Twelve Dates of Christmas

Love on the Rock #1

by Rilzy Adams

Rashad Cole and Zia Ralph weren't just friends. They were friends plus. Friends, plus fondness. Friends, plus undeniable chemistry. Friends, plus passion. Zia cuts off their friendship unexpectedly and six years fly by. After an unexpected meeting, Rashad wants a chance to convince Zia that although they had been good as friends, they would make better lovers. Can these twelve dates throughout Christmas convince Zia to give their love a chance? Or will Rashad spend another Christmas without her by his side?

Genres: Christmas, Romance, Holiday, Contemporary Romance, Novella, Contemporary, Adult

144 pages, Paperback

First published November 30, 2019

About the author

Rilzy Adams needs only five things to survive: sushi, coffee, Prosecco, cuddles and words (though not in that order).

She's a lawyer by day - writer by 'whenever she can get the free time' and believes that love makes the world go 'round. It is no small wonder, then, that she can't help but pen tales of people falling in love.

Reviews

[Warda · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a whole lot of cuteness and angst. Zia’s fear was so relatable, the dates were annoyingly adorable, the end conflict had me rolling my eyes a bit, but the last chapter had me feeling gooey again.

This was a rollercoaster of emotions in the best way.

[Bookishrealm · Rating 3 out of 5]

I am lowkey disappointed. This was would have been a hit for me IF we didn't have to deal with such an annoying main character

Listen, I think I'm being rather kind to give this three stars and it's solely because I enjoyed the writing. The Twelve Dates of Christmas focuses on two characters by the name of Zia and Rashad. The two were close friends in high school who ended up becoming friends with benefits and then fell away apart. They then get the opportunity to become attempt to reconnect when Rashad comes home. The romance had so much potential to be cute; HOWEVER, I couldn't get past Zia's issues. At first, I understood exactly why she was having so many issues. She had a really crappy ex who had no respect for her or their relationship. When Rashad offers to show her how their relationship could work through a series of 12 dates, I completely understood why Zia was hesitant. What frustrated me so much with this book was that Zia just kept going on and on about her insecurities even after Rashad continuously proved her wrong. I wasn't sure why he continued to come around after she continuously rejected him. AND THEN I was aggravated that she felt that their relationship only worked because of their sexual relationship but she still wanted to continue to have sex with him! It just didn't make any sense to me. And the ending conflict was completely unnecessary and random. Honestly, the writing saved this one for me. It had so much potential but I couldn't navigate through the story because of the main character. There are more books within this series, but I don't know if I'm interested in reading them.

[Mina]

LISTEN UP, THIS IS THE SORT OF COVER I WANNA SEE ON BOOKS ABOUT BLACK LOVE/BLACK GIRLS

I'm just about tired of seeing these cartoonish covers on romance books featuring Black MCs!

The cover on this book is giving me LIFE! Love to see it!

[Deidra (ShadeTreeReads) · Rating 3 out of 5]

3 stars is being slightly generous for my overall enjoyment. Mostly because I did not care for the MC Zia. Over the course of reading, I learned a bit more about my reading preferences. Apparently, I need to like the woman in a hetero romance novel(la) to really enjoy the book. Or at the least, I need to understand her. That said, I liked Zia's roommate Fran so much more! Let me rewind a little though...

Twelve Dates of Christmas is about 2 childhood/high school friends, Zia & Rashad, who reconnect after an abrupt halt to their friendship 6 years ago. The premise of this book sounded dope to me and I was really excited to pick it up! But I got to 25% in and stalled out. Some exposition felt like it was missing. With novellas, I think it's super important to establish the characters & give the reader a reason to care as early as possible. And I didn't feel that Adams accomplished that by the time the first sex scene happened. I was put off by the lack of meaningful conversation that very clearly needed to happen first. And then they just kept not talking to each other! I never quite understood why Zia was so scared of falling in love. I understand not wanting to be hurt or in a bad relationship but I kept mentally screaming about how Rashad's words and actions have always been proof positive of how he felt about her. Even though Zia kept mentioning being bad at relationships, we only caught wind of her most recent ex who was just a run-of-the-mill fuck boi. Rashad felt real though. He was sweet and thoughtful...and maybe way more patient with Zia than most would have been. I kept feeling bad for him and wouldn't have been mad at him if he ghosted her.

Overall, I wanted to like this more and was ultimately disappointed. This was my first Rilzy Adams novella though I've been interested in giving her a try for a while. I have an inkling of (without reading the synopsis) what and who book #2 in this series is about and I'm fairly sure that I'll enjoy that one. I've already got it downloaded to my kindle.

[Heather❀Kiss The Pages❀ · Rating 4 out of 5]

An extremely sexy CaribbeanRomance set in Antigua. It's a friends to lovers/ second chance romance with all the feels! The hero is not only swoon worthy but also extremely patient and sets out to show our heroine in 12 dates that they are perfect together!

[hea booktubes · Rating 3 out of 5]

She pushed him away the whole dang time.

[Joharis · Rating 4 out of 5]

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Me encantó el concepto de un romance en el que los protagonistas van a 12 citas para determinar si serían una buena pareja. Fue muy lindo seguirlos mientras iban a las distintas citas que mostraban la gran amistad y facilidad que ellos tenían juntos, así mismo las partes steamy añadían ése toque extra a la historia.
Deco decir que el conflicto final me irritó un poco pero en general me encantó
Lo recomiendo!

[Sheronda H · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was just okay. No excitements at all. Even though it was a Christmas book, I didn’t feel Christmasy at all. Zia was annoying and wishy washy. Rashad was very likable and carried the story. Low on the spice meter.

[Carla · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Twelve Dates of Christmas" is the first book in the "Love on the Rock" series by Rilzy Adams. This is a best friends to lovers romance that focuses on Zia and Rashad. Years after basically being ghosted by Zia, a chance encounter puts them right back in each other's paths.

This book was super cute. Towards the beginning I was a little confused by what was going on but as the story continued, I was all in. I absolutely loved Rashad. He was so patient and sweet. While I understood Zia's reasoning, I definitely wanted her to let up just a bit. I felt like the pacing was good. The book was the perfect length. I finished it in one sitting. I really enjoyed the twelve dates aspect. It was fun to read and I was so invested in what each new date would bring. "Twelve Dates of Christmas" contained just the right amount of steaminess and storyline. This was the third book that I've read by Rilzy Adams and I have to say that I really enjoy her writing style and can't wait to read more from her in the future.

[Weekend Reader_ · Rating 4 out of 5]

🛫

I thought Rashad surely did something really bad which is why Zia cut him off. If you don't like miscommunication then you might want to skip this one. I love Rilzy and the friends to lovers trope so I can push pass the annoyance. Also, I think at that age I can see the misguided thought process but I kept thinking to myself if someone just talked up this whole 6 year separation could have been avoided.

CN: cheating, death of a parent, grief,

[Lindaisa · Rating 3 out of 5]

Rating: 3.5

This one started out rough. There were a several things from the very beginning, that made it hard to get into the story and stay into it. Inconsistencies, continuity issues, unrealistic dialogue, actions that didn't make sense... And all just one after another that had me worried that this would me a "nah" book for me... But once we got into the meat of the story, things stabilized and I really started to enjoy it.

This is a cute novella about two childhood friends who become adults and with that transition into adulthood, came a transition of their feelings and nature of their relationship. A transition that resulted in confusion, fear and ultimately panic. Leading to a 6 year hold on their friendship. But fate, or rather the holidays, brings them back together and they agree to give the transitional relationship another try in the form of 12 dates, leading up to Christmas. Dates which upon their completion, would determine if they would commit to giving a real try to being together.

It was at the start of the dates that I really started to enjoy this story. The bumpy beginning did unfortunately put a bad taste in my mouth so I found myself having to force myself to pick this up and power through. Each time I picked it up though, felt less like powering through and more like I was just genuinely enjoying reading about these characters and their journey to finding forever in each other.

One thing I would suggest for improvement would be to just clean to the first part of the book. Mainly, fix the continuity issues, adjust that one scene with the Ex, and add in a bit more exploratory dialogue into the first reunion.

[Whit · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed Rashad and Zia so much I am now reading book #2 (Fran) in the series!

The real problem with this relationship is that Zia is making Rashad pay for the sins of her sleazy ex-boyfriends! And that is so unfair. Rashad goes over and beyond to show how much he cares for Zia, yet she continues to hurt him. What he plans for the 12 dates are so sweet and he doesn't deserve how she treats him.

Zia told her best friend, Fran, that she is bad at relationships. But Fran disagreed. She told Zia you just keep picking questionable creatures! I hollered! Still laughing at that one!!!!

[cole ♥ clearlyreading · Rating 3 out of 5]

This concept I think would’ve been better in a long form book because the dates part happens near the middle and almost all of them are glossed over.

And yeah, she does push him away the entire book and I think that’s just a character flaw but it would have been cool to see that fleshed our more.

I think the writing and characters were both really good. The dialogue felt authentic and it felt real. But the plot was missing something.

[readingsprints_and_chaisips · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.5⭐️ rounded 🆙

I don’t like the friends to lovers trope too much. This is the reason why. Zia broke her own heart so many times she didn’t leave an opportunity for anyone else to do it 🤷🏾‍♀️. She jumped to conclusions when they were younger and as adults. She kept picking the wrong men to date when she had the right one. Fran had the right idea when she said what friendship when Zia said we need to work on our friendship 🤦🏾‍♀️. Like girl, is the friendship in the room with us🙄?

[Mel · Rating 3 out of 5]

Friends to lovers to…non-friends(?) to lovers again. Rashad and Zia were best friends, then more, then Zia unexpectedly cuts off their friendship because she’s scared of the feelings. Then they basically don’t have any contact for 6 years until Rashad returns and decides he wants to make a play for Zia for real. I think the story suffered from a lack of open communications between them.

[Crystal (Melanatedreader) Forte' · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very Cute Holiday Romance

I got so many feels reading this book... Then the sexiness included was just an additional plus! Can't wait to see more from this author! Definitely adding her to my list!

[Krishana · Rating 3 out of 5]

The storyline dragged a little, but it was entertaining. The only reason I down rated it is because the character’s actions and maturity level seemed a lot younger than the intended age. This would have been better written as teenagers or college age characters.

[Rellim]

rec from @melanatedreader

[C.M. Chafin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Readathon Book 4

This book fucks. I normally don’t like miscommunication tropes, but this was quick enough that it was doable. Plus it was spicy as hell for a Christmas book.

[ariana · Rating 3 out of 5]

rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️/🌶
I think this book was cute, and the idea of the twelve dates was good. But the wording in the spicy parts was weird! but I love friends to lovers so it works lol

https://vm.tiktok.com/TTPdj4ECu9/

[Emaleigh Nichelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

This girl stayed in her head making up stuff then running away. It was exhausting. BFF to lovers to estranged to lovers. This was a cute read.

[Sasha · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5
This was so good 😭😭😭
Second chance/friends to lovers 😍😩

[Capri’sBookIsland · Rating 3 out of 5]

Summary: Rashad and Zia have been best friends since the beginning of time. But as teenagers stepping into young adult hood, they decided to become friends plus. Once their relationship dynamic changed completely, Zia missed the friendship they shared. Unsure of how to approach the conversation she ended the friendship, and ran away when Rashad needed her most. As 6 years flies by, and they separately continue their lives, friendship not in tact. They happen upon each other as Rashad is back in their hometown for the holidays. And all he wants for Christmas is to not lose her.. Again.

“Intuition is great, But the gag is sometimes fear does a really good job at sounding like it.”

I really enjoyed this read, it was quick and precious. The friendship they shared was highlighted through their banter and sureness of each other despite 6 years having flown by. However.. Zia frustrated me, she was very flighty. There wasn't a situation where her ass wouldn't run for the HILLS lol. I was rooting for Rashad because he meant well and they were very obsessed/addicted to each other, but I would've liked to see more of the dates... Originally it would be 12 dates to win Zias heart and he made the decision to go with no sex since Zia expressed feeling they couldn't form or function a relationship (or have any clarity) because they couldn't keep their hands off each other. That rule ended up being broken and even used as part of the dates.. I think It would've been more fun to see him come up with over the top dates that reflected on their past relationship and what he hoped for the future. it was also around Christmas like the possibilities were endless.
Overall it was cute, fun, sexy, and I would recommend it for anyone with a kindle looking to get into the holidays swoon spirit.

3.5 stars

[Jite · Rating 2 out of 5]

An Okay 2.5 Stars.

I’m a huge fan of this author’s work but I have to admit, I struggled quite a bit with Rashad and Zia’s story where typically for me, this author writes the most believable and interesting main characters.

Set in Antigua, the premise is that years ago, Zia cut off her relationship cold turkey with her lifelong BFF Rashad after their friendship turned friends with benefitship begins to catch her some feelings. Now Rashad is back and he wants a second chance to see if they can be more.

Personally, I know what it’s like to be scared of rejection but it made no sense to me that Zia trashed her entire relationship for the reasons she did. It further made no sense why Rashad was the party almost apologizing for her decision and her constant toying with his emotions. Zia’s indecisiveness almost felt emotionally abusive and her treatment of Rashad was mostly uncalled for. It was her prerogative to end the friendship even when it didn’t make sense but her high-handedness in taking decisions without including her so-called best friend seemed like she didn’t know him at all, whilst he seemed to know and understand everything about her. Neither character really clicked for me, I wasn’t particularly rooting for them and it was just sort of meh for me. It wasn’t that this was bad, I just wasn’t really a fan of it and I could have done without it and had to push through to finish, something I’ve never done with this author’s work.

[Lauren loves llamas · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love this cover!

“Sex is easy. Relationships are hard. It makes less sense now than it did then.”
“Life doesn’t always make sense.”
“Rashad…”
“Just give me twelve dates,” he said. “Let me show you how good we could be together.”

Zia and Rashad were childhood best friends – and then, a little bit more – until Zia suddenly ghosted him six years ago. Now Rashad’s back on Antigua for the holidays and Zia can’t resist seeing him one more time. But her reasons for cutting off their relationship haven’t changed, and Rashad decides to try to show her how good they can be together over the course of twelve dates.

“I don’t deserve you,” she’d whispered before bringing her lips to his, hoping he could taste the honesty on her tongue.
“I get to decide who deserves me,” he’d said matter-of-factly.

I loved that this was set in Antigua, and I loved learning little bits and pieces about the island and its culture. I had mixed feelings about Zia, however. Her fear over getting into a relationship was understandable, but the way she continuously treated Rashad, whew. I would’ve liked to have seen more of an apology from her or at least more reflection on how badly she treated him. The dates were lovely, and I loved seeing her meet his family again.

Overall, I’d give this 3.5 stars. I love the author’s writing style, but the heroine didn’t quite work for me.

[NubianJoí · Rating 3 out of 5]

Hmmm 🤔😮‍💨, I’m confused by this storyline😵‍💫⁉️ This was the second book with the same title I’ve read today. Unfortunately, this version by Ms. Adams, “Twelve Dates of Christmas (Love On The Rock - Book 1)” was mediocre and that’s most probably an exaggeration. Foremost, Zia’s justification (for abandoning blurred lines with bf Rashad) in the beginning is not the same explanation she offered Rashad at the book’s end 🥴. Gurlllll, therapy‼️Take responsibility for your impulsive teenaged regrets, poor choices & reckless decisions 🤷🏾‍♀️‼️ …Sounds like you either self sabotage or self conscious…You’re not the liberated woman you desire or profess to be. As a thirty y/o adult woman verses a nineteen y/o young adult her actions are still annoying, indecisive, inconsistent & juvenile. Why does Zia care about the options of a philanderer? I think her character deflects because she doesn’t trust her judgement; vacillates between facts from fiction; she struggles with how to effectively articulate thoughts/feelings/desires & or communicate in a romantic relationship. Basically, Zia wants to undue the eleven year Rashad “friend zone” guilt free 🤭‼️

[Melanin Book Lover · Rating 3 out of 5]

Nice concept

Synopsis: Rashad comes home for the holiday and the first person he sees is his ex best friend Zia who cut him off 6 years ago. Zia and Rashad fooled around in highschool but when it got too serious Zia cut it off ending their friendship. Rashad is back and ready to show Zia how perfect they are together by taking her on 12 dates.

I can't quite put my finger on it but this book didnt really pull me in. It took me three days to finish this when most novellas take me a couple of hours to finish but I just wasn't pulled into this story. I felt their wasn’t enough dialogue just very long paragraphs. The storyline had potential. Rashads idea of twelve dates was
cute but the book was halfway over by the time we got to the twelve dates, then I felt like the dates were rushed.

I did like the Caribbean vibe of the book as it was set in Argentina. This was my
first read by Rilzy Adam's and while I was not into this book I will try another one of her books to see if I can get more into her writing style.

[Lady · Rating 3 out of 5]

I got bored after a while.

I was excited to read this book, even though the holidays are nearly three months behind us, but this book fell flat. First, I didn't get a holiday feel while reading so that was kind of a let down. I was even surprised that it took place in Antigua. That in itself threw me way off. If they hadn't said it, I wouldn't have known where they were because I never got an island feel from this book either. Second, the female character was exhausting. Very immature also. The male character did way too much to get...and keep...her attention and she still didn't appreciate it. This cycle continued throughout the novel and boredom set in because it was dragging. Neither character drew me in to the point I wanted more. Actually, I wanted less and was ready to get to the climax, which finally came around the 90% mark of the book.

[Anita Nother Book · Rating 3 out of 5]

Caribean Christmas

She is working at the airport when her ex beat friend comes through customs on his way home for Christmas. They had been beat friends growing up but she broke off the friendship once they had sex when she was 18. She has to figure out if she can open up to a relationship with him or if it would hurt too much if it wouldn't work out. They go on twelve dates for Christmas... Kind of. It's more like they give each other 12 Christmas gifts and some of them are dates.

I liked the Caribbean setting and the heat level and chemistry. The plot was rather boring and lacked conflict. The writing style was good. I might read the next one in the series but I kind of skim them as fun Christmas reads rather than getting into an exciting storyline.

[Alvina · Rating 3 out of 5]

Our Love

As much as I didn't care for Zia, I liked Rashad; he carried this love story for me.

I love a man who's so determined to get his girl, his woman, his forever, his home, that he's willing to be hurt by her. Zia didn't deserve Rashad, yet he saw differently. All she had to do was talk to him, yet she just kept running from him. As annoying as her ways were, she did show pieces of being just what he needed, only if she'd truly lean into her feelings for him. Rashad was a way better dude than most because Zia was so hot and cold I had whiplash 😒.

I like that Fran was such a good friend to Zia. I'm looking forward to her story. I hope there's more on Rashad's brother Eric too.

Good quick read.