Rapper Ransom knew the moment he made it big that he would retire at thirty. Clubbing and wildin' out are things he's no longer interested in, and Ransom is ready to retire, get married, and have kids. His wife-to-be, has other plans, however, and leaves him jilted on their wedding day weeks before Christmas. Ransom finds unexpected solace in Indiana, one of the leasing agents at The Carver Condominiums, where he lives. Indiana and Ransom have more in common than they expected, and their sexual chemistry is off the charts. Childhood trauma and recent loss are reasons why Indiana doesn't care for the holidays, and she and Ransom are both able to distract each other from their problems. When Ransom realizes he's been spending a lot of time with Indiana, he comes to the conclusion that it would be absurd to get attached to someone so soon after he was left at the altar. Indiana doesn't want to be a rebound, and she knows becoming attached to Ransom is no good either, but the two can't seem to stay away from each other. Will the holidays be the thing to bring them to their senses?
I know the Winter Crest Christmas series had a some of y’all in a chokehold last year but, the rest of us are still tryin’ to recover and I don’t mean that in a good way. 😏😏😏😏 So, I was honestly shocked at how much I liked this book. Ransom has been rapping since his early 20’s. He’s achieved every pinnacle and highpoint there is in his career so, at the tender age of 30, Ransom is ready to retire, settle down, and have some babies with his fiancé. The only problem with that plan is Amaya is not tryin’ to be anybody’s wife or mama. So, on their wedding day, sis decides she’s just not gon’ show up and hopes Ransom reads the room and gets the message. And, he does. Loud and clear. My guy is not in the business of keepin’ anyone who doesn’t want to be kept so, he moves on expeditiously. Indiana is the leasing agent at The Carver Condominiums but, she’s also pulling double duty as Ransom’s event planner for his reception. Now that he’s back on the market, Ransom is lookin’ at Indiana a little differently and he’s ready to give her all that BDE smoke but he knows he’s not in a great place mentally to start anything new romantically. And, Indiana is not tryin’ to be his rebound. The attraction is there, the chemistry is intense, and their sex rivals Porn Hub but, now is just not a good time for anything other than friendship. So, they both agree to take things slow (snails pace slow) but, stay in each other’s space without putting any labels on whatever it is they’re doing. The question is, how long will this work for the “couple” that’s not really a couple?!!! I did not expect to love Indiana and Ransom so much. I love that their situation was not only realistic but, it was very much relatable. I’m so happy I waited to read this book. Now, I can catch up with my new favorite Winter Crest couple in the Valentines series.
Yallllllll. I really enjoyed this one! The character development and the plot were so good! I can’t believe I haven’t checked out this author until now.
This is the first book in a new holiday series which takes place in a small town called Winter Crest which was founded on Christmas Eve. In this readers follow Ransom and Indiana. Indiana works at the condo complex as a receptionist while Ransom is a rapper that is on the brink of retirement. After his significant other leaves him at the alter, Ransom and Indiana begin what is supposed to be a friends with benefit relationship; however, readers will slowly see them start develop feelings. Honestly, this was such a whirlwind romance between Ransom and Indiana. Indiana had so many reasons to dislike Christmas and I’m so glad that Ransom came along to help guide her through her grieving. This book definitely has a few content warnings including: death, drug use, overdose, PTSD, and grieving. My only hiccup about this one is that I wanted more than a HFN! These characters were so dynamic and fun that I just knew I was going to get my HEA. Nevertheless, I’ll definitely checking out other books.
I know every book won’t have the same type of HEA but these characters were so well written that I fell in love with them and wanted more in the end. It’s safe to assume from the ending that things will turn out how we expect but dammit I don’t wanna assume, I want to read about it! Ransom is a 30 year old successful rapper and is preparing to retire, marry the love of his life and start a family. Well too bad his fiancé doesn’t feel the same way because the heaux left him at the alter. He wasn’t completely torn up about it but he was salty because he felt that if she didn’t want to get married she could’ve told him months prior. Well now he’s at the reception hall to tell the event planner that the wedding is off but what he didn’t expect to find there was a second chance at love. Indiana was a leasing agent at the high end condo’s where everyone seems to live in Winter Crest and also takes care of events that are hosted in the building. Despite his celebrity status, Indiana always kept thing’s professional when seeing Ransom in passing. Now that he is a free man he wanted to enjoy single life with Indiana and she was all the way here for it. I really wanted more from them. They were so loveable and even despite his drama and her trauma you couldn’t help but love them together. I honestly feel cheated after reading this 😒 hopefully a door has been left open to possibly revisit this couple on a deeper level in the future…. Bah humbug 😤
This is a deep Christmas story. It's definitely not your typical happy go lucky story. Ransom is a famous rapper that has lived and accomplished a lot and now he is ready to settle down and start a family. He is taking steps in that direction by marrying his long time girlfriend, albeit he is unsure if she is the one. He hopes she will mature into the wife role sooner than later. Unfortunately , Amayah his fiance shows him that she in fact isn't mature and leaves him at the altar instead of talking to him about her concerns. It's clear that Ransom is the catch of the century...he is rich, smart, giving, fine as hell, and serving all the BDE. Chile and he is ready to settle down. Amayah fumbled the bag hard. Heading to his reception to call off the festivities he runs into Indiana who he had paid extra to set up the reception. She is so kind and helps him get rid of all the food. When he runs up on her outside of her job weeks later he realizes shorty is bad. He decides to shoot his shot and they connect. After his debacle of a wedding he is still doing his thang but has found some solace with Indiana. Indiana struggles with the holidays having some traumatic family and childhood memories. Ransom helps her forget those times. Physically these two were off the chain. They seemed to also support each other emotionally as well and forged a friendship of sorts. Realizing that they both were a little caught up in their situationship they put some boundaries on it and decide to give it a shot.
Listen there is a lot that occurred in this story...covering grief, drug use and abuse, properly celebrating your loved ones, and having the courage to move forward. Excellent read for such a short story.
Ransom having second thoughts about the wedding then Amaya not showing up truly meant they weren't meant to be together. I truly believe Ransom and Indiana are helping each other heal. My heart broke for Indiana hearing her past trauma. Now for Amaya to come back and think she can pick where she left off was crazy to me. I really like the connection and friendship that Ransom and Indiana are building with each other. Would love an update on this couple one day down the line ( maybe) Natisha Raynor this is a beautiful story and I can't wait to see what you have coming next.
The story was a good story to hold me for ransom, and I would gladly pay. Indiana and Ransom’s tale was sweet and kind, and I had the feeling I needed in a holiday love story. All of the stories in this series have a connecting city and a similar vibe. Ransom was a rapper retiring and moving back to his hometown to marry his girl. Ransom received the surprise of his life that later led him to get reacquainted with Indiana, his event planner, and the rest was a lovely story for the pair.
After being left at the alter, Ransom was just ready to put the day behind him & focus on his retirement. He wasn’t expecting to connect with someone so soon. But the more time he spent with Indiana, the more he enjoyed her company. This was a great friends with benefits read.
I loved everything about this novella. Indiana was everything Ransom needed and vice versa.
I loved how they were actually helping each other heal, even through their stubbornness. Their bond was everything! The fact that they enjoyed each other’s company and showered respect amongst each other was so sexy. I was really happy for them and I would love to read more about their journey.
Amaya had to be a fool —or just plain crazy, to think she could return and proceed with the way things were before she left. Yea, she was really insane. It’s unfortunate what had happened to her. I wish she would have got the help that she needed and/or at least listen to Ransom.
Natisha really did her thang with this fast-paced short! You would have thought it would have been more sad than anything because of the pained points in the story, but it wasn’t. You will love it!
Ransom having second's thoughts about marrying Amaya and then her not showing up. Was definitely sign. They didn't need to be married. Amaya wasn't the women for him. She was immature and into partying. Plus she had an addiction that I believe would have brought the both of them down. I understood wholeheartedly why Indiana hated Christmas. She suffered a tragic loss on that day when she was a child. I had a feeling her and Ransom was going to get together but I wasn't expecting Amaya to pop back up trying to weasle her way back into Ransom life. In the end Amaya lifestyle caught up with her. I'm glad Ransom realized he needed to heal from his heartbreak instead of using Indiana as a rebound. I'm also glad Indiana got some closure and was able to be happy.
Sometimes when you think some people got everything you truly don’t know their mind set! This is what happened with Ransom and Amaya! After Amaya did a run away bride and didn’t even had the decency to tell Ransom the reason she was out their country hopping! The author didn’t say who she was with, but when she finished country hopping she thought Ransom would be waiting with open arms SMH!
Ransom was cool, calm and collected and him and Indiana hit it off! They both have to deal with issues and getting their head right in order to move on and be happy! I Reading between the lines, they will get their HEA!
The moral of the story is even though you missed loved ones, still be grateful you have your life and remember all the good times you shared with them.
Natisha has done it again. Everyone doesn't always have Christmas as there favorite holiday. Indiana , witnessed a traumatic act on Christmas day, i couldn't imagine celebrating the day either, however Ransom brought some sunshine to her life and gave her some gems to get through the holiday. They had chemistry from the onset. Ransom had his own set back, but not as traumatic as he really wasn't sure if Amya was his person. I love that they weren't faked with each other and genuinely had conversations. I also enjoyed how Ransom family and how they rode hard for him. I love that they were able to be honest with one another and Indiana was able to celebrate Christmas again. I would love to see Indiana & Ransom in another standalone!
So many people raved about this series in my Urban Fiction FB Group, so I had to jump into it. I enjoyed Indiana and Ransom’s story. I liked the role reversal because the man was left at the alter instead of the woman. In addition, the woman wasn’t ready to settle down, but the man was. It was interesting to read the male’s point of view in this situation. Although Ransom had me swooning, I think he should’ve taken more time to get himself and his thoughts together after what happened with Amaya. However, with this, I was also glad Indiana wasn’t with the okey-doke and didn’t fall victim to his actions. I loved how gentle and patient Ransom was with Indiana, given the trauma she experienced. Also, the erotica in this story was great. Overall, good read and start to this series.
I loved this author style of writing. This novella was fast paced but didn’t leave anything out. Indiana was everything Ransom needed and I’m happy he realized it quickly lol. I know I know 😩 we want everyone to come healed before we seal the deal but hear me out lol. I loved how they were actively involved in each other’s healing. They poured into one another even as just friends. I’m happy he got left at the alter because Indiana deserved that man lol.
Now do I believe in waiting for a man ummm no, but in a book absolutely lol. Their story was cute and I want more…. Like did they get married and did she give that man his babies lol.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Ransom thought he was going to be living his best life when he got married. He did all the partying that he was going to do. Amayah had everybody fooled. Indiana has lived the worst part of her life, that’s why she despises Christmas. Amayah thought she was going to put that cookie on him and all would be forgiven. She talked about Indiana like she was nothing and tried to get her fired. She was jealous and bitter because Ransom was over her. They dated other people found out it wasn’t for them. Ransom went to Vegas and got his girl.
I firmly feel that Indiana and Ransom are supporting one another's healing. Hearing about Indiana's prior suffering, my heart ached for her. I thought it was ridiculous for Amaya to return and expect she could continue where she left off. I greatly appreciate the bond and friendship that Ransom and Indiana are developing. I was hoping for more from them. Despite his drama and her grief, they were so endearing that it was impossible not to love them together. I would love a update on them!
We often hear about brides being left at the altar, but this cute Christmas story introduces us to Ransom, a very popular rapper, who’s preparing to say vows to his fiancée, Amaya. Unfortunately, Amaya had other plans that did not include marrying Ransom. While canceling everything, he meets Indiana and their friendship flourished. This book was well written, flowed well, kept my attention and the character development was awesome. I’d really love to get an update on this couple and see how their friendship developed.
Wow, that was a lot to ingest for novella! Nonetheless, “A Winter Crest Christmas: Indiana & Ransom” was emotional challenging but a good read. Thereafter, I’m a proponent of therapy as opposed to recreational drugs & sex as a superficially coping mechanism. Consequently, Indiana & Ransom new friendship with benefits relationship doesn’t resolve either of their personal insecurities, fears, the tragic experiences & or traumatic scars. Unfortunately, their reckless behaviors will produce a Christmas bundle shortly. ….
This Christmas standalone is lit. I’m glad my babies is working it out slowly. His ex fiancé was a peace of work. U walk away from the wedding and then come back months later and want him to give u another try. So she felt so sorry for herself she had to do more drugs and killed her self. But I’m glad he didn’t let that get him down and kept moving forward. U did good on yet another book and I’m looking forward to reading more of them. Sitting here patting my feet while sipping on Pepsi and while eating popcorn while waiting on the next book to read
A Christmas worth waiting for. I really enjoyed this book. Ransom and Indiana was what each other needed. They both needed healing and was each others medicine. I loved how they just let things go with the flow. Amaya was weak and she let the fun,drugs and limelight ruin her life. But that's the life she wanted to live. I loved the ending and I just know bigger things will be in their future.
I enjoy this Christmas read about Ransom and Indiana. It was so sweet how he acknowledged her hate of Christmas without pressuring her not to celebrate but, just accept her as she is. I also like how Indiana was understanding of his anger about how Amaya played him and he lost money but, at the same time shows him that he is an awesome guy. I'm glad at the end they were there for each other.
I really liked Ransome and Indiana's story! She was down to earth and laid back, exactly what Ransome needed to help him bounce back from being jilted. Their intimate scenes were 🔥🔥🔥🥵! I really like that they both came to the same realization that they needed to take their time and not rush into a relationship at full speed. I like them together and I can see them doing really well together!
I enjoyed Indiana and Ransoms story, poor Indiana had it rough during Christmas season but I like how Ransom was so patient and understanding! I loved how he helped Indiana without being pushy and in the end Indiana ended up having a good Christmas! I also like how their story ended, it was a realistic ending and not a rushed relationship which was refreshing. This was a NTMA so I will be checking out more of her catalog in the new year.
Who would of thought a wedding day that didn't happen maybe 2 strangers become so much more to each other. Ransom was a groom that was left at the alter. Indiana hated Christmas due to what happened in her family. One night turned into many and they just went with the flow. I enjoyed this Christmas story so much. Glad that Ransom and Indiana decided to just go with the flow.
Awesome Christmas love story 🎄⛄ now I'm looking forward to all 16 books in this series
Where do I begin how about Ransom I'm happy he didn't let what his ex did stop him unless he in trying to see what happens with Indiana...
Indiana I'm so happy she's able to get in Christmas spirit especially when you lose a love one ... Now she in Vegas I feel like she most certainly met her husband she would be great for Ransom..
I'm so glad I read this Christmas book of yours I'm already a fan of your craft but there were so many Christmas novels out I was kinda over it trying to catch up! But I knew I would read your Valentine's book and it took me here with Indiana and Ransom ❣️ Now I'm on to reading the Valentine's novel I just know Indiana is pregnant 💕 I Absolutely love this Christmas Novel Great Job 💞
Ransom got stood up by his fiance on his wedding day. What he didn't expect was to find someone he connected with so soon. Indiana worked at the condo he lived in. She was there to lend her listening ear and just be there when he needed it most. They connected in ways neither could explain. He helped her to move past the sadness she felt during the holidays because of the lost of her mother and grandmother.
Ransom handled his situation with Amaya very well. He kept everyone out of his business, family included. Spending time with Indiana felt right for the both of them. They understood what they were doing, but Ransom didn't want to see her with anyone else despite not wanting a relationship. Amaya's death changed his outlook on life. How he treated Indiana for Christmas was phenomenal. This was a great read.
This author never ceases to amaze me. Each book is better than the last. This fast paced, interesting storyline with excellent character development, gives you just enough to be excited about the holidays. I enjoyed and recommend this five star read. Looking forward to reading more from this author.
This was such a good start to Christmas stories. Ransom was so down to earth I loved his personality. Indiana endured such a tragic memory at such a young age that was so unfortunate. I loved how they leaned on each other. I wouldn't mind another follow up with this couple I would like to see if they end up getting married and having those babies they talked about.