Sparkledust

by Kota Quinn

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?

Genres: Christmas, Romance, M M Romance

104 pages, Kindle Edition

Published December 12, 2024

Reviews

[Molly Otto · Rating 4 out of 5]

A cute joyful holiday read. As others have mentioned the story, just feel that we are missing a middle for more development of these characters. Adored the relationship of these three, especially how Emmerson understood to be in Leo's life he also needed to be in Mayas life. They all had a beautiful relationship, and I just wanted to see more of that development before we got their ending. Was happy to see Juniper & Alec again and happy and showed us how well they fit together. Overall, it was a fun holiday novella.

[Thera · Rating 1 out of 5]

I hate leaving this review but I have to. The story is sorely lacking. I've read pretty much every Kota book and they're going downhill from how good they were last year. I wish this book had more story but it goes from start to finish with no middle. Also, this isn't the first time a book has been uploaded wrongly. It's become a habit and I'm sad by this.

[Morgan (youarethelibrarian) · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was sweet and really short. I would’ve liked more scenes between Emmerson finding out about Maya and the epilogue, but the epilogue was really cute. Loved the cameos of Juniper and Alec!

[Lydia R · Rating 5 out of 5]

Elf-Mas, part 2!

Ooohhh my heart 💖

Leo and Emmerson are so adorable - it's a short book, but it's full of heart and missed connections. Maya is a doll, and I love seeing how she fits in with the Santa's Village crew. What a fun addition to the Christmas season this year!

[Zoë Miranda · Rating 3 out of 5]

Holiday Cheer Meter: 3/5
(Where 1 is as Christmassy as 'Die Hard' and 5 is more like 'Elf')

1st person, present tense, dual POV
Leo (O'Brien? like June probably, it's not actually mentioned in the book) (23), single father to Maya (6), CSR, photographer, mall elf Sparkledust
Emmerson (37-38-ish), owner of Tease Me, Teas (tea shop)

This Merry Elf-Mas season has been sorely lacking. I'm hugely disappointed since I loved the camaraderie of the first season so very much. This installment contained a lot of the ingredients that make for a sweet Christmas read, but it was missing the heart.

I'll be honest, single parent isn't my favourite trope and I struggle with superficial insta-love so this wasn't the best choice for me. I've read some good short stories and novellas but this felt like it was meant to be a longer story.

I saw the author's note about the wrong version being uploaded at release, and I did read the correct version, which was the whole book, it just didn't feel fully fleshed out, like it was an outline with a couple scenes written in and no real substance. Almost like the author ran out of time and went with the half finished draft in order to reach a deadline. I hated that Leo kept springing things on Emmi without a lot of thought and consideration; the fact that he has a little girl and then that his old brother, June, was Emmi's good friend. Emmerson being all in on a guy with a kid after a matter of days despite a lifetime of actively avoiding single parents was a weird take to work into the story, the whole thing felt love bomb-y and came across as a bit of a red flag. It was too much, too soon, without a solid build-up that makes the reader believe in the couple's staying power.

So, the good:
- All the characters were lovely and easy to like.
- Maya was a sweet, lovable and loving child (though spoke as though she was much older than 6).
- The dates were all solid fun ideas and I do love when couples decorate for the holiday together.
- The epilogue was so freaking sweet.

I guess if you've got a couple hours and need something short and sweet light on plot and drama this would fit the bill. I typically love Kota Quinn's writing but this just felt so rushed and I couldn't enjoy it for what it was because I kept seeing what it could have been.

[Kitchen Sink Books · Rating 5 out of 5]

Having a child at the age of 16 must be hard enough but becoming a single father when the mother you have done everything for wants nothing to do with her child? That is hard, really hard. But Leo has a fantastic family who have offered nothing but support especially his brother Juniper (June) and his now fiancee Alec whose story came in the last book. Now Leo is 23 and Maya is 6 and Christmas is around the corner yet again. Only this year is looking harder, Leo's roommate has left and he needs to find himself another job to bring in some additional money for living expenses. He is certain he can do it but a little help from his brother could be on the cards... Until his headstrong daughter takes matters into her own hands, calls his friend and tells him Leo wants to audition to be an elf at the mall!

Emmerson has dreamed for years, since the day his eight year old self told his mum he wanted to own a business, of doing just that. Now much older and with just his brother as family, he is finally doing it. He is opening his very own tea shop in the Mall. Tease Me Teas is a huge success allowing Emmerson only a short break but that is enough time for him to set eyes on Leo, even momentarily he is struck by the beauty of the other man. Getting the courage to say hello isn't the problem, it is finding the chance to have a moment to meet him, a moment that is very nearly messed up until Leo decides he should give the other man, a man who it transpires is also his brother's friend, a chance.

A date at the ice rink, complete with Maya, is a huge hit. Finn doesn't bat an eyelid at Maya being there, in fact it is friends at first sight and the rest... Well it would seem that Christmas magic makes wishes come true! An utterly charming story from start to finish with a love story to melt your heart, a swoony Christmas elf, a tasty tea shop owner and a sassy little girl!.

[Emily Pennington · Rating 5 out of 5]

Leo and Emmerson’s Story . . .

Leo is awakened by his 6-year-old daughter Maya who is ready to celebrate their birthday. When he doesn’t move fast enough, she pulls the blankets off of him and runs out of the room. Leo had been in love when he was 16 and his girlfriend convinced him to have some fun with her, swearing she was on the pill. She ended up pregnant anyway, and Maya was born on Leo’s birthday. There was no way he would give up his sweet daughter. However, as soon as Nancy graduated, she gave up her parental rights and left. Today, his brother Juniper (“Uncle June”) and his fiance Uncle Alec are coming over, and Maya wants her dad ready to go. Leo notices how happy his brother is, and it makes Leo wish he could have the same kind of love. So he figures he might check out working at the Frostdale Mall as Santa’s elf helper and maybe meet someone. And he also needs to earn some additional income with a part-time job when he can find one. Luckily he does end up meeting a shop owner named Emmerson, a man with lots of energy and ambition, and also very thoughtful and sweet. And as soon as Emmerson and Maya meet, it very definitely looks like these three are the perfect combination! Can they make a relationship work? Are they ready to become a family?

[kymagirl · Rating 5 out of 5]

When single dad Leo (H23) takes a seasonal gig as a mall elf to make ends meet, he never expects it to lead to anything more than a paycheck and a few laughs. But when he meets Emmerson (H37), a tea shop owner with a penchant for thoughtful gestures and a knack for making his heart race, Leo finds himself daring to hope for more. Emmerson is instantly drawn to Leo—not just for his kind heart but for the way he lights up around his six-year-old daughter, Maya. As the holidays unfold, Emmerson steps into their lives with open arms, joining in ice-skating adventures, festive decorating marathons, and tender moments that bring them closer than either expected. As their bond deepens, Leo has to overcome his doubts about blending love with fatherhood, and Emmerson has to prove that he’s ready to embrace the whole package: Leo, Maya, and being a family. Sweet and steamy age gap, opposites attract, MM Christmastime romance, exploring love, connections, second chances, resilience, commitment, and family.

[Nicole Deanne Veracruz · Rating 5 out of 5]

Leo became a single father at 16yrs old. His high school girlfriend signed over her parental rights and he chose to raise his daughter Maya on his own. At the age of 23 he takes a second part-time job at the mall as an elf to make ends meet. What the food court he looks at a very attractive man but doesn't get the chance to speak to him. Emmerson has just had his grand opening of his own tea shop. After seeing Leo at the food court he can't stop thinking about him. As soon as he finds out his name and that he's working as an elf at the mall he drops off a little present to him. After some nerves and miscommunication on Leo's part they meet up for a date. Emmerson never saw himself dating somebody with a child but his bond with Maya was immediate. I really really enjoyed this sweet little romantic book.

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

[Donna · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is adorable. Leo is daddy to Maya, a precocious six-year old. He takes a job at the mall as one of Santa’s elves and catches the eye of Emmerson, owner of a newly opened tea shop. Leo finds this man interesting, but figures an attraction will go nowhere, but Emmerson is anxious to take Leo on a date. That is when he meets Maya, and instead of being turned off, he is enchanted by the little girl, and she by him. The more time the two men spend together and with Maya, the stronger the attraction and relationship grows as Emma blends seamlessly into their lives. The ending had me in tears, happy ones with really good feels. A sweet, low angst romantic story of a family in the making, with feel good Christmas vibes for the holiday season.

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

[Sara Sigler · Rating 4 out of 5]

Leo is raising his little girl since he was 16 with help from parents so he could finish school. His parents gave him a house they had inherited but didn’t need but Leo and Maya did. Leo needed to get another job to help financially as his roommate moved out. Justin told him to get a job at Santa’s village in the mall as an elf, his little daughter called a friend working there for an interview for Leo before he could do it and said that his name was Sparkledust. He had an old Halloween costume redone to look more elf like and loved it so did Maya. Saw Emmerson at the food court but then Emmerson disappeared, he started a tea shop he painted a teapot the same color as Leo’s top. Leo was told things about Emmerson by his brother but Emmerson and Maya got along.

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

[Alix · Rating 3 out of 5]

3- A cute, low angst holiday treat about a young single dad, his daughter, and the brother's best friend who ends up falling for them.

I thought this was going to be a story about an elf at the mall and while that was a moment, it wasn't really an ongoing part of the book. I liked the dates, the holiday decorating, the one spice scene...but it all just felt rushed and surface level. I have zero issues with insta-love - in fact, I kinda love it, but it does nned to be...densely packed then. I did enjoy the epilogue - it was super cute and probably my favorite part. It's a fun little story, but it maybe tried to cover too much.

I received a complimentary copy and am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Book Lover · Rating 4 out of 5]

𝐒𝐏𝐀𝐑𝐊𝐋𝐄 𝒟𝓊𝓈𝓉 // Merry Elf-Mas 2 book 3 // 𝒦ℴ𝓉𝒶 𝒬𝓊𝒾𝓃𝓃

🎄Review 🎄

Christmas romance with all the sweetness in the world. Kota always knows how to give us just enough 🥵 with all the sweetness.

Leo and Emmerson are just meant to be together. Leo and his daughter were a packaged deal that Emmerson didn’t know he needed in his life.

Wanting a sweet short Christmas romance with just enough 🔥 then jump right in.

🏳️‍🌈 MM Holiday Romance
💜 Age Gap
🪻 Opposites Attract
😈 Friends Little Brother
💜 Single Dad
🪻 Cutest Matchmaking Daughter Ever
😈 Christmas Elf x Tea Shop Owner
💜 Short Novella // Slow Burn
🪻 Strangers to Lovers
🔝 Strict Top // ⬇️ Strict Bottom

Find Edit 👇🏼
🦄 IG: @love.2.readallmmromance

[Kendra Patterson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a feel good, no drama romance set at Christmas time. It's a short, fast read and just what I needed to cleanse the pallet. Emerson and Leo are at the same place in life (ready to settle down). They meet at the mall and there is instant attraction. The romance was fast but sometimes when you know, you know. Emmi and Leo had good chemistry. I really felt like Emmi genuinely loved being with Leo's daughter Maya. Leo's brother and Emmerson's BF is Juniper from the author's book Juniper's Evergreen. I would've liked a little more Christmas feeling to the story but I did thoroughly enjoy it as it is. If you like no or low drama, feel good romances Kota is definitely the author for you.

[LA FITCH · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just loved this story. Leo has been a single dad since Maya was born and he was sixteen years old. He needs a part time job as his roommate left unexpectedly so becomes an elf at the Frostdale Mall. Emmerson has opened his tea shop in the mall and at lunch break they see each other but don't talk. They find out that Emmerson is an old friend of June's, Leo's older brother, and hasn't seen Leo since he was 13. Maya makes up the elf name Sparkledust for Leo which seems to fit. Their HEA is well-written, entertaining and a must-read.

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

[C.B. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Warm and sweet! Leo, takes a job as a mall elf. It seems his friends and brother are finding love at the mall. Maybe, he'll meet someone. Emerson, sees Leo, is attracted but forgot to get his digits. He is smitten and frustrated. Emmi, meets Leo and his adorable daughter, Maya and is doubly smitten. Way too short, but a lot is packed into this story. Delightful to find your new love interest is your bff's little brother. Potential roadblocks that are detours to happier times. Nicely done. I received an ARC an am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Shawna · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved Sparkledust. Leo is a single father, he struggles but it’s worth it to give his daughter everything she deserves. Emmerson finally opened his tea shop and the first day he sees Leo. They have an instant connection but Leo turns him down when he asks him out, most people reject him when he has a daughter. He decides to take a chance and agrees to date Emmerson. There is some magic going on at the mall. I loved the story and the characters. I would definitely recommend this book.

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

[Deb Kel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loving this Merry Elf-Mas multi-author series, and what a great addition. The relationship build up between Leo and Emmerson was so captivating. Then add in Maya, Leo's daughter and you have a ready made family! Great interaction between all the characters both main and secondary made this a throughly enjoyable read.

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

[Kimberly · Rating 5 out of 5]

So sweet!

This was so sweet! I loved Leo and Emmerson. They both work at the mall and see each other from a distance. A few days later Emmerson uses the tea shop he owns to take the first step to introduce himself. So cute! I liked how they spent time together as well as with Leo's daughter Maya. It was great seeing June and Alec from the first season again. A cute Christmas story.

[Stephanie W · Rating 4 out of 5]

More holiday joy. Part of a multi-author series, Leo and Emmerson were pure joy. Having become a single parent at 16, his daughter is his number one priority.
Emmerson doesn't usually date people that are single parents, but he was drawn to Maya immediately. The connection was too powerful to ignore.

Wonderfully done!.

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. It was a sweet how Leo and Emmerson notice each other in the mall and with a bit of encouragement and courage, they start a relationship. I liked how Emmerson accepted everything about Leo and fell in love with Leo and his daughter.

[Cynthia Brooks · Rating 5 out of 5]

Leo is twenty tree and has a six year old daughter. He would do anything for her. he takes a part time job in the mall as an elf for Santa. Emmersom is thirty seven and has moved back to his home town after ten years. He's opened a tea shop in the mall. They meet at the mall and realize they want more then friedship. I really enjoyed this book.

[MM Book Reader · Rating 1 out of 5]

First time reading this author and after reading it, I wondered where the rest of the book was?? I went back and apparently, there's a trend with 'mistaken uploads' and the "correct" finished book getting loaded days later?????? This book is totally incomplete!

[Henna · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cute short Christmas-themed read with a lot of heart and a sprinkling of heat.

In this story Leo gets his HEA, with a man he didn't expect, and with a help from a sneaky little girl. Juniper and Alec from previous story make appearances as well.

[Margaret · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great story

This was so cute. Leo is Junes brother from last year’s Juniper Evergreen and while you could read this story as a stand-alone it’s better after Junes story. These two were so wonderful together. This was a fantastic little Christmas read.

[Denise · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed being back at Frostdale mall again, this is Juniper’s younger brother Leo’s story and it is a great age gap holiday read, I really liked Emmerson and thought he was great with Maya and it was great catching up with June and Alec again.

[Haley edgecomb · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a great addition to this already cute series. I love the dialogue and interactions between the characters, the humor and spice is well written.

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

[Urszula · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoy not too long and not too complex stories. Good world building and interesting characters and relationships among them. Very christmasy. All in all a good read.

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

[Denise GremoryKohta · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow!!!

This was amazing. I was so happy to see some old characters again but I think Leo and Emerson are my favorite. Of course Maya might have a little to do with that. And that ending literally brought happy tears to my eyes.

[Elena Mariati · Rating 5 out of 5]

RTC: 5 Stars- I couldn't put this down. It made me feel so good. And I totally cried in the epilogue. But also, can I get Tease Me, Teas in my town?