Merry Little Christmas: A Leap Year Littles Novella

by Cassidy Lane

Cole



I’ve been in love with my best friend’s sibling for as long as I can remember.



Relationships are complicated for a Daddy like me. Aside from my feelings for Peyton, I want a very specific Little. So I’ve yearned for them in silence and from afar—for decades. Until one night when the flu and a quiet whimper cracked my heart in two.



Only… what would my best friend think?



Peyton



I’ve been in love with my brother’s best friend for as long as I can remember.



Dating as a Little is complicated, but finding a certain Daddy who satisfies all of my needs? Downright impossible. So I buried my crush and told myself Cole didn’t tick all of my boxes. Until a rough and mortifying night, when a gentle voice and caring hand made my heart swell.



Only… what would my brother think?

154 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 1, 2025

Reviews

[Mandy (MP Book Reviews) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cole has been secretly in love with his best friend’s younger brother, Peyton, for as long as he can remember. As a Daddy, he’s searching for a very specific kind of Little—someone who fits not just emotionally, but intimately. Peyton has always felt like the impossible dream. But one vulnerable night, when Peyton’s quiet distress pierces Cole’s heart, everything shifts. Now Cole must ask himself: Is love worth risking a lifelong friendship? Peyton has harboured feelings for Cole—his brother’s best friend—since childhood. Being a Little makes dating complicated, and finding a Daddy who truly understands him has felt hopeless. He convinced himself Cole wasn’t the right fit. Until one rough, humiliating night, when Cole’s gentle care and quiet strength made Peyton’s heart ache with possibility. But one question looms: Will his brother accept the truth?

I loved this sweet novella. I could feel the longing and the bravery as they both moved forward with a relationship which had only been a dream up to now. I also loved the way that Cole cared for Peyton without making him feel self-conscious or ashamed. Easy to read, feel and understand. This was an MX story with mature content and a BDSM-like DDLB synamic.

[Chloe · Rating 4 out of 5]

Merry Little Christmas by Cassidy Lane

🩵 Daddy x Little (w/Age Play)
🩵 Best Friends Sibling
🩵 Friends to Lovers
🩵 Non-Binary Rep (MX)
🩵 Hurt/Comfort
🩵 Novella
🔥 Daddy Kink, Squirting, Orgasm Control, S*x Toy (remote control vibrator), Spanking

Overall: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
Humour: 🤭🤭
Intimacy: 🫂🫂🫂🫂
Angst: 🥺.5

First person dual pov 👀

Content Warnings
On page: vomiting, anxiety, use of a safeword, wetting

[labibliofille · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rating: 3.5 stars rounded up for GR + Amazon!

This was a really well-written and emotionally grounded story! The character building stood out most to me—Cole and Peyton’s long history, mutual care, and genuine chemistry made their relationship feel both believable and heartfelt. I also liked how the author handled the more intimate scenes, keeping them grounded in an adult dynamic rather than blending them with the Daddy x Little elements.

That said, the Daddy x Little trope isn’t something I typically reach for, so while I could appreciate the tenderness in how it was portrayed, it’s not my usual cup of tea. Even so, I enjoyed following their journey and am curious to see where the next story in the series goes!

Fans of caretaking, emotionally gentle romances will likely love this one.

[Molly Otto · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fun festive read to kick off the Christmas reading season for me. This is Cassidys debut story and they did a beautiful job in showcasing these two characters. Cole is so dang accepting and beautiful for Peyton whether they are in little or big mode. These two have loved each other since meeting through Peytons big brother Jesse, yet took a time of vulnerability for them to be able to be completely open with Cole. With an accepting family it was just one of those feel good holiday reads I look forward to with each holiday season. I hope to see Jesse story next to see how he handles finding his perfect little.

I received an early copy for my honest review.

[Ashley · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a fun festive holiday novella featuring age play. I thought Peyton was the most adorable little and I loved how well Cole took care of him. The flashback story line threw me off at first but it ultimately worked well for this story. This was cute!

[Dal · Rating 4 out of 5]

I want thank Cassidy Lane for providing the opportunity to read and review their book!

Peyton and Cole were wonderful to get to know and read about. I enjoyed reading through their dynamic.

In all honesty I am not the biggest fan of Age Play (AP), but I was very intrigued by the description. Lane did not disappoint. Peyton and Cole click both in and outside their dynamic. Though I would have loved to see glimpses of them growing up together and bonding before we get into the meat of their story, that did not stop me from loving them and their connection. I do wish we got to actually see more of Peyton's Bratty side instead of being told about it.

AP is heavily featured within this book - none of which is sexual - to the point I wasn't sure if I was going to finish their story but I enjoyed the characters so much that I wanted to see how their happy ending played out. I do think their relationship moved pretty fast as their dynamic was insanely fresh but the characters had also known each other for almost 20 years at that point so I also do kind of understand them not wanting to wait.

Overall I very much enjoyed Merry Little Christmas and it was a wonderful start to the holiday season!!

[Yvonne · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a good book to get you into the Christmas spirit and a unique way to start a story. The story starts with Cole and Peyton telling their story to Bentley on how they got together. Cole and Peyton have known each other for years and unbeknown to both, both had crushes on each other.
I rarely read Daddy/Little involving ABDL but as soon as I met Cole and Peyton, I wanted to know more. Cole was the perfect Daddy for Peyton, his calming nature had a way to comfort them and I like how he set boundaries to make Peyton more comfortable. You could see the love they had for each other. When they realised they were perfect for each other their relationship went from 0-60 in and out the bedroom .
I love the brother's best friend trope and I really enjoyed the scenes involving Jesse and please tell me we get his story. As for Cole and Peyton, they are such a cute adorable couple and even now as I am writing the review I am still smiling thinking of them

[Likes2Explore · Rating 4 out of 5]

A beautiful M/X Age Play Novella.

I love daddy stories and as a non binary person I was very excited that this was an M/X pairing which was beautifully represented by the author.

I thought the chemistry between Cole and Peyton was very sweet and I loved the support from their family as well.

There were many sweet moments throughout but I think my favorite is the ending with the cookies!


I am looking forward to Jesse's story!




*I will be honest that my brain did not connect with the characters as closely as I would have liked but I am a mood reader so timing is everything with me and I also think that the flash back could have thrown me off just enough to mess with my brain plus I have been sick so taking all those factors into account and I wasn't in the best space.

Thank You to the author and team for the ARC!

[Sophie · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a wonderful little festive read! It’s my first time reading this particular gender identity in a dynamic like this and I have to say I think Peyton was written beautifully and their journey of love and acceptance was such a pleasure to see through this story. Cole is the perfect gentleman and him and Peyton work so well together, I fell in love with their love story.

I can’t forget to mention that Peyton has great taste in Christmas movies! We’d get along so well!

I’d be interested to read about Jesse for sure as well! But overall this read was great and the spice was perfect! I loved the communication and clear boundaries these two had and respected and also seeing the use of a safe word was very refreshing to see.

4⭐️ read!

I received this as an arc copy.

[Roni Danforth · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cole and Peyton were great together. Cole stepping in to comfort Peyton when they were sick and again when their home was damaged was such a Daddy Dom way to behave. Peyton knew they were in a safe place to be loved and to love. The little/daddy time was perfect. Again, Cole easily cared for all of Peyton's needs. It was refreshing to have a safeword used. Safewords are talked about in most Age Play books, but I have rarely seen them used. The dynamic these two have allowed for that to happen and for them to move forward.

There was a glimpse of a possible 2nd book for Jesse and Bentley. I would love to see how Cole and Peyton are together in the future.

*received an advanced copy for my honest opinion

[Ella · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cassidy did a very good job portraying Cole & Peyton’s M/X relationship.
Both characters are so loveable - they know each other for years and this trope - Brothers best friend to lovers - that’s what dreams are made of. Or in that case that’s what makes a beautiful and amazing story.

One sick night at daddy Cole’s house sealed the deal and their friendship changed for good. They become true partners quickly and are both all in on their relationship - they even work perfectly as daddy and little.

The story starts in the present and Peyton & Cole tell their story to their visitors one evening - I find that very refreshing - a new style I didn’t read before. What a great debut Novella from Cassidy Lane! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

[bookygirl · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 rounded up

Anna Sparrows is one of my favorites authors, so when I saw her recommending Merry Little Christmas I knew I had to pick it up!

Overall this was a solid debut by Cassidy Lane. Payton and Cole were great together, and their relationship was very sweet. Really loved the non-binary rep with Payton, and I thought it was very well done.

I only wished their story had been fleshed out a little more. Would have loved to see more Daddy/Little scenes as Payton grew more comfortable, and how they settled into their relationship long term. But overall still a great quick, cute and sweet holiday read. Really hope we get Jesse’s story next!

[Marion · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a cute Christmas novella by a new to me author. This is the story of Peyton and Cole. Both Peyton and Cole have been in love with each other forever. But each is afraid to move forward for fear of Jesse. He is the glue that holds them together. He is Peyton's brother and Cole's best friend. Thankful a winter storm conspires to finally provide the excuse needed to get Peyton and Cole together. The care that Cole took in his concern and treatment of Peyton was so sweet. I received a complementary advanced review copy of this book from the author and I am voluntarily leaving a review. A cute story to kick off the Christmas reading season.

[Bess · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a really easy, cute, daddy/little Christmas novella, Cole & Peyton are a lovely, gentle couple.
Cole and Peyton brother are best friends but h e has always had a soft spot for Peyton. Peyton has always had a massive crush on Cole. When Cole becomes sick and other disasters happen Cole steps in to comfort Peyton and the rest is history.
I love that this book is set as a looking back on how they get together and this leads me to think we could have a 2nd book with Peyton's brother and Coles best friend, Jesse, and his boyfriend Bentley.
A lovely first book by Cassidy Lane.

[Nikki Preble · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a perfect, festive read for those who love a cute little and their doting daddy! This ABDL novella is short and very sweet. Peyton and Cole will steal your heart! Their story is told through flashbacks with duel perspective. The nonbinary representation is handled beautifully.
I definitely recommend this one if you’re looking for a low angst, festive read to get you into the holiday spirit!

[Tiffany Parker · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a super cute and festive short read. Cole and Peytons story was incredible with how Cole took care of Peyton with no questions asked. Peyton trusted Cole with everything even when he needed a "daddy". Turned out everyone saw right through them and their feelings for each other. I devoured this book in one sitting.

[Audie Godfrey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Peyton and Cole are so much fun as a couple! Learning how it all came together and the added element of how they originally met had me hooked. With just the right balance of Age Play and Spice, this book hits in all the right spots for a Daddy/boy book. Look no further for a quick fun read while curled up with a cup of good coffee or hot chocolate and a fuzzy blanket during the holidays.

[Kristina · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love Peyton and Cole’s book. It is so sweet with so much spice! I love how it starts with Cole taking care of Peyton and being so sweet. I love how they grow into their relationship and are such a perfect match. I love all the Little time there is in this book, it’s one of my favorite things to read. This is a great story to kick off my Christmas reading with. You should definitely read it.

[Aisling · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a great Christmas read and my first foray into this dynamic/coupling. Have to say I’m interest in reading more like this.
I do love the innocence of Peyton and the protective nature of their Daddy! It’s adorable to see the best friend brother dynamic come thorough without all the angst!
If you want a sweet tooth without the pain, leading up to Christmas then this is the book for you!!!

[Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love a great Daddy read so I absolutely adored this story! I'm so glad Cassidy Cole decided to write age play. I can't wait for more!! Cole and Peyton were so cute and hot together. Definitely one of my favorite reads of 2025!


I am leaving my honest review for a complimentary copy of this book via the author.

[Bianca · Rating 5 out of 5]

Peyton and Cole were adorable, and the way they clicked melted my heart.
I adored how they got together, their dynamics, mischief, their moments together, and how their family accepted their relationship.

* this is an ARC review and is my honest opinion

[Denise GremoryKohta · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was such a blast to read. I loved how it started. It made me feel like I was at the table listening. Same go s for the personalities. It made the connection seem like we were long time friends. Now I need Jesse and Bentley’s story.

[Spooky M Rose · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this book! It was perfect. Everything I want in a age play book. Peyton and Cole stole my heart and I loved how caring Cole was with Peyton when he was sick. I can't wait for more from Cassidy!!

[Cindy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Peyton tells his brother's Little how he got together with his Daddy Cole, his brother's bf. He got the flu and Cole Daddied him. It's a M/X novella with tons of age play and lots of steam in non age play times. Cole made a great Daddy. I received a copy of this and this is my voluntary opinion.

[Corrina Gilbertson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an incredible story of love, acceptance, and finding the one who gets you on every level.
There is a lot of heat! Safe words and care are taken at every step.
I love Peyton and Cole!

[Autumn Winchester · Rating 4 out of 5]

Super cute little novella.

Low angst, perfect mix of word building, and plot. I normally don't do novella's because they tend to lack emotion and plot. but this one was amazing. I enjoyed it.

[Liz · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was such a feel good Christmas novella. I loved the whole book. I’m glad they got snowed in together and got to experience one on one time with each other

[Margaret · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great story

I absolutely loved this story. This was such a sweet and wonderful story. The characters were amazing and so real and the story was so heartwarming.

[Jessica Swan · Rating 3 out of 5]

idk I was highly entertained so there's that

[Brooke · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.75⭐️