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Holiday Temptation
’Tis the season to satisfy your holiday desires with this festive trio of sexy stories…
A GIFT OF LOVE Donna Hill
Drama professor Traci Long spends her free time at the CoffeeMate café, pursuing her true passion—writing her own plays. Meanwhile, sexy barista Noah Jefferson is doing his best to distract her. But once they get involved, past betrayals make Traci wary. She’s right that Noah is keeping something from her—but it might be something that will make this Christmas as sweet as a rave review—and steamier than her favorite chai latté…
HOLIDAY SPICE Farrah Rochon
A Christmas-time tragedy took photographer Miranda Lawson’s holiday spirit with it. Since then, she’s traveled the world, determined to outrun her demons. This year she’s off to Istanbul. But the scenery isn’t the only gorgeous site she spots through her camera lens….Kyle Daniels loves Christmas, but he’s looking for escape too—and soon he and Miranda find it in each other’s arms. Yet their connection doesn’t end there. Maybe staying put isn’t such a bad idea after all—especially when there’s someone to celebrate with…
FROM HERE TO SERENITY K.M. Jackson
Unstoppable real-estate developer Ross Montgomery is under orders to get some holiday R&R. A cruise to Miami on his yacht, “The Serenity,” is the perfect place to start—especially when he meets his new personal chef, Essie Bradford. Between her calming presence, her amazing food, and her delectable beauty, Ross just might develop a taste for the good life. And when the two discover they have a lot in common—including an irresistible attraction—the next course may be a spicy New Year…
A GIFT OF LOVE Donna Hill
Drama professor Traci Long spends her free time at the CoffeeMate café, pursuing her true passion—writing her own plays. Meanwhile, sexy barista Noah Jefferson is doing his best to distract her. But once they get involved, past betrayals make Traci wary. She’s right that Noah is keeping something from her—but it might be something that will make this Christmas as sweet as a rave review—and steamier than her favorite chai latté…
HOLIDAY SPICE Farrah Rochon
A Christmas-time tragedy took photographer Miranda Lawson’s holiday spirit with it. Since then, she’s traveled the world, determined to outrun her demons. This year she’s off to Istanbul. But the scenery isn’t the only gorgeous site she spots through her camera lens….Kyle Daniels loves Christmas, but he’s looking for escape too—and soon he and Miranda find it in each other’s arms. Yet their connection doesn’t end there. Maybe staying put isn’t such a bad idea after all—especially when there’s someone to celebrate with…
FROM HERE TO SERENITY K.M. Jackson
Unstoppable real-estate developer Ross Montgomery is under orders to get some holiday R&R. A cruise to Miami on his yacht, “The Serenity,” is the perfect place to start—especially when he meets his new personal chef, Essie Bradford. Between her calming presence, her amazing food, and her delectable beauty, Ross just might develop a taste for the good life. And when the two discover they have a lot in common—including an irresistible attraction—the next course may be a spicy New Year…
288 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 27, 2016
41 people are currently reading
350 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 34 reviews
December 26, 2020
This review is for From Here to Serenity by K M Jackson
Holiday contemporary diverse novella.
Esssie is hired as a personal chef to Joss Montgomery, a rich business with doctors orders to slow down and eat better. Their attraction to each other escalates while on his yacht.
This novella moved fast with instant attraction and no reason to go slow.
I think she forgave him too fast for a couple of missteps when he dropped the ball.
Scene changes were abrupt and had me going backwards a page more than once to answer a “wait - what?”
Holiday contemporary diverse novella.
Esssie is hired as a personal chef to Joss Montgomery, a rich business with doctors orders to slow down and eat better. Their attraction to each other escalates while on his yacht.
This novella moved fast with instant attraction and no reason to go slow.
I think she forgave him too fast for a couple of missteps when he dropped the ball.
Scene changes were abrupt and had me going backwards a page more than once to answer a “wait - what?”
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December 27, 2020I have only read From Here to Serenity and let me tell you, it was too short by far. I need to know how christmas with Ross's daughter went? Does he move to Cali to be with her? What about Essie and his relationship? How does Serenity react? You can't get me all emotionally invested in wonderful characters and leave me hanging like that! Also, i really gotta stop reading books with delicious sounding food in them. Warning this story will have you craving chocolate mousse.
January 5, 2024
Good cheesy holiday romance. Three stories in one book to make you feel good! Very quick storylines and characters.
Easy read
Easy read
November 10, 2016
I spotted the Holiday Temptation anthology of holiday stories by all new to me authors so I was eager to give it a try. Christmas holidays spent with a variety of characters, situations, and settings made this a treasure trove to delve into and enjoy. I've decided since there are only three stories that I can separate out mini-review thoughts for each.
A Gift of Love by Donna Hill
A holiday in NYC for two people burdened by their pasts. Traci is writing a play and wants above all to see her own play staged in a community theater like the old one down the street and Noah has dreams of combining food with the arts. These two lost, lonely souls find each other and have a chance at healing and love if they will courageously trust in each other.
Loved this story and the combo of passion and heartwarming with strong characters.
Holiday Spice by Farrah Rochon
A chance meeting at a spice market in Istanbul before being snowbound together in Colorado makes Kyle and Miranda believe in fate. Miranda has avoided Christmas for 15 years and now wants to start anew with the holiday. Kyle had a troublesome argument with his dad and skipped family Christmas. Now, they have this holiday together promising passion, celebration, and maybe a chance for love?
It was fun to have the holiday abroad scene and then a Rocky Mountain Christmas. A photographer and a brewer was a neat combo just as their personal troubles were just the right touch for character growth and a budding romance.
From Here to Serenity by KM Jackson
A work-obsessed company CEO gets a wake-up call when he ends up in the ER. His friend sets him up with a beautiful and honest nutritionist chef who struggles with finding the right guy. A business trip on a yacht makes a connection for both of them. Will the holidays bring the gift of change or going back to their old ways.
Enjoyed the 'at sea' setting, the delicious foodie scenes, and the build of the relationship. This pair had a great connection. I wanted to get more of their story when the end came.
Alright, these were quick reads that had good development and all touched me which is just what I want in a holiday story. Sometimes anthologies are a mixed bag, but I found all of these to be fantastic and engaging stories. I can easily recommend this to others who enjoy slightly spicy holiday Contemporary Romance.
I received this book from Net Galley in exchange for an honest review.
A Gift of Love by Donna Hill
A holiday in NYC for two people burdened by their pasts. Traci is writing a play and wants above all to see her own play staged in a community theater like the old one down the street and Noah has dreams of combining food with the arts. These two lost, lonely souls find each other and have a chance at healing and love if they will courageously trust in each other.
Loved this story and the combo of passion and heartwarming with strong characters.
Holiday Spice by Farrah Rochon
A chance meeting at a spice market in Istanbul before being snowbound together in Colorado makes Kyle and Miranda believe in fate. Miranda has avoided Christmas for 15 years and now wants to start anew with the holiday. Kyle had a troublesome argument with his dad and skipped family Christmas. Now, they have this holiday together promising passion, celebration, and maybe a chance for love?
It was fun to have the holiday abroad scene and then a Rocky Mountain Christmas. A photographer and a brewer was a neat combo just as their personal troubles were just the right touch for character growth and a budding romance.
From Here to Serenity by KM Jackson
A work-obsessed company CEO gets a wake-up call when he ends up in the ER. His friend sets him up with a beautiful and honest nutritionist chef who struggles with finding the right guy. A business trip on a yacht makes a connection for both of them. Will the holidays bring the gift of change or going back to their old ways.
Enjoyed the 'at sea' setting, the delicious foodie scenes, and the build of the relationship. This pair had a great connection. I wanted to get more of their story when the end came.
Alright, these were quick reads that had good development and all touched me which is just what I want in a holiday story. Sometimes anthologies are a mixed bag, but I found all of these to be fantastic and engaging stories. I can easily recommend this to others who enjoy slightly spicy holiday Contemporary Romance.
I received this book from Net Galley in exchange for an honest review.
October 17, 2016
This was an ok read. A little bit on the "billionaire boyfriend saving the day" side but pleasant enough if a bit uneven. I liked "Holiday Spice" the most : the two lead characters were quite interesting and on more equal footing. A Gift of Love" could have been a really good story but for the ending which was a bit too over the top. As for "From Here to Serenity" it had me rolling my eyes several times at the weak plot/characterization.
December 24, 2020
I've only read one story from this anthology so my rating is based only on From Here to Serenity by K.M. Jackson. I gave that story 3.5 stars but I rounded it down to 3 because of the ending.
I really enjoyed reading this holiday story about a cute chef and the hot guy who hired her to cook for him. Ross is a hot shot developer who’s suffering from stress and poor eating habits. His doctor suggests that he hire Essie to cook for him as she makes healthy food that tastes fantastic.
This was a pretty cute story with sexy time that isn’t too explicit but hot none-the-less. I loved the description of the yacht and the sailing experience. I thoroughly enjoyed the story until I got to the end. I know that it’s only novella length but the ending was way too abrupt for me. Enough so that it nearly ruined the rest of the story. I’m not even sure I’d call it a HFN but there wasn’t a cliffhanger ending either. I would have loved just a few more paragraphs to wrap up the story a little neater.
I really enjoyed reading this holiday story about a cute chef and the hot guy who hired her to cook for him. Ross is a hot shot developer who’s suffering from stress and poor eating habits. His doctor suggests that he hire Essie to cook for him as she makes healthy food that tastes fantastic.
This was a pretty cute story with sexy time that isn’t too explicit but hot none-the-less. I loved the description of the yacht and the sailing experience. I thoroughly enjoyed the story until I got to the end. I know that it’s only novella length but the ending was way too abrupt for me. Enough so that it nearly ruined the rest of the story. I’m not even sure I’d call it a HFN but there wasn’t a cliffhanger ending either. I would have loved just a few more paragraphs to wrap up the story a little neater.
December 27, 2020
This review is for From Here to Serenity by K.M. Jackson.
3.5 stars. This book was ok, but it never hooked me. I liked Essie and felt that she took a lot in stride without being walked all over. I didn’t love Ross and he just never endeared himself to me, making it difficult for me to believe Essie was falling for him. It also was not Christmassy enough for me and there was a thing or two left unresolved at the end. It wasn’t poorly written and I have enjoyed another book by the author so I rounded up to 4 stars.
3.5 stars. This book was ok, but it never hooked me. I liked Essie and felt that she took a lot in stride without being walked all over. I didn’t love Ross and he just never endeared himself to me, making it difficult for me to believe Essie was falling for him. It also was not Christmassy enough for me and there was a thing or two left unresolved at the end. It wasn’t poorly written and I have enjoyed another book by the author so I rounded up to 4 stars.
January 1, 2021
I read From Here to Serenity. This is an interesting Cinderella story to me. The female character has her own career and meets and falls for the rich guy. The main male character has worked hard to get where he is but has lost a little touch of reality. I mean, come on, you don't just show up to Mom's house without calling first. After reading this book, I find that I wish this book was a little long to allow for answers to some of my questions.
December 30, 2020
This book is the epitome of fantasy ... everyday woman has a whirlwind romance with an attractive, wealthy man. I really liked Essie. She had spunk and tons of character. I don't feel like we got as much from Ross's point of view, but I do think he was a good guy overall. He just didn't know how to show it. I think their story is really just getting started, so I'd be interested to see where they are 6-12 months down the line.
December 25, 2020
1.Donna Hill
2.Faith Rachon
3.KM Jackson - From Here to Serentiy- Holiday Temptation. This wasn't the holiday story I was expecting. The story was mostly fine though at times confusing. Ross was uptight, tightly wound and and someone I didn't like. He was all about the next deal, making money and not into family. Essie also had dreams, but was into family. Ross and Essie seemed at cross purposes and values. I think I would have liked this story if it had been longer and more detailed.
2.Faith Rachon
3.KM Jackson - From Here to Serentiy- Holiday Temptation. This wasn't the holiday story I was expecting. The story was mostly fine though at times confusing. Ross was uptight, tightly wound and and someone I didn't like. He was all about the next deal, making money and not into family. Essie also had dreams, but was into family. Ross and Essie seemed at cross purposes and values. I think I would have liked this story if it had been longer and more detailed.
abandoned
December 17, 201712/16/17 @ 28% -- Not for me. And since the first story is usually the strongest, I'm going to just do a pass on the rest.
March 8, 2017
A Gift of Love by Donna Hill - 4 stars
Holiday Spice by Farrah Rochon - 4 stars
From Here to Serenity by K.M. Jackson - 4 stars
These were good fast moving stories that were well written, they had strong characters. I thought it was a great holiday read and it kept me interested and entertained until the end.
Holiday Spice by Farrah Rochon - 4 stars
From Here to Serenity by K.M. Jackson - 4 stars
These were good fast moving stories that were well written, they had strong characters. I thought it was a great holiday read and it kept me interested and entertained until the end.
September 30, 2016
For me the words Holiday Temptations conjures up an image of gooey, warm treats and hot, sweet drinks. For the ladies in this anthology, however, the temptations are of a far different, more intimate variety. It made for some fun reading and the talk of sweets, twinkling lights and decorating trees had me longing for the coming holiday. See my full review at http://allaboutromance.com/book-revie...
December 25, 2017
Three short, fun, romances. Travel to far off places, find quick romances. Celebrate the new year with new friends.
December 31, 2017
So, I couldn't decide if I wanted to give this a 2 or 3 stars, it was really a 2.5, so because they were mostly well written and easy reads I rounded it up. Rating each story, I would have to say the second story, Holiday Spice, was my favorite, a solid 3. I like to visit new places and it read like the author had actually been to Istanbul and I really enjoyed reading it. It also didn't feel as unrealistic as the other two in my opinion. Both characters seemed to be more on the same level, meaning both doing what they love for a living. Both with their own different family issues, that sort of complimented each others so that each could benefit from the other emotionally. I liked that it wasn't like the other stories in this way.
The other two stories were more of the "knight in shining armor type of fairy tale-ish" novellas. But the third one, From Here to Serenity, was a little more realistic than the first so it comes in as #2 for me. However, there were more, yeah right moments in this one than the first one. However, I did enjoy the story a bit more. On a yacht to Bermuda and Miami was fun. I just have to mention a few things. 1) I'm not a wine connoisseur, but I really don't think Pinot Noir pairs well with sea scallops with a light lemon reduction and spinach. 2)The knight in shining armor, when she was suppose to be meeting him after shopping. He shows up just in time to save her from a creepy guy following her from one of the markets. Yeah, right! This was forced, perhaps, to add some action to the story and provide the opportunity for them to go at it in the back of the limo and end up back at his private villa. LOL! 3)The ending was just too perfect, but left the unanswered question of how did she miss this letter he supposed left her. Guess I'll never know. :/
So finally, the first story, A Gift of Love, was my least favorite, but it was okay. Too unrealistic, a rich man coming in to save the day for the damsel in distress. And the ending, that gift to her was the biggest, "Yeah, right!" of the book. But he's rich and it's a novella not non-fiction, so it was a nice, well written fairy tale with an obvious twist. I did guess that he was the owner of the cafe. However, most women would love to have a protector from any ex-crazies, so I liked that he could be that for her, as long as she doesn't become too dependent on Noah.
The other two stories were more of the "knight in shining armor type of fairy tale-ish" novellas. But the third one, From Here to Serenity, was a little more realistic than the first so it comes in as #2 for me. However, there were more, yeah right moments in this one than the first one. However, I did enjoy the story a bit more. On a yacht to Bermuda and Miami was fun. I just have to mention a few things. 1) I'm not a wine connoisseur, but I really don't think Pinot Noir pairs well with sea scallops with a light lemon reduction and spinach. 2)The knight in shining armor, when she was suppose to be meeting him after shopping. He shows up just in time to save her from a creepy guy following her from one of the markets. Yeah, right! This was forced, perhaps, to add some action to the story and provide the opportunity for them to go at it in the back of the limo and end up back at his private villa. LOL! 3)The ending was just too perfect, but left the unanswered question of how did she miss this letter he supposed left her. Guess I'll never know. :/
So finally, the first story, A Gift of Love, was my least favorite, but it was okay. Too unrealistic, a rich man coming in to save the day for the damsel in distress. And the ending, that gift to her was the biggest, "Yeah, right!" of the book. But he's rich and it's a novella not non-fiction, so it was a nice, well written fairy tale with an obvious twist. I did guess that he was the owner of the cafe. However, most women would love to have a protector from any ex-crazies, so I liked that he could be that for her, as long as she doesn't become too dependent on Noah.
December 22, 2017
This is a review for the first novella only. I have not read the other novellas in this collection.
A Gift of Love 2 stars
This doesn't really feel like a holiday romance, more like a romance that culminates on the holidays. The heroine is a survivor of intimate partner violence, a playwright, and a teacher. It's mostly about her arc, slowly building trust in her first real relationship after her abusive ex. The beginning felt real, built at a pace that worked for the arc, and I liked how respectful he was in the first half of the book especially. I liked her best friend, a lot. I didn't really feel much chemistry between the MCs, tho.
The last half of the romance arc really didn't work for me. It felt deeply unrealistic, and like a fantasy knight in shining armor rescue situation, which raised big red flags for me, because of the power dynamic that goes with it. As a survivor reader who worked in the intimate partner violence field for many years, I was worried for the MC because of this rescue thing, the speed at which the relationship goes, her financial dependence. Red flags abounded but were framed as romance.
Her trauma responses throughout felt realistic, and that this kind of relationship arc fit where she was at. I just have a lot of trouble believing he is actually good for her, and rooting for them as a couple, based on the last half of the story.
I may read and review the other romances in this collection later on but for now I am putting this book down. DNF at 34%
Trigger Warnings
A Gift of Love 2 stars
This doesn't really feel like a holiday romance, more like a romance that culminates on the holidays. The heroine is a survivor of intimate partner violence, a playwright, and a teacher. It's mostly about her arc, slowly building trust in her first real relationship after her abusive ex. The beginning felt real, built at a pace that worked for the arc, and I liked how respectful he was in the first half of the book especially. I liked her best friend, a lot. I didn't really feel much chemistry between the MCs, tho.
The last half of the romance arc really didn't work for me. It felt deeply unrealistic, and like a fantasy knight in shining armor rescue situation, which raised big red flags for me, because of the power dynamic that goes with it. As a survivor reader who worked in the intimate partner violence field for many years, I was worried for the MC because of this rescue thing, the speed at which the relationship goes, her financial dependence. Red flags abounded but were framed as romance.
Her trauma responses throughout felt realistic, and that this kind of relationship arc fit where she was at. I just have a lot of trouble believing he is actually good for her, and rooting for them as a couple, based on the last half of the story.
I may read and review the other romances in this collection later on but for now I am putting this book down. DNF at 34%
Trigger Warnings
March 30, 2018
I usually love Christmas stories. This collection was a little boring.
A Gift of Love by Donna Hill: probably the best. Rich, successful man falls in love with part time theater instructor and aspiring playwright. I'm not sure why he was working in the coffee shop he actually owns, but it's the setup of how the couple meet.
Holiday Spice by Farrah Rochon: Rich, successful man falls in love with a professional photographer while in Istanbul.
From Here to Serenity by K.M. Jackson: Rich, successful, uber-confident man falls in love with a freelance chef.
A Gift of Love by Donna Hill: probably the best. Rich, successful man falls in love with part time theater instructor and aspiring playwright. I'm not sure why he was working in the coffee shop he actually owns, but it's the setup of how the couple meet.
Holiday Spice by Farrah Rochon: Rich, successful man falls in love with a professional photographer while in Istanbul.
From Here to Serenity by K.M. Jackson: Rich, successful, uber-confident man falls in love with a freelance chef.
December 25, 2017
I read this book for a book club, even though I don’t care for the romance genre. The situations are usually unrealistic or too pie in the sky and the characters usually meet and have sex without really getting to know each other. This book fit the bill perfectly. This book is made up of 3 stories written by 3 POC authors. Although these stories are better than others of this type that I have read, they still are not my cup of tea.
January 11, 2022
I didn't intend to read this past the holidays and yet here we are! I read the latter two stories in this anthology; the first didn't appeal to me as it had a trope I disliked. Definitely on the spicy side which is fun, but the writing in this collection is underwhelming.
September 14, 2017
Three novellas about finding Love during the Christmas holiday. They were all good making me laugh and cheer the couple's on.
December 25, 2017
This wasn't my cup of tea. But a great book for those baby Zane fans.
December 24, 2017
Holiday Temptation
Alarm each section at the book. Love the The characters in the book each one and compliment each other. Keep the good writing up
Alarm each section at the book. Love the The characters in the book each one and compliment each other. Keep the good writing up
January 31, 2018
3.5 stars. I am not a big romance fan, but there was some good stories.
February 15, 2020
Sexy holiday romance short stories. Fin!
June 28, 2020
Its like holiday movies in book form!
August 8, 2020
enjoyable read
December 19, 2020
I gave up after the second story.
December 31, 2020
My review is for K.M. Jackson's From Here to Serenity. Overall I enjoyed the story. Essie was headstrong and I enjoyed the food scenes. The fantasy of being swept off on a yacht was also a nice touch. It was missing some more of the traditional Christmas scenes for me though to make it a true holiday story, but there were touches throughout.
October 2, 2016
Christmas Romance
I waited all year for this. These books are my favorite this time of year. The stories are sweet and really do want you to think Christmas and love. With this being said. They were all just okay for me. I guess I wanted more Christmas cheer and more holiday fun. The first story took place out of the US first. I liked this and I figured out the twist before it was revealed. The second story I hate to say it I can't remember it. It was by one of my favorite authors,but unfortunately not memorable for me. The last story was about a playboy with more money and a sweetheart of a chef. Cruising to Miami for business. It was okay, but not a lot f deep feelings for me. I wanted to really love these Christmas stories, but I just never connected.
I waited all year for this. These books are my favorite this time of year. The stories are sweet and really do want you to think Christmas and love. With this being said. They were all just okay for me. I guess I wanted more Christmas cheer and more holiday fun. The first story took place out of the US first. I liked this and I figured out the twist before it was revealed. The second story I hate to say it I can't remember it. It was by one of my favorite authors,but unfortunately not memorable for me. The last story was about a playboy with more money and a sweetheart of a chef. Cruising to Miami for business. It was okay, but not a lot f deep feelings for me. I wanted to really love these Christmas stories, but I just never connected.
Displaying 1 - 29 of 34 reviews