Best Present Ever?

by M.A. Innes

Panic or laugh?

When Sidney opens his Secret Santa gift and finds a binkie and an oversized baby bottle full of his favorite chocolate, he knows someone at work has figured out his biggest secret. But when they go to great lengths to protect his privacy, he finds he’s more curious than scared.

Who’s his Secret Santa?

Ross knows he might not have chosen the most conventional way to show Sidney he was interested, but now that Sidney is on the countdown to leaving the company, he’s running out of options. So it’s time to stop being subtle—since the only thing that’s gotten him is shy smiles—because Ross is ready for so much more from the sweet sub with a sticker addiction.

When the Christmas season shows two men they have more in common than they ever thought, they’re both left wondering if Santa has given them the best present ever…love.

36k word novella

This holiday season is full of secrets. Secret Daddies that is. Follow four of your favorite MM authors as they bring you tales of kisses, cuddles, and holiday cheer. Each Secret Santa Daddy book is a standalone and can be read in any order.

Genres: M M Romance, Christmas, Romance, Holiday, BDSM, Contemporary, LGBT

159 pages, Kindle Edition

First published November 16, 2021

About the author

M.A. Innes writes kinky and curious things like age play, puppy play, sweet guys in lingerie, cute boys in search of a Daddy and more.

When M.A. Innes wants to write a little more mainstream, she writes under the name: Shaw Montgomery

Do you want to get sneak peeks at upcoming books? Personal updates? A chance at freebies and more?
Click here to join M.A. Innes Newsletter!

Reviews

[Susan]

DNF at 23%

I have loved many books by M.A. Innes, but some of them focus too much on talking and communication.

Now don't get me wrong, I am all for good, open communication, but not every single thing needs to be explained. I like it when there's more show and not as much tell. It's like constantly explaining a joke as if no one else will get it if you don't explain it.

This all really killed the chemistry for me. :(

[Misty · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this. Shorts and sweet. Perfect Christmas Little read.

[Rin (indefinite hiatus) · Rating 2 out of 5]

This author needs better beta readers because it was full of inconsistencies within the story and weird POV changes. It was also repetitive.

[Valerie ❈M/M Romance Junkie❈ · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cute. I’ll be generous because of the holiday and give it 3.5 ✨ rounded to 4.

[Angel Davis · Rating 1 out of 5]

DNF. @45%

I really hate to DNF a book, but I just didn’t like this one at all.

This book is way too insta love for me. I get that they’ve been low key pining for each other over the past year or so, but they haven’t had any direct conversation.
Ross completely corners Sidney about a gift that’s slightly inappropriate and forward. I understand that he knew for sure about Sidney being little, but still. Also he basically gave him no chance to digest information and just pushed him to go on a date. Then after the date they’re already this intimate and the next morning he already knows that he doesn’t like cream filled donuts and pepperoni and anchovies? Did this come from his secretary or did they talk about it at dinner? It was just too much.
I know that usually in this kind of dynamic it’s like an all or nothing situation in books, but at the same time it seems a little too physical for the type of relationship it is.
Also, I know Doms/Daddy’s aren’t perfect themselves, but he was talking about how if he was starting to work fir himself he would have a hard time staying motivated and getting things done right but he’s already working out a plan for Sidney? I just hate the idea that if you would struggle with it also that you’d so heavily push your influence and ideas on someone else that quickly when you don’t even know them even if you are a Dom. He also says he’s never been a Daddy before but is coming on pretty strong. Idk, just didn’t sit right with me.

[Denise H. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sidney gets an unusual present from his secret Santa !
Ross hid his attraction to Sidney because of workplace rules, but now that Sidney has moved on to a new job, Ross made his move.



Sidney is very cute and sweet, so in need of a Daddy. Patient and ready, Ross is a Dom, but has studied and is willing to be both for dear Sidney. They are beautiful together, and we get a glimpse at what their life will be like.
Hot sexiness and charming Daddy/boy dynamics.
ENJOY !

=====

[Debra ~~ seriously slacking on her reviews ~~]

DNF 40 something%

This was a freebie on Amazon. Sadly there is no story here and it just didn't grab me. No office romance since it starts on Sidney's last day, just two men who click instantly and have a lot of boring conversations. While I liked that there seemed like there would be flexibility in Daddy, Dom and lover, I just lost interest.

[Trio · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very sweet. It's been years since I've read an M.A. Innes romance, and Best Present Ever? is definitely exactly why I've always enjoyed this author in the past.

I liked the "mystery" aspect of the story, and holiday romances are always the best any time of year :).

[Smut Librarian · Rating 4 out of 5]

I just adore reading about characters who live their truth and M.A. Innes writes one of the best tales about littles in Sidney, in this year’s Christmas story, Best Present Ever?.

I really enjoyed how this story just flows without any huge drama and with plenty of sweet moments. Sidney’s passion for stickers is simply adorable and a wonderfully different twist on the enjoyments of a little. Ross epitomises a good Daddy by paying attention and providing what Sidney needs without a lot of over-explanation – showing the whole relationship develop seamlessly and naturally.

The festive elements of this story weave into the developing connection, giving the whole book a seasonal feel. From the very beginning, where there’s a Secret Santa gift, to the  decoration of the tree, this is a great book to get readers in the Christmas spirit!

Best Present Ever? is a fun and super steamy holiday read for readers who enjoy light Adult Baby/Diaper Lovers and Daddy kink. M.A. Innes always brings hot and sweet guys together, resulting in an entertaining and easy reading experience.

[Guy Venturi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Christmas presents, stickers, colors, & books

What can be better for Christmas than a perfect Daddy that knows what you need and how to make you happy. Which makes you make Daddy happy. Teasing, giggling, wonderful punishments, perfect gifts, honest loving, caring, and sharing. Even Santa would be jealous of the special blanket with his picture on it. Perfect play together stay together partnership with multiple roles for boys. What could be better? More stickers?

[Aղցela W. · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a short quick read that just ok for me. Sidney left his job just after getting his Secret Santa gift he surprise when it contains things for a little. Ross knew he was a little he also knew as long as Sidney worked for the company he was off limits. I think for me it was too fluffy and I wanted a little drama. The book was well written with no errors in grammar or spelling. I am looking forward to reading more from this series.

[Kirstin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Super OTT sweet sticker-loving-little and his past co-worker Daddy. I enjoyed their story and how they started out together, but some of it felt a little weird, especially when the Daddy knew so many private things about his boy because he had his secretary ask weird questions? I had a bit of an ew factor with that.

[Judy Ferrell · Rating 4 out of 5]

Secret Santa

Sidney left his job just after getting his Secret Santa gift. Imagine his surprise when it contains things for a little. Ross knew he was a little. He also knew as long as Sidney worked for the company he was off limits. The gloves are off now.

[Natalie H · Rating 2 out of 5]

October 2025
Kindle edition

Read for a group challenge. Another one off the TBR. I lost interest pretty quickly. The initial gift giving was sweet but after that it does feel a bit insta-boy/daddy. Pretty much pure fluff with no obstructions.

[Lisa · Rating 3 out of 5]

OK, my first and last little book. There wasnt alot of story and a grown man behaving as a child doesnt do it for me. Sorry

[Ashley D · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sidney's last day at his job coincides with getting his last gift from his secret Santa. When he opens the present, he is horrified that someone at this job has figured out his secret, but they had gone to great lengths to protect his identity, so he is also intrigued by who it could be. Ross was forced to stop being subtle about his interest in Sidney, so he hopes that showing he isn't afraid or scared by Sidney's secret will help show that he is interested without being scared away.

I absolutely loved the dynamic between Sidney and Ross, they were great together and worked to understand and better each other. Once they realized that they both had the same interest, things went pretty quickly. It was super sweet and while there was a lot of dialogue between the two characters, I felt like it was needed at time, just to make sure they were on the same page.

[Penumbra · Rating 2 out of 5]

Best Present Ever? stars Sidney, a little, and Ross, a newbie Daddy. This is told in first person from Sidney and Ross’s povs.

The blurb gives a basic rundown of the plot, but I’ll add a bit more. Sidney and Ross worked at the same company. Ross was the manager of a different department. Ross figured out that Sidney was a little, but Sidney didn’t know that Ross was interested in him until the day Sidney quit, which also happened to be the same day Secret Santa gifts were exchanged at work. Both men had avoided each other after last year’s disastrous Secret Santa exchange, but Ross decided to ask Sidney about this year’s gift since Ross had given it to Sidney. From there the two start to get to know each other. The relation seems to progress quickly, but them lusting for each other the past year establishes that this isn’t a spontaneous instant love story.

I don’t remember reading any of this author’s books before so I don’t know if this book is the author’s usual writing style. I can tell you I didn’t care for it. There’s too much monologue, and telling instead of showing. The writing comes across as throwing in the expected tropes of Daddy/little without any indication that this dynamic was an actual part of each character’s personality. It came across as if the two were role-playing their parts. Add in the sudden switch of Ross saying he was a Dom and Sidney was a sub, then things get even more confusing.

The author used a lot of repetitive phrasing like, ‘Silly, Daddy’ ‘Sweet boy,’ ‘Stickers,’ etc., and lots of giggling to make it sound like Ross and Sidney had a Daddy/little relationship, but it felt fake to me. Saying words and doing the minimum of in-depth relationship dynamic of getting to understand how the characters feel about being a little or Daddy wasn’t covered. It was superficial, surface stuff. I couldn’t believe in Ross or Sidney as a couple.

Overall, this was an easy read, although not necessarily a fast read because I found this boring so I’d put it aside while I read something else. The Daddy/little relationship felt contrived, and the writing was telling instead of showing so it created distance from the characters and plot. I couldn’t believe in Ross or Sidney as a couple. I don’t recommend this if you’re looking for a Daddy/little story. There are better ones out there. I give this book, 2 Stars.

[Whitney · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars; it's cute but that's it

Once upon a time I was a massive fan of this author and you are, I get it. The writing is easy, the story is cute, and who doesn't love a happy Daddy/ little story? Apparently me.

I didn't hate this book, obviously. But aside from being cute they're just wasn't much else here for me. There wasn't conflict of any kind and I think it's entirely possible to tell a fluffy story and still have conflict. That's how you keep people engaged and create a situation in which we care about these characters and they're coupling. But that wasn't here. It was they went on a date and now the next five chapters are going to focus on them touching and occasionally talking while touching. Not every story needs to be fast-paced and dynamic but it at least needs to be interesting. This... wasn't

Ultimately I think the reason why I moved on from this author is the pacing of their books is pretty bad. I don't think spending three chapters on one single smut scene is a good use of time in a book that is just over 130 pages. Like it is so glacier slow you almost forget smut is going on or that anything is happening really. I think spending less time in Sydney and Ross's head and more time in scene with them would have fixed a lot of these issues. And I know this author can do it because they definitely have books where they've done it. The book that is teased at the end of this one I stand by my five stars. That one you should definitely check out.

If you like cute easy fluff, great. You're going to love this and walk away with so many cavities. But for me am I perfect teeth, cute just isn't enough anymore, and for that reason I'm giving it 3.5 stars

[Kindle Addict · Rating 3 out of 5]

I discovered this title because it was free. It was good but easy to forget and had some issues here and there:

- like a lot of people said it’s 0 drama and very very sweet, a bit too much perhaps (and that’s usually my jam) Very insta love and “I love you” every 10 seconds

- the plot was sweet but the Daddy might have been a bit too much with his stalking…👀

- the physical parts got me really confused: after their first date they go home, share 1 kiss and then have sex without kissing again in between. It’s 1 kiss/ little time and then spanking on the sofa but no more kissing 🤔 But then the Daddy spends the book kissing Sidney on the head and he kisses him on the cheek a lot. (Without a lot of real kisses) It was a bit weird. We learned that they have sex during the days that are not described but we don’t know what…At one point they hint that they’ll go all the way tonight but then it jumps to Christmas. We don’t see the bedroom scene and they end up having 🍆 sex on Christmas Eve, saying it’s the first time…A bit confusing!

- Same for the diapers. There’s a scene where the Daddy thinks “oh we’ll need to discuss the diapers situation later” They don’t but then in the last chapter Sidney is using them like it’s no big deal?!?

It was fine but could have used some beta readers IMO

[Tam · Rating 3 out of 5]

There was nothing inherently wrong with this, it just didn't grab me. Yes, it's insta-lovey (although they work for the same company so know each other but not well) and it's a bit creepy that Ross had his secretary spying on Sidney to find out what he liked, but that didn't bother me so much. Sometimes I just felt frustrated with them (and this is a me issue). They are going out somewhere but spend 20 minutes standing there hugging and internally monologuing how great it is, rather than just getting out the damn door. It happened a lot. Kind of liking moving on a timeline and then just stalling out for a period of time and then moving. And as I said, that's a me thing. Nothing worse than someone who diddles around when it's time to get out the door. Grab your damn stuff and let's go. LOL

So yes, it moves fast but that's typical of daddy/little books, so I didn't mind that. I did like the sticker fascination, it's a bit different. So it was cute and fine, just didn't love it. I would have liked to know more about Sidney's family, it's barely mentioned or if it is, I don't remember.

[Guardian.angel54 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Stickers and Daddy

Awww! Count on M.A. Innes to deliver the sweetest Christmas book about a sticker obsessed Little and the Daddy that wants to keep him. Everything about this story was utterly adorable! Sidney is the cutest Little. I love how his Little side is so fluid with his "big" side. He easily slips from one to the other and it feels very real and genuine. Ross, although by his own admission, is new to the Daddy lifestyle (but not the Dom lifestyle) and he takes to it like a rubber ducky to bath time! His secret crush on Sidney moves into real life when Sidney leaves the company that they both work for to start his own business, giving Ross the green light to pursue him. This book is full of hugs and giggles; rolled eyes and more stickers than you can count. As expected, there are lots of sexy times 🔥🔥 but they are interspersed with cute shenanigans and the sweetest moments ever. Seriously, this book beats any old Hallmark movie hands down! The perfect Christmas treat to get you into the holiday spirit and an absolute must-read! So good!

[Mandy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sydney opens his Secret Santa gift to find a binkie and an oversized baby bottle full of his favourite chocolate. He knows that someone at work has figured out his biggest secret but he is more curious than scared. Ross knows he might have chosen an unconventional way to show Sydney that he was interested but now that he is about to leave the company he has run out of options as he is ready for so much more from the sweet sub with the sticker addiction. When the Christmas season shows two men they have more in common than they ever thought, they’re both left wondering if Santa has given them the best present ever…love.

I loved this novella which was great to show that any attraction from afar due to shyness or company policy was just a form of gentle foreplay for what was possible and could come next. I loved the relationship between these two men and the way that they were perfect for each other. Easy to read, feel and understand I was fully invested in their relationship and their future together. Contains mature MM content with BSDM-like D/s and DDLB relationship.

[vrstal · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5/5.

Tropes and Elements:
- Coworkers to lovers
- Instalove
- Daddy kink
- Ageplay
- Christmas holiday novella
- No angst
- Size difference


This was… very sweet. No angst at all, just two people enjoying their time together and forming the relationship dynamic between Daddy and boy. There was some ABDL for those who it matters, though it’s not really focused on too much. The size difference aspect itself was pretty cute and I loved the MC’s obsession with stickers. However, the story itself is not that memorable. I don’t know if I’m just not in the right mood for this one.

I do think that if you want some no-angst fluffiness and light kink, this is the book for you. The writing itself is good with no errors, although a couple of inner dialogue lines I felt could’ve been cut out because they were redundant. Innes writes in this vein well and it shines here.

[Barb ~rede-2-read~ · Rating 2 out of 5]

I'm going to have to start passing on stories by this author and I hate to say that because they were one of the first I read when I started reading the Daddy/little dynamic. It may be me but I was bored more often than not in this story. There was more detail about stickers and toys and little items like bubbles and clothing and dishes and cups, etc. than there was story content.

From the first chapter, I didn't really get why or how the MCs got together. I mean, I read it, but I didn't get it. And Sidney left to start his own business and Daddy praised him off and on during the book but what did he actually do? And is it really so easy to start your own business and then spend all your time picking out stickers? IDK. I just didn't buy into any of this one.

[Denise GremoryKohta · Rating 5 out of 5]

Best Secret Santa Ever!!!

My first Christmas read of the season and it’ll be hard to top. There are those books you read and love so much that you know you’re going to want to read again. This was that kind of read. Only it was so good that when I finished it I immediately started reading it again. Sidney is the most adorable little I’ve ever read while Ross is the easiest to distract away from someone’s naughtiness. I adored these two so much. There was just one tiny drawback. I got to the end again. This is one author who in my opinion could write the never ending story and I’d be eagerly wanting more.

[Laina Gruver · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 stars

Sidney and Ross had been coworkers for a while but rules state no fraternizing allowed. When Sidney decides to start his own business, Ross seizes the opportunity to discreetly ask him out by giving him the perfect Secret Santa gift. Taken aback but very happy since he’s been crushing on Ross for a while, Sidney and Ross begin dating and seeing if they are compatible for a Daddy/boy relationship that Sidney is desperate for.

Sweet holiday romance between a sweet boy with a naughty side and a first time Daddy.

Light ABDL (diapers worn and used but NOT really focused on).

*****
POV… multi first person

Standalone or series… standalone

Hangover… no

Recommend… sure

Reread… sure

[wordsandblankspaces · Rating 3 out of 5]

Ok

Was sappier than a maple tree. Sometimes that was cute and sometimes it had me rolling my eyes. My biggest issues were with the kink. There was never any checking in and that seemed really important to me especially because Sidney basically became incoherent during sexual activities. I don't think Ross is going to a strict daddy at all. I was confused about him saying he was hyper organized and then later on says he wouldn't be able to find tests results because his office is a mess. Maybe he just likes organizing other people's messes? I think I would read from the author again and hopefully I find something more to my taste

[Jaimed · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a sweet and funny holiday romance. Sidney is one of the best Littles out there. I love how deeply he goes and how easily he gets into his Little headspace. Ross definitely made an impact on Sidney with being himself and for finding the best Secret Santa gift for him.

These two guys fit each other well and Ross does a great job with this being the first time he has been in the role of Daddy. I'm also with Ross in being happy that Sidney isn't obsessed with glitter. ;) I had a good time reading this story and enjoying their joy in each other during the Christmas holiday.

[Terri · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was another terrific romance from an author who excels at them. I adored Sidney and Ross from the start, and it was wonderful to watch their existing attraction and fascination with each other bloom into love. I enjoyed the moments they shared as daddy and little, and I swooned a bit at the Dom/sub scenes. These two had no worries or doubts about being together, so there was zero angst here. This was a happy, sexy, sometimes hilarious story, and I'll read it again when I need something stress-free and fun. Definitely easy to recommend!

[The Neighbor · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Very Sweet and Sticky Christmas Read

I love M .A. Innes' books. They are always so loving and don't always stick to the same old Romance plot line.

The characters are always well thought out and incredibly real. And speaking for kinky Accountants everywhere, FINALLY! it's nice to see us portrayed as something other than stodgy and boring!! The whole stalker-ey busines? Well we do like to keep on track of what's important... 😉

Funny, lighthearted, and kinky, what more can you ask Santa for?