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Santa Monica Baby
The nice list is overrated . . . naughty girls have more fun.
It's been almost a year since Nellie traded in her sleepy Midwest town for the hustle and bustle of Los Angeles. She and her sister are closer than ever, her vintage bungalow apartment by the beach is the stuff of HGTV dreams, and she’s one kick-ass holiday party away from winning over her law firm’s biggest account. Everything is going according to her color-coordinated, collated plans. That is until she’s (literally) knocked off her feet by a Santa Claus on an electric scooter . . . who just so happens to be the hot neighbor who turned her down months ago.
Austin isn’t used to people asking him out, especially not gorgeous women who live next door and do yoga in their living room. As a full-time photographer and part-time Santa who much prefers the company of his cats over people, he can’t help but feel like Nellie deserves more. But fate has other ideas for both of them this Christmas . . . like working together on Nellie’s holiday gift for her family. What begins as penance for a fractured foot quickly turns into gingerbread house decorating, late-night Die Hard screenings, and explicit hijinks on a Ferris Wheel.
As it turns out, this Santa is packing a lot more than a sack full of toys, and Nellie’s only got one thing on her Christmas list this year: to be treated like the ho-ho-ho she really is.
Santa Monica Baby is a low-angst, high-heat holiday romance novella. This book features a fat and fluffy, cat dad hero who masquerades as Santa (and knows his way around a bag of toys), an Elle Woods inspired lawyer with a thing for baked goods, breakfast sandwiches as a love language, finger blasting on a Ferris wheel, and one NSFW photo shoot under the Christmas tree.
It's been almost a year since Nellie traded in her sleepy Midwest town for the hustle and bustle of Los Angeles. She and her sister are closer than ever, her vintage bungalow apartment by the beach is the stuff of HGTV dreams, and she’s one kick-ass holiday party away from winning over her law firm’s biggest account. Everything is going according to her color-coordinated, collated plans. That is until she’s (literally) knocked off her feet by a Santa Claus on an electric scooter . . . who just so happens to be the hot neighbor who turned her down months ago.
Austin isn’t used to people asking him out, especially not gorgeous women who live next door and do yoga in their living room. As a full-time photographer and part-time Santa who much prefers the company of his cats over people, he can’t help but feel like Nellie deserves more. But fate has other ideas for both of them this Christmas . . . like working together on Nellie’s holiday gift for her family. What begins as penance for a fractured foot quickly turns into gingerbread house decorating, late-night Die Hard screenings, and explicit hijinks on a Ferris Wheel.
As it turns out, this Santa is packing a lot more than a sack full of toys, and Nellie’s only got one thing on her Christmas list this year: to be treated like the ho-ho-ho she really is.
Santa Monica Baby is a low-angst, high-heat holiday romance novella. This book features a fat and fluffy, cat dad hero who masquerades as Santa (and knows his way around a bag of toys), an Elle Woods inspired lawyer with a thing for baked goods, breakfast sandwiches as a love language, finger blasting on a Ferris wheel, and one NSFW photo shoot under the Christmas tree.
157 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 29, 2024
21 people are currently reading
253 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 107 reviews
June 13, 2025
I love a holiday novella okay! And Kelly knows how to get it done!! Nellie and Austin were absolutely DELICIOUS! The YEARNING! They both wanted the other sooooo bad but they were sure the timing wasn’t ever going to be right or the other just simply wasn’t interested. And when they realized they were both VERY interested!!!! It was SO good!
This was such a fun series and it was so sweet to see Bowie and Nora and Leighton and Killian again!!
This was such a fun series and it was so sweet to see Bowie and Nora and Leighton and Killian again!!
November 26, 2024
4 stars!
Kelly Reynolds has done it again! "Santa Monica Baby" is the third and final novella in her Holidays in LA series. I am so sad it's over because I have loved these stories so, so much! One thing I know I'm always going to get with Kelly's books is a ton of humor, and this book is no different. I laughed out loud on multiple occasions! Also, she writes these badass female characters who aren't afraid of asking for what they want in and out of the bedroom (but ESPECIALLY in the bedroom). I really liked Nellie as the main female character, though I think I identified with Nora and Leighton more. And Austin... oh my god, YES. He's an anxious and shy squishy cat daddy photographer on the outside, but once he opens up to Nellie, he is a foul-mouthed dom who relishes in using hand necklaces! YES SIREE AND THANK YOU! Do... do I have a Santa k1nk now?! 🤣 I definitely imagined David Harbour while reading this book. Their chemistry starts pretty innocently, neighbors who have appreciated each other from afar for months, but quickly moves into dirrrrrrrrrty territory! I loooooved the ferris wheel scene. We also get a final look at what Leighton, Killian, Bowie, and Nora have been doing lately. If you're looking for a fast-paced, short, spicy Christmas story, check this one out. You won't be disappointed!
Thank you to Kelly Reynolds and Torch Lit Ink for the complimentary ARC of this book. All opinions are my own. I was not compensated for this review.
Kelly Reynolds has done it again! "Santa Monica Baby" is the third and final novella in her Holidays in LA series. I am so sad it's over because I have loved these stories so, so much! One thing I know I'm always going to get with Kelly's books is a ton of humor, and this book is no different. I laughed out loud on multiple occasions! Also, she writes these badass female characters who aren't afraid of asking for what they want in and out of the bedroom (but ESPECIALLY in the bedroom). I really liked Nellie as the main female character, though I think I identified with Nora and Leighton more. And Austin... oh my god, YES. He's an anxious and shy squishy cat daddy photographer on the outside, but once he opens up to Nellie, he is a foul-mouthed dom who relishes in using hand necklaces! YES SIREE AND THANK YOU! Do... do I have a Santa k1nk now?! 🤣 I definitely imagined David Harbour while reading this book. Their chemistry starts pretty innocently, neighbors who have appreciated each other from afar for months, but quickly moves into dirrrrrrrrrty territory! I loooooved the ferris wheel scene. We also get a final look at what Leighton, Killian, Bowie, and Nora have been doing lately. If you're looking for a fast-paced, short, spicy Christmas story, check this one out. You won't be disappointed!
Thank you to Kelly Reynolds and Torch Lit Ink for the complimentary ARC of this book. All opinions are my own. I was not compensated for this review.
December 5, 2024
{Santa Monica Baby by Kelly Reynolds}
|| REVIEW || ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Length: 157p
Source: ARC - Torch Lit Ink
Release Date: November 29, 2024
< QOTD: What is your favorite Christmas movie? >
•
•
Nellie is a pink-loving lawyer who thrives in the hustle and bustle of LA.
Austin is a quiet, private man who loves his cats.
Two people who shouldn’t work, but totally do.
Toss in some jolly good times and we have a recipe for one fun holiday novella with alllll the spice!
Lemme just say, I didn’t know we were gonna have daddy kink.
Y’all, we have some daddy kink.
Some SANTA daddy kink.
𝙃𝙤 𝙃𝙤 𝙃𝙤, booksties!
The cheesy Christmas puns?
Here for it.
The dirty talk?
Yessir.
Austin was AMAZING.
He was my absolute fave.
Nellie summed him up perfectly…
𝙁𝙖𝙩𝙝𝙚𝙧 𝘾𝙝𝙧𝙞𝙨𝙩𝙢𝙖𝙨, 𝙙𝙖𝙙𝙙𝙮 𝙙𝙤𝙢, 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙨𝙬𝙚𝙚𝙩, 𝙨𝙚𝙣𝙨𝙞𝙩𝙞𝙫𝙚 𝙣𝙚𝙞𝙜𝙝𝙗𝙤𝙧 𝙄 𝙝𝙖𝙙 𝙗𝙚𝙚𝙣 𝙛𝙖𝙡𝙡𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙛𝙤𝙧 𝙨𝙞𝙣𝙘𝙚 𝙙𝙖𝙮 𝙤𝙣𝙚, 𝙖𝙡𝙡 𝙬𝙧𝙖𝙥𝙥𝙚𝙙 𝙞𝙣𝙩𝙤 𝙤𝙣𝙚.
A sweet, medium angst, extremely sexy, funny, and festive holiday story!
𝘄𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝘁𝗼 𝗲𝘅𝗽𝗲𝗰𝘁…
🩷 Plus Size MMC
🩷 Elle Woods-Inspired FMC
🩷 Neighbors to Lovers
🩷 Introvert x Extrovert
🩷 Smexy Times in a Santa Suit
🩷 NSFW Photo Shoot
🩷 Daddy Kink
{I received a complimentary copy of this audiobook. All reviews are my own.}
•
•
•
🏷️: #bookreview #bookrecs #2024reads #booknerd #arcreview #alcreview #audiobook #TorchLitInk #holidayromance #SantaMonicaBaby #KellyReynolds
|| REVIEW || ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Length: 157p
Source: ARC - Torch Lit Ink
Release Date: November 29, 2024
< QOTD: What is your favorite Christmas movie? >
•
•
Nellie is a pink-loving lawyer who thrives in the hustle and bustle of LA.
Austin is a quiet, private man who loves his cats.
Two people who shouldn’t work, but totally do.
Toss in some jolly good times and we have a recipe for one fun holiday novella with alllll the spice!
Lemme just say, I didn’t know we were gonna have daddy kink.
Y’all, we have some daddy kink.
Some SANTA daddy kink.
𝙃𝙤 𝙃𝙤 𝙃𝙤, booksties!
The cheesy Christmas puns?
Here for it.
The dirty talk?
Yessir.
Austin was AMAZING.
He was my absolute fave.
Nellie summed him up perfectly…
𝙁𝙖𝙩𝙝𝙚𝙧 𝘾𝙝𝙧𝙞𝙨𝙩𝙢𝙖𝙨, 𝙙𝙖𝙙𝙙𝙮 𝙙𝙤𝙢, 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙨𝙬𝙚𝙚𝙩, 𝙨𝙚𝙣𝙨𝙞𝙩𝙞𝙫𝙚 𝙣𝙚𝙞𝙜𝙝𝙗𝙤𝙧 𝙄 𝙝𝙖𝙙 𝙗𝙚𝙚𝙣 𝙛𝙖𝙡𝙡𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙛𝙤𝙧 𝙨𝙞𝙣𝙘𝙚 𝙙𝙖𝙮 𝙤𝙣𝙚, 𝙖𝙡𝙡 𝙬𝙧𝙖𝙥𝙥𝙚𝙙 𝙞𝙣𝙩𝙤 𝙤𝙣𝙚.
A sweet, medium angst, extremely sexy, funny, and festive holiday story!
𝘄𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝘁𝗼 𝗲𝘅𝗽𝗲𝗰𝘁…
🩷 Plus Size MMC
🩷 Elle Woods-Inspired FMC
🩷 Neighbors to Lovers
🩷 Introvert x Extrovert
🩷 Smexy Times in a Santa Suit
🩷 NSFW Photo Shoot
🩷 Daddy Kink
{I received a complimentary copy of this audiobook. All reviews are my own.}
•
•
•
🏷️: #bookreview #bookrecs #2024reads #booknerd #arcreview #alcreview #audiobook #TorchLitInk #holidayromance #SantaMonicaBaby #KellyReynolds
October 5, 2025
Cute novella!
I love a good cute holiday novella so this was a perfect quick read! Found it through SYKD and was glad I did!
I love a good cute holiday novella so this was a perfect quick read! Found it through SYKD and was glad I did!
December 9, 2024
This book is the third book in the Holidays in LA series. This novella is a cute, spicy and quick Christmas read. This was the first book I read in this series and I can’t wait to go back and read the first two books. I really enjoyed how different all the characters are and how each of their personalities differ. I loved how Austin was portrayed as a sweet and shy guy. He was just perfection and I really related to his introvert personality. This was the perfect read for the holiday season.
November 30, 2024
This is book # 3 in the Holidays in LA series, but can be read as a stand-alone.
Nellie is living her best life in sunny LA with her vintage bungalow by the beach and big career dreams. But when a certain Santa on an electric scooter (who also happens to be her hot neighbor) crashes into her world, her plans take a thrilling detour!
This was such a cute Christmas novella. I loved the start of the book, and the characters were great. Nellie is strong and sassy, and not afraid to say what’s on her mind. Austin is shy and sweet, and full of heart. They were so cute once they finally made their feelings known. This book was such a fun read filled with lots of laughter, sweet moments, and plenty of spice- including some fun on a Ferris wheel and a little bit of a Santa kink. I really enjoyed this one and would recommend it.
Read if you enjoy:
✔️Fluffy, softdom MMC
✔️Corporate cutie FMC
✔️Breakfast sandwiches as a love language
✔️Naughty Ferris Wheel ride
✔️Spicy Santa content
✔️NSFW photo shoot under the Christmas tree
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (4/5) 🌶️🌶️🌶️
Thank you @authorkellyrey and @torchlitink for my copy!
Nellie is living her best life in sunny LA with her vintage bungalow by the beach and big career dreams. But when a certain Santa on an electric scooter (who also happens to be her hot neighbor) crashes into her world, her plans take a thrilling detour!
This was such a cute Christmas novella. I loved the start of the book, and the characters were great. Nellie is strong and sassy, and not afraid to say what’s on her mind. Austin is shy and sweet, and full of heart. They were so cute once they finally made their feelings known. This book was such a fun read filled with lots of laughter, sweet moments, and plenty of spice- including some fun on a Ferris wheel and a little bit of a Santa kink. I really enjoyed this one and would recommend it.
Read if you enjoy:
✔️Fluffy, softdom MMC
✔️Corporate cutie FMC
✔️Breakfast sandwiches as a love language
✔️Naughty Ferris Wheel ride
✔️Spicy Santa content
✔️NSFW photo shoot under the Christmas tree
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (4/5) 🌶️🌶️🌶️
Thank you @authorkellyrey and @torchlitink for my copy!
December 4, 2024
⭐️ 3.5 /5
🌶️ 1.5 /3
Santa Monica Baby has all the cozy vibes you’d want for the season—with extra heat.
This is a low-stakes, slow-burn romance. While the main characters’ inner thoughts about each other escalates quickly 😏, the story takes its time building the tension between them. And when they get together, whew, the spicy is spicy!
I liked the main characters and they were adorable together. There’s a charm to their dynamic. MMC’s care for FMC has me swooning.
If you’re looking for something festive, fun, and a lot naughty, Santa Monica Baby is a good pick.
Thank you @torchlitink for this copy 💕
🌶️ 1.5 /3
Santa Monica Baby has all the cozy vibes you’d want for the season—with extra heat.
This is a low-stakes, slow-burn romance. While the main characters’ inner thoughts about each other escalates quickly 😏, the story takes its time building the tension between them. And when they get together, whew, the spicy is spicy!
I liked the main characters and they were adorable together. There’s a charm to their dynamic. MMC’s care for FMC has me swooning.
If you’re looking for something festive, fun, and a lot naughty, Santa Monica Baby is a good pick.
Thank you @torchlitink for this copy 💕
November 28, 2024
4 ⭐️
This was a cute Christmas novella! Had some good spice (I will never look at the Santa Monica pier Ferris wheel the same way again though) and the characters were well developed despite it being short. I liked the rep in it for bigger MMCs and appreciated the opposite-of-toxic-masculinity vibe that he gave off. I’ll probably go back and read the first two novellas in the series now, and I’m looking forward to the next spin-off series!
Thanks to Torch Lit Ink and the author, Kelly Reynolds, for the ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review.
This was a cute Christmas novella! Had some good spice (I will never look at the Santa Monica pier Ferris wheel the same way again though) and the characters were well developed despite it being short. I liked the rep in it for bigger MMCs and appreciated the opposite-of-toxic-masculinity vibe that he gave off. I’ll probably go back and read the first two novellas in the series now, and I’m looking forward to the next spin-off series!
Thanks to Torch Lit Ink and the author, Kelly Reynolds, for the ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review.
November 30, 2024
This was a quick, cute, and spicy Christmas novella! Even though I haven’t read the other books in this series, I didn’t feel like I missed anything. One of the reasons I love standalone series!
I really liked the characters and that you got to know them, even though this was a short read. The relationship between the FMC and MMC was perfect and the spice was excellent 😏
Thank you to Torch Lit Ink for this e-arc!
I really liked the characters and that you got to know them, even though this was a short read. The relationship between the FMC and MMC was perfect and the spice was excellent 😏
Thank you to Torch Lit Ink for this e-arc!
December 4, 2024
POV: Dual
Spice: 🌶️ 🌶️ 🌶️.5
I am a sucker for a Christmas novella, especially one with a punny title based off of a Christmas song! This one is cute and extra spicy, with Nellie as an Elle Woods type and Austin as not your typical MMC. I think of him as a shy Jason Kelce! This book also stands out because it’s not set in a small, cozy mountain town, but rather in LA which is a kind of Christmas I can relate to!
Spice: 🌶️ 🌶️ 🌶️.5
I am a sucker for a Christmas novella, especially one with a punny title based off of a Christmas song! This one is cute and extra spicy, with Nellie as an Elle Woods type and Austin as not your typical MMC. I think of him as a shy Jason Kelce! This book also stands out because it’s not set in a small, cozy mountain town, but rather in LA which is a kind of Christmas I can relate to!
November 29, 2024
This was the first book by Kelly Reynolds that I’ve read, and i loved it! This was a quick, spicy, sweet as hell holiday romance and i devoured it. I absolutely loved the characters, and the spice was 🙌🏽🙌🏽 🔥 I am so happy I was lucky enough to read this arc! Perfect novella to kick off the holidays!!
January 1, 2025
⭐️4. I have read multiple Santa loving books this year, and I would even go as far as to say "Santa Kink" is becoming well known. I never really understood it. But with this book? I get it. I. GET. IT.
This is the third (and last) Novella in the series, but it can definitely be read as a standalone.
This is the third (and last) Novella in the series, but it can definitely be read as a standalone.
December 10, 2024
Super cute read. Loved the banter and funny awkward moments. Wish there was spicier spice but it was a fun holiday romance.
December 16, 2024
Austin is the plus sized bisexual man we all needed. “Thank you, Kelly” we all say in unison.
December 9, 2024
Santa Monica Baby by Kelly Reynolds is the third and final book in the Holidays in LA series. While it is a series, each story can be read as a standalone book. I have been following this series from the beginning, and I am sad to see it end. However, I loved every one of the books, and Santa Monica Baby had a terrific ending.
Nellie and Austin have neighbors, each harboring a crush on the other, and they don't know what to do about it until now when they keep running into each. I loved this short, sweet holiday rom-com! I read this book in one sitting and love the banter and cheesy run-ins between the MCs. Overall, this novella is a heartwarming holiday season read with plenty of banter and spice, and I highly recommend picking it up.
Tropes:
🎅 Plus Size MMC
🎅 Elle Woods-Inspired FMC
🎅 Neighbors to Lovers
🎅 Introvert x Extrovert
🎅 Naughty Faris Wheel Scene
🎅 Santa Kink
🎅 NSFW Photo Shoot
🎅 Daddy Kink
Thank you to Kelly Reynolds and Torchlink for the ARC Copy.
Nellie and Austin have neighbors, each harboring a crush on the other, and they don't know what to do about it until now when they keep running into each. I loved this short, sweet holiday rom-com! I read this book in one sitting and love the banter and cheesy run-ins between the MCs. Overall, this novella is a heartwarming holiday season read with plenty of banter and spice, and I highly recommend picking it up.
Tropes:
🎅 Plus Size MMC
🎅 Elle Woods-Inspired FMC
🎅 Neighbors to Lovers
🎅 Introvert x Extrovert
🎅 Naughty Faris Wheel Scene
🎅 Santa Kink
🎅 NSFW Photo Shoot
🎅 Daddy Kink
Thank you to Kelly Reynolds and Torchlink for the ARC Copy.
November 30, 2024
Sometimes all you need is a bearded man to call daddy.
Featuring Nellie, a corporate lawyer who gets crashed into by a man in a Santa suit. Santa is none other than her neighbor Austin who she’s been crushing on since she moved in across the hall.
What happens when he brings her, her favorite cookies every day, photos get recreated for the holidays, and she can’t stop seeing him in his Santa suit?
Featuring Nellie, a corporate lawyer who gets crashed into by a man in a Santa suit. Santa is none other than her neighbor Austin who she’s been crushing on since she moved in across the hall.
What happens when he brings her, her favorite cookies every day, photos get recreated for the holidays, and she can’t stop seeing him in his Santa suit?
December 9, 2024
I was really fortunate to be gifted an advanced copy of this book by @torchlitink in exchange for an honest review.
As you all know, I am DEVOURING Christmas books this month, and Santa Monica Baby was no exception. It was easy to read, full of Christmas fluff and just…fun.
I love a chubby MC, so this one hit all the right notes. It made me really consider whether I should get myself on the big man’s naughty list this year.
I’ve added all of Kelly’s other books to my TBR and I can’t wait to get stuck in.
As you all know, I am DEVOURING Christmas books this month, and Santa Monica Baby was no exception. It was easy to read, full of Christmas fluff and just…fun.
I love a chubby MC, so this one hit all the right notes. It made me really consider whether I should get myself on the big man’s naughty list this year.
I’ve added all of Kelly’s other books to my TBR and I can’t wait to get stuck in.
December 28, 2025
Austin is a shy and gentle giant who dresses as Santa for various gigs around LA in his spare time. Including at the pediatric ward! Nellie is a type A, legal protege making a name for herself in LA. These two have danced around one another for the last year as neighbors each pining for the other. When Austin accidentally crashes into Nellie while on a scooter, she falls and breaks two bones in her foot. Over the next few weeks, these two get to know one another in various Christmas activities, until they can't hold off any more.
If a shy, gentle giant who becomes a dirty talking daddy dom in the bedroom is your thing, then Austin is your guy! Holy smokes he was glorious with his hand necklaces and enthusiasm for cunnilingus. I'm so happy this series has a husky hero! We also saw so much of the other two couples in this series and it was like a giant holiday hug. Leighton and Killian are still black cat/golden retriever-ing all over the place. Bowie is still worshipping Nora while being she short-king, cinna-dom we love him to be. Santa Monica baby was a PERFECT close to this series. This will be a seasonal re-read each year!
I said it before and I'll say it again...I am forever wishing I lived in the world Kelly Reynolds writes.
If a shy, gentle giant who becomes a dirty talking daddy dom in the bedroom is your thing, then Austin is your guy! Holy smokes he was glorious with his hand necklaces and enthusiasm for cunnilingus. I'm so happy this series has a husky hero! We also saw so much of the other two couples in this series and it was like a giant holiday hug. Leighton and Killian are still black cat/golden retriever-ing all over the place. Bowie is still worshipping Nora while being she short-king, cinna-dom we love him to be. Santa Monica baby was a PERFECT close to this series. This will be a seasonal re-read each year!
I said it before and I'll say it again...I am forever wishing I lived in the world Kelly Reynolds writes.
November 30, 2024
4.5 - Thank you so much to the author Kelly Reynolds for the complimentary copy!
This book is out now!
"You're good at it."
"Being Santa?"
"Making people happy."
This is the third and last of the Holidays in LA novellas and I think this is my favorite one! I can really tell the growth in Kelly's writing from the first novella to this one. I really feel her Rose City series has assisted in her growth.
I love how all the characters from the prior two books make appearances through the book. They are truly side characters in it.
There was just something about the main characters in this one that was different than the others. I felt like I knew who they were from start to finish. Nellie this attorney who moved to LA and Austin who is this photography with a heart of a gold both wind up living next to one another. Nellie had previously asked Austin out but he felt like she was too good for him and regretted instantly. Than as fate would have it during a 5k, their worlds would collide - literally. And from there out it seemed that they could not escape one another.
"The best things in life were usually the scariest too. Big jobs, big adventures, big love. I should know. They all terrified the shit out of me."
One thing I love with Kelly's writing is how she writes her spicy scenes. And boy does this it deliver in this! Even with it being a novella, when the romance hits there is no holding back! Also who knew that being on a Ferris wheel would be so hot.
This was just such an enjoyable read! You don't necessarily need to read the other two books in order to read this one. If you decide you may want to know more about the other couples Leighton and Killian and Bowie & Nora each have their own stand alone novellas.
PS - I didn't think there was going to be any more novellas in the series but my interest was peaked with Austin's assistant photographer Sloane and turns out she is kicking off a new series in 2025!!
This book is out now!
"You're good at it."
"Being Santa?"
"Making people happy."
This is the third and last of the Holidays in LA novellas and I think this is my favorite one! I can really tell the growth in Kelly's writing from the first novella to this one. I really feel her Rose City series has assisted in her growth.
I love how all the characters from the prior two books make appearances through the book. They are truly side characters in it.
There was just something about the main characters in this one that was different than the others. I felt like I knew who they were from start to finish. Nellie this attorney who moved to LA and Austin who is this photography with a heart of a gold both wind up living next to one another. Nellie had previously asked Austin out but he felt like she was too good for him and regretted instantly. Than as fate would have it during a 5k, their worlds would collide - literally. And from there out it seemed that they could not escape one another.
"The best things in life were usually the scariest too. Big jobs, big adventures, big love. I should know. They all terrified the shit out of me."
One thing I love with Kelly's writing is how she writes her spicy scenes. And boy does this it deliver in this! Even with it being a novella, when the romance hits there is no holding back! Also who knew that being on a Ferris wheel would be so hot.
This was just such an enjoyable read! You don't necessarily need to read the other two books in order to read this one. If you decide you may want to know more about the other couples Leighton and Killian and Bowie & Nora each have their own stand alone novellas.
PS - I didn't think there was going to be any more novellas in the series but my interest was peaked with Austin's assistant photographer Sloane and turns out she is kicking off a new series in 2025!!
December 14, 2025
Tinsel and Evergreen
********************
Tropes: Spicy Rom Com Novella, BDSM, Daddy Dom Santa Claus
Lookalike, THICC Bi-sexual MMC
********************
Content Warnings: On page explicit sexual content (between consenting adults), including oral sex, vaginal sex, anal play, spanking (in a variety of ways), roleplaying, and light bondage. Mature readers only.
********************
Quotes: “Seriously, any girl, gay, or they would be lucky to call you daddy.” Sloan
“Ho, ho, ho. Yes, I am.” Nellie
“If snacks and a kind word or two were all it took to impress a woman these days, then heterosexual men were failing miserably.” Austin
********************
Synopsis: On Thanksgiving, Austin, a photographer and part time Santa, runs into Nellie, his neighbor and bright young lawyer, causing her to fracture her foot. The two of them start spending a lot of time together while she’s stuck at home recovering from the foot and planning her law firm’s holiday event. What begins as penance for a fractured foot quickly turns into gingerbread house decorating, late-night Die Hard screenings, and explicit hijinks on a Ferris Wheel.
As it turns out, this Santa is packing a lot more than a sack full of toys, and Nellie’s only got one thing on her Christmas list this year: to be treated like the ho-ho-ho she really is.
*********************
Review: Nothing new here in this 194 page novella. The characters are likable, and big kudos for a plus size bisexual dominant MMC, but otherwise they lack chemistry. The spice is explicit, but only medium heat. Their HFN is underwhelming. I don’t recommend.
********************
Ratings: Movie NC17, Overall 2.5/5, Romance 2/5, Violence 1/5, Spice 2/5, Cover 4/5
********************
194 pages, published November 2024
********************
Tropes: Spicy Rom Com Novella, BDSM, Daddy Dom Santa Claus
Lookalike, THICC Bi-sexual MMC
********************
Content Warnings: On page explicit sexual content (between consenting adults), including oral sex, vaginal sex, anal play, spanking (in a variety of ways), roleplaying, and light bondage. Mature readers only.
********************
Quotes: “Seriously, any girl, gay, or they would be lucky to call you daddy.” Sloan
“Ho, ho, ho. Yes, I am.” Nellie
“If snacks and a kind word or two were all it took to impress a woman these days, then heterosexual men were failing miserably.” Austin
********************
Synopsis: On Thanksgiving, Austin, a photographer and part time Santa, runs into Nellie, his neighbor and bright young lawyer, causing her to fracture her foot. The two of them start spending a lot of time together while she’s stuck at home recovering from the foot and planning her law firm’s holiday event. What begins as penance for a fractured foot quickly turns into gingerbread house decorating, late-night Die Hard screenings, and explicit hijinks on a Ferris Wheel.
As it turns out, this Santa is packing a lot more than a sack full of toys, and Nellie’s only got one thing on her Christmas list this year: to be treated like the ho-ho-ho she really is.
*********************
Review: Nothing new here in this 194 page novella. The characters are likable, and big kudos for a plus size bisexual dominant MMC, but otherwise they lack chemistry. The spice is explicit, but only medium heat. Their HFN is underwhelming. I don’t recommend.
********************
Ratings: Movie NC17, Overall 2.5/5, Romance 2/5, Violence 1/5, Spice 2/5, Cover 4/5
********************
194 pages, published November 2024
December 2, 2024
Santa Monica Baby by Kelly Reynolds
Release Date: November 29, 2024
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
🌶️🌶️/5
Y’all I loved this book! It’s a short, cute, and spicy! I honestly was wishing for more pages at the end because I absolutely devoured this book.
I absolutely loved the FMC & MMC. They are both so sweet and I absolutely loved reading their story!
This was my first read from Kelly Reynolds and I will absolutely be reading more from her 🔥🔥🔥
This is the perfect holiday book to help hit those end of the year reading goals! I highly recommend checking this out. It’s available on KU which is a huge plus 😍
Favorite Quotes;
“What kind of sociopath signs up to run three miles on Thanksgiving morning?”
“Between her fluffy blue bomber jacket and matching blue shag, she looked like the Cookie Monster personified. Annnd now I want a cookie. Dang it. My sugar addiction knew no bounds.”
“Let’s just say that her soon-to-be ex-boyfriend isn’t going to be too happy when he checks his voicemail and finds a break-up message from the actress on his favorite show.” I nearly choked on my mouthful of liquid snickerdoodle. A break-up voicemail from a celebrity before seven a.m. on Thanksgiving? Diabolical.”
“I scanned the seats closest to us to make sure we weren’t disturbing anybody. Nothing irked me quite like people talking through a movie, except maybe the assholes who didn’t properly return their shopping carts. Those people could fuck all the way off by way of a path of Legos.”
𝑻𝒓𝒐𝒑𝒆𝒔:
🍪 Fat & fluffy, softdom MMC
👠 Corporate cutie FMC
☀️ Sunshine x Sunshine
🍳 Breakfast sandwiches as a love language
🎡 F!ngerbänging on the Ferris Wheel
🎅 Spicy Santa content
📸 NSFW photo shoot
Release Date: November 29, 2024
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
🌶️🌶️/5
Y’all I loved this book! It’s a short, cute, and spicy! I honestly was wishing for more pages at the end because I absolutely devoured this book.
I absolutely loved the FMC & MMC. They are both so sweet and I absolutely loved reading their story!
This was my first read from Kelly Reynolds and I will absolutely be reading more from her 🔥🔥🔥
This is the perfect holiday book to help hit those end of the year reading goals! I highly recommend checking this out. It’s available on KU which is a huge plus 😍
Favorite Quotes;
“What kind of sociopath signs up to run three miles on Thanksgiving morning?”
“Between her fluffy blue bomber jacket and matching blue shag, she looked like the Cookie Monster personified. Annnd now I want a cookie. Dang it. My sugar addiction knew no bounds.”
“Let’s just say that her soon-to-be ex-boyfriend isn’t going to be too happy when he checks his voicemail and finds a break-up message from the actress on his favorite show.” I nearly choked on my mouthful of liquid snickerdoodle. A break-up voicemail from a celebrity before seven a.m. on Thanksgiving? Diabolical.”
“I scanned the seats closest to us to make sure we weren’t disturbing anybody. Nothing irked me quite like people talking through a movie, except maybe the assholes who didn’t properly return their shopping carts. Those people could fuck all the way off by way of a path of Legos.”
𝑻𝒓𝒐𝒑𝒆𝒔:
🍪 Fat & fluffy, softdom MMC
👠 Corporate cutie FMC
☀️ Sunshine x Sunshine
🍳 Breakfast sandwiches as a love language
🎡 F!ngerbänging on the Ferris Wheel
🎅 Spicy Santa content
📸 NSFW photo shoot
December 4, 2024
✨🔮🌞🌕🍄🌕🌞🔮✨
ARC REVIEW
Santa Monica Baby - Kelly Reynolds
4/5⭐️
4/5🌶️
📚📚📚
This book I ate up so quickly!! It was seriously so good! Austin is the yup of MMC I just want to squeeze in a big bug! Nellie is such a strong female character. These two have been neighbors for a while now and let’s just say accidents happen and now they actually get to know each other. Austin’s personality in this is everything. Just so sweet and gentle outside the bedroom but once inside that mouth gets real dirty. Like wow I was so speechless with him and the spice truly hit 🔥🔥
I haven’t read the other two books in this series yet but it can be read as a standalone. But after meeting the other side characters (Bowie and Nora) I need to read the other books! Overall I highly recommend this one if you need a quick spicy holiday themed book!
📚📚📚
If you like to read:
- Fluffy soft dom mmc
- Corporate cutie FMC
- Sunshine x sunshine
- Breakfast sandwich love
- Spicy Santa content
- NSFW photo shoot
… You should definitely check this out
📚📚📚
Thank you so much for sending me a copy for an honest review in my own words.
✨what’s a favorite holiday memory for you?
#books #booklover #smut #booknerd #bookfriend #bookish #booklovers #bookishcommunity #bookloversunite #instabook #bookporn #bookphotography #reviews #igbooks #ilovereading #smutty #bookaddiction #bookhoader #hotnsexy #fortheloveofbooks #bookrecs #yummy #givemeallthebooks #readingthepainaway #booktok #arc
ARC REVIEW
Santa Monica Baby - Kelly Reynolds
4/5⭐️
4/5🌶️
📚📚📚
This book I ate up so quickly!! It was seriously so good! Austin is the yup of MMC I just want to squeeze in a big bug! Nellie is such a strong female character. These two have been neighbors for a while now and let’s just say accidents happen and now they actually get to know each other. Austin’s personality in this is everything. Just so sweet and gentle outside the bedroom but once inside that mouth gets real dirty. Like wow I was so speechless with him and the spice truly hit 🔥🔥
I haven’t read the other two books in this series yet but it can be read as a standalone. But after meeting the other side characters (Bowie and Nora) I need to read the other books! Overall I highly recommend this one if you need a quick spicy holiday themed book!
📚📚📚
If you like to read:
- Fluffy soft dom mmc
- Corporate cutie FMC
- Sunshine x sunshine
- Breakfast sandwich love
- Spicy Santa content
- NSFW photo shoot
… You should definitely check this out
📚📚📚
Thank you so much for sending me a copy for an honest review in my own words.
✨what’s a favorite holiday memory for you?
#books #booklover #smut #booknerd #bookfriend #bookish #booklovers #bookishcommunity #bookloversunite #instabook #bookporn #bookphotography #reviews #igbooks #ilovereading #smutty #bookaddiction #bookhoader #hotnsexy #fortheloveofbooks #bookrecs #yummy #givemeallthebooks #readingthepainaway #booktok #arc
December 8, 2024
Do you ever read an MCs and think oh em gee it's like the author made them just for me !? That's how I felt reading Austin in Santa Monica Baby Kelly Reynolds! Austin is a big boy bisexual hero who loves Christmas , his cats and his curvy neighbor who he has fantastic chemistry . They way she made him nervous at first and then he turned around and dominated in the bedroom was Santa Daddy Perfection 🔥🔥 Definitely add this Low angst, high heat holiday romance to your tbrs !
Favorite Quotes:
The man was a snack and half— thicc with two c’s— and had a beard made for riding.
I wanted somebody who wanted me, who was obsessed with me— in an obnoxiously adorable, can’t keep his hands off me, and wakes me up with coffee kind of way— and I refused to settle for anything less.
“Janelle,” he whispered against my neck. I shivered when those thick fingers dipped a little lower, inching closer to my pulsing center. “You wouldn’t want me to put you on the naughty list, would you?”
“This is the part where you kiss me, Santa,” she whispered against my lips. “Are you sure that’s what you want?” She shook her head. “It’s what I need.”
“Isn’t that right, naughty girl?” “Yes, Daddy.” His fingers froze. I tilted my chin down to meet his fiery gaze. “Say it again,” he growled.
Father Christmas, daddy dom, and the sweet, sensitive neighbor I had been falling for since day one, all wrapped into one.
Favorite Quotes:
The man was a snack and half— thicc with two c’s— and had a beard made for riding.
I wanted somebody who wanted me, who was obsessed with me— in an obnoxiously adorable, can’t keep his hands off me, and wakes me up with coffee kind of way— and I refused to settle for anything less.
“Janelle,” he whispered against my neck. I shivered when those thick fingers dipped a little lower, inching closer to my pulsing center. “You wouldn’t want me to put you on the naughty list, would you?”
“This is the part where you kiss me, Santa,” she whispered against my lips. “Are you sure that’s what you want?” She shook her head. “It’s what I need.”
“Isn’t that right, naughty girl?” “Yes, Daddy.” His fingers froze. I tilted my chin down to meet his fiery gaze. “Say it again,” he growled.
Father Christmas, daddy dom, and the sweet, sensitive neighbor I had been falling for since day one, all wrapped into one.
December 1, 2024
Janelle (Nellie) is living her best, rent-controlled, Elle Woods life in LA. Austin is a freelance photographer who moonlights as Santa. The two have known each other as neighbors, but when Nellie crashes into Austin (literally) at a Turkey Trot, their feelings for each start to flurry up (no that’s not a good use of the word, but it’s the holiday season so…)
I thought this was a sweet romance with as much spice as a gingerbread cookie (that would be a lot if you’re making them right). Austin was a great MMC, and now I will not be able to think of Santa the same again. The writing was crisp, easy to read, and fit the plot and the characters well. I also really liked the side characters so I’m interested to read the two earlier novels in this series.
I don’t usually read novellas, so the speed at which things were happening caught me off guard at first, but I adjusted my expectations accordingly. The very idiosyncratic thing that took me out of the story a little was Nellie’s legal career. The conflict there was set up in a way I have never heard of a law firm operating, so it did distract me a bit, but there are lots of lawyers and lots of law firms in California (I know - I used to be one who worked at one) so maybe there are firms who work as described here. I don’t think this would be an issue for literally anyone else so you should still be on your merry way to pick this novella up this holiday season!
Thank you, Kelly Reynolds, for sending this book to me for review consideration! All opinions are my own.
I thought this was a sweet romance with as much spice as a gingerbread cookie (that would be a lot if you’re making them right). Austin was a great MMC, and now I will not be able to think of Santa the same again. The writing was crisp, easy to read, and fit the plot and the characters well. I also really liked the side characters so I’m interested to read the two earlier novels in this series.
I don’t usually read novellas, so the speed at which things were happening caught me off guard at first, but I adjusted my expectations accordingly. The very idiosyncratic thing that took me out of the story a little was Nellie’s legal career. The conflict there was set up in a way I have never heard of a law firm operating, so it did distract me a bit, but there are lots of lawyers and lots of law firms in California (I know - I used to be one who worked at one) so maybe there are firms who work as described here. I don’t think this would be an issue for literally anyone else so you should still be on your merry way to pick this novella up this holiday season!
Thank you, Kelly Reynolds, for sending this book to me for review consideration! All opinions are my own.
December 19, 2024
4 stars
You can read all of my reviews at Nerd Girl Loves Books.
This cute Christmasy novella and is the third book in the Holidays in LA series but can be read as a stand-alone. If you’ve ever looked at Santa and thought, “I’d hit that”, this book is for you! Austin is a sweet, shy, fluffy photographer that plays Santa during the season despite his normally introvert nature. That said, once in a relationship he has no trouble taking charge. Nellie is a driven attorney determined to land an important account at her law firm. She’s top dog in all aspects of her life but is able to give up control when she’s with Austin. A scooter-involved accident throws the couple together, starting the beginning of the neighbor’s relationship.
I liked the growth of the characters throughout the story and the side characters were a lot of fun. I really enjoyed that both characters were able to articulate how they felt (even if it took them awhile to do so) and what they wanted. I haven’t read the first two books, but those couple show up frequently in this book and also appear to have some form of soft-dom aspects to them. The couples seem happy and loving, so it’s the perfect holiday novella for the season.
I received a complimentary e-copy of this book from Torch Lit Ink. All opinions are my own.
You can read all of my reviews at Nerd Girl Loves Books.
This cute Christmasy novella and is the third book in the Holidays in LA series but can be read as a stand-alone. If you’ve ever looked at Santa and thought, “I’d hit that”, this book is for you! Austin is a sweet, shy, fluffy photographer that plays Santa during the season despite his normally introvert nature. That said, once in a relationship he has no trouble taking charge. Nellie is a driven attorney determined to land an important account at her law firm. She’s top dog in all aspects of her life but is able to give up control when she’s with Austin. A scooter-involved accident throws the couple together, starting the beginning of the neighbor’s relationship.
I liked the growth of the characters throughout the story and the side characters were a lot of fun. I really enjoyed that both characters were able to articulate how they felt (even if it took them awhile to do so) and what they wanted. I haven’t read the first two books, but those couple show up frequently in this book and also appear to have some form of soft-dom aspects to them. The couples seem happy and loving, so it’s the perfect holiday novella for the season.
I received a complimentary e-copy of this book from Torch Lit Ink. All opinions are my own.
December 3, 2024
Santa Baby, bring Austin under my Tree!
Nellie (FMC): Entertainment Lawyer • Leighton’s (book 2) Sister • Enjoys Running • Serious Sweet Tooth • Loves Organization and Order •
Austin (MMC): 34 • Photographer • Secret Crush on his Neighbor • Cat Daddy • Volunteers as Santa • Finds Beauty in Messy • Cinnamon Roll •
Tropes:
🎅🏼 Lawyer x Photographer
👠 Fat & Fluffy Softdom MMC
🎅🏼 Corporate Cutie Boss FMC
👠 Sunshine x Sunshine
🎅🏼 NSFW Photoshoot
👠 Spicy Santa
🎅🏼 Breakfast Sandwiches as a Love Language
👠 Mutual Pining
🎅🏼 Neighbors to Lovers
👠 Found Family
🎅🏼 Turkey Trot Meet-Cute
👠 Close Proximity
🎅🏼 Animal Sidekicks (🐈⬛🐈🐈⬛)
👠 Christmas Novella
Rating: 🎄🎄🎄🎄 (4⭐️)
Spice: 🌶️🌶️.🫑(self pleasure, public play, 💦, 👅, hand necklace, “Daddy”, praise, dirty talk, 🎀 wrapping/unwrapping, Santa role playing, crawling)
T/W: N/A
Kelly has written another unputdownable book. She could literally write Yelp Reviews and I would read every single one. 👏🏼👏🏼 This is an adorable, light and spicy holiday read. I enjoyed every page and every Christmas feeling. Spend your holiday in Santa Monica and embrace your inner festive AF Santa. Read this immediately!
I received an ARC copy and wanted to leave an honest review.
Nellie (FMC): Entertainment Lawyer • Leighton’s (book 2) Sister • Enjoys Running • Serious Sweet Tooth • Loves Organization and Order •
Austin (MMC): 34 • Photographer • Secret Crush on his Neighbor • Cat Daddy • Volunteers as Santa • Finds Beauty in Messy • Cinnamon Roll •
Tropes:
🎅🏼 Lawyer x Photographer
👠 Fat & Fluffy Softdom MMC
🎅🏼 Corporate Cutie Boss FMC
👠 Sunshine x Sunshine
🎅🏼 NSFW Photoshoot
👠 Spicy Santa
🎅🏼 Breakfast Sandwiches as a Love Language
👠 Mutual Pining
🎅🏼 Neighbors to Lovers
👠 Found Family
🎅🏼 Turkey Trot Meet-Cute
👠 Close Proximity
🎅🏼 Animal Sidekicks (🐈⬛🐈🐈⬛)
👠 Christmas Novella
Rating: 🎄🎄🎄🎄 (4⭐️)
Spice: 🌶️🌶️.🫑(self pleasure, public play, 💦, 👅, hand necklace, “Daddy”, praise, dirty talk, 🎀 wrapping/unwrapping, Santa role playing, crawling)
T/W: N/A
Kelly has written another unputdownable book. She could literally write Yelp Reviews and I would read every single one. 👏🏼👏🏼 This is an adorable, light and spicy holiday read. I enjoyed every page and every Christmas feeling. Spend your holiday in Santa Monica and embrace your inner festive AF Santa. Read this immediately!
I received an ARC copy and wanted to leave an honest review.
November 26, 2024
Thank you Torchlit for the chance to review!
Nellie is a career driven lawyer and Austin is a freelance photographer and Santa on the side, who have an adorably awkward meet cute (despite being neighbors). They quickly realize their heavy and intense attraction to each other (and maybe a Santa kink?) and its pure fun romp after. I've never ready any of the other books in this series and you definitely don't have to: there's just enough info about the side characters to make it work out of order.
This is just pure unadulterated fun. It's short, which I adore. It's incredibly steamy/spicy, definitely a bit more than I typically like. The language feels really natural though, which is a hard combination to pull off. I liked how the characters got together and the supporting cast. The career aspects were just brief touchpoints, really not driving plot lines, but did help to develop the characters well. And did I mention this is spicy?
This is the kind of read you need after you come out of something really heavy: just light, airy, and a bit silly. Read if you enjoy great sex scenes, a bit of Hallmark-y holiday cheer, and of course Santa.
Nellie is a career driven lawyer and Austin is a freelance photographer and Santa on the side, who have an adorably awkward meet cute (despite being neighbors). They quickly realize their heavy and intense attraction to each other (and maybe a Santa kink?) and its pure fun romp after. I've never ready any of the other books in this series and you definitely don't have to: there's just enough info about the side characters to make it work out of order.
This is just pure unadulterated fun. It's short, which I adore. It's incredibly steamy/spicy, definitely a bit more than I typically like. The language feels really natural though, which is a hard combination to pull off. I liked how the characters got together and the supporting cast. The career aspects were just brief touchpoints, really not driving plot lines, but did help to develop the characters well. And did I mention this is spicy?
This is the kind of read you need after you come out of something really heavy: just light, airy, and a bit silly. Read if you enjoy great sex scenes, a bit of Hallmark-y holiday cheer, and of course Santa.
November 29, 2024
Santa Monica Baby is a a sweet, sassy meet cute Christmas Novella.
Janelle is a lawyer who gives major Elle Woods vibes. Austin is a big boy santa and photographer with a soft Dom side.
I want to give this book a fair but also honest review while also not spoiling it. Because I will admit, It ended up not being what I thought the story was going to be, but that's okay. The book had a strong start for me but lost me somewhere in the middle due to a lot of the focus being lost on the main characters and shifting to a story about her and the side characters. Even though the whole 📸 🖼 thing with her and her sister was cute, though!
It is very, very hallmark-y but with a little spice. It wasn't as spicy as I expected it to be, but still enough to curl your toes😉 Austin was giving very much Teddy bear, cinnamon roll/golden retriever soft Dom. While Janelle had all the sassy energy of an Elle woods but with some added, dare i say, attitude. She was very strong willed, and stubborn. They were a perfect picture of opposites attract, but also perfect for each other.
All in all, it was a cute book. If you're looking for a cute spicy Christmas Novella feat a big boy MMC and sassy lawyer FMC with hallmark-y vibes. This is for you.
Janelle is a lawyer who gives major Elle Woods vibes. Austin is a big boy santa and photographer with a soft Dom side.
I want to give this book a fair but also honest review while also not spoiling it. Because I will admit, It ended up not being what I thought the story was going to be, but that's okay. The book had a strong start for me but lost me somewhere in the middle due to a lot of the focus being lost on the main characters and shifting to a story about her and the side characters. Even though the whole 📸 🖼 thing with her and her sister was cute, though!
It is very, very hallmark-y but with a little spice. It wasn't as spicy as I expected it to be, but still enough to curl your toes😉 Austin was giving very much Teddy bear, cinnamon roll/golden retriever soft Dom. While Janelle had all the sassy energy of an Elle woods but with some added, dare i say, attitude. She was very strong willed, and stubborn. They were a perfect picture of opposites attract, but also perfect for each other.
All in all, it was a cute book. If you're looking for a cute spicy Christmas Novella feat a big boy MMC and sassy lawyer FMC with hallmark-y vibes. This is for you.
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