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Neat but Naughty

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SMALL TOWN RULES. BIG TOWN SECRETS & A BOSS SHE LOVES TO HATE.

BENTLEY
My rival, Francheska Taylor, is chaos in jingle-bell booties. Fiery, stubborn, and completely off-limits. She glares; I grin. She scowls; I flirt. Underneath the sparks and snark, something real is brewing. She’s my employee, ten years my junior. I should know better than to even think this way. Because if she ever learns the truth about who I am - and why I came to Evermere - it’ll blow up everything between us.
Still, some disasters are worth the risk.
This Christmas, all bets are off.

FRANCHESKA
Coming home to Evermere was supposed to be fix Dad’s business, dodge small-town gossip, and leave again. Then he shows up - Bentley Cartwright. Older, smug as sin, and irritatingly good-looking. Worse, he works for the company trying to crush everything my dad built. I hate him by association. But one stack of overdue notices and a ‘totally coincidental’ run-in later, he’s my new boss.
Now we’re breaking every rule we swore we’d keep,
and it’s getting harder to pretend I don’t care.

In this slow-burn holiday romance bursting with small-town charm, family secrets, and forbidden sparks, expect a reverse grumpy/sunshine twist, secret identities, and just enough heat to melt that winter chill - especially after hours, when no one’s watching.

162 pages, Kindle Edition

Published December 4, 2025

3 people are currently reading
20 people want to read

About the author

Billie Jade Kermack

13 books131 followers
Billie Jade is an avid reader, an unwilling procrastinator & she loves getting lost in fictional worlds with hot as sin book boyfriends. She writes both light and dark steamy contemporary romances. Age gap, friends to lovers, mafia, mask wearing bad boys - there's a little bit of everything.

She's a bun wearing mumma bear to three awesome mini humans, dog mum to a slightly unhinged but lovable Boston terrier named Gus, sometimes hilarious and always caffeinated.

If You want a book to suck you in & keep you hooked, look no further, the mind blowing plot twists are an added bonus, the pulse racing Smexy time a must.

Aswell as being an author Billie Jade Kermack is a makeup and sfx artist working in tv and film. She also creates dolls at Sid's Doll Emporium when the mood strikes.

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews
Profile Image for Kristy.
353 reviews36 followers
December 8, 2025
Small town, age gap, enemies to lovers quick read. I really enjoyed the banter between Francheska and Bentley. Francheska has returned to Evermore after finding her boyfriend cheating on her. But then Bentley shows up and from the moment they crossed paths the tension sparked. Such a fun read.
Profile Image for Jennifer Rose.
22 reviews
December 7, 2025
These two had chemistry from the start & it only left you want more with each turn of the page!! Bentley & Frankie were definitely ment for each other. I loved it was set around the holidays. Both had dealt with betrayal & heartbreak but the way they were drawn to each other made it so I couldn't put it down. The enemies to lover, age gap, employee & boss (which by the way made me want to go apply at a bar with a hot older bartender), from start to finish it was great & kept me wanting more. I definitely didn't want it to end! This was my first book by Billie Jade Kermack but for sure not my last! This was such a good pallet cleaner between dark romance! 100% recommend!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
1,080 reviews21 followers
December 9, 2025
SMALL TOWN RULES. BIG TOWN SECRETS & A BOSS FRANCHESKA LOVES TO HATE.

Bentley’s rival, Francheska Taylor, is chaos in jingle-bell booties. Fiery, stubborn, and completely off-limits. She glares; he grins. She scowls; he flirts. Underneath the sparks and snark, something real is brewing. She’s his employee, ten years his junior. He should know better than to even think this way. Because if she ever learns the truth about who he is - and why he came to Evermere - it’ll blow up everything between them.
Still, some disasters are worth the risk.
This Christmas, all bets are off.


Coming home to Evermere was supposed to be fix Dad’s business, dodge small-town gossip, and leave again. Then he shows up - Bentley Cartwright. Older, smug as sin, and irritatingly good-looking. Worse, he works for the company trying to crush everything my dad built. Francheska hates him by association. But one stack of overdue notices and a ‘totally coincidental’ run-in later, he’s her new boss.
Now they’re breaking every rule they’ve swore they’d keep,
and it’s getting harder to pretend she doesn’t care.

In this slow-burn holiday romance bursting with small-town charm, family secrets, and forbidden sparks, expect a reverse grumpy/sunshine twist, secret identities, and just enough heat to melt that winter chill - especially after hours, when no one’s watching.

YOU'RE MENTAL HEALTH MATTERS!!! Please read and pay close attention to the trigger warnings at the beginning of this book. There is some content and scenes in this book that are not suitable for all readers and could be triggering for others

Tropes: Enemies to Lovers, Smart Mouth FMC, Age Gap, Boss Employee, Holiday Novella Romance, Small Town, Tattooed MMC, Dual POV, Slow Burn, Family Secrets, Forbidden Romance, Reverse Grumpy x Sunshine, Secret Identities.


Neat but Naughty is part of the Holiday Hotties Collection an interconnected Series by multiple authors. This installment is brought to us by Billy Jake Kermack.

I am a huge fan of Bill Jade Kermack’s and I knew that this novella was going to be so much more than just a cheeky, lighthearted romance. We get banter that is fun and playful, a simmering tension and swoon worthy devotion, and of course it wouldn’t be a Billy Jade Kermack book without her typical blend of humor and heat.

Francheska and Bently absolutely consumed this book. And you knew from that first moment their paths crossed there was that sweet delicious taste of tension that makes you want to lean in closer to the pages, waiting for the next sly remark or stolen glance. Their banter stole the show and had me just cracking up with laughter; and when Bentley was able to finally get through Francheska’s walls, and that was so torturously slow, that moment was so glorious and satisfying.

What stood out for me, and this is what Billy Jade did perfectly in my eyes, was balance the naughty spicy fun and the genuine emotional connections. Beneath all the teasing all the spice, you can tell that Bentley sees Francheska for who she truly is on the inside, and it’s that recognition that deepens their connection and their chemistry and makes it feel so much deeper and so much more real and alive. Billy Jade didn’t just write and give us two characters who are stumbling around in the dark, she gave us two characters who feel real and their lives are messy with humanity and love.

There was this simplicity in the banter between Francheska and Bentley and then layered in, almost subtlety so you have to watch for it and look for it, is the vulnerability from both of them. Beneath the spice and the heat, we see their true depth. I just felt as through Billy Jade set these characters up so perfectly and beautifully and then sadly, I felt as though the ending was a bit rushed as though space, time, and word count got away from Billy Jade.

That said though, I still loved this story and I can’t wait to reread it and I look forward to reading it year after year.
Profile Image for Emily Knaus.
469 reviews3 followers
December 5, 2025
I went into Neat but Naughty expecting a cheeky, lighthearted romance and Billie Jade Kermack delivered that and so much more. This book is equal parts playful banter, simmering tension, and swoony devotion, wrapped up in her signature blend of humor and heat.

Francheska and Bentley absolutely owned me in this book. From the moment their paths crossed, I felt that delicious spark of tension, it’s the kind that makes you lean closer to the page, waiting for the next sly remark or stolen glance. Their banter absolutely cracked me up; seeing Bentley slowly breakdown Frankie’s walls was so satisfying!

What stood out most was the balance between naughty fun and genuine emotional connection. Beneath the teasing and the spice, Bentley sees Francheska for who she really is, and that recognition makes their connection feel so much deeper. Billie Jade doesn’t just write steam; she writes characters who ache, who crave, who stumble toward each other with all the messy humanity of love.

I enjoyed their banter and the way Billie Jade Kermack layered vulnerability beneath the spice, giving the characters depth beyond the heat. That said, while I liked the characters and the setup, the ending felt rushed to me. Overall, it was good, but not quite the right fit for me.

A huge thank you to Billie Jade Kermack for the early copy!
19 reviews
December 13, 2025
After her long term boyfriend cheats on her with their boss, Frankie returns home to a small town in Lancashire from London for Christmas and to try and heal her broken heart. Being home is not a joyful experience for her as she has to deal with the gossip which has followed her around since she was at school.

Bentley is the manager of the new bar in tow, owned by Langford Beaufort, head of the richest family in the area and the source of a lot of Frankie’s heartache. Langford is trying to cause the collapse of Frankie’s dads business and so Ben is her sworn enemy by association.

Things thaw between them resulting in a heated scene involving a pool cue! Langford once again shatters Frankie’s world, revealing the secret that Ben has been hiding and her heart is again broken.

With arrangements in place to return to London to a new job and a fresh start, Bentley has to enlist the help of friends and family to convince Frankie to stay so they can be together.

This is an enjoyable read although I do feel that she forgave him a little easier than I was expecting. The door is open for a book featuring friends Ginny and DuPont and I expect their could e something in the future for Frankie’s bestie, Molly.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Vallenreads.
153 reviews6 followers
December 22, 2025
This is a sweet small town, enemies to lovers romance. Although, it seemed rushed and chopped down in places which lead to inconsistencies, the premise of the overall story was there, but I felt I struggled to connect with the characters.
We have Frankie (Francheska), our MFC, her teen years were filled with scandal, but living in a small town, no one forgets. She escapes to London with her high school sweetheart who ends up leaving her heartbroken and she returns home.
Then we have Ben (Bentley), our MMC, he is new to town and brought in to set up a new business, he’s hot, hes older, he’s confident and commanding, and he is the enemy so what is he hiding?!
Of course there are secrets, a villain with a plan to ruin Frankie’s family, and instant attraction, it wouldn’t be enemies to lovers without it. The banter between Frankie and Ben was funny, the tension was on point, the feelings were portrayed well too. Overall I liked reading this sweet and angsty book.
Profile Image for Erin Ellison.
208 reviews2 followers
December 4, 2025
Francheska!!!!! Such an awesome FMC. After discovering her ex cheating she goes back to her small town to start over. She's a girl after my own heart. She's feisty, smart mouthed and her internal dialogue is top notch! I absolutely loved her and Molly's friendship 💚

Bentley- Frankies rival and boss. The banter between Francheska and Bentley is hilarious. Get ready to laugh, swoon a little, maybe pant. Such a fun read.

This is filled with small town charm, drama, and secrets. A forbidden love that gets pretty steamy! This is a novella and able to read in one sitting ♥️ absolutely perfect for the holidays.

💚Enemies to Lovers
♥️Smart Mouth FMC
💚Age Gap
♥️Boss Employee
💚Holiday Novella Romance
♥️Small Town
💚Tattooed MMC
♥️Dual POV

Thank you for my ARC! I am leaving this review voluntarily
Profile Image for Sam Oneill.
299 reviews23 followers
December 10, 2025
Francheska - going back home to Evermere after my ex cheated on her was supposed to be fix her Dad’s business, she wanted to dodge the small-town gossip, and leave again. Then he shows up, mr mysterious hottie, Bentley, his older, smug as sin, and irritatingly good-looking attitude catches Fran odd guard. Whats worse is he works for the company that is trying to crush everything her dad built. She hate him by association, but one stack of overdue notices and a ‘totally coincidental’ run-in later, he’s her new boss.
Now they are breaking every rule theyswore they would keep,
and it’s getting harder to pretend she doesn't care.

Bentley - he knew the game he was playing when he posted about a job going at the bar where he works. He set his eyes on Fran and knew she was the one wanted, he knew he would get the girl with the smart ass attitude.

The enemies to lovers trope between these two characters were brilliantly done. The build up, the need the want and the delicous spice that this author did was perfect!

This is a beautifully written slow burn holiday romance. One which caught me hook line and sinker and I ate this story up!

The way this author created this storyline and their characters is brilliantly done!

This is not the first novel by this author I have read and I can hands down say it will not be the last!

I can't wait to see where this author takes us next!
Profile Image for Jordan Fiest.
2,137 reviews31 followers
December 5, 2025
Neat By Naughty is a cute but spicy holiday read.

Bentley, Bentley, Bentley, you are one naughty, naughty boy. He tries to hide something pretty major from Francheska and it blows up all over the place. I loved Francheska. She was a great character, coming home to help her father and getting pulled into things she didn't want to deal with. But she was a strong character and had a great friend who wasn't going to let her be in pain when she could help find a solution. The chemistry between Bentley and Francheska is off the charts. There is no chance of a white Christmas as these two will just melt the snow with their heat.
Profile Image for S Balderas .
53 reviews2 followers
December 20, 2025
Neat but Naughty is a raw, visceral love story that grabs you by the heart and doesn’t let go. Bentley and Francheska’s chemistry is explosive—think sparks flying in every glance, every touch, and every snarky remark. Bentley’s mischievous grin and knowing smirk tease out her temptations, making her furious and thrilled all at once. Francheska’s fierce independence? It’s her armor, but beneath it, you see the cracks—her desire for something forbidden, something real, that she’s too scared to admit. Their push and pull feels like standing on the edge of a cliff, knowing one false move could send everything spiraling.

Their connection runs deep—underneath the playful banter and flames of anger is a tenderness that burns hotter because it’s forbidden. Bentley isn’t just her boss; he’s her temptation, her guilty secret, a hurricane she’s powerless to resist. And her fight to keep her distance? It’s fragile—probably futile—especially when every stolen moment fuels the fire between them. It’s a dangerous game they’re playing, and neither of them knows how much longer they can hold back.

This isn’t just a sweet small-town romance. It’s a fiery rebellion against everything that’s supposed to keep them apart—a clash of desire and duty, of who they are versus who they want to be. It’s about the kind of passion that makes your chest ache and leaves your skin tingling with longing. And when secrets are finally laid bare, the truth is more intoxicating than any kiss.

Neat but Naughty is dirty, honest, and wildly romantic—an emotional rollercoaster that makes your pulse race and keeps you turning pages late into the night. Sometimes falling hard is the only way to feel truly alive.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Katarzyna.
55 reviews3 followers
December 14, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5
🌶️🌶️.5

This was a sweet, small town, holiday novella. Frankie finds her fiancé cheating on her with her boss, which causes her to travel back to her hometown. Once there, she meets Bentley who is employed by a rival of her father’s business. For the reason of who he is employed by, Frankie fights their attraction, but she can only delay the inevitable so long. Lines get blurred and hidden truths come out. I loved Frankie and Bentley. The way they were both simping over the other was adorable. The spice was well done and added to the plot. And the groveling? Top notch! I would highly recommend!!
Profile Image for Lianne Jenkins.
74 reviews
December 10, 2025
The perfect Christmas story if you're looking for some steam to warm your winter nights. This Novella was well written with fantastic characters and plot. Even though its a novella it didn't feel rushed or lacking in story. We got enough world building and saw the characters develop enough to keep me engaged and wanting to see what happened. And the steam was just right I think. Not super hot with no plot. I'd say like 2/5 🌶's with 5 ⭐️ writing and story.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
254 reviews
December 19, 2025
Alexa play “pretty little liar” by waylon wyatt

Bentley is an actual scumbag and there is no redemption for him. He acts clueless and innocent which just drives me insane because.. the audacity

It’s his bar.. doesn’t know about cameras that could be recording them. His dad asked him to ruin her… he thinks his dad has changed. Use the two brain cells God granted you and rub them together you giant oaf

I hate when an author makes someone forgive a shitty character and that’s exactly what Bentley was

Also the plot twist was predictable

This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Holli Pounds.
51 reviews1 follower
December 1, 2025
Francheska is back in her hometown Evermere after a break up. (Ex sounds like a right douche canoe) it wasn't her first choice to come back.

Frankies fathers business is in debt and she has a plan bring down a rival. Beaumont Bar & Grill

Bentley is a bartender and created a fake job to get Frankie to work there so he could woo her.
The use of the pool cue, thats all im gonna say 😏

This book is absolutely amazing! Funny, swoony, spicy & a perfect christmas read!
Profile Image for Brooke Easton.
28 reviews6 followers
December 6, 2025
This book is a nice quick spicy novella, but don't let the amount of pages fool you, there is still so much happens in this book

the FMC Francheska returns to her hometown after a break up, this is where she finds the MMC Bentley, who just so happens to work in a bar that is rivals to her family.

the banter between the two of them is fantastic, he is cheeky and naughty, she is quick whitted and blushed.
Profile Image for Lisa Bing.
6,258 reviews71 followers
December 10, 2025
This was a fun holiday romance that brings Francheska and Bentley an unexpected HEA. These two both have baggage but also an undeniable chemistry that they just couldn't ignore. With tons of entertaining banter and inner thoughts, I giggled away throughout this one. Of course, the drama, secrets and hot romance kept me glued to my reader and rooting hard for these two to find their way together. So fun and I'm looking forward to what's next by this author :D
Profile Image for Carissa.
53 reviews1 follower
December 10, 2025
Loved this novella! Ben may have his issues but lawd have mercy 😋 he's just a little rough around the edges at first. He is 100% made for Frankie! Loved their banter and teasing!
This was a quick and great read! There's banter,drama, a little bit of spice. It doesnt have a ton of spice but the spice it has is hotttttt!
Also, have to mention, I loved Ginny too. She was freaking hilarious. And DuPont was ditzy which I also thought was pretty funny!
Profile Image for N. Dune.
Author 9 books140 followers
January 5, 2026
This was perfect for my Christmas binge. I loved this short and spicy little number. In true Billie fashion, it had plenty of story and was beautifully written. Did I want more? I always do, but this was fabulous as a short, steamy Christmas read, and I thoroughly enjoyed it. There was a little twist and a bit of angst thrown in, but a fabulous, if a little chilly, happy ending. If you want a quickie, I totally recommend this one.
Profile Image for Angelica Burke.
12 reviews2 followers
December 7, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 5/5

Neat But Naughty by Billie Jade Kermack is exactly the kind of Christmas novella I want to curl up with. Equal parts cozy, chaotic, and deliciously spicy. This little book manages to pack a full sleigh’s worth of charm into its pages.

The enemies-to-lovers tension is chef’s kiss, especially with that age gap twist and the irresistible sunshine boss/grumpy subordinate dynamic. The FMC’s sass absolutely made the story for me. Their banter is fast, fun and full of heat

And let’s talk about the spice. Daddy Santa vibes? Forced proximity? Questionable use of a pool cue? Yes, please.

If you’re looking for a short, festive romance that delivers humor, heat, and heart, Neat But Naughty completely lives up to its name. I loved every sassy, spicy second.
Profile Image for Chaos.
3,619 reviews117 followers
December 4, 2025
I really enjoyed this story except for the way the FMC's name was spelled. I know its a small and stupid think but it bothered me. However, everything else was great. Francheska is such a great character. The way she thought about Bentley, her decisions, and her inner voice brought a smile to my face. She is strong and smart and funny. I also love the MMC, Bentley. He's great in every way
Profile Image for Katherine Tricker.
275 reviews2 followers
December 5, 2025
This was a great novella filled with all the drama, spice and heartfelt moments that you'd expect from a full length novel.

With meddling friends, desperate ex's and the corrupted rich guys you love to hate this was a great read.

Ben and Frankie have a great connection.

Thank you Billie Jade Kermick for the ARC.
21 reviews1 follower
December 8, 2025
Ben and Franke AKA Francheska story is a short novella of slow burn and age gap. Frankie comes back to London when she finds her other half in a compromising position. Ben who is a disguises his real identity cannot stay away from Frankie. This is a Novella with some spice and sass with some Christmas in the mix.
Profile Image for Ann L.
4,826 reviews39 followers
December 8, 2025
This is a cozy small-town Christmas romance, I love. Bentley and Francheska, they are total opposites,snarky, flirty, and pretending they don’t care while absolutely caring. The age gap, the secret identity, the “ugh he’s my boss now?!” drama—chef’s kiss. Slow burn with just enough heat and plenty of small-town gossip. Perfect holiday vibes with a few twists I didn’t see coming.
382 reviews
December 9, 2025
I always say if you can make me feel emotions that it's an easy 5 🌟. Billie has excelled at this heartbreaking but yet heartwarming Christmas novella. She gave the spice (just the right amount for the novella), she has a sassy female lead who knows her own mind. This is a reverse sunshine/grumpy read with an age gap and maybe a side of angst.
Profile Image for Kait Malik.
10 reviews1 follower
December 13, 2025
Truly, I'd give this more of a 3½⭐️ because I think it deserved another 100+ pages. A really really good book, well written, witty and I liked the characters. I just wished it was a full novel and not a novella. This was such a good read but needed a little more room to delve deeper, I think.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Josslynn Borders.
161 reviews4 followers
December 14, 2025
This should really be 4.5 stars, but I loved reading Neat but Naughty. I love slow-burn romance and enemies-to-lovers. I will say I don't really read a lot of Christmas romance books, but I loved reading this one. I liked having a short read, even though I wish it were a tad longer😅. I really liked the Chemistry between Bentley and Francesca!
Profile Image for Charlene Alana  Henderson .
1,323 reviews33 followers
December 25, 2025
I adored reading Bentley and francheskas story. I couldn't put it down once I started reading it. It's action packed, got small town vibes, family secrets, grumpy/sunshine characters, forbidden sparks/chemistry, secret identities and enough spice to melt the pages.

It's a quick holiday read that packs a punch and keeps you glued to each pages.

Highly recommend.
Profile Image for Bree Hawkless.
221 reviews5 followers
December 27, 2025
I absolutely LOVED this Christmas book, it had a banter and a boss you just love to hate or is it hate to love??? Workplace romance with banter that will have you wanting them to just sink their teeth into each other …. Or sink something else into her hehehe
It’s a slow burn for a book its size but when the secrets come out can she really forgive him??
Highly recommend
Profile Image for Nicole Lobato.
319 reviews2 followers
December 4, 2025
I'm not really a big Christmas fan I'm more of a Halloween fan but I loved this steamy little Christmas novella! It's so witty and funny and it did put me more in the Christmas mood Honestly Iove everything read by this author. She never disappoints me.!
Profile Image for Library.of.linds.
705 reviews31 followers
December 5, 2025
This was the perfect holiday story. It’s deliciously spicy with just a touch of forbidden. 😏 I read it in one sitting snd couldn’t put not put it down!

I love all of the BJK books I’ve read but this is my hands down favorite! I loved it so much!!!
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