The Sugarplum Fairy

Elves After Dark #8

by Dallas James, Samantha Cole

*****Previously published under the pen name Dallas James. Now published under Samantha Cole.


Jasper Sugarplum holds one of the most respected elf positions at the North Pole. He works in the Department of Naughty or Nice Affairs and takes his job seriously. After checking on the children on his list one November night, he’s heading home when disaster strikes.

Author Mack Wynters hates the Christmas season. It just brings back memories he would rather forget. To avoid all things merry, he spends his time alone with his dog, Baxter, in his mountain home.

The last thing Mack expects in the middle of a blizzard is for his dog to take off into the woods, demanding his owner follow him. Baxter leads him to a man lying unconscious in the snow, with no signs of how he got there—including footprints. Annoyed that his alone time is being interrupted by a stranger, Mack has no choice but to carry him back to his house as the storm worsens.

When Jasper awakens, will Mack believe the story he tells? And will he be able to fight the attraction he feels for the man . . . er, elf?

**This is an MM holiday romance.

Genres: M M Romance, Fantasy, Christmas, Romance, Holiday

82 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 29, 2024

About the author

Dallas James was the pen name of author Samantha Cole. The books previously published under this pen name are now published under Samantha Cole.

Reviews

[Rhonda · Rating 5 out of 5]

A cute little story with a touch of magic for the holidays. Jasper is one of Santa's top elves. While checking his list for Santa, he runs into a storm that knocks him from the sleigh he's traveling in.
Mack is an author who doesn't like Christmas anymore because of his past. When his dog, Baxter, finds Jasper laying in the snow, Mack takes him to his home to keep his safe from the storm. The story that follows is funny, sad, sexy and gets really hot! But what happens when Mack discovers who Jasper really is? Will he believe him or will he remain alone? I loved both of these characters and the "cuss words" that Jasper says just made me smile!! I mean come on, he is an elf! This was a warm hearted story that will have you making a cup of hot chocolate and settling down in a cozy chair to read.

[Natalie H · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked it. Short but well rounded. An author with a broken heart and an elf falling out of a flying sleigh. I liked how Jasper couldn’t hide his ears and the pop up magic. Favourite character was the dog that made it all possible. It’s been an interesting series.

[Anne Young-Cronister · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an adorable Christmas story! Jasper is an awesome elf who falls out of the sleigh when Nip the reindeer is caught up in a winter storm over Montana. Mack and his dog Baxter find him bruised and unconscious on the snow. Of course Mack has no idea that this handsome hot hunk is an elf! Mack has locked away himself and everything else when his love Michael was killed by a drunk driver on Christmas Eve three years previously. Can Jasper untangle Mack’s heart?
The laughter and hope and hot steamy lust makes this story a very enjoyable Christmas book for the over 18 crowd. The HEA in this story is nothing short of Fabulous!!!


I reviewed a complementary copy of this book

[Annemieke Westerbeek · Rating 5 out of 5]

This wonderful warm modern fairytale is beautiful, funny, romantic and hot.
When Jasper falls out of his sled he lands on the doorstep of Mack’s cabin
This intriguing story is one of a kind. A M/M romance fairytale. I loved it

[Julie Scharff · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a great Christmas story about Mack and Jasper!

[Nonna 2K · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you’re looking for a quick, holiday story that is a happy tale, then The Sugarplum Fairy fits perfectly.

We start by meeting Jasper Sugarplum, one of Santa’s elves, who is on assignment to check out who has been naughty and nice. Unfortunately, he runs into a bad storm that has him lost in Montana.

Mack Wynters was content living in his Montana chalet with his Saint Bernard and writing sci fi novels. Due to a tragedy in his past, he chose to be a recluse and not celebrate the holidays.

When Jasper unexpectedly ends up at Mack’s chalet, events unfold that neither planned.

This is an all around happy, adorable holiday novella that was a fun read. It is MM and contains scenes suitable for 18+.

Enjoy and happy holidays!.

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

[Raven and Chris · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cute Christmas tale

I loved this little book! I am a sucker for Christmas anyway but this story warmed my heart. Mack has turned his back on Christmas since his fiancé died on Christmas Eve. But when he finds a strange man in the snow during a blizzard, he has to rethink what he believes in. Jasper fell out of his sleigh and was rescued by Mack. Now he has to figure out how to convince Santa to let them be together. Again, a cute little book. Highly enjoyable and full 9f Christmas cheer.

[SFBookReviewer · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Sugarplum Fairy is a short and sweet Christmas story about Jasper Sugarplum, an Elf that falls out of his sleigh during bad weather and is rescued by Mack. They end up falling in love and have their own HEA. The story is really sweet and has a nice Christmas feel to it.

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

[Carolyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Sugarplum Fairy is a sooo cute MM novella. Agent Jasper Sugarplum is an elf working for the Department of Naughty or Nice Affairs or DNNA at the North Pole. He is doing reconnaissance in Wyoming when a bad snow storm causes an accidental fall from his sleigh. Mack Winters is a sci-fi writer in seclusion for the last 3 years after the loss of his partner on Christmas Eve. He hates everything Christmas. Baxter is Mack’s lovable dog who rescues an unconscious Jasper. These two have an instant attraction. Read this one to see what happens when Jasper has to tell Mack who he is.

[Gina Marie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mack & Jasper
This is a cute little m/m insta-love novella, obviously based around Christmas and it’s a fantasy Christmas magic type of story which is not normally my thing, but I did enjoy it, so maybe it is my thing. Give it a try it might be your thing too.

[Jocelyn Whaley · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Sugarplum Fairy is the 8th book in the Elves After Dark Series. It’s sweet funny and magical. Just what we need for the holidays. Good Job!

[Marion Lent · Rating 4 out of 5]

Light and whimsical, with a smidge of scorch. This book makes you believe in Santa all over again...that is, if you ever stopped believing!

[Sue · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a fun Christmas story! Jasper and Mack are hot and very sexy. Baxter is just awesome. This was such a refreshing and enjoyable read. I absolutely loved it.

[Anna · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a cute Christmas read. Jasper Sugarplum is an elf from the North Pole and was trying to head home when a blizzard knocked him out his sleigh in Montana. Mack Wynters was the Scrooge who was no longer and fan of anything Christmas when tragedy hit a few years prior. What happens when Mack discovers the pointy ears one night and normal ears the next morning? Is Mack crazy? Does Jasper develop feeling for Mack? If you like MM, Christmas, quick reads with some laughter this is a book for you.

[Denise GremoryKohta · Rating 5 out of 5]

This one was my favorite in the series.

I love this series. This one especially because it was a perfect blend of Christmas magic and real life experiences. My heart went out to Mack. I wish there were more books because I don’t want the series to end.

[Susan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved this book, a very different take on Santas elves and how they interact with humans. Fun , fast paced and hot what more do you want from a seasonal read

[Anja · Rating 5 out of 5]

I voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book. Mack and Jasper are a match made in heaven- err, the Montana wilderness, in the middle of a blizzard. Short story, sweet writing, lots of christmas-vibes going on. I enjoyed reading it.

[Vfields Don't touch my happy! · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was funny, clever, sweet and tongue-in-cheek witty. Well done.

[Emily Pennington · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jasper Sugarplum is one of Santa's top elves in charge of the Department of Naughty or Nice Affairs. When Jasper is out checking his list, a violent storm knocks him out of the sleigh he is riding in. The fall knocks him unconscious.

Mack Wynters, isolated in his cabin in the woods, is an author who hates Christmas because of the painful memories he associates with that time of year when he lost someone very dear to him. He is annoyed when Baxter urges him to follow him into the woods and leads him to an injured man. With a bad storm raging, Mack feels he has to take him to his home to keep him safe. Both men seem to feel attraction for the other. Could Jasper help Mack find his love for Christmas again? Could he help to heal Mack’s heart? And what will Mack do when he finds out who Jasper really is? He sees the pointed ears, but will he believe he could really be Santa’s elf? What will this mean for them?

This was an adorable story with great characters and a terrific St. Bernard. What more can a reader want? Jasper knows the North Pole will be searching for him in a few days. But does he have any other options if he decides he wants to extend his stay a bit longer?

[Marion · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the first book I have read by this author and it won't be the last. I really enjoyed this story. It is well written and moves along at a good pace. This is the story of Jasper Sugarplum. He is a North Pole Elf who works for the Dept of Naughty or Nice Affairs. He is flying down to check on his assigned children when a freak snowstorm blows him off course and into the life of Mack Wynters. Mack is an author who lives with his dog Baxter in isolation. As the storm hits, Baxter drags Mack outside to find Jasper unconscious in the snow.

Being an elf, Jasper loves Christmas and all things related to it. Mack on the other hand, hands anything Christmas as it brings back painful memories for him. Trapped together due to the storm and Jaspers injuries, they slowly begin to know each other.

I liked how their relationship developed and the chemistry between Mack and Jasper. This is a quick read that will leave you with a smile on your face. Enjoy.

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

[Reading to Stay Awake · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well, who knew that Elves weren't just short little people with striped tights, pointy ears and squeaky voices???? I never envisioned them to be a big strapping fella to fall out of the sky, through the branches of a tree and not hit the ugly branches on the way down, lucky man!!

Dallas James has written a super cute short story to bring Christmas cheer to the stoniest of Grinchy hearts where love is brought to the loneliest man who didn't realise he was lonely until his Christmas Present arrived early. Unable to return home immediately something about our Christmas Elf brings our man back to life and their spark burns brighter until Santa has to get involved. Lets hope they are both on the nice list... you'll have to read it to find out if they are!

There is nothing about this book that hurts the eyes, it's a Christmas goodie full of hot chocolate, snow, a St Bernard dog, Santa, cookies, good looking men, elves, and Christmas magic. What's not to like.

[Caroline Doig · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jasper is a elf he works for the DNNA the department of naughty or nice affairs he has to assess a certain amount of children to go on Santa’s naughty or nice list he’s thinking that it’s been awhile since he’s had a date and he’s hoping to get one for the New Year Eve’s party but right now he needs to concentrate and try to control the sleigh with the heavy snow storm coming then suddenly a big gust of wind turns the sleigh sideways and before Jasper can grab onto anything he falls out of the sleigh. Mack lives in a secluded chalet with his St Bernard Baxter he hates this time of year with everyone being so cheerful, he hates Christmas because his fiancée died in a car accident at Christmas time so now all Mack does is write his books. Baxter starts barking at the door Mack thinks that it’s a small animal but he never goes off like that so Mack let’s Baxter out and follows him, Mack thinks that there must be a injured animal but it wasn’t there was a man half buried in the snow so Mack takes him back to his chalet. This is a wonderful heartwarming m/m story I loved it and I highly recommend this book it’s definitely well worth the read.

[Urszula · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well written story full of magic of Christmas. A Christmas hater plus an elf plus a dog equals funny easy to read story. Not much angst which I like and mandatory happy ending. Enjoyable read for a Long evening.

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

[Sammy Higgins · Rating 4 out of 5]

I great little Christmas read. Here we meet Jasper the Elf, who falls out of his slay and ends up unconscious in the snow. Mack, with the help of his dog Baxter find him in the snow and he brings him home with him. When Jasper awakens he hides he's an elf. He isn't aloud for humans to know so he hides his ears from Mack. As Jasper recovers, they get to know each other and an intense attraction forms between the too. But what will happen when Mack learns the truth?! Mack doesn't like the holidays due to his sad past, which is the angst part of the book. It makes him hate everything Christmas! So that complicates things for him. But I loved how Jasper helped Mack become happier and find his love for Christmas again. There are some great moments and I loved how it ended. Things do happen at a quick pace as they only really spend a few days together, but it's done in a good way that doesn't seem far fetched. Also, loved the way Jasper swears!

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

[Stephanie W · Rating 4 out of 5]

Falling out the sleigh is not the most graceful way to meet your true love, but stranger things have happened.
Respected elf, Jasper Sugarplum, works int eh Department of of Naughty or Nice Affairs. Checking on children is what he does and takes his job very seriously. On the way home one snowy evening, he has an accident. Nothing is the same.

Max is out walking his dog and is suddenly chasing after him through the snow. In a bah humbug kind of mood, avoiding everything after his husband passed away, by spending time in the woods...alone. Or at least he was until Baxter found a little unexpected surprise for them.

To his shock, there is a man lying unconscious and no sign of other or how he ended up there. The holiday recluse takes Jasper back to the cabin. The magic begins.

Imagine his luck to find Jasper is no man, but an elf.

Low on angst, expansive on cute.

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

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was such a cute and adorable holiday novella. The Sugarplum Fairy which is a wonderful title is Book 8 in the Elves After Dark series and a great conclusion. Each book can be read as a stand alone but you don't want to miss any of these wonderful books.

Jasper is an elf who is headed back to the North Pole with Nip as his lead reindeer. Suddenly they find themselves caught in a winter storm over Montana and he falls out of the sleigh and hits his head. Mack is a lonely, sad, and reclusive author whose only company is his massive St. Bernard dog, Baxter. One night, he hears Baxter barking and he follows him into the woods to find a strange man who is injured and unconscious in the snow.

Mack and Baxter take the injured man back to their cabin so he can heal and recover. Of course, Mack has no idea that this handsome hot hunk is an elf. He thinks he is dreaming when he sees Jasper's pointed ears. Mack has locked himself away he suffered a tragic loss on Christmas Eve three years ago. As Mack warms up to his unexpected house guest, he finds himself falling in love with Jasper, his mysterious guest, and warmth floods his lonely cabin. This book had so much laughter, cheer, hope, and love that made it a wonderfully enjoyable Christmas novella. What a great HEA by a new author for me! I really enjoyed reading this and the entire series was amazing :)

[Debbie Benson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review. I loved it. Mack was still grieving losing his fiancé but his fiancé has other plans for him. Michael sent him Jasper. It was love at first sight for Mack and Jasper. It took Mack a little bit to accept with blessing from Michael not to mention the truth about Jasper. Jasper has to leave but puts a request in to be with Mack. Mack has the final say and I loved the choice he took in the end. Now Jasper and Mack can be together for a long time. The books has a nice blend of the supernatural and Christmas. I also loved the difference curses that Jasper uses through the story.

[Janet Hunt · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jasper is an elf in charge of the Department of Naughty or Nice Affairs. He’s out checking his list when he runs into a blizzard and falls out of his sleigh. Mack hates Christmas! He lost the love of his life at Christmas a few years ago and is now living in a cabin in the woods. He finds Jasper one night lying in the snow and rescues him. It’s insta love with a lot of chemistry! This was sooo good, loved it!! I am voluntarily leaving a review form an advanced copy that I received. My reviews are solely based on my thoughts and opinions.

[L H · Rating 5 out of 5]

How cool is it that Baxter lead Back to Jasper. Man's best friend leads his master to the being that will help him realize that it is time to get back to life. Will this gift of connection keep on giving it will Nadler have to go back? You gotta read it to find out. Too cute!

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

[Mari (Mystics & Metaphysics Book Blog) · Rating 4 out of 5]

A sweet holiday romance that's also sad and funny. Jasper and Mack are perfect for each other. They bring out the other side of the other that is needed. There is some angst but the chemistry is amazing and the story will leave you with a big smile on your face.