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Naughty & Nice: a Christmas-adjacent queer romance
New year, new me...and you?
The holidays are officially over, and the only thing Nick Bell wants to do is enjoy his extended vacation. As the physical manifestation of Santa Claus' spirit, Nick yearns to explore the city of Portland, Oregon, and indulge in his true love. Food. What's stopping him? Oh, the spirit of Krampus.
Topher Black doesn't necessarily hate Nick. He/They would just rather not be reminded of their former selves while on vacation. Especially as Santa and Krampus are acquainted, Topher and Nick are strangers! This meeting is purely coincidental.
This is a bad idea, but who can turn down delicious coffee and waffles? Affection blooms between the anxious couple, and they wonder if this could be more. Can Nick and Topher find love when they only have six months to spend together before the return to their holiday personas? Or will humans and the holidays define who they are meant to be?
Naughty & Nice is a queer, ace-spec, star-crossed lovers romance between two souls who happen to transform into the iconic Santa Claus and Krampus each year and wish for more than their yearly 'day' jobs.
The holidays are officially over, and the only thing Nick Bell wants to do is enjoy his extended vacation. As the physical manifestation of Santa Claus' spirit, Nick yearns to explore the city of Portland, Oregon, and indulge in his true love. Food. What's stopping him? Oh, the spirit of Krampus.
Topher Black doesn't necessarily hate Nick. He/They would just rather not be reminded of their former selves while on vacation. Especially as Santa and Krampus are acquainted, Topher and Nick are strangers! This meeting is purely coincidental.
This is a bad idea, but who can turn down delicious coffee and waffles? Affection blooms between the anxious couple, and they wonder if this could be more. Can Nick and Topher find love when they only have six months to spend together before the return to their holiday personas? Or will humans and the holidays define who they are meant to be?
Naughty & Nice is a queer, ace-spec, star-crossed lovers romance between two souls who happen to transform into the iconic Santa Claus and Krampus each year and wish for more than their yearly 'day' jobs.
83 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 30, 2025
2 people are currently reading
8 people want to read
About the author
Azalea Crowley
14 books132 followersAzalea Crowley (she/they) writes for those who find beauty in the dark and unusual, where love thrives in the shadows. Her unique brand of horror romances combines the grotesque with the gorgeous—blood-soaked love stories that glimmer pink with a touch of gore. If you need a visual, imagine magical girls with chainsaws plowing the undead—fun, terrifying, and contradictory!
From the misty Pacific Northwest to realms filled with vampires, sirens, and shadowy monsters, Azalea Crowley creates darkly whimsical adventures where love blooms in unexpected and dangerous places. Weaving in Indigenous, Filipino, autism, disability, and LGBTQIA2S+ representation, their stories offer inclusive worlds.
For readers who crave both light and dark, Azalea Crowley invites you to embrace your inner misfit and discover that monsters can love—and keep their fangs.
Find her at https://www.azaleacrowley.com/ or sign up for her newsletter, where you can get bonus content.
From the misty Pacific Northwest to realms filled with vampires, sirens, and shadowy monsters, Azalea Crowley creates darkly whimsical adventures where love blooms in unexpected and dangerous places. Weaving in Indigenous, Filipino, autism, disability, and LGBTQIA2S+ representation, their stories offer inclusive worlds.
For readers who crave both light and dark, Azalea Crowley invites you to embrace your inner misfit and discover that monsters can love—and keep their fangs.
Find her at https://www.azaleacrowley.com/ or sign up for her newsletter, where you can get bonus content.
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Author
Genuinely one of the most delightful things I read this holiday season.
This is a soft, cozy romance built on a surprisingly emotional premise: Santa and Krampus aren’t just folklore figures, but souls who are reborn again and again, briefly allowed to live as themselves between seasons. Nick and Topher meeting feels accidental and inevitable and I adored how ordinary their connection feels before the weight of who they are (and who they’re destined to become again) settles in. This is such a short novella, but manages to pack so much emotion in here.
There’s something inherently bittersweet about knowing these two only have a limited window to be this version of themselves, and the story really leans into that tension without becoming overwhelming. The romance feels gentle, anxious, and human, especially with the queer rep woven naturally into their dynamic. It’s not flashy or dramatic; it’s tender and bittersweet.
Topher, in particular, broke my heart a little. There’s a quiet grief to their character and the sense of always being the shadow to someone else’s joy. Nick’s warmth, enthusiasm, and love of food (relatable) balanced that perfectly. Watching them choose each other, even knowing what waits at the end of the season, was so satisfying.
I read this while wrapping presents, and it genuinely added to the magic of the moment. It’s festive without being cloying, thoughtful without being heavy, and romantic without being sappy. Short, sweet, and a little aching. If you want a queer holiday novella that leans cozy, bittersweet, and hopeful (with a folklore flair and a lot of heart), this one is absolutely worth your time.
Thanks so much to the amazing author for the complimentary copy. This review is voluntary and all opinions are my own.
This is a soft, cozy romance built on a surprisingly emotional premise: Santa and Krampus aren’t just folklore figures, but souls who are reborn again and again, briefly allowed to live as themselves between seasons. Nick and Topher meeting feels accidental and inevitable and I adored how ordinary their connection feels before the weight of who they are (and who they’re destined to become again) settles in. This is such a short novella, but manages to pack so much emotion in here.
There’s something inherently bittersweet about knowing these two only have a limited window to be this version of themselves, and the story really leans into that tension without becoming overwhelming. The romance feels gentle, anxious, and human, especially with the queer rep woven naturally into their dynamic. It’s not flashy or dramatic; it’s tender and bittersweet.
Topher, in particular, broke my heart a little. There’s a quiet grief to their character and the sense of always being the shadow to someone else’s joy. Nick’s warmth, enthusiasm, and love of food (relatable) balanced that perfectly. Watching them choose each other, even knowing what waits at the end of the season, was so satisfying.
I read this while wrapping presents, and it genuinely added to the magic of the moment. It’s festive without being cloying, thoughtful without being heavy, and romantic without being sappy. Short, sweet, and a little aching. If you want a queer holiday novella that leans cozy, bittersweet, and hopeful (with a folklore flair and a lot of heart), this one is absolutely worth your time.
Thanks so much to the amazing author for the complimentary copy. This review is voluntary and all opinions are my own.
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December 15, 2025I don’t understand the mechanics of this story, and I found that very distracting throughout this short read.
The author sent me a review copy, and while I try to be unbiased in my ratings, I am always reluctant to leave a neutral or negative rating for an indie book, especially when I am the first reviewer. So, I’m just leaving my thoughts for now.
Basically, there is a big magical mechanic of reincarnation (well, sort of?) that drives this story, but I don’t understand how it works, or why, or much about it at all. Parts of it feel quite inconsistent as the story unfolds, and I was so focused in trying to figure that out that I never quite got into the story. I also wasn’t entirely sure what purpose this mechanic served in the story, and in such a short tale (about 80 pages) there wasn’t a lot of room for the relationship to be explored in detail.
I have enjoyed Crowley’s other books and I am sure this one will find its audience. As someone who reads in an editorial capacity a lot, though, I either wanted a more comprehensive explanation of what was happening and why, or for the annual reincarnation mechanics to take a back seat to the emotional story so that I could focus my trans+ Santa/Krampus daydreams.
Thank you to the author for the ARC. If the premise appeals to you, this is quite a short read, so I encourage you to give it a chance. 🎅🏻👿 <— that’s the best grumpy Krampus emoji I’ve got, work with me here.
The author sent me a review copy, and while I try to be unbiased in my ratings, I am always reluctant to leave a neutral or negative rating for an indie book, especially when I am the first reviewer. So, I’m just leaving my thoughts for now.
Basically, there is a big magical mechanic of reincarnation (well, sort of?) that drives this story, but I don’t understand how it works, or why, or much about it at all. Parts of it feel quite inconsistent as the story unfolds, and I was so focused in trying to figure that out that I never quite got into the story. I also wasn’t entirely sure what purpose this mechanic served in the story, and in such a short tale (about 80 pages) there wasn’t a lot of room for the relationship to be explored in detail.
I have enjoyed Crowley’s other books and I am sure this one will find its audience. As someone who reads in an editorial capacity a lot, though, I either wanted a more comprehensive explanation of what was happening and why, or for the annual reincarnation mechanics to take a back seat to the emotional story so that I could focus my trans+ Santa/Krampus daydreams.
Thank you to the author for the ARC. If the premise appeals to you, this is quite a short read, so I encourage you to give it a chance. 🎅🏻👿 <— that’s the best grumpy Krampus emoji I’ve got, work with me here.
Review of advance copy received from Author
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
👀Tropes: Dual POV Queer Romance Novella with Star-Crossed Lovers about Santa Claus' and Krampus' reincarnations.
☠️CW: From the author: 'this isn't meant to be any kind of representation of dissociative identity disorder, but as an author, I could potentially see the characters being compared to that and felt it was important to make that distinction.'
💀Minor misgendering, technical or implied cheating, anxiety, anxiety attacks (mild), alcohol, mention of drugs, body dysmorphia, body horror, loss of autonomy, implied death, depiction of loss and grief, violence (mentioned and implied), minor mention or implication of Krampus harming/eating children (no more detailed than what legend says about him)
📚Read Method: Kindle eBook. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
✨My Thoughts: I LOVE that it’s based in Portland and all about food! This was so cute and not at all what I was expecting, but absolutely what I needed. Nick is so sweet and conflicted, Topher is so patient and conflicted. Azalea wrote two beautiful people trying to figure out how to live 6 months out of the year apart from their holiday personas.
💖Quotes: “I go through phases where I feel like one more than the other. Right now, it’s he/him.” Topher explained. “If it changes, I’ll let you know."
👀Tropes: Dual POV Queer Romance Novella with Star-Crossed Lovers about Santa Claus' and Krampus' reincarnations.
☠️CW: From the author: 'this isn't meant to be any kind of representation of dissociative identity disorder, but as an author, I could potentially see the characters being compared to that and felt it was important to make that distinction.'
💀Minor misgendering, technical or implied cheating, anxiety, anxiety attacks (mild), alcohol, mention of drugs, body dysmorphia, body horror, loss of autonomy, implied death, depiction of loss and grief, violence (mentioned and implied), minor mention or implication of Krampus harming/eating children (no more detailed than what legend says about him)
📚Read Method: Kindle eBook. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
✨My Thoughts: I LOVE that it’s based in Portland and all about food! This was so cute and not at all what I was expecting, but absolutely what I needed. Nick is so sweet and conflicted, Topher is so patient and conflicted. Azalea wrote two beautiful people trying to figure out how to live 6 months out of the year apart from their holiday personas.
💖Quotes: “I go through phases where I feel like one more than the other. Right now, it’s he/him.” Topher explained. “If it changes, I’ll let you know."
Review of advance copy received from Author
Naughty and Nice is a unique and deliciously queer take on Christmas lore, where Santa Claus and Krampus, who are magical spirits, are reborn after each holiday season and slowly become themselves again over the next 6 months.
Topher, the reborn incarnation of Krampus is a tragic figure, who wants to feel the love and companionship that Claus gets to experience, but never can. Nick, the reborn incarnation of Claus, bumps into Topher on the plane to the PNW where they're individually planning on spending their next 6 months of vacation hitting up the food scene. Since they're going to the same places, they decide to spend their vacation together and end up falling for each other.
The romance is definitely kind of tragic because they only have 6 months together before they're torn apart by their natures and responsibilities of being holiday spirits and because they'll be entirely new people the next year. But the ending definitely makes up for the overarching sense of tragedy that shades the story.
If you're looking for a quick, queer holiday adjacent read definitely give it a shot. I really loved being able to advance read it.
Topher, the reborn incarnation of Krampus is a tragic figure, who wants to feel the love and companionship that Claus gets to experience, but never can. Nick, the reborn incarnation of Claus, bumps into Topher on the plane to the PNW where they're individually planning on spending their next 6 months of vacation hitting up the food scene. Since they're going to the same places, they decide to spend their vacation together and end up falling for each other.
The romance is definitely kind of tragic because they only have 6 months together before they're torn apart by their natures and responsibilities of being holiday spirits and because they'll be entirely new people the next year. But the ending definitely makes up for the overarching sense of tragedy that shades the story.
If you're looking for a quick, queer holiday adjacent read definitely give it a shot. I really loved being able to advance read it.
January 15, 2026
Overall Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Spice Rating: .5 🌶️
Thanks to the author for providing me with this ARC.
This was so stinking cute! Perfect for anyone who's still in holiday mode and looking for a quick read. Once again, Azalea Crowley has written a delightfully weird and cozy story that will stay with me long after the final page.
The way she reimagines the lore of Santa and Krampus is incredibly creative. I’ll never look at them the same way again! In my mind, they are now a hilarious grumpy/sunshine duo that must be protected at all costs.
As always with this author, the representation shines. I especially appreciated the book’s handling of spicy time as someone on the ace spectrum like the characters. I also enjoyed the neurodivergent, anxiety, and nonbinary rep.
No holiday book or movie is complete without food, and Naughty and Nice more than delivers on that front. Watching Nick and Topher explore Portland food trucks to their hearts’ content was so fun! It definitely made me want to visit Portland and try some of the tasty dishes myself.
If this author writes it, I will read it. I'd love to see more books set in this universe!
Spice Rating: .5 🌶️
Thanks to the author for providing me with this ARC.
This was so stinking cute! Perfect for anyone who's still in holiday mode and looking for a quick read. Once again, Azalea Crowley has written a delightfully weird and cozy story that will stay with me long after the final page.
The way she reimagines the lore of Santa and Krampus is incredibly creative. I’ll never look at them the same way again! In my mind, they are now a hilarious grumpy/sunshine duo that must be protected at all costs.
As always with this author, the representation shines. I especially appreciated the book’s handling of spicy time as someone on the ace spectrum like the characters. I also enjoyed the neurodivergent, anxiety, and nonbinary rep.
No holiday book or movie is complete without food, and Naughty and Nice more than delivers on that front. Watching Nick and Topher explore Portland food trucks to their hearts’ content was so fun! It definitely made me want to visit Portland and try some of the tasty dishes myself.
If this author writes it, I will read it. I'd love to see more books set in this universe!
January 3, 2026
I wasn't sure about this going in because it didn't exactly sound like something for me, but I trust Azalea's writing, and I am so glad I gave this one a shot!
Topher and Nick aren't exactly...happy with the hand they were dealt in life but they do what they can to make the best of it, being Santa Claus and Krampus half of the year, then coming back as someone else the other half.
I love that they had being foodies in common and got to go around and try all the food in their few months of freedom. Their relationship was so bittersweet because you know that they are on borrowed time but they are so lovely together. Topher was understandably a bit more reserved and I loved how Nick cared for them.
Absolutely a delightful read and would highly recommend!
Thank you to the author for an eARC of the book, all thoughts are my own.
Topher and Nick aren't exactly...happy with the hand they were dealt in life but they do what they can to make the best of it, being Santa Claus and Krampus half of the year, then coming back as someone else the other half.
I love that they had being foodies in common and got to go around and try all the food in their few months of freedom. Their relationship was so bittersweet because you know that they are on borrowed time but they are so lovely together. Topher was understandably a bit more reserved and I loved how Nick cared for them.
Absolutely a delightful read and would highly recommend!
Thank you to the author for an eARC of the book, all thoughts are my own.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Naughty & Nice is such a unique read with such an interesting concept! If you like your reads with something meaty to chew on then N&N is right up your alley - there’s a touch of tragedy about Nick & Topher’s story but there’s a nice light at the end of the tunnel. I loved this take on Santa Claus and Krampus and the idea of seasonal rebirth. I felt so sad for Topher especially when it came to his rebirth but it was so well written and the ending cushioned the blow. Also reading about the different kinds of food and food trucks made me want to run to my local food truck! There’s nothing like a good food truck 🚙
Check it out if you like;
🎅Tragic Queers
🎄HFN
🍫 Reincarnation
🍩 Seasonal Spirits
🍪No Spice Lots of Fluff
🐦Chasing Pigeons
🧇 Foodie Partners
🩵 Coworkers to Lovers
Check it out if you like;
🎅Tragic Queers
🎄HFN
🍫 Reincarnation
🍩 Seasonal Spirits
🍪No Spice Lots of Fluff
🐦Chasing Pigeons
🧇 Foodie Partners
🩵 Coworkers to Lovers
December 20, 2025
Exactly what I needed at exactly the right time! This was absolutely perfect just before Christmas! This was a quick read that absolutely hit the spot & will definitely be a go to comfort read whenever I need it. I could seriously go on a ramble but I don't want to spoil it for anyone who is interested in reading it. I will say, I wish it was longer that's how much I enjoyed it but that's just me being attached to these truly lovely & amazing characters. I've always loved the idea of Santa & Krampus being "regular" people during their off season & this story gives a little glimpse into it that I couldn't help but fall for. 10/10 definitely recommend.
January 6, 2026
Unusual but adorable
I didn’t know what I was getting myself into when I started this book but I wasn’t expecting an extremely adorable and interesting look at the relationship between Santa Claus and Krampus. This novella was an adorable way to look at the relationship between two mythological creatures with a new lens. I never really thought how intertwined the two were but it makes sense. And to have them have an undeniable connection that reaches through time and space, literally makes it that much more endearing. I love that this was a romance based on the spirit of a person versus the usual. It was a great time.
I didn’t know what I was getting myself into when I started this book but I wasn’t expecting an extremely adorable and interesting look at the relationship between Santa Claus and Krampus. This novella was an adorable way to look at the relationship between two mythological creatures with a new lens. I never really thought how intertwined the two were but it makes sense. And to have them have an undeniable connection that reaches through time and space, literally makes it that much more endearing. I love that this was a romance based on the spirit of a person versus the usual. It was a great time.
January 7, 2026
Nick, Topher, and a pinch of Noel
This was such an amazing concept. I love love love when authors play with lore. The idea that the beings that are Krumpus and Santa have a spirit inside of them that gets a chance to be free of those role for a while and fall in love is just, fantastical! The only issue I had is that with the pace of the story moving a month at a time, and alternating POVs sometimes I really wanted a follow up of how the other was feeling. It was terribly romantic though that two spirits could fall in love and reconnect time and time again. Crowley never ceases to impress and amaze!
This was such an amazing concept. I love love love when authors play with lore. The idea that the beings that are Krumpus and Santa have a spirit inside of them that gets a chance to be free of those role for a while and fall in love is just, fantastical! The only issue I had is that with the pace of the story moving a month at a time, and alternating POVs sometimes I really wanted a follow up of how the other was feeling. It was terribly romantic though that two spirits could fall in love and reconnect time and time again. Crowley never ceases to impress and amaze!
January 1, 2026
This was a super cute and refreshing "christmas-adjacent" read. I read it after Christmas and really enjoyed the unique premise of a Santa & Krampus alter-ego/cyclical reincarnation romance.
This was a novella so there was limited time to get to know the characters, Nick and Topher, who due to their circumstances have a limited about of time to fall in love. But in spite of that Crowley manages to tell a really sweet romance story that gave me just the feeling I was looking for to start the new year with. Bonus points for some excellent queer rep.
This was a novella so there was limited time to get to know the characters, Nick and Topher, who due to their circumstances have a limited about of time to fall in love. But in spite of that Crowley manages to tell a really sweet romance story that gave me just the feeling I was looking for to start the new year with. Bonus points for some excellent queer rep.
Review of advance copy received from Author
This was such a sweet little "Christmas adjacent" read!! I found this story to be so entertaining and a very original concept of what Santa & Krampus are like the other half of the year. I really felt the depth of emotions these characters had for each other despite this being a very short book!
P.S. I loooved the epilogue, I went thru so many emotions in this one chapter and I absolutely cackled when Noel entered the scene!
P.S. I loooved the epilogue, I went thru so many emotions in this one chapter and I absolutely cackled when Noel entered the scene!
December 31, 2025
A cozy, queer, ace-spec romance, Naughty & Nice is a lovely little fast-paced novella featuring Krampus and Santa Claus as star-crossed lovers.
Author Azalea Crowley weaves aspects of mental health and gender identity, a sprinkling of horror, and a connection that transcends time and physical form into this sweet, festive tale.
I had the honor of reading this as an ARC and cried. I absolutely love this book!
Author Azalea Crowley weaves aspects of mental health and gender identity, a sprinkling of horror, and a connection that transcends time and physical form into this sweet, festive tale.
I had the honor of reading this as an ARC and cried. I absolutely love this book!
December 30, 2025
If you want a super sweet and cozy ace-spec holiday romance between Santa and Krampus, Naughty & Nice should be your next read.
This short festive tale had me giggling and kicking my feet with Claus and Krampus story.
Thank you, Azalea, for the heartwarming tears this brought me; it was such an honor to read. I absolutely loved it!
This short festive tale had me giggling and kicking my feet with Claus and Krampus story.
Thank you, Azalea, for the heartwarming tears this brought me; it was such an honor to read. I absolutely loved it!
January 3, 2026
This was such a cozy, cute, and delightful holiday novella!! And unlike any I’d read before with its take on the spirits of Claus and Krampus and their determination to love each other no matter their fates. The angst and yearning knowing their time is limited. Their love for each other’s spirits not confined by gender. Loved the ending!
Review of advance copy received from Author
This was such a cute version of Santa and krampus. I never expected the whole ‘regen souls’ thing but it was so cool.
I just wish the characters had a little more omph because they felt a little flat.
💕 Thank you for the arc 💕
I just wish the characters had a little more omph because they felt a little flat.
💕 Thank you for the arc 💕
December 25, 2025
ARC
Such a fun twist for a short holiday read!
Such a fun twist for a short holiday read!
Review of advance copy received from Author
I can never pass up a chance to read Azalea Crowely. This little holiday love story, was sweet, and showed that love is soul deep, regardless of appearance. This was more nice than naughty.
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews