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The Nutcracker
Something sad is happening in the town of Coopers Mill. It’s Christmas Eve, and Jordan Donovan must make the difficult step of moving his beloved grandmother Marjorie into Cedar Village, a home for the elderly where the doctors and nurses can make her as comfortable as possible while her memories fade away more and more each day.
Something strange is happening in the old toy shop. For after running into a lamp post in his car, Jordy seeks shelter in the store that appeared completely abandoned only hours before. Now however, the lights are on, Christmas treats fill the windows and a sign that reads The Nutcracker hangs above the door.
Something wonderful is about to happen inside The Nutcracker. For when Jordy steps into the store he is greeted by the sexiest stranger he’s ever met; a man who bestows upon Jordy the greatest gift he could ever imagine... something that will unlock the secrets of the past and bring true joy to Jordy’s world in every way possible.
But when else would you expect a little magic to happen. It is, after all, Christmas Eve.
Something strange is happening in the old toy shop. For after running into a lamp post in his car, Jordy seeks shelter in the store that appeared completely abandoned only hours before. Now however, the lights are on, Christmas treats fill the windows and a sign that reads The Nutcracker hangs above the door.
Something wonderful is about to happen inside The Nutcracker. For when Jordy steps into the store he is greeted by the sexiest stranger he’s ever met; a man who bestows upon Jordy the greatest gift he could ever imagine... something that will unlock the secrets of the past and bring true joy to Jordy’s world in every way possible.
But when else would you expect a little magic to happen. It is, after all, Christmas Eve.
82 pages, Paperback
Published November 13, 2021
5 people are currently reading
36 people want to read
About the author
Robin Knight
70 books90 followersaka Geoffrey Knight
Robin Knight is the author of gay fiction novels, novellas and short stories, ranging in genre from gay adventure, gay romance, gay suspense and gay comedies.
The heroes of Robin's books love to spend their time jumping off the page, stumbling through misadventures and falling in love.
Robin has worked in advertising, politics, journalism and event management, but nothing is as fun as telling stories.
Robin Knight is the author of gay fiction novels, novellas and short stories, ranging in genre from gay adventure, gay romance, gay suspense and gay comedies.
The heroes of Robin's books love to spend their time jumping off the page, stumbling through misadventures and falling in love.
Robin has worked in advertising, politics, journalism and event management, but nothing is as fun as telling stories.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews
November 25, 2021
Wow! Just Wow!
This short just knocked me over and blew me away.. Not too mention made me ugly cry ! Pretty intense and beautifully written! So sweet and s full of feels!
This short just knocked me over and blew me away.. Not too mention made me ugly cry ! Pretty intense and beautifully written! So sweet and s full of feels!
November 22, 2021
This is a sweet holiday short. I loved Jordan's grandmother. You can't read this without getting a little emotional over her.
I liked both Jordy and Curtis. There's a hint of magic and a sweet Christmas miracle of sorts. The way things come together is nice.
An enjoyable Christmas read.
I liked both Jordy and Curtis. There's a hint of magic and a sweet Christmas miracle of sorts. The way things come together is nice.
An enjoyable Christmas read.
December 9, 2021
A little over the top for me. Not my cuppa.
November 20, 2021
Adorable, magical, and sweet
A short little holiday romp with just the perfect amount of maybe-magic, a little tease of spice, wishes, and the promise of something good to come thereafter.
A short little holiday romp with just the perfect amount of maybe-magic, a little tease of spice, wishes, and the promise of something good to come thereafter.
December 5, 2025
Short, cute piece of Christmas speculative fiction about the power of wishes
November 30, 2021
Wonderful Holiday Magic
I really enjoyed reading this story. It was a quick read which was exactly what I wanted tonight. The story kept my interest and entertained me. There was feeling, awkward moments, characters you could care about, and a little Christmas hiday magic.
I really enjoyed reading this story. It was a quick read which was exactly what I wanted tonight. The story kept my interest and entertained me. There was feeling, awkward moments, characters you could care about, and a little Christmas hiday magic.
December 13, 2025
Another short Christmas tale, here we meet Jordan who has moved back to his hometown to care for his Grandma. But there's magic in the air.
November 30, 2021
A little cute, a little stupid, a little wtf. And IMO that cover has absolutely NOTHING to do with the contents of the book.
November 28, 2021
Never Doubt the Magic of Christmas . . .
Driving down Main Street in Cooper’s Mill presented an empty town. Jordan Donovan moved here to be near his grandmother who was slowly losing her memories. He was relocating her to a home for the elderly where she could get proper care. But as they pass by the dark and empty stores, it brought back memories of the toy store, now deserted and boarded up.
Returning home, the car windshield fogged up and a deer was right in front of him as the car slid into a lamppost. The post toppled onto his windshield and glass cubes shattered everywhere. The bridge of his nose was bleeding and he was light-headed. He looked around for help and only the old toy store had lights. Wait? That had been boarded up earlier! Now it was freshly painted with a sign saying “The Nutcracker”. A shadow inside went past the window, so he stumbled over to get help.
A tall, handsome man saw he was injured and pulled him inside. Curtis Caine cleaned the cut on Jordy’s face. Jordy noted that Curtis had missed this year’s sales by opening on Christmas Eve. But Curtis was cheerful and said some people shopped for Christmas all year. It was obvious Curtis was filled with the Spirit of Christmas and gladly embraced the mood all year long. With Jordy having a stinging nose and a headache, worried about his grandmother being alone, he told Curtis he just wasn’t feeling it. Curtis of course took that as a personal challenge to make Jordy find his happiness. He implied a room behind a red velvet curtain was magical, and invited Jordy to take a look, to find that everything is connected. The entire room was like a giant complex model built into the walls, pure imagination, and Jordy’s architect’s mind was stunned. And Curtis told him it could extract all the elements needed to make his Christmas wish come true. He just has to believe… as he picked up a walnut, made the wish for his grandmother, and dropped the walnut into the machine.
This is such a sweet, loving story you won’t want to miss. Grab your copy and see what happens. Is it all a dream? Or is it the magic of Christmas?
Driving down Main Street in Cooper’s Mill presented an empty town. Jordan Donovan moved here to be near his grandmother who was slowly losing her memories. He was relocating her to a home for the elderly where she could get proper care. But as they pass by the dark and empty stores, it brought back memories of the toy store, now deserted and boarded up.
Returning home, the car windshield fogged up and a deer was right in front of him as the car slid into a lamppost. The post toppled onto his windshield and glass cubes shattered everywhere. The bridge of his nose was bleeding and he was light-headed. He looked around for help and only the old toy store had lights. Wait? That had been boarded up earlier! Now it was freshly painted with a sign saying “The Nutcracker”. A shadow inside went past the window, so he stumbled over to get help.
A tall, handsome man saw he was injured and pulled him inside. Curtis Caine cleaned the cut on Jordy’s face. Jordy noted that Curtis had missed this year’s sales by opening on Christmas Eve. But Curtis was cheerful and said some people shopped for Christmas all year. It was obvious Curtis was filled with the Spirit of Christmas and gladly embraced the mood all year long. With Jordy having a stinging nose and a headache, worried about his grandmother being alone, he told Curtis he just wasn’t feeling it. Curtis of course took that as a personal challenge to make Jordy find his happiness. He implied a room behind a red velvet curtain was magical, and invited Jordy to take a look, to find that everything is connected. The entire room was like a giant complex model built into the walls, pure imagination, and Jordy’s architect’s mind was stunned. And Curtis told him it could extract all the elements needed to make his Christmas wish come true. He just has to believe… as he picked up a walnut, made the wish for his grandmother, and dropped the walnut into the machine.
This is such a sweet, loving story you won’t want to miss. Grab your copy and see what happens. Is it all a dream? Or is it the magic of Christmas?
January 16, 2022
What a charming and heartwarming holiday novella The Nutcracker is. As with anything Robin Knight writes, he takes you on a journey of “feels”. From one man’s struggle to navigate his grandmother’s dementia and his desire to give her one more memory, to a magical evening with a toymaker who might make wishes come true, and an ending that makes us want for more.
For the right person there isn’t anything you wouldn’t do to take care of them. Which is exactly what Jordan “Jordy” Donovan is doing… dropping his entire life to be there for his grandmother. But what about him?
When his car crashes on an ice and snow-covered road a shop, boarded up and for sale only hours earlier, is now brightly lit and festooned with a sign reading The Nutcracker. His only rescue, Jordy enters to discover a toy store and a Santa-like owner with a magical nutcracker that grants wishes.
Robin Knight brings this dream like machine to life and you experience every bit of delight and wonder right along with Jordy. And when Jordy dreamily wishes… you hope for a Christmas miracle.
Told entirely from Jordy’s point of view The Nutcracker is full of tradition and warmth and leaves you believing in the magic of Santa. Just what the holiday season ordered!
For the right person there isn’t anything you wouldn’t do to take care of them. Which is exactly what Jordan “Jordy” Donovan is doing… dropping his entire life to be there for his grandmother. But what about him?
When his car crashes on an ice and snow-covered road a shop, boarded up and for sale only hours earlier, is now brightly lit and festooned with a sign reading The Nutcracker. His only rescue, Jordy enters to discover a toy store and a Santa-like owner with a magical nutcracker that grants wishes.
Robin Knight brings this dream like machine to life and you experience every bit of delight and wonder right along with Jordy. And when Jordy dreamily wishes… you hope for a Christmas miracle.
Told entirely from Jordy’s point of view The Nutcracker is full of tradition and warmth and leaves you believing in the magic of Santa. Just what the holiday season ordered!
December 1, 2021
At the beginning of this whimsical tale, Jordan Donovan has the holiday blues. After moving back to his old home town in order to care for his aging grandmother, he's having to install her in a home because her Alzheimer's is too much for any one person to cope with.
He's now in a small town, at a job he despises because he left his real profession behind in the big city. He's also single and remembering how his "boyfriend" was a cheat. Now after dropping off granny, an auto accident when he swerves to avoid a deer adds insult to injury... or does it?
The next few pages are pure fantasy or maybe the imaginings of a concussed brain. But when things start to clear up and details from his dream state start to appear in his waking life, he follows through and begins to change fantasy to fulfillment.
This is just one schmaltz short of a Capra movie but at 67 pages is a quick enjoyable holiday read.
*** Note: I am voluntarily reviewing this after receiving a complimentary copy ***
He's now in a small town, at a job he despises because he left his real profession behind in the big city. He's also single and remembering how his "boyfriend" was a cheat. Now after dropping off granny, an auto accident when he swerves to avoid a deer adds insult to injury... or does it?
The next few pages are pure fantasy or maybe the imaginings of a concussed brain. But when things start to clear up and details from his dream state start to appear in his waking life, he follows through and begins to change fantasy to fulfillment.
This is just one schmaltz short of a Capra movie but at 67 pages is a quick enjoyable holiday read.
*** Note: I am voluntarily reviewing this after receiving a complimentary copy ***
November 18, 2021
Super sweet and very Christmassy, wishes do come true
Robin Knight is possibly the most original author I have read. All his books surprise me, whatever the subject, and delight me too. The Fake Prince Jake has larger than life characters, The Chocolate Works twists and turns aplenty, Hotel Pens is absolutely original, perfectly brilliant and my favourite of all Robin's works, and The Nutcracker is just so sweet and charming that I couldn't stop smiling.
Jordy's wish is just like him, thoughtful and loving, but the wish-granter sees that Jordy deserves another wish as well. The whole story is original and delightful and made my Grinch-like heart swell more than three sizes.
A story to read at Christmastime but one that will stay with you all year.
Robin Knight is possibly the most original author I have read. All his books surprise me, whatever the subject, and delight me too. The Fake Prince Jake has larger than life characters, The Chocolate Works twists and turns aplenty, Hotel Pens is absolutely original, perfectly brilliant and my favourite of all Robin's works, and The Nutcracker is just so sweet and charming that I couldn't stop smiling.
Jordy's wish is just like him, thoughtful and loving, but the wish-granter sees that Jordy deserves another wish as well. The whole story is original and delightful and made my Grinch-like heart swell more than three sizes.
A story to read at Christmastime but one that will stay with you all year.
December 20, 2022
I'm not normally a fan of magical realism- it tends to be used too often as an unnecessary plot device. But for some reason, this story seems to have caught me in the right mood. It starts off somewhat darker than I might have expected, as Jordan has returned to his hometown to help out his grandmother, who is suffering from Alzheimer's, and struggles to put his life together after a series of setbacks. At a particularly low moment, Jordan happens to come upon a piece of magic of sorts that puts him back on the right track.
I liked how the plot device was used in the novel as it ended up not being a cure all for Jordan's problems but more as a guide. Really sweet story with a beautiful relationship between man and his grandmother at the core.
I liked how the plot device was used in the novel as it ended up not being a cure all for Jordan's problems but more as a guide. Really sweet story with a beautiful relationship between man and his grandmother at the core.
November 21, 2021
A crazy, magical short story.
Everything happens in one night, of course it’s Christmas Eve night, and Jordy will find out that dreams do indeed come true.
The story is so short that I’m not sure myself if I should consider it Christmas magic at its best or a sort of feverish dream, as the description of The Nutcracker (the magically-appeared toy shop) is such a whirlwind that made me think of those weird and vivid dreams that leave you stunned when you wake up!
Whatever I shall compare it to, the story is very entertaining and guaranteed to put you in the holiday’s spirit!
Everything happens in one night, of course it’s Christmas Eve night, and Jordy will find out that dreams do indeed come true.
The story is so short that I’m not sure myself if I should consider it Christmas magic at its best or a sort of feverish dream, as the description of The Nutcracker (the magically-appeared toy shop) is such a whirlwind that made me think of those weird and vivid dreams that leave you stunned when you wake up!
Whatever I shall compare it to, the story is very entertaining and guaranteed to put you in the holiday’s spirit!
November 16, 2021
A great little Christmas novella story for Jordy and Curtis. Everything is connected you just have to connect the links. A short story of the magic of Xmas and Lady Fate having a helping hand.
Liam moves back to his home town to help his grandmother move into residence care since alzhermers. She didn't remember things but with Jordy's help she has a great Christmas.
Liam moves back to his home town to help his grandmother move into residence care since alzhermers. She didn't remember things but with Jordy's help she has a great Christmas.
November 21, 2021
Beautiful, magical short story
This was a beautiful, magical Christmas short story! Jordy wishes his aging grandmother could remember her true love, but Alzheimers is making it hard for her to remember. The Nutcracker shop just may help his wish come true. A quick heartwarming story with a hint of romance.
This was a beautiful, magical Christmas short story! Jordy wishes his aging grandmother could remember her true love, but Alzheimers is making it hard for her to remember. The Nutcracker shop just may help his wish come true. A quick heartwarming story with a hint of romance.
November 22, 2021
Well...
This one has so much potential. With a bit of editing it could be a five star short story. Its rare that one can make you feel something with so little pages, but when Jordy was describing his meeting with the key, I hurt for him.
And his grandmother's memory issues were heartbreaking.
This only had some kind of imaginary kissing and no sexytimes.
This one has so much potential. With a bit of editing it could be a five star short story. Its rare that one can make you feel something with so little pages, but when Jordy was describing his meeting with the key, I hurt for him.
And his grandmother's memory issues were heartbreaking.
This only had some kind of imaginary kissing and no sexytimes.
November 25, 2021
A short sweet story of Christmas magic. I've had the pleasure of reading a few of Robin Knight's books and each one is unique from the others and endearing. Wonderful characters. Jordy's grandmother suffering from Alzheimer's was saddening and emotional, and their bond was so sweet. Jordy and Curtis's relationship was unique and magical. I really enjoyed this feel-good story. 5 stars.
November 26, 2021
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review. Jordan had to put his grandmother in a care home and is sad. I found it ironic that she warns him about the deer and one causes his accident. It's inspiring how he took his vision and made it come true gaining his grandmother's regaining memories, a love in Curtis and a new purpose in life.
November 27, 2021
I thought that this was a sweet book. Jordy has been struggling since his ex cheated on him and found out that his grandmother's health is failing. All Jordy wants for Christmas is a simple wish and with the help of a blizzard and Christmas magic, Jordy get everything he wants and more.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
November 28, 2021
A short, modern fairytale-ish
It all mostly makes sense by the end of the story, though how Jordan knows Curtis before meeting him is a mystery. Alzheimer’s is a cruel condition that can’t improve but sensory association therapy can have some benefits. Maybe Jordan got lucky with his concussion. I’m desperate to know what the nutcracker is now!
It all mostly makes sense by the end of the story, though how Jordan knows Curtis before meeting him is a mystery. Alzheimer’s is a cruel condition that can’t improve but sensory association therapy can have some benefits. Maybe Jordan got lucky with his concussion. I’m desperate to know what the nutcracker is now!
December 1, 2021
Jordy and Curtis gave you a genuine holiday feel good in less than 100 pages.
Fall in love with the characters, their spark, realism, and well done connections.
Just the right amount of magic for the season. Get out the tissues.
**I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.**
Fall in love with the characters, their spark, realism, and well done connections.
Just the right amount of magic for the season. Get out the tissues.
**I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.**
November 18, 2021
This was a sweet, heartwarming and romantic novella! Jordy and Curtis wishes came through in the magic of Christmas! Reminded me a little of Ghost of Christmas Past. It was really well written, highly recommend!
November 20, 2021
Now I'm officially in the Christmas mood
Do you miss the vibe this year? Suffering from a little corona-depression? Read this delightful Christmas story! It has all the feels and magic. I loved it!
Do you miss the vibe this year? Suffering from a little corona-depression? Read this delightful Christmas story! It has all the feels and magic. I loved it!
November 17, 2021
Well crack my nuts 😶🌫️😶🌫️
It’s a heart warming and romantic Christmas 🎄 joy.
Thank you Robin for a smile, a tear and a gooey centre 😁🎄😁🎄
It’s a heart warming and romantic Christmas 🎄 joy.
Thank you Robin for a smile, a tear and a gooey centre 😁🎄😁🎄
November 17, 2021
Robin Knight always has the ability to surprise me with original heartwarming stories and I really enjoyed this one! A quick magical holiday read that left me wanting more!
November 22, 2021
An entertaining and lighthearted holiday romance. Roasted chestnut candy floss.
December 3, 2021
very sweet and cute.. made me smile and happy. i enjoyed it and cant wait to read more of this author. very good.
January 8, 2022
Cute.
December 26, 2023
the nutcracker
There were parts I really liked about this plot but I found it rather hard going. It seemed to jump all over the place and made it a very jarring read.
There were parts I really liked about this plot but I found it rather hard going. It seemed to jump all over the place and made it a very jarring read.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews