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The Naughty List
This is not a typical Yuletide tale. Murder, mystical artifacts, an invisible demon with anger management issues, and an overbearing cupid—not what Rosalie Thatcher wished for on her Christmas list. The holidays had always been a magical time for Rosalie, but not this year. Her new manager at Penrose’s Department Store is determined to make this season the most profitable in the store’s history, even if it sucks the life out of every employee. Introducing arbitrary rules and stealing the affections of the cute temp Santa were bad enough, but forcing Rosalie into the stupid elf hat was the worst. The worst, that is, until she meets a real E.L.F. (Elemental Life Form) named David and gets lassoed into a desperate hunt for the stolen Naughty and Nice List. Now all Rosalie and David must do is dodge a murderous invisible demon and recover the missing artifact before hellhounds track them down. The couple race against time for without the magical guidance of the Naughty and Nice List, the world will tumble toward eternal chaos. The Naughty List is an updated version of the Santa legend. Spiked with humor, action, and romance, the story will banish the bah humbug from anyone’s holiday spirit.
333 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 27, 2013
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787 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 55 reviews
November 26, 2021
With the holidays upon us, it was time for a fun book. THE NAUGHTY LIST is a quirky Christmas tale that is part mythology (albeit updated), part light, romantic chick lit, and a totally fun read.
Penrose's Department Store is one of the only old-time stores of its kind anywhere. The employees are cheerful, love their jobs, and actually look forward to going to work. It seems to have a magic all its own. Then there is a management change and everything goes to H E double hockey sticks right at the start of the Christmas season.
If you enjoy a bit of mystery, with a slice of myth, and a cup of joy, this book is for you.
Penrose's Department Store is one of the only old-time stores of its kind anywhere. The employees are cheerful, love their jobs, and actually look forward to going to work. It seems to have a magic all its own. Then there is a management change and everything goes to H E double hockey sticks right at the start of the Christmas season.
If you enjoy a bit of mystery, with a slice of myth, and a cup of joy, this book is for you.
March 1, 2015
**I received a copy of this book as a Goodreads giveaway.**
I suppose I can no longer say that I don’t gravitate toward this subject matter, because the last few titles that I’ve selected have all had a supernatural/fantasy theme with a romantic inclination. Who knew I’d be into that sort of thing?!
To be honest, I entered the giveaway because it was Christmas themed….then I read the synopsis, which seemed interesting enough. I glanced at one review, which stated it was humorous, and I figured I could overlook the fact that one of the main characters is an E.L.F whose father is the Santa (no, not Santa, the Santa. Just read the book…it’ll make more sense that way).
I found myself unable to put the book down. It took me two days to read, only because I actually had to work during the day…and they frown upon multitasking in that manner.
Rosalie was a very likeable, relatable lead – I enjoyed her take-charge attitude. She’s a loyal friend, a hard worker, and a girl who just needs someone to care about her – but not in a desperate “I’m going to stalk you until you pay attention to me” way. She felt like someone I could be friends with.
David, the E.L.F., was also likeable – though when I first read about his ability to “dash-away” I found it slightly absurd. Really….dash-away? But I get it. It fits the theme – and the more I read it, the less cheesy it seemed.
The story was clever – I really loved how all the elements of traditional lore (Santa, Elves, Cupid, etc) were woven into the fabric of the plot – it all fit together quite nicely, and actually made me read more about those beings to see how the author came to incorporate them into the story. I liked the RomCom aspect, the adventure, the mystery (which, at times was a bit predictable, to be honest)…nothing felt forced to me. I did panic at one point once I realized I wasn’t even half-way into the book and we had already discovered who the guilty parties were, and what exactly happened – I didn’t want it to end too soon! But I enjoyed the search for said guilty parties, the trials of David and Rosalie trying to just enjoy each other’s company without a Cupid popping in every 5 minutes…it was an enjoyable ride.
I hear Christmas songs on the radio now that I think “Hehe, I could totally see Rosalie and her co-workers rocking out to this as they’re decorating Penrose’s for Christmas…or burning that ridiculous hat!” To me, that’s the sign of an enjoyable read – the story and the characters mean something to you, and you can still relate to them long after you’ve put the book down.
I suppose I can no longer say that I don’t gravitate toward this subject matter, because the last few titles that I’ve selected have all had a supernatural/fantasy theme with a romantic inclination. Who knew I’d be into that sort of thing?!
To be honest, I entered the giveaway because it was Christmas themed….then I read the synopsis, which seemed interesting enough. I glanced at one review, which stated it was humorous, and I figured I could overlook the fact that one of the main characters is an E.L.F whose father is the Santa (no, not Santa, the Santa. Just read the book…it’ll make more sense that way).
I found myself unable to put the book down. It took me two days to read, only because I actually had to work during the day…and they frown upon multitasking in that manner.
Rosalie was a very likeable, relatable lead – I enjoyed her take-charge attitude. She’s a loyal friend, a hard worker, and a girl who just needs someone to care about her – but not in a desperate “I’m going to stalk you until you pay attention to me” way. She felt like someone I could be friends with.
David, the E.L.F., was also likeable – though when I first read about his ability to “dash-away” I found it slightly absurd. Really….dash-away? But I get it. It fits the theme – and the more I read it, the less cheesy it seemed.
The story was clever – I really loved how all the elements of traditional lore (Santa, Elves, Cupid, etc) were woven into the fabric of the plot – it all fit together quite nicely, and actually made me read more about those beings to see how the author came to incorporate them into the story. I liked the RomCom aspect, the adventure, the mystery (which, at times was a bit predictable, to be honest)…nothing felt forced to me. I did panic at one point once I realized I wasn’t even half-way into the book and we had already discovered who the guilty parties were, and what exactly happened – I didn’t want it to end too soon! But I enjoyed the search for said guilty parties, the trials of David and Rosalie trying to just enjoy each other’s company without a Cupid popping in every 5 minutes…it was an enjoyable ride.
I hear Christmas songs on the radio now that I think “Hehe, I could totally see Rosalie and her co-workers rocking out to this as they’re decorating Penrose’s for Christmas…or burning that ridiculous hat!” To me, that’s the sign of an enjoyable read – the story and the characters mean something to you, and you can still relate to them long after you’ve put the book down.
December 28, 2015
I fancied reading something festive over the season, and this drew my eye, with its fun description of a desperate hunt for the missing Naughty and Nice List, of an E.L.F. (Elemental Life Form), hellhounds, demons etc.
I will admit that my original impression was of a more humorous book than this one turned out to be – not that there isn’t humour; there is – but the beginning was decidedly more grim than I was expecting.
David Kloss, son of the Santa, is on the run. He’s responsible for the Book that holds the Naughty and Nice Lists, and his carelessness has allowed it to be stolen. In the wrong hands, the world starts to shift towards a more negative existence, and only restoring the Book can reverse the trend.
In Penrose’s wonderful department store, Rosalie is caught up in the downward spiral as the manager’s job goes to a mean-spirited woman intent on making savage cuts in the lead up to Christmas. When Natalie and David accidentally become involved with each other, life becomes very interesting, in the way of the Chinese proverb.
The dialogue in this book is excellent, and the characters bounce right off the page. What, for me, was a little downer was the pacing of the plot, which seemed to rush at first, sag in the middle, and then build slowly towards a slightly hurried ending. Don’t get me wrong, the story and the resolution are great, the magic and the secret society of Integrals (such colourful people as Gnomes, Cupids, Shivas, Medusas etc.) is extremely well worked out and well presented, it was just that I found myself checking the read percentage on my kindle, because I couldn’t figure out whereabouts in the story I was a lot of the time.
There were a small number of incorrect words (homophones), but not so much as to spoil the read.
Overall, this was one I thoroughly enjoyed, even with the pacing issues, and I will be checking out more by this author.
I will admit that my original impression was of a more humorous book than this one turned out to be – not that there isn’t humour; there is – but the beginning was decidedly more grim than I was expecting.
David Kloss, son of the Santa, is on the run. He’s responsible for the Book that holds the Naughty and Nice Lists, and his carelessness has allowed it to be stolen. In the wrong hands, the world starts to shift towards a more negative existence, and only restoring the Book can reverse the trend.
In Penrose’s wonderful department store, Rosalie is caught up in the downward spiral as the manager’s job goes to a mean-spirited woman intent on making savage cuts in the lead up to Christmas. When Natalie and David accidentally become involved with each other, life becomes very interesting, in the way of the Chinese proverb.
The dialogue in this book is excellent, and the characters bounce right off the page. What, for me, was a little downer was the pacing of the plot, which seemed to rush at first, sag in the middle, and then build slowly towards a slightly hurried ending. Don’t get me wrong, the story and the resolution are great, the magic and the secret society of Integrals (such colourful people as Gnomes, Cupids, Shivas, Medusas etc.) is extremely well worked out and well presented, it was just that I found myself checking the read percentage on my kindle, because I couldn’t figure out whereabouts in the story I was a lot of the time.
There were a small number of incorrect words (homophones), but not so much as to spoil the read.
Overall, this was one I thoroughly enjoyed, even with the pacing issues, and I will be checking out more by this author.
December 18, 2013
This was a very cute book, with a very well thought out magical system. It takes place in contemporary times, with magical beings from many different mythologies living amongst humans in secret. The political system in which the mythological beings live is archaic and is in the process of being fought and changed, which causes some underhandedness on the demon side of things.
I like how after the book was found, that wasn't the end of the story. There were multiple plot lines that were all resolved satisfactorily by the end. I would LOVE to see Marissa's story after this. Rosalie was a pistol and I'm sure her best friend is no different. The characters all lived and breathed for me. I really enjoyed this book and would like to read more by this author.
I like how after the book was found, that wasn't the end of the story. There were multiple plot lines that were all resolved satisfactorily by the end. I would LOVE to see Marissa's story after this. Rosalie was a pistol and I'm sure her best friend is no different. The characters all lived and breathed for me. I really enjoyed this book and would like to read more by this author.
December 9, 2013
This was different then what I usually read. This was a funny and lighthearted book, with some hellhounds, and a murderous invisible demon! But don't let that scare you from a funny and whimisical read, sometimes trying a new authour or a new book from your norm will surprise you on new adventures! The characters are delightful and the romance was spot on. Do you want to be on the Naughty List?????
Read
December 13, 2015Cute
Another Christmas story with a twist, paranormal, demons, elves and Santa. What else could you ask for in a Christmas book!
Another Christmas story with a twist, paranormal, demons, elves and Santa. What else could you ask for in a Christmas book!
December 8, 2024
3.75ish. Like not quite good enough to be four but definitely close?
Of all my Naughty List books this one probably had the most in depth plot. It was clearly meant to be a fantasy story with a side of romance. And I liked it. Kelley did a really good job crafting her world alongside ours. The Integrals lore was so well thought out.
The plot though was a little dragged out. Every time I thought we reached the end, there was more. I kinda feel like some of it could have been culled, especially when it came to Rosalie and David’s romance. (The Cupid plot seemed too much.)
But overall, it was a fun, well done book.
Spice: 0/5
Plot: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
Christmas corniness: 🎄🎄🎄🎄🎄/5 (There is Santa and retail at Christmas and Elves and the Naughty & Nice list. The whole thing was Christmas and magic centric.)
Best line: “You can’t fix it.”
“Who says anything about fixing it? I’ll catch Anthony and ram the pieces up his ass. Then you will hit him with a shot of pepper spray.”
Worst line: none
Of all my Naughty List books this one probably had the most in depth plot. It was clearly meant to be a fantasy story with a side of romance. And I liked it. Kelley did a really good job crafting her world alongside ours. The Integrals lore was so well thought out.
The plot though was a little dragged out. Every time I thought we reached the end, there was more. I kinda feel like some of it could have been culled, especially when it came to Rosalie and David’s romance. (The Cupid plot seemed too much.)
But overall, it was a fun, well done book.
Spice: 0/5
Plot: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
Christmas corniness: 🎄🎄🎄🎄🎄/5 (There is Santa and retail at Christmas and Elves and the Naughty & Nice list. The whole thing was Christmas and magic centric.)
Best line: “You can’t fix it.”
“Who says anything about fixing it? I’ll catch Anthony and ram the pieces up his ass. Then you will hit him with a shot of pepper spray.”
Worst line: none
December 21, 2025
The Naughty List was an engaging story about the relationship between a human and an Integral.
David is in charge of The Book, basically a naughty and nice list. One night, he realizes the book is gone and it leads him to Penrose's. There he sees Rosalie. After failing to find The Book, he enlists her help and Rosalie is introduced to the world of Integrals.
This was an interesting read. David's and Rosalie's story was sweet and without spice. The story has romance, danger and a happily ever after. The world building was great and the story flowed well. The story contained medusa's, cupid, the Baal, Santa, Shiva, hellhounds, demons and other interesting characters.
This is Book 1 in a series and I can't wait to read the rest.
David is in charge of The Book, basically a naughty and nice list. One night, he realizes the book is gone and it leads him to Penrose's. There he sees Rosalie. After failing to find The Book, he enlists her help and Rosalie is introduced to the world of Integrals.
This was an interesting read. David's and Rosalie's story was sweet and without spice. The story has romance, danger and a happily ever after. The world building was great and the story flowed well. The story contained medusa's, cupid, the Baal, Santa, Shiva, hellhounds, demons and other interesting characters.
This is Book 1 in a series and I can't wait to read the rest.
November 19, 2020
This was a fun story. I enjoy reading holiday themed stories this time of year so snapped it up when I saw it. It revolves around a human female by the name of Rosalie who gets sucked into the politics of magical beings. David is an E.L.F. responsible for the Book of Naughty and Nice which has been stolen, wrecking havoc in the department store where Rosalie is employed. David and Rosalie develop a mutual attraction which encourages her to keep searching for the book when David is arrested for its loss. Lots of unusual characters and a fairly exciting plot that kept me reading far into the night. I have now started the second book in the series.
November 24, 2021
Love is the strongest magic
How exciting and completely disconcerting it would be to learn that the beings out of fantasy and nightmare were real and have descendants that are mostly human. All of us experience disappointment at times in our lives. How great to have a bit of happy holiday spirit come our way. This is what happens to Rosalie the story’s heroine. She is the kind of plucky person that keeps the world working. There is a happy ending that leads to additional books in the series. A quick, fun, imaginative read.
How exciting and completely disconcerting it would be to learn that the beings out of fantasy and nightmare were real and have descendants that are mostly human. All of us experience disappointment at times in our lives. How great to have a bit of happy holiday spirit come our way. This is what happens to Rosalie the story’s heroine. She is the kind of plucky person that keeps the world working. There is a happy ending that leads to additional books in the series. A quick, fun, imaginative read.
November 16, 2020
Mythical Beings.
I enjoyed this book because it was very different, but entertaining. Rosalie loved her job at the Penrose store, but things began to change when a new manager took over. The friendly atmosphere dissipated and morale was draining away, with staff being made redundant.
The characters leapt off the pages with a vitality that was stunning. There were Hell hounds, Cupid, Medusa, the Claus family to mention but a few.
I enjoyed this book because it was very different, but entertaining. Rosalie loved her job at the Penrose store, but things began to change when a new manager took over. The friendly atmosphere dissipated and morale was draining away, with staff being made redundant.
The characters leapt off the pages with a vitality that was stunning. There were Hell hounds, Cupid, Medusa, the Claus family to mention but a few.
May 24, 2024
An author you can count on
I have to admit, I own all of L.A. Kelley's books. I pre-order whenever I get a release notification. I haven't necessarily read them all yet, but I have them in my collection. I have never been disappointed by this author. The humor, the supernatural elements, and the sparky attitudes are a great break from the real world. If you are looking for an absolutely fun time, this is the author for you.
I have to admit, I own all of L.A. Kelley's books. I pre-order whenever I get a release notification. I haven't necessarily read them all yet, but I have them in my collection. I have never been disappointed by this author. The humor, the supernatural elements, and the sparky attitudes are a great break from the real world. If you are looking for an absolutely fun time, this is the author for you.
January 27, 2018
This is the second book that I've read by L.A. Kelley. I enjoyed this one as much as I did 'One Enchanted Evening'. It's a fun read, very imaginative. The romance is sweet, and I love the ending. Despite the fact that I'm busy with NaNoWriMo AND Thanksgiving prep, I had a hard time putting it down, and finished it in a couple of days!
May 22, 2021
When I get a free book on Amazon with fewer than 100 ratings I can't help being suspicious - let's be honest, it usually turns out quite bad. Every so often however you find a hidden treasure, and this is definitely it!
It is a bit chaotic, a bit underdeveloped maybe, but has a real great potential and I'll be definitely picking up more titles of that writer.
It is a bit chaotic, a bit underdeveloped maybe, but has a real great potential and I'll be definitely picking up more titles of that writer.
November 28, 2021
The Naughty List
This is a first L. A. Kelley read for me. I don't normally read many stories of this genre so I decided to take a chance and I thoroughly enjoyed the way this story was told. At times I laughed out loud, other times, smiling and shaking my head and I was also on the edge of my seat.I
I look forward to reading more. I loved most of the characters.
This is a first L. A. Kelley read for me. I don't normally read many stories of this genre so I decided to take a chance and I thoroughly enjoyed the way this story was told. At times I laughed out loud, other times, smiling and shaking my head and I was also on the edge of my seat.I
I look forward to reading more. I loved most of the characters.
December 22, 2021
Hilarious
I really enjoyed this book. It was funny throughout & just plain hilarious at times. Lesson: hounds do not belong in department stores. A lot of thought & research went into connecting the three D's to job descriptions & abilities. Very clever. I am looking forward to reading the sequel.
I really enjoyed this book. It was funny throughout & just plain hilarious at times. Lesson: hounds do not belong in department stores. A lot of thought & research went into connecting the three D's to job descriptions & abilities. Very clever. I am looking forward to reading the sequel.
June 15, 2023
This is a cute, fun, fast read for the holidays. Penrose's Department Store is in trouble after a new manager cuts jobs and services right before Christmas. To add to the troubles, the Naughty or Nice book has been stolen from The Santa and his E.L.F. clan and hidden in Penroses unbeknownst to its human staff. Romance and mystery ensue.
December 22, 2024
In "The Naughty List" by L. A. Kelley, the story diverges from typical holiday tales. Twists abound, and characters intrigue. The main character shines, offering a well-rounded perspective. Yet, the pacing struggles, particularly in the first half. Some emotions, unexpectedly loud for the situations. Despite this, a fun read emerges, perfect for those seeking something different for the holidays.
November 16, 2020
Seeing Santa in a while new !ight
The book description didn't tell me I was in for a rollicking good time. Rosalie and David are excellent characters. The naughty and nice book is something else.
I thoroughly enjoyed the author flight of fancy.
The book description didn't tell me I was in for a rollicking good time. Rosalie and David are excellent characters. The naughty and nice book is something else.
I thoroughly enjoyed the author flight of fancy.
January 9, 2021
Well done
A nice twist on the usual Carrie living in the human world tales. Done in a way that makes for an excellent read. Story is well written with well defined characters. I've already started the next one in the series.
A nice twist on the usual Carrie living in the human world tales. Done in a way that makes for an excellent read. Story is well written with well defined characters. I've already started the next one in the series.
December 2, 2021
The naughty list was like wow!!!!
I do know I never want on the naughty list. That is not a good thing. It’s a great story to read before Christmas. Filled with many twists and turns. I’m looking forward to the judgement book 2
I do know I never want on the naughty list. That is not a good thing. It’s a great story to read before Christmas. Filled with many twists and turns. I’m looking forward to the judgement book 2
December 7, 2021
Great imagination!
This is a well imagined and written story. The combination of fantasy and today's real world issues is done so well and seamlessly it makes you think it is really possible. I highly recommend this book for anyone who enjoys fantasy.
This is a well imagined and written story. The combination of fantasy and today's real world issues is done so well and seamlessly it makes you think it is really possible. I highly recommend this book for anyone who enjoys fantasy.
December 15, 2021
A fun Christmas season read!
Definitely new and original take on paranormals (integrals). Lots of different representations - E.L.F., Santa, Shiva, Hellhounds, Medusa, Dryads, Demons and a single garden gnome are all weaved into a story that just works.
Definitely new and original take on paranormals (integrals). Lots of different representations - E.L.F., Santa, Shiva, Hellhounds, Medusa, Dryads, Demons and a single garden gnome are all weaved into a story that just works.
December 20, 2023
Very original take on the uses of Santa's Naughty or Nice List. An E.L.F and a human, along with a host of very interesting characters add to a story filled with romance, humor, adventure, and mythology. A fun read.
December 30, 2023
This was a lot of fun, and I enjoyed it. There was a bit of a lull in the middle when I wondered if the story should have been told in two books, but it actually came together well in the end. It had a unique view of paranormals.
January 11, 2024
Not a Christmas story
This was a fun read, but the various mythical Gods were sometimes to keep track of. There is a strong storyline with no side trips along the way. Strong female lead character.
This was a fun read, but the various mythical Gods were sometimes to keep track of. There is a strong storyline with no side trips along the way. Strong female lead character.
November 15, 2020
The Naughty List
This was a fun book full of fantastical naughty and nice characters, as well as a lot of magical suspense and adventure! I recommend it!
This was a fun book full of fantastical naughty and nice characters, as well as a lot of magical suspense and adventure! I recommend it!
November 26, 2020
This was awesome, and I absolutely loved it!
December 10, 2020
Great read!
Really enjoyed this book. It was a fun read, and I can't wait to read the next book in the series.
Really enjoyed this book. It was a fun read, and I can't wait to read the next book in the series.
December 29, 2020
Totally different slant!
It was cute! Different take on the story of Santa, some really mean bad guys and gals, and a heartwarming love story to boot!
It was cute! Different take on the story of Santa, some really mean bad guys and gals, and a heartwarming love story to boot!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 55 reviews