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Madaris Family Saga #5
One Special Moment
When simple agreements turn into ardent deals… Don’t miss this reader favorite from New York Times bestselling author Brenda Jackson.
An Outrageous Offer
To help her brother’s struggling cosmetics company, Virginia schoolteacher Colby Wingate arrives in Los Angeles for one last, desperate gamble—to have superstar actor Sterling Hamilton endorse her brother’s new perfume. But Sterling thinks Colby has come to answer his want-ad for a woman who would bear his child. When she realizes what Sterling is looking for, Colby is shocked that he expects her, let alone any woman, to comply no matter how much money he’s willing to pay...
A Passionate Bargain
A childhood loss has made Sterling determined not to get too close to anyone—even the strikingly beautiful Colby. But somehow, he would have to convince Colby to become the mother of his child...with no strings attached. What he doesn’t expect is for his carefully laid plans to explode into restless, fiery hunger. Now, Sterling knows he needs Colby for much more—if only he can prove his intentions are for real and that he’ll cherish and love her...forever.
Title originally published in 1998
An Outrageous Offer
To help her brother’s struggling cosmetics company, Virginia schoolteacher Colby Wingate arrives in Los Angeles for one last, desperate gamble—to have superstar actor Sterling Hamilton endorse her brother’s new perfume. But Sterling thinks Colby has come to answer his want-ad for a woman who would bear his child. When she realizes what Sterling is looking for, Colby is shocked that he expects her, let alone any woman, to comply no matter how much money he’s willing to pay...
A Passionate Bargain
A childhood loss has made Sterling determined not to get too close to anyone—even the strikingly beautiful Colby. But somehow, he would have to convince Colby to become the mother of his child...with no strings attached. What he doesn’t expect is for his carefully laid plans to explode into restless, fiery hunger. Now, Sterling knows he needs Colby for much more—if only he can prove his intentions are for real and that he’ll cherish and love her...forever.
Title originally published in 1998
200 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 1, 1998
143 people are currently reading
796 people want to read
About the author
Brenda Jackson
898 books3,594 followersIn 1994, Brenda Jackson’s first novel, Tonight and Forever, was released. Since then she has had more than 100 novels and novellas published (the first African-American author to accomplish such a feat) and has over 3 million books in print.
A native of Jacksonville, Florida, Brenda is the first African-American author to have a book published by Harlequin Desire and the first African-American romance author to make the New York Times and USA TODAY bestseller lists within the series romance genre.
In 2012, Brenda received the Romance Writers of America’s Nora Roberts Lifetime Achievement Award—one of the highest literary awards a romance author can receive. In 2013, she was recognized by the mayor and the city of Jacksonville as being a Trailblazer in the literary field.
In 2010, she collaborated with Five Alive Films to turn her Truly Everlasting title into a feature film. Brenda’s 2011 novel A Silken Thread is scheduled to be filmed with Debbie Allen attached as director in 2015.
Email Brenda at authorbrendajackson@gmail.com or visit her on her website at brendajackson.net.
A native of Jacksonville, Florida, Brenda is the first African-American author to have a book published by Harlequin Desire and the first African-American romance author to make the New York Times and USA TODAY bestseller lists within the series romance genre.
In 2012, Brenda received the Romance Writers of America’s Nora Roberts Lifetime Achievement Award—one of the highest literary awards a romance author can receive. In 2013, she was recognized by the mayor and the city of Jacksonville as being a Trailblazer in the literary field.
In 2010, she collaborated with Five Alive Films to turn her Truly Everlasting title into a feature film. Brenda’s 2011 novel A Silken Thread is scheduled to be filmed with Debbie Allen attached as director in 2015.
Email Brenda at authorbrendajackson@gmail.com or visit her on her website at brendajackson.net.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 58 reviews
August 1, 2017
Still my all-time favorite of the Madarises series!
Loved Colby Wingate and Sterling Hamilton's relationship!
"One Special Moment" was WINNER OF ROMANTIC TIMES BEST MULTICULTURAL ROMANCE OF 1998
Loved Colby Wingate and Sterling Hamilton's relationship!
"One Special Moment" was WINNER OF ROMANTIC TIMES BEST MULTICULTURAL ROMANCE OF 1998
September 9, 2016
So, I'm FINALLY going back in time to read some of the Madaris' series I missed...and I wasn't disappointed! Sterling and Colby were a perfect combination. She gave him exactly what he NEEDED...love...something no women had ever given him. Kudos Mrs. Jackson!
June 1, 2009
This book was pretty romantic and had my favorite theme: The marriage of convenience combined with baby theme. Sterling is a movie star who doesn't believe in love and ever after. But he does want a baby. He convinces Colby to have his baby, but Colby is an old-fashioned girl, so she says she'll have to be married first. Her family commitments make this a deal she can't say no to. They don't plan on falling in love but they do anyway. Even though Sterling didn't believe in love, he was a really nice, sweet guy. Colby was pretty sweet and kind of sheltered. They were a cute couple. It's probably old-fashioned compared to some of the more racy books coming out, but I really enjoyed this story about two people learning to open their hearts to love.
August 9, 2008
Man, this book could have been so much better. The premise was intriguing, the characters were interesting... but the bad editing and dodgy writing really killed the story.
Premise: Vowing never to get close to anyone, actor Sterling Hamilton places an ad for a woman who will marry him, give him a child, and then grant him a divorce, but when beautiful Colby Wingate implores him to help her brother's failing cosmetics company, he offers her marriage and unexpected passion explodes between them.
The thing is, Brenda Jackson does try to write decent male characters. I tip my fascinator to her, she does try. Ms Jackson makes them flawed; usually unforgiving and a tad hard-hearted/headed, due to a woman. But she lets the side down by making the women be either weak or some sort of Sue.
For instance, I can understand Sterling's distrust of women - his mum was a bolter, and to make matters worse, never acknowledged his existence, whereas she lavished her attention on her new husband and son. So Sterling wants a family, but no woman to go with it. Fair enough.
Colby though, lets the side down. She's a virtual innocent abroad, and doesn't really show herself to be a match for Sterling. She gets what she wants (saving Colby's company) as a barter for her body, gets marriage, and love. But she's so insipid, you can't even wish her well, you just wonder how she got so lucky.
The score is relatively low because I saw what the book could have been in a better writer's hands. Especially when Sterling comes face to face with his mum, or when he tries to describe Colby's perfume when he first smells it (very important, the olfactory stimulation). Or when in realising that in order to accept his feelings for Colby, Sterling literally has to let the past go - if it had been done well... a thing of beauty. A book to keep, reread and rec forever. But it wasn't so, oh well.
Premise: Vowing never to get close to anyone, actor Sterling Hamilton places an ad for a woman who will marry him, give him a child, and then grant him a divorce, but when beautiful Colby Wingate implores him to help her brother's failing cosmetics company, he offers her marriage and unexpected passion explodes between them.
The thing is, Brenda Jackson does try to write decent male characters. I tip my fascinator to her, she does try. Ms Jackson makes them flawed; usually unforgiving and a tad hard-hearted/headed, due to a woman. But she lets the side down by making the women be either weak or some sort of Sue.
For instance, I can understand Sterling's distrust of women - his mum was a bolter, and to make matters worse, never acknowledged his existence, whereas she lavished her attention on her new husband and son. So Sterling wants a family, but no woman to go with it. Fair enough.
Colby though, lets the side down. She's a virtual innocent abroad, and doesn't really show herself to be a match for Sterling. She gets what she wants (saving Colby's company) as a barter for her body, gets marriage, and love. But she's so insipid, you can't even wish her well, you just wonder how she got so lucky.
The score is relatively low because I saw what the book could have been in a better writer's hands. Especially when Sterling comes face to face with his mum, or when he tries to describe Colby's perfume when he first smells it (very important, the olfactory stimulation). Or when in realising that in order to accept his feelings for Colby, Sterling literally has to let the past go - if it had been done well... a thing of beauty. A book to keep, reread and rec forever. But it wasn't so, oh well.
September 2, 2010
I have read most of the Mardaris novels, regretfully, not always in order. I think I may have read this one years ago, however I still enjoyed it.
As the story begins, Colby Wingate has an appointment with the lawyer of Sterling Hamilton, a very successful, very handsome actor. She thinks she is there to discuss a possible endorsement deal of a new cologne fragrance her brother's company is launching. Due to a huge mix-up, Sterling thinks she is there in reponse to an anonymous ad he placed for a surrogate to (for a million dollars) marry him, carry his child to term, and walk away forever when the baby is 6 weeks old. Sterling has already decided he wants Colby to have this "honor" and will not take no for an answer.
Overall, I was pleased with this tale, but couldn't give it 5 stars because I felt the way Sterling eventually proclaimed his love for Colby was rather anticlimactic. I was hoping for something a bit more exciting to happen to cause his confession to take place. Oh, well. Still a good read.
As the story begins, Colby Wingate has an appointment with the lawyer of Sterling Hamilton, a very successful, very handsome actor. She thinks she is there to discuss a possible endorsement deal of a new cologne fragrance her brother's company is launching. Due to a huge mix-up, Sterling thinks she is there in reponse to an anonymous ad he placed for a surrogate to (for a million dollars) marry him, carry his child to term, and walk away forever when the baby is 6 weeks old. Sterling has already decided he wants Colby to have this "honor" and will not take no for an answer.
Overall, I was pleased with this tale, but couldn't give it 5 stars because I felt the way Sterling eventually proclaimed his love for Colby was rather anticlimactic. I was hoping for something a bit more exciting to happen to cause his confession to take place. Oh, well. Still a good read.
May 30, 2015
I really do love mrs. Jackson writing style dis book delivery wat I expected
July 27, 2018
An outrageous proposal. A need to save the brother she loves and who has sacrificed so much for her. A misunderstanding. Add these together and you have a modern twist on the surrogate and a fun story line. Keep in mind that this book was published 17 years ago so you kind of have to have a mindset reset. I love how Colby turned the tables on Sterling. Both were strong characters and firm in their beliefs.
I'm a Brenda Jackson fan so her books are always fun for me to read and reread! If you're looking for some likable characters, to reacquaint yourself with prior characters in the Madarais family, and a happy ever after ending this is your book. It's a quick read because you'll want to see how it ends!
I'm a Brenda Jackson fan so her books are always fun for me to read and reread! If you're looking for some likable characters, to reacquaint yourself with prior characters in the Madarais family, and a happy ever after ending this is your book. It's a quick read because you'll want to see how it ends!
February 22, 2021
Awesome book!
July 16, 2014
This is a sad but touching story about Sterling Hamilton and Colby Wingate which shows what the love a good woman will do for you. What started out as a proposition/contract turned into love at first sight. I love that it shows that waiting for marriage is the "Proper" thing to do something that doesn't exist as much now. I laughed and at some scene I wanted to shade a tear or two but things came together. I love to ending. The setting and backdrop of the scenes put me right there with them especially in the mountains. It's always good to met the Madaris friends. I love how the author portrayed Colby as a strong & determined woman and It was good to see Sterling open his heart and let love in and to forgive which was important.
June 14, 2011
It was a beautiful romance novel. I loved every bit of it. At first I couldn't believe what Sterling wanted Colby to do, but after reading the story I understood. I was also glad at the end to learn that he forgave his mother and let her and his brother into his life.
July 16, 2012
Great love story. It was predictable but still a book def to be read.
May 29, 2013
I really enjoyed this story. This is my first book by this author and I will be reading more.
January 26, 2011
really goooooood read most likely would not again!!!!!!!!!!
February 28, 2014
loved Sterling & Colby story
August 27, 2022
I heard an interview with Brenda Jackson on a podcast and I was fascinated! I decided that I absolutely had to try some of her books, someone who was that determined to write over so many years obviously had a story to tell!
This wasn't my favorite romance ever. But I wonder how much of it was the 20 intervening years between when it was written and now. For instance, the heroine was determined to save sex for marriage; that is rarely a plot point today. I'm curious to try one of her more recent books and see how I like it.
Seriously though, Brenda Jackson was writing stories when she was in high school and making copies longhand for all of her friends who passed them around to each other. And then she wrote for decades while also having a career at State Farm. It took her a long time to get published because publishing companies weren't willing to publish books with black and brown characters in them. I admire her determination to write books about the people she wanted to write about, and the fact that she kept writing until the publishing world had caught up to her.
This wasn't my favorite romance ever. But I wonder how much of it was the 20 intervening years between when it was written and now. For instance, the heroine was determined to save sex for marriage; that is rarely a plot point today. I'm curious to try one of her more recent books and see how I like it.
Seriously though, Brenda Jackson was writing stories when she was in high school and making copies longhand for all of her friends who passed them around to each other. And then she wrote for decades while also having a career at State Farm. It took her a long time to get published because publishing companies weren't willing to publish books with black and brown characters in them. I admire her determination to write books about the people she wanted to write about, and the fact that she kept writing until the publishing world had caught up to her.
December 28, 2021
It is always a pleasure to read one her books. Sterling wanted a child, but want he got was so much more. He found the love of his life Colby. Colby came to California hoping to convince Sterling to endorse her brother’s cologne. Instead, she ended up making a deal to bear his child in exchange for his endorsement. What she didn’t count on was falling in love and having to convince Sterling to keep her forever. I love the chemistry between the main characters, Colby let’s Sterling know when he is wrong but she also helped his him. He needed to let go of the past. She was his calm and peace and he was her safe place as well. I also loved all the supporting characters like his brother and Kyle and her brother. Well written storyline.
February 7, 2022
Great Love Story!
I love the original Brenda Jackson books. Although they lack in the sexual scene area, they make up for it with storyline and romance. The story of Colby and Sterling is one that shows how being a regular person who cares about others can turn a hardened playboy into a passionate love struck man. Great storyline and I’m glad for Sterling and his family working it out and Sterling moving on from the past.
I love the original Brenda Jackson books. Although they lack in the sexual scene area, they make up for it with storyline and romance. The story of Colby and Sterling is one that shows how being a regular person who cares about others can turn a hardened playboy into a passionate love struck man. Great storyline and I’m glad for Sterling and his family working it out and Sterling moving on from the past.
February 22, 2025
A good read
One thing I enjoyed about this story most was Colby. Sterling was alpha and arrogant but she held her own while still staying classy about it, and I enjoyed that. And for the most part, I liked how she told him what he needed to hear about his past. It was cool to see Sterling's progression from how he viewed things with Colby, and at parts, also see his vulnerability. I enjoyed this read.
One thing I enjoyed about this story most was Colby. Sterling was alpha and arrogant but she held her own while still staying classy about it, and I enjoyed that. And for the most part, I liked how she told him what he needed to hear about his past. It was cool to see Sterling's progression from how he viewed things with Colby, and at parts, also see his vulnerability. I enjoyed this read.
May 14, 2022
I loved it!
Colby was trying to help her brother's cosmetic company by getting billionaire movie Star Sterling Hamilton to endorse his new fragrance. But a mix up happen and Sterling thought she answered an ad to be a surrogate and the craziness began! Love, Romance, drama intrigue and a curse made this an awesome read. I highly recommend this series.
Colby was trying to help her brother's cosmetic company by getting billionaire movie Star Sterling Hamilton to endorse his new fragrance. But a mix up happen and Sterling thought she answered an ad to be a surrogate and the craziness began! Love, Romance, drama intrigue and a curse made this an awesome read. I highly recommend this series.
November 22, 2024
Sterling and Colby
These two unlikely people are so beautiful. I loved they way loved each other. And I like bed the friendships they incurred in this epic romance. Kamari and Kyle are adorable. Mac is a wonderful friend and father figure for Sterling. Angelina and Nicholas turned out unpredictable. All -in -all, this is a good read.
These two unlikely people are so beautiful. I loved they way loved each other. And I like bed the friendships they incurred in this epic romance. Kamari and Kyle are adorable. Mac is a wonderful friend and father figure for Sterling. Angelina and Nicholas turned out unpredictable. All -in -all, this is a good read.
October 23, 2017
I would have given this story 5 star's but I was so pissed at Sterling that he felt all women would not stay with their child just because his mother abandoned him. Wow, did he have some growing to do. Colby was just the woman to do it! Funny how true love will let you forgive almost anything.
February 18, 2018
I love this book!
One Special Moment is one of my favorite novels by Brenda Jackson. I have read and re-read this story so many times. It is a beautiful love story. Trust me you won't be disappointed.
One Special Moment is one of my favorite novels by Brenda Jackson. I have read and re-read this story so many times. It is a beautiful love story. Trust me you won't be disappointed.
April 6, 2024
Sterling and Colby were wonderful. From her thinking they were meeting about something different from what he thought to the way she fell in love with him so quickly. He fell pretty quick to be honest. This was such a good story.
June 27, 2017
Loved it
The book was everything I expected it to be. Love the characters and the fact that the story was not rush.
The book was everything I expected it to be. Love the characters and the fact that the story was not rush.
August 15, 2018
Buttercup
So excellent! Great story. I love Ms. Jackson as an author. She is one of my favorite writers. I loved the story line and all of the characters. An excellent read.☺
So excellent! Great story. I love Ms. Jackson as an author. She is one of my favorite writers. I loved the story line and all of the characters. An excellent read.☺
December 16, 2018
Couldn't put it down!!! 1st book I've finished in one day in a VERY long time! Laughed out loud a couple of times. Great book. Love the Madaris Family story lines.
February 27, 2019
Another easy read. I liked how Sterling had the walls of his heart slowly broken down with Colby in his life to where he was able to accept, and also give love.
July 22, 2020
This is one of my favorite books
I really love this story, I read it so many times , that I can’t count how many times. If you haven’t read this book you should read it .
I really love this story, I read it so many times , that I can’t count how many times. If you haven’t read this book you should read it .
February 10, 2022
Special Moments
This story is truly lovable. The strong bond that this couple portrays keeps you connected to them. True love does exist!!
This story is truly lovable. The strong bond that this couple portrays keeps you connected to them. True love does exist!!
August 5, 2025
Definitely had me captivated, interesting story and I liked the turnout.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 58 reviews