Baran

by Brina Brady

Nineteen-year-old Baran Arslan gets a shocking Christmas present from his father. When Turkish businessman Marat Arslan discovers his son is gay, he flies him from Istanbul to New York City for the holiday - and abandons him. Cut off from access to his family and any funds Baran must figure out how to survive. Fortunately, he speaks English and soon meets a young man who directs him to Rainbow Haven, a homeless shelter for gay young men.

Twenty-eight-year-old Darien Moore has the looks, charm and inherited wealth that would have allowed him to become the perfect New York City playboy. Instead, he has invested his time and money to create Rainbow Haven. He’s found his purpose in providing not just shelter, but a place of hope where young men can rebuild their lives.

This Christmas, Baran needs a loving, protective Daddy, and Darien needs a boy to love and care for. Rainbow Haven may just be the place where Santa grants both their wishes.

A Daddy for Christmas 2 is a multi-author series. Holiday tales of lost boys in need of Daddy’s love and in some cases, a firm hand. Naughty or nice, it’s all in Santa’s hands now. So why not dive in and read each standalone and enjoy the holidays alongside our boys.

318 pages, Paperback

Published December 12, 2024

About the author

I read and write M/M Gay Erotica/Romance novels.

I am a retired high school teacher with a Master's Degree from California State University of Long Beach and UCLA.

I taught various high school subjects including the following:world history, math, Algebra, Careers, CAHSEE prep, Independent Studies,science, Adult School, Orientation, and even middle school for three years. Let's not talk about the middle school experience. I prefer teaching high school seniors.

During the day, I read and write. I enjoy taking writing classes in my spare time.

Reviews

[Natalie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Baran & Darien
Rating: 3.3⭐

- Turkish Boy/Philanthropist
- Small Age Gap (9yrs)
- Hurt/Comfort
- Christmas Romance
- Found Family
- Light Daddy Kink
- Instalust

While this story is still a sweet Daddy for Christmas read, I had to keep reminding myself that Baran is only 19. He definitely acts like a 19yr old and he kept running away from situations instead of just having a conversation with the other adults in the room. Although, I understand that a lot happens to him in a very short period of time and that can be daunting with multiple emotions rising at the same time.

Baran is visiting the States, ready to see the sights after his father flew him in from Turkey for Christmas. Everything quickly goes sideways when he arrives at his fathers office to find out that his dad now knows that he's gay. His dad literally kicks him out in a foreign country and leaves the poor boy scrambling for what to do next. Luckily, Baran meets a waiter that tells him about the shelter and how they can help him. Baran and Darien are instantly attracted to each other, so of course this moves pretty quickly. Darien is very sweet to Baran and only wants what's best for him but his second in command keeps making things harder for Baran. There's a bit of drama there and with how Baran handles tough situations.

Content Warnings (may contain spoilers):
- Graphic sexual content between consenting adults
- Explicit language
- Strike to the face by parent (on-page)
- Fight with shelter resident (on-page)
- Hate speech and slurs from SC

Verse: No
HEA: Yes
POV: Dual
Breakup: No
Cheat: No
OM/OW Drama: No
Ages: 19 & 28

[Liz · Rating 1 out of 5]

**This review has been electronically translated into English.

* 1,8 star.

I started reading the book, A Little Christmas: Jasha, and stopped to read others since I found it boring for one. If I'm still in the mood by the end of my holiday reading season, I'll read it again. But the thing is, I started reading this book and didn't realize it was by the same author and by all the gods, what a boring book. I only continued because I didn't want to abandon another one, but even so, I skipped several parts.

The Daddy/Little dynamic is so out of place here, it's embarrassing. The events are so nonsensical that I can't connect with the story. At one point I got emotional with Baran's situation with his father, but that's it, it stopped there. The sex is as cold as the ice rink they skate on. The couple has no chemistry whatsoever, it seems like a forced relationship.

Baran was led to believe he was going to New York to visit his father and spend the holidays with him. When he got there, he was beaten by his father, disowned and abandoned in the city with nothing, after his father discovered he was gay. He miraculously enters a restaurant where the waiter has the gift of fortune-telling and discovers that Baran needs help and sends him to the homeless gay shelter.
Darien is a billionaire who uses his money and influence to help people in need, especially homeless gays. He owns the gay shelter, in addition to being a Daddy/Dom.
The romance is very superficial, I've read instalove romances that conveyed more truthfulness, more emotion, but that wasn't the case here. On top of everything, with each problem, Baran runs away from everyone and takes a train to nowhere. Only mercy.

Needs revision and editing.

Dual POV. Baran and Darien.
Low angst. No action. Average family and abandonment drama, but does not cause any physical harm to the character.
Little/Daddy. Christmas.

[Caroline Griffith · Rating 4 out of 5]

Daddies/boys and a Christmas backdrop just may be the perfect combination. Daddy Darien and Baran were a perfect match. Baran is the definition of a lost boy. His father left him in dire straits in a foreign country no less. Luckily has his family was very prominent in Turkey, he has a firm grasp on the English language. His first shining light is Silas who puts him on the path to acceptance and a newfound freedom. Daddy Darien sees this young man as something more than another young man who needs his help. He starts at the source and quickly realizes this won't be a beautiful family reunion for the holidays. Daddy Darien becomes a true and deep ally to Baran and slowly it develops to more. We are given a beautiful evolution from saving grace and lost boy to a Daddy and his boy who is learning more and more about self worth. We discover this newly found family and true love, romantic and platonic. I have always loved the way Brian portrays Daddies and boys especially with an age gap. This was so sweet and I am excited to read others in the series.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Mandy (MP Book Reviews) · Rating 3 out of 5]

Nineteen-year-old Baran Arslan gets a shocking Christmas present from his father. When Turkish businessman Marat Arslan discovers his son is gay, he flies him from Istanbul to New York City for the holiday - and abandons him. Cut off from access to his family and any funds Baran must figure out how to survive. Fortunately, he speaks English and soon meets a young man who directs him to Rainbow Haven, a homeless shelter for gay young men. Twenty-eight-year-old Darien Moore has the looks, charm and inherited wealth that would have allowed him to become the perfect New York City playboy. Instead, he has invested his time and money to create Rainbow Haven. He’s found his purpose in providing not just shelter, but a place of hope where young men can rebuild their lives.

This was a sweet story although Baran's situation was heart breaking. I did struggle with the way Darien started a relationship with Baran so easily considering that he was in his care and the way Baran kept running away to the subway. Easy to read and understand. This was an MM story with mature and a BSDM-like Daddy/boy dynamic.

[Nina Diab · Rating 4 out of 5]

'Baran stood on the sidewalk, the cold seeping into his bones. He was lost in his own life. He had arrived in New York as a man full of hope and excitement, only to be replaced by one haunted by fear and rejection.'

As soon as I read the synopsis of this book, I knew I had to read it. I wasn't emotionally for how broken-hearted I was at the start as Baran- who'd been excited to visit his father in New York- was disowned for being gay, beaten, threatened to be killed for a price on his head should he ever return to Istanbul, and thrown out into the street with no money. I don't know if I could survive something like that from someone I loved.

I was so relieved someone kind recognized he needed help and sent him to Darien, who ran a shelter for gay youth. I liked the way they grew closer and began a relationship. It was a sweet slow burn and Darien really believed in Baran. This story was a journey with ups and downs. But it also had some sweet supporting characters and found family. I really liked Silas, Finley, Charlotte, and even Hawk. I actually really want to read Hawk's story!

Such a good romance with a slice of life feel. 4 stars.

[Ashley Carrillo · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is my first book from this author but it sounded interesting so I had to give it a go. I really enjoyed this one. It was awful reading about all the struggles and obstacles Baran had to go through. He just couldn't catch a break. From a POS dad to racism and bad treatment. It really broke my heart which is why I'm so glad he found Rainbow Haven, a homeless shelter for gay men, and met Daddy Darien. He really deserved all the good Darien gave him. He protected Baran and help set up his life after having been abandoned and shunned from his home for being gay. These two moved pretty fast from when they met having only gone on one date before going all in but they both felt a connection to each other. I wished they had a little time to get to know each other more before dating but they do learn about each other as they go so that was nice. I really enjoyed all the Christmas detailing in the book. It's a sweet and spicy Christmas read to get you into the holiday season.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Yvonne M · Rating 5 out of 5]

Darien and Baran are perfect for each other, it wasn’t the best way for them to meet but I am glad they did. Baran was brought to the United States to meet his father and continue his education at NYU. His father had different plans though, he told Baran once he was in the states that he was on his own because he is gay. No money, no place to live and no one to talk to or ask for help. He meets a very nice young man who tells him about a safe place for him to go to because he is gay. Once he is there an altercation happens with him and another guy there and he meets Darien and they seem to have an instant connection and Baran goes home with Darien and they figure out they want a Daddy Boy relationship and that’s how they started. After issues with Baran’s father they find a forever together. I definitely recommend this book to everyone who loves mm happily ever afters, especially during the holiday season.

[C.B. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great Christmas story! Darien, comes from money and instead of being a dilletante, he choses to create Rainbow House proviging help and a fresh start to gay youth. Baran, came to NYC thinking he was going to spend his winter break with his Dad only to be disinherited, assaulted and abandoned. He finds his way to Rainbow House and learns about acceptance, kindness, community and love. Darien, is a good man and absolutely likeable. Sweet story with a few complexities. Great group of characters whom I hope to meet in future stories. Well done, nice cover art! I received an ARC and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Jewell Moreno · Rating 4 out of 5]

Baran is a 19 year old from Turkey hoping to attend college at NYU. His father sends for him to come to New York, but instead of helping he turns Baran out, disowning him for being gay. Lost, with no money, and no where to go, he rides the subway alone. When entering a cafe for coffee, he meets Silas a server who tells Baran about Rainbow Haven, a shelter for gay homeless young men. It is run by Darian Moore. Darian has sworn off having a relationship with any of the men at his shelter, but something about Baran has him questioning his choices. I loved how dedicated Darian was to see Baran succeed and how Baran found a new family to accept him.

[Molly Otto · Rating 4 out of 5]

Unique holiday read

When Baran is asked to visit his father in NYC he is excited to see him once again and hope to rebuild their relationship. Things do not go to plan leaving Baran to seek shelter where he meets Darian. Darian runs the shelter and is instantly drawn to this sweet boy and does what he can to make him feel loved and welcomed in this new place. The story keeps right with the holiday feel, while also showing the real-life struggles of an immigrant in the US, where he has troubles adjusting and in turn has his defenses. Brina did great in handling all these nuances while keeping with the feel of this combined universe overall.

[Lea Gesser · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was an enjoyable, relaxing, loving reading experience. Baran, abandoned by his family, actually his own father. De character of Baran grows page after page and also you can see that Darien is also learning. For Baran is was a hard start to live in a culture where it is impossible to be who you want to be. And then he meets Darien. And with this Darien he learns to trust and be open again to others and especially to himself. A beautiful story for Christmas, because it is not all about love, forgiveness and hope.

[Daria · Rating 3 out of 5]

Holiday sweet
So this lil story is full of holiday cheer. Definitely a Christmas book.
A young man finds himself displaced and broke and alive in a foreign country.
A alternative shelter founder with tight ties to the community. They both come together when circumstances aren't so Christmassy. Prejudice and jealousy rears its ugly head. The basis of the story worth reading. I just got a wee bit annoyed with Baran, granted he's young but yeah I wish he have a bit more back bone.
Drama... Passion and some heat rounds out this HEA lil read.

[Sheri Corriero · Rating 4 out of 5]

Baran Arslan gets an awful Christmas present from his father – sent to New York after his father found out he was gay. He’s abandoned completely. He finds Rainbow Haven, a shelter for young gay men. Darien Moore is older ( a little) and handsome and he was the person who put this shelter in place. It soon becomes Merry Christmas for Baran, as he has found a daddy. It’s great seeing how Baran adapts with being abandoned and finding someone who makes him feel safe and helps bring out his true character. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Steve Poplawski · Rating 5 out of 5]

Touching and Heartfelt

A charming romance between a young gay man and his new Daddy.

Abandoned and disowned by his own father just for being gay, Baran finds his way to a new shelter run by his future Daddy Darian.
Baran is lost, alone and in need of comfort and security. Darian supplies these and all the love that Baran can handle.

I highly recommend this book for anyone looking for a heartwarming Christmas read.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Bianca · Rating 4 out of 5]

Baran and Darien story left me conflicted. It had a kaleidoscope of feelings as: betrayal, violence, hatred, jealousy, aggression, hurt, and disappointment.
As the magical time of the holidays there’s redemption, a couple of surprises, forgiveness, and repentance for the wrongs done.
They had sweet, loving moments, but they had to work at trust and communicate openly about their feelings.
Also, the book made me extremely hungry with all the food described.

[Deb Kel · Rating 5 out of 5]

A thoroughly enjoyable addition to this great series. The storyline and characters were so endearing. Baran finds his new daddy Darian at the shelter he runs. I really felt for Baran who was abandoned by his family for being gay which sadly still happens! Luckily fate gives him the Daddy who can give him all the love and security he deserves. A emotional, heartwarming read.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Kristina · Rating 4 out of 5]

Baran and Darien's book was good. I felt so bad for Baran and all the trauma he had to deal with. I liked the start of the relationship. I liked how not only did Baran learn and grow but so did Darien. This is a nice very Christmasy story.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Barb · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was an enjoyable read that brings out quite a few emotions. My heart hurt for Baran for so many reasons. I’m so glad he and Darien found each other! They were so good together! I loved how they both grew in this story!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Linda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Baran comes to the states from Turkey to live with his father. His father found out he was gay & refused to take him home with him. After searching for a place to go he hears about the Rainbow House, run by Darien. Darien sees the sadness in Baran & decides to take him as his boy. Low angst. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Denise · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a good addition to the multi author series A Daddy for Christmas 2, I felt so bad for Baran is father was a horrible person but he was lucky enough to meet Silas who directed him to Rainbow Haven that’s where him and Darien who runs the shelter meet and we watch as they both learn and grow together but it wasn’t always easy but in the end it was worth it a good holiday read.

[Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well written story and well developed characters. Those are the most important things to me in a book.
Baran is abandoned by his father because he is gay. Can he find his way in a foreign city? Can he find help? Read this book and find out.
I couldn't put this book down and loved it!!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Debbie Benson · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review. I don't like what Baran's father did. I liked the character development of both Baran and Darien. It was good that they found love and healing with each other.

[CJ Brimmer · Rating 5 out of 5]

#myreview
I have always loved daddy/boy books where either the daddy or the boy struggles with being enough. This book fits that so well. This is the first Brina Brady book but I assure you it won't be my last. Solid 5 stars
Baran is a young man from Turkey who gets stranded in New York when he is disowned by his father. He has no where to go but finds help in the form of rainbow haven. He get a place to live, a group of friends and even better he finds himself the perfect daddy. The question is...can they make it work when he isn't even an American citizen.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Lori Ferry · Rating 5 out of 5]

Anytime this author releases a new book I just know it will be a great read, and this book did not disappoint. I find her style of writing very entertaining. I look forward to her next book.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Amanda Reeves · Rating 4 out of 5]

Baran is part of the multi-author Daddy for Christmas series and each can be read as a standalone. This is an age gap, daddy/boy read about Baran and Darien. I loved the wonderful characters and storyline and all these two go through for their HEA.

[Steve Poplawski · Rating 5 out of 5]

A charming romance between a young gay man and his new Daddy.

Abandoned and disowned by his own father just for being gay, Baran finds his way to a new shelter run by his future Daddy Darian.
Baran is lost, alone and in need of comfort and security. Darian supplies these and all the love that Baran can handle.

I highly recommend this book for anyone looking for a heartwarming Christmas read.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Margaret · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cute story

This was a really cute story. It was very fast paced with an instant attraction. There were a few hiccups and some non communication but all in all it was a cute Christmas story.

[Ann Brown · Rating 5 out of 5]

A spicy and touching story. Baran struggles so much after being abandoned by his father for being gay and facing racism. He meets his future Daddy, Darien at a shelter he runs. A heartwarming read.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Karen Millett · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a very sweet story but sad at times. Baran gets disowned by his father and has to start all over. He finds shelter and falls in love. He finds the daddy that he is looking for during the holiday season.

[B E · Rating 4 out of 5]

When his father finds out he is gay he flies him to NY and abandons him with nothing. He luckily speaks English and is directed to a shelter.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.