Sweet Boys Love Christmas

The Boys #6.5

by Micalea Smeltzer

When my Christmas plans go up in flames the last thing I expect is Luke Covey to sweep in and save the day. Spending the holiday with him and his mom might make this my favorite Christmas I’ve ever had.

Too bad for me there’s one unexpected gift that’s going to last long past the holiday season, because ready or not Luke and I are going to be parents.

(This is a 20k+ word novella that will lead into Bertie and Luke's full-length novel. It's not necessary to read this before reading their novel but it is highly recommended)

Genres: Novella, Christmas, Holiday, Friends To Lovers, Romance, Sports Romance, He Falls First

85 pages, Kindle Edition

First published December 5, 2024

About the author

Micalea Smeltzer is an author from Northern Virginia. Her two dogs, Ollie and Remy, are her constant companions. As a kidney transplant recipient she's dedicated to raising awareness around the effects of kidney disease, dialysis, and transplant as well as educating people on living donation. When she's not writing you can catch her with her nose buried in a book.

Reviews

[Christy · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 stars

Sweet Boys Love Christmas was a fantastic Christmas novella and a perfect precursor to Bertie and Luke's upcoming book (eek!)

Luke and Bertie are characters I remember fondly from Daire and Rosie's book. I was excited to get more of their story. I love a sweet boy and Luke is just that. This was such a heartwarming short story with those new adult feels I love.

If you've read Micalea Smeltzer's 'The Boys' series, this is going to be a must read for you! And if you haven't, I still think you would enjoy this one. But you seriously should because the entire series is great!

[Amee · Rating 2 out of 5]

Not sure this novella was necessary since they have a full book coming out…but it’s just eh. Not enough to be good.

[Kay Jay · Rating 3 out of 5]

I'm a huge fan of The Boys series, yet I am a little sad about Sweet Boys Love Christmas. It felt kind of like a last-minute rush.

There are some weird contradictions. Luke is such a sweet boy, and he cares for his mom so much. In the beginning, he explains how the NHL wants to draft him during his freshman year (and keeps bugging him about signing,) yet he says he wants to complete his four years at college so he can support his mother financially and continue his education. This makes zero sense. If he were signed by the NHL, he would get a nice payday, even for a rookie, which means he could really support his mom and pay off her house within that first year, with how much dedication he already is showing. Then, during his hockey year(s), he could still attend college to get his degree. (I know he is currently on a scholarship, but signing for the NHL, he could do everything on his wish list instantly.)

With all that aside, the remaining bit of the story had me in a Christmas holiday awe.


Story: ⭐⭐⭐ (3/5)
Audiobook: N/A Physically Read
Spice: 🌶️🌶️ (2/5) Open Door

[Emma]

W.B.

[✨Shannen✨ · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.0 ⭐

Luke is a little cutie pie, love him dearly, can't wait for the full length book!! 💜

[Kristen Webernick · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 ⭐️
2 🌶️

Trope:
🎄Christmas
❄️Accidental pregnancy
🎄He falls first
❄️Golden retriever
🏒 Hockey player


Sweet Boys Love Christmas is a Christmas novella and a prequel to Bertie and Luke's upcoming book releasing in 2025.

I love a golden retriever boy and Luke is definitely a golden retriever and a lover. Bertie is all alone at Christmas and Luke is not having it. He makes her feel welcome and invites her to spend Christmas with him. A spicy little Christmas novella that will leave you wanting more.

This is a must read if you have read any of Micalea Smeltzer's 'The Boys' series! If you haven't it won't spoil any of the series for you and can be read as a standalone but it will get you wanting to read more of this series. It is fire, as Micalea's books always are great reads and very well written.


I want to thank Micalea and Valentine PR for giving me the opportunity to read this book as an ARC in exchange for my open and honest review.

❄️ Happy reading ❄️

[Jessica · Rating 5 out of 5]

*Thank you to the author for providing me with an e-ARC in exchange for an honest review*

Review: A holiday novella guaranteed to give you all the warm fuzzy feelings!

“Sweet Boys Love Christmas” follows Bertie Carthwright after she spends the holiday with Luke Covey, the one-night stand she cannot stop thinking about, when her Christmas plans go up in flames. But there’s one unexpected gift that’s going to last long past the holiday season, because ready or not Luke and Bertie are going to be parents.

I was intrigued by Bertie and Luke’s relationship in “Rule Breaker’s Fall Hardest,” so getting to learn more about it from their viewpoints was immensely enjoyable!

I really felt for Bertie when the full scope of her loneliness was revealed. With Rosie, her best friend, gone, it was nice to see her begin to confide in Luke about her tumultuous relationship with her parents. Though I understand her reasons for keeping him at an arm’s length, I was happy to see her let him in. As indicated by the novella’s title, Luke truly is sweet. He faces his own hardships, but still makes it a priority to support Bertie without pressuring her to become romantically entangled. While the two eventually do give in to their attraction, the pacing made it feel right.

This novella leads into Bertie and Luke’s full-length novel and I cannot wait to get my hands on it! Based on the ending, the two are definitely going to have their hands full.

➤ 4.5 stars

Jess Approved?: ✓

Review cross-posted to: Book Blog | Bookstagram | Amazon

[Amber Gordon · Rating 5 out of 5]

I went into this novella knowing that this is part of an interconnected series, but hello it's Christmas themed so I felt like I would go ahead and give it a chance. And it did not disappoint. I really loved it and didn't feel like I was missing out by not having read any of the prior books in the series and now I am already planning on going back and reading all of the books so that I can fully prepare for the rest of their journey!

I absolutely loved Luke, Mr. Green Flag, future NHL star. Golden retriever who goes out of his way to show those he cares about that he actually cares. What a big ole sweetie pie. Oh, and he respects boundaries, until he's given the go ahead. Like hello can he be any more perfect?!

I also loved Bertie; I felt for her. The things her parents have put her through made me sad. I hate the idea of a child feeling unloved, let alone a child feeling unloved on Christmas both in her younger years and now in her adult years. All she wanted was love from her family and they couldn't even do that. I love that Luke and his mom give her a taste of what a family is and what it's like to be loved and spend time with someone on Christmas.

But, to no surprise Micalea left this on a cliffhanger. And I cannot wait to see how their story pans out in a full-length novel.

Thank you Micalea and Valentie PR for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

[Arceli · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a cute book

[Sheila Schoenauer · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is such a tease! I cannot wait for Bertie and Luke's full story!!

Short, sweet, and Christmas themed. Perfect for a quick glimpse into Bertie and Luke's life. Opposite's attract? Yes please.

*I voluntarily read an advanced copy of this book for my honest and unbiased review*

[Anca A · Rating 5 out of 5]

#Review: *Sweet Boys Love Christmas* - Micalea Smeltzer [18+]
4.7/5✨
2.5/5🌶️

I looove Micalea's books and it was obvious that I'll sign up for a book written by her. Thank you Valentine Pr and Micalea for offering me this ARC!

This was a super, super short story, about which I learned, from the ending of the book, that it will continue with a full length one next year and I cannot wait!

The main characters of this short story are Bertie and Luke. They had a one night stand a while ago but never been more. They remained on good terms though, but a lingering tension remained between them. Even though Luke has told Bertie he wanted to be more, she wasn't sure about that next step. That was because she recently broke up from her ex-boyfriend, Tommy.

Luke was such a sweetheart!! He really stole my heart🩵. He was simple, humble and down-to-earth, even though he was a hockey player and a very handsome man. It was almost impossible for Bertie not to fall in love with him. Especially when his own mom complots to get him spend more time with her. But only one mistake will change their whole lives. And that's where the story ended!!😮🤯

I'll try my best to patiently wait for next year book release. I'm super curious how they will handle the troubles they are in and how it will challenge their lives and love.

#FriendsToLovers
#GoldenRetrieverHero
#ChristmasNovella
#SecondChance
#SecretHookup
#MeddlingFamily

[Manue · Rating 4 out of 5]

*This is an ARC review

This novella is so cute, sweet and a perfect Christmas book, I really liked it.

I loved the character, literally all of them, they are all so sweet. The dynamics between them, especially in the context of a holiday setting, made the story feel both heartwarming and genuine.

As much as I enjoy novellas, I often struggle with fully connecting to the characters in such a short time. However, this book was different. Because I know there’s more to come, I wasn’t as bothered by the brevity of the story. It felt like a perfect little teaser, and I can’t wait to read the rest of their journey.

Thank you so much Valentine PR/and the author for the advance copy❤️

[Jenn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sweet Boys Love Christmas is a fabulous little holiday tease between Beatrice "Bertie" Carthwright and Luke Covey.

Luke and Bertie had a ONS years ago that neither of them ever forgot about- while Bertie is taking some time to herself after getting out of a long term relationship, Luke has made no secret that he would love a chance at something more with her but is a sweet enough guy that he would settle for just being her friend. While these two have very different lives- with Bertie coming from a wealthy but emotionally cold family and Luke only attending the same university because of his hockey scholarship while still living at home with his mom whose his biggest fan and supporter- there is this intense chemistry and pull between these two. Luke is nothing short of good guy, book boyfriend perfection and that definitely weakens Bertie's stance on not wanting a relationship.

Fate had Luke stepping in to brighten Bertie's day when she was feeling let down by her family and accosted by her ex by offering her the friendship and sense of belonging that she was searching for. I love the build of their friendship and the way that they don't shy away from their attraction until another fateful day where their defenses slipped.

But prepare yourself because while this novella is short and sweet- it doesn't end with the HEA or even a HFN!! That's right, Micalea left their story wide open with Bertie making a shocking realization and I'm both excited and terrified for what is going to come when their story continues in Honest Boys Don't Play.

[Taylor Ellison · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved it! Perfect, short, sweet Christmas novella. If you like Noah from Say You Swear, you’ll like Luke. Lukie gives very similar vibes. Bertie was a bit whiney, but has potential for the full novel, Honest Boys Don’t Play in 2025.

- Christmas novella
- One bed
- NA/ college
- Cinnamon roll MMC
- Uptown girl

Rating:
4⭐️; I liked it and will recommend.
2.5🌶️; At least one open door scene.

[Laura (lady_h_reads) · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️
“If I ever have the pleasure of being the recipient of your heart, I promise I’ll care for it better than my own. I will never hurt you, Bertie.”

This small taste of Bertie and Luke's story has me clamoring for more! Sweet Boys Love Christmas is a holiday-adjacent prequel that sets the stage for what looks to be an awesomely angsty full-length story (alas, that release date hasn't been revealed yet). It's a quick read that I devoured in one sitting.

I adore Luke. He is #boyfriendgoals with his golden retriever nature. How he cares for Bertie, how he will take being friends just so he can have something from her, how he won't proceed until she's sure... Heart eyes all around!

This is a medium-burn and moderately spicy friends-to-lovers romance with an all-in MMC and a surprise pregnancy cliffhanger. I cannot wait to see how their story ends!

[Caitlyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was the most PERFECT novella to set up Luke and Bertie’s book 😭😭😭 I am GIDDY with excitement waiting for it 😭😭😭

EDIT 12 hours after finishing:
I can't stop thinking about this novella I am so sad I have to practive extreme patience like this for their book

[Sydney · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm kind of in love with them. Luke is so cute and really likes her. I can't wait until he finds out she's pregnant. I need their full book right now.

I received an arc from valentine pr.

[jess · Rating 5 out of 5]

Christmas novellas will always have me hooked from the very beginning and this book did not disappoint. Luke and Bertie’s chemistry is everything and leaves you wanting to keep reading more. I enjoyed the way this was written and how it was an introduction to their story that already has me so intrigued for more! I love their moments together and they’re going to be even more epic. Luke and Bertie’s story is going to be an insane ride and this book is the beginning of it all.

[~ oli · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 ⭐️

I need the next rn please and thank you :) this was so good and I loved how much story Micalea was able to build in a short novella

[Veronica · Rating 5 out of 5]

The boys series is really one of my favorite!

The novella was so cute to read between Luke and Bertie. Loved seeing other characters names dropped inside also. I can’t wait to see what we have in store with them!

[Kaity · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a really sweet Christmassy romance novella that leads into the next (highly anticipated) book in the series!!!!!!!

Luke and Bertie were so sweet together.
This little novella has made me so excited for their book…!!

Micalea, please write quick.. I need more of these two <3

Thank you Micaela and Valentine PR for an advanced copy.

[Kaitlin Dice · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved this novella from start to finish. I was actually dreading reading it so fast because I just didn’t want it to end! I’ve followed this series from the very beginning and I already know Honest Boys Don’t Play will be an auto buy book when it comes out!

[Brianas.bookhaven · Rating 4 out of 5]

I͜͡ w͜͡a͜͡s͜͡ g͜͡r͜͡a͜͡c͜͡i͜͡o͜͡u͜͡s͜͡l͜͡y͜͡ g͜͡i͜͡v͜͡e͜͡n͜͡ t͜͡h͜͡i͜͡s͜͡ b͜͡o͜͡o͜͡k͜͡ a͜͡s͜͡ a͜͡n͜͡ A͜͡R͜͡C͜͡

I seriously screamed when I saw I was accepted for this ARC. When I got back into reading I came across The Boys series and I became obsessed.

Luke was such a gentleman, even though he had a huge crush and a hook up with Bertie he has accepted being her friend and giving her the time she needs. So when Bertie finally gives in both their lives change.

The cliffhanger leaves you wanting more and I can’t wait for their story.

Thank you for the ARC

[Katy · Rating 5 out of 5]

(I received an ARC for this book)

Trigger Warnings include:
mentions of parental abandonment, OCD including instances and discussions on page

For what comes next, read Bertie and Luke’s full-length novel (and the final book in The Boys series) Honest Boys Don’t Play, coming 2025.

It is impossible for me to ever have enough of this series. I have always, and will always, love everything about it. I probably say this with every new release, but honestly, Luke and Bertie just became my favorite couple of the bunch! And could Luke possibly take over Teddy’s top spot for most perfect man and person?! What I do know for fact, is Covey is the sweetest of the boys! When Bertie’s Christmas is ruined, Luke has no issue jumping in and making sure she isn’t alone…in all the ways that matter most. They are both exactly what the other needs. And it is so sweet! (Using Sweet in the title could NOT be more perfect!) What a wonderful mix of all things The Boys, and Christmas, and getting their story started! I am SO ready for more of Covey and Bertie!

B: 8
baby: 4

My Favorite Quotes:
• “I could never not want to see you.”
• “You’re making it really hard, you know?” “What am I making hard?” “Not to change my mind about the whole dating thing.”
• “I hope that when you’re ready to open your heart up again, you find someone capable of loving you the way you deserve.”
• “You look good in anything, but I’ve officially become partial to you in blue.”
• “I’m selfish, and I want you to be mine before I do.”
• “I think you could ruin me.”
• “You feel so good. This p!ssy was made for me. You hear me? It’s mine. You’re mine.”
• “My dream girl is naked in my bed, and you think I’m not going to be permanently hard?”
• “To me, you’re perfect.”

7/10 Dirty Birdy
6/10 Friends to Lovers
4/10 Slow Burn
9/10 Series

This is my review for Bad Boys Break Hearts
This is my review for Nice Guys Don’t Win
This is my review for Real Players Never Lose
This is my review for Good Guys Don’t Lie
This is my review for Broken Boys Can’t Love
This is my review for Rule Breakers Fall Hardest

[Kendall {Book Crazy} · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was really excited when I heard that this author was releasing a novella for this series! I love this series, so I was excited to read more! I received an ARC of this novella and started reading it straightaway! After reading, I can say that I really enjoyed this novella! I read it in one sitting and the plot developed at the perfect pace! There was a budding romance in the plot and I loved the way it developed and it was very cute! The romance allowed for some steamy scenes as well! There wasn’t any action or suspense in this novella, but there was a surprise for the characters that will have a big impact on them in their full length book! The characters were also amazing and made this novella even better! Bertie was the main female character, and in this book she came from a family with a lot of money and people thought she was posh! Bertie was the complete opposite and she was down to earth and felt alone! I really liked Bertie and she was easy for me to connect with! Luke was the main male character and love interest of Bertie! Luke was just the sweetest guy in this novella and he had his head on straight! He was always there for Bertie and he supported her and helped her! He also treated her normally and didn't treat her like others did! He also worked hard and I had a lot of respect for him! This novella was written from both Bertie and Luke’s point of views! I was hoping that it was going to be before I started reading because the other books in the series are written this way, but the synopsis does give the impression that it was only going to be written from the female character’s point of view! I loved that it was written from dual point of view because it helped me connect more with both characters and see how much they meant to each other! It allowed for a few more things to happen in the plot as well, which helped as Bertie and Luke didn’t spend every second of the plot together and they were going through their own situations! I now can’t wait to read the full length book for Bertie and Luke! I’m not sure when the author is planning to release it, but I’ll definitely be anticipating its release and reading it as soon as it does! I also love the cover for this novella a lot! It suits the other covers in this series perfectly and would draw me to the book if I didn't already know the author and series! The cover model is also the perfect Luke! Big thank you to Micalea for an ARC of Sweet Boys Love Christmas!

[Lindsey Adams · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/ 🌶️🌶️🌶️

What a sweet story by Micalea Smeltzer! A great introduction to Luke and Bertie. I can’t wait for their full story coming in 2025 and I think it is going to be the perfect end to this series.

We met Bertie briefly in the last book from the series and I was excited to get to know her more. She is spending Christmas alone, after her parents cancel their trip. Yeah, her parents are kinda horrible and I am interested to see how their story unfolds. She’s known Luke since freshman year and although she is attracted to him, she can’t give him the type of relationship he is wanting. But that doesn’t keep her from accepting his invitation to spend Christmas with him and his mom. Except now she is seeing who he really is and she really likes him.

Luke has liked Bertie since Freshman year of college and one night together wasn’t enough for him. But she was clear on not being able to give him what he wants so they have stayed in each other’s orbit, but not much more than that. A chance encounter in the food hall brings her closer to him again and he decides being her friend is better than not. When he finds out she is spending Christmas alone, he invites her over and their feelings soar. When they finally bubble over, not able to be ignored, he is elated.

Micaela leaves us on a bit of a cliffhanger as Bertie discovers she is pregnant and needs to figure out how to tell Luke. A super quick read (less than 100 pages), but sweet romance nonetheless. I can’t wait for their full story and just know I am going to love Luke.

As always, review any author notes before reading.

Tropes:
🎄Second Chance
🎄Christmas Novella
🎄He Falls First
🎄Accidental Pregnancy

[lowkeyreader · Rating 4 out of 5]

I recently finished Sweet Boys Love Christmas by Micalea Smeltzer, and I have to say, it was a delightful read that perfectly captures the spirit of the holiday season. This charming romance weaves together themes of love, family, and connection, making it an ideal book to cozy up with during the winter months.

The characters really drew me in. I found them relatable and well-developed, each with their own unique struggles and growth arcs. The chemistry between the protagonists was palpable, and I was genuinely invested in their journeys. Smeltzer does an excellent job of creating heartfelt moments that resonate deeply, adding to the overall warmth of the story.

One of the highlights for me was the festive atmosphere throughout the book. The vivid descriptions of Christmas traditions and settings transported me straight into a winter wonderland, filling me with holiday cheer. I appreciated how the narrative balanced light-hearted romance with deeper emotional themes, elevating it beyond just a typical holiday read.

That said, there were a few moments where the plot felt familiar, following some predictable tropes that seasoned readers of the genre might recognize. Additionally, I thought some scenes could have had a bit more dynamic pacing to keep the momentum going.

Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed Sweet Boys Love Christmas. It’s a heartwarming tale that left me feeling uplifted and ready for the holidays. I would rate this book 4 out of 5 stars for its charming narrative and emotional depth. If you’re looking for a sweet romance filled with festive cheer, this one is definitely worth adding to your holiday reading list!

[Charley Fitzpatrick (read_with_charley) · Rating 4 out of 5]

• ARC REVIEW •
• SWEET BOYS LOVE CHRISTMAS: BY MICALEA SMELTZER •
• BERTIE & LUKE •
•⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️•
RELEASE 5TH DEC 24

First and foremost I want to thank Micalea and Valentine PR for this Arc opportunity! 🎄🎅❤️‍🔥

In just under 100 pages, this novella left me wanting more! What a teaser it was! It was sweet, cosy and spicy all in one. I loved all the characters, they all felt so wrote for the novella. This is just a glimpse into Luke and Bertie’s life, and I’m excited to see where it goes in future books for the series.

- christmas novella 🎅
- short and spicy 🌶️
- friends to lovers 🤗
- duel POV 👩‍❤️‍👨
- opposites attract 😝

This novella follows Beatrice as she navigates how she is going to spend her Christmas since her mum and dad will be away. That’s when her classmate, and the person she has a ONS with years ago, Luke asks her to join himself and his mum for Christmas, as “no one should spend Christmas alone”.

Luke has made no attempt at keeping his attraction to Bertie a secret, he wants more in what they have. But Bertie has her concerns and Luke understands this, and is willing to push those feelings aside for a friendship. Bertie slowly lets these feelings she is so reluctant to let loose go, until she finds out some shock in news. News that will change both their lives forever.

Their story is going to continue in her next book, Honest Boys Don’t Play and I’m so excited to read it when it comes out!

If you haven’t already, add this one to your Christmas list, it won’t disappoint ❤️‍🔥🎅

[Carmen M · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you to @ValentinePr and the Publisher for this ARC, in exchange for an honest review.

Micalea Smeltzer must have a magic pen. Everything she writes stays with you. She is one of my favorite authors and she's done it again with this one!
I truly enjoyed reading this charming story! It’s full of warmth and captures the holiday spirit beautifully. The main character, Bertie Cartwright, thought she would be spending Christmas alone after her parents canceled their plans. However, her luck changed when Luke Covey came to her rescue. He invited her to celebrate with him and his mom after he helped her deal with her unsettling ex-boyfriend.

Bertie had never truly felt like part of a cozy, loving family before. But being with Luke and his mom during Christmas turned out to be one of the happiest times of her life. They shared wonderful moments that created lasting memories, especially after a meaningful evening spent together. However, Bertie faced another surprise when she had to reveal to Luke that she was going to be a mom.

This story beautifully mixes the joys of the holiday with unexpected twists in life. It’s a super cute read for anyone looking for a romantic Christmas short story!

Releasing December 5th!

Pre-order your copy today!
Ebook: https://mybook.to/sblc
Paperback: https://mybook.to/sblcpb

Add to Goodreads: https://bit.ly/4h4cz98


#valentinepr, #micaleasmeltzer, #sweetboyslovechristmas

[Katty · Rating 5 out of 5]

❤️‍🔥A R C R E V I E W❤️‍🔥

Title: Sweet Boys Love Christmas
Author: Micalea Smeltzer
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice: 🌶️.5
Available Now on Amazon and KU

🏒R E V I E W🏒

This charming novella, ‘Sweet Boys Love Christmas’, serves as a perfect introduction to Bertie and Luke’s full story, set to be released in 2025.

Luke has never stopped thinking about Bertie since their one-night encounter during their freshman year of college. As graduation approaches, he’s made it clear that he wants more, but he knows Bertie isn’t ready. Respecting her boundaries, he’s kept his distance to avoid pressuring her. When Bertie finds herself alone for Christmas, abandoned by her parents, the electric tension between her and Luke intensifies.

Bertie is undeniably drawn to Luke, but she fears that a serious relationship would leave her heartbroken if they eventually part ways. Luke, however, is determined to stay by her side for the long haul.

I absolutely loved this novella and can’t wait to see where Luke and Bertie’s relationship goes, especially with the unexpected Christmas gift Luke gives her.

The way Luke understands Bertie’s emotions, respects her boundaries, and does his best to make her feel comfortable is simply heartwarming.

For Fans of:
🎄 Golden Retriever
🎄 Hockey Romance
🎄 Second Chance
🎄 Holiday Novella
🎄 He Fell First




Thank you to VPR and author Micalea Smeltzer for an advance copy of this book.