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BOOKWORM REVIEW: The Naughty or Nice Clause by Kate Callaghan

 

RATING: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
SPICE: 🔥🔥

If you enjoy Hallmark holiday romances in literary form like I do, this is a good read to pick up.

Lyla Smurfit -- what a name -- has been trying not to strangle Mason Klaus ever since her father sold his shares of the family toy company to the stoic, grumpy man. He has been making significant changes, including canceling the annual Christmas party, much to Lyla's annoyance. 

When she decides to proceed with the party anyway, it ends up burning down the building. Mason is willing to forget about the incident -- if and only if Lyla goes home with him and pretends to be his fiancé.

She agrees, but there is more to his family and village than Mason has let on. As she learns more and more about Mason and his background, she finds that her Scroogey co-worker's "Bah Hambug" attitude hides someone that earns her compassion..and maybe inspires an attraction?

This is a workplace enemies-to-lovers read with a magical fantasy component. The latter became predictable as we got closer to the reveal but experiencing what happens next is the best part. We get magic, mystery, some action, romance -- with a little bit of spice, and family love.

I love the chemistry between Mason and Lyla. Kate Callaghan infuses tiny flirty banter into their fights that hints at a mutual attraction beneath their animosity toward one another. The balance between animosity and flirtation starts to tip toward the latter as they know more about each other, and it was really fun to watch. The tension between them is just so hot that I really wish there was more spice, but that's totally a personal preference. 

This is a standalone read. The pacing is uneven at times, but when it is spot-on, the storytelling really reels you in and gets you invested in the couple, the Klaus family, and the village. Listen, I know sweet holiday reads are not everyone's jam, but if that is yours, you might enjoy this one.

** I am voluntarily reviewing an advance copy of this book. Thank you to Kate Callaghan and NetGalley for providing an ARC. **

ABOUT THE BOOK

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 in to temptation?

Readers! Please note: this is an adult low fantasy romance with mature content and not suitable for those under 18. This is a stand-alone novel with a guaranteed HEA.


MEET KATE CALLAGHAN

Kate Callaghan released her debut YA Dark Fantasy trilogy, Crowned A Traitor, A Hellish Fairytale in 2020. While the A Hellish Fairytale Universe is being expanded, she is also writing Adult Romance and Fantasy.

She loves dark tales, villains and happily-ever-afters. Something you will find in all of her books. Chatting with readers and getting to share many different stories is her favourite part of being an indie author.

Currently she lives in Dublin. She loves dramas with subtitles (to silence the characters), coffee and reading too many dark romances. If missing, please check your local coffee shop. You will find her with her computer and an iced beverage.

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