A Daddy for Christmas: Ever

by Wendy Rathbone

From an embarrassing Halloween costume to an unexpected very large early Christmas present, can two men trust the secrets they know about each other to take them on a journey of passion they’ll never forget?

Ever has never told anyone about his secret compulsion. When alone, he likes to pretend he's very little and has someone there at all times to take care of his every need. So what does it mean when a guy who works in the same office complex as he does gives him a surprise teddy bear Christmas present and asks him out?

Birch sees a young man every day at the coffee cart downstairs in the building where he works. He can’t get the man off his mind. When he gets up the courage to start talking to the guy, there is no looking back. This boy’s secret matches his own in every way. Ever is everything he’s dreamed of… and more.

MM romance, daddy/boy, first time, comfort, age play, praise, training a little, onesies, bath times, Christmas holiday romance, HEA.

Ever is part of A Daddy for Christmas, a multi-author series. All the books are standalones. Each Daddy has a unique gift for his wonderful boy and sometimes Santa gets it so right it’s scary.

Genres: M M Romance, Romance, BDSM, Christmas, Novella, Contemporary, Holiday Romance

175 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 14, 2023

About the author

Wendy Rathbone has had dozens of stories published in anthologies such as: Hot Blood, Writers of the Future (second place,) Bending the Landscape, Mutation Nation, A Darke Phantastique, and more. The book "Dreams of Decadence Presents: Wendy Rathbone and Tippi Blevins" contains a large collection of her vampire stories and poems. Over 500 of her poems have been published in various anthologies and magazines. She won first place in the Anamnesis Press poetry chapbook contest with her book "Scrying the River Styx." Her poems have been nominated for the Science Fiction Poetry Association's Rhysling award at least a dozen times.

Her recent books include:

"Pale Zenith," science fiction novel

"The Foundling," male/male romance novel

"None Can Hold the Dark," sequel to "The Foundling"

"The Secret Sharer," science fiction romance novella

"Unearthly," omnibus collection of 7 out-of-print poetry booklets

"The Vampire Diaries: The Myth," available from Kindle Worlds

"The Vampire Dairies: Deep In the Virginia Woods," available from Kindle Worlds

"My House Is Full Of Whispers," erotica short story collection

"Letters To An Android," science fiction novel

Upcoming very soon:

"Risque Science Fiction," short stories by Wendy Rathbone

"The Red Fountain, Where Vampires Come to Drink," short stories and poetry by Wendy Rathbone

Look for more novels and short story collections coming up in 2014.

She lives in Yucca Valley, CA with her partner of 32 years, Della Van Hise.

Reviews

[Brooke · Rating 2 out of 5]

⭐️ 2.5 stars ⭐️

Age-play holiday romance.

Not as Christmas-y as I was expecting, and unfortunately not enough age-play as I wanted.

After reading so many of this particular kink, I’ve become quite specific about how I like them and this one just wasn’t it.
The start was kind of cute, but then it devolved in the usual fast-paced, smut-centered and cliché “commercial” age-play that is typical of most multi-author daddy series.
The characters had no personality and very little backstory, and the age-play was only surface-level.

The writing was also a little wacky and definitely in need of editing, as this seemed entirely too short but at the same time way too long.

“We’d only just met in the coffee line for a couple weeks before that party.” “I know. But even then, you affected my pulse.”

Who the fuck says that? Seemed like someone was trying a little too hard to make this flowery and romantic, but came off cringy and cheesy.

I’m probably being way too dramatic about this, I just really liked the beginning and to see it go so sideways so fast irked me in the worst way.

I received a copy of this book from Gay Romance Reviews, and this is my honest review.

[Dani (Daniiireads)]

Tapped out at 44%

A Daddy for Christmas: Ever was not exactly what I was expecting. I would say this is more geared towards those who want to dip their toes into books involving age play dynamics, but if you're not a newb then you'll be a little disappointed.

[Peppa]

Tapped out at 25%

[Jamie Lee Zonneveld · Rating 4 out of 5]

3,5 stars
Ever by Wendy Rathbone is part of the A Daddy for Christmas series by multiple authors. This is the story of Birch and Ever. I liked their story. It was sweet, full of feels and well written. Ever was such a cutie.

[Sharing The Book Love · Rating 3 out of 5]

Umm

This had some good parts with heart warming moments but then some odd parts that felt forced.

Overall an ok Christmas read but the characters for me felt a little 2D and the Daddy/Little stuff was hmmm planned not organic

Ever and Birch (love the names) have a cute meet in the coffee cart, some angst after Halloween but the rest of the book felt long with not a lot of story

[Katy Beth Mckee · Rating 4 out of 5]

It is such a sweet story. I love how they take turns initiating the contact between each other. It really shows how difficult it can be to find someone who shares your interests without exposing yourself to misunderstanding.

[Julie Underhill · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Daddy for Christmas: Ever by Wendy Rathbone is part of an 11 book series by various authors. In this story Ever and Birch work in the same building for work. Birch has been overcome by grief at the loss of his mother for the past year and has lived in a haze during that time. Then he sees Ever at the coffee cart in their building and comes back to life. Ever is quite a bit younger than Birch and has only been working there for a year. His boss is not very nice to the people who work for him and he is often frustrated over it. When that happens he likes to pretend that he is little and play with his stuffies and other “little” things. He has never had a daddy and hasn’t tried to find one because his prior boyfriends have teased him and left him because of his littleness. Birch finds Ever quite attractive and starts getting coffee at the cart just so he can see him and start talking to him. He has not had many boyfriends either because he is a Daddy and hasn’t been able to find a Boy that meets his needs. When he sees Ever looking at a stuffed bear at a store, he realizes he just might be a boy, and not only that, the boy of his dreams. The story continues as they get to know each other through a Halloween date that goes wrong with Ever berating himself over his actions and not getting in touch with Birch after it. But Birch waits patiently, like a good Daddy would, in hopes that Ever would reach out to him, which he does. Their attraction continues to grow as Birch teaches Ever about how Daddies and Boys act with each other and how they support each other through good times and bad, which there are both of in this story. Ever has to realize that Birch is not going to call him silly for what he likes and that he isn’t going to leave him. Then they go to the mall and Ever sits on Santa’s lap and tells him a secret that does come true at the end of the story. I enjoyed this story. Birch has been through a lot and it is wonderful when Ever brings him back to life. Ever is such a sweet Boy but because of his past relationships he doesn’t know how to believe that Birch wants to be his Daddy and to make him happy so there are some ups and downs as time goes on. Once they realize what they mean to each other they have some very hot love scenes that further cement their feelings for each other. I recommend this book, especially if you like sweet Daddy/Boy stories that include lots of age play, a little hurt/comfort, and a very happy ending for both men.

[Kindle Addict · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another sweet daddy story from Wendy!

I read this quickly in a day and was so charmed by those 2! Their meeting scenes and pining for each other were ADORABLE! I love how sneaky they were, trying to get their coffee at the same time as the other one…So sweet!

It’s a perfect Christmas read since it has 0 drama and the perfect amount of sexy scenes well balanced with daddy/little ones. (Some authors either go too hard on one one of those elements or call it a daddy story and forget to include any daddy scene but this author delivered well here)

I wish we had seen more about Ever’s professional future since his boss was really an ass but that was a detail.

The only thing that did bother me (and it’s something I’ve seen in quite a lot of Daddy stories now) is the Daddy who has a well stocked playroom with toys, adult size furnitures and a wardrobe full of outfits in every size even though he hasn’t been in a relationship in years. Whenever I see this in those romance I always roll my eyes because this is a bit too over the top for me. I mean when it’s a millionaire daddy, sure why not. But this Daddy was not rich. Why would he have so many clothes waiting “just in case” (in different size…) when he could just buy new ones once he’s in a relationship with someone who share his interests? It would make sense to just buy them for that boy when the time comes.
This trope always makes it look like those daddies are expecting a Little/boy to just stumble into their house at any time by accident so they’d better be prepared. 😂 Especially since they always say that it’s all brand new and that they don’t reuse from ex….It’s a lot of money! I imagine all those things are not cheap so for me it’s too much.

But overall the book was sweet and I’ll recommend it for a quick cosy winter read!

Thank you for the ARC, all opinions are my own

[read•me•romance · Rating 5 out of 5]

🎄🧸💕Ever // Wendy Rathbone // A Daddy For Christmas - Multi Author Series 💕🧸🎄

This is exactly what I wanted in a daddy shmink Christmas novella- sweet like hot coco. Daddy Birch, is grief ridden after a year of loss and sees joy again when he first lays eyes on sweet Little, Ever. Nervous first time Little, Ever, cannot believe that Daddy Birch and everything he has to offer isn’t too good to be true. The way that these two absolutely adore each other made me just melt and swoon the whole way through. The Christmas vibes are on point and the emotion and sweet adoration just made me so happy. Definitely pick this one up for a sugar cookie sweet, Daddy and his little romance.

🎄Christmas Novella
❄️ Fluffy, sweet, adorable
🧸Daddy / Little- Age Play
❤️‍🩹 Grief- Comfort
⏰Age Gap
💕 Insta Love
2️⃣ 2nd Chance-ish

🔥 tags:
Strict Top/ Bottom: yes
Daddy / little- Age Play
ABDL
Dominance + Submission
Size Difference- manhandling
K!nk Discovery, exploration
O-control
Praise

Official Description:

From an embarrassing Halloween costume to an unexpected very large early Christmas present, can two men trust the secrets they know about each other to take them on a journey of passion they’ll never forget?

Ever has never told anyone about his secret compulsion. When alone, he likes to pretend he's very little and has someone there at all times to take care of his every need. So what does it mean when a guy who works in the same office complex as he does gives him a surprise teddy bear Christmas present and asks him out?

Birch sees a young man every day at the coffee cart downstairs in the building where he works. He can’t get the man off his mind. When he gets up the courage to start talking to the guy, there is no looking back. This boy’s secret matches his own in every way. Ever is everything he’s dreamed of… and more.

💋 @read.me.romance

[Rebecca Grove · Rating 5 out of 5]

Birch is a Daddy dom who lost his mother a year ago. This past year has just been a struggle to get through with work and grief his only focus. Then he spots Ever in line for the coffee cart in the building. Ever looks like his dream Little and Birch feels himself coming back to life again. He still feels uncertain of whether Ever is a Little and he is afraid to drive him away. Birch keeps arranging to meet Ever at the coffee cart and the elevator. He finally gets brave enough to invite Ever to his sister's Halloween party. Ever asks Birch to stay close by him because his costume is a little risque. Birch enjoys being protective and caring when Ever gets drunk. After the party Ever ghosts him but Birch doesn't want to give him up.

Ever is a Little who has problems with anxiety and insecurity. After his ex boyfriend who told him no one would want a guy who likes stuffed bears and cuddling. Now Ever is determined to hide his Little side. Then he meets Birch who gives him Daddy vibes. He was excited to go the Halloween party but his social anxiety has him drinking too much. He enjoys having Birch care for him but the next morning he is too embarassed to see or talk to Birch again. After a few weeks of ignoring Birch's messages, Ever feels guilty and finally responds to Birch. Birch immediately helps Ever feel better and even reveals that he is a Daddy dom.

[Merissa (Archaeolibrarian) · Rating 4 out of 5]

EVER is the first book in the multi-author A Daddy for Christmas series I have read, and it's sweet and low angst. If that's what you're looking for, you've found it.

Ever is by himself, not knowing who he really is. His last boyfriend made fun of him for liking teddies, so he now tries to hide that part of him. Birch is a daddy who has suffered a painful family loss and isn't interested in being with anyone. Up until he hears Ever's voice, that is.

These two are just so cute - both of them listening and communicating for the most part. I have to admit, my favourite Daddy is the Caretaker Daddy and this was written brilliantly.

A gentle seasonal story that I thoroughly enjoyed and hope to read more in this series. Definitely recommended by me.

** same worded review will appear elsewhere **

* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book; the comments here are my honest opinion. *

Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Nov 14, 2023

[Mandy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Ever has a secret desire when he is alone that he is very little and has someone there to take care of his every need. A guy in his office complex gives him a surprise teddy bear Christmas present and then asks him out. Birch sees the young man every day at the coffee cart downstairs in the building where he works and he can't get him off his mind. When he gets the courage to start talking to him Ever's secret matches his own and is everything that he has ever dreamed of.

This was a sweet holiday story with two men who work in the same office building and discover that their desires are very compatible - just as well as they have already started the process of failing for each other. I loved the way that Birch looked after Ever even before they were into a relationship and that he had consent at the forefront of his mind. I loved the way the characters were described at the clariy used for their emotions and emotional state. Easy to read, feel and understand. This is an MM story with a BSDM-like DDLB relationship with onesies, diapers, binkies and stuffies.

[Donna · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ever is a young man who thinks he may be a little, but he isn’t sure. He is wishing for a Daddy to take show him what it means to be a little and a boy, to take care of him and give him lots of cuddles.
Birch is older, grieving the loss of his mother, going through a grey fog of grief, yearning for a boy for his Daddy to care for. And then he sees Ever, and life seems more hopeful.
Things move slowly over a couple of months, and when Birch sees Ever in a toy section, he believes his thoughts that Ever may be a little are true, so he takes a leap of faith as a way to confirm his thoughts. Could a beautiful brown bear lead the two of them to get their forever person.
Very sweet characters, both hesitant but hopeful they have met the person to fulfill all their fantasies and desires, making Christmas wishes come true. Short, low angst, satisfying holiday read.
I received an ARC of this book and this is my voluntary review.

[Tina · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Daddy for Christmas: Ever by Wendy Rathbone, this is a story I truly fell in love with. A Daddy for Christmas is a multiauthor series. This is my first time reading the series and I must go back to see what I missed. This story is told in dual POV which really works for this storyline. I loved falling in love with the characters, they are truly made for each other.
Birch: sees a young man getting coffee every day. There is something about the younger man that draws in Birch. Makes him feel things he thought long buried. I loved watching their friendship turn into something way more meaningful.
Ever: he thinks Birch is sexy, but he would never be interested in someone like him. He has little tendencies that drove off his last boyfriend who wanted him to change. So he is sure Birch would do that too.
I loved how each man helps the other grow as person. This is a beautiful story, and I cannot wait to read more in the future.

[Amy Weller · Rating 5 out of 5]

A sweet and wonderful Christmas tale!

I loved this book! Ever and Birch make an amazing couple and I loved how their relationship developed as the story unfolded. They work in the same building but on different floors and will meet at the lobby coffee cart. This leads to an invitation to Birch’s sister’s Halloween party where Ever is sure he’s ruined everything. When he gets the nerve to text Birch he is surprised to find he hasn’t ruined anything. Birch learns the truth about who Ever is deep down and finds that Ever is just what he’s been looking for! There will be a bump or two in the road but with some encouragement from Ever’s best friend, Ever will find that Birch is everything he’s ever wanted - a Christmas dream come true!

I read an ARC copy of this book and am volunteering my honest review.

[Nina Diab · Rating 5 out of 5]

"But even then, you affected my pulse.”

I really loved this book. It was such a sweet, holiday romance. Ever and Birch were so cute together and exactly what the other needed. Quite literally. Birch had been grieving his mother's passing, living in a haze, until hearing Ever's voice popped that bubble and woke him from the dream. It was cute that Birch began ordering coffee at the same time each day just to see Ever and eventually they began talking. Ever felt different because he liked teddy bears and cuddles and his last boyfriend had criticized him for it. I couldn't wait to see them get together. Ever's holiday costume was fun, and Birch's present made me all gooey inside. One of my favorites from this author. 5 stars.

[Janice Wilson · Rating 5 out of 5]

The book was well-written and had genuine emotion and connection. The MC’s had a sweet meet-cute and it was very satisfying to watch their feelings develop and evolve into something real and lasting. There is something so special about finding the one person with whom you can truly be yourself and be totally vulnerable. I love that Birch not only accepted Ever just as he was but also that Birch was looking to take care of someone just like Ever to shower all of his care and affection. I enjoyed the interactions between them and watching their romance blossom over time. If you love the DDLB dynamic, you will love this story. This is a book in a multi-author series, and you can read this book as a standalone.

I received an ARC of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Gabrielle Lee · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a sweet and sexy story. Ever and Birch work in the same office building. A chance meeting has their world tumbling around. They each carry a secret and are afraid that it will cause the other to run. Little do they know that it is the secret that will bring them together. I enjoyed meeting Ever and Birch. It was nice to watch their tentative friendship grow into something more. Their journey is full of ups and downs and I liked seeing them find their way. Communication and emotions take center stage in this story. I loved that Ever begins to find himself and what he truly wants with the support of Birch. The two are good together and it waws nice to see them find something worth taking a chance on.

[Shannon · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars
Ever feels little but has never been able to experience it with a Daddy. Birch has had a few littles, but shut himself off for a while after his mother's death. Their meet-cute at the coffee cart was adorable, with both trying to secretly arrive when the other did in order to spend time together. I liked the way Ever and Birch took their time getting to know one another, both as adults, and as Daddy/little. There are a lot of sexy times throughout the book, interspersed with them growing and connecting as a couple. There is the sweetest HEA that will leave you smiling and feeling all the love.

[RN · Rating 5 out of 5]

This wonderfully sweet daddy/boy story was a total joy to read. Although it’s not normally a topic I’d rush to read, I had a feeling this story was going be great, and that turned out to be so true. Low angst, with a super kind and experienced Daddy and a boy who doesn’t understand why he’s so needy and wants the things he does. Birch has to find a balance - Ever wants to learn, but he’s never had anyone validate his needs before, and he’s a bit skittish. This story made me smile so much and was so lovely I had to read it in one sitting.

I received an Advance Reader Copy for free and this is a voluntary review.

[Latecia Jennings · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very sweet Daddy/little holiday romance. I enjoyed it from start to finish. From Birch and Ever's first meet up to their easy getting to know each other friendship and their sweet and HOT connection as daddy/little...this was a romance that had all the intense feels that have you craving more and more. They did have some bumps in their relationship but that made it all the more real. Loved their romance...especially their HEA. Very Nice and I highly recommend if you love sugary sweetness along with some HEAT with your daddy/little romances.

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.

[Dreamcastle100 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hmm. That was unexpected. I think I should better read tags. Well, now, at least, I know, what they mean.
Because I would never read a book with kink of using diapers on adult person. Nevertheless, I liked this book.
My heart was aching when they did not communicate after Halloween. And when Ever was anxious to come to Birch's home before Thanksgiving, how he later regretted about it and mentally beat himself. And Birch is so gentle, so careful, so understanding... I had tears because of this.
Good book and warm, nice story.
I just hoped that there will be some epilogue when Ever will not be working with his awful boss.
But: you have to remove tag "first time".
However, I liked it.

[Cindy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Birch spotted Ever in the coffee line and lost his heart. Ever secretly wanted to be a Little and have a Daddy. Birch was all about being a Daddy. Though Birch seemed controlling. he allowed choices and Ever had anxiety so needed to trust him. This is a sweet little and Little novella that warmed your heart and brings the Christmas spirit, especially if you love Teddies. This is a good representation of a Daddy/Little book. I received a copy of this book through Gay Romance Reviews and this is my honest opinion.

[rosdoll · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a perfect holiday story. It has some references to serious themes, but nothing too heavy or for too long. It is just a delightful, feel-good Christmas story. Ever is absolutely adorable and Birch is wonderfully caring.

In the past I was not into this trope, but one day I tried a Wendy Rathbone Daddy/little book and I was captivated. Since then I have read each book of this type that this author puts out and I have loved every one of them. It is so exciting to see someone find their perfect match who offers what they are looking for, and who is looking for what they are offering.

[Sue Milkovich · Rating 5 out of 5]

SUCH A WARM CHRISTMAS STORY

What a Beautiful touching Christmas story. Daddies and Littles is such a sweet subject. A DADDY FOR CHRISTMAS is such a BEAUTIFUL collection of these Books by Caring Multiple Authors who love the holiday. Birch is a lonely Daddy, wishing for a Boy. Ever is a young man who is searching for someone who could understand. These two are sweet and everything you want a Christmas story to be. I Loved This Book. Beautifully written and warmed my heart. I HIGHLY RECOMMEND THIS BOOK AND THIS A DADDY FOR CHRISTMAS COLLECTION!!!!!!!!!

[Heather MMRomanceReviewed · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book had a sweet meet-cute and good chemistry, but for me it lacked some of the depth to the age play and I was a little thrown off by the conundrum of a daddy who hadn't been a daddy for a long time, but had a fully stocked playroom - especially things like the different sizes of clothing...

I did like the way Birch helped Ever to accept himself and his kink as normal and to help erase some of his history. A sweet read that I recommend picking up if you're reading the entire Daddy For Christmas series!

[C. · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a sweet daddy/Little story. The beginning of the story is rather adorable with Ever and Birch meeting, a crush being fulfilled and relationship forming. The second half of the book lost my attention however. Like a lot of the sweeter Daddy/Little stories (especially in muti-author series) it reads as a fictionalized how-to. Those well versed in the lifestyle or at least have read a lot of books with the lifestyle, may become a little ... bored? But, overall, it was a nice light book to read and might be good for those liikeing for that.

[Traci S · Rating 3 out of 5]

3⭐️
This was a cute and quick read. Ever and Birch have a sweet low angst story, they are both pretty lonely when they meet in the coffee cart line at work. It’s a pretty light read , not much plot. But, I liked seeing the pair grow closer through the winter holidays together, although overall it’s pretty light on the Christmas feels. The characters are likable and they fit each other well. Overall , it’s a good option for a short and low angst read.

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.

[Tonya Kloiber]

I usually enjoy this author's books, but for whatever reason, this one just didn't hit the mark for me. If DD/lb is your jam (and I usually adore it), please read it and determine for yourself if you like it. Don't let my review put you off. I just felt like Birch was an odd Daddy. Who has a fully stocked playroom with clothes of various sizes if they haven't been a Daddy for years? And then says that he doesn't keep anything from previous boys? That just came off a little weird. I just didn't feel like the age play was as well written as usual, and I'm sad about that.

[C.B. · Rating 5 out of 5]

The first move just seems like a giant step. The first move just seems like a giant step. Birch and Ever, work at the same building. Birch, notices Ever and speaks up. Birch, is lonely and longs for his own boy. Ever, is looking for a forever Dadddy. They start the ball rolling on what could be an epic relationship. Birch and Ever are sweet men who compliment each other. Good flow, good story, sweet results. Birch and Ever compliment each other. It's fun watching their journey to happiness. Nicely done. I received an ARC and am voluntarily leaving a review.