Something for Santa

by A.K.M. Miles

Derek Campbell is working a couple of jobs to help pay off some debts from his mother's illness. One job is playing Santa at Martin's Department Store. On a break he's alone and lamenting the lack of love in his life and that no one really sees him. A small voice tells him that he sees him. Derek looks down to find an elf beside him. Said elf is in need and Derek helps him out, not knowing that he is going to meet the man of his dreams.

Max Martin is a busy man, CEO of all the Martin's empire, father to Michael, and in need of help in many areas. Derek steps up to the plate offering help in several of those areas, including one that Max wasn't aware of. He hadn't known how badly he needed someone to love him, to make his life whole. There is fun, laughter, romance, jealousy, revenge, heartache, fear, and it's Christmas, so, a happy ending.

Genres: M M Romance, Romance, Holiday, Contemporary, Christmas, Family, Contemporary Romance

124 pages, Kindle Edition

First published December 10, 2010

Reviews

[Deeze · Rating 4 out of 5]

This has to be one of the most perfect Christmas reads.

It has everything you could want. A cute kid, an over worked dad, a lonely guy looking for love, a bitchy female to hate on and an extremely HEA. Its also filled with sugary moments. Lots and lots of sickly sweet goodness lol.

Perfect for getting into the Christmas spirit, as long as you like your Christmas with extra sugary frosting lol.

[R.J. · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is so hopelessly christmassy and cute...financially strapped Derek works in a Department store as one of the Christmas Santas, takes his job very seriously and seems to have a real connection with kids and their harried parents. What he wants for himself is someone to see *him*. Someone special. When he meets a young boy, dressed as an elf, little does he know how much his life would change.

It has such a perfect happy ever after, with comeuppance for those that wrong the main characters, and a lovely Christmas morning ending.

If you have a hot chocolate and cookies, and a spare hour or two to revel in warm smishy romance (with added heat!) then this is the book for you!

[Ami · Rating 3 out of 5]

This story reminds me of the ol' Harlequin m/f romance theme I read when I was in my teens. The setting is so familiar: the ingenue who falls in love with this rich guy's son, soon becomes the rich guy's lover while also caring for the son, as well as the son's wishes to have "someone to make Daddy's happy". Just change the woman in the Harlequin stories into a young man; and then you get this story.

I seriously don't know if this is good or bad; I mean, I used to like that formula of Harlequin romance. I guess now, I'm wishing for more, uhm, substance? The story is sweet but not too sugary, I think. I mean there are no conflicts or issues, everything falls rightly into place; in probably a quick period of time. I admit I like the little son, Michael; imagining him in an elf suit is cute. In overall, while it's a nice way to spend about an hour of my time, the story doesn't truly stand out ...

[Serena Yates · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a very sweet, very romantic and definitely Christmas-y story.

I loved Derek who tries so hard to earn enough money to pay his deceased mother's medical bills. He's also desperate for some real love and holds on with both hands when he finds it.

Max may be somewhat distracted by his job, but once he starts paying closer attention to what his son needs and sees how Derek can help, there's no stopping him.

And Michael, the little boy who started it all, was simply adorable. Maybe wiser than his years, but I've seen this with children who lose one or both parents early.

Definitely a story to cheer you up when you're down, I recommend this if you're looking for a quick read with lots of emotion.

[Ann · Rating 2 out of 5]

Pretty standard insta love Christmas story between a handsome rich businessman (Max) and a department store Santa working two jobs to pay off his mothers medical bills (Derek). I can go with the insta love in a Christmas story but I think what didn't work for me was including a kid (Michael) in the insta love equation.

Part of the story was based around the actions of a disgruntled employee of Max's who put his son Michael in danger. Max was feeling guilty because he put Michael in that position with the employee to begin with. So, it seemed a little odd that after that he would bring in a total stranger to work for him and care for his son. Those dynamics were a little creepy. Max owns the department store where Derek works as a Santa then he goes to Derek's second job at a gay bar, puts some serious moves on Derek at the same time he's offering him a job as his personal assistant and babysitter. Of course it all works out, it's a Christmas story, but their relationship had enough uncomfortable set ups to make it so that I couldn't really root for them as a couple as much as I wanted to.

[Pamela Su · Rating 4 out of 5]

Adorable love story between a department store Santa and his boss who has a very supportive little boy.

The romance plot is simple and straightforward. It reminds me of those thin paperback Mills & Boons novels that I loved reading as a teenager. The drama near the end of the book was awkwardly executed and it was there just to add a bit of tension to an otherwise placid story.

The kid in the story (Michael) was pretty cute. I wasn't too annoyed by his presence so I count that as a plus.

So after my comments, you're probably wondering why I rated this a 4-star.

Did I mention I love Mills & Boons novels?

If you don't put too high of an expectation on this story, you will find yourself charmed by the sweetness and tenderness of two men and a child getting to know each other and loving each other.

[Lauren · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this Christmas story in March because I desperately needed something short and sweet to cheer myself up, and holiday stories are usually perfect for that. It definitely managed to put a smile back on my face. Something for Santa was a really cute read and had everything you'd expect from a holiday story. It was a little cheesy in places, but that didn't matter too much to me. I'd definitely recommend this to anyone who likes stories about men with children - Michael was an adorable character - and who enjoys a sweet romance.

[Ro · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.5 As a dedicated lover of sweet and sugary, this was a little too much even for me. Derek is moving in after what, a week or so? Max hires him as a secretary/nanny yet is kissing and going after him right away? And the worst, cute as Michael may be, Tauna kidnapped him and locked him in a closet. She ONLY didn't go further because of the keys. So no, no, no. She is a whacko (like her actions in the police station, still going on about it all) and needed a more realistic consequence.

[Gale Stanley · Rating 5 out of 5]

A wonderful feel good story!

[Bookbee · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 Stars

Sweet Christmas tale with a really cute little boy! What can I say... I'm a sucker for kids in my fluffy reading!

[Paul · Rating 5 out of 5]

AKM Miles is one of my "go to" authors when I need a feel-good read. This was not a disappointment. Loved the story and characters :-) what a great Christmas read!

[MyzanM · Rating 3 out of 5]

Sweet and fluffy.
Just a bit short to really capture me, but really good for a short story!
And so sweet it's dripping!

[Janeylou · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.75 stars

[Rocio · Rating 1 out of 5]

Muy buena historia navideña, no tengo idea de si lo llamaría cliché pero me gustó, aunque esperaba un poco más de la trama, pero funcionó como una lectura ligera de navidad.

[Judy & Marianne from Long and Short Reviews · Rating 4 out of 5]

Something for Santa was a heartfelt story about a lonely Santa, a lonely dad, and a beautiful boy with a brilliant plan. Not just for Christmas time, this book will leave the reader with a warm, happy feeling any time of the year.

This story was the perfect example of a tender romance. The characters were well rounded and believable. The range of emotion displayed was truly impressive. Dereck was such a warm and caring person, but turned into a protective mama bear when the people he loved were threatened. He was able to move beyond his terrible relationship history to accept the love and support of Max. Max was an amazing man and father who desperately needed someone to love him for who he is, not what he does. His son Michael (not Mike) was such a cute character, showing love and devotion to his amazing dad while cooking up plans for his unsuspecting father's love life.

The love scenes in Something for Santa were heated and tender all at once. True to real life, it was difficult for the men to find time away from work and the active boy to enjoy any romantic time with each other. When they finally did, their worlds collided with intense passion. The emotions during these electrifying encounters were remarkable and well worth the wait.

The story itself was enjoyable and interesting. There were very few spelling and grammatical errors, ensuring the flow of the book was smooth. It was especially satisfying to see the protagonists find each other early on, then face their problems together.

There's something special about a book that leaves you smiling and glad you were able to read it. Something for Santa was a shining example of the perfect romance. I now have this author on my auto-buy list because she is so good at telling charming tales that involve real people, real problems, and true love that everyone dreams of. I definitely recommend picking it up as soon as you can.

I'll end with my favorite quote from this book: “...seeing you with my son makes my heart melt all over again. I want to spend way past forever with you...”

originally posted at http://whippedcream2.blogspot.com/201...

[Straysod · Rating 1 out of 5]

I've read a few of AKM Mile's books and didn't mind (even liked) the sickly sweet stories. But this was just painful to read. This book started at 3 stars and was down to 1 star by the time I put it down without even finishing the epilogue and half the last chapter. I don't mind sickly sweet. Some days just call for death-by-saccharin. But the clunky writing style, awful dialogue and absurd plot just totally overwhelm anything else about the story.

I feel bad rating this one so poorly when I've liked other books by this author, but honestly, I'm giving this a 1 star rating not in comparison to the best books in the M/M genre--it's a 1 star book when compared to other sickly sweet shallow Christmas stories.

Problem one: the characters talk like children, except for the child, who talks like an adult. It was less a kid that was supposed to be somber and more mature than normal, and more like the author had never met a child or heard one speak in their entire lives. I don't even know how to describe the adults. It was like reading the first draft of the first story a teenager had written. Just...painful.

Problem two: even for a sickly sweet Christmas story, the plot was ridiculous. The characters fall in love within a matter of days (or maybe hours...), the kidnapping was obviously just thrown in there for some vague attempt at tension, and the way the characters reacted to the situation was somehow both over-dramatic and unrealistically forgiving.

Final straw: the writing overall was just really bad. It didn't flow, the characters were one dimensional and boring, and everything was so over-simplified it was absurd.

[Ajax1978 · Rating 2 out of 5]

Going through all the books in the Kindle app on my iPad I came across this one and thought Hey, a Christmas story. It's that time of year, right? Well, not technically but my neighbors have already hung wreaths and garland on their porches and several have trees up, so the mood is Christmas around here. I didn't really remember it so went ahead and read it. And then it all came flooding back to me.

This is basically a Hallmark channel Christmas movie in book form. Derek, the short, compact, down on his luck department store worker with no family, working two jobs to pay his dead mother's lingering hospital bills, with a heart of gold...well, in the movie he would be played by Kristy Swanson? Joanna Garcia? Meh, doesn't really matter the actress I guess, just the fact that he would be played by an actress and not some young actor.

Michael, the six year old son of the department store owner would be played by Herve Villechaize - the kid is practically an adult with some of the lines he speaks. Every now and then a "cute" mispronunciation of a word would be thrown in to make us think, awwww how cute - he speaks like a toddler. But otherwise, totally a little 4 foot tall adult.

I'm only giving this two stars because it's so crazy unbelievable and sappy. Others may love it but for me it was just ok.

[Lily · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a sweet, feel-good story that took me back to my early years of reading romance. Something for Santa reminded me of all those Harlequin Romances I devoured years ago. There's the sweet, cute, really nice but down on his luck guy, the handsome rich man and his oh so cute little boy. Adding in the holiday theme was like adding the icing to a yummy cake. There's a bit of humor in the story as well as some danger surrounding the boy, the sex is hot and the two men quickly fall in love which all adds up to an easy, quick and entertaining read. A definite treat.

[Lexi Ander · Rating 4 out of 5]

Poor Derek is working really hard to pay off bills from his Mother's illness. Santa by day and waiter by night. On break, he laments how he would like a nice man to love and who would see him. He didn't expect to answered by "Michael not Mike". This chance encounter introduces Derek to Michael's father Max and happened to change his life.

I am really glad that I got this. Michael, the little matchmaker, working so hard for his father's happiness. I enjoyed watching it all come together and made a mental note to never name a child or pet Tawna.

[Jade Archer · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was so in the mood for this one...and five stars because I can definitely see myself reading it again next Christmas too. What can I say...two gorgeous guys that not only need each other but are smokin' hot perfect together as well. Of course, the icing on the cake is Michael and the way Derek and Max love him. This little matchmaker steals the book IMO...but in a good way :) A terrible sweet, wonderfully warm Christmas read. Definitely recommended with heartfelt thanks to AKM Miles for a lovely read this Christmas :)

[Cindi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cute Christmas story about two opposites (Derek and Max) who meet under strange circumstances and fall in love, thanks to a child........ Michael-not-Mike. I fell in love with Michael. But then again, I am a sucker for books with kids in them.

There was no major conflict........ none at all between Derek and Max. There is an issue with Tawna, a former employee of Max, but it was written well and not drawn out.

Everything ended well and quickly, though I'm not quite sure why there was an Epilogue. It could have easily just been the final chapter. Doesn't matter. Still a good story.

[Morgana_lefay · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really liked the book, but the almost insta love .... after only few weeks of knowing each other they are ready to confess undying love and Max is ready to let Derek live with him and Michael, if he did't have a child than it wouldn't be so weird to me, but to want to let almost complete stranger to live with you and your child... well at least it was not during the first few days

Otherwise I really liked the book

[Melissa]

I was looking forward to a Christmas-themed read, but while this story started off cute and full of potential, it gradually lost its rhythm and was dragging by the halfway point. Add in a manufactured conflict scene with no suspense (come on, the only thing more ridiculous than the fact that this conflict was presented as omg-this-is-so-dangerous-call-the-police would have been had it actually turned out to be dangerous), and it was a real struggle to turn the page. So I didn't.

DNF at 65%

[Arthur · Rating 2 out of 5]

The ex babysitter committed Class B Felony under
Kentucky Abduction Law, which warrants a sentence not less than 10 years and not more than 20 years. I don't think a request from a 6 yrs of boy, however cute he is, would result in a community service sentence. She planned everything in advance!

The author should have just left the punishment out of the story.

[Phaney · Rating 2 out of 5]

2014 Re-read:

A very mellow story without any real friction. In other words, just the thing to soothe my soul after that last book I read (which still haunts me, by the way) and take my mind a little off other worries.
Sure, this is not an exciting book by a long shot, but it did its mushy job for me.

[Portia · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was so sweet! Derek is working as a Santa just trying to make ends meet. This will be his first Christmas without his mother. All he wants for Christmas is someone who sees him. I will definitely be re-reading this book.

[Usagi Tsukino · Rating 5 out of 5]

I so loved this story! It was so cute and sweet and very Christmas-y :D
I like the characters so much, expecially the lil' Michael <3

Usually it took me some days to finish a book, if it's really interesting, but this time I've read it all in one go. I just couldn't let go of it XD

[Jess Candela · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very sweet story, though something about Max and Derek getting romantically involved just as Derek starts working directly for Max kinda squicked me out. Yeah, it helped a little that they discussed it, but somehow it still wasn't quite enough to make me feel entirely comfortable with it.

[melek · Rating 5 out of 5]

Derek is santa at an department store also he has a second job as a barman. But everythings about to change for derek. His offered an job he cant refuse. He fall in love with the boss of he store and he cant help love his son as well. just a sweet lovely story.

[Penny · Rating 2 out of 5]

A sweet, but unrealistic Christmas tale. I found the idea charming. The character though didn't feel finished and felt one dimensional. two stars