The Christmas Nemesis List

by Dani Hall

Spencer hates peppermint. She hates holiday parties. She keeps a running tally of all the things she despises about Christmas. And when Spencer meets a new coworker who is strangely quiet, she immediately adds him to her enemy list.

Ary—who is tall, dark, and broody—finds Spencer’s long list of holiday dislikes amusing. He discovers Spencer is spending Thanksgiving alone, and she begrudgingly accepts his invitation to join him for the holiday. Spencer quickly becomes captivated by Ary, who is exceptionally thoughtful. Ary, determined to get closer to Spencer, makes a wager that he can eliminate all of the items on Spencer's holiday hate list before New Year's. Spencer accepts the bet, and Ary endeavors to give her new and heartwarming holiday experiences. Between Christmas movie marathons, tree farms, and family gatherings, Spencer feels a sense of holiday magic for the first time in a long time. And even though her ex begins making appearances, and her boss is behaving strangely, Spencer finds herself falling in love with more than just the items on her Christmas nemesis list.

Genres: Contemporary Romance, Romance

344 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 6, 2023

About the author

Dani Hall is a mother, wife, teacher, and author. She lives in North Carolina with her husband and two sons. She has received multiple awards for her writing, including the Best Indie Book Award, the National Indie Excellence Award, and the Indie Discovery Award for her novel, A Cage for Angels. Recently she received Finalist in the Romantasy category for the Next Generation Indie Book Awards for her novel The Pirate Queen's Revenge.

Reviews

[Caitie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’ll start by saying thank you to BookSirens and the publisher/Author for an advanced copy of this book!

*I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.*

This book had IMMEDIATELY gotten my attention, as I LOVE all things Christmas! I am shocked at how much I liked this book. It has made me extremely excited for the holidays! It’s a cute book that follows Spencer and Ary, her coworker/bosses security guard. As the title says, there is a Christmas nemesis list. Spencer has a list of things that she hates about the holidays. Ary believes that he could knock all of the things off her list, and they make a bet that he has to do it before new years. This book is a SLOW burn. Single POV!

[Mary · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars Overall I quite enjoyed this book. It held my interest . However it was a tad predictable (beyond the usual predictable romance plot) and at times Spencer annoyed me. I got an advanced readers copy from book sirens, but my review is unbiased.

[Natalie · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a cute Christmas story. Spencer, who hates Christmas, makes what she calls a “Christmas Nemesis List” of everything she hates about the holiday. Her new (and cute) coworker Ary finds out about the list and tries to get her to change her negative opinion about Christmas.

I thought this sounded so cute, and it was. I especially liked all the Christmas feels. There’s all kinds of Christmas cheer in this book, from Secret Santas and choosing a Christmas tree, to Christmas cookies and fun Christmassy games. I also liked the strong connectedness of Ary’s family.

Ary was sweet and really refreshing to read about. I liked that he was the one who didn’t want a casual fling. He was also really clever with how he got Spencer to change her mind about Christmas and look at it from a different angle. I just loved his overall Christmas spirit. My issue with him though was that at times I felt he came on a bit too strong.


I enjoyed this festive read and now I really want some hot chocolate!


I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Smadma · Rating 5 out of 5]

Booksirens ARC

I loved loved loved this story. Spencer was disillusioned with a lot of things around the Christmas season due to her cheating ex and ex-friend. They embarrassed her at a work Christmas party by kissing under the mistletoe I. Front of Spencer’s and all of their co-workers. Spencer is working at a job she dislikes for a boss who is demanding and rude just so she can pay her rent and maybe make enough to get her cookie business going. Ary was hired to guard Spencer’s boss and soon realizes that Spencer is worth putting in some effort to win over.
Spencer’s refusal to admit that she cares for Ary and that they could be more than casual is a bit annoying, but thankfully Ary takes it all in stride and doesn’t give up.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Hannah Reynolds · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is two things that I usually don’t read, holiday themed and a romcom; with that being said, I still really enjoyed it. The underlying tidbits behind Spencer’s list are relatable and realistic. Spencer’s assumptions got on my nerves at one point but, in all honesty, I don’t know a single person who hasn’t made at least one assumption in their life. So, all in all, a five star read. Side note, I loved Ary’s cozy family.

[Jessica Snoke · Rating 5 out of 5]

Spencer despises many things about Christmas. In fact, she has a whole list of Christmas things she hates.

Spencer’s boss hires Ary as office security, and he immediately is drawn to Spencer. In an attempt to get closer to her, Ary makes a bet with Spencer that he can make her love everything on her “Christmas nemesis list.” If he wins, she has to give up her pecan pie cookie recipe. But as the bet continues on, it becomes clear to Spencer that her cookie recipe isn’t the only thing on the line - her heart might be as well.

I’m a sucker for Christmas romance stories - whether it’s books or movies. So this book immediately had my attention, and it definitely did not disappoint. I loved the whole idea of the Christmas Nemesis List. And what I appreciated most is that Spencer was the one who had a dislike for Christmas-related things. Normally it’s the woman trying to convince the man to like Christmas. But seeing the enjoyment of Christmas from a male’s point of view is a refreshing perspective.

Speaking of Ary, he was obviously my favorite thing about this book. For as dark and broody as he is, he most definitely knows how to be honest, patient, and nothing but a perfect gentleman - except for when he’s given permission not to be a gentleman 😉 His thoughtfulness in making sure Spencer found the magic of Christmas was pure and selfless. And he was extremely clever in finding ways to check each item off of her list.

The buildup of sexual tension between Spencer and Ary was brutal, and I was probably just as frustrated as they were in every moment where something should have happened, but didn’t. And just when things started turning in the right direction, the twist with Helena came into play. While I had my suspicions about her and Ary, I didn’t expect it to play out the way that it did. So while I wasn’t entirely surprised by the revelation, I was still caught off guard by the way in which it was all revealed.

Overall, this might be one of my favorite Christmas romance books. My only regret is reading it in August, rather than in December cuddled up with a nice mug of peppermint mocha under the mistletoe.

Thank you to Dani and Reedsy for this ARC!

[Stacey T · Rating 4 out of 5]

A slow burn Christmas romance to remind you that holidays can be fun with a new slant to traditions and the right partner to guide you. Spencer is a personal assistant but longs to run her own cookie business. With little to no orders and no money to quit her steady paying job, life seems pretty grime especially as Xmas is fast approaching and her list of holiday traditions that have burned her in the past seems to grow daily. Ary is the mysterious and brooding type of guy with a new job protecting the owner of a multimillion-dollar company. He becomes intrigued upon meeting his new co-worker and eventually makes a bet with her that he can make her like the top 10 holiday traditions on her hit list before the New Year. Game on as the days pass and the sparks fly between these two, but he doesn’t want a casual hookup and she is not ready for a relationship after being cheated on. Who will win the bet? I loved the characters, especially his family and their story and I did figure out the twist before the end and who her Secret Santa was. I fell in love again with the traditions as he made them fun and exciting and how could you not fall for him and his “caveman” attitude toward Spencer. We got a little glimpse into the future but wished it had been a little more. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Barb · Rating 5 out of 5]

Spencer is a personal assistant to a successful CEO. Spencer screens those who wish to see the CEO and does all the dirty work such as bringing her coffee every morning. It is nearing Christmas and she has a Christmas Nemesis List which includes 10 things she hates, all having to do with unpleasant memories of Christmas while growing up. Ary is hired to guard Spencer’s boss and stands across from her office all day. When he discovers Spencer’s list, he intends to get her to change her mind about those things she hates about Christmas. In doing so, he will have a chance to get to know her and hopefully get her interested in him. I loved this book. The items on Spencer’s list were so normal; peppermint, holiday parties, Santa, etc, and the things Ary did to make Spencer change her mind were so clever and fun. I loved how he tackled each item. Ary’s family was a delight. They gave Spencer a look at what family means since she never felt loved by her parents. Spencer’s dedication to her goal of creating cookies and selling them offered a lot of opportunities for humor as well. Great book and great love story.

[Jacquelyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

'The Christmas Nemesis List' was entertaining. Moreover, the captivating plot was filled with a somewhat perceived unfriendly workplace, unhappy childhood memories, a close call with danger, two interesting family dynamics, trying to win a bet, new beginnings, love, and fun and games. Spencer and Ary, the protagonists, were ideally suited for each other and oozed chemistry. Additionally, I liked the author's humorous word choices, figurative language, and vivid descriptions, such as, "He stepped to his own chair lazily, his eyes still fixed on me. They were dark smoldering spots of amber magma and volcanic rock," and this gem, "Whenever I got to thinking about him buying her things, a jealousy snake would slither around in my chest, momentarily stealing the breath from lungs, and putting me in an unexplainably bad mood," and this quip, "But now, that deep, gorgeous voice of his was searing me on the inside. It was reburning a hot brand on my soul, healed flesh was chafing back open." Overall, I thoroughly liked the enthralling narrative.
I received a copy for free and am voluntarily giving my honest review.

[Joyce · Rating 5 out of 5]

I fell in love with this story at the very beginning. Spencer pretty much hates everything about Thanksgiving and Christmas and her list proves it. Ary is now the new security guard to protect her boss Helena and stands outside her boss’s door. He is quiet but you can tell by his actions he is also protective of her. He invites her to go with him to spend Thanksgiving with his family who she instantly falls in love with. Ary makes a bet with Spencer that he can knock her top ten items off her list before the New Year. I loved watching how Ary was able to wipe things off her list is such thoughtful ways. Things seemed to be going good between the two of them until Helena caused some trouble. You won’t go wrong by reading this story as I will be reading it again it was that good.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Vilma · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ary Villanova and Spencer Eloise Anniston should not work on paper…he’s kind of broody, but really just a tall, dark, handsome, and quiet hero, while Spencer is just frustrated with her current life status.

But once Ary finds out about Spencer’s Christmas Nemesis List, and after tasting her cookies, he makes a bet with her. But really the bet is about spending time with her. And while I figured out the two key reveals fairly quickly, poor Spencer was completely oblivious. Ary was Spencer’s Secret Santa, and the other surprise I’ll leave for the reader to figure out. I bet you can by the half way mark.

I loved the banter, I loved Ary’s unique family and how quickly Spencer fell in love with Arys family. I wish Spencer had a little more self confidence and self awareness, but eventually she gains it with the help of Ary and his challenges and love.

[Nicole · Rating 5 out of 5]

Spencer has a list of things she absolutely hates around Christmas. While at work one day, a mysterious man is waiting outside of her boss's door. Who is he? Why doesn't he speak much, why is he so handsome?
While Spencer and Ary embark on a journey with some fun for a bet, she gets to learn more about who she is, what she wants, and what she deserves in a relationship.
This was a warm, heartfelt story as Ary shows Spencer on how a woman should be treated. There were times when I cringed, when he treated her like he was her "property", or when she called him a "caveman" throughout the story, but overall this was fun to read!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[J · Rating 5 out of 5]

A wonderful Christmas romance read - slow burn, which I'll admit had me eager for the heat which I think our main characters were too - speaking of - our main characters are - Spencer and Ary. Spencer is jaded by more than just Christmas but well, there are plenty of things to dislike about the holidays - so much so that a list is created...when co-worker (of sorts) gets wind of this nemesis list he takes it upon himself to change her outlook. I just loved these characters! Hall delivers such a well written romance with a storyline that flows wonderfully and gives you all the feels with a few twists. Captivating and delightful - I highly recommend!

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[R Mmm · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a great way to start the holidays! This book is about what magic that Christmas can bring. Spencer is jaded by past holiday experiences that have left her hating all things Christmas . Ary is determined to make her fall in love the season and with him. He was such a sweet man that persisted in getting the girl that he pulled out all the stops. Always the gentleman stepping back with skillfully planned experiences that would make her change her views of the holidays and finding long term unconditional love. I really enjoyed their story. It’s a great start to getting you into the holiday spirit. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Ulli Zaiss · Rating 4 out of 5]

Spencer has a whole list of things she doesn't like about Christmas. Her new colleague Ary bets with her that he can get her to feel different about those things by New Year's Eve. Of course in order to cross things of the list Spencer and Ary have to spend lots of time together.

This is a sweet love story perfect for the holiday season. It is entertaining, has relatable characters and a believable story line. I enjoyed reading this book very much. If you like to read seasonal romance books this one is for you.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Kimberly · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Christmas Nemesis List by Dani Hall is a good, and enjoyable holiday romantic comedy read. The story has a great entertaining world building story line. The characters are great, and they have great chemistry. This story is a very entertaining warm heartfelt funny romance read that will get you into the holiday spirit. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Leanne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Spencer hates Christmas and even has a list of things she hates about it. Her boss has hired a new guy called Ary and when Spencer first meets him she is not a fan but under his hard exterior is a teddy bear. I loved everything about this book because even though Spencer hates Christmas I definitely don't so I enjoyed reading about all the festivities that she doesn't like and I was hoping that her mind could be changed. A fun filled book full of Christmas cheer and lots of sweet romance.

[A_dreamer_bookworm · Rating 4 out of 5]

A cute Christmas story with Scrooge vibes. An enjoyable read with one of my favourite tropes workplace romance. The plot twist was enough predictable. I understood from the beginning the relationship between the bodyguard and the boss. Overall, it was an interesting story to read in the company of a mug of hot chocolate. I recommend it to everyone!!
I received an advance copy for free and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Gale · Rating 5 out of 5]

When opposites attract. Spenser hates anything Christmas because of her childhood, Ary loves everything Christmas, and makes a bet with Spenser that he can change all the things she hates about Christ mas from her list. Through it all her ex boyfriend who cheated on her keeps showing up. Through all the Christmas list changes Spenser starts to realize that she doesn't hate Christmas and that Ary is a great guy. Great Christmas story.
I received this book for free and am happy to leave a review

[Rositsa · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love Spencer and Ary. Their chemistry is simultaneously innocent and hot! Their characters are so well described that I feel I know then as my closest friends.

The story is very entertaining, original, super fun and easy to read. All characters, all scenes, situations and descriptions in the book are so vivid, I can picture them as if I were personally there. I am truly enchanted!

[Isabella · Rating 4 out of 5]

Explicit. This was way cuter than expected! The mains were funny and their relationship was adorable. The twist was a non-twist, I wish it had been a bit harder to figure out, but I still really enjoyed it. Definitely a cute Christmas read if you're feeling a bit Grinchy yourself and need to get into the spirit.

[Lisa J Page · Rating 5 out of 5]

What would I put on my Christmas Nemesis List? Not this book for sure. Loved Spencer and Ary's story full of fun, laughter and love. Great work Dani, definitely this book will be one of my top Christmas books.

[Sheryl Robert · Rating 5 out of 5]

Spencer hates Christmas so much that it and many other things are on her Nemesis list. Ary is the new employee hired to stand guard over the boss. They don't get along in the beginning they go through some challenges together and end up closer.

[Esmee · Rating 3 out of 5]

Het idee was erg leuk, maar de titel klopt niet. het had zeker anders mogen heten. Het was echt meteen liefde voor hem en ik was erg verrast hoe snel en smooth hij ging. Einde is erg afgeraffeld.

[Tanya Harris · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved everything about this book. The writing was great. The storyline was great. The characters were amazing. Can't wait to read more from Dani Hall

[Stacy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not my normal genre for reading material, however, I was pleasantly surprised. The storyline was lighthearted with a touch of humor. The ending was somewhat predictable, but a good one. Recommended reading. ^^^^WARNING-some language and one detailed bedroom scene.

[Elizabeth Garner · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fun and cute Christmas story!

[Danielle Sullivan · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was so cute 🥺

[Becky Durstenfeld · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked this book. It was rather long, but it was a fun romance and a bit unique. I would have preferred no sex.

[Larry Bradford · Rating 5 out of 5]

Unputdownable!

Thank you for reminding me of the many many little and big ways our almost 62 years together has kept the love 💕 alive!