The Christmas Cover Rule

Holiday Rules #3

by Michelle Carrero

Hotshot lawyer Jonas only cares about two things. Proving himself to his boss and having a good time while doing it. The last place he expects to spend the week before Christmas is the Dominican Republic. But when a booking mix-up and one little while lie at the front desk, leave him in need of a fake fiancée, he’s suddenly in over his head.

Enter Stella Clarke.
The youngest daughter is on her way to celebrate Christmas with her family. The only problem is, they’re expecting to finally meet her boyfriend. Unfortunately for her, she’s just arrived in the Dominican Republic noticeably single.
But when Jonas ropes her into his cover story, she seizes the chance to spin one of her own.

Two lies. One bed. And a Christmas neither of them saw coming.

Genres: Fake Dating, Romance

132 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 20, 2025

Reviews

[JJ Jofalltrades31 · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 ⭐️

Oh my goodness this was such a sweet, funny and spicy Christmas novella.

Michelle can write the hell out of a MMC, Jonas was perfection. The leg tat…yum, the piercing…yummmy! And you can’t forget her FMCs either, Stella was a freaking sweetheart.

As someone who’s not the biggest fan of a fake dating trope, this one was absolutely captivating and fun!

Even though it was a short read, there was depth. Both main characters had vulnerabilities and insecurities but together they found comfort in each other. They built the other’s confidence up and made them feel seen! It felt like you were witnessing a real love story. There was banter and tension that led to scorching spicy scenes and scenes that had me giddy with delight.

Thank you to Michelle for this eARC!

[Janae · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.25 stars! Super short but sweet and so cute! Petitioning to join Stella’s family, where they pick a different Christmas destination every year!

[Chantha · Rating 5 out of 5]

happy pub day to jonas and stella

5 AMAZING STARS ✨
hands down this was the best 126 pages ive ever read & it’s OUT NOW so go read it.

if your looking for a book to start off the holiday’s or to get a out a slump or even just need a little something to read, this is the book for you !!!!

this book is sweet, funny and SEXYYYY, i’m not even kidding, when i was laughing i was in tears yall & the spice WOOOO i was literally gasping for air 🤭

jonas was so charming, funny and sweet he is definitely the definition of a golden retriever, HES ALSO FREAKKKKAAAAYYYYYY 😏
stella was so sassy, cute, loving and everything i love in a fmc, her and jonas was definitely the perfect match.

honestly after i finished this i kept trying to turn the page in my kindle to see if there was more at the end 😩 bc it was just so good and addicting!!

michelle writing is honestly so good and it will always leaving me craving for more, so thank you for this amazing arc im so grateful 💕

[Sophie Regina · Rating 4 out of 5]

Forget the snow! If you need a holiday escape that's short, sweet, and wonderfully SPICY, STOP WHAT YOU'RE DOING.
This novella is a perfect binge read, taking you straight to the Dominican Republic with a swoon worthy MMC! The chemistry between Jonas and Stella was so gooood. I don’t usually like the insta-love trope but this author did it masterfully by making the connection feel magnetic and deeply meaningful for such a short amount of time spent together.

The spice was off the chartsssss, the romance was super sweet, and I loved both the main characters. I’d definitely recommend this novella to anyone looking for a binge worthy holiday romance!


MUST READ if you love:
• Tropical settings
• Devoted MMCs
• Thigh Tattoos
• High-heat chemistry

[Nicole · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was kicking my feet and smiling like an idiot the entire time! Literally no complaints I loved it!

[Allison Salamone · Rating 3 out of 5]

….ok but what is Jonas’ really name?

[Wren · Rating 4 out of 5]

a quick fast paced holiday romance with all the beachy vacation vibes.
This would be the perfect Christmas in July read.
If you love a billionaire golden retriever mmc who loves to spoil his girl Jonas is the man for you!

[Mackenzie · Rating 5 out of 5]

The perfect little holiday read! Absolutely loved Jonas & his sweet little golden retriever self

[We ReadRunTravel · Rating 4 out of 5]

Christmas Cover Rule By Michelle Carrero ARC Review

We love when the lovable side character gets their own book and Jonas does not disappoint now that it is his time to shine. 

This holiday novella follows Jonas - the free spirited, comedic, Pearl Jam loving, hot shot lawyer, best friend from Art of Convenience and Taste of Commitment (if you haven't read Michelle's Whisky and Risky series yet, we highly recommend you do!). Jonas finds himself at a Caribbean resort over the holiday trying to close a deal with a potential client. When a mixup at the front desk puts his reputation in jeopardy, suddenly he is in need of a fake fiance.  

Enter Stella. The introspective art teacher who is mending a broken heart, dreading telling her family why her boyfriend won't be joining her on their holiday vacation. Jonas and Stella come to an agreement to share the honeymoon suite and spend the week fake dating. While Jonas is far from the relationship type, his charm and attentiveness (and thigh tattoo) are irresistible - saying and doing all the right things, getting Stella to open up in ways she never has before, making her wonder why her fake boyfriend is the best boyfriend she has ever had. 

As with any novella, this plot moves quickly, but the chemistry and attraction between the two main characters is palpable. They bring out each other's true selves, they find comfort and understanding in one another, making their love connection feel genuine.  Jonas and Stella are magnetic - and the spice in this book is very reflective of that. They will have you melting faster than (fake) snow on the beach. 

The epilogue at the end of the book was extremely appreciated, giving us a peek into each couple's HEAs. As we say goodbye to the characters from this world, we cannot wait to see what Michelle does next - because if she is writing it, we are reading it!

4⭐️ 2🌶️

🎄Holiday Novella
❤️Fake Dating
🛏️Forced Proximity
📖Dual POV

[Rachael · Rating 4 out of 5]

4⭐️
2.5🌶️

❄️Holiday Novella
🏝️Interconnected Standalone
❄️Fake Dating
🏝️One Bed
❄️Sexy Thigh Tattoos and Piercings… 😉
🏝️Insta-Love

This is a fantastic, funny, sweet, sexy novella that's perfect for the holidays and even better for finally giving all of us Whisky and Risky lovers Jonas' long-awaited HEA!
It can absolutely be enjoyed as a standalone, but Jonas is first introduced to us in Art of Convenience and Taste of Commitment as one of my all-time favorite side characters ever, so getting his story even as a novella just made me so happy and will be most fully enjoyed if you read the Whisky and Risky duet before/after this one. 🥰

Jonas and Stella are insta-love perfection, and they have great chemistry, banter, and so much fantastic tension in this one bed, fake dating story. If you like low stakes, medium heat, and plenty of laughs and heart in your romance novellas, then this should get pushed right up on your TBR! 😘

I read this story independent of the others in this anthology and didn't feel like I was missing anything, but I definitely plan to check the rest of them out now since I loved this one so much and because who couldn't use some more quick & fun holiday reads?! ❄️

I received an advanced copy of this book from the author and am leaving an honest review.

[aj · Rating 5 out of 5]

this novella is equal parts sweet and funny, so CRYING AT THE END WAS NOT ON MY BINGO CARD. i absolutely love and live for these characters and the amazing world that brought them here. if you haven’t read the whisky and risky duology, i highly recommend you read that along with this one. jonas is such a charming and witty character, so having an entire story of his own was a treat, and his story just felt so right. stella is new to this life but she’s true to this life. i love how perfectly she matches jonas’s energy. she’s charismatic and sharp-witted, yet so relatable. the plot and setting goes hand-in-hand, and despite being in the warm dominican republic during a wintry holiday, this is equally as cozy as your average holiday love story. michelle’s writing is just so good that i never feel like i need more to be satisfied.

rounding out the whisky and risky duology makes me very emotional. these characters feel like my family.. like home. <3

[ImStillJenny FromTheBlock24 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Penny for your thoughts? 😏

Listen this book is hands down my favorite Christmas read so far this year.

If you Love
- Fake dating
- Forced proximity
- One bed
- He takes care of her when she's sick
- banter on banter
- Sunshine x sunshine

I Loved how this short novella was the perfect mini story without sacrificing plot or throwing the main characters together instantly.
we got delicious tension while the sizzle just got hotter. Swoon worthy Jonas moments mixed with Michelle's undeniable humor that she adds into every single book. seriously I don't think I've ever laughed out loud while reading more then when I pick up a book by this author.

this is the perfect Christmas, holiday short read and can be read completely as a standalone.
But if for some reason you haven't read the whiskey and risky duology yet add them to your immediate tbr for more Jonas.

[Anna ✨ · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rating: 5 ☆
Spice: 🌶️ 🌶️.5
Coming November 20th, 2025 🎄

Thank you Michelle Carrero for the ARC!

I am absolutely in love with Michelle’s writing! This was such a short, cute, and spicy novella, and I’d highly recommend it to anyone looking for a quick holiday romance with some heat.

From the very first page, we’re transported to the Dominican Republic, where Stella is spending Christmas with her family. Jonas was such a swoony MMC, and the chemistry between him and Stella was completely off the charts. At one point I even found myself looking at my cats and saying, “penny for your thoughts?” because of him. Between the characters and the plot, this was such a well-written, addictive story.

I obviously don’t want to spoil anything, but if you love:
• fake dating
• only one bed
• HE’S PIERCED
• forced proximity

…you’ll definitely want to add this to your holiday TBR.

[Victoria Blusiewicz · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️

Michelle Carrero does not miss(eltoe)! What a cute, fun, flirty, and endearing novella for the Holiday Season. Jonas and Stella were such a cute couple and they complimented each other so well. Jonas was so attentive to Stella and her needs and really came thru for her on a few occasions! The tension between the two of them was so good and was worth it when they finally gave in. And hello Jonas and your little piercing 🥵 I was so glad that her family listened to her when she wanted to spend further Christmases somewhere other than a warm climate and I love that Jonas made her dreams come tru. Definitely was feeling the insta-love vibes and I am here for it! Did we ever find out what Jonas’ first name is? 😉🤷🏼‍♀️ Thank you to Michelle Carrero and her team for this ARC!

[Megan Buchholz · Rating 4 out of 5]

Book Review 📚✨
Fake fiancés, forced proximity, and Christmas in the Dominican Republic? Say less. 😏 This book delivered charm, heat, and heart in equal measure. Jonas was absolutely delicious (I was blushing more than Stella), and the chemistry? Off the charts. The spice was spicing, the banter was perfection, and honestly my only complaint is that it ended too soon. 4.5 stars because I wanted more of these two. 🎄🔥💋

[Yaneisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

4/5 ⭐️ | 4/5 🌶️

A fast, funny, and delightfully steamy holiday read set in the Dominican Republic. When Stella and Jonas agree to fake date, he scores access to his hotel room and she gets to tag along—since the reservation is annoyingly under her ex’s name and she can’t check in alone. Plus, she suddenly has a “boyfriend” to parade in front of her family after her ex couldn’t keep it in his pants. What could possibly go wrong?

We jump right into our fake dating story, and both of our main characters are super flirty with each other. They’re both fun characters who have great chemistry, and you HAVE to root for them! There’s no third-act breakup or miscommunication, and I love that, like, a lot lol. We’re adults—let’s talk things out and communicate, and that’s exactly what they do. The story moves quickly, with humor, lots of flirting, and steamy sex.

[Laura · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely devoured the third Christmas novella in the Holiday Rules series. I immediately fell in love with Jonas—the way he truly listens to Stella and lets her be herself without any judgment completely stole my heart. And don’t even get me started on how he goes out of his way to make her wishes come true. This novella was pure holiday magic. I definitely recommend it for the Christmas season… or honestly, any season at all.

[Emma · Rating 5 out of 5]

I live for a good Christmas novella and this was perfect! Also Jonas was the perfect pick for this one!!
This was a fun and cute read to pick up, and I loved that we still got a little bit deeper background into both Jonas and Stella. They were such a perfect pairing and I loved the banter between them from the start.
Michelle has this amazing talent to make her characters relatable in all stages and walks of life, and I really appreciate how that shined through even in such a short amount of time with these characters. You can feel the connections and believe that they will work out even without the epilogue.
Another amazing read from Michelle!

[Bekah · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fun and Quick Christmas Novella!

This is a fast paced novella that is absolutely perfect for people looking to read more this holiday season! It’s Christmas in the DR with some fake dating and some spice!

[Bookish Eras · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.8⭐️
So glad to have gotten Jonas’s story cause he deserved his happy ending😍

I think it could have been just as amazing without the I love you but obviously respect to the author and her choices cause truly she never misses

[Mel Champlain · Rating 5 out of 5]

adorable Christmas novella!

These two!!! Watch out for burning Christmas trees! They bring the heat with all the fun along the way. I only wanted more!!!!

[Taylor Ellison · Rating 5 out of 5]

Michelle writes the BEST green flag MMCs and the most sassy FMCs. I know it’s a novella, but I really wanted more of their story. Didn’t give a ton of Christmas vibes, but perfect, nonetheless!

[Ivet · Rating 2 out of 5]

1.75⭐️

He’s like a spoiled frat boy, who thinks highly of himself and would get mad at someone for saying ‘no’ to him.

[Angela · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved this cute, spicy and fun novella I really enjoyed Stella and Jonas’s story

[Lindsey · Rating 4 out of 5]

Okay but this was so cute and flirty and fun! I love Christmas at the beach stories .

[tiff rasberry · Rating 5 out of 5]

not only does he make her christmas dream a reality but he is also pierced. that is all. enjoy.

[Sophia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Obsessed. Devoured in one sitting. I was literally reading with a smile on my face the whole time. The vibes were immaculate.

[Jessica Dorman · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5⭐️

Looking for a short and sweet (and spicy) beachy Christmas novella? Look no further. This one is perfect. It has:
-Fake dating
-strangers to lovers (perfect airplane meet cute)
-insta love
-One bed and one room for a week

I’ve wanted Jonas’ book since the first time he was introduced. He was such a fun character. I’m calling him a slightly broken boy because, he just doesn’t see himself like he should. He’s perfect and I accept no other criticism on him. Or Stella for that matter. I just loved them so much.
I know it’s no surprise that I loved this one, anything Michelle writes I’m going to devour it. But I am going to need to see this one a lot of Christmas novella lists! At 122 pages it’s the perfect spicy holiday novella.

*full disclaimer it’s over Christmas but it’s on the beach so you don’t get snow or any of the "winter Christmas" vibes. I’ve learned people like that difference to be stated 😂

[isabel · Rating 4 out of 5]

tropes:
🩵 holiday novella
✨ fake dating
🫶🏼 insta love
🏝️ vacation romance
☀️ forced proximity

⋆౨ৎ˚⟡⋆˙𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗹𝗹𝗮 & 𝗷𝗼𝗻𝗮𝘀

as a boricua who lives for a caribbean christmas (i miss those), i absolutely loved that they spend christmas in the DR. like,i love a white christmas as much as the next girl, but a sandy christmas is so underrated

this was cute, sweet, and spicy. i am a hoe for a holiday romance—add fake dating, one bed, in the DR, and i will literally miss an assignment deadline to read it (which i did) idk what michelle carrero put in this book, but i ate it up like it was nutella

stella and jonas were just the cutest. their tension and chemistry?? immaculate. jonas was so attentive to stella and her needs, and i loved how he took care of her when she got seasick. all their little moments—accidentally waking up cuddling, decorating gingerbread cookies, crashing a wedding—had me kicking my feet. and i was obsessed with how well jonas got along with her family. and the banter was exquisite

───────── ୨ৎ ─────────

thank you so much michelle carrero for the ARC!!! i loved the christmas cover rule and am beyond grateful to have had the opportunity to read it <3

⚠check tw!

[Katie Vitale · Rating 5 out of 5]

ARC Review 4.5 stars

I absolutely adore Jonas and this book was everything I needed for him!

This novella should absolutely be on your holiday TBR, it has the Hallmark movie feel-good vibes WITH the steamy scenes.

Jonas is the guy you can't help but love and want to see all the good things happen to.