Twinkling Elf

by Nic Starr

Opposites attract when doing a good deed brings two friends together for Christmas.

When Micah returns to town and volunteers to run Santa’s workshop, he never expects his brother’s best friend to be working alongside him. It seems the time apart has done nothing to kill the crush he’s always had on Nicholas, and he’ll need to learn to live with it. Showing up each day in his silly elf costume is going to be torture.

Back home for the holidays, Nicholas gets roped into assisting at the kid’s play center, but it turns out being Santa’s photographer has its perks. He loves spending time with Micah, whose Christmas spirit is infectious and does strange things to Nicholas’ heart. Not to mention those adorable leggings!

The festive season, two friends, two good deeds, and the gift of love.

Twinkling Elf is a low-angst gay Christmas story featuring opposites attract, brother’s best friend, a long-time crush, with sexy times and a sweet ending. It’s a stand-alone story filled with Christmas spirit.

Genres: Holiday, Christmas, M M Romance, M M Contemporary, Friends To Lovers, Contemporary

58 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 22, 2023

About the author

Nic Starr lives in Australia where she tries to squeeze as much into her busy life as possible. Balancing the demands of a corporate career with raising a family and writing can be challenging but she wouldn’t give it up for the world.

Always a reader, the lure of m/m romance was strong and she devoured hundreds of wonderful m/m romance books before eventually realising she had some stories of her own that needed to be told!

When not writing or reading, she loves to spend time with her family–an understanding husband and two beautiful daughters–and is often found indulging in her love of cooking and planning her dream home in the country.

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Reviews

[ElizaMac · Rating 2 out of 5]

My expectations for novellas, especially holiday novellas, are fairly low. But I expect relationship building and a physical connection. This was… nothing. It was nothing. It was a couple of cute convos and a make out session that faded to black and I felt nothing by the end. Two stars is probably generous. But it didn’t make me angry which would warrant a one star. I just didn’t care.

[Cathy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I chose this story because it was short and I needed a break for a streak of full length novels. I like shorter stories, it´s a nice change of pace. The blurb sounded good, and low-angst was just what I was looking for! There´s only so much I can take of angsty romance lol. So, yeah, I was in the perfect mood for this.

So, it´s Christmas and, since Santa´s workshop seems to be the mandatory place to meet the love of one´s life at Christmas, it was no surprise that Micah was asked to help out there… as an elf, of course. ;) Yeah, it´s cliché, but hey, it still works well, so I´m fine with that. Replacement photographer was a first for me, though. I like photography, so I enjoyed that.

I liked how good Micah was with the kids. He was a sweet guy. And I liked how thoghtful Nicholas was, and how he made sure to show Micah how amazing he thought he was. My favorite part of the books was when they spoke when Micah found the stash of photographs he took of him That´s when I really connected with Nicholas the most They´d spoken about his wish to do more art photography and his Instagram photos, etc… but that scene drove the point across. That was an artist´s eye right there… seeing the beauty in the world around him and capturing its essence in picture, giving life to what he saw. To me, anyway. ^^;

I also found it very refreshing to see a big brother say it´s okay for his best friend to date his brother, going as far as ungluing the other guy from Nicholas´s back, so they can have time together lol! And it was even more refreshing to hear the best friend to say he doesn´t need his permission. :P I get so tired of the way overdone ‟off-limits because he´s my best friend´s brother” (and vice versa) cliché that´s still doing the rounds in half the gazillion books out there… as if it mattered what brothers think about who we date lol. So, yes, I clapped when I read the dialogues here. :D

I had a hard time pinpointing the characters´ age… until someone mentioned an upcoming 10-year reunion. They felt a little younger than that to me, but I´m probably just out of touch with how people in their mid to late 20s act these days. That´s half a life away for me lol.

All in all, this was a sweet, easy read. The kind that makes you feel warm and happy. Everything flowed well and the characters felt real. They were good together.

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

[Ellie (On a break, mostly rereading) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Twinkling Elf is a standalone Christmas holiday romance short story by the wonderful Nic Starr.

This is a short story set in a small town, where Micah returns home and is encouraged by his brother to volunteer at a Santa's workshop in the local mall. Micah is Santa's elf, helping to usher each kid to visit Santa. The photographer at the mall is none other than Micah's secret crush and his brother's best friend, Nicholas. Nicholas is back in town to visit for the holidays, though he roped in to become the photographer at Santa's workshop, located in the store that his brother now runs and used to belong to their fathers.

This is a super sweet short where Micah and Nicholas find each other. The romance is gentle, much like the main characters, who I adore. The Christmas setting is just perfect.

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

[LJ Henley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Moving back home, getting his apartment unpacked and decorating for Christmas, Micah is busy, but not too busy to do a little favor for a friend. He's the elf at the Christmas center at the mall. Making children smile if they are nervous, helping Santa with crying kids and holding hands with little ones as they get their picture taken, is just some of his duties as the elf. His brothers best friend, who Micah has crushed on for years, is the photographer for the center and gets to spend a lot of time with Micah. Noticing how cute he is has Nicholas checking him out and spending time after work with him. A gentle shove from Micah's brother has Nicholas giving Micah a ride home, only for it to end with a kiss.

This sweet, quick Christmas romance is just the thing to read to get a little boost in the Christmas, love spirit!.

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

[Belinda Zamora · Rating 4 out of 5]

Micah is back home after some difficulties in life.
He gets roped into helping at the Santa village as an elf.
He really doesn't mind because he loves Christmas and children.
Nicholas is a photographer back home for the holidays and Micah's brother Chad's best friend.
Nicholas is also feeling not so comfortable with the direction his life's taken but at the same time fears moving back home will be seen as a failure.
Nicholas also ends up helping at Santa's village as a photographer.
As he and Micah work together they fall into an easy camaraderie.
Micah has had a crush on Nicholas for years but never thought he stood a chance with him.
Nicholas slowly finds himself attracted to Micah and makes it his mission to show him his insecurities are unfounded.
This was a really sweet holiday novella.

[Emily Pennington · Rating 5 out of 5]

Micah and Nicholas . . . (❤ I love the cover ❤ )

Micah has returned home and his brother Chad talks him into volunteering to help out as an Elf with Santa’s Workshop for the kids. It turns out that Chad’s best friend Nicholas has also returned to their hometown and is asked to do the photos at the workshop. Micah has had a long-time crush on Nicholas, so this might be a bit uncomfortable working side by side with him and trying to hold back feelings. But as the two of them work together, Micah’s joyful Christmas spirit keeps Nicholas smiling and their relationship becomes comfortable and easy. Will it turn into something more? Will Chad show his support for the two of them who seem perfect for each other? Or will Adam, who is still interested in Nicholas from their high school days, try to stick close and prevent Micah from showing his own interest in Nicholas?

[C.B. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Never give up on Christmas miracles! Micah, loved the Christmas holiday season. He wishes he had a partner to share it with, but he still appreciates the season. Circumstances facilitated his recent move back home and he is still settling in. Nicholas, Micah's brother, Chad's best friend is home de-stressing and hoping to spend a little time with Chad, recharging and relaxing. Carol, Nicholas' Mom gets Micah and Nicholas to help with her Christmas Santa's Workshop. They spend more time together on a new level as adults. Micah's crush on Nic is still active and Nic appreciates grown up Micah. Sweet story showing you can go home again. Good story, fun supportive characters. Well done! I received an ARC and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Heather York · Rating 5 out of 5]

Like the other After Xmas Holiday Reads this season, it was hard to concentrate as much as I normally do as my mother was in hospital at the time and has since passed away which makes reviewing a bit difficult at the moment. I'm not sure why I didn't read this back in 2023 but I got to it now and loved it. Everything about the story was such a delight. As much as I loved Micah and Nicholas, personally what really stood out was seeing the big brother give his blessing for his best friend to date his brother, too often authors use the friction between BFF and brother to interfere and create a roadblock but not in Twinkling Elf. Very refreshing. A sweet short novella that has the right blend of humor and heart that makes the reader smile, what more can you ask for?

[Marty Hamrick · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this delightful quick little Christmas read. Micah is such a cutie and Nicholas is wonderful. I don't think I understand quite why Micah has such a down outlook on himself, but there's really no drama at all, and only the slightest bit of angst from self-doubt here. It's a very quick, but complete, and well-written story. I loved everything about the story--particularly Micah's brother and his forthright conversations with both Micah and Nicholas, as ewll as his unconditional support of them making a relationship together.

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

[L H · Rating 4 out of 5]

Micah is home for Christmas and he gets pulled in to helping with Christmas pictures with Santa. He did not expect to not only be playing elf, he also did not expect to be working with his crush. Nick is Micah's brother's bestie and Micah thinks he is going to have to continue to quietly deal with his crush. Turns out as they work together they find an easy vibe and the attraction grows between them. Turns out coming home is a good thing for both of these guys this year. This story is so cute and the characters are likable and well supported as they find their way to one another.

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

[Jeanette Waters · Rating 5 out of 5]

This short Christmas story is a delightful gem of the season. Micah and Nicholas have a sweet chemistry. Micah crushed on his brother's best friend when he was a teen. Seeing him again, that feeling hasn't gone away. Nicholas loves the way Micah looks in his elf costume with his candy cane striped leggings.
Brother's best friend trope, with little angst. It's low heat with a love scene more "ahhhwww" rather the "sizzling".
A fun, easy read.

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

[T Paul · Rating 4 out of 5]

A lot of holiday fun for these two m/c’s. Playing an elf may not seem like a big deal but for those kiddies whom you brighten their day you’re pretty important. Micah is a great Santa’s helper and getting to work with Nicholas, his secret crush, makes it all the better. This Christmas treat is a short story packed with lots of holiday cheer and a great HeA.

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

[K-Me · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was just what I needed this evening. A sweet one sitting novella that was warm and cozy. I enjoyed that it was an elf named Micah and a photographer named Nicholas. This was unique yet so realistic because of course every Santa would need a photographer! This is also an older brother's best friend romance, and it was super refreshing to see that the older brother really was best friends with Nicholas because he was actually genuine happy to help these two be together.

[Deb Kel · Rating 4 out of 5]

A really nice low-angst mm Christmas story. Micah and Nicholas are complete opposites and even with Nicholas being his brother’s best friend doesn't stop Micah's long-time crush. When they start working together at the local mall the chemistry starts to build leaving Nicholas in a quandary whether he should act on it! What follows is a heart-warming story ending in a hea.

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

[Saskia Veldhuis · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very short read, nothing particularly original but nice and sweet without being too much. I particularly liked the attitude of Micah's brother -it's refreshing that it wasn't the usual "don't touch my brother" theme.
I received a complimentary copy of this book via Booksprout and am happy to leave a voluntary review.

[Akilah O · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book. It was definitely a page turner. Short and sweet without feeling like the plot was rushed or we didn’t get enough romance. Nicholas and Micah were so cute together and the ending melted my heart. A must read this holiday season.

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

[Cynthia Brooks · Rating 5 out of 5]

Micah loves Christmas and his Christmas wish just came true when the man he's crushing on just walked through the door to work with him in Santa's Workshop. Nicholas sees Micah and realizes that he might have feelings for him. They work together and get to know each other again and soon wonder if they could be more. I really enjoyed this short story.

[Maureen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Micah moves back to his home town and offers to be an elf at the Santa's Workshop in the mall, he takes to it like a duck to water, easily calms the scared or nervous kids. This doesn't go unnoticed by the hired photographer, who happens to be Micah's brothers best friend, see where this might be going? A short and sweet holiday tale, a lovely little read.

[Amber · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved Twinkling Elf by Nic Starr. I loved Nicholas and Micah's story. It's the perfect length for a lunchtime read and a great holiday story. I loved that Nicholas's best friend didn't give him a hard time about his interest in his younger brother and actually gave his approval.

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

[Debbie Benson · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review. Attraction is finally acted on by Micah and Nicholas after they help out at the kid's play center. I like how both are honest about their feelings. It's a sweet story.

[Denise · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great short holiday novella about Micah and his long time crush his brother’s best friend Nicholas and how after working together at Santa’s village they finally get together and get their Hea. Great holiday feel good short story.

[Reatha Klein · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was an awesome sweet quick read. Even though this was a short and everything happens fast it doesn't feel like it. A great read for anyone looking for a book to help them get into the Christmas spirit!.

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

[Amanda Reeves · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a really good short, low-angst holiday story. It was a great read about Micah and his brother's best friend Nicholas.

[DLB2572 · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a short and really sweet holiday brother’s best friend story. It is very entertaining and romantic.

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

[Mark · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a new author for me and I am glad to have found her. This was an absolute delight and will be part of my regular Christmas reading books from now on. Sweet!

[Luz Rivas · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was lovely

[Carolina✌ ItsCaroBooks · Rating 5 out of 5]

El spicy, cute y corto libro navideño que necesitaba🤧

[Suze · Rating 3 out of 5]

A cheeky short Christmas story - delivers as expected!
With long time crush turned real life romance at Christmas

[LuLaa ♡ · Rating 4 out of 5]

Che me re gustó! La súper recomiendo. Cortito y romántico. Lástima que no se desarrollo como una hermosa novela larga.

[Michaele · Rating 3 out of 5]

Super cute and short Christmas read. I gave it 3 stars mostly because I don't think it was particularly memorable and was too short for me to really get into it. Still an enjoyable Christmas story.