Azalea Crowley

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.

Genre:

Monster Romance, Cozy Horror, LGBT Romance, Holiday-ish Romance

Fic Tags/Tropes:

Forbidden love, work colleagues, Emotional scars, different worlds, old enemies, nobody thinks it will work, Star-crossed lovers, reincarnation (of sorts), allegory for societal expectations and long-distance relationships

Representation:

Asexual, Bigender, Non-binary

Strange Love Vol. 2: A Non-Human Romance Charity Anthology:

Originally published in 2025.  Proceeds benefited Trinity Haven, an organization that helps to meet the needs of LGBTQ+ youth at risk for homelessness.

Featured authors: Azalea Crowley, Nicole Parker, Sofia Rose, Addy O'Brien, Marie Cardno, Ash Raven, R.K. Pierce, Lizzie Strong, Latrexa Nova, Vera Valentine