THE TWELVE DATES OF CHRISTMAS: A Holiday Romance Novella

by Sharae Teria

When her four overprotective brothers challenge Zuri Mitchell to go on twelve blind dates before Christmas, she agrees… if only to prove them wrong and get them out of her love life forever.

But after the first disaster date, she needs backup. Enter Donovan her oldest brother's best friend, freshly divorced, and the last man she should be falling for. He volunteers to be her dating coach, offering pep talks, emergency rescues, and late-night debriefs over hot chocolate.

As the dates pile up (and crash and burn), Zuri realizes the best part of this whole experiment isn't finding Mr. Right on a blind date. It's the time she spends with Donovan. The way he makes her laugh, sees her for who she really is, and fits into her life like he's always belonged there.

There's just one her brother made it crystal clear that Donovan is off-limits.

With Christmas approaching and her heart already decided, Zuri has a choice to make. Keep searching for the perfect match her brothers picked out, or take a chance on the man who's been right in front of her all along, even if it means breaking all the rules.

A sweet, swoony holiday romance about second chances, forbidden love, and discovering that sometimes the best relationships start with friendship.

Genres: Christmas

142 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 28, 2025

Reviews

[Toya Davis-Stokley · Rating 4 out of 5]

Adorable read. I can't imagine growing up with four older brothers. However, Zuri did and they are still overprotective, and in her business at her big age. Zuri has not had the best of luck with dating, so her brothers take it upon themselves, to "help" her out, by setting her up on 12 dates. I knew that this would be a disaster! 😮 Those first four dates were hysterical! They really put their sister through that. 😤

Donovan, Zuri's brother's best friend is back in Charlotte to reset after his divorce. Patrick has tasked Donovan with being Zuri's dating coach for the challenge he has set up. Now Patrick, what did you think would happen with a man vulnerable after divorce? You essentially dropped him right in your sister's lap with that ask. 👀🤯

Donovan was Johnny on the spot to assist Zuri with the horrible dates and help talk her down afterwards. That help became text messages, random phone calls, and lingering stares. Their chemistry was heating up, but what about Patrick? So glad that Zuri put her foot down, and made her feelings known to her brother. Only she knew what was good for her.

[Nikita · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.75⭐️

[Jerrica (Mrsmar10Reads) Martin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sweet Story

What do you do when you fall for someone you're technically not supposed to? Eventually, you lean into it. This was such a cute, sweet read. Zuri and Donovan flowed so effortlessly. I can't believe that at her big age, her brothers not only set her up on dates, but made the first few horrible before they gave her someone worth an outfit!! Her debriefs with Donovan were hilarious and telling of how well these two meshed. If you're looking for a lighthearted holiday read, this one is for you. Happy Reading Y'all!💋

[Cherylbestlife · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fun read…

This was a fun read! I liked the two main characters. Zuri’s brothers loved her but was too involved in her dating life.,

The blind dates that the brothers set up were hilarious!

I loved the way love evolved between Zuri and Donovan. Even though they weren’t aware of it happening at first.

There were elements of Christmas in the book.

[Javanna · Rating 3 out of 5]

Cute Story, Christmas love and cheer

I know its a novella, cute story but I felt like the story was being rushed. Shows that only you know what's best for you.

[Robbie Burnett · Rating 5 out of 5]

8 dates

I feel like I have read this book four times today. I also feel like she went on 3 or 4 dates with one man.