A Karma Girl Christmas by Jennifer Estep (Bigtime #3.5)
Paranormal Romance
September 25, 2011
E-Book, Novella
Self Published

Reviewed by May

Carmen Cole is a society reporter by day and Karma Girl, one of Big Time’s premier super heroes, by night. As the newest member  of the premier group known as the Fearless Five, Carmen is charged with watching over the huge tree filled with toys for a charity drive designed to give less fortunate children toys and gifts this Christmas. Located inside a department store, all she needs to do is keep her eye on it for one night.

Estep’s Big Time series is a much funnier, lighter look at the world of super heroes and villains, and fans of the series will enjoy seeing the cast of characters once again. In fact – there’s even a reference to great BBQ from the Pork Pit being flown in (a nod to her Elemental Assassin series) that I appreciated. Carmen’s book [Karma Girl] remains one of my favorites and so I was excited to get a peek at what she’s up to and how everyone in Big Time is doing.

A massive metal Christmas tree had been erected in the middle of the open-air space, stretching all the way up to the store’s top floor. But it wasn’t your traditional Christmas tree, because instead of ornaments, toys dangled from its many branches….

Underneath the tree, Chief Newman’s boxes of food and school supplies had been wrapped in bright paper and stuffed into red Santa sacks. Sparkling red and silver velvet ribbons had been wound through the toys, tightly securing them to the tree, and crystal stars shimmered here and there on the branches. Another, larger star topped the tree, sending out sparks of rainbow color in every direction. All put together, it was one of the most dazzling displays I’d ever seen.

Of course the villains of Big Time can’t resist the lure of the huge Christmas tree or stealing from poor kids – it was simply too much temptation. The bad guy behind this Christmas heist? The Mintilator.

Usually he lurked outside of public restrooms and either berated or physically dragged folks back inside to make them wash their hands if they hadn’t already. Occasionally he’d make them floss too.

I was totally giggling at his description, though the minty villain has much more up his sleeves than most think! There were several times throughout the story when I laughed, and this story moves quickly. My biggest complaint was that I wanted more from the story in both page count and more things happening.  Of course I can never get enough of Estep’s writing or Karma Girl in particular!

What was especially great about this book was that she actually made it a Christmas themed adventure, when so many holiday novellas seem to be themed in name only. I also appreciated that the story is told in such a way that if you haven’t read the series (or if it’s been a long time) you can pick it right up and enjoy a short Christmas super hero story.

Can Karma Girl defeat the semi-evil Mintilator? Will she be able to ensure the children have a Merry Christmas? Will her husband Sam (aka Striker) be home in time for Christmas Day?

If you’re looking for a fun, fast paced Christmas read then join Karma Girl as she saves the day and Christmas in Big Time. The price is right and it’s a lot of fun.

Grade: B

Recent Reviews:
Goodreads

Author’s Website l Series Listing

Kindle l Nook l Smashwords l ARe