The Naughty or Nice Clause by Kate Callaghan is such a fun holiday read! It’s got the perfect mix of romance, humor, and festive magic. The enemies-to-lovers vibe is spot on, and the quirky characters really pull you in. Plus, the Christmas-y setting makes it feel so cozy and magical. If you’re looking for a lighthearted, feel-good book to get you in the holiday spirit, this one’s a great pick!

Thank you to NetGalley for this ARC. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

This is a fake engagement, work romance with a magical twist. This was a very quick and easy read. I thought concept was interesting but wasn't really sold on the romance of this. In fact in seemed pretty non existent. The characters were nice enough I just wanted to know more about them. The pacing was awkward in places and there was a lot of this world that did not add up.

Overall cute and simple story, it just needed better execution.

The Naughty or Nice Clause was the perfect holiday romance this Christmas season! What started as an enemies to lovers office romance, turns into a romance perfect for the holidays! I enjoyed reading this book and wished I would have read it sooner. I recommend this book to everyone looking for a cute holiday romance!

🎅Book Review:
Title: The Naughty Or Nice Clause
Author: Kate Callaghan
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️/3 stars

I guess it would be pretty shocking to know that your coworker that you loathe is next in line to be Santa Clause, right?
Lyla Smurfit- 26 years old, part owner 49%, has a cat named Jones
Sam - her assistant
Mr. Mason Klaus canceled an annual Christmas party, shut down a toy factory, owns 51% of the company, 31 years old, financial advisor
Lyla still has a Christmas party but is paid for out of her pocket
Mason gets drunk night of office party, received letter that his father passed? Lyla makes sure he makes it home safely
A fire takes place in the office after Lyla left with Mason
Lyla goes to visit Mason's family as a payback for the fire
Mason uses a magic bell to transport them to Yule, the North Pole
Smurfit Toys Unlimited
Louise "Lou"- Mason's sister
Kevin- Mason's brother
These are my notes ⬆️⬆️

Published: November 8th, 2022

Thank you, @netgalley and #callaghanwriter, for the ARC in exchange for my honest review!

The Naughty or Nice Clause by Kate Callaghan

I received an advance review copy for free thanks to NetGalley and Callaghan Writer and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

Blurb

Being Naughty Has Never Been So Nice!

When Lyla’s father retired as CEO of the toy company which has been in their family for generations, she was meant to receive his shares. Instead, she discovers the company is bankrupt and her father has given her shares to Mason Klaus, an investor known in the corporate world for his cold and callous nature. Much to Lyla’s frustration, her only option is to run the company with him, despite their evident loathing for one another.

When Mason cancels the annual Christmas party, Lyla throws it anyway – only for the event of the season to result in a terrible fire. With the offices and Lyla’s credibility ruined, Mason offers her a deal: he’ll forget her part in the disaster, but she must join his family for the twelve days of their Christmas holidays.

Taken to a fantastical winter wonderland, Lyla hopes that she might discover some of the secrets Mr Klaus is hiding, and maybe even a way to get her company back. However, when Mason introduces her to the secret village as his fiancée, she is horrified to realise she has no choice but to go along with the pretence – because the cost of bringing an outsider to their magical land is far too high.

Can Lyla resist the devilishly handsome Mr Klaus and the enchanting village to win back her company, or will she give into temptation?

My Opinion

I am now regretting the fact that it has taken me so long to get around to reading this book. This was a cute, quick read. When Mason takes Lyla home for the holidays, it is not what she imagined. Kate Callaghan has written a Christmas book that has an interesting twist. I really enjoyed seeing how the relationship between Mason and Lyla developed as the book went on.

Rating 4/5

After giving out the 'we can't stand each other' vibes initially, I found the sudden attraction and ensuing romance between the protagonists Mason Klaus and Lyla Smurfit rushed and unconvincing.

However, I absolutely fell in love with the Village of Yule, hidden away in the North Pole and the people living in it 🩵🤍❤️💚! It was everything a winter wonderland should be 🎅❄️🎄☃️🤶!

The cover design is cute as well 😍.

My thanks to NetGalley, the publishers CallaghanWriter/IBPA/BooksGoSocial and the author Kate Callaghan for the e-ARC of the book.

Rating: 🌟🌟🌟✨💫

This was such a delightful read! From the very first moment I was invested, and I delighted in the antica of the main character. I went in blank so I didn't know what to expect, but I loved the turn it took! Definitely a festive read I can recommend for the season!

While I felt that it started out a bit slow, I persisted and was happy that I did. The story was very sweet for the Christmas season. I began with really love the characters and the setting was magical. A cute, short read for the holidays! I would recommend this title to anyone wanting to get it the Christmas spirit. After finishing, I immediately started reading the author's next book also set in Yule.

this books it was such a funny story perfect for holidays. the characthers make me happy and they deserve everything lol. like it was actually so funny couldn't; stop laughing

This is a delightful fit for readers who adore lighthearted, emotional, and romantic tales of fake dating, Christmas magic, and enemies-to-lovers romance, with a dash of fantasy and a guaranteed happily-ever-after.

I read about 55% and couldn't get into the story and
didn't feel anything about the characters. So I am going
to dnf this book!

Stars 🌟 🌟🌟
Spice 🌶

Sweet little holiday romance. Magic system and take on Santa was unique and fun. It was a little rushed, and possibly a bit better character development as they seems to just do a 180 towards the end. But overall a nice story to enjoy during the season.

If you love Hallmark Christmas movies, come sit over here! This is a wonderful holiday rom-com novel. It was a nice and fast read. I'll definitely dive in again this year.

In "The Naughty or Nice Clause", the author masterfully weaves a delightful tale of rivalry, romance, and holiday magic against a picturesque winter backdrop. The story centers on two ambitious colleagues, Lyla and Mason, who find themselves in a fierce competition.

The setting is beautifully described, with the enchanting winter wonderland serving as a perfect backdrop for their escalating tension and undeniable chemistry. The author captures the festive spirit with vivid imagery, making readers feel as if they are walking through snow-laden streets adorned with twinkling lights.

Lyla is portrayed as a strong, determined character who is not afraid to go after what she wants, while Mason, with his charm and wit, presents a worthy adversary. Their playful banter and competitive nature add a layer of tension that keeps readers engaged. As they navigate office politics and holiday festivities, the story explores themes of ambition, personal growth, and the unexpected nature of love.

The romance develops organically, with moments that are both heartwarming and humorous. The supporting cast, including quirky coworkers and a wise mentor, adds depth and lightness to the narrative.

Overall, "The Naughty or Nice Clause" is a delightful read that balances the competitive spirit of the workplace with the warmth of holiday romance. It’s a perfect choice for anyone looking to escape into a charming, festive story filled with love and laughter. Whether you're a fan of office romances or just in need of some holiday cheer, this book is sure to warm your heart.

Absolutely loved this book, could not put it down, i had to read it to the end to see what happens. Kept me going and absolutely loved the story. The way Lyla clashes with Mason all the time, yet the attraction is there you can feel it. The cancelled Christmas party was so funny and the fire all because of a pizza had me in stitches at one stage, but the fact it brought them together was fab. Loved loved loved the book can not wait to read the next one.

I am here for every book that makes me think of Hallmark movies, and this one did just that. All the things Christmas in every way plot-wise, silly and adorable.

This book was a cute quick holiday read. It was like a cozy cute hallmark movie in a book! Thank you for the opportunity to read this book!

A cute, quick holiday read. I enjoy enemies to lovers, but these characters could've used a touch more chemistry. Would probably make a good Hallmark Christmas movie.

The Naughty Or Nice Clause plunges readers into a festive blend of romance and corporate intrigue, set against the enchanting backdrop of a winter wonderland. The plot centers on Lyla, who is thrust into an unexpected partnership with the cold and calculating Mason Klaus after her father’s unexpected retirement and the shocking revelation that the family toy company is bankrupt. The tension between Lyla and Mason is palpable, especially after Mason cancels the beloved annual Christmas party, prompting Lyla to defy him and throw the event anyway—leading to a disastrous fire. This catastrophe forces Lyla into an uncomfortable deal with Mason, which includes spending twelve days with his family in a magical winter village, under the guise of being his fiancée. The plot thickens with secrets, pretenses, and a simmering attraction that adds a spicy twist to the traditional holiday romance narrative.

While the story has echoes of familiar romantic tropes—enemies to lovers, forced proximity, and a dash of fake dating—The Naughty Or Nice Clause distinguishes itself with its cozy, festive atmosphere. The magical winter village where Mason’s family resides adds an element of wonder and charm, reminiscent of classic holiday tales. The novel’s setting and seasonal spirit make it an ideal read for the holidays, wrapping readers in a warm, comforting embrace. The interplay between Lyla and Mason, along with the cozy, festive elements, offers a delightful escape, making this book a charming addition to any holiday reading list.

This book was a cute quick holiday read. Reminded me of a spin of The Santa Clause with a bit of romance.
When Lyla’s father retires she thought she would be given her shares from the toy store that has been in her family for many generations. Instead he sells shares to Mason Klaus.
Enemies to lovers is one of my favorite tropes. I just didn’t feel much chemistry between the characters.
This also had some of my other favorite tropes, fake dating and small town romance.. This definitely reminds me of a Hallmark movie!

Thank you NetGalley and Kate Callaghan for this eARC in exchange for my honest review.