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The One That I Want
Heat up the winter nights with this trio of sexy, festive stories. A Promise For The Holiday Donna HillDevastated by her divorce, Cara Holiday vowed never to be vulnerable again. Now she's a wildly successful real estate broker, and wildly lonely. Restaurateur Mitch Davis has had his eye on her, but can't break the ice--until he cooks up a scheme to hire her. Soon Cara is enjoying his company--and secretly drawing out the process of selling his house. When their deceptions collide, will their blossoming relationship make it to the holidays? A Sexy Christmas Carol Zuri DayAfter years of travel working for a pop diva, Carol Robbins has moved back to Detroit in time for the holidays. She's bought a home and bonded with her family. As for romance, she's got no prospects--until she attends a VIP party and makes a surprising love connection. Soon she's torn between her old "big life," her hopes for the future--and one man who may give her the greatest gift of all. . .Christmas Surprise Cheris HodgesTired of coming second to her wealthy husband's career, Lola Yvonne Joseph is sending him a very special gift this divorce papers. Then she's leaving Miami for the kind of wintery white Christmas she's always wanted. She definitely does not expect Jonathan to track her down, whisk her away, and do everything possible to win her back. If he succeeds, Lola has one more surprise in store for him. . .
384 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2014
33 people are currently reading
160 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
December 26, 2014
Holiday Love
Three diverse holiday stories of love written by 3 AWESOME authors of romance. These stories are a nice break from the usual hustle and bustle of the holidays! Get your warm drink, your blanket, get comfortable and start reading!
Three diverse holiday stories of love written by 3 AWESOME authors of romance. These stories are a nice break from the usual hustle and bustle of the holidays! Get your warm drink, your blanket, get comfortable and start reading!
January 15, 2018
The One That I Want
Three stories by three different authors. A Promise for the Holiday by Donna Hill. The first 💑 is Mitch, a restaurant owner/chef & Cara, a real-estate/interior design business owner are in NY. The second 💑, Alex is a bodyguard to A-list stars & Carol is a associate director for a community center in Detroit called A Sexy Christmas Carol by Zuri Day.
And lastly, Christmas Surprise by Cheris Hodges, is about 💑 that reside in Miami. Jon is the owner of a software company & Lola is a loan processor at Bank of America. Through some struggles and a few☝s and downs 👎s in the relationships, all find 💘 in their HEA. I would recommend this book. I gave it a 4 **** rating.
Three stories by three different authors. A Promise for the Holiday by Donna Hill. The first 💑 is Mitch, a restaurant owner/chef & Cara, a real-estate/interior design business owner are in NY. The second 💑, Alex is a bodyguard to A-list stars & Carol is a associate director for a community center in Detroit called A Sexy Christmas Carol by Zuri Day.
And lastly, Christmas Surprise by Cheris Hodges, is about 💑 that reside in Miami. Jon is the owner of a software company & Lola is a loan processor at Bank of America. Through some struggles and a few☝s and downs 👎s in the relationships, all find 💘 in their HEA. I would recommend this book. I gave it a 4 **** rating.
October 13, 2014
This Anthology had everything to get you in the Christmas mood. Most times an Anthology may have one or two great stories and the rest you have to force your way through. Zuri, Cheris and Donna were the perfect trio to put together in one awesome book. All 3 stories were great. Donna Hill told a beautiful love story. Zuri Day took us back to revisit that sexy Troy Morgan in a spinoff of her Morgan series and Cheris Hodges told a wonderful story about a married couple and the magic of Christmas. Great job ladies!
January 12, 2021
The One That I Want is a Christmas anthology, bringing together two novellas and a novellette. The collection starts off with A Promise For The Holiday by Donna Hill, a romance between Cara, a highly successful realtor who was widowed five years ago, and Mitch, a renown chef with a hip new restaurant. They meet when Cara has a girls' night out with her best friends at his restaurant. There is immediate chemistry, and some suggestive flirting on Mitch's side, but Cara is afraid to open up to love, or even flirtation, again, so she pretty clearly communicates disinterest. Mitch has been a bit of a player, but something about Cara really intrigues him, so he pretends he wants to put his house on the market to get her to spend time with him. Things heat up pretty fast after that. There are some miscommunications and Cara overhears part of a phone call causes her to doubt Mitch's sincerity, but they work through things and seem set for happily ever after by the end. The character development and sense of place are great. Cara and Mitch both have strong friend groups, so there are interesting supporting characters, and there's some thoughtful examinations of the positive and negative impact of real estate development on neighborhoods.
CW: death of spouse (car accident), past cheating, emotional wounds, lots of wine drinking, blizzard, sex on the page.
The second novella is A Sexy Christmas Carol by Zuri Day, which it the story of professional body guard Alex and the girl who got away, Carol. The former PA of her superstar best friend, pop singer Gabriella, Carol got tired of being constantly on tour and moved back to her hometown of Detroit, where she's deeply involved in a community center. At a nightclub with two girlfriends, there's a shootout. Carol is saved by Alex, who's there guarding a big name rap star, but he gets winged in the process. Alex had worked as part of Gabriella's security team during a tour a few years ago, and they'd had chemistry but hadn't had time to do anything about it before he ended up working somewhere else. When Carol visits Alex in the hospital, it's obvious the chemistry is still there. Is this a Christmas fling, or will it develop into something more? And is Alex in danger from the gang member he IDed who did the shooting? There is great banter, good character development and a good sense of place. They both have strong ties to family and friends, so there's a good sense of community and good supporting characters.
CW: friendly trash talk, sexual innuendo, street violence-night club shoot out, music industry issues and gossip, alcohol consumption, male posturing, gang issues, mention of police corruption, gun shot wound, blood, bandages, recovery, explicit safe sex.
The final story is Christmas Surprise by Cheris Hodges. This is a marriage in trouble romance, and the spiciest of the three stories, though they all have a steam factor. Lola is serving her husband divorce papers for Christmas and taking off to Aspen with her best friend. Jonathan has created a phenomenally successful software and gaming company, and seems more married to his business than to her lately. Lola has fond memories of when they were struggling newlyweds who had spaghetti for Christmas dinner and they actually had sex. Jonathan grew up poor and is obsessed with making sure his mother and his wife never want for anything. He's definitely fallen into workaholic mode and Lola's papers are a wake-up call. He and his brother follow her to Aspen, where he confronts her and they try to work things out. I felt like Lola was being a little bratty, her best friend actually accuses her of this, but Jonathan was working too much and refusing to delegate. It felt like they had the same argument over and over again, in between let's-make-up sex, but they finally do get through to each other. This was my least favorite of the three stories, but it was still a good read.
CW: poverty, colorism, family estrangement (Jonathan's grandmother was terrible), past death of loved ones, fears of cheating, lots of sex (in the car, in the bedroom).
CW: death of spouse (car accident), past cheating, emotional wounds, lots of wine drinking, blizzard, sex on the page.
The second novella is A Sexy Christmas Carol by Zuri Day, which it the story of professional body guard Alex and the girl who got away, Carol. The former PA of her superstar best friend, pop singer Gabriella, Carol got tired of being constantly on tour and moved back to her hometown of Detroit, where she's deeply involved in a community center. At a nightclub with two girlfriends, there's a shootout. Carol is saved by Alex, who's there guarding a big name rap star, but he gets winged in the process. Alex had worked as part of Gabriella's security team during a tour a few years ago, and they'd had chemistry but hadn't had time to do anything about it before he ended up working somewhere else. When Carol visits Alex in the hospital, it's obvious the chemistry is still there. Is this a Christmas fling, or will it develop into something more? And is Alex in danger from the gang member he IDed who did the shooting? There is great banter, good character development and a good sense of place. They both have strong ties to family and friends, so there's a good sense of community and good supporting characters.
CW: friendly trash talk, sexual innuendo, street violence-night club shoot out, music industry issues and gossip, alcohol consumption, male posturing, gang issues, mention of police corruption, gun shot wound, blood, bandages, recovery, explicit safe sex.
The final story is Christmas Surprise by Cheris Hodges. This is a marriage in trouble romance, and the spiciest of the three stories, though they all have a steam factor. Lola is serving her husband divorce papers for Christmas and taking off to Aspen with her best friend. Jonathan has created a phenomenally successful software and gaming company, and seems more married to his business than to her lately. Lola has fond memories of when they were struggling newlyweds who had spaghetti for Christmas dinner and they actually had sex. Jonathan grew up poor and is obsessed with making sure his mother and his wife never want for anything. He's definitely fallen into workaholic mode and Lola's papers are a wake-up call. He and his brother follow her to Aspen, where he confronts her and they try to work things out. I felt like Lola was being a little bratty, her best friend actually accuses her of this, but Jonathan was working too much and refusing to delegate. It felt like they had the same argument over and over again, in between let's-make-up sex, but they finally do get through to each other. This was my least favorite of the three stories, but it was still a good read.
CW: poverty, colorism, family estrangement (Jonathan's grandmother was terrible), past death of loved ones, fears of cheating, lots of sex (in the car, in the bedroom).
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 24, 2022
A Promise For The Holiday by Donna Hill-5*
Great love story, enjoyed Mitch instant attraction to Cara and his determination to convince her to give him a chance.
A Sexy Christmas Carol by Zuri Day-4
Love the pursuit, taste of suspense, second chance, distance makes the heart grow fonder, ending seems rushed.
Christmas Surprise by Cheris Hodges-3*
This was hilarious but this married couple just seemed to be going around in circles from beginning to end.
Great love story, enjoyed Mitch instant attraction to Cara and his determination to convince her to give him a chance.
A Sexy Christmas Carol by Zuri Day-4
Love the pursuit, taste of suspense, second chance, distance makes the heart grow fonder, ending seems rushed.
Christmas Surprise by Cheris Hodges-3*
This was hilarious but this married couple just seemed to be going around in circles from beginning to end.
January 6, 2021
In the realm of Christmas romances, this is about what you'd expect. Consumerism, wealth, people playing to one another's superficial, overtly-stated desires and then discovering hot passion underneath that makes all of that just a charade!
I only read the first of 3 stories, and felt well & done with holiday romances for the year.
I only read the first of 3 stories, and felt well & done with holiday romances for the year.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 20, 2023
Good short stories
Writing and storylines are entertaining. I have read several books from two of the authors and many from one author. This is certainly not their best works however, the stories were fascinating.
Writing and storylines are entertaining. I have read several books from two of the authors and many from one author. This is certainly not their best works however, the stories were fascinating.
June 15, 2021
Yes to all
I enjoyed every story in this book. I have read these authors before and they did not let me down
I enjoyed every story in this book. I have read these authors before and they did not let me down
February 24, 2015
Donna Hill's story was ok. Didn't like the false pretenses Mitch used to get into Cara's life. I'd give that one 3.5 stars.
Love Zuri Day but I wasn't feeling this particular story. The characters were interesting but something about it bugged me. I'd say 3.5 stars.
My favorite of the batch was the Cheris Hodges one. Lola serves her husband divorce papers for Christmas! It definitely got his attention. Seeing how they work their way back to each other was great. I'd say 4 stars for this one.
Overall, I'd give this holiday anthology 4 stars.
Love Zuri Day but I wasn't feeling this particular story. The characters were interesting but something about it bugged me. I'd say 3.5 stars.
My favorite of the batch was the Cheris Hodges one. Lola serves her husband divorce papers for Christmas! It definitely got his attention. Seeing how they work their way back to each other was great. I'd say 4 stars for this one.
Overall, I'd give this holiday anthology 4 stars.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 29, 2016
Three short stories Christmas stories by authors who are know to touch all emotions in their stories. In Donna Hills story Mitch Davis has to fake it in order to have a a Merry Christmas. Zuri Day takes us on a world tour only to bring us home for the holidays. In true fashion Cherris Hodges has us going oh no when Jonathan opens the big red box. Each story has you wishing every one a Merry Christmas.
July 24, 2022
A Promise For The Holiday by Donna Hill-5*
Great love story, enjoyed Mitch instant attraction to Cara and his determination to convince her to give him a chance.
A Sexy Christmas Carol by Zuri Day-4
Love the pursuit, taste of suspense, second chance, distance makes the heart grow fonder, ending seems rushed.
Christmas Surprise by Cheris Hodges-3*
This was hilarious but this married couple just seemed to be going around in circles from beginning to end.
Great love story, enjoyed Mitch instant attraction to Cara and his determination to convince her to give him a chance.
A Sexy Christmas Carol by Zuri Day-4
Love the pursuit, taste of suspense, second chance, distance makes the heart grow fonder, ending seems rushed.
Christmas Surprise by Cheris Hodges-3*
This was hilarious but this married couple just seemed to be going around in circles from beginning to end.
October 26, 2014
A Promise for the Holiday (Donna Hill) A Sexy Christmas Carol (Zuri Day) Christmas Surprise (Cheris Hodges) ... OMGoodness these books were awesome! Filled with hot romance and even hotter passion, laughter, tears and a whole lotta loving. I was so into these books and was disappointed at the last page because there was no more to read.
January 15, 2015
All work
I Love this story it lets you know that sometime the pass has to stay in the pass we just grow from it. Don't allow it to take over your present day .love of the family comes first! Take care of home and everything else will be taken care of because family can give you the happiest the job can't
,family make it worth going to the job
I Love this story it lets you know that sometime the pass has to stay in the pass we just grow from it. Don't allow it to take over your present day .love of the family comes first! Take care of home and everything else will be taken care of because family can give you the happiest the job can't
,family make it worth going to the job
December 16, 2015
Liked the storyline, however the ending a little abrupt..I would still recommend reading this book. A quick read . Thank you for keeping love alive . Excited about reading your next book..
Liked the storyline, however the ending a little abrupt.. Yes I would definitely recommend this book. A quick read..Thanks for keeping love alive.
Liked the storyline, however the ending a little abrupt.. Yes I would definitely recommend this book. A quick read..Thanks for keeping love alive.
December 27, 2015
The three stories held my attention but nothing about them were earth shattering. The plot concepts could have been so interesting, but it seemed like the authors let wonderful opportunities pass in order to make the stories short and in line with a book of short novellas. The last story was so repetitive. Could have been so much more.
October 14, 2014
SMH.
Can't believe 3 of my favorite arthur's put this crap out. The only one that had a half way decent story was Donna Hill. And the worse one of them all was Cheris Hodges. It was immature and repetitive. Please don't waste your money.
Can't believe 3 of my favorite arthur's put this crap out. The only one that had a half way decent story was Donna Hill. And the worse one of them all was Cheris Hodges. It was immature and repetitive. Please don't waste your money.
December 22, 2015
Good choice
Well written but it seemed like All three ended to Fast. I was definitely wanting More. I have read from both Donna Hill & Zuri Day; Cheri Hodges I will have to give her a try solo..
Well written but it seemed like All three ended to Fast. I was definitely wanting More. I have read from both Donna Hill & Zuri Day; Cheri Hodges I will have to give her a try solo..
November 10, 2014
Short and sweet.
January 11, 2015
Three Christmas romance stories by three awesome authors, Donna Hill, Zuri Day and Cheris Hodges. I loved all of the stories, romance, laughter and my favorite season. A great read.
December 20, 2015
First story was cute, but I kind of just skimmed the second two stories - fun as a holiday read!
February 20, 2020
This was a fun read.
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews