Unwrap Him

by Nyla K.

'Twas the night before Christmas.
A secret was looming.
The lust in my heart had become too consuming.
Make no mistake, no blood do we share,
But my guardian was the man whose cross I did bear.
With his icy coal eyes, and peppermint lips,
Under mistletoe I stood, no chance to resist.
For it was on none other than this cold silent night,
That I gave into wrong, and it felt so damn right.

** Unwrap Him is a guardian/ward MM novella, previously part of the Twisted Christmas Anthology. It contains taboo themes and an age gap. Please proceed with caution. **

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

210 pages, Kindle Edition

First published November 30, 2021

About the author

Author of Flipping Hot Fiction. I write big books and I cannot lie, *insert smirky face*. Specializing in LGBTQ+ representation.

Nyla K is a quirky world-traveler with a sailor mouth and a filthy mind. She writes the dark, and the dirty, but most importantly, UNIQUE romantic fiction. Her smutty and taboo love stories are not for the faint of heart, so beware!

Nyla believes in the relevant, boundary-pushing, mind-bending side of erotic fiction, which is always what to expect from her. If you're looking for the same old story, you won't get that with Nyla K. But if you want complex characters, and stories that stick in your mind like a bad case of crabs... you've come to the right place ;).

Reviews

[Imme [trying to crawl out of hiatus] van Gorp · Rating 2 out of 5]

|| 1.5 stars ||

Urgh. This was definitely waaaaay too smutty for me. It was basically porn without plot, and that is not something I enjoy. I actually found this incredibly boring.

It’s a taboo story, which has the potential to be super intense, emotional or even romantic, but here it was none of that. It fell completely flat. Jessie and James had zero chemistry together and I couldn’t for the life of me find a true connection between them.
Even before they started a romantic relationship, their interactions were just awkward. They didn’t have anything to say to each other, they didn’t truly seem to know each other all that well, and overall they had kind of an uncomfortable vibe going on. Although they argued the opposite, they seemed like they weren’t close at all.
And then when they did randomly become “romantic” after an unexpected blowjob, it felt like it was all about the sex. I definitely wasn’t feeling it.

I also have to be honest and admit that I skimmed the hell out of this book, so maybe I missed a scene or two that showed them with a little more depth, but I doubt it.


Nyla K. books:
Unwrap Him - 1.5 stars
For the Fans - 4.0 stars

[Lilly [Hiatus due to School] · Rating 5 out of 5]

"The anniversary of when we crossed a line separating the two very different sides of our family. Father and son, to partners…sexual and otherwise."

We have a Christmas love story between a guardian and a ward. At 19 years old, James's best friends died in a car accident; as godfather to their child Jesse, he became their two-year-old's guardian. James has become Jesse's devoted and caring father for the last 16 years.

However, Jesse's feelings towards his "Father" has changed to something more romantic over the last couple of years. On Christmas, everything changes when a sleepwalking/blowing incident happens.

This was sweet, sweet porn. It is a novella, so it is a quick read but well-paced. As Jesse and James explore their relationship, James finds out the dissatisfied feelings had in past relationships are not there. Jesse is his whole world and more.

This was hot, filthy, taboo, insta-love, fluffy, and sexy! I loved it. Nyla knows how to make the spice at 100% while keeping it so so sweet. And candy canes, candy canes! I also loved seeing Jesse and James create their own special Christmas traditions. I totally adored them.

Overall I loved it, Nyla K never fails to bring in the sexy and taboo aspects to her stories, and this Christmas novella is no different.

Please check TWs as this story may not be for everyone. However, if you enjoy age-gap, a bit of Daddy play, sweet porn, and taboo relationships... this is it.

**I received a complimentary copy, and this is my honest review**

[Rina Pride · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm going to hell. Or I'm already there.
( That's what I ask myself when I read books like this and I like it)😅

[D.L. Howe · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nyla K what are you doing to me?!

This is every single thing I love wrapped in the most enticing package. So pretty you don’t want to open it but you rip in anyways and you’re gifted with sheer magic!

Age Gap ☑️
Forbidden ☑️
Sweet Heat☑️
Unbelievably smoking smut ☑️☑️

Seriously! I was hot and bothered through every page.

Not only that but the chemistry, the love they had that evolved?! Gah! Perfection!

I could’ve happily lived vicariously through these men for the rest of my days.

[taylor :)]

DNF at 81%. I can’t finish it. It’s just too much. The sex is good, but my god. It’s just a little cringey. I’m also tired of hearing all the food he’s cooking. I also did not enjoy the candy cane part. I get that was supposed to be fun, but I was just like plz don’t break. Also you can’t tell me that wouldn’t burn but whatever. I might pick it up and finish it if I’m in the mood, but I’m done with it now.

[Renae Reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

*** I received a complimentary copy of this book.***

Unwrap Him is a steamy Christmas novella between James and Jesse who share a significant bond. In true Nyla K. fashion, this story is a hot taboo romance between a guardian and his ward, which has ample amounts of sexual tension that is only heightened due to the intense relationship these two share.

What I enjoy about Unwrap Him is the strong bond shared between Jesse and James. They are both insanely protective of the other and as feelings begin to develop and emerge their relationship quickly changes into something more intense, personal, and permanent.

Overall I enjoy everything from this author and this is a great addition to her collection of forbidden reads. Such a fun Holiday novella that offers just the right amount of heat mixed with a great story.

[♡ cal ♡ · Rating 1 out of 5]

nyla k, i love you, but im going to pretend this didn't happened.

[Crystal (Crystalreads2) · Rating 5 out of 5]

I first read Jesse and James's story in Twisted Christmas Anthology, and it was instant love, So of course, I had to re-read the novella with new content. I had to read it; I enjoyed it more the second time.

Their love is taboo. Personally, I wouldn’t expect anything less from the author, and I am here for it; it’s not for everyone, and that is okay.

It’s fascinating how Jesse’s feelings surface for his guardian, James. At the same time, James may identify as straight; but he is conflicted about how he feels about Jesse. The chemistry is smokin’, and the bond is unbreakable.

Along with the spice is the sweet moments. These two are precious. I had so much fun reading this book and setting the time for my holiday reading—another masterpiece from the author—one of many reasons why I’m always so quick to read her books.

[Cat the bookworm (semi hiatus ish) · Rating 2 out of 5]

Loved the first half, and was bored to tears during the second part.

I’m not sure how to rate it. I wish the author would just have stopped at around 60%.

At first, I wasn’t sure if reading about an adoptive father/guardian and his son wouldn’t be too taboo for me, but it’s done well enough, and they both did struggle with their attraction quite a bit. I loved the steamy parts, their chemistry was undeniable and made my kindle blush.

What I didn’t love - firstly, they immediately went in bare, without condoms, without even talking about it. Call me old fashioned, but I think an author should at least mention that they’re tested or on prep before they go all in.

But that’s not even my main issue. Eventually they give in to their attraction (because ofc they do, I don’t consider this a spoiler), and they move away to have a fresh start. And then the plot just draaaaaags. They go out, they bake, they’re hit upon another couple (how dare they!!!). And it’s still not over, because after that, there’s still an epilogue where nothing happens.

I’m sorry if I’m uncharitable, but I honestly skimmed at least 40% of the book - 2.5 stars, rounded down because wasting so much potential disappointed me.

[Whitney · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jesse + James 🖤
Forbidden | Guardian/Ward | Age gap | Daddy

Loved this sweet and spicy novella. Jesse and James are so cute together. James' many pet names for Jesse had me swooning! And watching him quickly turn from straight to Jesse-sexual.

....

"It started as a mistake we were never supposed to make... and it turned into happily ever after."

"Jess you're the only thing in my life that's never really made sense... In a good way. It's like the most unexpected gift I could ever receive. You give me life, baby... You always have."

"My baby's aching for daddy?"

"Sweet boy, your tight hole is so very delicious."

"You're so sweet, Jesse. You come so good for Daddy, don't you?"

"Am I straight? Because seriously, I couldn't pick boobs out of a lineup right now."

....

⚠️possible spoilers below in tropes and trigger warnings




Tropes:
Father and adoptive son
Age gap
Forbidden
Sexual awakening
Forced proximity
Jealousy
"Mine"
Daddy kink
Hurt/comfort


TWs:
Death of parents mentioned
Discussions of car accident
Panic attack

[NicoleR.M.M. · Rating 4 out of 5]

3,5 stars rounded up because of the 🔥🔥🔥 🌶🌶🌶

I know this book won't be for everyone because of the taboo trope, but if you do enjoy those, this is one I would not hesitate to recommend. It's spicy and hot, but at the same time also very sweet and tender. It's clear that Jesse and James were meant to be from the moment James became Jesse's guardian at age 19. Jesse was only 2 years old at the time, and James has been his father all along. They were each other's only family and their bond grew stronger with each year that passed.
But then Jesse's feelings towards James change into something else. Something much deeper and different, feelings not appropriate between a father and a son, even when they are not related by blood.
He's too afraid to tell James, afraid he's going to loose him when he does.
Then one night, the unlikely happens. I thought James's feelings of guilt and his overall feelings of how wrong it was to lust after his (adopted) son were very well portrayed. Of course he can't resist Jesse and what follows after that is really hot and spicy - I don't think I can ever look at a candy cane again without thinking of James and Jesse!

I also enjoyed reading about Jesse's love for baking and cooking - it gave the story a bit more depth. But let's be honest, it's mainly all about the hot and steamy scenes between James and Jesse. Really worth picking up if you want to spice up your holiday reads!

This was my first Layle K. book, though some of her books have been on my tbr for quite some time now, just never got around to read them yet. But after this book, after experiencing how she writes the spicy stuff, I don't think I'll wait very long before picking up one of her other books!

I kindly received an advanced copy from the author and Nisha's books and coffee and this is my honest, unbiased review

[25 Readings Or More · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5
Jesse is aware the feelings he has for his guardian, James, are wrong, but he can’t help himself.
And he just have to keep hiding them... easy, right?!
Well, the funny things about secrets it's they never stay hidden...
Unwrap Him is the perfect Christmas novella 😍😍😍
It has everything I love in a story:
age gap, forbidden/taboo elements, steamy scenes, sweet moments, a bit of angst to make things more interesting and less "perfect", and a swoony HEA.
I loved Jesse and James 😍😍😍
They are too damn cute!!!

[Angelina · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this one — it’s fun, flirty, and satisfies in all the right ways. The characters have great chemistry and the tension between them is infectious; you can feel that spark driving their interactions throughout the story. The pacing keeps you turning pages, and it balances heat with humor and emotional beats nicely.
The conflict comes from miscommunication and personal walls more than anything dramatic, and watching them work through that to a sweet, earned connection was genuinely satisfying. The intimate scenes are bold and confident but never felt gratuitous — they serve the characters and the story.
I wanted a little more depth in places and a slightly longer epilogue, but overall it delivered exactly what I was hoping for: a sexy, engaging read with characters you root for.

[E.L. Ough · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book given in exchange for review

Let me just start by saying this book has trigger warnings for a reason, read them if you are a fluffy reader because this book won’t be for you.

Taboo, Taboo, Taboo my favourite word!!

If you have not read any of Nylas work before, why the hell not!! And if like me you have, then you know this book is gonna be epic!!

I’m literally lit up like a f@@king Christmas tree!! I need an ice bath for a week!!

Jesus lord have mercy and forgive my mind because it’s full of filth and pure filth 🥵🥵🥵

God dayum Nyla can write!! She starts you off with a little smoulder, then it picks up and your a little flame, then she douses you in lighter fluid and your on fire 🔥🔥🔥🔥

Jesse and James I have not had enough of you, I want more, I’m greedy, I’m off to find a giant candy cane 🫠🤤

Jeeze this is one hell of a Christmas read, it’s sure to get you all warm inside ready for the fat man to deliver his load at Christmas!! 😜

It’s a YES from me! Easy double penetration of 5 star and 5 spice 🥵

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️

[⋆｡°✮ Lucy InTheSky ✮°｡⋆ · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read the short novella about a year ago and this is the extended version from 2022, so the whole package.

I rated the first novella 4⭐, but I'm rating the whole deal with 4.5⭐ and I'm rounding it up to 5⭐, because it's no secret I love Jesse and James and have loved them since the first time I've read their story . It's been such a long time and I still think about these two regularly.

💛 Taboo - guardian + stepson
🧡 Age gap of 17 years
❤️ A bit of a size difference
💜 No angst
💙 Great spice
💚 GFY

The story is about Jesse, who loses his parents at the age of 2. He's 18, openly gay and living with James, who's 34 and was Jesse's parents best friend and became Jesse's guardian when they had a fatal car accident.

This was my Jesse. Lean, blonde, beautiful face.



Jesse's had a crush on James since he was 15. He couldn't help it, he doesn't feel any familial feelings towards James, doesn't see him as a father, calls him by his name, they're friends, at best.

James has a company, is taking care of Jesse, has a house, has bad luck in love , his relationships don't last, but he also doesn't feel very much for the women he's with.

This was my James. Tall, muscular, a daddy.



The plot twist comes about on one Christmas eve, when Jesse, while sleepwalking, does the unthinkable and gets familiar with James' pleasure stick and while they're both pretending to be asleep or just not really present during the deed, they go through with it.

What develops is a very intimate relationship between them, with spice being panty-melting and James talking so dirty that I was really excited to read about them deciding to keep the relationship going, the relationship that makes them both so happy, with James finding pure pleasure and happiness for the first time in his life and Jesse finally getting his dream man .



With reading the extended version I feel like James wasn't really the same.
At this point they've moved away and are living openly as a couple in another place, which is great and I was really happy for them, but I feel like the excitement and the dynamic that was so beautifully presented in the first short novella, was missing a little bit .

The story did pick up toward the end and I felt like I was again with the couple I read about last year.
I feel like I needed more of just them and not so much of the other stuff going on around them.

It'd also be great to be there for the wedding, James and Jesse got engaged and are getting married in 3 days at the end of the book .




Nevertheless, I loved these two and I'm definitely never forgetting them.

[Mariam, · Rating 3 out of 5]

Pretty unproblematic for a forbidden story. The only thing hella problematic was HOW it took me nearly 6 days, SIX DAYS!!! to read this itty bitty book.

Go ahead. Slap me.

Also, the writing was hella meh but what can u do.

[🇵🇸🇵🇸 hasfia 🇵🇸🇵🇸 · Rating 2 out of 5]

I mean….. w all the inconsistencies and the blatant typos, what else was I expecting? The smut wasn’t anything spectacular either so there’s that 😭

[evelynn kate · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5⭐️
Plot ⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
Vibes ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Dual 1st person POV - Jesse & James

You guys.... this was hot. Taboo as fuck, but hot. James was granted guardianship of Jesse when he was 2 after his parents were killed in a car accident and has raised him since. No years-long separation and then they reunite when everyone is of age... nope, Jesse is 18 and has loved his guardian for several years. Thankfully James has no idea and does not share his attraction until one night when Jesse's sleepwalking takes things a step further. Once the spice starts, it doesn't stop. It's hot, it's taboo, it's kinky. And yes, there's some daddy talk thrown in there. This was definitely a great way to unwind and I loved every minute of the scorching hot xmas smut :)

[My Dark Romance · Rating 4 out of 5]

✨ ARC REVIEW ✨

If you love taboo, MM and steamy AF, this is the book of the year 🏆
Father and adopted son falling for each other and having the steamiest sex you can imagine. It’s so wild I have no efficient words to cover how steamy and taboo it is. Holy smoke @authornylak you outdid yourself with is novella 🥵 Candy cane scene 😳🍭

James “inherited” Jesse when his best friends died in a car crash when Jesse was just two years old.
They have a tight family and a great relationship but Jesse is acutely aware that James is not his father because his desire as a gay teenager for his hunk of a father figure is always reminding him. Jesse now a man at 18 struggles to keep his desire for James at bay tho and sleepwalks into his bed on the regular.

On Christmas, it all shifts when Jesse gives James a blowie in their sleep. And it all escalates from there.
James who’s been unsuccessful in love and relationships with women is now realizing how Jesse really makes him feel.

Their exploration of their intimate relationship is the hottes thing I’ve read to date. Seriously brace yourself for steamy scenes that makes you break out into a sweaty mess 😏

But how can you not fall in love with James and Jesse? They make up such an adorable and sweet couple when they finally give into temptation and settles into life as a couple with the most adorable HEA ❤️🎄

Ps. I say Novella, but this is Nyla we are talking about so it’s pretty lengthy for a novella 🥰

[Sabrina · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 ⭐️

[Jade · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.5 Stars
I never usually have a problem with taboo stories. I'm open to reading anything that takes my interest at the time, but I could not get into this one.
The relationship didn't feel natural and I was not a fan of James as an MC. If Jesse's age was a smidge older, than this might have shown better relationship dynamics. Unfortunately, it felt juvenile, off and just plain wrong (and not in the good taboo sense).
I think that's my last attempt with Nyla K books. They're just not for me.

[davdashaaa · Rating 5 out of 5]

I started my 2025 year with this book — and I’m ending my year with it 🤗
Honestly? That feels kind of perfect💘

Yes, there’s an age gap
Yes, there’s forbidden love
And yes — the smut? Oh hell yeah 😏🔥

I absolutely adore Nyla and her ability to write stories that feel a little wrong, very tempting, and completely irresistible! She knows exactly how to balance tension, desire, and emotion so you’re hooked from start to finish🛐

This book felt like coming full circle for me — cozy, spicy, indulgent, and familiar in the best way!
Ending the year with it felt like a soft wink and a grin 😉

A perfect way to close the chapter ❤️‍🔥

[LifeReader · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this book. I had already read it previously in the anthology last year, but the addition of extra chapters just rounded this steamy story off perfectly.

Jesse and James are so naughty, so deliciously naughty, and hot and just everything you want in a steamy taboo.

Nyla knows what her audience wants and she delivers. Whilst giving us all the good stuff with their flammable chemistry, the extra content highlights the more tender and loving side in this relationship which really is the cherry on top.

Love love love.

[Kaitlyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 Stars rounded up
5 Stars on spice scale

This novella was complete and utter smut and it was delicious! Being a novella, we aren't given a big plot to work with and there were a few times I personally felt it was extrememly rushed, but oh man did the spice make up for it! It is very rare that I rate a book 5/5 on the spice scale, but this one definitely fit in that category; the candy cane scene says it all! Overall this was a super spicy read if you want something steamy and taboo without much depth!

[Wobilba · Rating 4 out of 5]

this was so freaking hot 🥵

[Jess Brady · Rating 5 out of 5]

**Updated review from 12.12.2022 for Unwrap Him**

Reading Unwrap Him this time around was just as enticing as the first time but this time there was more content so more Jesse and James.

Last year when I read Nyla's story in the Twisted Christmas anthology, I knew I would be coming back to these boys again because it has everything I love from a forbidden romance to sweet emotions and not to mention all the smut you could want to keep you warm.

Then the candy cane, holy gods I was practically melting at work. I really should not read books like this when interacting with customers.

If you loved Unwrap Him in the anthology, then you've got to read it now with the added content. And if you are a new reader who just loves a bit of Christmas smut or Nyla K then you must read this because it is everything you love about Nyla's books but somehow more in the best possible way.

**Original review from 11.21.2021 in the Twisted Christmas Anthology**

Nyla K never lets me down with her stories. They can be dark, filthy, delicious and I always end up swooning HARD for one if not all the main characters. Unwrap Him was shorter than her other books because girl likes to make them THICK, but it had that same punch that all of Nyla's stories do.

James might not have been Jesse's biological dad, but he did raise him and the feelings that he is having for his guardian are entirely forbidden. He can't help how he feels about James but knows he needs to get his feelings in check before things become far more complicated.

Jesse is my son for all intense and purposes yet after one mistake I am seeing him in a whole new way. He is 18 now but that doesn't make these feelings that I am having for him any less wrong. I need to put an end to this before things go too far.... again.

Unwrap Him is a tasty dirty little morsel for you to sink your teeth into that is going to give you Christmas vibes and full-on hot flashes!!

[dj&books · Rating 4 out of 5]

this was so wild, so wrong but i LOVED it 😂

[Braden Books · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.5 stars. I went into this book blind, and maybe this was the one time I should've looked up a summary. Nyla K's FOR THE FANS is one of my fave guilty pleasure books, but UNWRAP HIM takes taboo a little too far for my taste. FOR THE FANS is brimming with forbidden fucking, but it also has so much heart and emotion to it. This novella is pure Christmas smut, like a cheesy holiday corn that isn't necessarily a well written story. Was I admittedly hot under the collar from some of the scenes? Yes, I'm merely a gay man already going to hell, but there's something extra sick about watching an adoptive dad fall in love with the kid he's been fathering since he was two. But if you're freaky like that and enjoy your daddy sticking sticky candy canes up your hole, then ho-ho-ho baby! It was almost so cringey that it became entertaining, and thank goodness it was only a novella.

Now it's time for some hilarious and unsavory quotes:
“I’ve never wanted someone to just live in my throat before.”
“That things going to be up in my guts.”
“I have him inside me. Pumping me full of cock so thoroughly, it’s about to come out my mouth.”
“You’re so sweet, Jesse. You come so good for Daddy, don’t you?”
“Gay sex. What on earth is this, and how have I never known how mesmerizing it could be until now?”
“Was this what I needed all along? To sleep with my adopted son??”
“My baby’s aching for Daddy?”
“Baby, you want this candy cane all the way inside your tight ass?”
“Ride my face. Who needs to breathe anyway?”

[Rebecca · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars

This was a sexy Christmas fairy tale. It won’t be for everyone; despite the fact that these two aren’t related, James did raise Jesse since he was two. Nyla K did a great job at making the connection a partnership though; there never felt like a power imbalance. And when they were together, they were unbelievably sexy together, especially when they play into the daddy/boy element. I do think I may have enjoyed this a little more if it was shorter. After a certain point, the book is just all fluff and sex. While I do appreciate the extended happy ending, it was slightly repetitive at times. Nevertheless, it was a fun story that I enjoyed.

[loverexreads · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5⭐️

Unwrap Him is a sweet and steamy novella by Nyla K that is just perfect for Christmas.

I love that Nyla is not afraid to tackle stories that are taboo. The relationship between the two MCs is forbidden since James is Jesse's adopted father. So this book probably won't be for everyone. For those who love Nyla's kind of taboo, you're in for a treat. A Christmas treat...like gingerbread cookies, cupcakes and candy cane. I will never look at candy canes the same way again. This scene is totally imprinted in my memory. I thought about it long after I finished reading. 😏🥵

Unwrap Him is mostly sweet and cute, with a little sprinkle of angst and a big dollop of spice. All the sex scenes were smoking hot and some of them were also very creative. Jesse and James were very festive in their lovemaking.

Jesse was adorable and James' possessive side was very hot. Throughout the steam, there was also a lovely story to discover. It was simply a perfect novella to kick off the Christmas festivities. And it's one I highly recommend for anyone looking for a fun and sexy read for the holidays.