Naughty & Nice: Christmas in Holiday Valley

by Kaylin Evans

All Jocelyn wants is to escape her sister’s shadow. The promotion she just got at the Jubilee Hotel is Jocelyn’s ticket to finally earning her parents’ attention this Christmas… until her sister pulls a surprise engagement out of thin air.

All’s fair in love and war, and all that’s left to do is fake a relationship of her own, but when Jocelyn recruits her hottest, most unruly coworker to play her new boyfriend, she’s got no idea if he’s going to play naughty or nice.

Genres: Christmas, Holiday, Contemporary, Romance

77 pages, Kindle Edition

First published November 11, 2019

About the author

I live in Ohio with my husband, an old but lively beagle and an angry little bunny. I love black coffee and sweater weather, and I’m an unapologetic stationery and planner nerd.

Find me on socials @kaylinnic.

Reviews

[Rochelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved this story. Loved revisiting Holiday Valley. Luke and Jocelyn were so good together. The chemistry between them was so good. They were childhood friends/enemies and it was so nice to see them get over that and have the HEA that they both wanted. Loved the epilogue and I can’t wait to read the next book in this series.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[LMR · Rating 4 out of 5]

Naughty & Nice: Christmas in Holiday Valley By: Kaylin Evans
She's Being "Naughty & Nice" This Christmas With Him...
She's Sooo VERY Tired of competing with Her Sister,
And com'n OUT the looser EVERY Single TIME!
Sooo, when Her Sister UpStages Her big Promotion,
She opens Her mouth & vomits a lie... With a Fake BoyFriend!
It's REALLY all HIS fault...
For placing the Seed IN Her HEAD!
Cuz once IT was there, IT just germinated & Grew...
Until IN a moment of panic, it's the only defence She had!
Now, She's being "Naughty & Nice," trapped by Her Lie,
Cuz His Kisses are the Sweetest... And She's Fall'n for this Guy!
And what STARTED as FAKE...
Is becoming a Li'l MORE real with each "Naughty & Nice" Kiss!
I was granted, via B00|{$P®0UT & Cherrylily, an ARC of Kaylin Evans' "Naughty & Nice: Christmas in Holiday Valley." I recommend this book to others based upon its own merits. All opinions expressed within this review are uniquely my own & freely given!
Until next time... Happy Reading!
My Rating Sytem:
4🌟: I like IT a lot. Great, Solid Story w/ few if any inconsistencies or errors. This is a HIGH Rating, & I rarely give OUT a Higher Rating.
If My Review is helpful to you, please check the box below~ Thank You.

[Flo · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved!!!

[Emma (emjbookshelf) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fake Relationship

Jocelyn and her sister Vanessa have been competitive their whole lives so when Vanessa announces she is engaged Jocelyn needs a fake boyfriend. Luke who Jocelyn has known since childhood has been in love with her for years but didn't think he stood a chance. He offers to be her boyfriend with hopes that their fake Relationship becomes real.

This was an enjoyable & believable read.

[Kayla · Rating 4 out of 5]

like I said, taking away a star because of the crushed velvet meantion... yuck.

but also for having a 70% mark breakup in a 70 page novella... it was kinda pointless and the fake dating reveal could've still been done just without the breakup since they literally get back together on the next page.

otherwise, loved it. childhood crushes to fake dating to lover, small town christmas?! yes, and because of the childhood crushes it doesn't give insta-love trope for being a novella.

[Mx Phoebe · Rating 4 out of 5]

Jocelyn was supposed to tell her parents about her new promotion. Instead she told them she was dating Luke. Now she just has to tell Luke.

Jocelyn has always been in competition with her sister Ness. When she shows up to tell her family about her new promotion, Ness announces her engagement. Now all everyone is talking about is her wedding. Ness, Ness, Ness!

Things are not better at work for Jocelyn as she has to deal with her childhood prankster Luke as her employee. Luke has an idea though when he hears her story, he will be her pretend boyfriend. Then the limelight will be on Jocelyn. Jocelyn firmly says, “No.” Until in a fit of pique at family event she makes the announcement.

Now what do they do?

Naughty & Nice (Lisbon Press, B07XKBL5Z3, 2019) is a really cute holiday romance. Kaylin Evans might be new to the writing scene, but she has all of the right ingredients in this holiday love story. A boy who has always teased the girl and the girl who has always looked back at him. They have never done anything until now.

There is some heat in this book which is good. Humor also abounds as Luke can be quite funny. This is one romance that I think will be on repeat year after year because everyone likes that feel good romance. Evans brings a bit of Naughty & Nice for your holiday reading. ✶✶✶✶

Naughty & Nice is the third book in the “Holiday Valley” series.

Phoebe’s note: At the end of Naughty in the “Author’s Note”, Evans refers to herself as a “new indie author”. When I went on Amazon, I saw she has written five books...hmmm when do you move out of “new” status? Hence the reason for my earlier statement of being “new” to the scene. I am leaving the statement as is...just explaining for the haters who are going to send me emails saying “but Phoebe….” Love my rainbows.

I received an ARC of this book from Author Kaylin Evans via Booksprout and I am writing a review without prejudice and voluntarily.

[Karen Roma · Rating 4 out of 5]

Naughty & Nice: Christmas in Holiday Valley is the third instalment in Kaylin Evans` Holiday Valley series and a delightful, fun and heart-warming story.

Jocelyn is driven and professional, but a lifetime of antagonistic competitiveness with her younger sibling, has left its mark on herself esteem. Luke has always been the annoying prankster, and Jocelyn’s memories of her co-worker are anything but fond. So, when her sister returns home for the holidays with an announcement to outshine her recent promotion, Jocelyn is devastated. Enter Luke to the rescue! But does Jocelyn really want to put herself in the unenviable position of pretending to be romantic with the one man she can’t stand, but is inexplicably hot to trot for?

I thoroughly enjoyed this story, and even though Luke is grating in the beginning, readers will come to discover the reasoning behind his irritating habits. Naughty & Nice is a lovely quick and easy read, with a good storyline, likeable characters and wonderful HEA. This story can be perfectly paired with a mug of hot chocolate and a roaring fire, or if you live in an extremely hot climate like me, you can curl up with a nice iced tea and some serious air con! I’m very excited for the next instalment in this addictive series.

[Rose · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. It made me smile pretty much the entire time I was reading it.

Jocelyn and her sister, Vanessa have always competed for their parents’ attention, and Vanessa always wins. This Christmas, Jocelyn is sure she is going to win as she got a huge promotion. But Vanessa brings a surprise fiancé home and their holiday gets eclipsed by wedding planning.

Right in the middle of cutting down the family Christmas tree, Jocelyn says that she has a new boyfriend, too. She says the first name that comes to mind – Luke Dupont. Jocelyn sees him at work every day and is attracted to him, even though he is cocky. But then she is stuck because her mom invites him to do holiday activities with the family. Luke goes along with pretending to be her boyfriend.

Luke and Jocelyn were great characters. I really enjoyed their interactions once Jocelyn gave Luke a chance. Luke was a sweetie and I wanted to keep him (new book boyfriend!). The happy ever after rocked! I definitely recommend reading this story.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[lf · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sister rivalry taken to an all new level

Naughty & Nice is a fun and quick Christmas holiday romance story about Jocelyn and Luke. Jocelyn and her sister Vanessa have a major case of sibling rivalry that has been going on forever. But Jocelyn has scored a great new promotion at work so when she goes back home for the Christmas holidays she is pretty sure she has the one-up-manship in bag this year. But that all falls apart quickly when Vanessa announces that she is engaged. So Jocelyn has to figure out a way to get one up on Jocelyn again and that results in her announcing that she has a new boyfriend and uses the name Luke because she thinks of a coworker. Well one thing leads to another as the fib keeps going along and before Jocelyn knows it Luke is invited to spend Christmas with the family. This leads to all sorts of things because as it turns out not only did Jocelyn have a thing for Luke but he has a thing for her. So what started out as a fib that grew into a fake boyfriend could just become the real thing before the new year.

I received a free ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review. My opinions are all my own.

[Bev · Rating 4 out of 5]

Quick Christmas time read

This was my first book by Kaylin. It was a quick, easy read that had me interested from the start, right through to the end. For the most part, the characters are likable and relatable.

The friction between the two sisters was woven throughout the story. Whilst I didn’t have a sister to compete with growing up, I did feel for Jocelyn. I can only imagine how difficult and frustrating it must be to have someone else take all of the attention, whether it be intentional or not. Thank goodness for Luke, offering to step in to help Joce out. Can they maintain the charade? She has no idea that he’s actually liked her for years. So how is this going to end for them?

It’s a good mix of sweet and hot. Perfect read to wind down at the end of the year, coming into the festive season. I can’t wait to read more from this author!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Anne Dwyer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jocelyn's sister Vanessa always had to be one up on her - this year, Jocelyn was celebrating a promotion at work, which gave her a rise in pay and a lot more responsibility - but Vanessa brought a new fiance home.
Jocelyn worked with Luke, who she had known since childhood - and when she confides in him, he suggests that he be her fake boyfriend for the holiday season. he has always teased Jocelyn, and at first she says no way - until Vanessa pushes one button too many, and she blurts out to her family that she has been dating Luke.
Luke has always had a crush on Jocelyn, so when she approaches him he agrees - hoping that he will be able to turn a fake relationship into a real one. What will happen when Vanessa learns the truth? Will Luke be able to convince Jocelyn that he really does love her? Loved this Christmas themed love story with a HEA!!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[readingromancehea · Rating 4 out of 5]

Jocelyn got a promotion at the hotel she's working at. She's excited to tell her mom about that when her sister, Vanessa, steals her spotlight as per usual. Luke was a big class clown and would target Jocelyn. He has liked her forever. Since Jocelyn's sister is always stealing her spotlight, Luke suggests that they fake date to get the attention of her parents back on her. Will Jocelyn hide her feelings that she's had for Luke for a long time too or will she open up to him?

Jocelyn and Vanessa are definitely competitive. I have no idea why everything between siblings has to be that way. Jocelyn works hard and tries to make her life better. Luke is quite funny. I love his remarks. With him being in love with Jocelyn since he met her it makes the ice rink more beautiful. The day they decorated the Christmas tree was sweet. The ice rink made my heart flutter. The end was just what I needed. I wanted so much more. There was a lot of time that I wanted filled. What a cute story.

[Ashley Marie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jocelyn is always in the shadow of her younger sister but this year is her year when Jocelyn gets a promotion. But things don’t go as planned when Jocelyn's sister comes to town with her new fiancé. What’s a girl to do but fake date her old classmate Luke. Luke is best friends with Zach from Scary & sweet. He’s a class clown but he is also so much more. He plans on winning over the girl of his dreams. I loved this story so much! It really should be a hallmark movie. It was sweet and funny. I am really enjoying this series. Luke and Jocelyn are perfect together. She's a little too serious and he's not serious enough. Opposites attract in this sweet holiday book. I can't wait to read more and you should definitely check it out!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Jen · Rating 4 out of 5]

There is nothing like a little sibling rivalry to keep the holidays exciting. When Jocelyn tries to out due her sister, Vanessa, she ends up making a predicament for herself. How in the world is she going to convince Luke to play the part of her boyfriend? More importantly, if he does agree to this fake relationship, what is this going to cost her? Luke is the hot and sexy coworker that you admire from afar because he is too cocky and full of himself to even attempt to date. Although these two characters have known one another since they were kids, they never went beyond friends, at least in real life. Is this the chance they need to realize that there is more in store for them as a couple? A quick holiday season read sure to provide a little escape from the holiday hustle and bustle. Enjoy!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Maria · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sweet romantic story!!

Jocelyn and her sister Vanessa have always competed for their parents attention. Jocelyn confides in her sister that she got promoted to manager at the hotel she works at and was planning on telling her parents when they had dinner. Much to her surprise, her sister announces that she is engaged, just to spite her. Luke works with Jocelyn and has known and loved her all his life. Jocelyn explains the rivalry with her sister and he suggests that he be her fake boyfriend while her sister is in town. Luke has always been a prankster and picked on her their whole life, so she doesn't want to go along with it at first, but then she does. Will they date and fall in love for real? You will have to read this sweet romantic story to find out.

[Lynn Stifle · Rating 4 out of 5]

A really sweet Christmas story! This is the first time I have read a book by this author and definitely won't be my last. Jocelyn and her sister Vanessa have always competed against one another. So when Jocelyn should have been telling her parents about her promotion, she told them she was dating Luke. Luke steps in and helps her out, but she has no idea that he has liked her for years. How will this all play out? You will need to read it and find out. This story is well written, with exactly the right amount of holiday charm, with relatable and likeable characters, and clever dialogue. This is a sweet holiday romance you can read anytime of the year.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Erika Jackson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful Christmas romance🎄🎄🔥🔥💘💘

I love this story! It was so touching, funny, and unexpected. I don't think I read Kaylin books before today. Jocelyn is excited for Christmas to be with her family and she has a surprise too. She is fierce, smart,beautiful,and sweet. She has an interesting family duo. When things turn she gets herself in a pickle. Luke is the prankster. He is laid back, handsome, cheeky and have a crush on Jocelyn. He is misunderstood in so many ways. He showed a different side of him to go for it. I love their chemistry and journey to their happy ever after. The writing was great! I didn't have any trouble getting right into the story. I definitely will be reading more from you! Amazing work Kaylin Evans!

[Emma · Rating 5 out of 5]

This one was quite similar to Scary and Sweet (Luke and Jocelyn were childhood frenemies like Abi and Zach were) but I actually liked it more and this is my favourite in the Holiday Valley series so far.

The book starts with Jocelyn planning to tell her family about her new promotion to Hotel Night Manager when her sister Ness upstages her yet again and announces her engagement. When Luke, Jocelyn's employee and childhood prankster, hears about this he suggests they should fake date while her sister is in town. At first, she's completely against it but accidentally says they're dating while they're cutting down the family Christmas tree. Following her mother inviting him to various festive activities, Luke and Jocelyn's feelings for each other grow as childhood crushes become a real romance.

I loved Luke's sweet and funny character so much and he is the perfect addition to making this book the perfect festive read. I will be rereading it next year and recommending it in the future.

[Shanita Broussard · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another great holiday read from this author. I think it is so funny how this author’s plot is usually so sweet and wholesome, but the bedroom scenes catch the reader totally off guard. They are so hot! Feels like the intimate scenes were written by someone else, but it all works together. I gave it 4 stars bc while the plot was good, the competitiveness between the sisters got old really fast. Definitely recommend.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Magali · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good and simple romance
3, 5
The story is well written, but a bit simple: two childhood enemies (Luke and Jocelyn) work together and she becomes a manager. They enter into an agreement to have a false relationship so that Jocelyn can face the unofficial competition she has with her sister, when the latter announces that she is getting engaged.
The story is tender, a little hot and predictable. I liked the Luke's character who has spent his time annoying her since their childhood because he liked her.
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book

[Sandra · Rating 4 out of 5]

Luke & Jocelyn are childhood frenemies & now coworkers. Jocelyn is always competing against her younger sister for their parents attention & can't be outdone when she announces her engagement. So she hatches a scheme with Luke to be her fake fiance. However this doesn't go according to plan when it becomes real & is later found out.
This was a short sweet read & a lovely Xmas tale. One for the true romantics.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Rita · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jocelyn's sister Vanessa comes home for the holiday with a big surprise for the family. Jocelyn feeling put out invents a boyfriend, Luke who works at the same hotel as she does. Luke, the school joker when they were children, offers and agrees to be Jocelyn's fake boyfriend for the Christmas holiday while her sister is visiting. Their act has to be convincing, no problem for Luke as he has crushed on Jocelyn for years. More of a problem for Jocelyn who remembers all of his pranks. Some really funny and steamy moments along the way in this one. Read an ARC for an honest review.

[Deb · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was an awesome book that I really enjoyed. The story and characters grabbed me from the beginning and I couldn't stop reading. I loved the characters and watching them grow together, they were well written and went well together. I found this book amazing with great word building making me feel apart of the story and watching it unfold in front of me. A definite must read for any fan and I can't wait to read more from this author!!!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Victoria · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed the dialogue between Jocelyn and Luke and how once their guards were down and they were honest with themselves and each other, their relationship went to a different level. I empathised with Jocelyn, but personally I would have handled that first get together totally differently. I did have a question or two at the end of the book, but nothing that stopped me from enjoying their journey to a HEA.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Heather · Rating 5 out of 5]

Open mouth and insert foot. That's what Jocelyn does when she tells her parents that she is now dating Luke, one of her coworkers. The only problem with that is, Luke has no idea. He plays along and the following pages are absolute gold. This book has everything that the reader can hope from a holiday romance. It will have the reader laughing, feeling hot and bothered, and overflowing with love. If this book is any indication, Kaylin Evans has a promising future ahead.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Courtney Turner · Rating 5 out of 5]

When a fake relationship turns into so much more. I totally fell in love with this book right from the start. Opposites attract in this sweet and fun holiday love story about a girl who just wants to one up her younger sister so she makes up a relationship with a guy she figured she wouldn’t fall for. Little did she know this guy will do anything to finally get the girl.

This book is cute, sweet, funny and romantic loved it from beginning to end

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Sara Munoz · Rating 5 out of 5]

This well-written third book in series is a steamy romantic comedy novella in the Holiday Valley series of standalone holiday romances. I read book 2 in series and is also a good read. The characters in the book are well-fleshed out with strong personalities, flaws and all. The story is wonderful Holiday story of two people that have liked each other but have not acted upon that fact yet. I cannot wait to read the next book and I have to buy book 1 to read also. Must read Holiday Roamce

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Reena · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sibling rivalry between Jocely and her sister for their parents' attention is ongoing and in an effort to beat her sister Jocelyn claims that she has a new boyfriend, naming a co-worker she definitely has the hots for. When her mother invites him for Christmas she's surpised he agrees to go along. What started as a ploy, soon evolves to something more. Will they have their HEA? An excellent holiday read, right on time for the Christmas season. Cozy up by the fireplace, and enjoy a naughty and nice story!

[Lea Ann · Rating 4 out of 5]

It is almost Christmas and Jocelyn has exciting news to share...when her sister shows up with a fiance! What's a girl to do but find a fake fiance for herself! Co-worker Luke is happy to step up to fulfill the position. They have known each other forever and have had an interesting relationship through the years. Can this fake relationship last through the holidays or will everything fall apart? Read this and find out!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Elizabeth Hillebrand · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a great, short Christmas read!!

I wish I had found that during Christmas time but all is well as it was a great, uplifting story that had me wanting more!! The story was well written and paced out beautifully. I never felt I missed a beat with anything. The characters were done well and I could connect with them just enough to feel like I was listening to a dear friend telling me their life update

This is my first book from Kaylin Evans but I will be keeping my eye out for more of her books.