I thought I was prepared for everything a busy December could bring: my upcoming drag show, my delivery gig, the cater waitering, and of course the latest job as a mall elf. What I didn’t count on was an incredibly sexy Santa Claus. From the first time I saw him, I knew that he was all I wanted for Christmas.
Now the only question is how do I get him wrapped up in a bow and under my tree?
Noel
Boredom and a favor for a friend led me to the last place I expected to spend the month before Christmas: playing Santa at Frostdale Mall. And being a mall Santa led me to the person I least expected. Billy is outgoing, flirtatious, and way too young for me. Yet I just can’t seem to get him off my mind.
Lusting after an elf is a sure fire way to get on the Naughty List, right?
Snowdrop is an age gap, size difference, drag queen and construction worker MM Romance between a mall Santa and his elf.
This book is part of the Merry Elf-Mas multi-author series. Each story can be read as a standalone, but why not come along for the ride as each of Santa's elves finds love during the holidays?
Aww this was another sweet and steamy holiday romance . I really enjoyed both MCs my favorite aspect was how insecure our older MC Noel was but Billy showed him how much he appreciated everything about him 🔥 age gap, steam, a confident drag queen, a mall Santa , positive ex relationships, and a HEA !
If he could pull this level of want from me with just a kiss, I could only imagine what else he could do to me. With me. For me.
The challenges of Santa and elves without Rudolph to guide them.
While trying to hide their glowing love for each other, Snowdrop and Santa try to maximize their opportunities together as they work with the other elves to make the kids and parents happy at the mall. Yet their families and friends cannot miss the obvious signs of fated mates as they enjoy Christmas secrets and the fellowship time spent together. Ring in the New Year.
A fun, sweet MM Christmas romance where the mall Santa falls for his mall Elf! There's size difference, age gap & drag show 😉. Devoured my #ARC in around 3hrs, Loved Billy & Noel! This is my final November book!
Billy is 23, flirty & hardworking. He does gig jobs to make ends meet, recent one being a mall Elf! He's also a drag queen. Noel is 38, cautious & caring. A construction worker who was bored so took the Mall Santa job as a favor. I liked his friendship with his ex-wife!
The story is pretty straightforward & Low angst, Loved to see the gradual development of Billy & Noel's chemistry! There is a hot work place hookup, insecurities talked about, fantasies align, relationship developed.
There was some scenes where I'd have liked more show than tell. I also wanted more of the elves lol. Honestly, Holly is Billy's bestie, but Ozzy got way more screen time 👀. I wonder if he'll get a book? RTC.
Holiday Cheer Meter: 4/5 (Where 1 is as Christmassy as 'Die Hard' and 5 is more like 'Elf')
Book 5 of 5 of the 'Merry Elf-Mas' multi-author series (I read it fourth).
Billy Wilde - 23 (Snowdrop) is the flirty, effervescent elf who hopes to catch Santa's eye. In addition to being an elf in Santa's Village at the Frostdale Mall, Billy works a lot of gig jobs, like food delivery driver, cater waiter, so he can carve out time to devote to being a drag queen, which is where his heart really lies.
Noel Miller- 38 (Santa) is an established construction company owner, who bored with little work during the cooler winter months, has agreed to help out his neighbour and friend, Nick, the Frostdale Mall Santa, by covering for him for the season so he could focus on nursing his husband back to health after surgery.
Noel first catches Billy's eye when he delivers food to him before they officially meet, once they do he practically makes it his mission to grab Noel's attention, despite Noel's reticence due to their 15-year age-gap. The chemistry between these two is evident throughout the story, I loved their dynamic with Billy being more the top and there are some fun scenes as they sneak around trying to keep their co-workers in the dark as they figure out what they mean to each other.
I loved the relationships between all of the secondary characters, the elves, Billy and fellow drag queen, Ozzy, and especially Noel and his ex-wife, Christina (Teeny); all too often exes are painted in a very negative light and it was refreshing to see this dynamic play out. It was cute seeing a couple (Liam and Reed) from another of the author's books (Introducing Mr. Right Now) show up, though, as often is the case with cameo appearances, it was a little distracting, I know people love them though so, c'est la vie.
Noel and Billy's relationship built very organically and I got all the Christmas feels as they got to know one another better, I spent a considerable amount of time smiling as the story unfolded My only criticism is that this story suffered a little from too much telling and not enough showing, like when they go on their first date and instead of learning about both of them, with them, it is summarized in a couple paragraphs, but given the length of the story is isn't an unforgivable transgression, just keeps it from being a five-star read. A little less talk and a lot more action would go a long way. I'd have loved to have seen Lizzie visit Noel as Santa at the mall.
Snowdrop was a lovely wrap-up to the 'Merry Elf-Mas' multi-author series. Each book truly does standalone and the time overlap does not in any way get repetitive as different events and characters are explored in each book, very few situations even get a second perspective, which is a great way to keep the stories connected but fresh - it is my preferred format in a multi-author offering, though I can see how it could make things immensely complicated for the author's writing the stories. Although they standalone they are all such a treat to read that I'll bet you devour them all.
I was given an ARC and voluntarily wrote an honest review.
What initially attracted me to checking out and then reading the books in this series were the covers. I really liked it. They didn't look like the cheesy covers that are used a lot by authors this season. The cover of this book wasn't the opposite, I thought it was very beautiful, but it doesn't match either of the two main characters in the story. From what I saw in all the other books, it was as if every elf was pictured on the cover or at least close to it. Not in this one. Since Billy is 23 years old and Noel is 38 years old and has red hair, the cover model doesn't do justice to either of them, despite being very handsome.
As for their love story, it surprised me. I won't say it was the best. It was not. But it was well told, of course in a very superficial way. This pair gave the author room to create a really cool, fun, romantic, deep story. But it seems that the author prefers to go with what is easiest to get right. He gave a taste of what each character was like, their nuances, uncertainties, difficulties, weaknesses and strengths. And I would have liked to have had more of Billy, his life, his motivations, his blood family and his chosen family, the drag queens. Just like Noel, even though he is a stereotypical character often used in MM books, he was not like the others, he was captivating and the few lines used to talk about his feelings and emotions were not enough. It was as if he wanted to speak, but was interrupted by someone. A feather.
I understand that most of these year-end series, and many others, maintain pre-established standards, but I still hope for more from these authors, especially to describe the characters. Your emotions, desires, visions, feelings, experiences.
So, for me, this book was reasonably good. I would read it again and that means more to me than just saying I liked it, it was good and all that. Even if I expected more from him.
Zero anguish. Zero suspense. Quick relationship. Age difference.
This book was full of holly jolly cheer, and what could be more holly jolly than the man in the red suit?
Noel is filling in as Santa at the mall for his neighbor who can no longer do it, Noel loves kids but he isn't quite prepared for how exhausting it would actually end up being. But one elf in particular makes the long days worth it.
Billy, aka Snowdrop, works as an elf at the mall. He works multiple jobs to try to stay afloat, along with performing in drag shows. He didn't expect to develop a crush on Santa, nor did he expect Santa reciprocating his feelings.
This story was really cute! I love the place setting this series takes place in, I just love all the details that goes into describing the mall and all the decorations that are involved in the Workshop. I thought that this book was written really nicely, these characters didn't rush into anything right away, which I really adored. Song get me wrong, insta-like/love can be good, but I also like when feelings are drawn out cause it makes the moments when they finally get together that more special and meaningful. I adored the scenes where the two MC's exchanged gifts, along with the ending! It was such a perfect epilogue, it made me smile.
Overall a really great holiday story! I loved the drag element that was involved!
This gives fun sexy holiday vibes. Including some spectacular holiday drag and a really naughty Santa and his helper.
I really enjoyed Noel, the older (but definitely not old) construction worker who’s filling his slow season by being Santa when his friend can’t do it. The divorcee doesn’t expect to find love amongst the younger elves. But try as he might, he just can’t ignore how Billy draws him in.
Billy is a fabulous young man working multiple gig jobs to make ends meet and to afford his drag paraphernalia. One look at Noel and he’s hooked.
They had a lovely progression, and I especially enjoyed Noel’s ex and her support and friendship. As well as Billy’s BFF who was wonderful and snarky.
There were a lot of fun moments, sweet dates, and some questionable Santa Village shenanigans.
Sad to say goodbye to these sweet and loving members of Santa’s Village.
Part of a multi-author series (Merry Elf-Mas) in a shared small town setting but each can be read as a standalone story. Coworkers. Age gap. Quick read. Dual POV. Billy is super busy for the holidays, between being a mall elf, his catering job, and making food deliveries he barely has time to rehearse for his upcoming drag queen show. But he’s willing to make time for the new mall Santa, Noel is everything sexy and mature, a body built from his construction job, and a kindness towards all the kids visiting Santa makes Billy’s heart swoon. Noel is beyond attracted to Billy, but he’s worried about their age difference, and what could Billy want with him when Billy could have any guy, especially one closer to his age. I really enjoyed Billy’s confidence and commitment to pursuing Noel, and Noel’s hesitancy is relatable as is his overpowering feelings he has when he is with Billy. It was so nice to see Billy and Noel build a relationship, learning about each other, sharing their thoughts and dreams, such a sweet romance. 4.5 rounded up
What a wonderful way to wrap up the Merry Elf-Mas series. Billy and Noel are so right for each other and Esse Sloane does a fabulous job of bringing them together. Billy, aka Snowdrop, is an elf in the Santa's Village and a drag queen. Billy works three jobs to make ends meet. One of the jobs is delivering food. One delivery brings him Noel's door and Billy is feeling the instalust. When Noel shows up as Santa in the Santa Village, Billy turns up the flirting several notches 😉🤭
Because they work together they keep their dating and hookup life secret, even if it's a not so secret secret ❤️The two grow closer and eventually make it official, exclusive and boyfriends. I love it when that moment happens. Most people associate boyfriends with high school, early twenties so it's always fun to me to read the moment it happens for the guys. Especially when one or both of the guys are older.
I love holiday stories and this is definitely a fun, quick read that I recommend for all my holiday story lovers.
Snow Drop Merry Elf-Mas Book 5 By Essie Sloane Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Spice:🌶🌶🌶
I liked this book so much, but I’m guessing Mrs. Claus isn’t a fan. 🤣🤣
I loved the pairing of Billy and Noel! Billy is just this adorable little ball of sass and I’m here for it! This book gave Billy a little more depth, showing all that he did so he could survive. I loved this characters so much and getting to read his story was awesome.
Noel was sweet and kind l, but his insecurities when it came to Billy were endearing. They allowed for growth and understand between the two. It was cute seeing Noel, Billy, and Ozzy’s interaction with Noel’s jealousy playing into it.
The spicy scenes between these two were so good and were the perfect level of spice.
This was the perfect sweet and spicy ending to the Merry Elf-Mas series. I really hope that we get the chance to visit Frostdale again!
Billy had a busy December planned as he had a drag show soon his delivery gig, watering at catered events and his job as a mall elf. When he got there Santa Claus was very sexy and he just wanted him for Christmas as his present. Noel was bored so did a favour for a friend and took the job as Santa Claus in the Frostdale Mall. One elf called Billy is outgoing, flirtatious and way too young for him but he can't get him off of his mind.
This was a sweet story where quiet Noel can't get the outgoing Billy off of his mind and so they start a hidden relationship that everyone was aware of. I loved the way that Billy was and that he shook up Noel enough to make their relationship interesting. They fit together very well and I could see how their attraction and friendship grew over time. Easy to read, feel and understand. This is an MM story with mature content.
The final book in the multi-author series Merry Elf-Mas was another sweet, fun and sexy read.
I loved Noel and Billy aka Santa and Snowdrop the elf. I've enjoyed Billy's character throughout the series, so getting to know him better, along with Noel in this book was great.
Noel might have been the older of the two, but Billy knew what he wanted and wasn't afraid to go after it and he wanted Noel; Noel didn't stand a chance. Initially worried about their age difference Noel fights his attraction, but once he starts getting to know Billy properly the age gap flies out the window.
I loved seeing Noel gain confidence in himself due to Billy being determined to make him see how wonderful he was, it was nice to have it the other way around, the younger man building the older man up.
I really enjoyed this final book in the series. Billy is fabulously sassy and he is trying to do too much with gig jobs to pay his bills in addition to a charity event as his alter drag queen Sleigh Belle. While also working as Christmas elf Snowdrop he meets Noel and is immediately interested. Noel is an older construction worker who is also very interested in Billy. They have some great times but Noel gets very wrapped up in what others might think about their age difference and he's very down on himself personally. He just doesn't truly believe that a fabulous guy like Billy actually wants him. I really enjoyed seeing Billy show Noel just how much he actually does want and care for him. I loved seeing the other elves as well, the found family aspect has been amazing throughout this whole series and I'm kind of sad to see it ending.
There’s a lot that’s charming here: an elf with plenty of personality (of the likable, bubbly kind), a Santa who has his own distinct appeal, and a relationship that takes shape with numerous opportunities to get to know them both, as well as some likable supporting characters. This book is part of a multi-author series that centers on mall-elves, and it’s definitely a strong addition to the collection. Stylistically the balance of telling to showing was weighted a bit heavily on the telling side to me— there’s something a little info-dumpy about the way we learn about these characters, and it might have been more fun to see those details woven into the narrative more organically. Overall, however, this is an enjoyable read.
*I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.
What's better than getting your very own Santa for Christmas? Not much, especially if you're Billy... I love that these two developed chemistry and accepted each other at face value (with a few bumps in the road). I love that Billy is unapologetic in all of his personas and pursues Noel, even if he's balancing 3 jobs!
This book was really sweet, well paced and a great addition to the Merry Elf-Mas multi-author series! I loved the cameo by Liam from Essie's firsr book, as well as how much sway Teeny had over Noel!
What better way to wrap up this multi author series than with Santa himself. Noel is playing mall Santa for the first time but wasn't prepared to fall for the stunning elf Snowdrop, aka Billy. Billy is stretching himself thin with his three jobs and prepping for his upcoming charity drag show. He doesn't have time for love but the sexy new Santa is hard to resist. These two sure were hot! This was a sweet story with little angst and great side characters.
Snowdrop is part of the Merry Elf-Mas multi-author series. Each book can be read as a standalone but I love reading all the books in a series. This is Billy a drag queen also working as an elf and Noel who is playing Santa at Frostdale Mall. I loved reading about these two busy guys. I love age gap stories. These two are just perfect for each other. I would definitely recommend this book and series.
This book is the last story of the Merry Elf-Mas multi-author series. Each story can be read as a standalone but they have all been fun to read.
Snowdrop is an age gap, size difference, drag queen and construction worker MM Romance between a mall Santa and his elf. Drag queen and elf Billy meets Santa Noel when he's having to stand in as Santa at the mall and the have an instant connection. I loved how caring they were towards each other. It was a really sweet story.
Good end to a sweet Christmas series, which was particularly nice as all five books definitely included all the same characters - well done on the coordination. This particular book was a well done age gap which felt quite realistic. The MCs fit well together and I particularly liked the relationship with Teeny (Noel's ex) and Sam. I received a complimentary copy of this book and am happy to leave a voluntary review.
The final book in the Merry Elf-mas series was a pleasure to read. Each book has been a sweet holiday treat, and this one was too. I loved Billy’s strength in adversity as he struggled financially so much, and Noel’s vulnerability in questioning so many things about himself. They were so good for each other. I really enjoyed Noel’s close relationship with his ex and how she supported him. It had no angst, medium heat (such fun, sneaky heat!), and a syrupy-sweet HEA.
Billy has three jobs, one of which is a food delivery guy where he meets Noel. Another of his jobs is being an elf, Snowdrop at the Frostdale Mall and Noel is going to be Santa this year. Noel is older and afraid Billy needs someone younger but Billy only sees him. Billy has to battle Noel's insecurities to give them the happily ever after they deserve. It's a cheery little gift wrapped up in a Christmas stocking for you to enjoy. I received a copy of this book and this is my voluntary opinion.
I just love this series. The chemistry between characters is so good and you can't help adore them. I like the age gap dynamic. It's really a great book to get you into the holiday romance mood. Two guys who know they have a connection. And the one who finally understands that Santa can be loved by his favorite elf. If you enjoy holiday romances in small towns this is a great mm romance read.
Elf queen and Santa Baby. They are not very good at being discreet, even before they became a couple. But I love that they opened their hearts and communicated properly. They didn't let their fears and insecurities fester and break their relationship. I received an advanced readers copy and am giving my honest review.
This was another great addition to this multi author holiday series, I really liked Billy and Noel and was happy to finally read their story, I really enjoyed this series as it felt as if there was a lot of interaction between the characters in each book you could read them as standalones but I think reading them in order as a series was so much better. Highly recommend great story, great series.
Good thing Billy delivered the food to Noel that night. Even better was finding out that the older, sexy looking stranger was Noel, the new Santa at Santa’s Village where Billy worked as Snow Drop. Enjoy Billy and Noel’s challenges, Billy’s Sleigh-Belle in the Charity Drag Show and their joy during many steamy moments!!!
I had higher hopes for this one but it didn’t live up to them. It was a good premise but the author didn’t go where I’d hoped they would. A good story but I was looking for more. Good when read with the rest of the series but it wouldn’t be a good stand alone in my opinion.
This was such a sweet story! I love how accepting Noel is and how patient Billy is to work through insecurities and differences that they have. They have such a cute romance, and the steam? Give me a fan! Devoured this in one sitting and I can't wait for more from Essie!! Absolutely recommend.
This was a nice book to wrap up the Frostdale Mall elf-mas series. There is an age-gap in this book and you can see one of them struggling with that. Not only does one of them struggle with the age-gap there is also a difference of economic status. Reading these 2 fight for their HEA was a treat.
I enjoyed reading this final book of this multi-author series quite a bit. It was so entertaining to follow along as things developed for Billy and Noel and I loved their happily ever after.