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Just a Little #4

Just a Little Joy

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A retired NHL player and a waiter walk into a bar—this holiday, they find what they've been missing.

Travis Langford

I’ve always been the strong, silent type. After walking away from his NHL career, I’ve finally found peace running a neighborhood bar in the Pacific Northwest. But deep down, there’s something I’ve the chance to be a Daddy. I joined a club and…yeah, that’s about it. But when Casey Gutierrez walks into my bar? I’m going to figure it out.

Casey Gutierrez

My life has always been full of different construction worker, ski bum, salesman, and now, a waiter in a small café. But the one thing I’ve never been able to find is someone to care for me the way I need. I want a Daddy, someone to guide me, to take control—but asking for it? That’s a whole different story.

When Casey takes a holiday shift at Travis’s bar, sparks fly between them. But neither of them knows how to navigate the connection. Travis wants to be everything Casey needs, but he’s unsure how to make it happen. Casey has no idea how to explain his needs. It’ll take more than mistletoe and good intentions—but maybe love doesn’t need a perfect plan

This Daddy/little includes sea glass hunts, ice skating, and an unhealthy amount of gumdrops. This low-angst, heartwarming story can be read as a standalone, but recurring characters appear throughout the series.

239 pages, Kindle Edition

Published December 26, 2025

22 people are currently reading
46 people want to read

About the author

Kerry Kilpatrick

18 books104 followers

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Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
Profile Image for Jodi.
1,788 reviews
January 5, 2026
adorable

I’m pretty sure I smiled and laughed through this book. Casey and Travis meeting in the sauna was a laugh out loud moment.
663 reviews16 followers
January 3, 2026
Just a Little Joy by Kerry Kilpatrick is the 4th book in her Just a Little series. It is the story of a wandering boy who is looking for a home but is scared once he finds it and the Daddy who finally makes him feel he can stay. Casey Gutierrez has wandered all his adult life working as a ski bum, on a dude ranch, on a farm, and at a pizza place, staying for a while and making friends until the urge to move on hits him and he leaves for new adventures. His dream is to have a food truck but right now he doesn’t have the money for it. He knows he is a Boy but has never been able to explore that side of himself and hasn’t found anyone who he would want to be his Daddy. He is now in a town near Seattle and working as a server in a restaurant at lunch time and likes it and the people he has met there. He also has seen a man at the gym who interests him and joins him in the sauna there. Travis Langford is a retired NHL player and played for 10 years. He now owns the bar in town and is also a Daddy but has never found a boy he wants to call his. As they talk it comes up that he needs to hire a barback to help out on a part time basis and Casey has had experience with that and would like the job so he would have something to do at night. He is asked to come in for an interview and when he shows up he gets the job and starts right away, helping with cooking when the cook doesn’t show up. The problem is Travis is attracted to Casey but as his boss can’t do anything about it, and Casey is also attracted to him and since he doesn’t want to lose his new job he doesn’t do anything either. Rory, Nico, Jakob, and Owen are all Boys who come into the restaurant and Casey is fascinated by them and also jealous that they all have Daddies. They are planning a party intro night for Littles at Wild Dandies, the club in town, and they invite Casey. At first he wasn’t going to go but then decides to check it out. Then Travis drives him home from work and kisses him but they realize they are boss and employee so things get a little strained. Travis belongs to the club and the Boys’ Daddies have invited him so he goes and arrives a little late. When he sees Casey, he realizes he is a boy when he needs help in the restroom and says that he would be his Daddy for the night. They then decide they want to get to know each other better which leads to some fun dates, more kisses, and Travis asking if he can keep being his Daddy and they have some hot love scenes. They went to see Santa and Casey wished for a food truck, went shopping and Travis got him lots of things for his little side. They decided to be Daddy/Boy, be exclusive, and see if their relationship can grow. Travis is thinking that Casey is the missing piece he has been looking for and that he had to be the Daddy he needed so he wouldn’t move on. Things were going well but then Travis’s worries came true when one of Casey’s friends told him about a job opening as a cook in a resort in Alaska. Casey was scared that his relationship with Travis was too good to be true and that he eventually wouldn’t want him anymore. And Travis talked with the other Daddies and one of them told him if he loved him, which he did, he would have to let him go but know that he could always come back as he was his safe space. Things continued to go downhill from there with Casey packing up and was going to leave but he had to come to his own decision on whether or not he was going to follow through. Luckily they get their happy ending filled with love which just so happens to also include a food truck. I really enjoyed this book. Casey was a sweet but big guy and was willing to work hard at whatever he was doing. He had never had a chance to be a Boy until Travis came into his life. Travis was a protective Daddy through and through and it didn’t take him long to figure out Casey was what was missing in his life. They both enjoyed their time together but there was always the worry that Casey would leave and he almost did. But Travis really was his safe space and he knew they needed to be together. Casey’s friends that were Boys and their Daddies added to the story and it was fun to see them play together. They also became part of his family that he didn’t want to leave behind. I highly recommend this book, especially if you like Daddy/Boy stories where they have been looking for each other, haven’t played much, realize they want to be in a relationship, and are happy when those wishes finally come true.
Profile Image for Bluemoonchild.
228 reviews3 followers
January 3, 2026
I've said it before and I'll say it every time - If Kerry writes it, I will read it immediately, and this book is another perfect example of why. Her ability to weave together the worlds she has created is masterful, and each book holds the promise of getting to revisit past characters. The Littles and Daddies in these books are more than just side characters making cameo appearances. They are active and loving in their friendship, and watching them effortlessly fold Casey and Travis into the existing found family is so sweet. Giving both of them a safe place to land as they found their footing together was so satisfying to read.

Travis was truly the perfect Daddy for Casey. He is steady and undemanding, and he shows up consistently while letting Casey set the pace. He doesn't push, he doesn't make demands, he just allows Casey to figure out what he needs. But it was Casey that I really understood. His nomadic history and constant movement meant that he's never truly settled, and I related to that more that I like to admit. It is both an eye-opening and terrifyingly vulnerable position to find yourself realizing that you WANT to stay still and set down roots. Forget about admitting it out loud - admitting it to yourself is the real challenge. Travis's quiet steadiness, and his willingness to give Casey the space to figure out that staying doesn't mean losing yourself, was absolute perfection.

It is incredibly rewarding to have read everything Kerry has written (so far). This world that Kerry has created feels real and lived in, and every new story adds another layer without taking anything away from the ones that came before. (Now, I just need Anders to get his HEA next, because at this point, I am emotionally invested and absolutely not subtle about it.)

That said, if you haven't read all of her books yet, I don't know what you're waiting for. Go. Read them all. You won't regret it.

[I received an advanced copy of this book. All reviews and ratings are my own.]
Profile Image for SNik.
649 reviews18 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
December 25, 2025
Fourth in series (Just a Little), but can be read as a standalone. Boss/employee. Daddy/little. Found family. Dual POV.

When Travis offers a job to the guy he meets at the gym he knows he will have to ignore his attraction but doesn’t realize Casey may be just the little Travis has been looking for. Casey is always on the move, he has dreams of owning his own food truck and having a Daddy, but he has to decide if he’s brave enough to stay with Travis and make those dreams come true.

This is a sweet read that has the right Daddy and little falling for each other during the holidays, with some supportive secondary characters. Travis is just all cinnamon roll goodness as he tries very hard with Casey and also allows him his own autonomy, while Casey slowly learns how he wants to experience being a little with Travis’s help. I enjoyed the low angst until the ticking clock hit and it did feel emotional as Travis wants Casey’s happiness and has to just love and support him and hope Casey chooses him which gives all the feels.
Profile Image for Jeanette Waters.
2,022 reviews5 followers
January 8, 2026
"Just a Little Joy" is a wonderful addition to Kerry Kilpatrick's Little universe. Travis Langford retired from the NHL and opened a bar. He has a satisfactory life, the only thing missing is his desire for a boy of his own. Casey Gutierrez has two dreams, own a food truck, and to get a Daddy. Constantly on the move, he hasn't put down any roots. Casey takes a serving job at the bar and they both are instantly attracted. But each thinks the other is straight. A chance meeting, in the sauna, at Wilde Dandies, corrects that misunderstanding.
Travis is a patient and protective Daddy. Someone who makes Casey feel safe and accepted. There's a little angst. Casey always has one foot out the door. He does get a job offer, and almost leaves. But he soon realizes that Travis is the home he was hoping for.
A sweet read, fun and funny from chapter one. Support (ahem... meddling) comes from the club's Daddies and boys. Lots of fun cameos.
I received an advanced copy of this e book and this is my review.
Profile Image for Mandy.
4,916 reviews46 followers
January 7, 2026
Former NHL player Travis Langford runs a quiet bar but secretly longs to be a Daddy. Casey Gutierrez, a drifting waiter who craves guidance and care, takes a holiday shift at Travis’s bar, and the spark between them is instant. Neither knows how to express what they need, but as their connection deepens, they slowly learn to communicate, trust, and build the kind of relationship both have been missing.

I enjoyed this story. This was a tender, quietly emotional holiday romance about two men who’ve spent years wanting something they never quite knew how to ask for. Travis and Casey find in each other the connection they’ve been missing. Their chemistry is immediate, but what really shines is the vulnerability — two men learning to communicate, trust, and admit what they need. It’s sweet, gently steamy, and full of heart, proving that love doesn’t require perfection, just honesty and the courage to reach for it. This was an MM story with mature content and a BDSM-like DDLB dynamic.
Profile Image for Ella.
70 reviews1 follower
January 8, 2026
Oh that is the best thing - a boy who is trained and big but also tender and sweet!

These two buff guys meet one day at the gym- mmmh, trained with lots of muscles- one a daddy and one a boy, despite of his looks.

Oh and what a sweet and cute boy Casey is…He is pure sunshine and makes friends easily, he is also serene - he never wants to be a burden, point out stuff or ask for anything.

He absolutely needs a daddy like Travis who’s one goal in life is to make his boy happy and safe and cared for. Every thought he has foremost is about Casey - he always has his best interest at heart but leaves him room to make up his own mind.

They fall in love slowly - a lot of awesome dates along their way. Casey befriends the boys in the Little group and that is so much fun - to see all the littles again is heartwarming. I have such a weakness for all of them and I adore Casey & Travis
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
670 reviews8 followers
December 28, 2025
This is a cute addition to the Just a Little series. Travis and Casey are great together, both trying to figure out how to have a relationship while being a boss/employee and how the Daddy/Little set up works for them.

It is very low angst, a bit towards the end which makes the couple actually more believable.

Casey is a wanderer, never really long at one place, with big dreams. But when he seems to finally find what can make his dreams come true, fear is nearly destroying his hopes again.

I love how Travis slowly gets Casey‘s trust, he shows his Daddy side to ensure Casey is feeling cared and appreciated.

The couples of the previous books pop up and the little‘s group chat is just hilarious. While the book can be read as a stand-alone, you will get more out of it if you read them in order.

I can‘t wait for the next one.
Profile Image for Yvonne.
606 reviews10 followers
December 29, 2025
Retired Hockey player Travis has always wanted his own boy, but has never had the time or found the perfect boy. Casey is a perpetual traveller, never in one place for long, but he has a dream a Daddy who wants him for him.
I do enjoy this series as every Daddy and Little are not the same. Travis has never found the perfect boy and Casey gets overlooked.
This was a sweet read that gave me all the feels. Travis was a carer, he thought nothing of giving Casey what he needed, even when Casey didn't know what he needed. Dates were special and so descriptive I could clearly imagine Travis and Casey enjoying themselves. Seeing Casey get his dream and Travis being the one to give it to him.
It was good catching up with the other Daddies and Littles and laughing at some of the Littles pushing the boundaries.
One thing is for sure, I cannot wait for Ander's story
Profile Image for C..
372 reviews
December 30, 2025
I love this series and was so happy when I saw that a new book was being released. This is such a feel good book. There is a rough bit towards the end that made me tear-up but it has a great HEA.

Travis and Casey just fit together. I love how their story unfolds and the connection they have together. It was a fun and sweet romance.

I have to admit that I love all the cameos from all the littles and daddies from previous books. Sometimes having so many previous characters show up in a book can feel overwhelming to the story, and in this book and series it doesn’t. In the case of Just A Little Joy, the group help Casey feel wanted and give him the support he needs as a little and a found family of friends. They also add some fun scenes and a lot of adorableness and humor. I think I might need a reread of the series.

I received an early copy of this book and this is my honest opinion.
15 reviews1 follower
Review of advance copy received from Author
December 25, 2025
Review of ARC from the Author

I loved this book. Travis and Casey were so cute in coming together while figuring out what they wanted from each other. Getting to see previous characters was just the icing on the cake. I swear we need short stories of the group chat situations. The ending brought me so much joy (title pun intended) with how just utterly cute it was. Elves are definitely the good culprits behind things staying safe. Another amazing addition to this world, I'm so excited to see what's next!
Profile Image for Ashley.
581 reviews15 followers
December 26, 2025
I loved Casey and Travis so much. One of my favorite things this author does is found family. Every single book has a solid found of previous characters, and I love that. I love getting to see the boys have their play times and just enjoy being the absolute best of friends. I love Anders and can not wait for his book because he is my favorite character. This series has become a comfort read for me, and this book only added to that. Also, a retired hockey player? Yes, please. Sign me up immediately. I genuinely have nothing bad to say. This book made me so happy.
Profile Image for M E.
49 reviews1 follower
January 1, 2026
Another amazing book in this series of Daddies and littles (and middles). I adore all of these characters and love how each book builds on the last. While this could definitely be read as a stand alone, it’s so much more enjoyable if you’ve followed this group along their journey.

Casey and Travis are great together. A nice low angst story of mutual interests, friendship and love. I love Casey’s spunk and Travis’s quiet confidence.

I can’t wait for Anders story!!! Enough teasing.

Thank you Kerry Kilpatrick for the advanced copy. I am voluntarily leaving this review.

4.0 ⭐️
2,126 reviews17 followers
December 29, 2025
Travis, a retired NHL player owns a bar and wants to be a boy's Daddy. His new employee Casey trips his trigger, the only problem being he's not gay or a boy or needs a Daddy. But in reality, all three are true. I loved patient, so sweet Travis and his all in love for Casey. Casey almost broke my heart with his need to be a drifter. I love this group of Littles and their Daddies. I received a copy of this and this is my voluntary opinion.
Profile Image for FHR.
1,077 reviews13 followers
December 30, 2025
When a job offer changes both their lives, Travis and Casey find a connection in each other neither of them expected. Being a person who is always on the move, Casey finds a safe place in Travis as Travis becomes the Daddy he never knew he was looking for.

A story of cute dates, cameos of previous characters and getting to be the person who you are meant to be when you meet the right person.
A lovely read and wonderful addition to the series.
17 reviews
December 29, 2025
Kerry Kilpatrick is #killing it

Once again we get an absolute masterpiece from the wondrous mind of Kerry Kilpatrick. Travis and Casey melted my fucking heart and the amount of kids doing my feet and squealing I've done while reading this book is frankly fantabulous.

Thank you so much for writing such heartwarming books Ms. Kilpatrick!!

P.s. I Cannot wait for Emil (Book 3 for All-Star Island) to come out and see Anderson finally get his HEA).
85 reviews
December 30, 2025
I have missed this little group of Kerry Kilpatrick’s. This time, we get the holiday themed story of Travis and Casey. Casey is a wanderer, going where the wind takes him. What he doesn’t know about himself is that he’s looking for something to settle his restless spirit. Enter Travis and a mischievous gang of Littles and their adoring Daddies. What follows is a lovely story of love and self-discovery. This story is cute, cute, cute!
Profile Image for Mandy Tunstill.
518 reviews11 followers
January 6, 2026
Travis & Casey Brilliant

OH.... WOW........ Just a Little Joy by Kerry Kilpatrick is Absolutely Brilliant I'm simply loving this series all of these amazing characters of littles and their daddies and here we have Travis and Casey's book these two are simply amazing together it's so cute and sweet as they figure out how their relationship of daddy and his boy work as well as boss and employee loved it recommend so much.
Profile Image for Ζωή Παππά.
Author 3 books29 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
December 24, 2025
A very sweet and romantic book. I liked all the festive activities Casey and Travis did and I really loved how the guys from the previous books embraced Casey and included him in their group. Casey and Travis were wonderful together and I had a lovely time reading their story. I can't wait to read the next book in the series.
1,489 reviews9 followers
December 26, 2025
Great story

I absolutely loved this story. I also really loved how you can read this as a stand-alone but if you’ve read the other books in the series then you get to see a lot of familiar characters. This was a fantastic story about taking chances and finding out where you belong. It was both sweet and heartwarming and I really enjoyed it.
Profile Image for Lisa Klein.
1,042 reviews9 followers
December 26, 2025
This is a sweet story in the Just a Little series. Previous couples from earlier books show up but this can be read as a standalone.

I received an advanced copy and voluntarily gave my honest review.
Profile Image for Mary.
484 reviews10 followers
December 28, 2025
What a cute story of an unlikely little and a new Daddy. I love how Casey defied what it meant to be a little. It never cease to amaze me that Littles come in all shapes and size. A nice holiday novella to end the year. And I’m just so happy that Anders is finally coming.
Profile Image for Deb Kel.
2,428 reviews7 followers
December 28, 2025
Another beautifully written and emotional storyline from Kerry. I just love the character development that endears the MC'S to you and keeps you completely invested in their journey. Such a lovely read 🥰 Highly recommend
I received a free arc copy and this is my honest review
Profile Image for Amanda Reeves.
3,629 reviews34 followers
December 30, 2025
Just a Little Joy is the fourth book in the Just a Little series and can be read as a standalone. I really adored this daddy/little, low angst, found family read about Travis and Casey.
Profile Image for Elizabeth.
548 reviews7 followers
January 4, 2026
Just a Little Joy

Over all a cute book. Some parts were slow. This was not one of my favorite of their series. But if you are looking for a cute book then pick it up.
Profile Image for Jai Oni.
1,624 reviews1 follower
January 4, 2026
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️1/2
Enjoyment: ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
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