"Christmas with An Alien"

Sarah Jacobson is having a lousy Christmas. She doesn't have anywhere to go, and doesn't really have anyone to celebrate with. When she sees a man standing outside the mall begging with a truly ridiculous sign, she'll give him a buck just to get rid of him.

Her actions have the opposite effect—her gift-giving signaling a tacit agreement that she is willing to accept his courtship. Or at least, that's how it works on Gabriel's world! For Gabriel is really Sarbal cri Rabor, and he's been investigating Earth for some time. He finds himself fascinated with Sarah, which is why he arranges a situation where she will give him a gift.

Sarah doesn't really believe him at first. After all, it's very unbelievable to be courted by an alien. His odd tactics repel and intrigue her, but there is still the lingering worry: Gabriel is convinced that he can bring her pleasure like no human has felt—but what if she disappoints him? Can she be everything this handsome alien wants her to be? Does she want to?

GABRIEL'S GIFT is a sexy holiday tale with humor, alien cultures, and an interesting hero. Unfortunately, the tale isn't that romantic. The characters and worldbuilding are well done. Ms. Berry establishes the alien customs that Gabriel/Sarbal adheres to and exploits them effortlessly. It seems intriguing, a courtship based on gift-giving, a man who tries to talk the woman he's been watching into engaging in that gift-giving, but somehow the story seems almost creepy in a stalker/serial killer way. Gabriel's behavior is mostly aboveboard, but his persistence is troubling. Sarah says no (though she finally capitulates after an intense encounter) and ends up seeming weak- willed. There is also the derogatory edge of Gabriel's attitude—all in all, I found the hero very un-hero-like, and therefore could not enjoy most of the story or fully believe in the romance. The novella is not totally unredeemable. The ending is sweet and nice, but it cannot take the edge of anxiety thoroughly away. GABRIEL'S GIFT is recommended for readers who like alternative courtship customs, and those who are fond of very persistent heroes who simply refuse to take 'no' for an answer.

Reviewed by Ann Leveille
Courtesy Sensual Romance Reviews
Posted December 5, 2003

Summary

Estranged from her only surviving relative, Sarah Jacobson faces a lonely Christmas. But when she goes to the shopping mall for some last-minute presents, her life takes an incredible turn. A beggar with a tin cup stops her. He carries a sign that says, Help an alien get home for Christmas.

The man with the sign looks enough like Brad Pitt to be a clone. And he's well-dressed and charming. Sarah can't decide if he is some sort of rip-off artist trying to make money off the Christmas spirit, or a kook. The last thing she suspects is that he's really an alien who wants to seduce her.

To get rid of him, she gives him a dollar and unknowingly begins the mating ritual on his home planet where a man cannot court the woman he loves until she gives him a gift. This alien wants to court Sarah, and prove that the human species is capable of reaching the heights of sexual fulfillment. Soon Sarah finds herself experiencing bliss with a lover that can touch her body and her mind. But will she climb into his cocoon for the ultimate experience?