Eigentlich wollte Noelle nur ein sexy Dress für eine Weihnachtsparty shoppen. Aber in der Umkleidekabine fällt ihr ein Traummann buchstäblich in den Schoß! Den sie sich wunderbar als Geschenk für sich selbst vorstellen kann. Mit nichts als einer hübschen roten Schleife bekleidet …
New York Times Bestselling author, Leslie Kelly writes sexy romances and dark romantic thrillers. A four-time RWA RITA Award nominee, eleven-time Romantic Times Award nominee and 2006 RT Award winner, Leslie has become known for her delightful characters, sparkling dialogue, and outrageous humor in her romances, and for the dark grittiness of her thrillers. Since the publication of her first book in 1999, Leslie has gone on to pen more than forty sassy, sexy romances for Harlequin Temptation, Blaze, and HQN.
In 2009, Leslie began tapping into her love for dark suspense by penning several books under the pseudonym Leslie Parrish. The Black CATs and Extrasensory Agents series quickly put Leslie on the must-read list of romantic-suspense fans.
Tired of writing under various names, Leslie decided to go into her next genre--futuristic thrillers with a suspense element--under her real name. She released her dark, gritty Veronica Sloan books, and reissued the Black CATs series, as Leslie A. Kelly.
Leslie lives in Denver with her husband Bruce--her real-life romance hero. Visit her online at lesliekelly.com (for her sexy romances) or at leslieAkelly.com (for her romantic suspense.)
A cute, fun, and very sexy holiday read. Chicago cop Mark meets social worker Noelle while investigating a string of robberies involving a thief dressed as Santa Claus. Mark and Noelle have terrific chemistry, and the secondary characters, including Noelle's cousin and Mark's family, are all very likable and round out the cast nicely. I loved the charming and festive town of Christmas where part of the story takes place. An enjoyable holiday read if you're looking for something on the sexier side.
2.5 stars. There’s nothing overtly wrong with this one (unless you’re offended by vanilla sex) and it's fairly readable. Unfortunately I found it flat with a stale plot and characters I didn't care all that much about. I barely made it through but my interest did pick up very slightly near the end, which accounts for the extra half star.
…was exactly what the man had intended when he’d appeared out of the shadows, kissed the taste buds out of her mouth, then disappeared again.
So….i happened to not be able to sleep last night and out of ALL the books I have on my kindle (all read of course) the only one I could download was Don’t Open Till Christmas….and as every unforgiving kid against the gifts on xmas morning….i just HAD TO READ IT AGAIN….
This is one of those “supermarket books” that people look at on the shelves at Wal-Mart or Target and they just think…LAME! (LOL)…and I have to admit that in the beginning I too, was blinded by the misconception of a LAME and Corny trash supermarket novel…OMG BUT HOW WRONG WAS I!!!!..., see, the first time I read a Leslie Kelly novel was back in February when “Slow Hands” was available for free downloading in Amazon kindle. The whole story was so funny and romantic that I just HAD to read the second part which, was not as convincing as the first one, there was an interesting part of the story that led you to yet another series. I honestly don’t know how to call it, but the main characters were these regular guys from a regular and common Italian family from Chicago….
This is the story of twin brother Mark Santori, detective of the Chicago police Department, who, happens to just be helping his sister Charlotte (aka Lottie) try some discounted dress on black Friday and “accidentally’ falls into the next fitting room where Social Worker Noelle Bradenton is listening to everything the brothers are doing at the other end and thinks they are engaged in this wicked public misbehavior! When he lands literally on top of her, he just can not resist the temptation and he kisses her. Kind of a movie scene opening. Hey! It could happen in real life you know.! After that flash encounter, Mark finds himself investigating the robbery of a shelter for abused women and children and guess who’s the manager??? Yes! Noelle. Who happens to be from a small (fictional of course) town north of Chicago called “Christmas”… she hates the town for several reasons you learn throughout the story, she gets involved with Mark because her sexual drought has been too long now, and all she wants is to indulge in her fantasy of an anonymous lover thru her Caribbean vacation plan. But little does she know Mark Santori found her in a dressing room in Bloomingdales and was meant to keep her.
I have to say that, out of all the romance books I have read, this story is one of my absolute favorites of all times. Its not long as many others, but it doesn’t lack of the essential which every romance novel needs to have. A plot, a very successful woman, a very successful man, family values, some past disappointment, a mystery, good guys, good girls. Mark comes from a very VERY traditional Italian family, pizza parlor included. And as in mostly all Italian family stories there is always a guy named Nicky (who happens to be Mark’s twin brother, the main character of Overexposed) and also a HUGE family of no less than 4 brothers. I just absolutely LOVE the family environment of Santori’s. And I happen to know a couple of Italian families myself and I know how much they care about family ties. The pizza parlor is just a bonus.
If I could give a few more stars for this boo, only because of the sweetness and humor, I would. The next book which is Lottie’s is absolutely different even in genre. Lottie’s is a mystery / romance book, but GREAT nonetheless, and Nick’s book, which unites 2 Italian families, will make u never look at a cannoli the same ever again! <3
A nice romance/ mystery that filled a few hours nicely. Good writing and a good storyline about one of the Santoris brothers. Good continuation of this series. Happy reading.
A hurting social worker who cares deeply for abused women and children and who has been ripped off by someone posing as a Santa for the kids' party. A gorgeous Chicago police detective who has been lied to and hurt by the woman he loved and who has decided women aren't worth it except in temporary encounters. These are the two who make this story work. Yet there is the back story--the mystery of who is ripping off stores and non-profit organizations. Also, Noelle's cousin who lives in Christmas, Illinois is having a baby while trying to get Noelle back on the track with her love life after being left at the altar the previous Christmas Eve. A very cute love story with some serious overtones. Kelly writes wonderful and erotic love stories--she has such wit and a great talent for writing marvelous dialogue.
As well as the expected romance and hot sex of a 'Blaze' (and this one was definitely hot!), 'Don't Open till Christmas' has a great story with a bit of mystery, based as the title suggests at Christmas. I really enjoyed all aspects of this book and will be hunting out more of Leslie Kelly's work. 'Don't Open till Christmas' is full of fun and Christmas spirit. I highly recommend it!
When sexy Chicago detective Mark Santori bursts in on Noelle Brandenton in a department store changing room neither knows that their interlude will be the start of something so much better.
So when a fake Santa steals money from the homeless shelter where Noelle works and the pair are thrown together it isn't long before they both realise what they really want to unwrap on Christmas morning.
Leslie Kelly has once again written a sensual, fun and highly entertaining hot romance that doesn't disappoint. Mark Santori is a delicious dark hero who is by turns smart, funny and brooding but always sexy. Noelle is also smart and fun but cautious and more importantly she's real and someone you actually like and understand.
The story is spicy, interesting and oh so satisfying with plenty of chemistry and sexual tension throughout the book. It is a Christmas story and I did feel that nice festive glow but without all the cheesy stuff that you normally associate with a Christmas romance.
If you've never read Leslie KellyLeslie Kelly or if you're her biggest fan I'm sure you will love this book. Definitely 5 stars.
Rounding up because I like the author on Twitter. I like reading Christmas books at Christmas time, but this one didn’t work for me for several reasons:
1) It felt really dated. (Turns out, this is a digital reissue of a decade+ older novel, but all I saw was the 2017 pub date.) Dialogue, slang, sexist norms, behaviors, cell phone usage ... everything felt off.
2) There was not enough story, not enough tension, not enough plot, not enough mystery. Everything was very obvious, just sitting there waiting for the main characters to be ready.
3) The tone was too romantic and schmaltzy for me. Just over-the-top, unrealistically so for me (especially his POV). Also, the sweet, romantic, vanilla sex was repeatedly described as steamy, hot, illicit, and possibly illegal in some states. Even in 2004, blowjobs were ... not THAT big of a deal. Missionary with eye-contact and kissing—same. Not that every story needs kinky sex! Just that I had a hard time believing that any 21st century adult thought these activities were taboo.
I kept putting this one down. Maybe I’ll try a newer release by this author at another time.
This Christmastime romance began promisingly, if untenably, enough. Stranger things have happened, I suppose. The heroine is in the state of undress between little black dresses she’s trying on to find an outfit for a city function where she hoped to garner support for her nonprofit. And the hero, a Chicago cop, is thrown off balance by hoards of Christmas shoppers and careens into her dressing room and her body stops his fall. Chemistry takes its course, until outraged shoppers discover them. The moment passes, and it’s back to normal life—except of course that neither can forget the unexpected kiss.
The Don't Open Till Christmas backstories are charming. She’s from a town named Christmas where it’s ho-ho-ho all year long. He’s got a sassy cop partner and a sassier sister. She doesn’t want to fall in love, but wants hot sex. He wants her. Her nonprofit family shelter has just been robbed. He does some investigative work. They both have dishonest past romantic partners. Great setup. The humor and unexpected situations are also fun.
While overall I liked the story quite a bit, I didn’t care for the way the sex scenes went. Started out that she wanted to get wilder than she’d been before. And she has one particular thing that she wants to do. So far, so good. Then the man asks her what she wants. But rather than letting her communicate it her own way, he insists that she talk sexy to him. Full disclosure: It bugs me when guys do that. Also, she never (at least in the book) does that one thing she fantasized about. And he has to teach her what to do with a dildo? Gimme a break!
It’s a fun Christmas romance for readers who don’t overthink the sex like I do.
I love the Santori family. Mark is as alpha as you can get, but he is also kind and tender. Noelle hates Christmas. She grew up in Christmas, IL and the whole town is all about Christmas. Her father left when she was young at Christmas time and her fiancée broke up with her just before Christmas. So, she escaped to Chicago to build a new life. She meets hunky Mark in a department store dressing room. The attraction was instant, but Noelle isn't about to get involved with any man on a permanent basis and she knows Mark is just one of those guys you would want for keeps. Mark isn't a fan of Christmas. He has a huge family and they are all about Christmas and being together. As a cop he sees the bad side of people and the things they do during the holidays. But, with Noelle, everything is different. Can he keep her?
I have to admit this is a guilty pleasure! A Chicago Police Officer, Mark Santori, falls into the dressing room at a local store where a Christmas hating Noelle Bradenton gets the lip lock of the century by said cop. Noelle was born on Christmas Eve in the little town of Christmas, IL where everything is about the holiday! Noelle is a Social Worker at a Women's/Children's Center for abused women. The center gets robbed by Santa Claus and Mark is the lead investigator. There is plenty of sex and a lot of misunderstandings and a lot of mystery but I am a sap for non-stop romance! I will not give any of the plot, yes there actually is one, away. If you want something to read on a cold winter's day or night this book will warm you right down to your toes!
I thoroughly enjoyed this delightfully quirky romance, in spite of the underlying tension and suspense. The dialogue is witty and entertaining as Detective Mark Santori seeks to unravel a case that is plaguing the department. Literally bumping into Noelle, the sparks fly between Mark and the social worker. However, when he meets Noelle at her workplace after the gang of rogue Santas has hit the safe house for children she is sheltering, he will do what it takes to find the criminals. The plot is steamy and romantic as Mark and his colleagues investigate the crimes, little realizing that Noelle holds the key to solving the mystery. The novel closes on a happy note despite some disappointments along the way.
Don’t Open Till Christmas is part of Leslie Kelly’s Santoris of Chicago series. Noelle Bradenton is shopping for a dress for an upcoming charity event when Tall, Dark, and Hot literally tumbled into her dressing room and they share a scorching hot kiss.
Officer Mark Santori couldn’t get the gorgeous stranger he’d locked lips with out of his mind. So when a robbery investigation brings him into contact, he’s thanking his lucky stars.
Leslie Kelly’s story about two Christmas grinches who rediscover the magic of the season as they work through some past trauma is a terrific balance of heat and heart. Noelle and Mark get along swimmingly and their families are warm and entertaining. A great holiday read.
This is the third in the series of the Daniels of Chicago. The love story of Mark and Noelle. Noelle is from Christmas, Illinois on Christmas Eve, a social worker at a women shelter and she hate Christmas. She mets Mark in a dressing room and life change for her. Mark is a Chicago police officer and he is on a case when Santa is stealing charity donations. He mets Noelle against the women shelter after they were robbed. Can they find the Christmas thief and love? Great story, you can read them in order or as stand along.
Noelle’s most dislike holiday is Christmas. After a thief stole their money for the children at the shelter she worked at. Low and behold the sexy man who kissed her senseless is the cop showing up to investigate. Mark Santori is not a fan of Christmas either it these two light up like a Christmas tree. Now Mark just needs to convince Noelle to give them a chance.
This was a re-read for me, I actually don't remember how many times I've read it. I never tire of being back in the Santori world and this book is a particular favorite. Mark and Noelle's chemistry is off the charts from the first time they meet, but it goes beyond that as each time they are together they discover something else they truly like about each other. Sizzling hot and despite being a decade or more old, it holds up well.
Great read. Love Leslie's books. Wow. Super chemistry between Noelle and Mark. From their first accidental encounter, these two make you want to read more. The giving nature of Noelle, even though she dislikes the holiday with the detective who sees all of the crime at the holidays. Some of the scenes made me laugh out loud when describing the decor in Christmas. And always the HEA .
Was an interesting story of how strangers and find love, I would have enjoyed it very much but much to sexual activity for my satisfaction, loved the way the families got together and what can happen when a happy pregnancy things cabin happen and the love if the cousins, happy the new baby and Mom and Dad is a happy family.
A sweet Christmas story. Both wounded by past relationships, not looking or wanting to find love, this sexy honorable man realizes he's met his match and sets out to convince her to give them a shot.
An authentic read of two people with excessive trust issues who learn to overcome and discover what love really means, set against the backdrop of the holiday they both hate. But even their feelings surrounding Christmas also take a 180 in this HEA.
Noelle has decided she must wants hot sex , no dating or relationship. Mark seems happy to oblige. Then she sees that he is a really nice guy, so he won't fit the anonymous loved role.
Features well rounded main characters, a meet cute, and surrounded by funny and lovable friends and family. This book is well written and I hated when it ended. I will be checking out some of the author’s other books.
Good book. Really enjoyed reading this author already checking into next book. Now looking forward to the rest of the family. Always envious of large family.
This is a good story. I'm just sorry I didn't realize it was part of a series an I ha started in the middle. It is a stand alone book, but I have to go back and start at the beginning now. Looking forward to lots more in reading!
There are a lot of hot sparks flying between Noelle and Mark. There is a lot going on in this story from robberies and family drama to Christmas and a birth. The author does a great job of bringing it all together.
Good story with potential but this book fell short for me. I think there was too much internal dialogue and not enough real dialogue. Really ducks because I think this could be a good series otherwise.