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Santa's Helper
A chance encounter at the mall sets off sparks between Felina and Julian. He's Santa, and he needs a Mrs. Claus...
69 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 4, 2020
54 people are currently reading
237 people want to read
About the author
Shae Sanders
57 books532 followersJust a girl who loves black love. Reading it, writing it, and living it.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 77 reviews
November 27, 2021
I just got a whole ass story in less than 70 pages and I’m fuckin impressed!!
November 15, 2023
Well this was quite the treat!! The story flew by, but had everything my heart desired in it.
Divorced single mom takes her kids to see the only Black Santa at a mall across town only to find out that the Santa she was expecting passed away, and replaced by his strapping 40 year old fire fighter of a son.🥵
All kinds of things happen, but the emotions, the story and heat level was very essential to me. Shae nailed so much in so few pages.
Divorced single mom takes her kids to see the only Black Santa at a mall across town only to find out that the Santa she was expecting passed away, and replaced by his strapping 40 year old fire fighter of a son.🥵
All kinds of things happen, but the emotions, the story and heat level was very essential to me. Shae nailed so much in so few pages.
December 8, 2023
Felina is a recently divorced mother of two that was simply trying to keep the Christmas spirit alive and carry on family traditions even though their family of 4 was now a family of 3. One tradition that Felina was not skimping on was holiday pictures with Santa, and not just ANY santa, blickity black ass santa 🎅🏿! After driving across town to take pictures with the same black santa from her childhood, she never imagined that he would now be replaced by his fine ass son Julian who just so happens to be the high school boyfriend that seemingly “got away”.
Julian was always reminded by his father over the years about the happenings in Felina’s life. Whether it was marriage, a baby then another baby, Julian’s father made sure to spill the tea. Now that Felina is back in his grasp, he’s shooting his shot and hitting nothing but net!
This story was the absolute cutest 🥰🥰 and even though it moved at a swift pace, their insta reconnection flowed naturally!! These two were on demon time in the bedroom and if this is what sitting on Santa’s lap gets you, then point me in the direction of the nearest mall because I got some things on my list and I’m definitely trying to be naughty and nice with it! This was the holiday read I didn’t know I needed. It was Christmasy, spicy and definitely spread holiday cheer! 🎅🏿🎄🎁
Julian was always reminded by his father over the years about the happenings in Felina’s life. Whether it was marriage, a baby then another baby, Julian’s father made sure to spill the tea. Now that Felina is back in his grasp, he’s shooting his shot and hitting nothing but net!
This story was the absolute cutest 🥰🥰 and even though it moved at a swift pace, their insta reconnection flowed naturally!! These two were on demon time in the bedroom and if this is what sitting on Santa’s lap gets you, then point me in the direction of the nearest mall because I got some things on my list and I’m definitely trying to be naughty and nice with it! This was the holiday read I didn’t know I needed. It was Christmasy, spicy and definitely spread holiday cheer! 🎅🏿🎄🎁
November 16, 2023
Santa's Helper was such a good book! I loved me some Felina and Julian. They were so adorable. Felina and Julian briefly dated in high school and, purely by happenstance, reconnect while Felina was taking her kids to the "far away" mall to see Black Santa. Felina was the one who got away so, Julian wasted no time rekindling those flames. While newly divorced Felina wasn't necessarily looking for a new relationship, she definitely wasn't going to say no to one either. I'm a sucker for a second chance romance and, considering how their barely there relationship ended before it even had a chance to begin, these two definitely deserved one. Julian such a gentleman but, once Felina talked him out his drawers and convinced him to let his BDE flag fly, whew chile, we were introduced to a whole new Julian. This Julian will have you clutchin' all your pearls! Santa's Helper was a cute drama free romance. It's the perfect read for the holidays.
December 9, 2022
Felina x Julian
Every. Single. Page!! Yes!!! I loved it. I knew Shae Sanders would’ve delivered. Santa’s helper came through. Julian was a gentleman, but in the bedroom, he’ll slut you the heck out. And guess who likes to be slutted out? Ms. Felina. Julian and Felina matched eachother’s sexual energy completely. They both could dish it out and take it. I love how comfortable they become with one another emotionally. This was such a good read. I hate that it was a short, because I wanted more. But it was perfect.
Every. Single. Page!! Yes!!! I loved it. I knew Shae Sanders would’ve delivered. Santa’s helper came through. Julian was a gentleman, but in the bedroom, he’ll slut you the heck out. And guess who likes to be slutted out? Ms. Felina. Julian and Felina matched eachother’s sexual energy completely. They both could dish it out and take it. I love how comfortable they become with one another emotionally. This was such a good read. I hate that it was a short, because I wanted more. But it was perfect.
December 30, 2020
A cute, short romance between Felina and Julian who reconnect after his dad's passing and he takes over the role of being Santa at the mall where Felina takes her kids every year. I thought both Celina and Julian were really sweet to each other especially glossing quickly over their respective pasts. Some of the descriptions were a little bit cliche for me especially if you aren't familiar with a lot of hip phrases but overall I enjoyed their Christmas romance.
December 27, 2023
Surprisingly, this novella has a lot of heart. And a lot of heat. I loved it. Happy reading!
August 9, 2021
SANTA'S HELPER was a fun and low-angst romance about reconnecting with the one who got away. Felina is visiting her home town mall so she can get pictures of her children with the only Black Santa in the area. Turns out "Santa" is Julian, an old friend from school that Felina went on a few dates with before college. When Felina finds herself alone for the holidays she spends the time with Julian. They were so cute together but oh boy when things got sexy it about burned my Kindle in my hands. Julian was one dirty talker and I loved how devoted he was to Felina. A quick but really fun read!
Content Warning: References to parental death and grief
Content Warning: References to parental death and grief
December 8, 2023
Sexy Santa
Yesss this was another cute read with just enough spice.
This isn't really a second chance lovers story per se, but the mcs knew each other in high school and both find themselves divorced and open to a second chance at love. After not seeing each other for over 20 years Santa is the reason they cross paths and the chemistry is there. I love how the fmc took charge and didn't hesitate to get what she wanted. It was also different enough for it to not feel like something I read before.
Sn: I love this cover and it fit the story!
Yesss this was another cute read with just enough spice.
This isn't really a second chance lovers story per se, but the mcs knew each other in high school and both find themselves divorced and open to a second chance at love. After not seeing each other for over 20 years Santa is the reason they cross paths and the chemistry is there. I love how the fmc took charge and didn't hesitate to get what she wanted. It was also different enough for it to not feel like something I read before.
Sn: I love this cover and it fit the story!
December 24, 2020
Too cute
Really enjoyed this friends to lovers novella! Their chemistry was cute and the steamy scenes were on point. This is my first time reading Sanders’ work and I’m an instant fan!
Really enjoyed this friends to lovers novella! Their chemistry was cute and the steamy scenes were on point. This is my first time reading Sanders’ work and I’m an instant fan!
December 8, 2020
What a Santa
My first read by this author and I absolutely loved it! Who doesn't want to find love and this type of hot connection around the holidays?! From the start Felina and Julian connected. I loved the high school sweetheart part of the story, it added even more to a cute story. Everybody needs a man with some Julian in him. I can't wait to read more by this author.
My first read by this author and I absolutely loved it! Who doesn't want to find love and this type of hot connection around the holidays?! From the start Felina and Julian connected. I loved the high school sweetheart part of the story, it added even more to a cute story. Everybody needs a man with some Julian in him. I can't wait to read more by this author.
December 18, 2023
Short & Sweet!!!!
Julian had such a sweet and loving relationship with his father, that after he passed, Julian took over his dad's job as the mall Santa.
Who would have guessed that Felina, his high school sweetheart, would show up with her two kids, for a visit with Santa? Really sweet story!
Julian had such a sweet and loving relationship with his father, that after he passed, Julian took over his dad's job as the mall Santa.
Who would have guessed that Felina, his high school sweetheart, would show up with her two kids, for a visit with Santa? Really sweet story!
December 22, 2020
My Santa is Black
Santa’s Helper by Shae Sanders is about assistant principal Felina Gatlin and firefighter/ volunteer Santa Julian Vaughn. Felina is a recently divorced mother who’s obsessed with visiting her the mall Santa in her hometown. This Christmas the Santa is Julian, he’s carrying on his father’s legacy. Julian and Felina went to high school together, he had a crush on her but she wasn’t really feeling him. Well time surely has changed because she’s feeling him now! While being Santa’s helper she’s gonna help herself to some him 😍😏 Julian is very much a grown man but the teen with crush is still there but this time he refuses to mess things up. It’s really adorable how bad he wants everything to be perfect. This is a sweet enjoyable read! You should definitely give this a read this holiday season! P.s. Gifts aren’t the only thing Santa is delivering 😉
Santa’s Helper by Shae Sanders is about assistant principal Felina Gatlin and firefighter/ volunteer Santa Julian Vaughn. Felina is a recently divorced mother who’s obsessed with visiting her the mall Santa in her hometown. This Christmas the Santa is Julian, he’s carrying on his father’s legacy. Julian and Felina went to high school together, he had a crush on her but she wasn’t really feeling him. Well time surely has changed because she’s feeling him now! While being Santa’s helper she’s gonna help herself to some him 😍😏 Julian is very much a grown man but the teen with crush is still there but this time he refuses to mess things up. It’s really adorable how bad he wants everything to be perfect. This is a sweet enjoyable read! You should definitely give this a read this holiday season! P.s. Gifts aren’t the only thing Santa is delivering 😉
December 17, 2021
v cute & steamy holiday novella w/ a single mom & a guy she dated in HS. he had major "she was my one that got away" energy which was cute👌🏻 there was also a lil breath play & "Daddy" which is always a bonus
Content Notes: Felina is a 38yo assistant principle & divorced mother of two kids. Julian is a 39yo firefighter & also the mall Santa
CW: recent paternal death (hero's) & grief connected to that, hero's ex-wife cheated, and some gender stereotypes & essentialism
Content Notes: Felina is a 38yo assistant principle & divorced mother of two kids. Julian is a 39yo firefighter & also the mall Santa
CW: recent paternal death (hero's) & grief connected to that, hero's ex-wife cheated, and some gender stereotypes & essentialism
December 18, 2022
4/5⭐️ 4/5🌶️
Although this book didn't feel like a cozy holiday read I still enjoyed it. Felina and Julian were so cute! They met in high school and reconnected 20 years later. They both are divorced and Felina has children but that doesn't stop them from persuing each other. Shae tried to starve us at first but she did not disappoint with them spicy scenes. Julian is such a gentleman but the way he tore her up in that bedroom mhmmm I was living. I didnt really enjoy the storyline but I liked the characters enough to push through and Im happy I did . Plus she dropped a few gems on us in this book!
Although this book didn't feel like a cozy holiday read I still enjoyed it. Felina and Julian were so cute! They met in high school and reconnected 20 years later. They both are divorced and Felina has children but that doesn't stop them from persuing each other. Shae tried to starve us at first but she did not disappoint with them spicy scenes. Julian is such a gentleman but the way he tore her up in that bedroom mhmmm I was living. I didnt really enjoy the storyline but I liked the characters enough to push through and Im happy I did . Plus she dropped a few gems on us in this book!
December 9, 2021
Not my favorite
This kind of annoyed me. Especially the gender stereotypes. Julien feeling like he can’t cry of his fathers death and being embarrassed by it. He was also too “gentlemanly” which is weird to say but it annoyed me too. Felina being “the one that got away” didn’t make it feel like they had any sort of connection. All in all, not my favorite Shae Sanders novella
This kind of annoyed me. Especially the gender stereotypes. Julien feeling like he can’t cry of his fathers death and being embarrassed by it. He was also too “gentlemanly” which is weird to say but it annoyed me too. Felina being “the one that got away” didn’t make it feel like they had any sort of connection. All in all, not my favorite Shae Sanders novella
December 9, 2020
This was my first book by this author. Whew. It was sweet and had some heat. I loved the chemistry between Felina and Julian, they gave me all the feels. Does it get any better than finding love during the holiday. I didn’t want it to end. I can’t wait to read more from this author.
December 17, 2020
Short, sexy, but also bittersweet. I really liked this quick read.
December 6, 2020
Recently divorced Christmas fanatic Felina never expected to reconnect with her short lived high school boyfriend Julian nor have feelings surface after such a long time apart. Julian always had feelings for Felina. She is the one who got away and after 20 years, he doesn’t plan on letting her go again. Omg, I really enjoyed this story and I never expected to relate to it on so many levels. I loved that Julien is in his late 30s and the fact that he keeps his fathers tradition of being the Black Santa alive even after his passing. I will be honest and say I did have some reservations about Mrs Claus, but the twist the author placed on that situation cleared them up. Felina and Julien just fit for me. They reconnect like 20 years haven’t pass and it was so sweet to see. This book didn’t have multiple sex scenes like her other books but the one sex scene is intense and enjoyable. They have amazing chemistry! Proper Julian ain’t so proper and I love it. What impressed me the most about this story is the the important conversations about divorce, grief and parenting. I love how the author addresses the guilt mother’s feel when they enjoy time away from their kids and the fact that there are women who don’t even want kids. I liked how the co-parenting relationship with her ex-husband was healthy. No drama was detected from the dialogue. I also love how she addresses grief and how some struggle during holidays after losing a loved one. Overall this book did no wrong in my eyes, it is heartwarming and brings the feeling of Christmas.Kuddos to the author.
February 7, 2021
Super cute and sexy. It’s the perfect Christmas short to give you all the holiday feels. Loved it.
December 17, 2020
Felina and Julian reconnect when she brings her kids to the mall to see Black Santa and it turns out Julian, a guy she briefly dated in high school, has taken over the role from his recently deceased father. It's going to be Felina’s first solo Christmas when her ex-husband takes the kids and she winds up saying yes to a date and to helping Santa at the mall. This was a cute second chance romance between two adults who know what they want in a partner and are all in basically from the get-go. A bit rushed for a short story, especially since we don’t know how her kids will factor in to their relationship, but since Felina was always “the one who got away” for Julian, I rolled with it. My enjoyment was dampened, however, by gender stereotypes and Julian’s unfortunate belief that he shouldn’t cry in front of Felina because he’s “a man,” even when he’s grieving.
Character notes: Felina is a 38 year old assistant principal and single mother of two children. Julian is a 39 year old firefighter and mall Santa. This is set in Felina’s hometown Courtland, although she lives an hour or so away in a larger unnamed city.
CW: divorce, hero’s father died earlier this year (no illness named), hero’s ex-wife cheated, grief, gender essentialism, gender stereotypes
Character notes: Felina is a 38 year old assistant principal and single mother of two children. Julian is a 39 year old firefighter and mall Santa. This is set in Felina’s hometown Courtland, although she lives an hour or so away in a larger unnamed city.
CW: divorce, hero’s father died earlier this year (no illness named), hero’s ex-wife cheated, grief, gender essentialism, gender stereotypes
December 23, 2020
Sexy Second Chance Christmas story
Synopsis: Felina is a year out of a divorce and lonely. Felina goes back home for her kids to take pictures with Black Santa and finds out Santa is an old friend Julian who had a crush on her in high school. Sparks fly and Felina ends up filling in for Mrs. Claus allowing Julian and Felina to spend more time together to explore what they never got a chance to explore back in high school.
Julian is a Fireman and a Sexy Black Santa lawd have mercy. He was such a gentleman but when he got his hands on Felina OMG. Julian wanted to do things right (go slow and date) but Felina wasnt into that. Felina wanted what she wanted and she wasn’t backing down. When Julian gave in it got hot and steamy quickly. I loved his determination he didn’t go after what he wanted in HS and he wasn’t gonnna let that happen again! This was a good quick second chance Christmas love story!
This was another first for me as I never read anything by Shae Sanders but I will be adding her to my 2021 TBR because this was hot!
Synopsis: Felina is a year out of a divorce and lonely. Felina goes back home for her kids to take pictures with Black Santa and finds out Santa is an old friend Julian who had a crush on her in high school. Sparks fly and Felina ends up filling in for Mrs. Claus allowing Julian and Felina to spend more time together to explore what they never got a chance to explore back in high school.
Julian is a Fireman and a Sexy Black Santa lawd have mercy. He was such a gentleman but when he got his hands on Felina OMG. Julian wanted to do things right (go slow and date) but Felina wasnt into that. Felina wanted what she wanted and she wasn’t backing down. When Julian gave in it got hot and steamy quickly. I loved his determination he didn’t go after what he wanted in HS and he wasn’t gonnna let that happen again! This was a good quick second chance Christmas love story!
This was another first for me as I never read anything by Shae Sanders but I will be adding her to my 2021 TBR because this was hot!
December 28, 2020
Content warnings:
This was quick, sexy but still surprisingly deep.
Fresh off her first Christmas as a divorced mom, Felina's brought her kids to the far away mall so they can get a picture with a Black Santa. But the usual older gentleman isn't there, and instead it's his son, Julian, who Felina briefly dated in high school. Julian always viewed Felina as the one who got away, so he seizes the opportunity to reconnect with her. Felina's kids are spending the holiday with her ex, so when Julian needs a replacement Mrs. Claus, she decides to help out - and spend more time with him as well.
Both characters are older and are certain of what they want in a romantic partner, and their relationship moves pretty quickly. Julian thinks he has to cheer Felina up because she's missing her kids, but Felina finally admits that it's actually guilt that she doesn't miss them. I liked how they addressed that, and also how they talked about Julian's grief over his dad's death and carrying on his legacy as Black Santa. I didn't like some of the toxic masculinity stuff (Julian doesn't want to show certain emotions in front of her because it's not "manly"), but overall I enjoyed the story.
This was quick, sexy but still surprisingly deep.
Fresh off her first Christmas as a divorced mom, Felina's brought her kids to the far away mall so they can get a picture with a Black Santa. But the usual older gentleman isn't there, and instead it's his son, Julian, who Felina briefly dated in high school. Julian always viewed Felina as the one who got away, so he seizes the opportunity to reconnect with her. Felina's kids are spending the holiday with her ex, so when Julian needs a replacement Mrs. Claus, she decides to help out - and spend more time with him as well.
Both characters are older and are certain of what they want in a romantic partner, and their relationship moves pretty quickly. Julian thinks he has to cheer Felina up because she's missing her kids, but Felina finally admits that it's actually guilt that she doesn't miss them. I liked how they addressed that, and also how they talked about Julian's grief over his dad's death and carrying on his legacy as Black Santa. I didn't like some of the toxic masculinity stuff (Julian doesn't want to show certain emotions in front of her because it's not "manly"), but overall I enjoyed the story.
December 2, 2021
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/🌶🌶
Tropes: Second Chance Romance
Synopsis in my own words: Felina and Julian knew each other in highschool and even went on a few dates but lost touch after highschool! Newly divorced Felina takes her two kids back to her hometown to see the only black Santa she knows of, but what happens when that black Santa it’s actually the Son, and is Julian her old friend from highschool! It’s clear the mural attraction is still there but now what?
My thoughts: OH MY GOD THIS WAS SO DAMN GOOD! First of all love that Felina was a single mom and open about her feelings about her kids being with their dad for the holidays! I love that she was honest about being okay, and we definitely need to normalize mothers wanting to be alone and without their kids 24/7! Also JULIAN!? JULIAN VAUGHN!? Chile this man was such a gentleman!! HE WAS A MAN! Very clear with his intentions and feelings upfront! And we stan a consent king! Ugh I loved this novella so much!! Also the fact that he was a mall Santa makes this even better! Who doesn’t love a good black Santa?
Tropes: Second Chance Romance
Synopsis in my own words: Felina and Julian knew each other in highschool and even went on a few dates but lost touch after highschool! Newly divorced Felina takes her two kids back to her hometown to see the only black Santa she knows of, but what happens when that black Santa it’s actually the Son, and is Julian her old friend from highschool! It’s clear the mural attraction is still there but now what?
My thoughts: OH MY GOD THIS WAS SO DAMN GOOD! First of all love that Felina was a single mom and open about her feelings about her kids being with their dad for the holidays! I love that she was honest about being okay, and we definitely need to normalize mothers wanting to be alone and without their kids 24/7! Also JULIAN!? JULIAN VAUGHN!? Chile this man was such a gentleman!! HE WAS A MAN! Very clear with his intentions and feelings upfront! And we stan a consent king! Ugh I loved this novella so much!! Also the fact that he was a mall Santa makes this even better! Who doesn’t love a good black Santa?
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December 27, 2021This mini review is part of a listicle that can be read in its entirety at The Smut Report
A divorced mom takes her kids extra far to see the only Black Santa in the area, only to discover his son—her ex flame—has taken over the role. It’s playful and then it’s hot. *fans self* I liked that this book features a mom who is not the custodial parent of her children and has a generally positive co-parenting agreement with her ex.
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A divorced mom takes her kids extra far to see the only Black Santa in the area, only to discover his son—her ex flame—has taken over the role. It’s playful and then it’s hot. *fans self* I liked that this book features a mom who is not the custodial parent of her children and has a generally positive co-parenting agreement with her ex.
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December 21, 2025
If you are looking for a fast paced holiday novella to add to your TBR for the winter season then this is the book for you.
-divorced MCs
-single parent FMC
-second chance romance
-Christmas vibes
-grief x the journey to healing
-gentleman-like MMC
-late 30s/early 40s MCs
-small town
-spicy moments
-cutesy, corny banter
-height difference MCs (5’5/6’0+)
-MCs that know what they want
Felina x Julian gave older vibes which was both heartwarming and corny. I enjoyed Felina’s “I know what I want and I won’t be embarrassed by getting it” demeanor. Julian was a true gentleman and that balanced their relatable chemistry. The epilogue tied everything together and made a novella under 70 pages feel like a full story.
If Shae Sanders is writing it, I’m reading it.
-divorced MCs
-single parent FMC
-second chance romance
-Christmas vibes
-grief x the journey to healing
-gentleman-like MMC
-late 30s/early 40s MCs
-small town
-spicy moments
-cutesy, corny banter
-height difference MCs (5’5/6’0+)
-MCs that know what they want
Felina x Julian gave older vibes which was both heartwarming and corny. I enjoyed Felina’s “I know what I want and I won’t be embarrassed by getting it” demeanor. Julian was a true gentleman and that balanced their relatable chemistry. The epilogue tied everything together and made a novella under 70 pages feel like a full story.
If Shae Sanders is writing it, I’m reading it.
December 21, 2021
Giving us all the reason to hope our “one that got away” is sitting around in a Santa suit waiting for us to sit on their lap and request our long awaited desires🙃🥵
This short story re-instills faith that there is love after divorce/break-up. The characters bring us into their world with enough details to leave readers hot and bothered in the most enticing way. I’m usually not one to pick up smut but if Shae’s name is on it — I’m in.
Felina and Julian are both lovable and the length perfectly captures that peak infatuation without it being overshadowed by outside factors of kids, exes, or life. I needed this short and sweet second chance at love as I pivot into this weeks ambush of holiday mushy gushy.
This short story re-instills faith that there is love after divorce/break-up. The characters bring us into their world with enough details to leave readers hot and bothered in the most enticing way. I’m usually not one to pick up smut but if Shae’s name is on it — I’m in.
Felina and Julian are both lovable and the length perfectly captures that peak infatuation without it being overshadowed by outside factors of kids, exes, or life. I needed this short and sweet second chance at love as I pivot into this weeks ambush of holiday mushy gushy.
December 11, 2020
Felina always made sure to go visit black Santa every year, but she what she wasn't expecting was to see a blast from her pass.
Julian was taking on being black Santa after losing his dad, but seeing Felina after all these years was what he needed.
Felina and Julian exchanged numbers and caught up with each otherand decided to make a go of getting to know each other. This story was so cute and I loved Felina and Julian getting to know each other again. Shae Sanders is a writing genius and anything she writes I'm reading!!!
Julian was taking on being black Santa after losing his dad, but seeing Felina after all these years was what he needed.
Felina and Julian exchanged numbers and caught up with each otherand decided to make a go of getting to know each other. This story was so cute and I loved Felina and Julian getting to know each other again. Shae Sanders is a writing genius and anything she writes I'm reading!!!
December 9, 2020
Cute, sweet holiday read! Felina and Julian rekindling their friendship, and more was everything! Although they had not been around each other for years, they smoothly got right in the groove. Julian was such a gentleman, until he was not! Whew lawd! Appreciated the realness of issues in the story. How you portrayed people grieving during the holidays, healthy co-parenting and being straight up about not missing your kids when they at their daddy house! 😃 Enjoyed this! 👍👍👍
Displaying 1 - 30 of 77 reviews