genre: urban fantasy (elves)
length: novella
ISBN#: 978-1-59596-638-4
Price: $3.49
Buy in electronic format from Changeling Press

BLURB:

Naming her new horse Flynn after the actor famed for his pirate movies proves prophetic for Clarice. The golden horse dumps her, breaking her arm, and ruining her chance for prize money at the next horse show. Prize money she needs in order to expand her therapeutic riding farm.

Sent to Clarice’s farm to teach her how to have fun, Flynn D’Artange, an Earth Elf with the ability to shapeshift into a horse, takes his work seriously. When his exuberance overcomes good sense, and he bucks Clarice off, he’s faced with the task of completing his mission, and winning her forgiveness. He’s willing to do what it takes, including invade her dreams and show her that the perfect place for horse play is in the bedroom.

Clarice needs to forgive herself. Flynn needs forgiveness from Clarice. Can these two different individuals overcome their pasts to create a future?

Reviews

“Mary Winter begins a new series with a sweet love story about a selfless woman who is destined to make a big difference in the future if she can learn how to enjoy her life. She only thinks about helping handicapped children. Flynn is given the mission to teach her that there is more to life then self-sacrifice. His reaction to Clarice, however, is much stronger then he ever expected. Can an Earth Elf and a human find happiness together? Read this book to learn the answer.”
- Candy, ecataromance reviews

“A very cute concept is started here. I can hardly wait to see what other forms the elves take and how they help those they love learn that there is more to the world than what we see. The story line is well paced and keeps the reader engaged through witty conversation and laughing at the antics of the main characters even when Flynn is in equine form. Both Flynn and Clarice are well developed and the reader can get a real grasp on who they are. The sex is fun and intense all at the same time. When they are together, Flynn and Clarice create sparks that seem to catch and burn. This is a very enjoyable evening read and I can’t wait for the next installment of the /Elemental Elves/ series.” 
– Bonnie Riegel, JERR

“With a bit of whimsy and a large dash of sensuality, Mary Winter brings us a tale that reminds us of the need for balance in our lives. With work, there must be play and all of us need to be reminded of that from time to time. Bringing the unique character of an Elemental Elf and the hierarchy of the Elven kingdom to life in this short story made it that much more fun to read. While Flynn seemed shallow at the beginning, he turned himself around and redeemed himself. I had hoped for more story in this book, but the bit that I got was well-written, and Ms. Winter has done very well in portraying the sensuous side of her writing. I am curious to see what other Elves she will bring to life.”
 – Serena, Fallen Angel Reviews

“Horse Play is an entertaining read that sets up a fascinating world.  I fell in love with Flynn and his caring nature.  Watching him and Clarice fall in love made me laugh and smile. Secondary characters made a great set up for other books in the series.  I can’t wait to see where this one goes.  I highly recommend this story.” 
- Amelia, Joyfully Reviewed

“Mary Winter has put together a heartwarming tale of a woman’s dedication to help the less fortunate and a playful horse-shifting Earth Elf sent to show her that she needs to have fun also. This short story is well developed with the plot, emotions and chemistry needed to be a lead off for a new series. The sex between the two is seriously hot and Clarice and Flynn’s relationship makes you remember that there is life out there and sometimes we have to stop and enjoy it. Mary Winters has also given the reader some secondary characters that I’m sure will have their own story later. I enjoyed the story and will be looking forward to reading Ms. Winter’s next book in the Elemental Elves series.” 
- Susan, Night Owl Romance

Excerpt

 The pink fiberglass cast on Clarice’s arm reminded Flynn of his folly. She slept in an oversized T-shirt with a fat horse on it and little else. She lay on her side, her broken arm flung out of the way, her other hand tucked beneath her chin like a child. Next to her, a fat orange tabby cat with a fluffy white belly slept, and on the floor between the bed and the door lay a German Shepherd.From outside her window, Flynn watched. In the dark of the night he had two options — stay in his stall or go to Clarice. On this night his choice came as easily as it had every night before. At least here, watching Clarice through the window, he could keep an eye on her and protect her in a way he couldn’t on that fateful afternoon three weeks ago when he’d dashed her hopes.She’d told him about it as she groomed his horse form or petted his muzzle, telling him she didn’t blame him for her accident. Of course he didn’t quite believe her. He’d have blamed himself had their situations been reversed. After all, his moment’s inattention and reveling in the joy of exuberant expression had gotten her hurt. A broken arm, two cracked ribs, a concussion, and no riding for at least six weeks. He knew the diagnosis like an accusing litany.

In sleep her lips parted. Rosy red, full, lush, perfect for wrapping around his cock and sucking him deep and hard. She rolled to the side, flinging her other arm against the edge of the bed. With her legs spread she looked like an offering, ripe and ready to be devoured. The thin shirt pressed against the rounded globes of her breasts, her nipples tight against the fabric.

The sheets fell away, revealing her long, tanned legs with their toned and muscled curves. It took all his willpower not to try the front door and see if he could enter her house, her body. He could, however, enter her dreams.

Flynn smiled. He hadn’t tried before. He really hadn’t felt the need. However, no sooner had Clarice broken her arm than she was back struggling to work twelve-hour days, driving herself to exhaustion each night. Right now, he doubted fun even entered into her vocabulary. And that, in his opinion, was a crying shame.

Flynn sat beneath the window with his legs crossed and his hands resting on his knees. He inhaled the lush, damp smell of a humid Virginia night. Insects filled the air with an undercurrent of noise. He focused on the woman lying inside, on the steady rise and fall of her chest with each breath, on the patterns of her mind. Even in sleep she didn’t relax, her mind abuzz with subconscious thoughts. Reminders to order feed, to reschedule her doctor’s appointment, to find someone to help her with her riding therapy calls, her mental to do list grew and grew.

On the bed, she shifted restlessly. Flynn. His name was in her thoughts, though she saw him only in his equine form. Her admiration for his form, his grace, his beauty filled her mind. By falling off and breaking her arm, she thought she’d failed him. She thought she needed his forgiveness, not the other way around.

“Oh, Clarice,” he whispered, sliding easily into her thoughts. Her need to apologize touched him. The Elven Council cared nothing for thoughts and feelings, not when their goals were on the line. Even his parents fit the aloof image the Council projected. His father worked hard on the Council and tried to mold his only son into the perfect image of Elven obedience. His father saw only how Flynn’s reckless behavior impeded his goals. He didn’t know what it would take to bring his mother out of the dream-like world in which she lived. No, no one had ever cared for his feelings before.

He appeared in her dream in his Elven form with his hair bound in a leather thong, his pointed ears clearly visible. He knew he looked like Legolas come to life with his green cat-like eyes, his green vest and his tight leather pants.

Clarice raised her hand from his equine form’s neck and stared at him. Her gaze lingered on his ears, then on his trousers, and the hard bulge of his cock against the butter soft leather. “Who are you?” In the dream realm her voice held a mystical quality. Hearing her speak here, in the veiled place between the worlds, he knew why he’d been sent.

Clarice held power. The power to change lives, shaping them for the better. Her work with disabled children molded their lives into something better, and those she brought into her operation needed the same kind of healing touch the children did. What she didn’t realize was that she too needed healing, and that was why he was here. To help her heal, not physically but emotionally, from the wounds that drove her day after day.

Shock hit him like a two-by-four to the solar plexus. Clarice possessed magic of the kind long thought to be gone from the human realm.

“Think of me as your guardian angel.” He stifled a chuckle at his foolishness. He’d known a few angels, and a more arrogant, vain creature he had yet to find. Yet, Clarice would understand his intentions if he called himself her “guardian angel” and so long as he fulfilled his mission, what harm could misnaming himself be.

“You look like an Elf.” Clarice grinned. “Like my very own Legolas.” She licked her lips. “Is there a reason why you’ve come into my dreams?” She patted the horse on the neck as it, being part of him, stood completely still.