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.

**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!

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.

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.