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8 Dates of Christmas

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Shanice is determined to make this Christmas unforgettable. After catching her ex-boyfriend talking sweet nothings to his wife, while their combined passion still lingered on her skin, she vows to swear off men for good. With her heart newly unburdened and time on her hands, she channels her energy into creating a holiday tribute to her late, Christmas-loving mother. The last thing she expects is to befriend Kendrick.

Kendrick has always believed in love, at least, until it betrayed him. Chasing the ideal romance he saw in his parents, he ignored the warning signs in his last relationship, only to have his dreams shattered. Now, his one rule is his future partner must despise Christmas as much as he does. But the loss of his beloved grandmother has turned his disdain into something deeper, a guarded heart and a hollow holiday spirit. Few know the real pain behind his loathing, and Kendrick intends to keep it that way.

When Shanice and Kendrick strike an unconventional deal, their budding friendship transitions quickly. Her passion for Christmas clashes with his disdain. As they navigate loss, love, and the fragile hope of new beginnings, will their differences bring them closer, or tear them apart?

236 pages, Paperback

Published December 23, 2024

19 people are currently reading
96 people want to read

About the author

Rielle Knight

3 books8 followers

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5 stars
37 (64%)
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15 (26%)
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5 (8%)
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
Profile Image for LaTosha Webber.
1,131 reviews70 followers
November 17, 2025
Doesn’t It Feel Like Christmas

If you’re going to give me a grumpy sunshine or better yet a Grinch and Christmas Elf friends to lovers holiday romance with strong elements of grief. Then you better pack it full of amazing banter, amazing holiday parties and activities and a dreamy cute af Christmas movie themed date night! Like omg this was perfect!! I mean Shanice did get on my nerves just a tee tiny bit and there was some wafting on Kendrick’s part that didn’t fit, like it seemed like it was a missed edit type of didn’t fit. But the twins, the bestie, the other siblings like this was all the things you want in a holiday fake dating rom com! And then the cute sas cover!! Then to top it off there’s a book two with the fun twin. This book has me even more excited for my seasonal reads.
Profile Image for Ryan Boyland.
56 reviews
December 28, 2024
I absolutely loved the book. It definitely gave me Hallmark/Lifetime Christmas movie and I ate every min of it up. 5 star read. If you love a good meet cute Christmas story this the one!
41 reviews
December 23, 2024
Such a cute, layered story!

This book is a delightful blend of humor and heartfelt moments, perfect for anyone looking for a fresh take on holiday stories. The story follows two people who have complicated relationships with Christmas, each grappling with the loss of someone important in their lives. What sets this book apart is how beautifully it weaves humor and grief together.

The banter between the Shanice and Kendrick is sharp, witty, and laugh-out-loud funny, making the heavier moments all the more impactful. Their relationships with their siblings and friends add another layer of richness to the story, showcasing bonds that feel authentic and full of life.

What I loved most was how the book tackled grief—it didn’t shy away from the hard parts but balanced them with humor and hope. It’s a reminder that even in the midst of loss, there’s room for laughter and love.

If you’re looking for a holiday book that’s both hilarious and deeply moving, this is the one for you!

Profile Image for Crystal W | Coleys.Table.Reads.
161 reviews7 followers
December 29, 2024
I read this novella in one day! It was an easy read and I enjoyed the banter between the FMC and MMC. I also enjoyed all of the Chicago references as being someone who lives close to the city. The dates were really cute and perfect for the holiday season.
Profile Image for Miriam.
17 reviews4 followers
December 29, 2024
Cute fun read! I was pleasantly surprised
Profile Image for Onehellofalady.
176 reviews3 followers
December 26, 2024
This book was wonderfully written with a great plot and storyline. It’s full of love by family and friends, but it’s not all peaches and cream they also face real life issues that any of us can relate to.The mmc Kendrick and fmc Shanice have the cutest banter with each other as well as their family and friends. While reading this book felt a lot of emotions because it was full of substance but from the beginning to end I was interested and fully invested in these characters. Through hurt, heartache and grief these two were able to find love and mend relationships. Overall I enjoyed the book and it was a great holiday read.
Profile Image for Miranda Watkins.
414 reviews4 followers
December 28, 2024
This Christmas book gave allllll of the Christmas vibes & I loved every bit of it. This book featured the fake dating trope, friends to lovers (lowkey) trope and touched on grief. Both Kendrick and Shanice has experienced the loss of a loved one, but the effects of those losses vary. Shanice put her all into the Christmas holiday while Kendrick just gave upon Christmas. This is the story of how two broken characters come together and heal each other & support each other during the holiday season. I loved everything about this book.
Profile Image for _dulcekk.
554 reviews3 followers
January 15, 2025
To healing & love, again

Shanice & Kendrick shows us that grief is a journey, it isn’t linear. In addition to learning how to navigate a major familial loss, Shanice and Kendrick are both also learning to navigate their past failed relationships. The chemistry between Shanice and Kendrick is undeniable and eventually they stop running from one another, and ohh the magic that is made!

Kendrick was truly a man of “whatever it takes”; he meant business once he realized his feelings for Shanice! He helped Shanice realize, “I am worthy”.
176 reviews4 followers
December 23, 2024
If you’re looking for a Christmas themed book with a little sadness, a little spice,great banter, professional black people, Christmas magic and love….well I recommend. This book was a winder debut novel during a season that brings joy. You’ll fall in love with Shanice the lover of all things Christmas and Kendrick our residence grinch …for good reason. When Kendrick is pretty much forced to host the company Christmas party in order to get promoted , he turns to Shanice for help.
Profile Image for Shalaunda.
5 reviews1 follower
December 27, 2024
A cute Hallmark read that gave me all the feels!

This was such a cute read that had me smiling laughing and also had me sad because F**** Cancer I loved shanice & kendrick’s journey to love also through grief I don’t want to give too much away it is definitely worth the read! Lastly I am so Happy for your debut and so proud of You Congratulations you have achieved so in a little time it’s only up from here 🫶🏽🚀
Profile Image for D.S. Walls.
Author 1 book14 followers
December 24, 2024
This book is very cute and christmassy. It told a great story about grief and learning to move on. I think it handled some of the heavy topics really well. I literally laughed out loud a few times while reading this book and am obsessed with Kendrick and his family. I look forward to reading more books from this author.
67 reviews1 follower
December 25, 2024
Great Story

I really like this book. I liked how it reflected on how people deal with grief and broken hearts. I really love the way that this story reminds you that you don't have to go through it alone, and it's okay to not be ok. Last but not least. Learning to love and live again is hard, but with the right person, it's worth it.
Profile Image for Dose  Of  Q.
61 reviews3 followers
December 27, 2024
Amazing Christmas love story

This book just makes you feel good! Like I wanted to snuggle up to my man with hot chocolate after reading this! I loved it that much! Kendrick and Shanice healing each other while learning to love one another was beautifully done! You did an amazing job and you have a forever fan now!
15 reviews
December 28, 2024
I love this book

This reminds me of a cute Hallmark Christmas movie but better as I was reading this I felt like I was watching a movie Shaunice and Kendrick was so cute I love that they were healing other in their of need oh yeah I laughed from the beginning all the way to the end and Kennedy and Khalil were great side characters. 5 ⭐ across the board
Profile Image for AudiobookGirly89.
146 reviews
December 28, 2024
This reminds me of a cute Hallmark Christmas movie but better as I was reading this I felt like I was watching a movie Shaunice and Kendrick was so cute I love that they were healing other in their of need oh yeah I laughed from the beginning all the way to the end and Kennedy and Khalil were great side characters. 5 ⭐ across the board
Profile Image for Tash. Tash..
Author 3 books12 followers
January 13, 2025
brilliant!

This was this authors first book and she came out SWINGING!

The love between the characters that developed despite having issues with grief during the holidays was so well plotted and the humor between all characters had me in stitches.

I am excited to see what more comes from this brilliantly phenomenal writer!
1 review
December 24, 2024
nothing short of Amazing (see what I did there )

Rielle!! Girl, I'm so proud of you and this story omg! Talk about captivating romantic comedy with some tear jerking moments! You had me crying, laughing, and some "oh my" moments! Well done & great read!!!
66 reviews1 follower
Read
December 25, 2024
LOVED IT!!

I absolutely LOVED THIS BOOK. Kendrick and Shanice’s chemistry was amazing and the story line kept the story flowing nicely. I laughed and smiled and realllllllly hope there are more books about these families. Great job!
Profile Image for ARLESIA M BAILEY.
31 reviews
December 29, 2024
Kismet

Beautiful story of what might be possible when we decide to trust and live. Two separate souls experience tragedy but somehow through it all find each other themselves again and finally love. This was such a cute laugh out loud holiday tale!
Profile Image for Whitney book_bae77.
32 reviews14 followers
December 29, 2024
This book is funny & heart warming with the right amount of spice. I absolutely loved Shanice and Kendrick's relationship. Their chemistry was organic and I loved seeing both of them deal with healing together. Can't wait to read more from this author!!!
Profile Image for J.D. Southwell.
Author 9 books56 followers
December 30, 2024
Yassss!!

Omg I absolutely loved this book! It was just the right amount of tension and love throughout and I couldn’t stop reading it! Can I get a part two with Kennedy and Khalil 👀?? lol
355 reviews1 follower
February 7, 2025
I liked that this story waded into grief around the holidays. I know I can relate and many more, good
story.
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews

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