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Dear Santa

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Ten-year-old Chris’s request to see Santa again takes Dave by surprise. He’s a little old for that, surely? But Dave will do anything to put a smile on his son’s face. Except when they get there, Santa is the one to make Dave smile. He’s pretty sure there’s a gorgeous man hiding beneath that white beard. And those eyes… Not that Dave gets a chance to even say hello. Chris tells Dave to stay back. Well, Christmas is a time for secrets, right?


Jeff loves playing Santa. That cute kid with the huge eyes – and the hot-looking dad - just surprised the hell out of him. Jeff hears all kinds of strange requests during the holiday season. But this one beats them all – even if it takes a little coaxing to get it out of the kid.


“There must be something you want for Christmas.”

The boy snuck a glance over to where his dad stood with one of Santa’s elves. “Well… there is one thing."

“And what’s that?”

He bit his lip. “It’s not for me.”

Jeff smiled. Sweet kid. “Tell me.”

“You’re Santa. You can do anything, right?”

Jeff smiled. “You bet.”

“My dad… he’s a great guy, but… I think he’s lonely.”

Jeff gazed at the kid’s dad. “Oh. Okay.” How can someone so beautiful be lonely?

“So… what I really want for Christmas… is for him to find a new… boyfriend.”

Jeff slowly arched his eyebrows. “I see.”

The boy nodded. “Ever since Papa died, I know Dad has been unhappy. He tries to hide it, but I can see. And it’s been three years since Papa went. Do you think it’s too soon for him to fall in love again?” 

Jeff stared at the man. “No, I don't think it’s too soon.” He gave the kid a smile. “Leave it with me. I’ll see what I can do.” 

171 pages, Kindle Edition

First published October 21, 2021

105 people are currently reading
267 people want to read

About the author

K.C. Wells

162 books1,859 followers
K.C. Wells lives on an island off the south coast of the UK, surrounded by natural beauty. She writes about men who love men, and can’t even contemplate a life that doesn’t include writing.
The rainbow rose tattoo on her back with the words 'Love is Love' and 'Love Wins' is her way of hoisting a flag. She plans to be writing about men in love - be it sweet and slow, hot or kinky - for a long while to come.

If you want to follow her exploits, you can sign up for her monthly newsletter: http://eepurl.com/cNKHlT

You can stalk – er, find – her in the following places:

E-mail: k.c.wells@btinternet.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/KCWellsWorld
Twitter: @K_C_Wells
Website: https://www.kcwellswrites.com
Instagram: www.instagram.com/k.c.wells
BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/k-c-w...


And for those who like things a little hotter?
There's KC's alter ego, Tantalus, who writes gay erotica.

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5 stars
602 (47%)
4 stars
399 (31%)
3 stars
221 (17%)
2 stars
25 (1%)
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14 (1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 203 reviews
Profile Image for ☆ Todd.
1,442 reviews1,584 followers
December 5, 2025

Such a fun, feel-good, and fluffy holiday read! 😁

I absolutely adored 35 y.o. Dave and his son Chris, who'd lost their husband/father three years prior and were doing their best to recover from his tragic and sudden death.



I also loved 29 y.o. builder Jeff, who came into their lives when Chris wanted to visit Santa, where his only wish was for his lonely, loving dad to find a new boyfriend.

I mean... HELLOOOOO! Swoon, am I right? It was for me anyway.

I'm normally *not* really much of a Christmas story person, but after reading this blurb, I was all in. With both feet. And bells on. And I *rarely* wear bells, okay? heh

Much as I'd expected, this story was low angst and lower PG-rated steam, with just two extremely-nice guys falling for one another. With a bit of help and encouragement from a little boy. And two meddling, match-making sisters.

My favorites parts were the wax museum and making mince pies, both with Chris acting as an enthusiastic chaperone, as the guys got to really know one another. Those chapters were so entertaining and it really felt organic.

Other than one short-lived misunderstanding and even shorter-lived separation, my only real complaint about the book would be... The Epilogue.

*Nearly-Runs-Away-Screaming*

Let me just say that I reallllllly am not a fan of cheese. And Jesus. The epilogue felt like one big ole' Velveeta on top of mozzarella smorgasbord.



I suspect most writers do some sort of "I could do this, or I could do this" brainstorming, then *eliminate* all but one preferred thing.

Not here. I'd honestly be shocked if *more* things weren't added to the epilogue, to be honest.

Taking place one year later, the Kitchen Sinkiest Epilogue to ever Epilogue was packed to the gills with:



Which realllllly felt like a lot. Too much. Like "8 desserts after a filling meal" too much.

But epilogue aside, I'd rate the story at around 4 stars and recommend it to anyone looking for fluffy and sweet, with a twist of gingerbread and mistletoe.

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Profile Image for Martin.
807 reviews604 followers
December 4, 2021
I am in full Christmas romance mode right now and this story was a beautiful way to satisfy the urge.

I was a bit wary of the blurb. A child playing matchmaker for his gay dad, that's quite daring.
The beginnings were a bit rocky. I thought it was a tad too smooth, but once it progressed, I began to enjoy the story's innocence.

Dave is a widower, raising his 10 year old son Chris by himself. To his surprise, Chris wants to go see Santa at a mall and tell him his Christmas wishes. Said Santa is hot young construction worker Jeff who dons the Mall Santa costume as a side gig during the slow construction season.

Chris tells Santa about his dad being lonely and asks him to find him a boyfriend. Which is like the cutest thing ever.

So of course, Santa is working on it :-)

Their getting to know each other felt extremely natural, maybe a bit naive too. There wasn't any forced insta-lust or anything, so I was pleasantly surprised how Dave handled his interest in Jeff with his young son being around. And Jeff felt like the most natural match for the little rainbow family.

Sure, it was maybe a bit too perfect, but that's what Christmas romances are for, right? No big drama, no big obstacles in their path. Just a slow way to happiness for them as lovers and me as a reader.

Also, Dave has an amazing job! My French is super rusty, but God if I were really good at it, I would love to do exactly what he does :-))

4.5 stars
Profile Image for ~✡~Dαni(ela) ♥ ♂♂ love & semi-colons~✡~.
3,587 reviews1,126 followers
November 16, 2021
Chris wants nothing more than for his dad to find a boyfriend for Christmas, so he asks Santa for help. And Santa (aka, Jeff) takes the request very seriously.

Jeff is drawn to Chris's handsome dad. When they strike up a conversation, Jeff thinks maybe he's the man Dave needs.

There is almost no angst here. Dave's grief over the death of his husband two years prior feels appropriate but doesn't overwhelm the story.

Sadly, the steam is almost nonexistent (summarized and fade to black), and the MCs lack chemistry. I never felt that connection between them. They're just so formal around each other (maybe because the dialogue doesn't flow naturally and reads like a script) .

Chris is also too present in the story, acting like no 10-year-old I've ever met. He's so mature and invested in his dad's relationship, yet he still believes in Santa. Contradictory much?

Don't get me wrong. This book has Christmas spirit aplenty, and the epilogue is lovely. It's an enjoyable read, but nothing special.
Profile Image for Nazanin.
1,285 reviews839 followers
April 2, 2022
2.75 Stars

Dave is lonely and unhappy. He tried to hide it but children can sense everything, right? So Chris’s wish for Christmas is for his dad to fall in love again. He even goes to Santa for it to come true…

Told in dual POV, 3rd person, it can be read as a standalone. This story is almost angst-free, a bit sweet, and slow-burn. Sadly, I couldn’t enjoy it as much as I’d expected to. I couldn’t feel the chemistry between the MCs. I couldn’t connect with the characters. Towards the end, I skipped a lot. I needed something to distract me and unfortunately, this read was a poor choice. Maybe it was just me and the book (not being in the right mindset and all), so don’t listen to me and give it a try. All in all, it was meh, and hope you enjoy it more than me!
Profile Image for Mila .
250 reviews359 followers
December 9, 2021
**3.0 rating**

Cute read. I have come to the conclusion that while I love Christmas, the holiday reads are not for me. They are all disgustingly adorable and too sweet that a bish can get toothache. So this will be my last xmas read this year💀
Profile Image for Trio.
3,615 reviews207 followers
November 8, 2021
If you’re looking for a warmhearted Christmas romance, it doesn’t get any better than K.C. Wells’s Dear Santa.

From the opening scene, where Chris asks Santa for a second chance at love for his widowed dad, I was completely charmed. The selflessness of this adorable ten year old boy might be my favorite part of the story… Well, okay, obviously it’s the romance between Dave and Jeff, but this little cutie is a close second.

A compelling chemistry builds between the two men, which is enhanced by their individual relationships with Chris. As they grow closer, it’s lovely to witness their joy as they spend time together. Whether it’s simple activities like baking, or a trip to Madame Tussaud’s, it’s clear the honesty with which they communicate helps to bond this trio together.

With descriptions of the festive local Winter Wonderland, tantalizing accounts of the food (both sumptuous and standard), and Dave’s unique nineteenth century home, K.C. Wells evolks delightful holiday images in every chapter. I read Dear Santa the whole way through with a smile on my face.

What a lovely way to get in the mood for Christmas!
Profile Image for Deborah.
3,843 reviews497 followers
December 14, 2021
Super sweet and adorable Christmas romance.
Profile Image for Gustaf.
1,444 reviews194 followers
November 30, 2021
Ok, so I am the first one to admit that I've been on a K.C. Wells roll this year, reading and loving a ton of her books and this one wasn't different.

It was such a sweet story, all the way from the son asking Santa to get his dad a boyfriend for Christmas meet-cute to the very last word of the epilogue. If I wasn't such a sucker for tooth ache sweet, it might have been a little bit too much but hey, now I am one of those people.

Profile Image for Debra ~~ seriously slacking on her reviews ~~.
2,237 reviews260 followers
December 10, 2021
If you're looking for a sweet Christmas read, you've got it here. A determined 10-year-old boy who wants nothing more than for his father, Dave, to be happy sets the ball rolling, and part-time Santa Jeff finds himself really wanting to make Chris's wish come true.

The story moves quickly, with lots of holiday cheer, two men who actually talk, and no angst. Lower steam than usual from K.C. Wells, but a very happy ending that will put you in a holiday mood.
Profile Image for Daniel.
805 reviews155 followers
November 20, 2022
This was not bad but ... disappointing. Chris may just be the most adorable 10 year old fictional character ever created and stole every scene he was in. Beyond that, this was "flat", uninspired, lazy writing ... formulaic and predictable. Just a few examples ...


The thought of Jeff’s lips on his shaft made him ache with desire.

“Look, it’s really hard to think when you’re doing that.” Dave chuckled, and a lot of his tension seeped away. “It’s hard, all right.”

"Hearing Chris come out with that had to be a shock, but you need to take stock and think straight. Which sounds like an odd thing to say to a gay man."

"Maybe Santa will have some different stuffing in mind tonight."


Well ... you get the idea. It was cute ... but there are much better options for your Christmas reading.
Profile Image for Cadiva.
3,997 reviews438 followers
December 22, 2021
Cute bit of festive fluff

This is a sweet festive romance with zero angst and a heavy dose of almost insta-love but it still works.

I was a little disappointed with the low steam, especially from this author who can write seriously hot intimacy.

Here it was either briefly summerised, off page references or fade to black which, imho, led to the slight disconnect I had with the characters as a pair.

They're both individual enough to have unique personality, but the short time frame made me feel like we never got any depth in the relationship.

It went from a casual meeting, to spending loads of time together, to exchanges of love within a month but I didn't feel it coming out in the narrative.

Still, that's not to say it's not a lovely story, because it is, and I really liked that Dave's dead husband was included but didn't overwhelm the plot.

Young Chris, his 10-year-old son was perhaps just a little bit too eager and understanding to get his dad to move on and to actively plot for it for me, after all, he'd lost his other parent too.

But, conversely, I did feel that he absolutely wanted to see his dad happy again and had fixed on a new boyfriend as a means to that end.

Overall, a good read for this time of year.
Profile Image for Valerie ❈M/M Romance Junkie❈.
1,726 reviews435 followers
November 17, 2021
My first holiday read!! This was so sweet and heartwarming. I enjoyed it quite a bit.

Ok. Real talk? I had to stop reading to check again who the author was. I think this is the tamest K.C. Wells book that I’ve ever read. Again, I enjoyed it. I’m just really shocked by the virtual lack of heat. I’m not talking fade to black, but I guess I expected more. Don’t get me wrong. it’s fitting for the book. I’m just a perv 🤷🏽‍♀️😉🤫
Profile Image for Airy.
426 reviews12 followers
December 17, 2021
It's definitely me not the book.
Profile Image for Laura.
1,520 reviews253 followers
December 1, 2021

3.5 Stars

Dear Santa may just have the most adorable holiday-ish plot ever! A kid waiting and waiting in line for Santa, only to get up there and ask for a gift for his Dad. Young Chris asks Santa for a new boyfriend for his lonely, widowed father. A tall order even for the big guy, but maybe love will find a way. It’s Christmas after all. Chris believes. Especially when his Dad meets Jeff (aka Santa).

I loved all the Christmas sparkle in this story. We get Christmas markets, music, baking, and more! My only complaint…It pushed too hard at times. The story needed to let me feel it instead of throwing in cheesy scenes. For example, the nightmare scene went too far for me.

One aspect I adored though was how the author made sure Chris’s Papa was right there with them even as Chris hoped for a new love for his Dad. We don’t forget the ones we love and lost. K.C. Wells made that loud and clear and folded that love in to create something new and special.

A big hearted read with likeable characters you’re going to root for all the way through. Does Chris get his wish? Come and see.

Profile Image for Vfields Don't touch my happy! .
3,500 reviews
December 9, 2021
I’m not a big fan of kids in my books and the entire story is predicated on this little boy wanting something special from Santa. I had to simply suspend my knowledge of kids of this age. Check, brains off.
I really enjoyed the read. It was sweet, angst free, and full of the Christmas spirit. I do enjoy K.C. Wells when she hits her stride.
Ding, ding, ding…
Profile Image for Denise H..
3,244 reviews269 followers
November 23, 2021
Awesome Christmas story ! In the UK, we get a slow burn romance, terrific characters, and warm hearts.
Loved it !
Dave, 35, tall, lean, dark hair and scruff, lost his husband four years earlier, he's raising his son, Chris, and they go to see Santa.
Jeff, 30, muscled with a dark beard and moustache, works construction, is playing Santa this year. That's how he sees Chris and his dad, Dave.
The tale begins to unfold with surprises, touching scenes, attraction that starts slowly as they become friends first. Lots of meals, hanging out, Christmas fun, and talks.



It's more than halfway through until they hold hands, kiss and by then they are in love.
We get happiness and a heartwarming epilogue.
Wonderful men, a great kid, and a cheery romance !
ENJOY !

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Profile Image for Cat the bookworm (semi hiatus ish).
924 reviews181 followers
December 27, 2021
There’s sweet, and there’s so-sweet-that-your-teeth-are-glued-together-for-hours.

Which isn’t necessarily a bad thing, because that’s what we want when we start reading a Christmas romance, right?

It’s the story of Dave, who lost his husband a few years prior, his son Chris, who asks Santa for a boyfriend for his dad. And said Santa, Jeff, who -conveniently- is gay, good looking, and single. Yes, we tick all the cliché boxes here, but who cares? Sometimes we all need a little Christmas miracle, so if you’re in for a story that soothes your soul and gives 2 (make that 3) very likable characters a HEA, you can’t go wrong here. I might even have given it 5 stars, but the epilogue was a bit much, even for my starry eyed romantic self 🤣

The audiobook is good to listen to, Seb Yarric does a great job.
445 reviews24 followers
November 3, 2021
Sweet, surprisingly low steam for K.C. Wells book.
As a Christmas romance goes, this one was ok. My main complaint is Dave's son - Chris, a 10 year old who behaved like no 10 year old would. I get insta connection between MCs in Christmas books, but insta connection and trust towards a complete stranger from a 10 year old boy who never had a sleepover is unbelievable on another level. Plus, he was present during half of the MCs interactions and actively meddled. In some books kids might be an asset. But not in this one.
Profile Image for QueerBookshelf || Ines ✨.
243 reviews10 followers
December 18, 2021
Der 10-jährige Chris wünscht sich von Santa Claus einen neuen Freund für seinen Dad Dave. Nach dem tragischen Tod seines Mannes vor 3 Jahren ist dieser recht einsam und unglücklich. Daher wünscht sich Chris nichts sehnlicher als seinen Dad wieder glücklich und lachend zu sehen. Der Santa Jeff macht sich durch eine kleine Zufallsbegegnung natürlich sofort an die Wunscherfüllung. 😉

Die Weihnachtslovestory von Jeff, Dave und Chris ist vordergründig zuckersüß, romantisch und mit ein bisschen Weihnachtszauber versehen ✨. Es schwingen aber auch ein paar ernstere Momente mit. Dave hat seinen Mann Matt und Chris seinen Papa verloren. Die Szenen, in denen Dave mit Matt spricht sind so traurig und rührend zugleich – da ist mir echt manchmal die Sicht ein bisschen verschwommen. 😥❤️

Sonst kommt die Geschichte aber ohne große Dramen daher, die bei einer Weihnachtslovestory eh eher fehl am Platz wären. Auch war ich im ersten Moment etwas über die zurückhaltende Beschreibung der sexy Szenen überrascht, denn da bin ich von der Autorin durchaus anderes gewohnt. Hat mich aber im Nachhinein nicht gestört, da es anders gar nicht zu dieser Geschichte gepasst hätte.

Also wer auf der Suche nach einem süßen, aber auch emotionalen Weihnachtsbuch mit viel Herz ist, dem kann ich „Verliebt in Santa Claus“ wärmstens empfehlen!!❤️✨🎅❄️
Profile Image for Joshua Weremonkey.
1 review
November 30, 2022
Dear Santa delivers Christmas time joy

What a heartwarming holiday treat to read! Can tell it was written with care and love. The characters were sweet especially Chris who lit up the pages with his energy and unconditional love. Dear Santa is a pleasure to read.
Profile Image for Sandra .
1,984 reviews348 followers
December 15, 2021
I received this book from a generous Elf!

What a charming, sweet, and engaging story this was. This author just has a knack for writing believable romances with believable characters who do believable things. This is the kind of holiday romance novel that could be plucked from a real life experience, and KC effortlessly weaves background info for the characters into the narration and dialogue without ever making it an info-dump. And the love scenes aren't ever about inserting tab A into slot B, but about emotional connections and intimacy.

I loved this. Super romantic, perfect for reading around the holidays!
Profile Image for Ajax1978.
240 reviews2 followers
November 24, 2021
Hmmmm what’s with me feeling like Scrooge reading these holiday stories? Look, it was sweet and nice and everything just clicked into place perfectly. But I wasn’t looking for too sweet, too nice or too perfect. The lack of angst and the feeling that each scene was checking off a list of things to happen on the road to happily ever after just became boring after a while.
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