Naughty but Nice

Hamilton Christmas #3

by Donna Kauffman

ʼTis the season for sweet surprises . . . 

Businessman Griffin’s never believed in luck . . . until sassy-sweet small-town baker Melody turns his world around. Except there’s a catch: There’s no way he’ll be able to build his empire and hold on to her. This new love could destroy all his dreams—or make this Christmas better than he ever imagined possible . . .

Originally in the The Naughty List anthology

Genres: Christmas, Romance, Novella, Contemporary Romance, Contemporary, Short Stories, Holiday

113 pages, Kindle Edition

First published October 30, 2018

About the author

USA Today bestseller and award winning author of the Cupcake Club series and the Blueberry Cove series, DONNA KAUFFMAN has been gratified to see her books get rave reviews in venues ranging from Kirkus Reviews and Library Journal to Entertainment Weekly and Cosmopolitan. She lives in the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains in southwestern Virginia, where she is happily working on the next book in her brand new Blue Hollow Falls series, set right in her mountain home area. When she's not writing, she can be found recapping the popular tv show NCIS for USA Today, or escaping into her garden to play in the dirt. Donna also works as a volunteer wildlife transporter for two local sanctuaries, giving orphaned and injured wildlife a second chance at survival. You can catch up on all of her adventures via her author page on Facebook, or on Twitter, or Instagram @writerchick. Donna loves to hear from readers!

Donna Kauffman passed away on April 9, 2020 of pancreatic cancer.

Reviews

[Carrie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Naughty but Nice by Donna Kauffman is the third novella length contemporary romance in the Hamilton Christmas series. This story was originally published in the The Naughty List anthology but is being republished as part of it’s own Christmas collection. Each book in the series can be read as standalone stories with each featuring a different set of main characters however there is a bit of story carried over from book to book involving the Hamilton family to tie them together. 

Melody Duncastle is perfectly happy running her small town bakery and has no urge to expand so when a developer hits town with big ideas Melody wants nothing to do with them. However, when Thomas Griffin Gallagher walks into Cups & Cakes Melody finds herself fighting an attraction to his charming looks and sexy accent. Attraction or not though these two definitely do not see eye to eye on their visions for their small town. 

Having read all three of these novellas in the Hamilton series so far I couldn't help but notice the differences in characters and plot. Each set up between the couples is completely different with this one being more of an opposite attracts vibe with the couple disagreeing. Obviously being short books the romance happens quickly but as with the others I liked both characters and wished them the best. Great series to pick up right before the holidays for a quick dose of romance. 

I received an advance copy from the publisher via NetGalley.

For more reviews please visit https://carriesbookreviews.com/

[Claire · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 - "You have a weakness for accents, do you..?" Stars!

Novella three in the Hamilton Christmas series gives us Thomas Griffin Gallagher and Melody Duncastle’s story. The heir to the Hamilton fortune, has set his sights on regenerating the town named after it, and baker extraordinaire and owner of Cups & Cakes; Melody is less than enthused with his plans…

Why did he feel as if the best thing that happened to him was slipping through his fingers before he even had the chance to figure out how to hold onto it…

As with the previous two novellas I loved the couple in this book, with their initial verbal sparring and instant chemistry it made for great reading as they worked through the fact that they were on opposite sides of the fence in regards to Griff’s plans. But there are deeper reasons for it, and once Melody understands that, it’s full steam ahead into relationshiplandia for them.

"I take care of what’s mine… I always have. And I always will."

I enjoyed Naughty But Nice as much as its predecessors, I just didn’t find it offered up any of the Christmassyness that Unleashed & Lock, Stock & Jingle Bells did, which is why I rated it a little lower. Donna still offers up a really enjoyable story though, and I loved that the epilogue bought all three couples together.

ARC generously provided by the author via Netgalley, in exchange for the above honest review.

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

Naughty but Nice is a novella by Donna Kauffman that was previously published in the The Naughty List anthology and has now been rereleased as an ebook as part of the Hamilton Christmas series in time for the holidays.

Melody gave up a stressful career and big city life and hasn't looked back once since she became a baker in a small town. She loves the more relaxed pace of life in her small but charming town so is absolutely horrified when she finds out a developer wants to give the place an upgrade to put it on the map. The last thing she wants is to see an influx of tourists destroy the friendly atmosphere she moved here for so she is determined to work alongside other small business owners to stop the development from going ahead.

Griffin is struggling to deal with the revelation that he had a whole other family that he never new about and the fact that he is the heir to the Hamilton fortune. Unfortunately things aren't all what they appear in Hamilton Industries and unless he manages to turn things around Melody's town is going to be in serious financial trouble. He knows exactly what he needs to do to make things happen and he has a track record of getting it right but first he needs to get Melody and the other locals to accept his plans and help him implement them.

This story is more of an enemies to lovers trope. Melody is determined to stop Griffin from making the changes the town needs but she doesn't understand the motives behind his choices. The attraction between them is instant and since this is a novella the romance moves at a quick pace between them but it was still a fun story and it was nice to see the conclusion to questions about the Hamilton family that were raised in the first book in the series, Unleashed. Overall I've really enjoyed this series, it got me in the mood for the holidays and was a perfect December treat.

[Deanne Patterson · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the third and final book in the Hamilton Christmas series, as with the previous two it's a novella. It continues the Hamilton family story. This is Melody and Griffin's story. Fast paced and an enemies to romance type of story. Who can resist a book full of yummy scrummy cupcake making? Nice character development and I look forward to reading even more by this author.
Pub Date 30 Oct 2018
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Kensington Books through NetGalley. Thank you. All opinions expressed are my own.

[LORI CASWELL · Rating 3 out of 5]

Dollycas’s Thoughts

The third and final book in this series introduces bakery owner, Melody Duncastle, and businessman, Thomas Griffin Gallagher. Griffin has arrived in town to confirm he is the new heir to the Hamilton fortune and he has big plans to reenergize and update the good town of Hamilton. Melody voices her displeasure with his ideas loudly but he is determined to change her mind. He also realizes he has strong romantic feelings for her so he hopes to win her favor in more ways than one.

Of the three stories in this novella series, this was my least favorite one. I disliked Thomas Griffin Gallagher immediately. He was very pushy and had a superior air about him. He does have a backstory that formed the man he had become but I just couldn’t warm to him even after Melody shaved away some of his hard edges. Melody is such a caring individual. She came home to Hamilton to help a sick friend and it totally changed her life. Their first meeting was humorous but I think for two strangers the relationship that was quickly built just didn’t feel right to me, even with a heartwarming moment at the end.

I think as with book two, Lock, Stock, and Jingle Bells, the book was hurt by the novella length. Griffin and Melody are both very strong people with differing points of view and then suddenly they are in love. Where was the conflict? She stood up to him once and then after spending a few hours together, he gets everything he wants. I just wanted more development and some give and take, a little bit of a chase. I really enjoyed the first book in this series but after that, the books went downhill in my opinion. I do believe if the last two stories had been full-length novels it would have allowed for better character development and romantic tension to evolve I would have really enjoyed them.

[Heidi · Rating 2 out of 5]

I picked this one up expecting a humorous and fun holiday read, but what I got was a big fat disappointment. I am guessing if you are reading this author and whatever series this novella ties into, it might make more sense, but in my opinion this one does not work as a stand alone novella.
Basically, the story starts with a successful Irishman coming to a small American town after he learns the truth about his lineage. I won’t go into the details, but bottom line, he learns he was adopted and has relatives in the United States. There is a lengthy section about his family and all that which was boring.
Griffin arrives in town and meets the town baker, Melody. Sparks fly when the meet until she learns who he is and why he is in town. Melody then throws up resistance because she doesn’t want her town changed.
Later, Griffin visits her bakery after hours to talk to her. They sort of get to know each other while baking and the hostility turns into smexy time, and that is the gist of the novella.
I don’t know why this was billed as a holiday novella because there is only a couple of quick mentions of the holiday season. All the cheer and coziness of the season isn’t present. The romance goes from zero to sizzle in an instant and not much else happens. It wasn’t fun or flirty. It was downright boring.
I would not recommend this at all if you are looking for a holiday novella. It has no holiday cheer and a ridiculous insta romance. Snooze.
I received a copy of this novella in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own, and I was not compensated for this review.
Posted@Rainy Day Ramblings.

[Carla · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars: Naughty but Nice by Donna Kauffman is the third novella romance in the Hamilton Christmas series. They were originally published in the The Naughty List anthology but have now been published as individual novellas. Each book in the series can be read as standalone stories, but have an overreaching story involving the Hamilton family to tie them together. This final story in the anthology has Lionel Hamilton's nephew from Ireland, Griffin Gallagher, coming to the town of Hamilton to develop it and make it bigger and more profitable. Melody Duncastle is perfectly happy running her small town bakery and has no urge to expand, in fact, she wants her quiet town to be left alone and for him to concentrate his efforts on Hamilton Industries. From their first meeting, early one morning in her bakery, there is chemistry and it heats up quickly. Attraction or not though these two definitely do not see eye to eye on their visions for their small town.

Whenever I read a novella length romance, I come to expect a certain amount of insta-love and this one is no exception. There is an opposites attract feeling, even a bit of an enemy to lovers trope happening. I really liked both Melody and Griffin. They had suffered loss in the past and were a bit closed off because of it, but they were good for each other and I wanted them to get together. I did enjoy this story, although, there wasn't as much of a festive, Christmas feel as the previous two novellas in this series. Having said that, it is a short, cute, romance read with a bit of steam.

[TSN ☮ · Rating 1 out of 5]

DNF 15%

Not something for me.

[Susan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good story about a man who is all business until he meets a woman who teaches him how to enjoy life a little. Griffin is an Irishman who has come to the US to build a resort that is set to change the character of the small town where it will be located. Not everyone is pleased with his plans, especially bakery owner Melody.

There's more to Griffin than first apparent. He has concentrated on business and shut off his emotions because of the things he went through growing up. He never felt like he fit in and was bullied and abused by various family members. It was recently revealed that his father was adopted and Griffin has come to Hamilton to get to know his "real" family and learn about his inheritance.

Melody grew up in Hamilton, then left to become a lawyer in Washington DC. She came home to support her best friend who was dying of cancer, found she liked being a baker, and took over the bakery when her friend died. She has done her research on what happens to towns after Griffin's company "helps" them, and she doesn't like what she sees.

Griffin and Melody strike sparks off each other from the beginning. There is a definite attraction between them. I loved their first meeting, as Griffin was in search of coffee. She made her displeasure with him and his plans quite obvious there and again at the town council meeting. I liked the way that Griffin went to her shop that evening to talk to her about it and ended up staying to help. Griffin was amazed by the desire he felt to tell her things about his past, things he doesn't share with anyone. Within a short time the two of them find themselves giving in to their attraction. It was interesting to see the two of them get closer, obviously falling for each other, while agreeing to disagree on the plans for the town. Melody believes that their relationship will last only until Griffin moves on to his next project and wonders how she'll handle it when he's gone. Meanwhile, Griffin comes to realize that what he feels for Melody is much deeper than he had ever expected. I loved seeing his big moment at the end, and how his feelings for Melody had changed his views of his family. While the story never had the big conflict that I expected from the opening scenes, it ended up being a pretty sweet romance.

[Gale · Rating 5 out of 5]

In Naughty But Nice, the third re-release that is part of an overall mystery, we finally get to the bottom of all the long-buried secrets. Thomas Griffin Gallagher has a lilting brogue that I can clearly hear in my head – that’s how amazing this story is written. He comes to town to, let’s say to propose a redevelopment. And he means it in the most loving way. Of course, not all the townsfolk are as excited about all the changes as he is to present them and he gets to meet his foil in Melody Duncastle. She gives him a run for his money, and makes him “sing” for his morning coffee, but Thomas gives as good as he gets.

Can’t say too much as I don’t want to give any spoilers but again, a standalone book where we get to visit with characters from the other two books to catch up with them and that’s always fun. Thomas and Melody have to deal with their own pasts before they can be ready to work towards a future with each other. Their path is hard sometimes, but a wonderful story all around! And the ending made me giggle long past The End.

[Taryn · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the third novella in the trilogy where we meet Griffin, the young man whose secret we started to learn about in book one and got a more in-depth look into during book two. Griffin decides to visit the town where his life started and hopefully while there he can add on to the empire he has been building. Melody is a baker who loves her small town life and doesn't want anything to change. When Griffin and Melody come together fireworks explode. You see there is an undeniable attraction between them but neither of them wants to give up on their life's expectations. Follow along and see if the two can come together and be the amazing couple they know they can be or will their stubbornness get in the way? This was a great romantic holiday read with an ending that brought three couples together in family and in friendship.

[Terri · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a Chrismas novella that continues the Hamilton story. It's the story of Melody and Griffin. Griffin has recently found out about his family connection to the Hamiltons and has come to the US with his panty melting brogue to try to save the business and town. Melody is not having any of it! His interference is not needed as far as she's concerned and Griffin can just shuffle off to Buffalo or wherever he came from! That is until she looks into his eyes and hears his accent. It may just be a little harder to harbor ill thoughts of him and his plan as her heart melts and her body warms up.
This was a great addition to the series!

[Shari · Rating 4 out of 5]

A perfect Christmas novella to read during the busy holiday season, and who doesn't like cupcakes. Melody is the owner of Cups and Cupcakes and Griffin has arrived in town to build his empire. Melody and Griffin are on opposing sides but they can not resist the chemistry between them. They both have pasts that they have to deal with before going forward.

A little bit spicy but still sweet. I loved these characters, even though novella length,great development. The ending was wonderful. This is the third book in the Hamilton Collection but can be read as a stand alone. So grab a cup of coffee and cupcake and enjoy the story.

[Tracie R · Rating 4 out of 5]

This third in the Hamilton Christmas novellas by Donna Kauffman, Naughty but Nice is a fabulous conclusion to this series. Griffin and Melody are an unlikely couple, yet they are charming wonderful characters who find the path that leads to each other. I really enjoyed this story and series and look forward to exploring more by this author.

[Rady Reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

Naughty but nice was amazingly written Insta lust to love novella.  I admired the perfectly choosed wording of Mrs. Kaufmann. The plot was on the shorter side, well, it's novella, but still making you invested and giving you more than enough information.  

Griffin' s mysterious parentage is publicly revealed.  He is asked to save the Hamilton industries. He wants to bring them to thier previous  flourishing days and needs the citizens' help by doing small but positive changes to the town.

Melody is baker with all her heart. She doesn't want any of that and fears about the future of their town.

Both characters although with different views were meant to fall in love. I was feeling their connection from the very begining and say they just clicked beautifully together.

I trully loved the story.

[Cheryl Basile · Rating 3 out of 5]

I'll be honest--I just don't know about this book. It's a tame story that takes place in small town Hamilton, Virginia, where Melody Duncastle owns a bakery and coffee shop that specializes in intricately decorated cakes and cupcakes. Thomas Griffin Gallagher comes to town from West Cork, Ireland, because he's heir to the town's largest employer-- Hamilton Industries. Hamilton Industries is struggling, and Griffin (as he's referred to in the book), is a successful developer who has helped other small towns thrive by developing their brand and unique characteristics. He wants to do the same for Hamilton, but Melody, who grew up in the town, doesn't want to see it change. At the public hearing, she speaks out against his plans to overhaul the town's image and built a resort to bring in more tourists.

Based on those circumstances, there should be a LOT of tension between the two of them, since they are both strong people and have opposing views. But I didn't really feel the depth of tension that should have been there. They are physically attracted to each other from their first meeting (when Griffin comes into Melody's shop for a coffee), and the author did a great job of showing that. But I was disappointed that Kauffman didn't develop the conflict between the two of them over the town's future.

Maybe it's just me--I like 'lots of tension and conflict in romance books. I like to be on a roller coaster ride while I read the book. I didn't feel it with this book.

I felt that the book was written from an omniscient point of view--like I was hovering over them, watching them but not really engaged in their story. I finished the novella wishing and wanting more. Maybe if I had read the other books in this series, it would have been more fulfilling? Perhaps I'll check them out. She has written quite a few books, and some of them -- like the Bachelors of Blueberry Cove--sound interesting. Her book titles are very intriguing! So maybe I'll check them out since she is a popular writer for many.

Again, this could just be me and my preferences. Others might prefer calm seas when sailing through a romance. I like stormy seas that toss and turn my heart, and make me cheer on the hero and heroine as they discover their true love.

Thank you to Netgalley and Kensington Publishing for providing me with an advanced review copy of this book!

[Kim · Rating 4 out of 5]

His life took an unexpected turn that brought him to her village. She has a successful bakery/coffee shop that was her dead best friends dream. A contentious meeting has her trying to fight her attraction to him. He wants to charm her to his side of the changes. Can they change each the other's mind or will a not so secret affair change their lives forever?

Griffin want to change Hamilton into a resort town. Melody doesn't want the town to change. When she finds out who he is, she kicks him out of her shop. He's completely captivated on first seeing Melody and hearing her cursing. A heated exchange at a town council meeting has people of Hamilton wondering. Griffin stops by to make an appointment for a meeting to talk about the changes. He ends up helping her with her baking. A very passionate kiss leads to a night of passionate love making. Both Melody & Griffin reveal their pasts, while they're working. He can't believe how truthful he's being and talking about things he's never told anyone. That one night leads to many and them not wanting it to end. It's a well known secret that they're having a romance. Just before Christmas Griffin comes to tell Melody that he needs to leave for home. She's devastated by the news but when a proposal is forth coming and declarations made on both sides then a yes. Plans are talked about moving her and her business to his home town. Four years later a trip back to Hamilton shows how fast and much things have changed since they left. A memorial service is held for a recently deceased relative. As the cousins reunite for the service and reception all are delighted to see each other. A toast is made and a surprising announcement is made that full of joy and fear.

Donna Kauffman's Hamilton series is brought to a close with the story of the unknown relative who wants to change his family's town. Only to be blindsided by the attraction and love for the bakery owner who is happy with her shop as it is. The instant attraction is what brings them together but the love for each other keeps them together. A story of love of home, and family shows that you can have both with some compromise and laughter even when in the beginning your strangers.

[Kathy Jund · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 stars!
The Hamilton series novella book 3!
There's a mystery to be solved and the final piece of the puzzle is at hand, but is there an ulterior motive along with the romance and the holiday season?

Thomas Griffin Gallagher just wanted a cup of coffee and he had it on good authority that this was the place to get it! But these dang jingle bells attached to every door in the village was going to drive him crazy, how Americans put up with it all was beyond him but the tiny village of Hamilton and this tucked away bakery was where he was headed. Cups and Cakes was renowned for coffee among it's sugar treats and the woman who ran it might end up being adversarial enough to pour it on his head. The crash from the back room and the language to follow was enough to bring a smile to his face under the circumstances, deciding best not to interrupt the goings on and spying the coffee just the other side of the counter Griff decided he'd help himself to the wondrous smelling brew and the creature still howling in the next room would be none the wiser. As coffee was all he was after the chances were promising until while searching for cups under the counter said voice from the back room came upon him inquiring "May I help you with something?", busted it appeared. Melody Duncastle eyed the handsome man rummaging under her counter and no previous research prepared her for the sight once he stood before her; the words from his mouth fraught with that Irish accent were enough for her to know here stood the infamous (on many platforms), Thomas Griffin Gallagher! Known as "Griff" by reputation, Melody and her lawyerly instincts were on high alert as she faced the one person who threatened to make life difficult for her even though the people who lived in this small town seemed to almost embrace what Griff was selling. Melody wasn't having any of it and if she could help it coffee was the last thing he was getting from her!

[Kathy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Melody Duncastle runs a small-town bakery and is no hurry to change Along comes developer Thomas Griffin Gallagher, with all sorts of ideas about how to “develop” the town, much to Melody’s dismay. However, when Griff walks into her bakery, Melody feels an instant attraction, as does Griff. Attraction aside, Griff feels the same as Melody, so neither can fully understand why this attraction exists, as they both vehemently oppose each other and their ideas. Makes for an interesting tale--how they hope or manage to figure things out is this story. Be it as it is.

This story is part of an anthology, which I have not read or even heard of, though it was published years ago. I found the story difficult to get into, to be honest. I liked neither of the main characters, Melody or Griff. He seems too smug and ready to take on things though other opposed them without finding out their reasons for distrust/dislike. She was just as smug and ready to fight, fight, fight for what she felt. As I said, should make for an interesting story, to say the least—though it did not in this case. I found myself reading the story only because I said I would. I just could not get into it. As I said, I did not like the two main characters or how they acted throughout. Yes, there was passion, but it all seemed too hurried and phony for me. I think this would have been better as a full-length story/book, as there would have been more time for character and story line development. I guess I expected more. I have read a lot by this author, and, for me at least, this one just did not come up to her standards. I received this form NetGalley to read and review.

[Doreen Prentiss Gabriellini · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the third and final book/novella in the Hamilton Christmas series. The story was originally published as part of the Naughty but Nice anthology. It's the third and final holiday novella in the Hamilton Christmas series that are being released individually this season. Each of Ms. Kauffman’s novellas can be read as standalone stories with each featuring a different set of main characters. We do meet up with characters in “Unleashed”(the first novella in the series) “Lock, Stock and Jingle Bells” (the second in the series) for added familiarity for those readers who read all three, which I would highly recommend.

Donna Kauffman has created yet another fun holiday romance with all the small town goodness that makes for a snowy loving holiday romance. The characters are likeable, lovable, funny, full of their own insecurities and in need of romance. This story discovers how we feel about change. The story is touching and heart warming as all of Ms. Kauffman’s books are. This story is obviously fast paced as novella’s usually are. If you are looking forward to a few hours curled up with a cup of hot chocolate and a good holiday story in the midst of the holiday hecticness this is the book for you. The sad part is this the last of the Hamilton Series .

I would like to thank Donna Kauffman, Kensington Books and NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

[Karen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Griffin is out to make changes in the small town where Melody has set up shop as a cupcake baker. She knows that herself and her town do not want these big changes that Griffin is opposing, but are they what the town actually needs? Is there more to Griffin just coming to take over Hamilton industries? His rightful place after he found out who he really was.

Melody moved back to Hamilton after her best friend was diagnosed with cancer. When she passed she took over her bakery and found her calling. She left being a tax attorney and found the life as being a baker in her hometown was just what she needed.

Griffin and Melody have instant chemistry, but Melody really does not like Griffin's plan for her hometown. But after a few memorable weeks and Griffin really opening up to Melody, and Melody falling hard, can it be enough for the two of them? Will Griffin or back to Ireland and leave Melody behind? Will Melody expand like Griffin keeps asking her to do, even though she doesn't want to?

Loved reading about the Hamilton's. It was a great family mystery that go solved, and all ending in the best way possible. Griffin and Melody I think were my favorite couple too! A great read about making changes, huge life choices, and opening up your heart to the best thing in life, love.

[Margie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Naughty But Nice is the third book in author Donna Kauffman's Hamilton Christmas series. This story is set in the small town of Hamilton, Virginia. We first meet heroine Melody Duncastle catching a stranger behind the counter of her Cups and Cupcakes Bakery store helping himself to a cup of coffee while she is in the back room. The stranger turns out to be our hero, Griffin Gallagher, heir to Hamilton Industries.. He is in town to "revitalize" it. Melody wants no parts of this. She likes her town just the way it is, thank you. She takes Griffin's cup of coffee away from him and boots him out of her shop. Man, he really needed that infusion of caffeine.

I mentioned that Melody is the heroione in this story and Griffin the hero. Obviously Melody's animosity towards Griffin doesn't last. Can't beat that overwhelming chemistry.

As the relationship between Melody and Griffin progresses we learn why Griffin is in town to transform it. We also learn important background in Griffin's life that explains how he became the man he is. He really is a good guy. Melody reveals much of herself to Griffin too and together they become a strong loving couple.

[Sue Galuska · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thomas Griffin Gallagher's life has changed. After finding out he was adopted and that his birth mother was Trudy Hamilton, he decides to travel from Dublin, Ireland to Hamilton to better understand his life and plan out what he is going to do with his new inheritance Hamilton Industries. Upon arriving, Griff stops at Cups & Cakes and is instantly smittened with Melody Duncastle. Too bad she knows who he is and wants nothing to do with him or his plans for their city.

Griff realizes that he needs Melody's approval if he wants to go ahead with his plans for Hamilton. As these two spend more time together, their feelings start to grow. The only problem is that neither of them can see a way for their relationship to work in the long term. Just when it looks like things are breaking apart, some holiday magic arrives and brings Griff and Melody their happy ending!

I loved both of these characters. Griff was so straight and businesslike and Melody was more off the cuff and fun and together they make a perfect pair. I also really enjoyed Griff's Irish brogue. ;) Overall, this was a fun and enjoyable holiday story.

[Marsha Keeper Bookshelf · Rating 4 out of 5]

Reviewed at Keeper Bookshelf

Melody and Griffin are on the total opposite sides in the battle for changes planned for Melody’s home town. She thinks life in this small town is perfect as it is and is completely against the changes Griffin wants to bring in. Griffin has only the best interests of the town at heart, even if it does appear that he’s tearing down the past to build the future… on the surface, at least.

Naughty but Nice is a quick romance with a strong attraction between two people who view life in a small town very differently. Neither is totally right nor wrong, so the challenge becomes finding middle ground to allow the attraction between them to come to full life. I liked this one, especially as it wraps up the mystery that has flowed through this entire series. It’s short enough that I don’t want to say much… except that I enjoyed Melody and Griffin’s romance, and sparks certainly do fly between these two.

*I received an e-ARC of this novel from the publisher via NetGalley. That does not change what I think of this story. It is my choice to leave a review giving my personal opinion about this book.*

[Vanessa · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a sweet novella Apparently part of a series, but I haven't had the opportunity of reading the earlier novels.
Griffin Gallagher comes to town to, propose a redevelopment of the village, and in dire need of a "real" coffee, happens upon Melody's café and Bakery, but when she is occupied, helps himself to the coffee. When she see him and catches him out, she also brings up his future plans for the village, in a not too happy manner.
That evening they clash at the town meeting, when Griffin reveals part of his plans to build up the village into something all would be proud of. Of course, not all the townsfolk are as excited about the changes he presents to them.

Well of course Griffin and Melody have a great meeting in her Bakery about the town plans, and whilst Griffin steps in to assist Melody in her backlog of baking, they set sparks flying and connect in more ways than one.

A lovely light novel, will be looking to read the earlier ones, and any future that will continue with the story.

[Sofia Lazaridou · Rating 4 out of 5]

Naughty but nice is the third novella in the "A Hamilton Christmas" series. It can be read as stand-alone, but I enjoyed it more than I would have if I hadn't read the other 2 novellas. The stories are connected, but not in a way that will make you regret not having read the previous novellas. This one didn't have the Christmas-y feeling the other two had, unfortunately, but it was still good and I can see myself reading it on a cold winter afternoon. Griffin is new to the town since he only recently found out that he is a Hamilton heir and his plan will ruin Melody's idea of what the town should be like. These two might have different opinions, but sparks flew and they couldn't resist each other. Yes, there is some insta-lust, but with this length, I think that it is expected and it didn't bother me. In the end, I liked Naughty But Nice and the series as a whole. I think that you should read the other two books first and then pick this one. They are short, so you wouldn't invest too much time and you will get three Christmas-y stories.

[Eileen · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed reading Griffin and Melody’s story in Naughty but Nice by Donna Kauffman, novella three in her Hamilton Christmas series. Thomas “Griffin” Gallagher, the recent heir to the Hamilton Industries fortune, has plans to revitalize the town of Hamilton. Baker Melody Duncastle thinks Hamilton is perfect the way it is and does not need any changes. She is not willing to let his brogue convince her otherwise; yet she can’t deny the attraction she has to him. Maybe Griffin isn’t such the bad guy she envisioned him to be. Overall, I enjoyed seeing Griffin and Melody’s relationship progress and overcome their past before they could have a future together. Naughty but Nice was a cute conclusion to the Hamilton Christmas series.

Ms. Kauffman wrote an emotional, and moving story filled with sexual chemistry, wonderful dialogue, and endearing characters that is not to be missed. I highly recommend this book to other.

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.

[Jackie Wright · Rating 4 out of 5]

Naughty but a Nice is the third novella in the A Hamilton Christmas series it was originally published in the Naughty List Anthology but is now being published as part of a Christmas Collection and it can be read as a stand-alone.
Melody Doncastle runs a small town bakery she is happy and wants nothing to do with big ideas from a big developer problem is when Thomas Griffin Gallagher walks into Cups & Cakes there is an instant attraction will the attraction be strong enough to get past the development ideas....
I love Christmas and I love this series of Christmas Novellas, I hadn’t read any books by this author before I picked up the first in A Hamilton Christmas Novella Series but I can assure you I will be looking at her other works. If you live the holiday season do yourself a favour and one click these perfect holiday reads.

[Melenareads · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.5 stars

The third in a trio of holiday novellas that make up the Hamilton Christmas series.

The characters and central plot were interesting. Especially as this book wraps up parts of the story introduced in the first two books.

There is an immediate connection between Melody and Griffin despite being on opposite sides of the proposed development plans for the town.

The stories of their past and how they both ended up in Hamilton were interesting. However the overall plot felt rushed. I understand this is likely due to it being a novella, but I wish the relationship had been explored a little more before jumping into everything so quickly.

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for providing an ARC for an honest review.

[Bette Hansen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Naughty but Nice is the third holiday novella in the Hamilton Christmas Series. Previously published as part of an anthology it is now being released as a single book. This is the fun little story of Melody Duncastle and Thomas "Griffin" Gallagher. Melody is happy with their quaint little town just the way it is. She has no desire for some big corporate developer to come in and change the entire town. Yet whe Griffin Gallagher, said developer, comes into her bakery she has to fight her undeniable attraction to the man.

I really enjoyed these characters and couldn't help but hope they could find their way. This story is short, sweet, and a perfect escape during the hectic holiday season. I definitely recommend it.