What do you think?
Rate this book
The Working Elf Blues
Garnet Evergreen has never heard of an elf abandoning the North Pole for a human, but he yearns to be the first. Ever since he saw Wes, the boy with sorrowful eyes, Garnet felt an undeniable kinship. Over the years, he's watched that boy grow into a man, and now he's determined to give Wes a Christmas he'll never forget. If only Garnet had thought to test his father's sleigh before leaving...
Orphaned as a child, Wes spends every Christmas alone at his cabin. When he's woken by a suspicious boom and finds a wrecked sleigh and an unconscious elf, he doesn't know how to react. Wes isn't fanciful. He doesn't give much credence to the stories about Santa Claus and flying reindeer. But a part of him wants desperately to believe when Garnet promises forever, even if life has taught him that no one ever stays...
Orphaned as a child, Wes spends every Christmas alone at his cabin. When he's woken by a suspicious boom and finds a wrecked sleigh and an unconscious elf, he doesn't know how to react. Wes isn't fanciful. He doesn't give much credence to the stories about Santa Claus and flying reindeer. But a part of him wants desperately to believe when Garnet promises forever, even if life has taught him that no one ever stays...
53 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 17, 2014
7 people are currently reading
309 people want to read
About the author
Piper Vaughn
43 books1,155 followersPiper Vaughn is a romance author and lifelong fan of the genre. Since writing their first love story at age eleven, they’ve known writing in some form was exactly what they wanted to do. A reader to the core, Piper loves nothing more than getting lost in a great book.
Piper is of Puerto Rican descent and grew up in a diverse neighborhood in Chicago. They love putting faces and characters of every ethnicity in their stories, making their fictional worlds as colorful as the real one. Above all, Piper believes there’s no one way to have an HEA, and every person deserves to see themselves reflected on the page.
Sign up for Piper's newsletter: https://www.pipervaughn.com/newsletter
Piper is of Puerto Rican descent and grew up in a diverse neighborhood in Chicago. They love putting faces and characters of every ethnicity in their stories, making their fictional worlds as colorful as the real one. Above all, Piper believes there’s no one way to have an HEA, and every person deserves to see themselves reflected on the page.
Sign up for Piper's newsletter: https://www.pipervaughn.com/newsletter
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 127 reviews
December 28, 2019
Real Rating: 3.5* of five
In my quest to distract myself from the unpleasantries of micronapping, I decided that short Holiday-themed reads would enable me to focus and remain engaged long enough to finish them and thus get the accomplishment rush life has so sorely lacked this month. This one was a Yule gift from a Goodreads friend, so it's perfect for the project.
Garnet, an Elf in Santa's workshop, falls in love with an orphaned, lonely Human named Wes. How that happens is best experienced blind, so no spoilers. I will say that Wes's sterling character means to me he should've been snapped up ages ago, but too many people in today's world are more interested in the wrapping paper than the gift. Wes's troubled youth and gruff exterior blind people to his goodness. Garnet, being Elvish, doesn't suffer from that problem; and he has the advantage of being able to, umm, monitor Wes's actions when he is nominally alone so he sees Wes as no one else can. Doesn't half squick me out, but the creepy surveillance of the Santa State bothers me less than the fantasy of loneliness rewarded with love and understanding. Short, quick, charming, and *perfect* for Hallmark's Xmas movies.
Low heat throughout and thus little equivalent queerness to épater les hétéreaux (pardon my Fractured French). Worth the time and the minimal money it costs, if only for the lovely (if hammy) way Author Vaughn presents Wes's borning happiness with his new love:
In my quest to distract myself from the unpleasantries of micronapping, I decided that short Holiday-themed reads would enable me to focus and remain engaged long enough to finish them and thus get the accomplishment rush life has so sorely lacked this month. This one was a Yule gift from a Goodreads friend, so it's perfect for the project.
Garnet, an Elf in Santa's workshop, falls in love with an orphaned, lonely Human named Wes. How that happens is best experienced blind, so no spoilers. I will say that Wes's sterling character means to me he should've been snapped up ages ago, but too many people in today's world are more interested in the wrapping paper than the gift. Wes's troubled youth and gruff exterior blind people to his goodness. Garnet, being Elvish, doesn't suffer from that problem; and he has the advantage of being able to, umm, monitor Wes's actions when he is nominally alone so he sees Wes as no one else can. Doesn't half squick me out, but the creepy surveillance of the Santa State bothers me less than the fantasy of loneliness rewarded with love and understanding. Short, quick, charming, and *perfect* for Hallmark's Xmas movies.
Low heat throughout and thus little equivalent queerness to épater les hétéreaux (pardon my Fractured French). Worth the time and the minimal money it costs, if only for the lovely (if hammy) way Author Vaughn presents Wes's borning happiness with his new love:
Hope, a dangerous emotion for a man so used to loss, had kindled in his heart. He wanted to believe that look he sometimes saw in Garnet’s eyes, the one that promised love and commitment and forever. He wanted to allow himself to feel those things in return without the constant dread that something would go wrong and spoil it all. Would there ever be a time when the fear left him, when he could simply experience happiness sans the paranoia?
September 3, 2016
4.5 stars
This one is a honeyed treat: a little quirky, a whole lot romantic, and oozing gooey charm.
A toymaker elf pines for a human. Every five years Garnet visits Wes on Christmas Eve. This year, Garnet wants to stay.
Wes, alone in his cozy cabin save for his four dogs to keep him company, is lonely but doesn’t dare dream of forever.
When Garnet literally crashes into his life, Wes feels hopeful and a bit afraid. He remembers Garnet, and Garnet always leaves. Everyone leaves.
I loved the magic here: the layering of contemporary romance over the mythical traditions of Christmas.
This story reads like a modern-day fairy tale: the longing, the obstacles that have to be overcome, the make-your-heart-sing HEA.
Any story that features Santa as a secondary character and makes this agnostic Jewish reader yearn for the holiday spirit deserves to be rounded up to 5 stars.
This will be my annual pick-me-up when I’m feeling like Scrooge and bitching about driving in the snow.
Please note: best served with cup of hot cocoa and cinnamon-sugar toast.
This one is a honeyed treat: a little quirky, a whole lot romantic, and oozing gooey charm.
A toymaker elf pines for a human. Every five years Garnet visits Wes on Christmas Eve. This year, Garnet wants to stay.
"You were so sad the first time I saw you. At first I only wanted to check in, see if that sadness had gone away. But when I saw you that second time, I . . . Your eyes were the same, and the last time too, and I . . ."
Wanted to take your pain away. Wanted to help. Wanted to stay. Just . . . wanted.
Wes, alone in his cozy cabin save for his four dogs to keep him company, is lonely but doesn’t dare dream of forever.
When Garnet literally crashes into his life, Wes feels hopeful and a bit afraid. He remembers Garnet, and Garnet always leaves. Everyone leaves.
I loved the magic here: the layering of contemporary romance over the mythical traditions of Christmas.
This story reads like a modern-day fairy tale: the longing, the obstacles that have to be overcome, the make-your-heart-sing HEA.
"You. You were my gift."
Any story that features Santa as a secondary character and makes this agnostic Jewish reader yearn for the holiday spirit deserves to be rounded up to 5 stars.
This will be my annual pick-me-up when I’m feeling like Scrooge and bitching about driving in the snow.
Please note: best served with cup of hot cocoa and cinnamon-sugar toast.
December 5, 2014
*3.5 stars*
A cute (to the max!) holiday story that will make you want to snuggle up in front of the fire with your very own emerald-eyed elf!
Though it isn't my favorite of the M/M holiday stories out there, this story was adorable and lovely in a very innocent way. Garnet and Wes are sort of like fated lovers, having connected with each other numerous times over the course of their lives, though always briefly and always on Christmas Eve. Seeing them finally have some time together was truly "awww"-worthy, though I missed that buzz I get from new lovers meeting for the first time.
Though short (and with entirely no sex on page- DRAT!), this story manages to get you feeling all gooey inside. I could have used more relationship development between the two guys, but I read this short with a smile on my face. A sure thing for those wanting something light and sweet to kick off the holiday season.
**Copy provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review**
A cute (to the max!) holiday story that will make you want to snuggle up in front of the fire with your very own emerald-eyed elf!
Though it isn't my favorite of the M/M holiday stories out there, this story was adorable and lovely in a very innocent way. Garnet and Wes are sort of like fated lovers, having connected with each other numerous times over the course of their lives, though always briefly and always on Christmas Eve. Seeing them finally have some time together was truly "awww"-worthy, though I missed that buzz I get from new lovers meeting for the first time.
Though short (and with entirely no sex on page- DRAT!), this story manages to get you feeling all gooey inside. I could have used more relationship development between the two guys, but I read this short with a smile on my face. A sure thing for those wanting something light and sweet to kick off the holiday season.
**Copy provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review**
September 12, 2016
I loved every single word of this! Merry Christmas and HO HO HO!!!
Content Advisory: There's No Sex!!!
December 17, 2014
That made me feel really good inside.
Such a super sweet Holiday read.
The end made me a bit sad but overall it was a very touching book.
Such a super sweet Holiday read.
The end made me a bit sad but overall it was a very touching book.
December 15, 2014
Piper Vaughn commented on my Twitter that this was "her attempt at a cute holiday story." Well, she and I probably had different definition of cute, because this just pulled all my heart strings! This is a beautiful love story – where the impossible becomes possible, where hope and true love go hand in hand.
Garnet Evergreen is an elf and has been in love with a human young man named Wes ever since he first laid eyes on him when Wes was just a boy almost fifteen years ago. Every five years since then, Garnet tries to visit Wes while keeping an eye on the boy the other years. Until this year, when he thinks that Wes has grown into a young man, and Garnet just can’t keep his feelings in any longer. So he steals his father’s sleigh to visit Wes.
And OMG, how I was so deeply in love with Garnet!! The way he loves Wes – so pure and so true. There is a childlike-ingenuity that comes from Garnett. I wanted to hug him so badly when he told Wes about his feelings. I wanted so much for Wes to believe in Garnet, for Wes to take a leap of faith with this otherworldly being because this elf could give Wes so much happiness.
This story is written with dual POVs, so we could also read how Wes – despite his first reaction of disbelief regarding elves and Santa and flying reindeers – remembered those moments where he’d met Garnett in the past. But Wes has lost so much in his young life – he lost his parents and then his adopted father and he doesn’t know if he can give his heart away.
There was a very emotional scene in which I ended up getting all teary eyed and wanted to hug my babyArthur (that’s my Kindle Keyboard) so bad because I cared so much for these two. So even though the ending was pretty much predictable — in the sense of what would happen for Wes and Garnet to get their happily ever after – I gobbled it right up.
It’s the perfect kind of holiday-themed story, complete with snow, Huskies, and some magic. I wish it was longer because being with these two made my romantic heart fill with contentment. Thank you for this, Piper!
The ARC is provided by the publisher for an exchange of fair and honest review. No high rating is required for any ARC received.
Garnet Evergreen is an elf and has been in love with a human young man named Wes ever since he first laid eyes on him when Wes was just a boy almost fifteen years ago. Every five years since then, Garnet tries to visit Wes while keeping an eye on the boy the other years. Until this year, when he thinks that Wes has grown into a young man, and Garnet just can’t keep his feelings in any longer. So he steals his father’s sleigh to visit Wes.
And OMG, how I was so deeply in love with Garnet!! The way he loves Wes – so pure and so true. There is a childlike-ingenuity that comes from Garnett. I wanted to hug him so badly when he told Wes about his feelings. I wanted so much for Wes to believe in Garnet, for Wes to take a leap of faith with this otherworldly being because this elf could give Wes so much happiness.
This story is written with dual POVs, so we could also read how Wes – despite his first reaction of disbelief regarding elves and Santa and flying reindeers – remembered those moments where he’d met Garnett in the past. But Wes has lost so much in his young life – he lost his parents and then his adopted father and he doesn’t know if he can give his heart away.
There was a very emotional scene in which I ended up getting all teary eyed and wanted to hug my babyArthur (that’s my Kindle Keyboard) so bad because I cared so much for these two. So even though the ending was pretty much predictable — in the sense of what would happen for Wes and Garnet to get their happily ever after – I gobbled it right up.
It’s the perfect kind of holiday-themed story, complete with snow, Huskies, and some magic. I wish it was longer because being with these two made my romantic heart fill with contentment. Thank you for this, Piper!
The ARC is provided by the publisher for an exchange of fair and honest review. No high rating is required for any ARC received.
November 23, 2014
At only 53 pages, this novella packs in plenty of emotion, which I thoroughly enjoyed, as I have when reading several of Piper Vaughn's earlier books.
The descriptions of Wes' sorrowful eyes as Garnet watched him over some 15 years kept playing on my thoughts. And as that time passed and Garnet saw the sad little boy turn into a stoic, but kind and selfless young man, the depth of his feelings for Wes only grew, until at last he had to act.
So as to avoid giving a play by play of the story, here are a few excepts that I found very funny and extremely touching (in that order):
~ Garnet jumped about a foot and spun to face him, splattering what looked like gravy from the spoon he still held. "Oh, juniper, you scared the tinsel out of me!"
Yes, I found elf cursing pretty hilarious.
~ Once, for a brief period in time, Garnet had been the larger of the two of them. He'd yearned to hide and protect Wes. Now, at five-four—freakishly tall by elf standards—next to Wes, Garnet felt pocket-sized. He couldn't shelter Wes's body the way he'd longed to in the past, but Wes's heart, that he would defend with his life if given half a chance.
5' 4" = 'freakishly tall'. Hehe. As heart-melty as that scene was, it was all about the View-Master scene for the Kleenex consumer in me. Utterly touching. Piper gave me her very own little "Amy Lane" moment (and anyone who follows me knows that I luvs me some Ms. Amy.)
And how does it end? "I thought you'd never ask." : )
Lastly, I just noticed that the book cover had to be from the stump scene. That's very cool. Extra points for some putting additional thought into that vs. using canned stock photos of near-naked hunky hotness. Not that I have ANY kind of problem with near-naked hunky hotness, but the chosen cover was very fitting in this instance.
The descriptions of Wes' sorrowful eyes as Garnet watched him over some 15 years kept playing on my thoughts. And as that time passed and Garnet saw the sad little boy turn into a stoic, but kind and selfless young man, the depth of his feelings for Wes only grew, until at last he had to act.
So as to avoid giving a play by play of the story, here are a few excepts that I found very funny and extremely touching (in that order):
~ Garnet jumped about a foot and spun to face him, splattering what looked like gravy from the spoon he still held. "Oh, juniper, you scared the tinsel out of me!"
Yes, I found elf cursing pretty hilarious.
~ Once, for a brief period in time, Garnet had been the larger of the two of them. He'd yearned to hide and protect Wes. Now, at five-four—freakishly tall by elf standards—next to Wes, Garnet felt pocket-sized. He couldn't shelter Wes's body the way he'd longed to in the past, but Wes's heart, that he would defend with his life if given half a chance.
5' 4" = 'freakishly tall'. Hehe. As heart-melty as that scene was, it was all about the View-Master scene for the Kleenex consumer in me. Utterly touching. Piper gave me her very own little "Amy Lane" moment (and anyone who follows me knows that I luvs me some Ms. Amy.)
And how does it end? "I thought you'd never ask." : )
Lastly, I just noticed that the book cover had to be from the stump scene. That's very cool. Extra points for some putting additional thought into that vs. using canned stock photos of near-naked hunky hotness. Not that I have ANY kind of problem with near-naked hunky hotness, but the chosen cover was very fitting in this instance.
December 24, 2018
Wow... this was so very sweet and brought many happy tears. this is one that I will be reading every year. Wes and Garnett the Elf's story was wonderfully written and magical! Such a joy to read!
November 30, 2014
I am a sucker for Christmas stories. The season for me is pure magic, all that comes with it, the possibilities are endless and for a hopeless romantic like myself, this is the most wonderfully goo worthy, romantic time of the year. This book, was perfect for me.
I don't normally read books with "other beings" involved but the blurb sucked me in and that cover? I am in love the cover and now that I know the scene it comes from? I want to cuddle up with it in front of a fire with a pack of Huskies, hot cocoa and warm cinnamon toast. Goodness.
I fell fast and hard for this story of our love sick ginger elf, Garnet Evergreen pining away for the lonely boy, Wes, he met one Christmas Eve. It was heartbreaking and yet so sweet to know the few times Garnet was able to sneak off every five years after that to see the boy he was falling in love with. I also love that this was told with the dual POV so we knew the times Wes saw and remembered Garnet as well.
The leap, or sleigh ride through the sky, of faith and love Garnet takes to be with Wes made me sigh and hug my Nook. It was uberly romantic and though his plans didn't quite work out the way he planned, he does end up being with Wes. Oh the days they had together! But then... ugh.
I could go on and on about this book because I loved it. There wasn't a thing about it I didn't like. The boys were adorable and honest. Wes had a pack of Huskies with the BEST names ever and Garnet... I want him to tell me stories about the North Pole and wiggle his ears. OH! His ears, well done there Ms. Vaughn. *winks*
So, I will shut up now but if you like super sweet, innocent and yet emotional love stories about fated love, true love and love that you will risk all for. Read this. You won't regret it.
***ARC provided by Less Than Three Press via NetGalley***
I don't normally read books with "other beings" involved but the blurb sucked me in and that cover? I am in love the cover and now that I know the scene it comes from? I want to cuddle up with it in front of a fire with a pack of Huskies, hot cocoa and warm cinnamon toast. Goodness.
I fell fast and hard for this story of our love sick ginger elf, Garnet Evergreen pining away for the lonely boy, Wes, he met one Christmas Eve. It was heartbreaking and yet so sweet to know the few times Garnet was able to sneak off every five years after that to see the boy he was falling in love with. I also love that this was told with the dual POV so we knew the times Wes saw and remembered Garnet as well.
The leap, or sleigh ride through the sky, of faith and love Garnet takes to be with Wes made me sigh and hug my Nook. It was uberly romantic and though his plans didn't quite work out the way he planned, he does end up being with Wes. Oh the days they had together! But then... ugh.
I could go on and on about this book because I loved it. There wasn't a thing about it I didn't like. The boys were adorable and honest. Wes had a pack of Huskies with the BEST names ever and Garnet... I want him to tell me stories about the North Pole and wiggle his ears. OH! His ears, well done there Ms. Vaughn. *winks*
So, I will shut up now but if you like super sweet, innocent and yet emotional love stories about fated love, true love and love that you will risk all for. Read this. You won't regret it.
***ARC provided by Less Than Three Press via NetGalley***
April 19, 2015
*** 4.5 Stars ***
Piper Vaughn? *grins*
Christmas shortie? *grins wider*
Christmas shortie with elves? *grins deliriously*
As expected, this story charmed the striped stockings right off of me. ...and I'm totally stealing the phrase "you scared the tinsel right out of me."
Piper Vaughn? *grins*
Christmas shortie? *grins wider*
Christmas shortie with elves? *grins deliriously*
As expected, this story charmed the striped stockings right off of me. ...and I'm totally stealing the phrase "you scared the tinsel right out of me."
December 22, 2016
4 Stars
Beautiful story. <3
Beautiful story. <3
December 10, 2023
Fairly sweet but overall mediocre.
I wanted to fall into it...but never did.
I am grateful for the ending though, it was worth it!
I wanted to fall into it...but never did.
I am grateful for the ending though, it was worth it!
December 23, 2016
***** Sweet Magical Tale !!! ***** Garnet is an adorable, big hearted Elf who keeps watch over kids and makes toys for Santa. He's been checking in on Wes since he was 10 years old and his parents died. Now that Wes is a grown man, big, strong and handsome, Garnet wants to see him again and plead his case; can he stay on earth and be with Wes? Problem is he has used a "prototype" sleigh and it crashes ! Wes, woodworker, is in his cabin for the month with his four dogs. They all are awakened by the big boom, and head out to see what happened. Wes is doing well, but has a sadness about him, and he's always spent Christmas alone. He rescues the strange looking fellow he finds and takes care of him. The explanation is hard for Wes to understand, to believe, but seeing is believing so they say. Garnet has a week to convince Wes they should make a go of it. Adorable characters, sweet tale of an amazing Elf who knows what he wants. This well written novella will hold your heart. It's a Christmas Fairy Tale for adults, that should be read every year !!
"You were so sad the first time I saw you. At first I only wanted to check in, see if that sadness had gone away. But when I saw you that second time, I . . . Your eyes were the same, and the last time too, and I . . ." wanted to take your pain away. Wanted to help. Wanted to stay. Just . . . wanted."
Highly recommend this story !! ENJOY !! You'll love as I did !!!
================================================
"You were so sad the first time I saw you. At first I only wanted to check in, see if that sadness had gone away. But when I saw you that second time, I . . . Your eyes were the same, and the last time too, and I . . ." wanted to take your pain away. Wanted to help. Wanted to stay. Just . . . wanted."
Highly recommend this story !! ENJOY !! You'll love as I did !!!
================================================
January 6, 2015
3.5 Stars
I’m a sucker for elf loving!
Piper Vaughn’s Working Elf Blues is a warm, cuddly read full of Christmas love and spirit.
Garnet wants Wes for Christmas, but can he get what he wants? Maybe with a little help from Santa. :D Wiggles, shivers, and heart stutters! These guys are all kinds of adorable.
I had one disappointment here, but it’s a big spoiler. Don’t open til after you meet Wes and Garnet.
This line made me giggle….
”Oh, juniper, you scared the tinsel out of me!” Haha….
A read sure to put a smile on your face!
Want to Read
January 17, 2015Blasts!
I have an elf weakness!
I have an elf weakness!
November 19, 2014
The Working Elf Blues is a new holiday novella from Piper Vaughn. She graciously provided a copy for my honest review.
I love holiday themed books. They are a big part of how I celebrate the time between Thanksgiving and New Year’s. It is a time of hot chocolate, warm snuggles under the blankets and, of course, a good book with a happy ending. I must say, this story met my holiday reading requirements.
The story revolves around Garnet, an elf with a penchant for breaking the rules and Wes, a man that has had a difficult past. When Garnet was a boy he snuck onto Santa’s sleigh one Christmas eve. When they stopped at one house, Garnet felt drawn to a room where he found a young boy with sorrowful brown eyes. After that meeting, Garnet could not help but sneak back every five years to see him again.
Wes has had his share of loss and although he is doing well now as an adult, he doesn’t allow himself to become hopeful. He knows it is all too easy to lose those you love.
When Wes is awoken by a loud sound and goes to investigate, the last thing he expects to find is a crashed sleigh and a young man dressed like an elf, complete with pointed ears. He takes the unconscious young man back to his cabin and realizes this is the same man that he has seen twice before in his life.
The author does a lovely job of bringing us the back-story of these two men and how their lives have intertwined throughout the years. I enjoyed that the way life at the North Pole was not really so different from the human world – at least in love and loss. Garnet is a great character. He is a bit of a rule breaker and follows his heart. There is a cute scene where Garnet explains how he knows so much about Wes that had me chuckling. Wes, for all that he has endured, finds he still is able to have hope because of Garnet, and is willing to take a risk and live in the present. They complement one another and it is fun seeing their feelings for each another grow.
The story is short but it is well developed, sweet and filled me with holiday cheer. There is no on page sex and only a tiny amount of angst. The ending is just beautiful.
Recommended for your holiday reading delight.
http://bookscoffeeandcapturedmoments....
I love holiday themed books. They are a big part of how I celebrate the time between Thanksgiving and New Year’s. It is a time of hot chocolate, warm snuggles under the blankets and, of course, a good book with a happy ending. I must say, this story met my holiday reading requirements.
The story revolves around Garnet, an elf with a penchant for breaking the rules and Wes, a man that has had a difficult past. When Garnet was a boy he snuck onto Santa’s sleigh one Christmas eve. When they stopped at one house, Garnet felt drawn to a room where he found a young boy with sorrowful brown eyes. After that meeting, Garnet could not help but sneak back every five years to see him again.
Wes has had his share of loss and although he is doing well now as an adult, he doesn’t allow himself to become hopeful. He knows it is all too easy to lose those you love.
When Wes is awoken by a loud sound and goes to investigate, the last thing he expects to find is a crashed sleigh and a young man dressed like an elf, complete with pointed ears. He takes the unconscious young man back to his cabin and realizes this is the same man that he has seen twice before in his life.
The author does a lovely job of bringing us the back-story of these two men and how their lives have intertwined throughout the years. I enjoyed that the way life at the North Pole was not really so different from the human world – at least in love and loss. Garnet is a great character. He is a bit of a rule breaker and follows his heart. There is a cute scene where Garnet explains how he knows so much about Wes that had me chuckling. Wes, for all that he has endured, finds he still is able to have hope because of Garnet, and is willing to take a risk and live in the present. They complement one another and it is fun seeing their feelings for each another grow.
The story is short but it is well developed, sweet and filled me with holiday cheer. There is no on page sex and only a tiny amount of angst. The ending is just beautiful.
Recommended for your holiday reading delight.
http://bookscoffeeandcapturedmoments....
December 28, 2014
This was a surprise!!! A wonderful Christmas Read with all the right ingredients; Love & Hope.
Every five years the elf, Garnet visits Wes on Christmas Eve. This year he plans to stay.
Garnet
One night, Wes who is spending the holidays in the cabin, a noise comes from the woods. He goes to investigate and finds a sleigh. No animals nearby. He finds an unconscious man in a elf costume in the snow.
Wes understands this is the man who happens to vanish every time in the last 15 years.
”I’ve watched you for a long time. You were so sad the first time I saw you. At first I only wanted to check in, see if that sadness had gone away. But when I saw you the second time, I… Your eyes were the same, and the rest too, and I wanted to be there for you. With you. I want.. you”
This story is surely going to be read every Christmas time!!
it!!!!
June 10, 2017
3.5 Stars
This was easy, feel good reading, and as is typical for these types of short stories, my only complaint is that this isn’t long enough and lacks the smexy times! Regardless, I very much enjoyed myself.
Garnet is not content to stay in the North Pole any longer despite it being against the rules to “fraternize” with humans. His heart calls to Wes’s and he’s determined to take a leap of faith that Wes feels the same.
Wes hasn’t had a it easy or very lucky. Used to loss and loneliness, he’s a bit discombobulated to find the enigmatic guy who he’s seen a couple times over the years says he’s a real elf and wants to be his. Is this too good to be true?
Earnest and sweet, this had great pining on both sides. This definitely delivered on the warm fuzzies and a well deserved HEA!
This was easy, feel good reading, and as is typical for these types of short stories, my only complaint is that this isn’t long enough and lacks the smexy times! Regardless, I very much enjoyed myself.
Garnet is not content to stay in the North Pole any longer despite it being against the rules to “fraternize” with humans. His heart calls to Wes’s and he’s determined to take a leap of faith that Wes feels the same.
Wes hasn’t had a it easy or very lucky. Used to loss and loneliness, he’s a bit discombobulated to find the enigmatic guy who he’s seen a couple times over the years says he’s a real elf and wants to be his. Is this too good to be true?
Earnest and sweet, this had great pining on both sides. This definitely delivered on the warm fuzzies and a well deserved HEA!
December 20, 2014
Just a cute little holiday short, it made me laugh, and had just a touch of angst when .
December 25, 2015
A cute little story with one of Santa’s elves and Wes, a young lonely man.
It was nice, it was cute, but I expected a bit more. Because for the first 50% everything that happens is pretty slow, then we get the great love story in 3 pages and after that there are a bunch of things happening all at once.
Sex is off page. Which was fine. This story didn’t need sex. It did need more pages though. This book would have been so much better if it was longer.
I didn’t really buy how Wes just believed Garnet was one of Santa’s elves. He wasn’t even upset about it. Well, if I were to meet one of Santa’s elves, this would have been me:
But nope, Wes accepts it and they fall in love…
I did like the story, but it all felt rushed.
It was nice, it was cute, but I expected a bit more. Because for the first 50% everything that happens is pretty slow, then we get the great love story in 3 pages and after that there are a bunch of things happening all at once.
Sex is off page. Which was fine. This story didn’t need sex. It did need more pages though. This book would have been so much better if it was longer.
I didn’t really buy how Wes just believed Garnet was one of Santa’s elves. He wasn’t even upset about it. Well, if I were to meet one of Santa’s elves, this would have been me:
But nope, Wes accepts it and they fall in love…
I did like the story, but it all felt rushed.
December 21, 2014
I thought I read the Jingle Jizz because of Eli Easton and Amy Lane. Apparently I read it for the warm cuddle fuzzies I get from Piper Vaughn too.
There was a lot of story and feels packed into 53 pages and the balance was just right. It was sweet without being too much and the character descriptions were so well done I totally bought into their connection from the very beginning.
There was a lot of story and feels packed into 53 pages and the balance was just right. It was sweet without being too much and the character descriptions were so well done I totally bought into their connection from the very beginning.
December 26, 2014
3.5 stars
This was such a lovely little christmas story!
Garnet Evergreen, toymaker elf, meets Wes the first time when they both were kids. The boy with the sad eyes stays in his heart and he visits him every five years at Christmas. This year he has the goal to stay... forever.
January 8, 2015
Super sweet and lovely. I even teared up a bit. Definitely one of my favorites for the holiday season.
January 13, 2015
This is a super cute short story about an elf (yup – one of Santa’s helpers) who falls in love with a boy and over the years watches him grow into a man with sad eyes. He kinda, sorta, stalks him – but in a non-creepy, totally love-struck way, until one day he decides he can’t take it anymore and decides to leave the North Pole for good and be with Wes forever.
It can’t just work out easy like that. Santa isn’t going to just let an Elf abdicate without an explanation and Wes isn’t just going to accept that someone with pointy ears wants to spend the rest of his life with Wes because of his eyes…
But the two end up figuring things out and they end up in love and together forever. *happy sigh
**
This is a fade to black as far as the sex goes, and it totally works. It’s a sweet story and though everyone is very much a grown up, the story remains a tender-hearted romance, with only a touch of sexual attraction. In just a few pages we get a fully developed little story of love and devotion and every reason to believe it will last forever.
I highly recommend this lovely little bundle of holiday joy!
Overall Impression:
4.5 stars – I loved it
It can’t just work out easy like that. Santa isn’t going to just let an Elf abdicate without an explanation and Wes isn’t just going to accept that someone with pointy ears wants to spend the rest of his life with Wes because of his eyes…
But the two end up figuring things out and they end up in love and together forever. *happy sigh
**
This is a fade to black as far as the sex goes, and it totally works. It’s a sweet story and though everyone is very much a grown up, the story remains a tender-hearted romance, with only a touch of sexual attraction. In just a few pages we get a fully developed little story of love and devotion and every reason to believe it will last forever.
I highly recommend this lovely little bundle of holiday joy!
Overall Impression:
4.5 stars – I loved it
October 8, 2024
A short and cute read about one of Santa's elves who falls in love with a human man. Wes and Garnet have a sweet and gentle relationship that develops quickly after Garnet crashes an experimental sleigh near Wes's secluded cabin. They were so adorable together and I just wish this could have been longer.
March 21, 2018
Honestly, this is one of the sweetest stories I've read in a long while. Garnet was adorable and I found myself rooting for their relationship right from the beginning. A perfect little happy story that had me smiling most of the time as I read.
December 19, 2014
DAMN YOU GOODREADS! DID NOT SAVE MY REVIEW!!!! GAHHHHH! No time to rewrite at the moment. GRRRRRRR!
Recreated review:
This may be my favorite Piper Vaughn story yet! I just really LOVED Garnet and Wes. Garnet is an elf who has watched Wes from afar for years. He has seen the loss, pain and loneliness that Wes has experienced. Now that they are both grown up, he wants to give Wes a beautiful and happy Christmas. This all goes a bit awry with a rather bumpy and harrowing arrival! Wes is very skeptical of any good thing lasting in his life and he has the past experience to prove it. Can Garnet give Wes the gift that he doesn't even know he wants or needs? You'll have to read it to find out.
This is really such a lovely and heartwarming story! i just enjoyed every single word. Beautifully described setting and well developed characters contained within this story. Well done and I'd love to revisit these characters any time.
Recreated review:
This may be my favorite Piper Vaughn story yet! I just really LOVED Garnet and Wes. Garnet is an elf who has watched Wes from afar for years. He has seen the loss, pain and loneliness that Wes has experienced. Now that they are both grown up, he wants to give Wes a beautiful and happy Christmas. This all goes a bit awry with a rather bumpy and harrowing arrival! Wes is very skeptical of any good thing lasting in his life and he has the past experience to prove it. Can Garnet give Wes the gift that he doesn't even know he wants or needs? You'll have to read it to find out.
This is really such a lovely and heartwarming story! i just enjoyed every single word. Beautifully described setting and well developed characters contained within this story. Well done and I'd love to revisit these characters any time.
November 5, 2014
This is a really cute little Christmas story about an elf who's watched over and loved a man from afar for fifteen years until he couldn't resist anymore and decided to hell with the north pole it was time to follow his heart to the lonely man with the dogs. Not too much angst and a happy ending just how I like 'em.
I just love all the feel good stories that come out during the holiday season :D
I just love all the feel good stories that come out during the holiday season :D
January 3, 2015
3.5 sparkly stars!
So much fluff! I was charmed by this sweet and short tale of a Christmas elf who fell in love with a human. Garnet is so adorable! Who wouldn't want to keep him? I hope the author decides to return to this world because I want to know more about the North Pole and its inhabitants. (And ok, yes, I'm hoping Poplar will get his own story.) Recommended for those who want to feel warm fuzzies.
So much fluff! I was charmed by this sweet and short tale of a Christmas elf who fell in love with a human. Garnet is so adorable! Who wouldn't want to keep him? I hope the author decides to return to this world because I want to know more about the North Pole and its inhabitants. (And ok, yes, I'm hoping Poplar will get his own story.) Recommended for those who want to feel warm fuzzies.
December 2, 2023
This was a reread for me.
This was a short quick read that I liked. Garnet Evergreen is an toy maker elf who leaves the North Pole to follow his heart only he doesn't tell anyone he takes his fathers sleigh and crash lands. Orphaned as a child, Wes spends every Christmas alone at his cabin. This was a pretty good read one that I wished was longer. This book was well written with no errors in grammar or spelling. I am looking forward to reading the next book in this series.
This was a short quick read that I liked. Garnet Evergreen is an toy maker elf who leaves the North Pole to follow his heart only he doesn't tell anyone he takes his fathers sleigh and crash lands. Orphaned as a child, Wes spends every Christmas alone at his cabin. This was a pretty good read one that I wished was longer. This book was well written with no errors in grammar or spelling. I am looking forward to reading the next book in this series.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 127 reviews