An Escort for Christmas

by A. Zavarelli

Harper Nichols is in a desperate situation.

After her Aunt’s passing, she’s been left with a mounting pile of medical bills and other debt. Just when she thinks it can’t get any worse, she loses her job… only weeks before Christmas.

The very roof over her head hangs in the balance, and so far her job leads have been less than fruitful. As a last resort, she accepts her friend Katia’s offer to work for her dating service. The only stipulation? Extras are off the table.


But when she meets wealthy real estate mogul Jameson King, things aren’t exactly what she expected. Hired to spend two weeks with him at his family’s home over Christmas, she quickly realizes that some rules are just meant to be broken. But what will happen when this business transaction is over? Harper might be richer, but at what cost to her heart?

Genres: Romance, Christmas, Novella, Contemporary Romance, Contemporary, Holiday, Fake Dating

93 pages, ebook

First published November 14, 2015

About the author

A. Zavarelli is a USA Today and Amazon bestselling author of dark and contemporary romance.

When she’s not putting her characters through hell, she can usually be found watching bizarre and twisted documentaries in the name of research.

She currently lives in the Northwest with her lumberjack and an entire brood of fur babies.


Facebook Page- https://geni.us/AZavarelliAuthor

Facebook Reader Group- https://geni.us/FemmeFatales

Mailing List: https://geni.us/ucfAZH1

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Amazon- https://geni.us/AZavarelliAmazon

Bookbub- https://geni.us/AZavarelliBookbub

Twitter- https://geni.us/AZavarelliTwitter

Website- https://www.azavarelli.com

Reviews

[Isabella. R · Rating 2 out of 5]

2 Awkward At The Best Of Times Stars ⭐

So many tears, I just couldn't get on board. I get the escort gig was out of desperation. But to be insulted and cry about being offered money in exchange for sex? Bloody ridiculous...

Honestly I'm surprised this author penned such a lame tale. 🖤

[Deborah · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a Pretty Woman type super sweet romance.
Harper is the twenty-two year old beauty that doesn’t know it. She dropped out of college to help her Aunt (her only living relative) try and battle cancer.her Aunt is gone but Harper is left with the debts, no job and the prospect of being homeless is looming if she can’t find the money to pay her rent.
Her best friend happens to be an escort and convinces Harper to give it a try. Harper agrees but takes sex from the equation.
She’s instantly snapped up for two weeks by an incredibly hot, sexy billionaire, the type of client all the girls dream of getting. The problem is said billionaire chose her from her picture and profile but when face to face decides she looks too wholesome and asks for her to be more trashy.

You know how it goes but it’s a nice sweet cute read getting there. Oh and Harper of course is a virgin.

[Irene · Rating 4 out of 5]

This story is surprisingly very good. It has one of the most believable plots regarding the trope "fake escort" and both the main characters are amazing and very likeable. I only wish it was a longer story because the plot felt rushed at times and I wanted the couple to have more angst before they got together.
Other than that, it was a great read and I'll be looking out for this author's work...

[Renegade ♥ · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 stars

If you need a quick romance novella for one of your reading challenges, you might want to give this one a try.

This is my first read by A. Zavarelli, but I know it won't be my last. The author pulled me in, the pacing felt right, the chemistry and reasons for conflict were there, and I liked it.

It felt like a complete story, and though Harper and Jameson's attraction and their desire to eventually be together was there and stated, they didn't rush into thoughts/declarations of love and committing to one another for all eternity (which usually makes me roll my eyes).



Because true love at first sight (or even after two weeks)?

Well, you've absolutely got to write the hell out of that before I'll get anywhere near to believing it and, sorry, but most novellas simply don't pull it off in a way that I can buy. Especially when it comes to contemporary romance. I can make a bit more leeway for the circumstances that arise in paranormal tales, but they've still got their work cut out for them. The novella format is not a reason/excuse to accept what I'm told (rather than shown) just because the story is short and there isn't enough time/pages to get into it.

Nope.



Maybe I do... ;)

But that's why I'm reading. To get into it.

And I'll admit that I have a somewhat different rating system/expectation(s) in my head for novellas versus novels. That being said, the author still has to make me believe and have a good time on the journey.

(Unless, of course, the tale is meant to be unbelievable on purpose, but that's another story...).

If I don't, if I'm stumbling over things that are ridiculous, implausible, or thrown in to just wrap it all up fast and easy without giving the characters, the developing relationship, and the story their due (while often straining credibility), my rating will reflect that.



Like anything, there are good novellas, bad novellas, and the ones in between that hit some of their marks in an enjoyable fashion (revealing the author's talent and potential) but don't quite work as a whole, cohesive unit. Novellas are not as easy to write well as some might believe. They can be really damn hard, in fact.

So, of course, the good ones usually have me coming back for more. The in-betweeners get my attention and I'm often willing to give the author's work another try at some point. The really bad ones? Well... no. I want to value my time by reading stuff I like/love.



Anyways, getting back to AEFC, I thought the epilogue wrapped things up on a sweet, more believable note (time plays it part) and I'm glad I read it.

[Karla · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars!

I enjoyed this quick read it was fun and sexy a little bit longer than the previous novella I read by this author. It had a bit of "pretty woman" vibe mix in with the Christmas spirit it was a great combo. It had a bit of push and pull from the MC's but nothing frustrating since the story moved along fast and the epilogue was so sweet and the perfect ending. <3

[Riz · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 Stars

Really liked it!

[Jenny · Rating 3 out of 5]

Just a sweet and cheesy read.

[Serena Books · Rating 2 out of 5]

Lo que más disfruté fue el EPÍLOGO lo demás se sintió apresurado




✨🎄✨An escort for Christmas de A. Zavarelli✨🎄✨


Mí humilde opinión:

✨Harper Nichols se encuentra en una situación desesperada. Después del fallecimiento de su tía, se quedó con un montón de facturas médicas y otras deudas. Justo cuando piensa que las cosas no pueden empeorar, pierde su trabajo… solo unas semanas antes de Navidad. El mismo techo sobre su cabeza pende de un hilo, y hasta ahora sus oportunidades laborales han sido menos que fructíferas.

Como último recurso, acepta la oferta de su amiga Katia de trabajar para su servicio de citas. ¿La única estipulación? Los extras están fuera de la mesa. Pero cuando conoce al acaudalado magnate inmobiliario Jameson King, las cosas no son exactamente lo que esperaba. Contratada para pasar dos semanas con él en la casa de su familia durante la Navidad, rápidamente se da cuenta de que algunas reglas están destinadas a romperse.

Pero, ¿qué pasará cuando termine esta transacción comercial? Harper podría ser más rica, pero ¿a qué costo para su corazón?✨





❄️Una lectura corta que un poco me recordó a Mujer bonita, solo un poco.

Esta es una autora que me gusta pero no sé qué le pasó en este librito. El comienzo captó mí atención, toda la situación de la acompañante lo encontré bastante creíble, la heroína era dulce pero... no lo logró mantenerme interesada del todo.

Principalmente el héroe no me terminó gustando, tenía una personalidad que me desagradó. No sé ni qué decir de la pareja porque no hubo mucha interacción entre ellos que me hiciera creer que al final se quieren. Toda la parte de la declaración de amor se sintió muy apresurada... Bueno, casi todo el librito se sintió así.

No estuvo del todo mal porque me encantó el EPÍLOGO y había vibra navideña. De todas maneras este navideño no fue uno que me gustara de la autora.❄️

[Lolina ⋆ · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was SO different from anything that I've read by AZ before- but I did end up liking it.

It was very sweet and straight to the point- and really convenient- but I did like the overall premise of the story. I felt like if it was a full novel, I would've ended up liking it a lot more, as it would've been really nice to have seen the characters and story play out properly.

But yeah, it was a quick and sweet read.

[lily · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars
quick and sweet novella with adorable heroine , loved it .

[Sienasummerrreads · Rating 4 out of 5]

“I didn't think I'd ever want it again,
But you've changed that Harper. I want you in my life. I want you in my bed. I want to share everything with you”

This novella was so quick and easy to read. This man is grumpy, a billionaire and delicious. He would say the wrong thing and I would want to wrangle him but it made the tension and relationship build! Recommend this for a Christmas read. Just wish she opened up to him and told him her back story after a few comments were thrown around.

If you love:

🔹Holiday Novella
🔹Billionaire
🔹Grumpy MMC
🔹Fake Dating
🔹Family Drama
🔹Great Tension

Genre/Type: Holiday Romance 18+
APK: Kindle
Pages: 110
Rating: 🌟🌟🌟🌟.5
Spice: 🌶️
Series or Stand Alone: Stand Alone Novella
Tropes or Themes: Billionaire, Fake Dating, Christmas, Jealousy, Family Drama, Hired, CA, Sexual Content, Virgin & Dirty Talk.
Check Triggers ⚠️ 💫

Sienasummerrreads 💕📚
TikTok | Instagram | Goodreads | StoryGraph | Everand | Amazon | Audible Reviews 💫

[TSN ☮ · Rating 4 out of 5]

Re-read December 2018
Re-read February 2018

I think I just saw a pig in the sky!


And who knows, there might even be snow in Hell.

Just now I read a novella that I really liked, and I really don't like novellas.

Imagine the epitome of an innocent America's sweetheart, and then sprinkle some magic Disney fairy dust over her. That's about how sweet Harper is. 💗

This was the cutest little Christmas love story.

[Dora Koutsoukou · Rating 3 out of 5]

3,5 💖💖💖⭐️⭐️⭐️s❣️

Although I am not usually thrilled with short stories, I found myself enjoying An Escort for Christmas!!! It didn’t have dual POV (and I desperately wanted to know the hero’s thoughts), however I really liked it.

[Nikki · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it!

This was a quick read but it had all the elements making it a fabulous story! I really enjoy this authors work!

[Chris · Rating 5 out of 5]

Harper and Jameson's story was really enjoyable to read! There were "Pretty Woman" vibes for sure but who didn't enjoy that movie?

[Nicci · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5/5 Stars

Unwrapping Mr. King was a quick and enjoyable read, perfect for the holiday season, but readable at any time.

It's a fake-dating story in which a super-rich guy hires a first-time escort to be his date home for the holidays as a form of armour against past hurts inflicted by an ex and a family member.

There's not a lot of character depth/development (to be fair, it's hard to achieve in a standalone novella) but both Harper and Jameson are likeable enough as are Jameson's family.
The romance is sudden and a little instalovey but, again, it's to be expected in a novella!
There is some ex-related drama which gave the romance a "push" in the right direction and all in all it was a simple story with a happy ever after.

One point to note though, if you're looking for a steamy holiday novella, this isn't it! There are some steamy moments but it didn't have the overall heat level I expected.

[Vicki · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 ⭐️
A rich guy hires a virgin, first time escort in financial straits to be his fake girlfriend for a trip home to visit his family for Christmas - complete with a no-sex clause. This novella is a light, easy and predictable read with some good, brief jealous moments and light steam.

[LolShan · Rating 3 out of 5]

This moved so quickly 😳😳

[Deb Hanson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Arc received from Instafreebie.

Yet another great story from A Zavarelli . I am normally not a huge fan of novellas but this has been a pleasant surprise. It wa short and sweet literally.

Harper Nichols is on the brink of losing everything, from lising her job, to her apartment, and paying off medical bills from her aunt. She needs something and fast. When offered a job as an escort where her best friend works she has no choice but to accept it.

Jameson King needs a girlfriend to take home to his family for Christmas and Harper is that girl. Sweet Harper is not Jameson's normal flavor and is quickly taken in by his mother and sister's but Jameson wants nothing to do with it. During their weeks together, their "relationship " is tested by his mean and stand offish attitude, his ex girlfriend staking her claim and his brother that he can't stand.

But one night, during Christmas dinner their feelings for each other become to much to ignore and they share a sex filled night, but that leaves them at an impasse the next day when Jameson returns to his jackass ways. Wanting to leave before she is embarrassed anymore, she skips out on him and his wonderful family only to be involved in a car accident. Will Jameson lose Harper forever or fight to get her back.

[Briana · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great Novella finished in an hour by this great author!!

Actually to be absolutely honest. I loved this novella better than "One Lat Gift" by Mrs. A! I know surprising, but even though this one was so short, it had so much substance to the story.

I was completely engrossed in this story from beginning to end. I can not really express some details about the book because since it is so short I don't want to spoil anything for anyone. I want everyone to read this book it is absolutely amazing.

This book kind of reminds me of the movie pretty woman. But it has its own originality with it. And with that reason I just love this story completely.

I recommend this book to anyone who wants a fast and quick romance to read. Well about billionaire romance is at least ;D

I give this and complete 5 stars!

**ARC provided by the author to me for an honest review**

PS. Just a little note to this amazing author. I would be so grateful if you would allow me to ARC any of your romance/erotic books! I absolutely love this book and the last novelette I read by you! Thank you so much again! :D

[Mirjam · Rating 3 out of 5]

“You mean besides being a whore? I guess that wouldn’t really fly, would it? I don’t know, Jameson. What do you want me to be? This is your game after all.”

Harper Nichols is in desperate need of money and, unable to find a job, she signs up at the escort agency where her BF works too with the stipulation of sex being off the table.



Jameson King needs to bring a date home to his parents for Christmas.



For both of them this whole escort business is new and Jameson has no idea this is Harper's first job. The two week Christmas holiday at the King's mansion seems to be quite the ordeal. Harper finds it hard to be all business like and be Jameson's vixen and Jameson falls for Harper's sweet character as does his family.

This is a sweet little Christmas fairy tale and a quick read.

[Caroline F · Rating 5 out of 5]

Found this novella on my Kindle whilst looking for a Christmas read and absolutely loved it! Bought it three years ago and forgot I had it!

"You expect me to take her to meet my family? She looks exactly like the kind of woman my mother would want me to marry."

Harper Nichols is up to her eyeballs in debt. She needs to make money fast and is persuaded to become an escort, as long as she doesn't have to be intimate with anyone. When she meets her first client, it's an unusual gig - she has to pretend to be his girlfriend for two weeks and stay with his family. She's pretty nervous considering she's more good-girl librarian rather than sexy vixen, but the money is a big motivator.

"His gaze burned a path down my body and sent my pulse skyrocketing. If I didn't already feel exposed, the flare of hunger in his eyes definitely accomplished that."

Jameson King is gorgeous but reserved. He keeps sending her mixed signals, but it soon becomes apparent why he wanted to bring her home for Christmas. When lines start to blur, Harper is not certain that she's cut out to be a 'strictly business' escort.

This story was short but so enjoyable! I loved the tension between Harper and Jameson. I thrilled at the heated looks he kept giving her. I even got a bit emotional towards the end. It was a novella that managed to pack in enough steam, drama and joy to make it a fab read!

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/review/R1JLZ12...

[Malysh_2 · Rating 2 out of 5]

Es una historia corta con un ritmo muy rápido, sentí q el desarrollo fue forzado. Una muchacha virgen llena de deudas q se ve forzada a ser acompañante de un flamante millonario q no quiere sexo con ella pero si q parezca accesible para lucirla delante de su familia durante 14 días para acompañarlo a las celebraciones decembrinas, con la intención de darle a entender a su ex novia, quien es la mala del cuento por acostarse con su hermano, q la ha superado.

La familia la adora y ella se adapta de maravilla, enamorándose de su único y primer cliente antes de la primera semana, para q en la segunda él se de cuenta de q también se ha enamorado de ella. Superan a la ex q trata de recuperarlo luego de q ella escapando tenga un accidente para jurarse amor y en 3 años estar casados y a la espera de su primer hijo.

[mk meow · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.5⭐
2.5🌶️
FMC POV only.

It was okay - yes it was a novella but the insta love was not super believable.

Too much set up and background for a novella. And the backstory was so complicated but brief it didn't feel believable.

She's broke, needs job. Her friend works as an escort, gets her a job with a "no sex" caveat. She's immediately selected for a 2 week Christmas with the family by a billionaire.

He's got a great family, but issues w his brother, due to his ex. The ex is of their BFF family, so lots of events together. He gets drunk a few times. They fight. They make up. They have sex and then he hurts her feelings again.

She goes to run away on Xmas Eve, gets in accident in cab, he picks her up from hospital, declares his love.

HEA.

[pineapples & Pages · Rating 5 out of 5]

I didn’t know Christmas themed smüt was a thing.
But oh am I so happy I found it.
This happens to be my first. ☺️

This was a cute, fun, and super quick read. Even though it was meant to be a short story I definitely would have loved it to be longer.

This story follows Harper, who recently lost her aunt and is facing eviction. Her friend has the brilliant idea to set her up with a job to help get her through. When she lands her first gig, she meets Jameson King. The oh so smexy real estate mogul. Now, Jameson hasn’t been home for years for Christmas and he needs Harper to help fool his family. I love the found family in this story. Cause it’s the sort of family everyone dreams about. 😂 Coming from a dysfunctional family, the Kings are a dream.

But if you’re looking for a quick hitter, give this one a read.

[Cristina · Rating 3 out of 5]

Pues se me ha hecho tan corto que es una pena, me habría gustado que fuera un poco más largo. Me ha gustado.

La historia es de una escort pero bien podría ser la del falso compromiso, novia por contrato, etc., que leemos en otros libros, porque tiene que acompañarle durante las dos semanas de las vacaciones de Navidad y hacer creer a toda su familia que es su novia.

Y los personajes no está mal, también desfilan una buena cantidad de secundarios que sorprende, porque en estas historias cortas a veces no da ni para desarrollar, pero sí, ha dado para todo.

[AJ's Book ReMarks · Rating 4 out of 5]

Christmas Novella

This is a quick, not story about a billionaire looking to go home for Christmas but doesn't want to go alone to face his ex. He hired a professional, so what could go wrong?

[Wendy Rocks · Rating 4 out of 5]

I usually don't enjoy short stories that much because it's not usually enough time for me to fall in love with characters and I usually don't enjoy insta-love that much. However, I really liked this one a lot.

[Jessica · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tension and yearning in a Novella, yes please!

Love a slow burn, fake dating a billionaire, not quite insta love so that was nice. Lots of tension and a found family! Great short Christmas read!

[Sara · Rating 2 out of 5]

1.5 Stars

Boring in the best case.