One Night with An Elf by Cooper McKenzie

Heat Level 3
$2.99
SKU 978-0-3695-1323-6
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Celyn Berry needs a Christmas miracle. While helping her nieces write letters to Santa, she adds a letter of her own to the package. She asks that her deployed Marine brother come home in time for the birth of his third child, and that her nieces get at least one toy from their Christmas lists. The problem is there's no money for toys this year. At the end of her letter, she adds her own wish for a tall, dark, handsome man to come into her life.

In charge of letters from adult believers, Enrico Leonardo Francisco, or Elf to his friends, reads her letter and knows he has to meet her before he passes her letter on to Santa.

Can they build a lifetime connection from only one night together? Will Celyn be willing to leave her family to join him at the North Pole? Will Celyn’s brother make it home for Christmas?

 

Excerpt:

Dear Santa,

All I want for Christmas and my December 26th birthday this year is for my brother, Cedar, to come home from his deployment with the Marines in time for his third child’s birth. Also, could my nieces, Hope and Joy, find at least one toy from their Christmas lists under the tree? We have no extra money for toys, but they’ve been such good girls this year and deserve something special. Cedar’s wife, Lilly, has been ordered to stay in bed for the last two months of her pregnancy, which means she had to quit her job at the hospital. My waitress job and what Cedar sends us is barely enough to pay the bills and buy food.

While I would not refuse a hot, sexy, good-hearted man if one should come into my life, I would happily give him up if the kids could have a good Christmas and Cedar could return home in time.

Thank you in advance,

Celyn Berry

PS—I hope you enjoy these cookies the girls and I made. We call them Elf Kisses.

****

Enrico Leonardo Francisco, jokingly known as Elf to the North Pole residents, read the letter from an obviously adoring aunt for a fourth time. The love in the letter touched something even deeper than his heart. It reached his soul.

Enrico could also feel the desperation behind the woman’s request. The children’s letters and cookies had already been sent downstairs to the Processing Department.

Picking up the phone, he called the head of Processing and requested that the rest of the Berry family package be brought to him.

As the North Pole’s chief investigator of letters from adult believers, it was Enrico’s responsibility to decide whether a letter should be acted upon, trashed as not worthy of attention, or send it to the angels for their divine attention. With most letters, decisions were easy to make. But Celyn’s letter pulled at him in a way none of the others he’d ever read had.

Product Reviews

Score: 5 out of 5 (based on 18 ratings)
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5/5
One night with an Elf
Written by Nicole V on 21st Dec 2025

This is a sweet little quirky Christmas read. Celyn is so stressed out trying to keep everything together. She sits down with her two nieces to write a letter to Santa Claus asking for her twin brother to be home from deployment before the birth of his baby. Also asking that Santa bring one toy for each girl from their wish list because she's struggling to make ends meet the sister-in-law is on bed rest and she can't afford presents. When Enrico reads the letter he knows he must meet this woman. He basically falls in love with her giving heart before even meeting her in person.

5/5
Amazing read
Written by Heather1145 on 21st Dec 2025

Loved it, She and her nieces write letters to Santa. She is asking for her brother to come home from being deployed for the birth of his third baby, And she wants presents for the kids and someone for her, Loved that Enrico a elf reads her letter and wants her, Such a cute read

5/5
A Magical Steamy Love Story
Written by Nathalie D. on 21st Dec 2025

This story is for all those who still believe in magic and the spirit of the season once you have outgrown childhood. Celyn is holding down her family; her twin brother is deployed, his two nieces might not get a present, his sister in law is on bed rest, and she is feeling the weight if it all. So when it is time to send the letter to Santa, she adds a small note asking for a man to see her plus cookies. Well, Enrico Leonardo Francisco, ELF, is in charge of reading adult wishes in Santa's shop, once he reads the letter, and tastes the cookies, he knows he needs to handle this personally. They meet, and the connection is instant (you have to read the scene of the bar, how she handles it, and how he appears - so worth it!-) and after a passionate night together, they will have to weigh out options as they live totally different lives, so tune in to see what happens! This is a great book, perfect mix of magic and steam but deals with relatable topics and that gives you a break from the pressures we all feel. Truly recommend this book!

5/5
So cute
Written by RhondaVB on 21st Dec 2025

This was a short story but you get all the holiday feels. Celyn and Enrico were perfect for each other and I loved them together. It's just a story that will make you smile.

4/5
Christmas!
Written by Anotherdayinparadise on 21st Dec 2025

This is my type of Christmas story. The struggling person with the selfless wish and holding it down for everyone. This is a feel good story and a fun read during this season.

4/5
One Wish, One Night, One Forever
Written by C Luna on 21st Dec 2025

Some holiday stories sparkle with magic, and some glow with warmth—but One Night with an Elf by Cooper McKenzie does both at once, wrapping you in a hug that smells like hot cocoa, apple pie, and pure Christmas hope. This is the kind of novella you curl up with when you want something tender, romantic, and full of the kind of miracles you secretly still believe in. Celyn Berry is the beating heart of this story—fiercely loyal, quietly exhausted, and doing everything she can to make Christmas special for the two nieces she loves like her own. She’s the kind of heroine you instantly connect with: someone who puts everyone else first, who believes in magic even when life keeps taking swings at her, and who still dares to send Santa a wish for herself. Just a small one. A man who might finally see her. Choose her. Love her. Enter Enrico Leonardo Francisco—better known, adorably, as ELF. His job? Reading letters from adults who still believe. His problem? He reads Celyn’s letter and feels something shift. Something real. Something fate-kissed. When Elf shows up at her work, he’s expecting a quick visit. Maybe a chance to bring her a little holiday joy. What he doesn’t expect is the connection that ignites between them—the kind that feels like destiny stepping right into the room and saying, Here. This one’s yours. Their chemistry is sweet, soft, and instantly heartwarming. One night together becomes something deeper, something impossible to ignore. But with Elf’s life at the North Pole and Celyn’s roots firmly planted with her family, the question hangs between them like mistletoe: Can one magical night become a forever? The story beautifully weaves romance with real-life worries—deployment, financial strain, the ache of wanting to make Christmas magical for children when you can barely keep the lights on. And Celyn’s brother’s situation adds a thread of emotional suspense that keeps your heart in your throat. But Cooper McKenzie doesn’t just give us tension—she gives us payoff. Big, sparkly, sleigh-bells-ringing payoff. What makes this story shine is its message: Magic is real—especially when you stay brave enough to believe in it. One Night with an Elf is cute, cozy, and filled with the kind of sweetness that doesn’t feel sugary, but soul-soothing. Elf is earnest and charming, Celyn is lovable and resilient, and together they create a holiday romance that feels timeless. If you love Christmas miracles, swoony insta-connection, and stories where the hero literally lives at the North Pole, this is the perfect pick for your holiday reading list.

5/5
Perfect story
Written by Andrea R on 21st Dec 2025

I started this book and finished in one sitting. Couldn’t put it down. Loved the whole book. It had everything plus holiday spirit.

5/5
Celyn and Elf
Written by bab on 21st Dec 2025

The story begins when Celyn and Elf meet after she writes a letter to Santa on behalf of her family. When Elf visits Celyn’s workplace, they immediately connect. The story is well-written with a compelling storyline and great characters, ultimately concluding with a satisfying, happy ending.

5/5
Christmas wish.
Written by Redfaeryrose on 21st Dec 2025

This charming little story tells of one of Santa’s elves, who found his soulmate just a few days before Christmas. They shared a special night together, and he promised to return—bringing with him all her Christmas wishes. It's a sweet reminder of hope and love during the holiday season.

4/5
Cute Christmas love story
Written by Roberta R on 21st Dec 2025

There wasn't a lot of plot to this short novella but it was a cute story. Enrico being a hybrid elf was a good plotline as well as his working remotely. I don't usually like insta-love themes but this one was so cute you had like it. Her two little nieces were a cute addition to the story. This makes a wonderful short Christmas love story everyone should love. I recommend this book to all Christmas romance readers.

4/5
One Night with An Elf!
Written by Mary on 21st Dec 2025

This is a short and quick read with some holiday love and romance. The story is fairly short and quick with some tenderness, steaminess and touching bits. Celyn is working hard to help her brother and his family. Her brother has is off serving his country while his wife is pregnant and on bed rest with their third child. Celyn has moved in with them and is taking care of the kids, working and trying to help as much as she can. She still believes in Christmas magic and writes a letter to Santa close. Enrico, an elf of sorts, is given the letter. He is drawn to the author and wants to find out more. I enjoyed every bit of this heartwarming story.

4/5
Holiday romance short story
Written by itsthejo on 21st Dec 2025

Interesting premise. The world building was solidly drawn. Plot was intriguing. The characters were very appealing and likeable. All in all a very good read. Recommend. Grab a copy, kick back and enjoy!

5/5
ELF makes Christmas
Written by Bookbunny on 21st Dec 2025

Celyn Berry has a Christmas wish, bring her brother home from deployment and make her nieces Christmas full of joy. Enrico Leonardo Francisco aka ELF see the honesty in the letter and decides to make a special visit to see her. He certainly doesn’t realize that Celyn is her other half. When they kiss, the sparks fly. But will she really believe he is an Elf? I thought this story was cute. I love the way he got the name ELF. Showing that Celyn was still a believe in Santa Claus gave her family that special something. I did feel for her when she thought things were going to be sad for the kids. Thank goodness ELF was true to his word. Now they all get to have a Merry Christmas.

5/5
A fun Christmasy romance
Written by KateM on 21st Dec 2025

Celyn is still a believer in Santa so she writes a letter to him when life is being really difficult for she and her family. Enrico is in charge of letter from adult believers but she strikes a chord with him so he goes to earth to check out everything. What he doesn't expect if to find his woman. This is a short but fun romance set in a different world. It's a lot of fun!

4/5
Cute
Written by Rubensgram on 21st Dec 2025

Celyn is having a hard time making ends meet while taking care of her brothers family while he is deployed. So when she helps her nieces write a letter to Santa she adds one of her own. Enrico Leonardo Francisco or Elf to his friends is in charge of adult believers. Something about her letter draws him to her. He must meet her. There is an instant connection when they do meet. This is a steamy fated mate fantasy romance.

5/5
Great read
Written by Laura Ann on 21st Dec 2025

Celyn Berry has a twin brother, Cedar, who is currently deployed. Celyn writes a letter to Santa regarding what she wants for Christmas and that her birthday is the next day. She wants her brother to be home, and that everything is okay with her sister in law, Lilly who is now on bed rest, for Cedar to be home for the baby, and his two daughters, Hope and Joy. Because of this, Lilly was unable to keep her job at the hospital and Celyn is doing everything she can to make sure everything is okay with her family. But, they barely have money for a tree or toys for Christmas. I felt so bad as I read the book and was impressed that she sent a care package of cookies to Santa as well. Enrico Leonardo Francisco aka Elf, worked as one of the North Pole human residents and he was in charge of the letters regarding adults who still believed. It was up to him to look into it and whether a letter should be acted upon. From t he moment he read Celyn’s letter he was entranced. Elf is described as a younger hotter version of Santa with dark hair. He goes to meet Celyn at her job after tasting the cookies. So he headed to New Bern, NC, using Virgil his face reindeer. Celyn’s forced to wear an elf costume while she worked waiting on the drunken jerks that still didn’t get the hint that it was closing time. She was exhausted from all the extra shifts that she picked up, and her boss, Micah, thought it was all funny and didn’t do a darn thing to protect his waitresses from the groping hands of the drunks. Celyn tried being nice and to do it the nice way. But, she really was the wrong person to mess with. You’ll see why. I love how she deals with them, and that is when Elf shows up looking like a cowboy Santa. lol. Pretty much from the moment they lock eyes, they are hooked on each other. Things progress and he promises her that he will return and that everything will be well. Then a few things happen that make her worry even more. I love how magical the book is. I love the idea that there are adults that still believe. I still believe in Christmas Magic. The book made me laugh, cry, and need the AC on from the romance and steaminess. Plus, who wouldn’t want to help Santa? I loved the book so much and I can’t wait to see if there is more to this.

5/5
One Night with an Elf
Written by Angi5252 on 21st Dec 2025

Celyn writes a letter to Santa. Enrico is the one who reads adult letters to Santa. When he reads the letter he feels the connection through the letter. When they share a night together this connection deepens. With reality knocking and his job at the North Pole and her family and life where she is, can they really have more than one night? This is a tender, heart melting love story that is relatable on a real level of future decisions and real life issues that stand in the way. This story restores your faith in Christmas magic and true love. This is the Christmas romance you don’t want to miss out on reading.

5/5
Super sweet
Written by Kris08 on 21st Dec 2025

A Christmas wish from a woman seeking other people’s happiness. Celyn wishes for her brother to come home safe for his family. Meanwhile, Enrico Leonardo Francisco ‘ELF’ from the Adult Believers Department, comes across her letter in the North Pole and decides to make her wishes come true… This sweet little page-turner is such a delightful Christmas story. Enrico is such a sweet hero, and it sure doesn’t hurt that he knows how to get down and dirty. The ending was predictable - holiday reads always are - but the journey itself was so much fun to read. Loved the powerful MFC, and her background was awesome.