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In Good Spirits: An MMMM Christmas Daddy Romance

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Bah. Humbug.

EVAN

I didn’t always hate Christmas. But where most people see joy and love, I now see grief and loss. All I want is to be left alone at this time of year. Unfortunately, I seem to have accidentally offended a sweet boy at my club. Thanks to my meddling friend, I was supposed to organise a blind date for him that I knew nothing about.

Rather than hold it against me, however, he’s decided to show me all the fun that Daddies and boys can have during the holidays with some ‘practice’ dates. Not just with him, but his two boyfriends as well. It’s unthinkable…but I start having fun. My heart has been broken for so long, though. Surely, it’s too late to fix it now.

TIAN

Okay, yes, I was hurt when my Secret Santa Daddy jilted me. But I know that deep down Evan is a good man. He just needs a little help to show him the way, and I happen to be the little for the job! Even better, I convince my boyfriends to help, too. Jude is the perfect mischievous middle to get Evan smiling again, and Daddy Sai…I think secretly he wants to be Daddied himself sometimes.

It’s not hard to find the strong, caring man hidden away between Evan’s gruff exterior. When our lessons become something more, can I convince him he’s safe to open his heart again to love? Christmas in the past tore his heart in two, but in the present, we’re going to mend it for all the Christmases yet to come!

In Good Spirits is a super steamy, standalone MMMM gay romance novel featuring two Daddies, a middle and a little, a second chance at love, a Christmas wonderland, an old playroom given new purpose, a matchmaking Corgi, and a guaranteed HEA with absolutely no cliffhanger.

270 pages, Kindle Edition

Published December 20, 2024

54 people are currently reading
49 people want to read

About the author

Helen Juliet

51 books201 followers
Helen Juliet is a British author of contemporary MM fairy tale adaptations, including the international bestselling Beauty and the Beast retelling, Thorn in His Side. She lives just outside of London with her husband and three balls of fluff that occasionally pretend to be cats.

She began writing at an early age, later honing her craft online in the world of fanfiction on sites like Wattpad. Fifteen years and over half a million words later, she sought out original MM novels to read. By the end of 2016 she had written her first book of her own, and in 2017 she achieved her lifelong dream of becoming a full-time author.

When she’s not writing she’s usually dancing, singing, filming music videos, taking long walks, working on jigsaw puzzles, drinking prosecco, or talking about Eurovision.

She also writes contemporary American small town MM series as HJ Welch, including Pine Cove, Homecoming Hearts, and Paddle Creek College.

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews
Profile Image for Kiki Viki.
71 reviews
February 3, 2025
Y pensar que este es el libro que me sacó del bloqueo lector jajajaja
Profile Image for DebbieReadsBooks.
2,762 reviews50 followers
December 23, 2024
I was gifted my copy of this book.

Helen Juliet usually retells fairy tales, and a cracking job she has of those too! This is not a fairy tale, but a literary classic. And a cracking job she does of this too!

I have one minor niggle, and it really is just a personal preference.

First person
Present tense
AND
Multi point of view!

Now, if you follow my reviews you'll know I have dumped many MANY books that I discover are written this way. I will make no apologies for that, I know what I like and I will own it every time. I wasn't able to dump this one, as apart from this point I really enjoyed it!

Sai and Jude are married, and they have Tian as their third. It has been so for 3 years. But Tian looks at Evan and sees so much pain, he just wants to be such a good boy for him.

The established 3-way works best because of 2 rules: you always come home, and communication. I found the communication in this book between Tian, Jude and Sai was outstanding and it paved the way for all three men to find themselves attracted to Evan in ways they really didn't see coming.

I loved how things changed for them all over time. Sai found himself wanting to be looked after, even though he was the Daddy in the three way. Jude wanted to be a good boy for Daddy Evan, while he was a brat to Daddy Sai. And Tian? Well just was just gonna be the bestest little boy a Daddy could wish for. Evan changed too, settling his ghosts to rest, and letting someone else into his heart. Well, someones, plural.

It's incredibly well written, and well delivered. It pushes most of my buttons, (point already made!) and is Ms Juliet at her best. Sweet and so very smexy. But deeply emotional too. Mostly from Evan letting go of Beau.

I loved how I was able to slot this book along side the Dickens version, and even if he might be not be best pleased, I really loved it!

4 very VERY good stars

*same worded review will appear elsewhere
Profile Image for Bette.
3,287 reviews24 followers
December 23, 2025
A Beautifully Heartwarming Story & Listen🎧

In Good Spirits
By: Helen Juliet
Narrated by: Dan Calley

Helen Juliet pens a sweet and spicy Christmas Daddy romance, a story that captivates your attention, tugs at your heartstrings and warms your heart. After losing his Beau on Christmas Eve seven years ago, Evan finds it hard to be happy during the holidays, and just wants to be left alone. Not knowing his friend had signed him up for a secret Santa daddy date at the club he belongs to, he never got to RSVP in time to decline. Afraid he may have insulted Tian, a little, he had to make things right, and met with him. Tian chose Evan because he saw his pain and sorrow, and he wanted to help raise his spirits and remember what it was like to have a boy again. Tian is in a relationship with Daddy Sai and Jude, a middle, who are married and opened their marriage for Tian and support what he is doing for Evan. I loved the way Tian thought and convinced Evan to give their relationship a try, and then with Jude.This is a wonderful start to a beautiful poly relationship, a story of healing and letting go and finding love or letting love find you. A well-written, cleverly plotted, multi-layered story with depth, and a lot of heart and steam. The world building, character growth and development are fantastic. Helen Juliet, thank you for this fabulous story and emotional rollercoaster ride.

🎧📚🎧 Dan Calley did a fantastic job voicing the characters and delivering a perfect portrayal of each. I loved how he took each role and made it his own, sounding believable and just as I pictured the characters to sound. He set the ideal tone for the story, and his expressive performance captured all the characters’ emotions, making you feel each one. Calley is an entertaining storyteller and a pleasure to listen to.
622 reviews6 followers
June 27, 2025
This is the first book I've read by Helen Juliet I think. It's part of a Christmas theme group of stories by several different authors. This story is about 4 men, Evan, Tian, Jude, and Sai. It isn't often that you read a book about a polycule relationship. First Tian is trying to help Evan back into living again after dealing with a huge tragedy, but Tian is already in a commited relationship with Jude and Sai. Tian believes Evan is sad, and wants to help. So Evan goes on a practice date with Tian, but soon Evan is making practice dates with both Jude and Sai as well. These characters were so well formed and you rooted for all of them. I will warn you though it is an open relationship, meaning that though they are commited to each other, they can have casual sex with other people. This helps for each of them to bring Evan into the fold. 2nd warning there is some very explicit smexy scenes between the characters. However, I really loved the dynamic of this relationship, and enjoyed Ms. Juliet's writing.
Profile Image for Mikaela (risqué.romance).
391 reviews9 followers
December 24, 2025
In Good Spirits - Helen Juliet
Narrated by Dan Calley
4.5/5✨🌟

* SPOILERS *

I haven’t listened to a lot of audiobooks by Dan Calley but this is as such a good listen. In the beginning, I had to slow down the speed but it was so worth it. Dan really did an amazing job with this Christmas book.

It’s hit or miss when it comes to picking out a book with grief but I was in my feelings for this book for Evan. Evan is a Daddy that lost his little and doesn’t think that he deserves to have that happily ever after ever again.

Jude, Tian and Sai were everything that Evan didn’t realize he needed. I just love the purpose that these guys had for each other. I love me a good MMMM book that makes me feel so many emotions.

The epilogue was so perfect. The heart to heart that Evan had with Beau had me so emotionally invested and then the aftermath… ugh. I’m here for all the love that this story gives. I just love the growth that you get with these four and I’m now invested in this author’s writing.

I received a copy of this book/audiobook and this is my honest review.
Profile Image for Magne Einar.
139 reviews13 followers
December 21, 2025
After the first book I ever read with the Age Play trope, I honestly didn’t think I’d ever enjoy it again. And the fact that I did says a lot.

I absolutely loved the dynamic between the four of them. Baby Tee (Tian), Sai, and Jude are already established as a unit and help Evan find his way back to trust and to life again. Baby Tee especially stole my heart — he was incredibly endearing. Honestly, every single character had me hooked.

This was such a lovely, steamy, and cosy Christmas story.

And Dan Calley? An outstanding performance. I’ve listened to his work before, so I already knew I’d love it — and he absolutely delivered. Huge recommendation from me, but please keep in mind: Age Play is not for everyone.
Profile Image for Sharon L.
898 reviews15 followers
December 21, 2025
"My ghosts will always be with me. But right now, I’m living for the living."

I loved this Dickenesque retelling of A Christmas Carol by Helen Juliet. I've loved every story I've read or listened to by this author and this one was no exception. Dan Calley did an amazing job with the narration, I couldn't have picked a better narrator myself.

What a heartwarming story just what I needed for Christmas. I love when a polycule works and I don't feel like anyone is being left out. These three men were able to breathe life back into this grieving damaged man and it puts you all up in your feels.

Why choose one when you can have three, hurt/comfort, a daddy who lost his forever boy, MMMM, brings the heat
Profile Image for Heather Duff.
1,838 reviews37 followers
December 27, 2025
A really lovely holiday romance with a sweet little, a daddy on the mend, a daddy who can appreciate the love of another daddy, and a middle in the middle.

Polyamory has many different forms, and these four men find themselves drawn to figuring out what that would look like for them. And it’s as beautiful as it sounds.

Finding space emotionally for four people couldn’t be easy, but the care and communication these men take to make sure that each person feels seen, loved, and heard is heartwarming.

If you like some warm and fuzzy holiday love with a side of steam, your spirits will definitely be good after reading this.

It’s also wonderful as an audiobook. Narrated by Dan Calley, who is a dream. I’ve been known to listen to a story simply because he’s narrating!
Profile Image for Molly Otto.
1,461 reviews30 followers
December 28, 2025
A holiday romance of hope

S beautiful story of starting over and moving past old grief for a brighter life. after losing Beau Evans life comes to a standstill unable to move past his grief. When Tian sees something in Evan and is added to be his secret Santa date with Evan, Evan must make the choice to move forward ot continue as he is . Trans other partners Jude & Sai encourage him and Evan to see what it could be. While going on dates with each individually Evan sees the hope of all four becoming something more. loved each has their own seperate chemistry and even more so when the four come together. You never feel an individual is left from the relationship, but all four are working together for something more and lasting. a beautiful uplifting story of hope.
Profile Image for Jennie.
848 reviews25 followers
December 22, 2024
4.5 stars

Evan is struggling to let go of his grief his after the loss of his Little, Beau.
Finding himself signed up for a Secret Santa Daddy/Little exchange comes as quiet the suprise.

It's through this exchange he meets Little Tian, who has an open relationship with his boyfriends, married couple, Daddy Sai and Middle, Jude. 

I enjoyed watching them helping Evan rediscover his Daddy side and each of them getting to know Evan and reawakening his joy for life. Managing to blend their differences into something special.

This is a sweet, fun and sexy Christmas poly love story which proves that with great communication and an open heart there is enough love in them all to go around.
Profile Image for Belinda Zamora.
2,686 reviews8 followers
December 22, 2024
Beautiful

Evan is lost in grief after the loss of his little, Beau.
He wants nothing to do with Christmas because it's too painful a reminder of his loss.
Finding himself somehow signed up for a Santa exchange is not something he expected.
Tian is a little who's very determined to help Evan heal despite his declarations that he'll never be a Daddy again.
Tian, along with his partners Sai and Jude help bring him out of his shell.
Slowly he lets go of his grief and guilt to begin living again with them by his side.
Profile Image for M E.
46 reviews1 follower
December 28, 2025
🎧This is an audiobook review 🎧

Dan Calley does a great job of narrating this complex story of four men falling in love. While the differences in voicing for each character were subtle to my American ear, I was easily able to follow along.

This is a wonderful story of loss and love imbedded in a DaddyDom/Daddy/Middle/Little polyamorous twist. Helen Juliet handles each of these unique aspects with such care and understanding. I loved every minute!!

Thank you Gay Romance Reviews and Helen Juliet for the advanced copy. I am voluntarily leaving this review.

4.5 ⭐️
Profile Image for Sarah Baines.
1,466 reviews11 followers
December 22, 2024
Helen Juliet has done it again - yet another character has just stolen my heart!! In this book it's the wonderful and far too adorable Tian. What a beautiful, perfect soul he is and In Good Spirits is a wonderful retelling of A Christmas Carol to the point I'm not sure I'm ever going to be able to view Scrooge the same way again🤣🤣🤣 I also adored the cameos from some of my favourite characters in previous books.
Profile Image for K-Me.
2,822 reviews
December 22, 2024
I really enjoyed the openness of all these guys. Each of them had so much love to share and they each together and separately fulfilled special hopes and desires for each other with their different roles in the relationship. I do not get the chance to read much about middle's and I enjoyed Jude and his personality and needs. It made my heart happy to see Evan get his spirits lifted and join in a new kind of love with three other wonderful men.
Profile Image for Kindle Addict.
568 reviews11 followers
December 30, 2024
I don’t usually read romances with grief in it because it’s too sad for my sensitive heart but I can’t pass on one my favourite author and reading her new book to finish the year was a great idea!

Those 4 had a lovely journey and I liked how well paced the scenes were between everyone. I also loved the little cameo/mentions of the MC from my favourite books.

The epilogue was so sweet and Beau’s story made me cry!
Profile Image for Kerry.
107 reviews2 followers
December 15, 2025
I flew through this!!! 🎁🎄🎅🏻☃️❄️ Four men and each one had their own value, purpose, and traits that made them who they are. Being able to accomplish this in a 7 hour audiobook is crazy! I was able to easily identify who was talking by the narration but also by how the characters dialogue was! I cried more than once, and this was not just a sweet boring read. It had a lot of heart and depth to it.

Beau 🥹💕
Profile Image for Ashley.
573 reviews14 followers
December 20, 2025
I enjoyed this, but I did get taken a little by surprise that this was basically a Christmas Carol retelling and retellings are not my favorite. This had a little, middle, and two daddies and I loved the idea of that coupling. I enjoyed the way the first two got together and the relationship between the original throuple. The way the throuple also accepted and loved his deceased husband as well was beautiful.
Profile Image for Raven and Chris.
3,272 reviews30 followers
December 27, 2025
The magic of the holiday

I am ashamed of myself that it took me so long to figure out which story this one was retelling. (Smacks self on forehead.) Evan needed a bit of a push to heal his broken heart and live again. Tian and his partners Sai and Jude are just the shove he needed to realize you can forgive yourself and love forward without forgetting your past love. Lovely story and worth a read. Also a very spicy modern retelling of the Dickens classic.
Profile Image for Deb Kel.
2,397 reviews7 followers
December 22, 2024
Exceptional!

What a beautiful, emotional journey as we follow Evan as he learns to live again. I absolutely adored all the characters but especially baby Tee! I was moved to tears in parts but overall filled with hope for Evan. I can't express how much I enjoyed this book. Highly recommended
Profile Image for Jodi.
1,781 reviews
December 28, 2024
Evan doesn't like Christmas since he lost his boy Beau. Tian is part of a married couple Daddy Sia and Jude. He wants a daddy but Evan jilted him. It was a lovely story watching each man look out for the other and encourage each relationship with Evan. Their relationships shifted and grew into friendship and then love. I was also fun watching Evan open himself up to the people who work for him.
Profile Image for Sarah Mitcham.
1,296 reviews8 followers
January 5, 2025
A Dickensian Delight.

MMMM, Daddies, boys/littlest, Age Gap, Age Play, Contemporary, Holiday, Romance. Part of a multi author series of stand-alone reads, full of emotion, wit, humour, steam and so much more. A great read, a page turner with some tearjerker moments. Guaranteed HEA.
Profile Image for Gayle.
327 reviews
January 8, 2025
Christmas Miracles

I was hesitant when I started as it's not easy writing a polycule romance with a person entering an already established relationship but the author has done this one beautifully.
The 4 men will have you smiling, laughing, crying but overall feeling the healing for Evan & the new extra touch of love that being together brings them all.
Profile Image for Kat_MM_Reader.
176 reviews15 followers
January 28, 2025
Such a beautiful and emotional book. Hearing how they all incorporated Beau into their lives was stunning. Evan, Jude, Tian and Sai’s relationship worked so well and their trust in each other was amazing. I do wish we saw a lot more of Tian’s age play but I was still happy with it. This is my first Helen Juliet book and I will definitely be reading more in the future.
Profile Image for Katharine.
238 reviews41 followers
February 15, 2025
such a joy

This one took me by surprise. I was expecting some light fluffy Christmas love story. Why I thought Helen Juliet wouldn’t once again bring me to tears I have no idea. This story progressed beautifully. I devoured every word. Even learned some British slang. I’m always delighted when old characters pop in for a visit.
Profile Image for Ζωή Παππά.
Author 3 books29 followers
December 28, 2025
This was absolutely wonderful. So heartwarming and sweet. I just loved how Tian, Jude and Sai helped Evan move on and showed him that he can find love again. Seeing them happy and together made me smile. It was beautiful. And I really really enjoyed their dynamic. The narrator voiced all four main characters perfectly. I really liked how he brought their story to life. Loved it!
Profile Image for Jamie Lee Zonneveld.
1,681 reviews51 followers
December 20, 2024
In Good Spirits by Helen Juliet is part of the DKAG Christmas Daddies series by multiple authors. This is the story of Evan, Tian, Sai and Jude. I loved their story so much. It was sweet, sexy, full of feels and very well written. And I really mean full of feels. They were perfect together.
Profile Image for Mimi.
2,449 reviews
December 29, 2024
4.25 stars

I really enjoyed this book by Helen Juliet. It brings a broken hearted man three Christmas miracles. I love the dynamic of their relationship and how it grows overtime. Great Christmas read.
Profile Image for Mystisith.
690 reviews10 followers
December 6, 2025
What a great uplifting story. After a series of duds or very dark stuff, this helped soothing my heart. Yes it's a bit Hallmark & saccharine but it's also relatable & real. We don't see many gay poly romances these days so this was a treat.
Profile Image for P Leslie.
3,202 reviews17 followers
December 24, 2025
Beautiful yet heart warming story and I loved every second of it.

This is my first time listening to this narrator but it definitely won’t be my last. He was amazing and he bought each character to life effortlessly.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews

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