The Naughty Or Nice Clause

Lyla and Mason are co-CEOs of a toy company, but Lyla has pinned Mason as her enemy since the day he came with 51% of the company’s shares. They butt heads at every decision, including the one to cancel the annual Christmas party. Lyla has it anyway and a fire breaks out, closing the offices over Christmas. As punishment for this, Mason convinces her to come home to visit his family, only she doesn’t know he’s an actual Klaus of the North Pole kind.

Mason’s family of characters are well-written, and perhaps even too well-written, as I found Mrs. Klaus and Mason’s siblings to be far more entertaining and charming than the two main characters. Lyla and Mason’s enemies to lovers story was at times hard to follow. I also couldn’t get a good read of Lyla as a character until halfway through the book.

Overall I thought it was a charming story with a fun twist on the North Pole and Santa.

I don’t know why this book doesn’t have a higher rating. I absolutely LOVED this book. I was so sad when it ended I immediately TBR’ed the next book in the series and started reading another book by Callaghan.

In this novel we follow Lyla and Mason. They are work rivals where he falls first. When Mason receives a letter from his sister informing him his father died and he should come home for Christmas, he asks Lyla to come as a friend. However, he immediately introduces her as his fiancée. With a bit of magic, this book has many twists and turns that will put you in the Christmas spirit.

I will be the first to admit I didn’t know there would be magic realism in this book. I’m a huge fan of magical realism when it is done properly (think Ashley Poston, Andrea Lochen, and Sarah Ready), and this magic was sheer perfection.

I have so many things I could name that I loved about this book: the setting, the characters, the slow enemies to lovers vibes, and all the Christmas things.

I loved that Santa Claus wasn’t the cliche Santa. The spin on this was so unique. Chef’s kiss!

The only thing that could have improved this novel was a bigger gap between the third act breakup and them making up. Sure I was jumping in my seat when they got back together but it was a bit too quick. Otherwise, I loved this book and can’t wait to dive back into this world.

*An ARC was received in exchange for an honest review. You need to buy this book and read it if you love Christmas, magic, and happily ever after!

I fell into the North Pole (Yule) with ease thanks to the supremely simple world building this book affords. I honestly loved the Yule portion of this book more than the opening that took place in the real world. I fell in love with the found family and can't wait to revisit the Village in future books. This had all the Christmas feels without feeling needlessly childish. This is definitely one to add to your Christmas TBR. Spice 1/5

Review copy provided by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

This book gave all the sweet Christmas feels! I loved the characters and how the story played out. Such a good one!

Oh, what a romance with just a twinkle of Christmas magic.
The romance in this was everything. I loved it. They really take center stage. It’s all about them together and separately. They have such a great enemies-to-lovers relationship. They butt heads, and it never stops.
The Christmas magic was such a great element to the story. It added some mystery to how everything works. The Christmas element felt more of a setting than a Santa Clause-focused story, like many Christmastime movies. Which is great! I liked that it didn’t overtake their story; it was just a part of it.

Oh, I would have loved for Natalie to have a little more consequences. She needs her comeuppance.

Lyla is part of a family that has run a toy company for generations. She inherits a bankrupt company and no shares, and must resign herself to helping run the company with a corporate, no-nonsense type named Mason. The two do not hit it off, and are at odds about numerous aspects of the company's culture and mission. Mason decides to cancel the Christmas party, and in turn Lyla keeps the party on - but then, a terrible fire results from the party. Mason offers her a deal - he will forget what happened, but she must join his family for numerous days of Christmas festivities. Lyla agrees, in the hopes of figuring out how she can get the company back - but then, Mason introduces her as his fiancé, which upends everything.

I just loved the descriptions in this book; the scene setting was really superb, and I felt like I was present. Plus, I loved the twist of Mason's family! Read the book to understand more!!

Thank you to NetGalley and BooksGoSocial for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

This was such a cute Christmas love story. I didn’t want to put it down at all…and it had me in a Christmas mood in September. This is definitely one to pick up when you’re looking for that Christmas feel.

This book has it all - a Christmas story, more than a bit of magic, enemies to lovers, corporate jealousy, a grieving family brought back together and a nasty former girlfriend.

It reminded me a fair bit of The Santa Clause movies, except for the sexy parts. I enjoyed it a lot.

A cute and cozy Christmas love story, this was such a great book that put me in the mood for eggnog and Christmas ornaments! The writing was great and you can't go wrong with an enemies-to-lovers trope.

Oh what a fun Christmas fantasy read! I truly enjoyed the romance though not like the Hallmark movies but cute enough to say “aww.” I was not expecting the special trip to Yule (the North Pole) but I was my favorite part especially with the amazing descriptions, I wanted to be there!

This novel has so much: a enemy to lovers romance, the love between family and that anything is possible when you just believe.

I recommend this read to anyone, especially if you love a good Christmas theme book with a sprinkle of realism.📚
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(thank you @netgalley for the ACR copy!

This one has been on my TBR for so long and it was so stinking cute! I really enjoyed the banter between Lyla & Mason, and I can't wait to read the second book 😍

Is it too early to read Christmas books? Yes. Do I care? Absolutely not!! You know how you know it’s a good book? That you can read it year round and still love it and feel the warmth of the authors story and the spirit of the holiday.

Thank you to netgalley for sending me a copy of The Naughty Or Nice Clause in exchange for an honest review. This book was so cute and the perfect way to get into the holiday spirit. The setting felt so real and just made me want to cuddle up in front of the fire with a hot chocolate. The relationship development was real and believable, I will definitely be picking up more from this author.

Very cute Christmas story!
I think I’ll buy the book and read it again during the holiday season!
It really surprised me, I didn’t think it would be so good, I loved it!🤩
Thank you to NetGalley, the author, and the publisher for the opportunity to read this book!

Love,love loved this book! It was so atmospheric I felt really Christmassy whilst reading this. I noticed this is book 1, can't wait to read book 2. Would definitely recommend

Layla Smurfit loves working at the toy company that was set up by her Grandfather. But it would be even better if she didn’t have to work with Mason Klaus, the co-owner who bought her Father’s shares to save the company from financial ruin.
Mason has had to make some tough decisions to save money but cancelling the Christmas party is the final straw for Leyla. She goes ahead with the party anyway but when it ends in disaster, Layla knows it’s all her fault.
Mason agrees to forget about what happened if Layla will go with him to his family home for Christmas.
Layla agrees, but his home is not at all what she expected and Mason is a totally different person there. As the magic of the village and the warmth of Manson’s family wrap themselves around her, Layla finds herself having to make a decision she never expected to face.
This is a lovely book, full of the warmth and magic of Christmas. So, follow Layla and embrace the village of Yule.

A fun holiday read! It totally gave me the Hallmark movie feels in the best possible way. I loved the romance and magical Santa twist! Excellent!

this was such a sweet holiday romance! I loved the whole idea of this story and im so glad i picked this one up! Lyla and Mason had a rough start but i loved the way their story progressed. If you are looking for a sweet christmas read i highly recommend picking this one up!

I was looking for a light hearted book to while away a few hours. I saw this on one NetGalley and was lucky enough to get it.

It's the first book I've read by Kate Callaghan, but I'll look out for more of her books. Lyla runs her grandfather's business, making toys for the Christmas Market. The business isn't doing very well and her father (off on his 4th honeymoon) sells 51% of the shares to Mason Klaus, who comes along like the proverbial hatchet man. When Lyla finds out that Mason has cancelled the Christmas party, she decides to give the staff a party, paid for by herself. However, it doesn't go smoothly and Mason is able to blackmail her into helping him, by going to his village as his fiance.

What happens is the enemy's to lovers scenario, but set in a fabulous backdrop of Masons village. A great cosy, feel good read, one I'll reread nearer Christmas as I love stories about Christmas.

Break out the hot cocoa and mistletoe! This book puts you in the Christmas spirit with a lovely story that is whimsical and romantic. The characters are well done and the story unique. I am looking forward to more in this series. I received an e-book from NetGalley in return for an unbiased review.

This was such a cute rom-com! I love all things Christmas, holidays and the season.

Lyla and Mason unfortunately have to work together and he is her new supervisor. What Lyla doesn't know is that Mason is St Nick JR and is from the North Pole. This book gives you the warm and fuzzy vibes and I enjoyed getting to know all about the "fantasy" North Pole. This was a cute and quick read but not much spice. It was more banter and sizzle like you could tell they were getting to like each other and hinted at this. If you like cozy and Christmas vibes this is a cute story that you will enjoy.

~ Enemies to Lovers
~ Small Town Romance
~ Fake Dating

The Naughty or Nice Clause is a very cute enemies to lovers romance with that cozy hallmark feeling. This book captures the magic of Christmas so perfectly.

Thank you NetGalley for the arc of this book.

**There may be some spoilers in this review**

The Naughty or Nice Clause is a delightful holiday romance that brings warmth, charm, and a touch of magic to the festive season. Kate Callaghan crafts a fun and engaging story with quirky characters, witty dialogue, and just the right amount of holiday cheer. The slow-burn romance between the leads is heartwarming, showing how right they can be for one another, and the unique twist on the Santa Claus legend adds an enchanting layer to the plot.

The characters were easily loveable and Callaghan's writing showed the family spirit between the Klauses and how they welcomed Lyla with open arms. However, I feel like the last couple of chapters were a little rushed and that their argument which resulted in her leaving was resolved a bit quick. I think we could have done with a bit of dual pov on seeing Mason and his family after Lyla had to leave Yule and seeing what they said to him to go get her back.

While some parts felt a bit predictable, it's a perfect cozy read to get you in the Christmas spirit!

Lyla and Klaus have been work rivals since he bought her father's share of her family company a year ago. Furious that he has decided to cancel this year's Christmas party, she decides to change plans and have a party in the office. During the party, Lyla finds Klaus in his office drunk after finding out that his estranged father has passed away. Now his sister has asked him to return home and he plans to go through with it. Lyla noticing how drunk he is decides to help him get home since she couldn't in good conscience leave him there drunk. But in doing this leaves the office party unattended and that has unexpected consequences. Since Klaus is paying for the damage from the party, he says that Lyla has to accompany him home to be even. When she arrives at his home, she finds out that home is the North Pole, or Yule, and that she has been working with Santa Claus' son all this time. Lyla finds out more and more about Mason Klaus, which changes her opinion of him and has her falling for him unexpectedly. It was a fun, inventive and interesting read. I really enjoyed it and couldn't put it down when I got started with it.

Lyla is forced to share her portion of her father's inherited company with Mason Klaus, an investor that is known for being chilly and uncaring socially when it comes to how he runs his company. I mean, how could you argue the goodness of anyone who schedules work meetings for the Christmas holiday? Truly and unfortunately so yucky and shameful. Of course, these two cannot stand each other- it is evident that not many can withstand Klaus, per the entire premise of this book of course.
The Christmas party is CANCELED- but Lyla says no, we're partying regardless. Then- a fire erupts! Literally and emotionally, corporately etc. Mason promises her forgiveness on one condition- she follows along with his family to celebrate the 12 Days of Christmas. She agrees, reluctantly, but is immediately introduced as his fiancee. What is the cost if she doesn't follow along with his ruse? This is a certified HEA, and it is indeed lovely.
The characters are so cute- I LOVE the grumpy/ sunshine trope, even for a reader who typically never chooses romance. As Christmas is my favorite, I love cozying up with one as soon as the weather gets cool enough in my southern state to do so. The romance aspect left some to be desired, ,so I am rating this a four. The premise is unique, fun, delightful, and the town is so charming and cozy to me.
Plentiful thanks to the author and publisher for allowing me the eARC!

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🎄❤️ **The Naughty or Nice Clause** by Kate Callaghan ❤️🎄

*A delightful holiday romance filled with magic, mischief, and just the right amount of spice to make your Christmas cozy and bright!*

🌟🎅 **Review:** 🎅🌟

*The Naughty or Nice Clause* by Kate Callaghan is the perfect holiday romance for anyone looking to escape into a world where Christmas magic, romance, and a dash of mischief reign supreme. Callaghan brings the holiday spirit to life in this festive, feel-good story with characters that are both charming and unforgettable.

The story follows our protagonist, a woman struggling to keep her family business afloat during the holiday season, when a mysterious and handsome stranger with an irresistible offer appears. However, this stranger may be more than meets the eye, and soon enough, our heroine is caught in a whirlwind of holiday magic, a touch of danger, and a heartwarming romance that will leave readers swooning.

Kate Callaghan weaves together humor, holiday cheer, and romance in a way that will make even the biggest Scrooge feel the warmth of the season. The chemistry between the main characters is electric, the banter is sharp, and the magical elements add just enough whimsy to keep you turning the pages.

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🌟 **Highlights:** 🌟
- **Holiday Romance**: Filled with festive cheer, mistletoe moments, and Christmas magic.
- **Engaging Characters**: Both the leads and the supporting cast are brimming with personality.
- **Romantic & Playful**: A perfect blend of romance and humor with a magical twist.

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💌 **Favorite Quote:**
*"Christmas isn’t about the gifts under the tree, it’s about the magic in our hearts—and finding someone who believes in it just as much as you do."* - A reminder of the magic that love can bring, especially during the holiday season.

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🌟 **Rating:** 🌟
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (4 stars)

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If you’re a fan of Christmas romances with a twist of magic and plenty of heart, *The Naughty or Nice Clause* will surely become a holiday favorite. Kate Callaghan has crafted a wonderfully cozy and enchanting read that’s perfect for curling up with by the fire.

See more reviews at:
<a href="https://www.caslareads.com">Casla Reads</a>

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Thanks to Netgalley and the author for an eARC. Lyla wants to run her family company but when the company was in trouble Mr. Klaus came on to help. They argue about how to run the company and Lyla wants him gone. In his moment of need Lyla agrees to help him by going home with him for the holidays. She didn’t realize that meant going to a magical village and finding out there is more to Mr. Klaus than she first thought. A cute Christmas romance with magic, arguing co-workers, and healing from family pain. Enjoyed this cute story and can’t wait to read the next one.

This was a really cute, quick read, Christmas romance. A simple, feel-good story for a little boost of holiday spirit.

As co-owners of a toy company, Lyla and Mason are total opposites that constantly clash in the workplace. When Mason unexpectedly asks Lyla for help when he needs to visit his family, she reluctantly agrees with no idea of what she's getting herself into.

With Lyla's dream of running the company on the line, she thinks helping with Mason's family is a way for everyone to get what they want. But she doesn't expect her heart to be at risk in the process.

The ending felt a bit rushed to me, but that also wasn't surprising for this type of story and being a fairly short book. Overall, a very enjoyable cozy holiday romance.

Read if you like:
- workplace rivals
- fake fiancée
- Christmas cheer
- happily ever after

This book had everything I could ever want from a book in it! It was cozy, Christmasy, fantasy, romance with fake dating, forced proximity AND enemies to lovers all in one!!!! Perfect Holiday read!

I enjoyed reading the Naughty Or Nice Clause by Kate Callaghan. You will fall in love with all the characters. I received an ARC of this book courtesy of NetGalley and the publisher. All opinions expressed in this review are my own and given freely. Happy Reading!

A fairly decent Christmas themed tale. More enemies to lovers than romance so if you like that trope you’d be into it. Found family, squabbling exes, strange magic. This book has a lot in one package. My only gripe would be the tiny amount of spice in the book was awkward and seemed forced rather than natural and romantic.

Thank you NetGalley and publisher for this ARC!!

I LIVED this Christmas book!! I loved the magical feel of it! I loved the romance! I loved the setting of Yule! What a great book! I couldn’t put it down!! On to my next Yule book!!

I can't believe I missed out on “The Naughty or Nice Clause” when it first came out! Where was I? Now that I’ve finally read it, I can wholeheartedly say it was worth the wait.

The story follows Mason Klaus, a man estranged from his magical hometown of Yule. After leaving years ago to build his own life in the city, he’s forced to return home for the Christmas season following his father’s passing. To make matters more interesting, Mason asks his co-CEO and professional rival, Lyla Smurfit, to join him in Yule — despite the complications that bringing an outsider to this enchanted town might cause.

Lyla has never been particularly fond of Mason. Since the day he stepped into her family’s business, she’s viewed him as an insufferable opponent who constantly challenges her decisions. Yet, when Mason pleads for her to accompany him to Yule during this difficult time, she reluctantly agrees. What follows is a heartwarming journey where the festive magic of Yule, and the Christmas season itself, start to reveal the layers beneath their icy professional relationship. Can the season work its magic to bring these two closer?

I wish I’d discovered this book sooner! I’ve always been a fan of brooding, mysterious male characters whose cold exterior slowly melts when the right person enters their life. Mason fits this mold perfectly — he’s protective of Lyla, and while they often clash over business and personal choices, he is quick to forgive and is always looking out for her well-being.

One of the more profound aspects of the book is its exploration of familial responsibilities and how they can sometimes conflict with personal dreams. This theme is deeply relatable, as many readers will empathize with the challenge of balancing obligations to loved ones while staying true to their own ambitions.

And of course, there's something magical about Christmas-themed stories. They bring joy and anticipation for the holiday season, which is already the most wonderful time of the year. Add in a blossoming romance amid festive cheer and last-minute holiday chaos, and you’ve got a winning combination.

A big thank you to Kate Callaghan for bringing “The Naughty or Nice Clause” to NetGalley once again. I truly enjoyed diving into Mason and Lyla’s story and am excited to explore the next installment of the Village of Yule series.

If you love Christmas-themed stories, magical towns, fake engagements, and the enemies-to-lovers trope, then “The Naughty or Nice Clause” is a must-read. It will charm you from the very first page and leave you smiling all the way to the last, making you wish you could visit Yule yourself!

Lyla and Mason can't stand each other. But when Mason gets a call to go home to the North Pole he takes Lyla with him. Did I mention that Mason's last name is Klaus? Cute Christmas story.

This was a cute and fun holiday read with some
Magical realism which is my fav! Super cute cover, likeable characters, Christmas magic. Loved!

Very cute holiday lit with some new twists. I loved the fact that there was diversity but it wasn't the focus -- it just was. Much more like life than when books usually attempt these things.

What a fun take on Santa Claus and turning it into a whimsical, cozy, magical romance. I absolutely loved this and will be recommending it to everyone for the Christmas season!! Faked engagement, workplace enemies to lovers, forced proximity when she has to spend 12 days of Christmas up at (dare I say the North Pole) with Mr Klaus - this was so fun. I can't wait to get a physical copy in my hands and make videos about this for Christmas must-reads!

Thank you to NetGalley for this eARC in exchange for an honest review.

What a great novel for Christmas. It’s a fun enemies to lovers romance set in a place called Yule . Great take on Santa clause. My only issue? I’m not keen on the cover !

First of all thank you for approving my request!

I thoroughly enjoyed this book! The authors writing style had me hooked throughout this book.

I didn't want it to end, a book I really couldn't put down.

What a precious Christmas novel! I loved the characters and the storyline. I cannot wait to read the next in the series!

I loved The Naughty and Nice Clause from the very beginning. The enemy to lover story between Lyla and Mason was a fun banter back and forth. The characters were perfect. The description of Yule brought the reader right into the heart of the fantasy town. I would recommend reading for a fun Holiday read.
Thank you to NetGalley , BooksGoSocial and Kate Callaghan for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Slightly spicy male female enemies to lovers fake dating contemporary romance with a slight fantasy aspect. Cute and cozy with a Hallmark vibe. The main characters had fun chemistry and this was a quick read. The second standalone book in this interconnected series will be out in November.

This has all of the tropes!
This was like a sexy hallmark movie and I was living for it.
I loved how there was LGBTQ and disability representation. It always makes a book feel more inclusive.
It's my first book by this author, but will certainly not be my last!
I am a sucker for a christmas romance and this had. It. All.

Felt very very much like a spicy hallmark movie, which isn't always my vibe but for a cute mood read this is the perfect place to look. The forced office enemies to lovers is written SO well and its a classic bundle of xmas joy vs the grinch himself. I love that it ends with a nice HEA. Lyla is a very well written independent traumatized FMC against Mason, a very grumpy scrooge. It was hard for me to put down I wanted to soak up the holiday vibes.

The Naughty or Nice Clause is the perfect Christmas read! If you love an enemies-to-lovers romance with a Hallmark feel and a dash of magic, this book is for you. Mr. Klaus is the silent, powerful co-CEO striving to keep the family company afloat, while Layla is fiercely determined to reclaim what she believes is rightfully hers. After a wild twist of fate, Layla gets pulled into helping Nick (Mr. Klaus) on a journey home, where she begins to see a completely different side of him. Their rivalry slowly melts into understanding and, eventually, love. Full of warmth, family, and learning to let go of the past, this heartwarming story is a perfect holiday escape.

I couldn’t put this book down! Definitely a must read for Christmas lovers! This is a beautifully crafted novel that captures the simple joys of the holiday season, family, and love.

I simply had to read this first as I was asked to review book 2 - Tis the season for secrets by NetGalley.

Such a cute festive story and as I say NEVER too early for a festive read even in an Indian summer.

This was a fun, quick read. Lyla a lover of Christmas (same here) she is the daughter of a retired Chief Executive of a toy company. She was supposed to recieve shares in this toy company but bah humbug her father leaves these to Mason Klaus - who surprise surprises loathes the festive season.

Things get worse as Mason cancels the companys Christmas party! but in another twist Lyla decides to spend the festive season with his family!! in another twist she is transported to a village called Yule.

All quite strange especially as she cannot stand Mason, so will this be the chance to get her shares back- well read this festive book magical and unusal.

The is a cute holiday book. Thank you to Netgalley for this ebook to read and review! This is a standalone romance book. The female main character owns part of the toy company with Mason. During a Christmas party there was a fire causing a lot of damage, and damage equals money. Mason strikes a bargain with Lyla to pay for the damages but it includes fake dating... What could go wrong? Mason holds some secrets that Lyla uncovers during this fake holiday romance while visiting his family in the North Pole! Will she keep the secrets and continue with her part of the bargain or will she come clean they are not in a relationship?

This was really cute! I really enjoyed Lyla and Masons banter. It was on point from their first meeting.

I liked the almost magical vibes here- they end up in Yule, which is basically the North Pole. And Mason has some… ties to being Santa. Lyla has to pretend they are engaged to be able to stay. Like, what a fun premise!

The town of Yule was so cute. I could almost picture it. I loved how welcoming his family (and most of the town) was to Lyla. She also as able to help Mason get through the struggles of losing his father and taking up a new position.

I can’t wait to see where we go next with the village of Yule!

Kate Callaghan's The Naughty or Nice Clause is a delightful, whimsical holiday romance that brings magic, humour, and a touch of Christmas spirit to life. Set against the backdrop of the holiday season, the story blends festive charm with fantasy elements, creating a unique Christmas tale that departs from the usual.

The novel follows the protagonist, Lyla Smurfit, who finds herself in a rather unusual situation. Her family’s toy company is on the brink of collapse, and as a last-ditch effort, she is forced to sign a contract that binds her to the company’s mysterious new owner, Mason Klaus. There’s a catch: to save the business, she must travel to the North Pole and marry Mason. What follows is a magical and romantic adventure, as Lyla navigates the strange, wintry world of the North Pole, filled with elves, reindeer, and a very different take on Santa Claus.

Lyla is a relatable heroine, combining practicality with a sense of adventure. Her personal growth throughout the novel, from a sceptical, work-focused woman to someone who embraces the magic around her, is heart warming. Mason Klaus, her love interest, is a brooding, enigmatic character with a softer side that is revealed as the story progresses. The chemistry between the two leads is slow-burn and engaging, and their interactions are a blend of banter, tension, and romance.

At its heart, The Naughty or Nice Clause is a fun holiday romance, but it also touches on deeper themes of trust, personal sacrifice, and family loyalty. Callaghan adds a dash of fairy-tale magic to the usual romantic formula, infusing the novel with a sense of wonder and holiday cheer. The tone is light-hearted and whimsical, with a few moments of emotional depth to balance out the festive fun.

A nice and entertaining mix of fantasy and rom-com, it made me smile and I had fun.
It's well plotted, the world building is well done, and I rooted for the characters.
Recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher for this arc, all opinions are mine

Oh, what a wintery read! The Naughty or Nice Clause by Kate Callaghan is the first novel in the enticing new Village of Yule series.
As you would expect from a romantic-comedy there are plenty of humorous moments, especially when Lyda meets Mason's family and has to pretend to be his fiancée- no stress, eh?
Also, I loved the descriptions of Yule, as it is truly the village of my dreams. Honestly, as I was in my perfect dreamworld while reading this book. The author creates such a brilliant vision of Yule.
The Naughty or Nice Clause does work well as a standalone, but I'm sure that all readers (just like myself), will look forward to making the return journey to Yule in "Tis The Season For Secrets", which is out in November.

First love the name and cover is was so Christmassy
I really enjoyed it
Lovely sweet Christmas story with a beautiful setting
I adored the characters.

I really enjoyed this book! The characters and the plot are very well written and the story was interesting and thought out well. I would definitely recommend this book to my audience and friends.

I received this book on Netgalley, first and foremost! Thank you to Ms. Callaghan for such a lovely opportunity 😊

Secondly, and most importantly: this book was wonderful. I loved the switch of a Klaus being a fuddy-duddy during the Christmas holidays, only to take over a big corporate business and find romance along the way.

Lyla was a strong character I really connected with. I loved how we got to see her own grief mirrored in Mason, and how he slowly opened himself up while he was home. Though I didn't like him at first, he definitely grew on me, and I was rooting for them by the end of the novel. I also really enjoyed, as other reviewers have pointed out, the LGBT+ representation and the disability representation. It was unexpected but wholly sat as a piece of the text, rather than a one-off or "tokenism."

Overall, such a good romance with strong characters and a good plot, one I devoured in a few days. However, I'd be mindful that it does talk about parental death and estranged/strained familial relationships for both characters.

I thought this book was super cute and had all the holiday feels that I love! I'm excited that this book is the first in a series, because I also love a great series! I also appreciated the LGBTQIA+ representation, bringing this story to our current times, which was refreshing. Kudos to the author!

This was a perfect sweet festive story. It had everything you could possibly want in a Christmas book. It follows Mason and Lyla. Working together at a toy company when Mason gets word of a death in his family. Mason tricks Lyla into coming home with him for the holiday as his fake fiancé. There’s twists, turns, sweet and spicy and even a bit of magic. It was so fun to be in the world of Yule and get all he feelings of Christmas that you sometimes loose as an adult.

Mason now owns the majority share of Lyla's family's toy company- and she could not be more frustrated by their differing managerial styles. Soon, though, the two end up in the magical village of Yule together, faking an engagement, while Lyla learns about the Clauses, the town, and Mason himself.

The story is lighthearted and silly. There's not much depth, but there are twinkles of Christmas magic. It was a fun read-even in early September-and I most enjoyed the family dynamics.

Overall: 4 stars

**Thank you to NetGalley & BooksGoSocial for the free ARC. All opinions expressed are my own.**

Did I read this book in damn near 80 degree weather? Yes. Did I eat it up and wish for Christmas? Also YES. 🧑‍🎄🎄💚

The rivals --> lovers trope will eat EVERY TIME for me and this was so fun. ALSO fake dating (engagement) is one of my favs also so you know I was gonna have a good time.
This story was actually so cute, funny, and had such an original plot! I loved it. There was definitely some depth missing and there was just some things that left me wanting more, but overall I had a great time. Mason and Lyla had incredible tension, banter, and cuteness. I loved it.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Netgalley, and all thoughts are my own. 🧑‍🎄🎄💚

Lyla inherits a bankrupt toy company and finds out her father gave 51 percent of the shares to Lyla's enemy. they must learn to work together to make the company a success.

This is like the Polar Express for Romance Fans. Instead of a train, there is a bell magically transporting people. And instead of wolves prowling by a train, that hint of danger comes from the Christmas People themselves! No one is supposed to know about them unless they’re part of the community.

Fun story that took me in an unexpected direction.

I was expecting a lot more spice but it was still very nice

Lyla has always dreamed of taking over her family toy company. But when her father retires and sells his shares to Klaus, the biggest scrooge, she can’t help but hate him- especially when he cancels the staff Christmas party without talking to her. Determined to keep the spirit alive, she decides to throw it anyway, but when she finds him drunk and upset in his office, she sneaks him out early and the office catches fire.

With the office closed, and Klaus needing to return home for his father’s funeral, he brings her with him in exchange for forgiving her part in the office fire. To her shock, he introduces her as his fiance. With the risk of the truth being found out having her memory wiped, Lyla realizes she might be able to use this as leverage to get her company back, but when a kiss leads to her wanting more, maybe Klaus isn’t the Scrooge she initially thought he was.

A perfect holiday read for those who love enemies to lovers x fake dating x magical location x he falls first.

Review-Book Provided by NetGalley
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This is the type of Christmas movie I wish Hallmark was making. The North Pole or “Yule” setting was wonderfully set up and dazzlingly described. Both main characters were fun to get to know and characteristics and flaws that can be relatable to most readers. Yule reminded me so much of Schitt’s Creek, in the way that it’s a small town with a crazy cast of characters who support each other when the going gets tough. I cannot wait to venture back to Yule in Kate Callaghan’s next book.
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Thank you to NetGalley and Kate Callaghan for giving me an opportunity to read this book for a review.

Oh I love the Christmas season and this book gave me all the feeling of it, Lyla is co-CEO of a toy company being Mr. Klaus. the majority shareholder has all the power to make changes, changes that Lyla doesn't like, and one in particular is the one that makes her pretend to be "engaged" in front of his family, Klaus (Mason) is like a Christmas Grinch, but he has his reasons and when he takes Lyla to Yule, a magical Christmas town hidden between the mountains of the North Pole, everything makes sense (let's see, without giving you spoilers, I think it's obvious, right? ), especially when they want him to take the place of her father, with whom he did not have a good relationship. The story of this couple is like a love-hate relationship between these two because they become friends but they still have that kind of surly attitude between them, I liked the scenes between the two of them, I liked his family giving a good welcome to Lyla. There is a bit of drama, but it doesn't take away from how nice it was, a light read, perfect for the Christmas season (let's see, I want to live in this town, please).

📌I received an e-copy through netgalley, and this is my honest opinion/review of it.

I would love to live in the town of Yule. It felt so idyllic.

The characters felt really real, I totally understood their reasoning for the things they do.

An enjoyable festive read to cosy down with. The description of the town of Yule was possibly my favourite bit - I would definitely like to live there myself. There was some nice diversity of characters - his sister being in a same-sex relationship for example. However it was a bit ridiculous that Klaus 'magicked' Lyla to a snowy place in her pjs!

**Thanks to NetGalley, the publisher and author for the opportunity to read an advanced e-copy of this book. All opinions are my own **

This was a fun book to read! Read it just in time for the weather to start getting cold, which was the perfect time. Very nice and cozy story with whimsical Christmas town shenanigans, a grumpy MMC and there's a cat!
I really enjoy Kate Callaghan's books, they're a fun and cozy time with a sprinkle of spice.

The Naughty or Nice Clause by Kate Callaghan is a playful holiday read with a lighthearted blend of romance and Christmas magic. The story brings festive cheer and a few fun twists, making it a nice pick for those looking for an easy, feel-good escape. While it follows familiar holiday tropes, it’s still a fun and cozy read for the season.

Kate Callaghan's novel, "The Naughty or Nice Clause", is a true Christmas tale that draws the reader into a romantic story through snow-covered landscapes and festive magic. The book's protagonist, Lyla Smurfit, is a character who is easy to like, even if you don't agree with all her decisions. Lyla's actions are rooted in deep human emotions, past disappointments or a sense of responsibility for her family – this makes her relatable and human to the readers.

Much to her surprise and disappointment, the toy manufacturing company that has been in Lyla's family for generations will not be hers after her father's retirement, but falls into the hands of a cold and distant investor, Mason Klaus. The resulting situation is the source of the tension between the two protagonists, as Mason and Lyla do not get on well at the beginning of the book and feel quite opposed to each other. This initial hostility is particularly intriguing in the story, as the attraction between the two characters becomes practically palpable over time, even if neither is willing to admit it to themselves at first.

The turning point is a Christmas party organised by Lyla, which she arranges against Mason's wishes. This decision, though a mere desire on Lyla's part to stick to tradition and express the festive spirit, ends in disaster when a fire breaks out at the event. This unexpected event is what sets the plot in motion, setting off a chain reaction in Mason and Lyla's lives. Mason makes an unusual offer to Lyla: if she agrees to spend twelve days with him and his family over the holidays, he will overlook the party's bad ending.

The Christmas journey opens the door to another world for Lyla – not only does she discover a fairytale, snow-covered village, but also the possibility of a new relationship she may never have expected. The beautiful holiday scene and magical surroundings are a perfect contrast to Lyla's inner tension, as she learns more and more about her own feelings with Mason, and slowly the dislike is replaced by a much deeper connection.

Mason's character is a fascinating contrast to Lyla. The charismatic but cold businessman slowly unfolds into a man who struggles with his own demons just as much as she does. To complicate matters, Mason is actually Lyla's boss, as he is the majority owner of the company. However, this dynamic only makes their relationship more interesting as they have to face challenges not only on a personal but also on a professional level.

The novel's special feature is the fabulous, festive atmosphere that permeates almost every page. Kate Callaghan masterfully captures the idyll of a festive village where the magic of Christmas is more tangible than ever. This Christmas atmosphere provides the perfect backdrop for romance and enchants the reader as if they were part of the story. The author skilfully blends humour, romance and the wonders of Christmas, which is why the book can warm hearts not only during the holidays, but also anytime you read it.

I went into this blind other than I picked it as a request on NetGalley wanting another holiday read. I LOVED this short holiday novella.

Enemies to lovers, and a fake engagement in a magical Christmas village with the heir to the Santa Clause legacy. Lyla and Mason are co-owners of Lyla’s father’s toy company, and they absolutely despise each other. After a Christmas party at the office, thrown by Layla against Mason’s orders, ends up in flames. Mason pays off the damages in exchange for Laylas help in returning to his hometown to help his own family business after his father has just passed away. Lyla agrees and to her surprise, it turns out Mason is from a hidden village in the mountains where his father was Santa Clause and his family runs the holiday season. Throw in the fact that bringing any outsiders, outside of marriage is against the law, Layla is also blindsided by Masons announcement that they are engaged, and has no choice but to agree and hope no one finds out they’re lying. A modern take on the Santa clause job but sprinkled with a little magic, Mason has to decide whether or not he’s going to take over his father’s duties and if he’ll stay, but he can’t do it alone. Layla is his buffer and foothold on the outside world so he can make an unbiased decision. But Layla loves Christmas, and since her own mother’s passing when she was child, this is the first time she’s felt a real sense of family in years. Falling in love with this magical place and helping his family heal through their grief was easy, but falling in love with Mason in the process was unexpected. Especially since the truth about their engagement threatens Laylas stay and her memories.

The pace was well set, slightly slow burn romance. I loved the holiday festivities and scenery. The gingerbread baking competition was one of my favorite scenes although personally, I would have thrown hands!The arguing into flirting is always fun. But I’m docking a star because the third act breakup was unnecessary and felt really rushed. Everything was building up nicely and then BAM! Romance takes a hard drive just for it to come back up and the story end within pages. Overall, I loved this story, and it looks like another standalone is coming in this series, and I’ll be keeping my eyes out for it!

This was a cute read. It gave hallmark christmas vibes, and I loved that. This was a great idea for a book and I'm glad I read this.

I liked the FMC. She was confident and tough when needed, but it was realistic. The MMC did some growing through the book, and that was nice to read.

I'm not a fan on the 3rd act break up. I also think that it was a quick ending.

I'm hoping book 2 will let the readers see these two again.

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

it's almost the holiday seasonnnnn this was a cute book! i like lyla's character and i think mason and her were so cute together. the idea of secrets and the holiday magic was cute

I absolutely adored The Naughty or Nice Clause and cannot wait for Tis the Season for Secrets It is the perfect book to get you into the Christmas spirit! Layla and Mason are the perfect example of an enemies to lovers romance. I highly recommend this book for the Christmas season!

Okay! I know spooky season is here but I loved reading this so much! It was getting me in the mood for cooler weather.
Would love to read more by this author!

Very cozy book, I really enjoyed this beautiful Christmas book.
Thanks Netgalley and the publisher for the copy

Kate Callaghan loves to make you fight with the characters to get their heads out of their behinds to see what everyone else sees. We follow Lyla who is dealing with the vacuum that was left behind in the wake of her grandfather’s death, her father’s 4th marriage and a guy named Mason Klaus who now has majority shares in her company she was sent to inherit. One thing leads to another where fate has them transported to where Mason grew up. There is a fine line between hate and love and the power when you let love take over for hate. If you love a good hallmark movie with a touch more spice this is a book for you. Thank you Netgallery, CallaghanWriter/BooksGoSocial, & Kate Callaghan for choosing me to be an arc reader for this book.

I absolutely loved this festive romance! Lyla thinks Mason is out to ruin and take her family business away from her, but Mason hides a magical secret that will throw them together in a whirlwind of Christmas romance. Both have suffered the loss of a parent and the pressure of keeping their respective family businesses running smoothly is not an easy task. Once Mason whisks Lyla away to his family home they begin to realise that they might just be what each other needs, and they could have their Christmas dreams come true if they are able to navigate the obstacles thrown in their way.

This is a very cute holiday read! ❤️ It has fake dating tropes that I love but it just took a minute to get going. All in all I enjoyed it and would recommend for a good Christmas read.

Warning: This review may contain strawberries! Let me kick off with one flaw: why did it have to end so soon?! I absolutely LOVED the chemistry between Lyla and Mason—finally, an 'enemies to lovers' that does it right! The tension between them? Sizzling hot. The holiday setting was also super fun (no spoilers, but trust me, I’ve never seen anything like it). And don’t get me started on the 'found family' trope—it never fails to pull at my heartstrings. All in all, 100,000 stars from me!

This is the perfect combination of sweet, sexy, and sultry for the holidays! Lyla throws a Christmas party. There’s a fire. Mason agrees to forget her part in said fire if she joins his family for Christmas… and it turns out he lives at the North Pole and is next in line to be Santa Claus. A brilliant festive read for getting in the Christmas mood! From start to finish, I was completely enchanted. Both Lyla and Mason are very well-rounded characters, and they have great chemistry. Loved their banter and how they gradually started to fall in love.Kate's writing style is fresh, witty, and uplifting, so it was easy to get swept away by this story. I can see this book made into a sweet Hallmark movie



This book is a must-read if you're looking for a simple, straightforward Christmas read that strongly resembles every Hallmark movie!! It's also ideal for you if you enjoy the Christmas lover and the Grinch getting together. We can't forget the bantering! So perfect!!

Lyla’s grandfather was suppose to be hers. Instead, a person is given to Mason Klaus. She soon discovers the company is going bankrupt. When Mason cancels the Christmas party, she throws one anyway, which caused an office fire. Mason makes a deal with Lyla, which involves her coming to his house for the Christmas holiday. She gets introduced as his fiancée and she must follow through.

I love Christmas and it gives all the vibes. The book touches on family dynamics, losing parents, etc. I do feel like there could have been more chemistry between the two main characters. Ready for the second in the series!!!

Thank you to Kate Callaghan, BooksGoSocial and NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

This book was so good! The story was so interesting and I could not put the book down! The romance and banter was so fun and entertaining! I would highly recommend!

The Naughty or Nice Clause, by Kate Callaghan, is the first of the ongoing Village of Yule series. if you love all things Christmas (especially hallmark-like stories), this is a great series for you! Callaghan takes the Christmas tales we all know and puts a bit of a different spin on them, and then swirls this all with a bit of romance for the win. I read through this one evening and went right on to the next one. Tis the Season for Secrets is the second in the series and is also a fun holiday read.  While it can be read as a stand-alone, why would you want to?  I recommend reading them in order. Things will make more sense. Thanks, NetGalley and the publisher, for providing me with the ARC ebook I read and reviewed. All opinions are my own.