Looking to heat up your holidays with some quick, spicy reads? We’ve got you covered with this list of holiday-themed novellas, perfect for sneaking in between family gatherings or while curled up under your coziest blanket. I chatted with Kelly Reynolds about her Holidays in LA series and all her festive steamy novella recs, including some swoon-worthy Santas.
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Chat with Kelly Reynolds about Holidays in LA series and other spicy holiday novellas
Listen to the podcast episode
Holiday novellas are the perfect way to fit in festive reading when your schedule is packed with seasonal chaos. These shorter reads are ideal for sneaking into your holiday travels, quick binge sessions, or even cozy bubble baths. During our chat with Kelly Reynolds, we talked about how novellas focus on fun, holiday vibes, and just enough spice without the emotional rollercoaster of full-length novels.
Kelly’s Holidays in LA series offers something unique by setting its stories in a big-city with a tropical climate instead of the usual snowy small-town settings. Think sunshine, bar crawls, and holiday celebrations in neighborhoods full of personality like Los Feliz and Santa Monica. For readers who crave a blend of lighthearted romance and high heat, these novellas deliver the perfect escape.
We also discussed the rise of more inclusive holiday romances featuring diverse characters and body positivity, from plus-size heroes to queer love stories. We love to see this in festive romance. So, whether you’re into Santas, alien romances, or just some good old-fashioned Christmas cheer, this list has something for everyone.
About Kelly Reynolds and the Holidays in LA series
Kelly Reynolds is a romance author and host of the Boobies and Noobies podcast who brings her humor and knack for storytelling to the podcast today. Her Holidays in LA series is a refreshing take on holiday romances, trading in snowy small-town vibes for the sun-soaked streets of Los Angeles. With festive bar crawls, quirky characters, and plenty of holiday heat, her novellas are a must-read for anyone who loves their Christmas stories with a side of spice.
Kelly’s Holidays in LA spicy holiday novellas
Meet Me in Los Feliz by Kelly Reynolds
Nora just wants a casual Christmas fling, and redheaded Brit Bowie fits the bill—until their steamy holiday chemistry makes it hard for him to imagine saying goodbye. With sparks flying and feelings growing, can their festive fling turn into something that lasts beyond the holidays?
Venice, Actually by Kelly Reynolds
Leighton needs a place to crash, and her boss’s hot best friend, Killian, steps in—sparks flying in close quarters. When her family arrives unexpectedly, they fake an engagement, but Killian’s feelings are very real. Can their pretend romance turn into the real thing during the holiday season?
Santa Monica Baby by Kelly Reynolds
Nellie’s perfectly planned L.A. holiday hits a snag when her hot neighbor, Austin, quite literally crashes into her. After turning her down once, Austin—a photographer with a Santa gig—teams up with Nellie for holiday shenanigans, and soon they’re mixing festive fun with sizzling chemistry.
Kelly’s favorite spicy holiday novellas
Trick Shot by Kayla Grosse
When Leo McKnight gets mistaken for his famous hockey player twin on Christmas Eve, he decides to roll with it—especially after meeting the captivating Riley. A canceled flight leads to an unexpected night together, with Leo’s best friend Jace joining in for some festive fun. This steamy MMF novella brings the heat to Christmas Eve.
Axes and O’s by Kayla Grosse
Snowed in with two loggers just before Christmas, Nathan Clark finds himself in unexpected company. Fox, rugged and tattooed, and Morgan, with her sweet sultry charm, make Nathan question everything. A cozy cabin quickly turns steamy as they explore what the holidays—and each other—really have to offer.
The Toy Runners Series by Adriana Herrera
In this steamy holiday series, The Toy Runners, sparks fly as love, lust, and unexpected connections ignite. From a lady Santa finding her match, to a Magi discovering he wants to keep his brother’s bride, and a young woman revealing her true feelings for her bodyguard—this collection is holiday heat at its finest.
Stocking Stuffers by Erin McLellan
Sasha is done with Christmas, but being stranded by a snowstorm with hot, flannel-clad Perry might just make her reconsider. Stuck at the Winterberry Inn, Sasha suggests some no-strings fun to pass the time—with a big bag of toys, of course. But soon, Perry wants more than a fling, and Sasha must decide if love is worth the risk again.
Being Merry by Meka James
Noelle’s Christmas spirit shines, even when she’s homeless and dealing with Lennox, her grumpy new roommate. Lennox wants nothing to do with holiday cheer, but Noelle’s sunny attitude and festive attire start melting her icy heart. With a meddling sister and some Christmas magic, these opposites might just find holiday love.
Claimed by the Alien Bodyguard by Tiffany Roberts
Gabriela is struggling—late rent, lost jobs, and Christmas looming—but her gorgeous neighbor, Mason, is a bright spot. When he finally asks her out, things start looking up… until disaster strikes. Mason rushes to her aid, revealing he’s no ordinary man, but a seven-foot-tall, horned alien. Could this unexpected savior be her Christmas miracle?
Santa Claus is Going to Town on Me by Marie Lipscomb
Holly wakes to an intruder on Christmas Eve—only to find Santa Claus himself. He’s not just magical, but impossibly hot. What starts as a misunderstanding becomes a steamy connection, yet Holly’s dark reason for hating Christmas could change everything. Will Santa bring her more than gifts this year?
That’s your guide to steamy holiday novellas that will bring the heat to your holiday season. Which of these spicy stories are you adding to your TBR? Let us know in the comments! And if you’re looking for more festive reads, don’t forget to check out our other holiday romance recommendations below.
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