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This Christmas Rivalry
Originally published as Overtime Love in the Merry Sexy Christmas anthology in 2012, this enemies-to-lovers holiday romance will delight USA TODAY bestselling author Beverly Jenkins fans new and old alike!
Drew Davis’s goal is to buy the semipro football team where he is general manager. But the owner’s granddaughter, Tasha Bloom, unexpectedly inherits it first. Still, Drew’s not brokenhearted, since their mutual passion for football runs second only to their attraction to each other. But can the team and their budding romance make it to the New Year’s Day championship?
Drew Davis’s goal is to buy the semipro football team where he is general manager. But the owner’s granddaughter, Tasha Bloom, unexpectedly inherits it first. Still, Drew’s not brokenhearted, since their mutual passion for football runs second only to their attraction to each other. But can the team and their budding romance make it to the New Year’s Day championship?
109 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 16, 2019
109 people are currently reading
175 people want to read
About the author
Beverly Jenkins
72 books4,868 followersBeverly Jenkins is the recipient of the 2017 Romance Writers of America Nora Roberts Lifetime Achievement Award, as well as the 2016 Romantic Times Reviewers’ Choice Award for historical romance.
She has been nominated for the NAACP Image Award in Literature, was featured both in the documentary “Love Between the Covers” and on CBS Sunday Morning.
Since the publication of Night Song in 1994, she has been leading the charge for inclusive romance, and has been a constant darling of reviewers, fans, and her peers alike, garnering accolades for her work from the likes of The Wall Street Journal, People Magazine, and NPR. Her critically acclaimed Blessings series has been optioned for film by John Legend’s and Mike Jackson’s production company Get Lifted, and Hollywood and Broadway powerhouse Deborah Martin Chase.
To read more about Beverly and sign up for her newsletter, visit her at www.BeverlyJenkins.net.
She has been nominated for the NAACP Image Award in Literature, was featured both in the documentary “Love Between the Covers” and on CBS Sunday Morning.
Since the publication of Night Song in 1994, she has been leading the charge for inclusive romance, and has been a constant darling of reviewers, fans, and her peers alike, garnering accolades for her work from the likes of The Wall Street Journal, People Magazine, and NPR. Her critically acclaimed Blessings series has been optioned for film by John Legend’s and Mike Jackson’s production company Get Lifted, and Hollywood and Broadway powerhouse Deborah Martin Chase.
To read more about Beverly and sign up for her newsletter, visit her at www.BeverlyJenkins.net.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 47 reviews
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December 30, 2019Low on actual Christmas, high on me cringing over the subpar erotica. The obscenely wealthy are so fun to read about.
December 2, 2020
To get me in the holiday spirit, I decided to read The Christmas Rivalry by Beverly Jenkins. A mix of Wildcats, the 1986 film, and the hilarious 1976 sports film The Bad News Bears.
What's' it about: Natasha Bloom, aka Tasha or Tash, granddaughter of wealthy and ornery Walker Bloom, inherits Walker's entire estate after his death, including the semipro football team the Freighters. Drew Davis, general manager of the Freighters and former all-pro quarterback, is incensed because Walker Bloom promised him ownership. He remembers Tasha as a skinny teen but thinks the monied and high-class diva is unfit to lead the team.
Writing: Writing humor is not easy, but The Slayer of Words manages to get in unexpected zingers. Three pages into the short, I laughed out loud and shook my head. Also, the banter between Drew and Tasha is so sophisticated and fun. Tasha kept Drew on his toes; she never failed to dispel his pre-conceived notions. But Drew gave it back just as good.
Romance: I loved the chemistry between the hero and the heroine. Tasha's business savvy and unassailable commitment to excellence make her the perfect Bev heroine. Competency is one of the sexist traits a person can possess, and Drew couldn't resist Tasha's command of any situation. She didn't storm into a room screaming I'm a boss bih; she just walked the walk. The hero, Drew, is a man of hidden depths. He's an alpha but not one running from his feelings and treating the heroine like crap! Tasha's intelligence and drive impressed him rather than intimidated.
These two make a superb duo. Neyo once wisely sang, "I'm a movement by myself/But I'm a force when we're together/Mami, I'm good all by myself/But, baby, you, you make me better."
The ending of short is unlike any romance I've read. Don't fret. There is a HEA, happily ever after, but how it plays out is astounding.
Favorite quote: "Punch me, spank me, make me write bad checks." lol.
Favorite characters: Walter Bloom, Tasha Bloom, Drew Davis, and Monty.
What's' it about: Natasha Bloom, aka Tasha or Tash, granddaughter of wealthy and ornery Walker Bloom, inherits Walker's entire estate after his death, including the semipro football team the Freighters. Drew Davis, general manager of the Freighters and former all-pro quarterback, is incensed because Walker Bloom promised him ownership. He remembers Tasha as a skinny teen but thinks the monied and high-class diva is unfit to lead the team.
Writing: Writing humor is not easy, but The Slayer of Words manages to get in unexpected zingers. Three pages into the short, I laughed out loud and shook my head. Also, the banter between Drew and Tasha is so sophisticated and fun. Tasha kept Drew on his toes; she never failed to dispel his pre-conceived notions. But Drew gave it back just as good.
Romance: I loved the chemistry between the hero and the heroine. Tasha's business savvy and unassailable commitment to excellence make her the perfect Bev heroine. Competency is one of the sexist traits a person can possess, and Drew couldn't resist Tasha's command of any situation. She didn't storm into a room screaming I'm a boss bih; she just walked the walk. The hero, Drew, is a man of hidden depths. He's an alpha but not one running from his feelings and treating the heroine like crap! Tasha's intelligence and drive impressed him rather than intimidated.
These two make a superb duo. Neyo once wisely sang, "I'm a movement by myself/But I'm a force when we're together/Mami, I'm good all by myself/But, baby, you, you make me better."
The ending of short is unlike any romance I've read. Don't fret. There is a HEA, happily ever after, but how it plays out is astounding.
Favorite quote: "Punch me, spank me, make me write bad checks." lol.
Favorite characters: Walter Bloom, Tasha Bloom, Drew Davis, and Monty.
September 1, 2020
What a great love story!!! I really enjoyed how the author packed a lot in so few pages. Both main characters were successful, independent, self sufficient, and so in love that all of the other stuff didn't matter. This is definitely one of those feel good stories. A must read.
December 28, 2025
This was such a sweet and fun holiday read. The chemistry between Tash and Drew was so beautiful. I loved the premise and wish it was a full novel lol. There was so much story there. Ughhhh 😩
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December 5, 2020Honestly, this wasn't what I consider a Christmas book. But it was very good! I loved the premise of a cranky but loving grandfater meddling from beyond the grave. And I totally need a book about Tony and Carmen and their story. This was a perfect quick read on a rainy evening.
July 31, 2020
Loved it . It was great twist on the BAPs Tasha and the working class Drew. I loved how he had to learn who Tasha was and correct course because she wasnt as she seemed. I also loved that Tasha was running the circles around the men who tried to bully her. They learned who she is at the end.
December 18, 2023
Probably a 2.5. This is neither a Christmas book nor a rivalry book, so the title is misleading. It IS a charming novella with wonderful characters, however. Full characters are Jenkins’ strength and that’s no exception here as both leads and the supporting characters all feel decently fleshed out.
The plot is quite good and I enjoyed the lack of a third-act breakup. As with a lot of romance novellas, the story is slightly unbalanced, with the back third of the story feeling rushed and lacking detail. The sex scenes are not great, a thing I’ve come to expect when reading Jenkins and there are a few things here and there which feel…outdated, mostly in terms of gender (but I chalk that up to her age) but it’s not offensive.
It was a fun, cute Sunday afternoon read, but I was hoping for more Christmas vibes (the book technically ends at Christmas so).
The plot is quite good and I enjoyed the lack of a third-act breakup. As with a lot of romance novellas, the story is slightly unbalanced, with the back third of the story feeling rushed and lacking detail. The sex scenes are not great, a thing I’ve come to expect when reading Jenkins and there are a few things here and there which feel…outdated, mostly in terms of gender (but I chalk that up to her age) but it’s not offensive.
It was a fun, cute Sunday afternoon read, but I was hoping for more Christmas vibes (the book technically ends at Christmas so).
January 31, 2024
I have read this book a couple of times and it is a nice short read. When Tasha Bloom grandfather dies, he leaves her a football team in which the General manager thought he was going to get, however things are a bit complex between Tasha and the team, because how would a woman know what to do. When her grandfather owned the team, he did not give the team the support they needed. However, together with Drew, Tasha steps up to the plate and makes the team better and in the midst, they develop a romantic relationship.
I had my husband review this book and he said it reminded him of when the Fords owned the Lions and they were on a losing streak and now they are owned by someone else, they have escalated. He didn’t get the romance part. Lol
I recommend this book and I give it a 4 out of 5 stars read.
I had my husband review this book and he said it reminded him of when the Fords owned the Lions and they were on a losing streak and now they are owned by someone else, they have escalated. He didn’t get the romance part. Lol
I recommend this book and I give it a 4 out of 5 stars read.
December 11, 2025
4.5 stars. Cute novella but not really Christmasy.
Tasha’s rich grandfather gives her ownership of his semipro football team in his will, much to the disappointment of Drew, the team’s GM and expected new owner of the team. The two have to learn how to work with each other, which is complicated by the fact that there’s an attraction on both sides.
Tasha is an amazing character — a strong businesswoman who knows what she wants and goes after it. She doesn’t take crap from anyone and I love her for it. I found Drew less interesting but still a good match for Tasha. As always in a Beverly Jenkins story, the side characters added to the rich tapestry of the story.
The one downside of this book is it doesn’t really have much Christmas content at all. This is more of an issue with marketing than the actual writing, but it’s worth noting.
Tasha’s rich grandfather gives her ownership of his semipro football team in his will, much to the disappointment of Drew, the team’s GM and expected new owner of the team. The two have to learn how to work with each other, which is complicated by the fact that there’s an attraction on both sides.
Tasha is an amazing character — a strong businesswoman who knows what she wants and goes after it. She doesn’t take crap from anyone and I love her for it. I found Drew less interesting but still a good match for Tasha. As always in a Beverly Jenkins story, the side characters added to the rich tapestry of the story.
The one downside of this book is it doesn’t really have much Christmas content at all. This is more of an issue with marketing than the actual writing, but it’s worth noting.
December 12, 2021
I want to start by saying I love Beverly Jenkins historical fiction romance novels.
This book, in my opinion, pales in comparison to the quality of those novels. This book is less than 100 pages, so I know she needed to get to the point quickly, but it felt uneven. I think Christmas was mentioned once in this book. Christmas day wasn't even covered. July 4th, Halloween, Thanksgiving and New Year's day was covered, but Christmas was entirely glossed over, which is weird because Christmas is in the title of the book!? I was expecting a book version of a Lifetime or Hallmark movie, but what I actually got was a story with alot of build-up with a hasty ending.
I will go back to reading her historical fictions now ...
This book, in my opinion, pales in comparison to the quality of those novels. This book is less than 100 pages, so I know she needed to get to the point quickly, but it felt uneven. I think Christmas was mentioned once in this book. Christmas day wasn't even covered. July 4th, Halloween, Thanksgiving and New Year's day was covered, but Christmas was entirely glossed over, which is weird because Christmas is in the title of the book!? I was expecting a book version of a Lifetime or Hallmark movie, but what I actually got was a story with alot of build-up with a hasty ending.
I will go back to reading her historical fictions now ...
December 28, 2025
2.50 Stars. ( BW/BM) Kindle $2 .99/ 109 page novella e-book.
SETTING: Twenty-first Century Miami, Florida and Los Angeles, California.
TROPE: Rivals to lovers.
MAIN CHARACTERS
1. Natasha "Tasha" Brown, female lead, young business woman from a wealthy black family.
2. Drew Davis, male lead, twenty-four-year-old general manager of The Freighters, a semi pro football team.
3. Walker Brown is Natasha's deceased grandfather who bequeathed his fortune and ownership of The Freighters to her.
The writing is good; however, Natasha is a Mary Sue type character on steroids. There is lots of banter between the protagonists but none of it indicates that there chemistry or romantic feeling between Natasha and Drew. Added to the absence of romance there is no Christmas Holiday vibes in this story.
SETTING: Twenty-first Century Miami, Florida and Los Angeles, California.
TROPE: Rivals to lovers.
MAIN CHARACTERS
1. Natasha "Tasha" Brown, female lead, young business woman from a wealthy black family.
2. Drew Davis, male lead, twenty-four-year-old general manager of The Freighters, a semi pro football team.
3. Walker Brown is Natasha's deceased grandfather who bequeathed his fortune and ownership of The Freighters to her.
The writing is good; however, Natasha is a Mary Sue type character on steroids. There is lots of banter between the protagonists but none of it indicates that there chemistry or romantic feeling between Natasha and Drew. Added to the absence of romance there is no Christmas Holiday vibes in this story.
August 30, 2020
Novella with heart and guts. She draws me into her World.
I’ve never read Beverley Jenkins novel that I haven’t loved. This one is no exception I can only say I hope she never stops writing. Strong independent woman and an equally strong hero. I love them and the peripheral characters.
I’ve never read Beverley Jenkins novel that I haven’t loved. This one is no exception I can only say I hope she never stops writing. Strong independent woman and an equally strong hero. I love them and the peripheral characters.
December 13, 2020
Conquered love!
Beverly never disappoints! Absolutely adored this short story! Grandfather Bloom lit the fire and boy did it spread!!! I wanted more but truly enjoyed!
Tasha and Drew, smoking hot!!!
Beverly never disappoints! Absolutely adored this short story! Grandfather Bloom lit the fire and boy did it spread!!! I wanted more but truly enjoyed!
Tasha and Drew, smoking hot!!!
December 28, 2020
A short Christmas love story
The book starts off a little slow, but it gets better and you look forward to what will happen next. I love that she made a strong woman the main character. She made her own way and didn't take any man making her feel less at all.
The book starts off a little slow, but it gets better and you look forward to what will happen next. I love that she made a strong woman the main character. She made her own way and didn't take any man making her feel less at all.
December 5, 2021
Awesome
This was a FANTASTIC book from start to finish. I know the author has been around for a while and is well respected but this is my first book by her and I was ensnared!! This was a great read!!!
This was a FANTASTIC book from start to finish. I know the author has been around for a while and is well respected but this is my first book by her and I was ensnared!! This was a great read!!!
December 7, 2021
Football love
I enjoyed the book although more football than Christmas. I'm not angry at this fact. It is a good romance between two people that had misguided images of the other. The author held my attention for several hours. The team and the romance grow to the HEA storyline😃
I enjoyed the book although more football than Christmas. I'm not angry at this fact. It is a good romance between two people that had misguided images of the other. The author held my attention for several hours. The team and the romance grow to the HEA storyline😃
December 23, 2021
Maybe a 2.5 rounded up? It was fine. I’ve never read Beverly Jenkins and this might’ve been the wrong book to jump into her works, but it was just…kind of bland. And the title is extremely misleading because this has zero to do w Christmas.
July 14, 2024
Fun y and good
This book was good and funny from the first few pages. Tasha is grandfather had jokes after his death which faired well foe her and her relationship with Drew Davis. Great story.
This book was good and funny from the first few pages. Tasha is grandfather had jokes after his death which faired well foe her and her relationship with Drew Davis. Great story.
January 4, 2025
Short and Sweet novella
A Detroit love story with a sweet ending. All of the main characters family members preceded her in death. She was strong and resilient and love found its way in her life.
A Detroit love story with a sweet ending. All of the main characters family members preceded her in death. She was strong and resilient and love found its way in her life.
February 6, 2020
As always Beverly Jenkins is an excellent writer and I thoroughly enjoyed this book
April 22, 2020
Loved it...short read but story was excellent written
December 1, 2020
2.5 stars. There was no Christmas or rivalry!
December 26, 2020
Excellent Quick Read
This was a pleasant surprise read for the holidays. Even in these short pages, Beverly Jenkins was able to develop the characters and complete a great story.
This was a pleasant surprise read for the holidays. Even in these short pages, Beverly Jenkins was able to develop the characters and complete a great story.
January 23, 2021
Refreshing
I enjoyed reading this story. Tasha was enough to deal with. I wish more could have been included about Carmen and Tony but maybe that's a story for another day.
I enjoyed reading this story. Tasha was enough to deal with. I wish more could have been included about Carmen and Tony but maybe that's a story for another day.
February 18, 2021
Fast moving but true love
I loved the attraction between the two and how their careers complimented the relationship. The family fun was a plus.
I loved the attraction between the two and how their careers complimented the relationship. The family fun was a plus.
May 21, 2021
Great read once you start you do not want stop I finished the same day I started
November 20, 2021
Loved it
I loved this story. Reading a story with strong Black men and women is always a turnon. The sex was an added bonus.
I loved this story. Reading a story with strong Black men and women is always a turnon. The sex was an added bonus.
February 25, 2022
Short and sweet. Such a cute story
March 27, 2022
Love Blooms
This is an excellent read. The standard for Ms. Jenkins is pure love, indulgence, challenges, and commitment. This story delivered. Well done as usual!
This is an excellent read. The standard for Ms. Jenkins is pure love, indulgence, challenges, and commitment. This story delivered. Well done as usual!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 47 reviews