next step.
If you like stories that feel more "real" than fantastical", because they are very much rooted in the reality we know, if you enjoy reading about men who have to deal with a total change of the world as they know it, and if you're looking for a fun, entertaining read without a touch of the paranormal but no major drama or tension, then you will probably like this short story.
NOTE: This book was provided by Dreamspinner Press for the purpose of a review on Rainbow Book Reviews.
December 27, 2013
I made it :) yes, I read it and finished it and it was an ok read. In fact, it was a really nice read, up to about 40-50%? When this shifter clan made an appearance the fun for me vanished.
September 10, 2016
A drunken elk? Come on! Cute and humorous with likeable characters and insta love.
January 30, 2018
2.5* This had a really promising start but then just kind of fizzled out. Not bad but not particularly memorable.
December 23, 2014
It was ok, not my favourite holiday novella i've read this year.
It started out good in the beginning but i got bored after that.
It started out good in the beginning but i got bored after that.
December 3, 2018
I love shifter books with unusual animals. I mean, I love the wolves and big cats but it's refreshing to have stories about different animals. Never really thought about elk but this book was really cute. From the minute Haven starts talking to Martin in his elk form, I was hooked. It was really funny. Their first night together was sweet. I liked that they were comfortable in each other's arms. But I especially liked that the herd was so involved and were like Haven's family. Which makes them Martin's new family.
December 22, 2017
3.2 Stars
The story got a little bogged down in the shifter details & whatnot, but I did like the slightly drunken Elk-shifter meet-cute. Giving the human time to adjust and decide if he wanted to be an elk as well was a nice touch when so often a story leans on the immediate turning or accidental "infection" as a plot device.
The story got a little bogged down in the shifter details & whatnot, but I did like the slightly drunken Elk-shifter meet-cute. Giving the human time to adjust and decide if he wanted to be an elk as well was a nice touch when so often a story leans on the immediate turning or accidental "infection" as a plot device.
January 18, 2014
Review posted on Books on Silver Wings blog: http://onsilverwingz.blogspot.com/201...
This is a crazy, typical shifter story that starts out funny with Martin meeting a drunk Haven as a talking elk, but ends up with no romance and takes instant love to the extreme.
My first thought after reading the story is: where's the romance? It seems like it is skipped. The characters jumps into the "I love you" routine immediately after they meet (as humans). Haven takes Martin to meet his herd's leaders also immediately after they profess their love. In short, there's too much commitment from Martin to the shifter community when I don't even see his love for Haven.
There is a surprise with the world building about different types of shifters and vampires. There are also interesting methods to try to get Martin to live the same life span as Haven so they can be together forever. However, the intrigue and mysterious air is lost due to the shortness of the book length. All the events in the story seem rushed.
Overall, as a shifter story, there's nothing special in this short story. As a romance book, this fails. However, it is a very happy-go-lucky story that's infused with the holiday spirit. It's guaranteed angst-free and so sugary, it may give you cavities.
*review copy received in exchange for an honest review*
This is a crazy, typical shifter story that starts out funny with Martin meeting a drunk Haven as a talking elk, but ends up with no romance and takes instant love to the extreme.
My first thought after reading the story is: where's the romance? It seems like it is skipped. The characters jumps into the "I love you" routine immediately after they meet (as humans). Haven takes Martin to meet his herd's leaders also immediately after they profess their love. In short, there's too much commitment from Martin to the shifter community when I don't even see his love for Haven.
There is a surprise with the world building about different types of shifters and vampires. There are also interesting methods to try to get Martin to live the same life span as Haven so they can be together forever. However, the intrigue and mysterious air is lost due to the shortness of the book length. All the events in the story seem rushed.
Overall, as a shifter story, there's nothing special in this short story. As a romance book, this fails. However, it is a very happy-go-lucky story that's infused with the holiday spirit. It's guaranteed angst-free and so sugary, it may give you cavities.
*review copy received in exchange for an honest review*
December 7, 2016
I would have loved to give it more stars, but, unfortunately, this was just a 3 star read for me ...
On the positive side: The contents don't go far beyond the blurb, so there is no need to go into details here. The story is cute, the characters are likeable and the dialogues are fun (let me just say "Blitzen"!) Van REALLY REALLY REALLY has a knack for extremely whitty and funny dialogues, something that is only displayed to a small degree in this short story ...
On the negative side: This story was very very very short and, therefore, not much was elaborated. Van seems to make the same mistake she makes in all her books I have read so far: The world-building in her fantasy stories is a little weak, and the end is ALWAYS far too rushed and far too sugar-coated. Within about 2 pages, things just fall into place for everybody everywhere in every way, and without any effort whatsoever ... Not bad for a quick light lunchtime read, but nothing much to write home about. Van's e-books are also slightly on the expensive side.
On the positive side: The contents don't go far beyond the blurb, so there is no need to go into details here. The story is cute, the characters are likeable and the dialogues are fun (let me just say "Blitzen"!) Van REALLY REALLY REALLY has a knack for extremely whitty and funny dialogues, something that is only displayed to a small degree in this short story ...
On the negative side: This story was very very very short and, therefore, not much was elaborated. Van seems to make the same mistake she makes in all her books I have read so far: The world-building in her fantasy stories is a little weak, and the end is ALWAYS far too rushed and far too sugar-coated. Within about 2 pages, things just fall into place for everybody everywhere in every way, and without any effort whatsoever ... Not bad for a quick light lunchtime read, but nothing much to write home about. Van's e-books are also slightly on the expensive side.
July 24, 2014
So...what to tell you?
This book was a bit as if it had two parts which did not result in ONE great book. They somehow didn't fit - at least for me.
I had really fun in the first half of the book. I laughed loud and often and I enjoyed it...immensely!
I mean, I LOVE elks..what could go wrong?
A lot actually...or at least enough that I suddenly didn't find it so great.
It felt rushed and fell short for me in the second half. I can't tell exactly what it was, I can only say it didn't feel right for me.
Perhaps it were some of the quick decisions the two made after such a short time together.
I really wished the second half would've been as great as the first, I would gladly have given 5 stars. But this way, I settle for 3,25stars.
This book was a bit as if it had two parts which did not result in ONE great book. They somehow didn't fit - at least for me.
I had really fun in the first half of the book. I laughed loud and often and I enjoyed it...immensely!
I mean, I LOVE elks..what could go wrong?
A lot actually...or at least enough that I suddenly didn't find it so great.
It felt rushed and fell short for me in the second half. I can't tell exactly what it was, I can only say it didn't feel right for me.
Perhaps it were some of the quick decisions the two made after such a short time together.
I really wished the second half would've been as great as the first, I would gladly have given 5 stars. But this way, I settle for 3,25stars.
December 30, 2013
Enjoyable shifter romance with nice time lapses to progress the romance. Martin is shocked when he nearly hits an elk who starts talking. Haven did the unthinkable letting a human know about shapeshifters but he still wants to get to know Martin. I liked this story primarily because it uses time lapses to progress the romance. This made me believe the growing feelings between Martin and Haven in a way I wouldn’t have if it was a weekend tryst. The shifter component is good and doesn’t use the mate trope which I appreciated. I liked the secondary characters so well I would like this turned into a series.
*review copy provided by publisher*
*review copy provided by publisher*
January 1, 2014
This is a cute story with a slow build up to the HEA. Haven hasn’t been in love in centuries, and he is scared to start a new romance with a human. If Martin doesn’t make the choice to join the herd, he will grow old and die while Haven will be left behind without him.
Full Review
Full Review
December 28, 2013
The very first scene when Martin and Haven met was truly funny and I liked it a lot, but after that it just went downhill. I think the commitment comes way too quickly, it moves too fast. I think it is always good to keep a little reality and probability in a story even when it is fantasy. I don't think anybody who has lives centuries like Haven has would jump that far, that quickly... He would be more cautious.
January 1, 2014
I'm usually on the fence about shifter stories, they aren't my favorite but there are some that I love. I liked this one because it didn't take itself too seriously and that's what made it work. Sometimes shifters just are, accept the disbelief and enjoy the story. The MC's were very charming and sweet together and they got their furry HEA.
December 27, 2013
Cute and comical short story of an elk shifter named Haven who gets drunk at a party and meets Martin literally in the middle of the road. I enjoyed the humor of the story and both MCs. This is a funny group of shifters and I'd like to read more about them :)
August 11, 2016
Part of the DSP Advent Calendar 2013 series, won on Sid Love's blog.
As these all are, a short read, but a fun one, with Martin coming across a drunk reindeer - sorry, Elk! - in the road late one night. Turns out it is Haven. Some fun and games getting Martin to accept what is.
As these all are, a short read, but a fun one, with Martin coming across a drunk reindeer - sorry, Elk! - in the road late one night. Turns out it is Haven. Some fun and games getting Martin to accept what is.
January 10, 2014
Way too fast moving. We missed out on the whole developing relationship with the two week time jump.
December 4, 2013
3.5~4 Hearts
Review written for MM Good Book Reviews
Review to follow.
Review written for MM Good Book Reviews
Review to follow.
December 22, 2013
Interestingly comical opening with the drunk elk-shifter blocking Martin's car getting home. This was a rather cute light holiday romance. Though not really left great impression.
2.5 stars for me.
2.5 stars for me.
December 28, 2013
Always love an atypical shifter story! (As in, not a wolf or cat shifter)
August 26, 2016
I enjoyed the unusual shifter species here and also the unusual take on shifter lore. The relationship went way beyond insta-love and into crazy territory.
December 29, 2013
A cute and funny story of an unusual shifter human hook up. This one is light-hearted and a lot of fun to read.
November 8, 2014
A cute, short read.
February 9, 2014
Sweet, cute and fun holiday read. Not really much too it.
August 11, 2015
Quick and easy read.
October 29, 2016
Sweet little story. Loved it.
February 21, 2014
I thought this was a cute, fluffy story for the holidays...liked the characters.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews