Dylan Jolly is the tallest elf in the history of the North Pole and miserable from the constant bullying. He would bet his stock in candy canes that Rudolph never had it as bad. Keeping to himself, he has his own studio in Santa’s Naughty Workshop making… toys. For years, he’s needed a tester to help him develop his designs. But Santa’s never delivered. Until now.
Only a select few know Snow Gumdrop’s secret, but enough people suspect he’s not a full elf for him to be an outcast. Desperate to get away from the constant pranks, he applies to be Dylan’s toy tester, unaware his attraction to the sexy elf might make things difficult.
When Snow’s apartment building is destroyed, he’s left homeless and Dylan takes him in.
With a little negotiation and lots of hot chocolate, will Dylan and Snow become more than toy maker and tester?
Jingle My Bells is a fluffy spice-fest of an MM Christmas romance featuring friends to lovers, only one bed, an elf with a sweet tooth, and an unfortunate collection of tacky holiday sweaters.
I’ve always been a reader and a daydreamer. My writer origin story is embarrassing now that I think about it. But also kinda funny, maybe. One day I might share. If people ask nicely. It involves a psychic.
I share an apartment with my sister in Southern Indiana where we keep the AC on year round and try to keep each other entertained.
I really, reaaaally wanted to like this one. This is another one of those situations where the premise is really sweet and unique but the writing just doesn't do it justice.
Besides minor spelling/grammatical errors there was something about the writing that felt stunted. This is such a strange thing to even notice but the sentences were so short? It made the flow of the book feel jolty, like driving in stop-n-go traffic instead of it being a smooth ride.
Because of the writing style, it made it fairly difficult for me to enjoy the story itself which, unfortunately, had some minor issues of its own. Issues that I think wouldn't normally be a problem or even noticeable in this type of book if the writing was more fleshed out.
I'm usually an advocate for fun books that are just "here for a good time", but there was something about this one that just wasn't doing it for me. I'm a big highlighter, so I can tell that I'm not vibing with a book when I don't highlight a single line.
Yall, I want to start this by letting everyone know, that this was a five star vibes read.
In here we have Snow, a mixed elf who was tormented his whole life and Dylan, the best sex toy maker in the world, who just happens to be so tall, he's been shunned. These are elves so I'm thinking they are very short. They live in a north pole that makes sex toys for adults instead of kids toys.
These two are put to work together by Santa and they fall in love. Bad things happen to Snow and his apartment is lost when the building crashes down and the Santa government decided to put on a show to raise money. Snow, who is also a siren, finds out he glows when he is singing with Dylan because they love each other. The show goes on and Dylan sings back to Snow accepting his siren call and they head off for their HFN.
Was it written perfectly? Nope
Did it need editing? Oh heck yea
Did parts of it make no sense? Indeed many parts were confusing.
But this whole story felt good, made me happy while I read it, and I will read the next in the series.
Thanks to the author of the ARC of this book! Dylan and Snow are so fun and cute together, their shyness and insecurities just work with one another. Them learning to trust and open up to each other was a cute experience! And all the hottest between the boys was even better. Hot sex scenes 🔥
I stumbeled on this book on instagram and the cover and synopsis made me pause. I HAD to read it ! What a funny sexy Christmacy book ! It’s seriously perfect 🥰
Thank you to Morgan for this adorable arc! This story was so cute with a touch of angst and a lot of 🔥🔥🔥. Dylan is an elf who makes sexy toys in his workshop. He spends most of his time alone and works way too much. When Santa suggests a helper for him, he’s equal parts thrilled and nervous when it’s none other than his crush, Snow Gumdrop. The details of Snow’s job will include packing, mailing, and…testing the merchandise. Snow is such a ray of sunshine but he’s different from the other elves, and is often mocked for it. Dylan feels his pain, as a rather large elf at over six feet, he’s had his fair share of teasing. Yet in each other they find their perfect match, and they are absolutely adorable and steamy together. They both learn that the bullies of the world don’t determine their worth 💜
are you looking for a short and sweet M/M Christmas romance featuring light kink and high steam; something very cute with low angst. read this if you enjoyed: the wholesome innocence and Christmas atmosphere of Elf dir. Jon Favreau but were left feeling it could have been better queer and with the heat level dialled way up. rep: gay AuDHD MC with anxiety; gay LI possibly with depression; trans side character; largely queer cast. cw: sex; bullying/harassment
With online shopping having put the North Pole out of business, Santa has pivoted with the times, and now pro toymaker Dylan focuses on providing high quality goods for adults. Having been bullied all his life, he's lacking confidence in his abilities, but things start looking up when he's approved for a tester, who turns out to be none other than his childhood crush, Snow. Forced into close proximity, can sweet Snow negotiate their professional boundaries and win over workaholic Dylan? With a strong, cosy Christmassy atmosphere and blending fluff with steam, this was a lovely, quick read that left me with a huge smile and warmed my heart.
CAWPILE: 7.6 (4*) favourite element: I thought the dynamic between Dylan and Snow was done really well. Their relationship moves fast but the attraction between them is clear, and I loved that time is dedicated to negotiating their contract and openly communicating preferences. a wish: For my personal preferences I would have liked Dylan and Snow's narrative voices to feel more distinct. disclaimer: I received an ARC of this book from the author and I am voluntarily leaving this honest review.
This book had me giggling all the way! What a mix of funny, spicy and sweet for this holiday treat!
The story introduces us to Dylan and Snow as elves in the North Pole. I really enjoyed the reimagined North Pole setup. I thought it was very imaginative and interesting and such a different spin on the whole idea. Snow comes to help Dylan in his special and unique workshop and they begin to learn things about themselves and each other.
I really enjoyed how Snow and Dylan become so supportive of each other. Each has their own issues that have made them slightly outcast with the other elves and what seems to start as their own Isle of Misfits, becomes a truly sweet and adorable couple. I loved the other characters in the story particularly Tinsel. Such a fun character and certainly looking forward to their story next! I loved the fun touches throughout the book. I could not stop giggling at every time a different exclamation was used - I feel like I need to go back and re-read to make a list!
This was a fun, quick read that certainly gives the holiday magic vibe with some fun, witty characters and a cute HEA. I received an early copy of this book and this is my honest and fair review.
Jingle My Bells is the first in the Santa’s Naughty Workshop series and I seriously can’t wait for more in this series. Dylan and Snow have been secretly crushing on each other, without the other knowing it. Dylan is a tall elf that in today’s standards would have ADHD and be autistic. He makes toys in the Naughty Workshop and needs a tester, someone to pack and test the merchandise! Snow is an elf that’s not quite a full elf, you’ll have to read it to find out what he is. But he’s excited for the opportunity to be Dylan’s tester. When Snow’s apartment is destroyed, Dylan says he can stay with him. There’s a lot of heat and steam in this story. But this was one of the best I’ve read this year, I couldn’t stop laughing at times. I literally could not stop reading this book. It kept me engaged and flipping the pages. I cannot wait for Tinsel’s book! Overall, a fun and fantastic read! Well written with addicting pacing. Highly recommend!
I received an ARC of this novel and this is my honest review.
This was my second read by this author and I enjoyed it as much as the first. Morgan ties in believable issues for plot development and lots of spice between the couples.
The way most people think about Santa is someone that will provide for kids, right? Oh you’re too old to believe in Santa, no more sitting on Santa’s lap.
Well this Santa provides to the Naughty and Nice adults. So an elf in need of a toy tester, and then his sexy toy tester loses their home? Of course he’s going to invite him into his only bed. Santa has his hands in all of it. And you have to read it to find out how.
This is a great holiday novella with spice, tender emotions, and a happily ever after for all 🥰
This is one of those stories that's just plain fun to read! Dylan is a North Pole elf who designs and creates intimate toys. Snow is half elf and half ... something and has been brought in as a product tester for Dylan's toys. From that premise the story takes off into a silly romp that also delivers an underlying message of acceptance and tolerance towards those that are different. There was a decent amount of world building and character development and, while the banter was sometimes a bit over-the-top, it was more on the humorous side than not. All in all, I found this to be cute and silly and the perfect mind cleanse from reading darker, more serious books.
Oh my gosh, this book is so much fun! Right from the start I'm blushing and giggling. I loved Morgan Lysand 's unique version of Santa and what the elves do at the North Pole. Snow and Dylan have both been picked on for being different. But their differences are what make them special and they just shine throughout the story. A wonderful book that I couldn't put down! I laughed, I cried, my heart ached for these two. I loved this so much and I'm super excited that there is more to come.
Given the subject matter and that one character was a sex toy maker and the other his new toy tester, the steam was relatively mild. The story was super sweet and the characters were likeable. There is some backstory given so even though it is basically insta-love, it's really not because they have known and liked each other for so long. I like the idea of Santa being something that is handed over to the next person chosen by current Santa. Will definitely read the next book.
This is such a sweet Christmas story! It takes place in the north pole, where Santa's magic keeps everyone safe and warm. Dylan is a tall elf who makes toys **wink wink** yes those sorts of toys, and Snow is an elf-halfling assigned to help test all of Dylan's models. Such a fun premise! And these two have been secretly crushing on each other for ages, so when they're finally in the same place at the same time, sparks fly! Great holiday read!
Fun holiday read. There are some serious topics in the background, like bullying and one of the main characters is neurodivergent. Definitely did not expect that from a seemingly light holiday romance. But overall it’s cute characters and a fun setup-adult toys being made at the North Pole. lol. I liked how Snow and Dylan balanced what they enjoyed and how it was of course enhanced by the toys. Clever.
This book filled my heart with so much happiness! Like so much! It was an equal blend of cuteness and spicy, and loved it! And then to add that Christmas element on top?! I freaking loved it! It was such a good book to read this Christmas season! And I can’t wait for book two! Merry Christmas everyone!
Jingle My Bells was such fun and fluffy good time. It was steamy, romantic and funny!! IS there anything else I need in an MM Christmas read??? I adored Snow and Dylan so much and hope the author revists this world. If you are a fan of friends to lovers, Christmas romances and the naughtiest elf then I highly recommend this book!!!!
This is the first book I have read by this author but it certainly won't be the last. I enjoyed reading this quirky and sweet story. It is a low angst and fluffy story between Dylan and Snow who meet each other at the right time and I think their personalities compliment each other and their journey was beautiful.
I absolutely love this story. It's rare to read a MC with autism/adhd and Morgan nailed it. The whole communication and flow of this story made me tear up. This is the first book I've read by the author and I cannot wait to read more. Well done.
Jingle My Bells is a fun, fast, frolic of a holiday romance set in Santa’s Naughty Workshop, a delightfully dirty take on the goings-on at the North Pole.
Dylan is the tallest elf at the Pole, and much like certain reindeer, all the other elves laugh and call him names. But he is a master glassblower and … toy maker, and he needs a tester to help him with his creations. Enter Snow Gumdrop, another misfit because he’s only part elf. As the two work together, they drawn closer, and when circumstances leave Snow without a place to stay, Dylan offers up his place … with only one bed. Can these two misfits make a relationship work?
This was such a fun book, filled with the best kind of holiday ridiculosity, from the creative swears to the even-more creative toys and reasons to “test” them — together. The silliness and smuttiness was a perfect foil for the sweetness. But there were also underlying themes of acceptance and finding your place and your people. All in all, a delightful holiday romp.
I love Christmas stories….in July, December, and all year round. This naughty elf story is fantastic!! That it has themes that speak to kindness and comfort as well as all the sexy naughty bits makes my heart full. Can I get some more please?
I enjoyed getting to know the MCs. They both struggled with getting bullied due to being different and I'm glad they got to connect with each. I'm interested to see how the author expands this world.