Can a Christmas miracle make Blake’s secret dream come true?
Blake has no one. His boyfriend cheated on him and left without a word taking almost everything in the apartment. His boss fired him. He’s behind on the rent and Christmas is coming.
But there is one man, Eliot, always impeccably dressed, always with a nice word, who keeps running into him. Blake knows him as a regular at the diner where he used to work. The man was a great tipper.
Eliot asks him out. Blake accepts. When his date shows up in a gleaming Rolls Royce to pick him up and Blake is wearing only his best jeans and an old sweater, shivering in the new falling snow, he realizes Eliot is way out of his league.
He can’t possibly go on this date now. He’s not good enough. Worse, if Eliot were to ever find out his secret, that Blake has a little side and an impossible dream to one day call a lover “daddy” and not get smacked or laughed at for it, Eliot would probably never want to see him again.
But it’s Christmastime, and Eliot is a surprisingly persuasive guy, not to mention full of his own sweet secrets. This is the time of year when things have a way of working out, but can Blake let down his barriers long enough to see the special truth between them?
Contemporary holiday gay romance, age gap, billionaire, rescue, comfort from the cold, HEA. This is an MM daddy/little Christmas twist on The Little Princess Classic tale. Each age play romance book in this multi-author series can be read as a standalone.
Wendy Rathbone has had dozens of stories published in anthologies such as: Hot Blood, Writers of the Future (second place,) Bending the Landscape, Mutation Nation, A Darke Phantastique, and more. The book "Dreams of Decadence Presents: Wendy Rathbone and Tippi Blevins" contains a large collection of her vampire stories and poems. Over 500 of her poems have been published in various anthologies and magazines. She won first place in the Anamnesis Press poetry chapbook contest with her book "Scrying the River Styx." Her poems have been nominated for the Science Fiction Poetry Association's Rhysling award at least a dozen times.
Her recent books include:
"Pale Zenith," science fiction novel
"The Foundling," male/male romance novel
"None Can Hold the Dark," sequel to "The Foundling"
"The Secret Sharer," science fiction romance novella
"Unearthly," omnibus collection of 7 out-of-print poetry booklets
"The Vampire Diaries: The Myth," available from Kindle Worlds
"The Vampire Dairies: Deep In the Virginia Woods," available from Kindle Worlds
"My House Is Full Of Whispers," erotica short story collection
"Letters To An Android," science fiction novel
Upcoming very soon:
"Risque Science Fiction," short stories by Wendy Rathbone
"The Red Fountain, Where Vampires Come to Drink," short stories and poetry by Wendy Rathbone
Look for more novels and short story collections coming up in 2014.
She lives in Yucca Valley, CA with her partner of 32 years, Della Van Hise.
Yall, I usually like my Daddy/boy relationships to build up after talking about what it means and expectations and all that but in here Blake needed an instadaddy. It was truly an emergency.
So here we have Blake, a down on your luck fella who had a previous boyfriend steal everything not nailed down after cheating on him and lived in a place with no heat and no food. He meets Eliot at the diner that he works at and he crushes on him.
Eliot is an uber rich guy who lost almost his whole family at once. Only his dad is left but dad is in a catatonic state.
One evening he sees Blake walking in the snow with no coat and gives him a ride home. This is the beginning of their relationship. Then something bad happens to Blake and Eliot rescues him immediately.
These two didn't even talk about having a Daddy/boy relationship until 70% into the story but Eliot had been Daddying him the whole time thankfully.
I liked this one, though I think some parts were stiff and a lot of the Daddy conversation could have used some research. But not bad for a first time Daddy story.
I really loved how this story started and who the dynamic between Blake and Eliot changed but I don’t know something just was amiss for me here and I wasn’t really that invested into the story, I grew a bit bored after half of the book.
This book felt like a warm, fluffy hug-sweet, swoony, and full of that perfect Cinderella-story charm. 🥰
Elliot, the rich CEO, swooping in to save Blake, the struggling diner worker, gave me all the soft, wholesome feel. The dynamic between them was so endearing, especially since they were both new to the daddy/little dynamic. 🥹💙
I loved how straightforward and drama-free it was—just pure, heartwarming romance. It left me smiling, and I'd definitely recommend it if you're in the mood for something light, cute, and heart-meltingly romantic. 💖
🥞 MM contemporary romance 🥞 DD/lb 🥞 Age play 🥞 Age gap (11 years) 🥞 Low-angst, sweet, fluffy, swoony 🥞 HFN
A Little Christmas: Blake is part of the multi author series A Little Christmas. Blake’s ex-boyfriend cheated on him and left taking everything. His boss takes the majority of their tips at the restaurant he works at. He is struggling to make ends meet. But his days are a little brighter when Eliot comes in and asks for Blake to serve him. Eliot is wealthy, but that wealth came with a price, he lost his whole family. His days are brighter when he sees Blake. Eliot asks Blake out. This was a sweet story, left me smiling! They had wonderful chemistry and a great connection. Loved everything about this story!! Overall. A fantastic read that will leave you smiling! Well written with great pacing.
I want more! This was a super sweet story about Blake and Eliot. Blake is a little that hasn't really had a chance to explore since past partners made fun of his little side and took advantage of him. Eliot is the successful but lonely face of his father's company. He thinks he could be a Daddy especially since meeting an adorable waiter at the local diner. Together they explore a Daddy/boy relationship in this fluffy, low angst Christmas book. I do wish there was an epilogue. I kept hoping there would have been more about Eliot's dad, maybe a Christmas miracle of his own.
A Little Christmas: Blake is written by Wendy Rathbone and part of the A Little Christmas series, which is written by multiple authors. This book is about Blake and Eliot.
It's the authors first actual Daddy/Little book and I really liked it. It was sweet, sexy and well written. The couple was so cute together.
A Little Christmas: Blake is the first book in a collection of stories by various authors. This stars Blake, a little, and Eliot, a Daddy. It’s told in first person from both Blake and Eliot’s povs.
First the cover. I haven’t seen the other covers in this collection, so I don’t know if they have the same appearance or not. I do know that the cover model does not remind me of Blake. He’s too old and too large for the description that was given about Blake. So, I don’t think the cover matches the character at all.
This story is written by W. Rathbone, aka Wendy Rathbone. The author is using different names to distinguish between their Alpha/omega stories, and their Daddy/little stories.
I liked the plot of this book. It’s a simple, fluffy, HEA about two lonely men. Blake’s life is about struggle and living at the bare minimum. He’s barely keeping his head above water. Eliot’s life is a life of privilege as he keeps his father’s company going, but Eliot himself feels lost with no purpose. Eliot has taken to eating at the restaurant Blake works at because Blake is the one bright spot in Eliot’s life. When Blake is fired from his job, Eliot jumps in to offer help. Of course, he’s also attracted to Blake, as well as Blake is to Eliot. Both men are also searching for the right person who can fulfill them in a special way.
Blake is a little, but he has only found rejection from the men he’s dated when they find out his desires. He’s afraid the same will happen if Eliot finds out. Eliot in fact, is a Daddy looking for a little. He senses that Blake might be a little, but he doesn’t want to push Blake because of Blake’s reluctance to reveal his desires. The two finally get around to talking about what they want after they’ve had quite a bit of sex. I thought there was more sex than necessary, but that’s personal preference. I can understand how it worked in the story because both men had to reach a more trusting level before they could reveal their deeper needs. I’ve read quite a few Daddy/little stories so the dynamic doesn’t bother me, however I was uncomfortable with the sexual relationship between Blake and Eliot. I want to make a warning out about their kink. The way Blake acted, the words used, and the way Eliot responded and talked to Blake reminded me of an illicit adult and child relationship. The reason was the Daddy/little aspect was carried into their sexual relationship to such a level it reminded me of pe****ilia. I don’t remember ever having that feeling when reading other Daddy/little books. I was always aware that it was a kink the characters were participating in. Blake and Eliot’s relationship however, was different.
I liked both characters. Eliot was a protective person and loved providing for Blake. Blake felt he didn’t deserve Eliot’s lavish gifts. Blake was insecure, but once he realized Eliot didn’t mind Blake being a little, Blake blossomed. The author did a good job of creating a convincing and loving couple.
The one thing I wish the author had covered; was I would’ve liked to see Eliot’s father start to respond more now that Blake was at the house. I wish Blake would’ve interacted with Eliot’s father more too. The story is set at the Christmas holidays. The miracle was Blake and Eliot finding each other, so why couldn’t there have been another miracle, with the father’s condition improving? I think the author missed the opportunity in creating a happier life for all the characters, considering the type of story.
A Little Christmas: Blake is a fluffy, easy, and fast book to read with likeable characters. It fits perfect with the holiday season. I would recommend this. I give this story, 4 Stars.
I received an ARC from the author. I am giving my honest and unbiased review.
Blake has no one as his boyfriend cheated on him and left without a word taking almost everything in their shared apartment, then his boss fired him and he is behind on the rent - Christmas coming is the least of his worries. One man, Eliot is always impeccably dressed, and always has a nice word to say and he keeps running into him. Blake knew him as a regular customer in the diner he used to work at and he was always a great tipper. Eliot asks Blake out but when he is picked up by a Rolls-Royce and he is only wearing a jumper and so shivering in the falling snow he realises that Eliot is way out of his league, and so how can he go on the date? He is also concerned that if Eliot ever found out his secret that he is a Little and is looking for a Daddy he would probably never want to see him again. But it’s Christmastime, and Eliot is a surprisingly persuasive guy, not to mention full of his own sweet secrets. This is the time of year when things have a way of working out, but can Blake let down his barriers long enough to see the special truth between them?
I loved this story with the destitute Blake who was just so distressed and not knowing which way to turn and the older billionaire Eliot who was so kind, caring and determined to look after Blake who had only ever shown him kindness and great care in their interactions at the diner. I loved the way that Eliot did his best to always treat Blake as an adult, and give him choices and space which also gave him the space and ability to be safe in his Little side. Easy to read, feel and understand I was desperately sorry for Blake and therefore thrilled when they were together and got their HEA together. There is mature MM content in this BSDM like DDLB type story. This novella is part of the A Little Christmas series where the stories are all stand-alone and can be read in any order.
The focus of the story was on the tenderness, the sweet feelings of something unexpected and everything you hoped for but thought could never be yours. There were two sides here that actually got a good amount of balance between them giving the overall feel of the story a satisfying evolution. Between the self discovery on Eliot's side and the self-acceptance on Blake's I felt a lot of newness, raw, honest vulnerability, and a childlike wonder.
While I very much enjoyed those things and seeing both men blossom under one another's care and acceptance, the story was very simple. The length of the story didn't allow for delving into anything other than their connection. Keeping things simple and uncomplicated on the side of Eliot's work and family situation, not revisiting Blake's awful boss, and nothing major to keep the men apart all worked to keep the short story focused, it just also didn't delve too deep.
There was also something about their dynamic that was kept almost a little too simple. I'm of two minds about this one because on the one hand it could have been problematic to have both men jumping into a lifestyle neither one had really looked into, researched, or learned much about at all. On the other hand by keeping both men's preferences perfectly aligned and giving it an almost "fated mate" feel to their connection on both the romance and keenk (yes, I know that's not how it's spelled...) it kept it from seeming unhealthy, uninformed, and potentially damaging.
So did I like the book? Definitely. Was it everything? No. Would I read more from this author's new-ish penname? Yep!
In the liner notes, Wendy Rathbone explains that Blake is her first Little romance... and since she usually writes PNR and MPreg, it's also my first chance to read her writing... and I am captivated...
It's got all the hallmarks of a billionaire holiday story - the struggling boy trying to make ends meet.by working at a job where he's underappreciated and underpaid and the handsome customer who has been enchanted by him for a while... and the sudden changes in Blake's circumstances that mean Eliot gets the chance to intervene... and start something more....
While the story is a little light on the D/s elements you often find in a Daddy/Little story, the relationship, the steam and the dynamic are all present, the characters are well developed individually and together and this was a real pleasure to read!
I hope Wendy continues to write Little stories in the future - I'll be watching for them
- why is part of an “age play” series if there’s none? Blake has a stuffie and a big imagination but nothing really to define him as a little IMO. (He says he wants bubble bath but we never see that) So that was disappointing.
- the job plot was a bit weird: (SPOILER) Eliot just decides he’ll find him a job at his company and will give him a bonus every 3 months o_O For the big boss it’s a bit unethical no? 😅
- There’s no resolution about Blake’s abusive boss/Eliot being miserable with his career/his dad/Blake’s future. We know he wanted to go to college and that he’d love to be a decorator but there’s no discussion about it for the future. I think an epilogue would have been nice.
The sentimental part of me wanted him to move in with Eliot right away but the rational part was glad that he gave him a safe place for himself.
Not my favourite by this author
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Okay a sweet story of a guy whose ex stole everything (literally - even his coat) and who loses his job at the diner after his boss thinks he's chatting up a client. Elliot is a rich dude with a tragic family backstory who once he realizes Blake is in trouble, steps in to blow money on him. I did like that Blake didn't resist too much. I do get a bit tired of the "too proud to take money" story-line. Elliot has more money than god, so what the hell, enjoy it. There was very little "little" time though. Blake talked about it and he had a teddy and they played a few games, but I never got a feel for him being in little space very much, so little-light perhaps. I was also kind of hoping for a resolution to the family issues for Elliot but that didn't happen. Still it was cute and fluffy and feel-goody.
This one started out ok but it didn't really go any where. What was the whole point of Eliot's dad being sick if nothing was gonna come if it, I thought for sure Blake's little side (which we didn't even see much of) would have drawn him out. Plus why all the details about how much Blake's boss sucked as an employer when again it went no where, thought for sure Eliot would hire a lawyer with all his money and have it investigated. What a better way for Blake to get money besides Eliot just depositing it in his account. And I gotta admit while I love Daddy/boy and age play even if when there is seggy time during regression, these scenes just made me feel awkward....I think it was the wording during it.
I grew up watching and reading all the stories about the poor character swept off their feet by the dashing, handsome rich guy and living happily ever after, not to be immediately drawn to that trope. Wendy Rathbone has written the epitome of what I want those stories to be. Blake has pretty much lost it all at Christmas but Eliot who knows him from the diner Blake used to work at asks him out and turns out to be richer than Blakes wildest dreams. We begin the struggle of he's out of my league, will he think I'm only after his money types of questions and concerns but it's Christmas, it's a romance and it's part of what has been nothing but an amazing series so far and the winners continue with this one.
This was a salad read. It was generally enjoyable and I liked it. However, I needed just a little bit of conflict. Just a little bit. Like literally a chapter where Blake had some reservations about taking so much money from Elliot would have done it. That's all I needed. Maybe a little I'm an independent person rant. Done cool. But everything was just so seamless and in a bad way. Blake loses his job and has a shitty ass apartment and all of a sudden Elliot swoops in and gives him $10,000 and a job and a new house and redoes his entire apartment etc and Blake's just like yeah cool thanks. Idk it wasn't bad and it's probably the best of the Little Christmas series so far, but it also isn't one I'll reread.
So very beautiful, in a sweet, Christmassy, positive ambience, even considering the less than favorable life circumstances of both main characters. The gradual unfolding of the daddy/little dynamics as they both discover each other and the dulcet tones of fear of rejection vs acceptance of needs beyond lust takes place through a short yet long enough period of time just before Christmas, with all the chilling cold wintry environment and heart-warming sweetness of a typical Hallmark movie. Wonderful descriptions of sad longings and upbeat fun moments, utter devastation and deep fulfillment, serious problems and playtime joy.
New to me author Wendy Rathbone. I enjoyed her style of writing and thoroughly enjoyed this book. Blake is a little but scared to tell people. His last boyfriend left and took everything, including his winter coat. Barely surviving on his waiter's wage and reduced tips, life is being very unkind to him until he meets a handsome stranger who keeps coming in for his breakfast.
Eliot has everything on the outside. To the rest of the world, he has far more than most. But is this really the actual story?
You get pulled into the story, and I love the two main characters. They are both scared in their own way.
This is part of a multi-author Christmas series, and I would highly recommend the whole series. It's been a lot of fun. I read this book in KU.
A Little Christmas: Blake Kindle Edition by Wendy Rathbone
A LITTLE CHRISTMAS Is a collaboration of Authors exploring the relationships between Daddies/Boys. They have this common theme but each Book stands alone. W. RATHBONE aka WENDY RATHBONE has BLAKE. A lovely young man who is bogged down in everyday life problems. Eliot is a CEO in the middle of his own life crisis. I loved this sweet loving discovery these two found. Holidays are a time for hope and magic, this Book has it all. Written with Love and Joy for the Season. I HIGHLY RECOMMEND THIS BOOK AND THIS A LITTLE CHRISTMAS COLLABORATION!!!!!!!!!!
My actual reading is 2.5 stars. I wanted a slower development between Blake and Eliot. The low page count and Blake's for need for help meant the relationship had to happen quickly. It was cute, but could have been more. I thought character development would take a backseat to the sex scenes, but even those didn't have much weight.
It's a decent read. I didn't enjoy it as much as I wanted to. I also won't be reading more from this series. Yes, each book is a standalone, but I don't feel like I'd give the other books a fair chance.
I enjoyed the build up in the book but was surprised that it ended so soon. It’s always nice to read a short sweet story but why the build up around the boss or the father. It wasn’t relevant to the story since those parts felt unfinished. Eliot’s actions were that of a sugar daddy than a real daddy. Again like most have said, the book felt unfinished and is a HFN. I was hoping for Eliot to get another part of his family back by bringing Blake into his life.
Down on his luck and struggling with everyday life, Blake cannot seem to find the joy in life. Eliot is going through the motions of life but has a sweet spot for the waiter at his local diner. When Blake needs help, Eliot steps up and they both find that by being together they are helping each other be better.
A sweet Daddy/boy read filled with tender moments, passionate scenes and a bit of holiday cheer. An enjoyable read overall.
Blake is in need of some help. Lately life has really done a number on him and he needs a bright spot. Could Eliot be that for him or is Blake reaching for a fantasy?
This is a sweet story. I enjoyed seeing Blake and Eliot find their way. The two make a good couple. The love that grows between them shines in everything that they do. Their story is a beautiful one that has you believing in the power of love and that some fairy tales do come true.
This is the first time I read anything by this author. She has a real talent for making sympathetic characters. I wanted to reach inside the story and rescue both characters. While reading this I thought most probably dream of being rescued by the billionaire. I wanted to be the billionaire in this story. Blake and Eliot were made for each other, and I wish there was more to their story. Sweet contempary romance, with a little holiday cheer.
This was such a sweet story! Blake and Elliot were just so adorable together! They both pulled at my heart! A very well written story that brings out all the feels. The characters were so sweet and the storyline was fantastic! I highly recommend I am voluntarily leaving an honest review for this complimentary copy of this book
Two souls find each other. Blake, a barista, and Eliot, a rich customer, discover each other over many cups of coffee. And those cups create a magical connection for each man. Life has gifted each with empty hearts but both men let their barriers down to discover a forever love. A perfect Christmas story for this "A Little Christmas" series. This is my willing review for the ARC I was given.
Blake and Eliot are the perfect sweet daddy/boy couple. Blake is trying to make ends meet and Eliot is just going thru the motions, wanting someone to love and care for. His company isn't enough anymore. The more time they spend together, the more they want each other, but each are afraid to get hurt again. I really enjoyed this book.
I enjoyed Eliot and Blake’s book. It’s very sweet, mildly angsty, and a lovely start to the A Little Christmas series. What I liked best about the story is that it brought too lonely souls together. Both are good men going through difficult times and very deserving of their HEA.
This was Rathbone's first Daddy/Little dynamic and has inspired her with other story ideas. It's not a bad first effort. Quite fun. And she does offer an interesting take on sex, roleplay with initiating sex while one character is Little. Not sure how comfortable I was with that (even though the character was over the age of consent).
I like reading Eliot and Blake's story, but I only wish it had continued to. There was a great build up, but it ended too soon. I wanted to see their relationship grow even more. My heart aches for Blake and I wanted restitution for that creepy boss. I felt sad for Eliot and was glad he found and pursued Blake. They seemed to meld together quite well.
This book was a nice sweet refreshing read. I don't really have too many complaints. The story was a bit slow in the beginning but the characters were still likeable. I read that this was the fist Daddy/boy book this author has written and I'm curious to see how they grow with writing this genre of stories. This was a pretty good start for them.