A Daddy for Christmas: Daniel

by Brina Brady

Daniel is in a tight spot. He needs a job as soon as possible to pay for his rent and his motorcycle loan. He loves dancing, but he has a bad habit of flirting with everyone he meets. He lost his last gig at a nightclub because he couldn’t stop flirting and dating his co-workers and customers. He wants a daddy boyfriend more than anything, but he knows he must focus on his career first. He swears to himself that he will stop dating and just dance at his new job at the Glitter Box Club, a notorious gay hotspot for the rich and powerful.

Mr. Baranov is a cold and ruthless man. He runs the Glitter Box Club with an iron fist, and he doesn’t tolerate any mistakes from his employees. He is also a member of a notorious Russian mob family, and everyone in the city knows better than to cross him. He has no interest in romance or commitment. He only dates the dancers at his club for fun, and he makes sure they know it’s nothing serious. He never expects to feel anything for anyone until he saw Daniel Sparks dancing on the bar top.

Their Secrets and enemies threaten to ruin Daniel and Mr. Baranov’s lives, but their irresistible attraction to each other makes it impossible to break their bond.

During the Christmas holidays, Mr. Baranov creates an online auction for employees to bid on gifts. Though the delivery is flawed, it brings about unexpected surprises.

Daniel is part of A Daddy for Christmas, a multi-author series. All the books are standalones, but each Daddy has a unique gift for his wonderful boy (or boys). Except all boys know that sometimes Santa gets it wrong, and it's going to take a very special Daddy to make it right. So why not stay and read them all?

Genres: M M Romance, Holiday, BDSM, Christmas

201 pages, Kindle Edition

Published December 8, 2023

About the author

I read and write M/M Gay Erotica/Romance novels.

I am a retired high school teacher with a Master's Degree from California State University of Long Beach and UCLA.

I taught various high school subjects including the following:world history, math, Algebra, Careers, CAHSEE prep, Independent Studies,science, Adult School, Orientation, and even middle school for three years. Let's not talk about the middle school experience. I prefer teaching high school seniors.

During the day, I read and write. I enjoy taking writing classes in my spare time.

Reviews

[Iman (hiatus) · Rating 1 out of 5]

Meh.

“You look hot in your jeans! And you smell delicious.”
“Thanks. I love eating with you alone,” Daniel said.
“I love eating with just you, too. You’re so sexy when you eat.”

🥱🥱🥱🥱🥱🥱

Boring interactions, boring plot, boring storyline and boring main characters. Blurb seems interesting. Idk why I spent days to finish this one. I was already slumpy enough. Not just that, this book was annoying too. Never have I ever feel so happy when the MCs have a huge unnecessary misunderstanding 😍😍

The BDSM concept in this one was a bit stereotypical and very… lack of research. I do not like that at all. In fact, I loathe it. This is more like a fetish BDSM than representation. A Daddy Dom almost throws tantrum bcs the other man do not want to wear collars? PFT 💀 Please don’t write it instead of forcing it upon the characters. It’s icky. UGH AND SHUT YO ASS UP BDSM IS NOT JUST ABOUT COLLARS AND PAIN. SHUT UPPPPPPPPPPPP!!!

[Elizabeth · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was very enjoyable. It was able to keep me entertained and wanting to keep flipping through the pages to know what was going to happen. I feel it is left the door open for a lot more books about the side characters who I would love to read more about.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Margaret · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a very well thought out story, full of lots of emotions and some very interesting and very detailed characters. This is part of a multi author series and can be read completely as a stand-alone. I really liked this.

[Cynthia M Brow · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Daddy for Christmas: Daniel is part of the multi author A Daddy for Christmas series. Each book is a standalone story. Please read the trigger warnings. This story is about Daniel a dancer and Andrei the son of a mob boss. This book was a page turner for me. I couldn't wait to see what would happen with the characters. It was not your typical holiday story. I love Brina Brady's stories. I would definitely recommend this book. I can't wait to read the others in the series.

[Kimberly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Enjoyable

This was an enjoyable book. There were a lot of elements (flirty dancing, dirty cop, Mafia, found family, Daddy Dom) that really kept the plot moving well. I liked the mixup with the Christmas auctions towards the end.

[Fay MMBookworm · Rating 4 out of 5]

4⭐️ Stars Story, and 4.5 Stars Audio Narrated by James Talbot
🎧 4.5 stars Beautifully narrated by Mr Talbot as he tells the story for the characters in this romance.

A gorgeous story for Daniel and Daddy Andrei to find love, but love comes with rules and conditions.
I didn't like Andrei much at first as he wanted to change Daniel for who he was, especially with the silly no flirt rule and other parts in the book.
Their romance wasn't all smooth with life getting in their way especially with Andrei's family dramas.
Daddy and Dom roles get mixed in this book even with Daniel only wanting a Daddy for Christmas.

Daniel, 22 is a new employee at the Glitter box club to dance to earn some money.
Andrei’s family were Russian who had immigrated to keep their family members safe from harm. Andrei operated two clubs without fault or tried to despite his family i.e. his brother getting things majorly wrong as their scenes play out.
Daniel and Andrei meet at the interview where Daniel tries to impress his potential boss. I’ll say Daniel is sure of himself and his abilities to boast to Andrei but he's adorable in doing it. I loved the banter and sassiness from both characters.
Andrei takes the job of a Daddy Dom for Daniel very seriously especially in the bedroom.
Dramas and dangers are included which violence scenes of attacks.
Daniel hated his father with good cause from abuses but he was a high ranking cop, thank goodness he had his brother to look out for him in this.
The scenes play out with both povs told in the story.
This wasn't the traditional christmas story with the added mafia theme with the good guys and the bad guys making troubles

[Katy Beth Mckee · Rating 4 out of 5]

This story was full of surprises. As I started this story I got the vibe that this would be a very dark, mafia story. I envisioned rougher treatment of Daniel. But then the story takes another turn and you see a man that is much more caring than expected. While this won’t be your typical sweet holiday story this book has some really unexpected things and worth the read. I received an ARC copy in exchange for an honest review.

[Jamie Lee Zonneveld · Rating 3 out of 5]

A Daddy for Christmas: Daniel by Brina Brady is part of the A Daddy for Christmas series by multiple authors. This book is about Daniel and Daddy Baranov. Their story was cute and sexy. I liked it.

[Linda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Daniel is an exotic dancer. He goes for an interview & meets the boss Andrei. Andrei besides owning several clubs is also a mob boss. They feel an instant connection with each other. Well written but not as intense as most of the Brina Brady books I've read. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Rachel Blomberg · Rating 4 out of 5]

Daddy Baranov becomes Daniel's Daddy

This book was enjoyable, but for being a mob boss's son and the son of a dirty cop, it's very tame. All Daniel wants to do is dance, but his father is very against it and shows aggression towards him. Getting a job at the Glidder Box didn't help things with his father since it's run by a mobster son. Daddy Baranov has his own family issues, but he knows he wants Daniel for his own.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Natalie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Daniel & Daddy (Andrei) Baranov
Rating: 3.6 ⭐

- Age Gap
- Hurt/Comfort
- Dancer/Mob Boss
- Christmas Romance
- Found Family

Please make sure to read the trigger warnings before you proceed with reading this book. I was slightly disappointed they didn't really touch on the whole son of a crooked cop and son of a mob boss backstories. They don't even tell you how Daniels father is crooked, just that he is and he abused Daniel. Other than that, I enjoyed this read and the side characters that support the couple.

Daniel is a dancer/student who recently gets fired from his previous club due to flirting too much on the job. He has always wanted to dance, even though his father hates it. He really wants to dance at one of the clubs in the city and ends up interviewing at the Glitter Box with Andrei Baranov, a known mobsters son. At first I thought this story would be darker because of the whole mob plot, but it was more sweet and very possessive. Daddy Baranov takes an instant liking to Daniel and knows that he wants to keep him and take care of him. Daniel has an instant attraction as well, but he is wary of getting into a relationship with his boss/coworker. At times, Daddy Baranov does come off harsh and quick to judgement towards Daniel but he's mostly a teddy bear when it comes to people he loves. I loved the banter between these two and how they were each others emotional support almost immediately.

There's drama and danger with some violent scenes within this book. There could've been more closure at the end, instead it was kind of rushed but it was a nice Christmas love story overall.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

Verse: No
HEA: Yes

[Mandy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Daniel is a gifted dancer but is in a spot after losing his job as he needs money to pay his rent and for his motorcycle. His problem is that he has a habit of flirting with everyone he meets and he also wants a daddy boyfriend but he needs to focus on his career and education first. He has an audition at the Glitter Box Club, a notorious gay hotspot for the rich and powerful. Mr. Baranov is a member of a notorious Russian mafia family and runs the club with an iron fist. He has no interest in romance or commitment and dates his club dancers for convenience as everyone knows the score. Then he sees Daniel Sparks and everything changes.

This started as an enjoyable story with the delightful brattiness of Daniel and the control great that was Mr Baranof. I loved all the danger and drama around the Baranov family and the way that he was mostly able to control and tame Daniel without him losing his spirit. I would have given this story an extra star in the rating but it ended so abruptly that I was just confused. Easy to read and feel this was an MM story with mature content and a BSDM-like DDLB and D/s dynamic.

[Jeanette Waters · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a fairly quick read. I've read quite a few from last season's A Daddy for Christmas series and this, season two. For me, it missed the mark. This is a typical Brady story; strong characters and difficult, usually mafia, situations. Which doesn't make it a bad read. Just didn't fit in with the rest of these Christmasy reads.
That aside, it was a fairly good read. I didn't get the chemistry between Daddy Baranov and Daniel. I couldn't really like them enough to care about daddy's tantrums or Daniel's immaturity. World building was fair. Secondary characters were supportive of the main characters, but didn't stand out to me.
Someone who enjoys Brady's mafia books will enjoy this. But not for me.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Helen · Rating 4 out of 5]

MM A Christmas Daddy

Daniel and his Russian Mobster Daddy, Mr Baranov. Great characters, each have flaws which make them more human.

After being fired from his job two weeks earlier, Daniel goes for an interview at the Glitter Box Club in NYC.

The club is run by the notorious Mobster boss Andrei Baranov, who wants Daniel to be a dancer but also to be his boy.

But both families have different ideas.

James Talbot did a good job of the narration, although, like usual, I did speed up the audio to 1.35 on audible.

A Daddy for Christmas: Daniel
By: Brina Brady
Narrated by: James Talbot
Length: 7 hrs and 16 mins

❤❤❤❤ Overall
🎧🎧🎧🎧 Narration
📚📚📚📚 Story
Read at 1.35 speed on Audible

I received this audiobook for free from the author, and my review is my opinion and an honest review.

[Anij · Rating 3 out of 5]

"He was the right kind of challenge to keep him from getting bored."

I've read quite of few of Brina's books and I have to say, this is the most erratic so far. The writing is uneven and doesn't flow, the story is all over the place and even the chemistry between the main characters isn't what she usually provides. Usually her stories have more damaged characters and maybe that's why this book was a challenge. One thing it does have, which Brina excels at and is the main reason I keep reading her books, is wonderful characters. Daniel was adorable and perfect for Andrei, who needed someone to keep him on his toes. Daniel and Andrei, along with a couple of equally adorable roommates, made this book a good Christmas story. Even if I did get annoyed with Andrei for his foolish, unfounded jealousy.

[Kurtis Mcdowell · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was enjoyable. It was a light harted read. The main characters were well crafted and the sex not over the top. Daddy Baranov has a hard shell but a soft interior, and looks after all his employees and family, but he has an fallen in love with a new dancer Danny. Both Danny and Daddy Baranov have family issues they need to work out. Daddy Baranov is a self made millionaire that owns a number of Nightclubs, strip joints and casinos. Danny is a college student studying dance with an non-supporting abusive father. There is room for a full series of spin off books based on the characters in the book that need their own stories.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Donna · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another enjoyable book in the Daddy for Christmas series, this one from Brina Brady with her Russian Daddy Dom characters. When Daniel applies for a job with Andrei Baranov to dance in his Glitter Box Club, he is instantly taken by the man, and the attraction is mutual. After a bit of an unusual audition, Daniel gets the job, and maybe a Daddy, too. The road isn’t always smooth, with family problems on both sides and some jealousy here and there, but if all goes well, Daniel will have his Christmas wish, his own Daddy for Christmas.

Great characters, good descriptions, lots of activity in the plot to keep it interesting, and a HEA, or at least HFN, for more than just Daniel and Daddy Baranov.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Sasha Fountain · Rating 4 out of 5]

Daniel, a passionate dancer, loses his job for being too flirty. Despite his dad's disapproval, he dreams of dancing in city clubs. He lands an interview at Glitter Box with Andrei Baranov, the son of a mobster. I expected a dark tale but it turned out to be sweet & possessive! Daddy Baranov falls for Daniel instantly and vows to protect him. Daniel's attracted too but hesitates to date his boss. Although Daddy Baranov can be harsh, he's mostly a softie for loved ones. Their banter & emotional support for each other got me hooked!

The book has its share of drama, danger & violence. The ending felt rushed but it was still a heartwarming Christmas love story.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Sarah H · Rating 3 out of 5]

A generous rating considering…

This author has been recommended often by others in 2 groups I’m a part of on FB & I have found that I prefer author duos when an author’s writing style really bugged me & I’m hoping that will be the case for a different series with this author. Now, my thoughts on this book & yes I read the whole thing instead of dnf-ing it. A lot of unnecessary usage of the “Daddy Boronov” as well as throughout the story inconsistencies, fluff for the sake of it instead of it really being needed & OTT reactions from both Daniel’s dad & Boronov came out of nowhere & doesn’t fit the BDSM narrative at all. Anyway, I will remember for the future that this author’s writing style on its own is most definitely not for me.

[stardragon · Rating 4 out of 5]

Daniel Sparks is a student and a dancer. His father is an abusive, homophobic, dirty cop. Daniel was fired from his last dancing job for flirting to much. Andrew Baranov is the middle son of a Russian mob boss, but has built his own nightclub and casino empire on his own that is run legally. All Andrei does is work. Daniel applies for a dancing position at one of his clubs and gets it. This is their individual stories on dealing with their families during the Christmas holidays. The story is dramatic, romantic, steamy and heartwarming with a HEA.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Jewell Moreno · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was different kind of story then I've read before. Daniel is an exotic dancer who actually studies dance at college, and is ultra talented. He meets Andrei Baranov when attempting to get a job at his club. Andrei is a member of the Baranov Russian Mob family, but has distanced himself away from them. I'm new to the Mafia romance stories, and this one held more of a Dom/Sub feel than Daddy/Boy but the relationship was promising. Having both MC deal with destructive family members added to the dynamic and I enjoyed meeting the other dancers Daniel moved in with. Their Christmas traditons were sweet.

[Brenda Moser · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a well written book with a cast of strong characters centering on Daniel, a dancer and Andrew, son of a mob boss. The author takes you into their lives with steam and romance and had me glued to the pages with all the drama, danger and a bit of violence. She gives them a fun banter but also has both dealing with family issues. She paints her scenes perfectly and delivers a terrific read.

I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book. All opinions in this review are my own and freely given.

[C.B. · Rating 5 out of 5]

The drama holds it together! Daniel has a bad habit of flirting with anyone. He puts himself at employment risk needing to pay for his rent and bills. Mr Baranov, owns the Glitter Club. He's rigid and runs his club strictly not forming emotional attachments. He is attracted to Daniel, but enemies won't let him have peace. This is a tightrope story. You are constantly holding your breath while pulling for Daniel and his Daddy. Nicely done. Hot cover art. I received an ARC and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Latecia Jennings · Rating 4 out of 5]

Who would have thought a cold hearted business man would turn into a caring daddy/dom...brought to his knees by a carefree dancer. From the first meet up, Daniel and Andrei had that intense chemistry that couldn't be denied. A lot of bumps in the road towards their forever after and I was definitely cheering them on. There's a beautiful dancing scene that had me all in the feels. That right there made this romance worth the read. Definitely recommend!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[LJ Henley · Rating 4 out of 5]

Daniel has a jerk for a father. Because he is gay, his dad beats him up, leaving him bloody and bruised. But he’s got the love of his mom and brother. Getting fired from his past job, Daniel applies for a job working at the Glitter Box. From the first moment Andrei saw Daniel, he wanted him. Jealousy and flirtation get in the way temporarily for the couple but they end up finding their HEA.

I would have given it 5 starts but felt the writing was a little stilted. Other than that I enjoyed the story.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Sue Milkovich · Rating 5 out of 5]

A DADDY FOR CHRISTMAS is not the typical Daddy/Boy Book. BRINA BRADY has added her style of twist. Christmas wishes need to come true and they will. But things are a little different for a Russian Family head and a Dancer. Andrei comes across as grumpy, Daniel is labeled a flirt. Once these two find their footing they glide into happiness. This is a GREAT story. I enjoyed how they worked together. I HIGHLY RECOMMEND THIS BOOK AND THIS A DADDY FOR CHRISTMAS SERIES!!!!!!!!!
I was given this Book as a gift.

[Paul Lewis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow!

Such an amazing story and one that kept me entertained and even on the edge of my seat.

The way you get to know the characters and Brina makes it so you feel their emotions.

I was so sad to finish reading this and hope there will be more like this and even following the other characters we got to know and love.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Barb · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a fun and interesting holiday read! Daniel and Andrei were very different but a lot alike also and it made them a perfect and interesting couple. They were really sweet together. All the characters were very interesting and fun and really made this a very enjoyable read. A fun and unique holiday story that was very enjoyable.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Raecharmed · Rating 4 out of 5]

Daniel is struggling to support himself and ends up dancing in a club for money. Mr. Baranov owns the club and has made all his businesses legit. However, as soon as he sees Daniel, he knows that he wants him. Will they find what they both need in each other?

This is a great story that will hook you in from the first chapter. This is a well written and very entertaining story.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Monica · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was the first Mafia Daddy book I have read. I did enjoy it with a nice suspense level to it. Both M/C’s coming from strong hard set family’s. You can pick your friends but not your family. I liked that both Daniel and Daddy Baranov stood their ground to get what they both wanted. I gave it a 3 star because it seemed a bit rushed at the end.

Lady M.