There are two things I’ve always hated about December: Yuletide and Carols.
Apparently, my besties are tired of my Scrooge-like behavior. Instead of commiserating with me at my annual nonChristmas, foreverSingle party, they’re forcing me to go on a luxury trip to the worst magical place on Earth—for two.
I’ve never been girlfriend material. Too much work, not enough good feelings. Now I have ten dates, ten shots to find a plus one. The one caveat? My friends pick the dates—even ex-boyfriends are not off limits.
Dealing with the past, stepping outside of my comfort zone, meeting strangers… What can go wrong? Everything. Or nothing. I can’t decide which is scarier. A long time ago, I vowed to only let my brain make the important decisions. What if my heart didn’t get the memo?
Born and raised in Southeast Michigan near Ann Arbor, Elle learned the importance of reading from her mother. It was also her mother who, later on in her life, gave Elle her first romance novel: Indigo by Beverly Jenkins. From that moment on, Elle became a fan of Ms. Jenkins for life and a lover of all things romance. An old journal she wrote back in college became her first book (which she still wants to publish one day).
Sloane and Maddox together was nice to see. They were what the other needed and they didn't even know it. She doesn't like Christmas because she did the most for her ex-husband who was very much into the holiday just for him to tell her that he didn't love her and didn't want to be with her. Maddox is dealing with the death of his mom and celebrating his first Christmas without her so he isn't really into the Christmas spirit either.
After seeing each other after a hookup that occurred years ago there is still that chemistry there and they just "fit" together nicely. Sloane doesn't want to give into the feeling because she is afraid of getting lost in a a man and potentially getting hurt again and Maddox isn't willing to let her get away so easily this time. He shows up on all of her ten Christmas shot dates thanks to her family and she realizes that he is the one she wants.
This was a cute, well written story that brought back the magic in both of their lives and I appreciated their respective family dynamics as well.
I was not expecting this to make me emotional! I loved Sloane, Maddox, and all their family members. The story was so sweet it reminded me of hallmark, but it definitely had its sexy moments too.
This was so close to being one of my favorite black Christmas stories, but that slave auction line took me out of the story. I'm assuming the author was thinking of a date auction, but it just didn't translate.
Sloane had given up on love and Christmas after her messy break up with her ex. When her family stepped in and set her up on 10 dates, she did it. When Maddox saw Sloane again, he couldn't get her out his mind and was determined to get her. Seeing Maddox around and not liking her dates, she gave him her time and they hit it off. Maddox and Sloane were perfect for each other. They both were dealing with past hurts and helped each other get over them. This was a great introduction to them and I hope to see more from them!!!
Poor Sloane had grown to hate Christmas due to a failed marriage with a serial cheater!!
The woe it's me syndrome had taken over her life to the point her friend's called for an intervention!
The plan....she had to go on dates arranged by them and take shots.
A chance encounter with a fling from her past throws a wrench in their game.
Can they come to admit they'd never stopped thinking of each other over the years? Will Sloane relent her distaste for love and relationships for a chance with Maddox?
The heat between them is hawt, hawt, hawt!!!
My first read by this Author and she did not disappoint!
Ten Christmas Shots focuses on Divorcee Sloane Wilson, who is not too happy when her sister and cousins flip the script on her annual “non-Christmas, forever Single” party. The plan is for Sloane to have ten short dates, with men of their choosing, to find a “plus one” for an upcoming trip. Fans of Ms. Wright will fondly remember Sloane’s parents, Layla and Linc Wilson from the book Made to Hold You.
Maddox Cross, a successful musician and photographer, is getting used to his “new normal” after experiencing a devastating loss. He’s in town for the holidays and stopped by his sisters “match maker” event. Based on his thoughts about one of the women he sees at the event, he’s definitely a single, hot blooded man, but also not trying to be anyone’s forever. The reader soon finds out that Sloane and Maddox had a brief, but very impactful encounter, ten years ago. It was so memorable that Maddox smells Sloane’s familiar scent, “sweet with a hint of spice”, before even seeing her. Sloane still thinks Maddox is fine with his “sincere eyes” and “sexy locs”. Maddox wastes no time making it known that he wants to pick up where they left off.
There is plenty of physical heat and passion in Ten Christmas Shots. It’s an entertaining, short read, and I highly recommend it. See full review at romanceincolor.com.
Let’s Set the Mood Right Quick: Baes of Christmas: Ten Christmas Shots by Elle Wright Drink: Mistletoe Shots Music: All I Want for Christmas Is You by Mariah Carey Sloane Wilson: If, jaded from the past was a person, was a person it would be Sloane. She was a true Scroogette who refused to let things go and move on. Maddox Cross: If, “lost and missing you,” was a person it would be Maddox. He was still recovering from a lost when he comes onto the scene. However, he works overtime to try and find the peace and joy he’s been missing. There was a lot of emotion, love, and dates pack into this short story. This story is the perfect reminder that magic, and love are real if you’re willing to believe in it. The characters were heartfelt and fun to read about. It showcased the importance of having family and people who really love you around. This Bae did his job, and you don’t want to miss how he got the girl of his dreams. A must read for sure. Recipe can be found on delish.com
Sloane was Scrooge himself because after her divorce to a man that loved all things Christmas she vowed to despise the holiday. Even though she knew her Ex wasn't right for her she had hoped that he would change and of course he never did, instead he got worse. Their divorce left her steering clear of meaningful relationships and all things Christmas. Just when her friends start to intervene she runs into a man that she never thought she would see again. A man that she once had a strong connection to, but never got to know was thrust back into her life. Maddox was visiting his father and his siblings when he ran into the woman he had been unable to forget. Once back in each other's presence their connection was just as intense as they both remembered. This sweet little story encourages healing and both Maddox and Sloane are there to move each other forward.
“Ten Christmas Shots: Baes of Christmas” book one of a series & more importantly historical recurring characters content for other Elle Wright books. Unfortunately/fortunately I’m reading these books/series out of order, however in the interim I’ve learned so much about Maddox, his family, Sloan & her family. Great read, character & story development. …now context is making sense. Thereafter, (the next required/recommended reading material ) it’s hilarious though, “Decades: A Journey of African-American Romance” a ten (10) book series written in the 1980’s is considered “historical” era now. 🤣😂🥺🤷🏾♀️..WHAT⁉️..WTAH⁉️..REALLY 🤦🏾♀️…Dang, that’s just disrespectful ‼️I am, was then & and will ALWAYS be fine‼️Dark chocolate 🤎nor Black berries 🖤crack! ..Victoriously Vintage ~ Fifty’s & Fabulous ~ Sexy & Sixy‼️🥰💐
Continue To Show Up And The Possibilities Are Wondrous
The people in “Ten Christmas Shots” are relatable and memorable. While reading this novella: I laughed, I cried, I was angry, and I was sad. Heck, my emotions were all over the place. The chemistry and connection shared between Sloane and Maddox sizzled off the pages. It is the varied and complex characters that Elle Wright depicts between the pages that definitely makes it worth your while and time to read to the last page. This story is a great page turner. Readers will be glad that Maddox was persistent. The previous characters from other books written by Mrs. Wright are always a plus and enjoyable to see. As usual, Mrs. Wright does not disappoint, and I am eagerly anticipating the release of her next new book. YEAH!!
Ms. Wright, I enjoyed this Christmas novella about Sloane and Maddox. I loved how you created the plot using ten dates with ten shots. It was quite creative and actually sounds fun. I can just imagine a matchmaker using your idea at their next speed dating event.
This is a fantastic read, you will be intrigued. The way Maddox makes himself available and willing is admirable. Sloane and Maddox were made to love each other, especially how they originally met. But it is not how you start, it's all in how you finish. The unspoken healing that both Sloane and Maddox needed was accomplished during the holiday season. I suggest this book, along with the others in this series. You will fall in love with all of the couples as you read each book.
This novella was excellent. It was short (which I usually avoid) but it intrigued me from the summary on Amazon and I'm so glad I gave it a try. I may have found a new favorite author to add to my top 10. This was so well written. I loved the humor and the emotions. I recently lost my mom. Christmas was her favorite season. This first one without her has been difficult. I have kept moving and reading to try and ease the loss. This book helped me. This author has helped me through her words. The message was received! Thank you Ms. Wright😍😍 I look forward to reading the rest of the Christmas series.
Let me just say I really enjoyed this story but I definitely didn’t expect it to be so emotional based on those teasers posted to create buzz about this story. I went in expecting hot sex and plenty of sexy moments which I did get but it also had me over here crying needing to keep my tissue box handy lol. Even with those sad moments, I was able to feel the magic of love and Christmas in this story. This definitely one readers will be happy to add this story to their Christmas collections. I know I am.
Sloan, Sloan, Sloan! She definitely had a lot of bad relationship history on her mind and heart that needed breaking, then mended! Hence, the ten shots suggested by her crazy friends and family! They were hilarious! Then you have Maddox, who is smitten once again by the illusive “Courtney” aka Sloan!! 😂
This was an enjoyable and excellent short story!! I absolutely loved this book and I highly recommend it!! I’m off to the second book in this series!! Kudos, Elle! 💜
Who would have guessed a hot reunion ten years later...Loved the 20 minutes date hook ups Sloane's sista friends devised to get her back into living life & Christmas ...then there was Maddox who just like Sloane never got over that one nite hookup..wowww love this 1st of the Series Baes of Christmas.. My 1st reading of this Author & gonna follow her from now on..👍🏽🙋🏾♀️❤💙💜🔥📚
I enjoyed reading about Sloane and Maddox! There was so much chemistry between these two that Sloane tried her best to ignore it! Not happening! I thought it was funny how her sisters and friend made arrangements for her to meet men for her her to choose from and everywhere she turned, there was Maddox! I feel everyone who reads this book will enjoy it! I definitely recommend it!
Loved Maddox and Sloanes story. One has given up on love, trusting herself to love and be loved, the spirit of the holiday; the other was dealing with hurt of another kind. With a little intervention from fate, and meddling but caring family and friends, these too meet again after a one time hookup. Like hallmark Christmas movie but with a little spice!!
This was a wonderful start to what I'm sure will be a great series!!! I loved the chemistry between Maddox and Sloane. I also loved the fact that he didn't give up on her, and he was determined to show her how good they could be together. Great job Elle Wright!!! I can't wait to read the other books in this series!!!
Maddox and Sloane were cute together. I love reading about couples where you can feel their chemistry flying off the pages. This book showed how the right person can make you want to embrace things you previously ran from out of hurt and fear and accept love when it is thrown at you.
Sloan and Maddox have both faced hurt and disappointment in their lives. Can they get pass it? The tough love playful elements between the Young sisters is heart warming. There were so many touching moments in this story. In reading you feel the love, compassion, hatred, forgiveness. Another amazing story Elle.
Cute story, fun concept of 10 shot dates! Sloan was stuck in Christmas past. Her sister and cousins had a fix for that. Maddox was healing from a loss and had a visitor from the past...their one moment stand left a lifetime imprint. This drama free story was very festive and hot! A good quick read.
Maddox and Sloane meet again. After 10 years those feelings from that one night are still there. Jaded about the holidays after a failed marriage, can 10 shots with 10 dates make her get out of her own way or can Maddox do that? Loved this story from Elle Wright and will definitely be checking out her catalog. 💋💋
A great story of love lost and found, even if they were strangers. The concept of a one night stand finding their way back to each other isn't new. But this story was fresh because it wasn't because of an unplanned pregnancy or new boss/job thing. This is 2 people who were meant to be together and found each other again at the right time.
Maddox and Sloan were really good for each other. They worked through some issues they both had with the spirit of the holidays. With the support family and friends, their love for one another just blossomed. This was a heartfelt story full of fun and laughter.
Thank you ELLE Wright for this CHRISTMAS novella. Maddox and Sloane was destined to be together; a Ten year one night stand that was unforgettable. I am so glad Maddox took his dad's advice and helped Sloane find the Magic of Love. Those 10 dates didn't have anything on Mr. Maddox
Ten Christmas Shots is a great start to the Baes of Christmas series.Sloane let's her friends set up 10 dates for her and Maddox always seems to show up. He finally shoots his shot and they make a wonderful couple. It was a little emotional for me because I could relate to how Maddox was feeling after losing his mother, but Sloane was there for him.
I love the Young’s family and I glad the author gave us an update about them. The storyline was everything and more and I was happy that Sloane got out of her own way to find love again! Thanks for another amazing love story. Can’t wait to see what you have for us next year!
I loved these ladies they are really something, Maddox and Sloane made the perfect couple I couldn't stop reading until I was finished. The love Olivia has for Maddox is so awesome cause she loves him as if she birth him, that's true love. Can't wait for the next Young family story.
I have been in a romance book slump. Lately I have struggled to get through the writing style and pace of story for many other authors. I loved Christina C Jones and read all of her books but was stuck after that. This book was the one to regain my attention in romance books. The writing is amazing. The pace is great. The story is relatable. I love it!!
This was sweet and fun holiday novella! Maddox and Sloane cross paths after a 10 year one-night stand. So much has changed for them since that time. Both thought of each other over the years. It was endearing to see them reconnect with a little help from family and friends!