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Once Upon a Holiday: Holiday Heat / Candy Christmas / Chocolate Truffles
No matter what the thermostat says, the holidays can be the hottest time of year when you're curled up with these unforgettably sexy stories from three of romance's most sizzling talents….
Holiday Heat by Beverly Jenkins
For Eve Clark, winter usually means long cold nights spent alone, until she's persuaded to attend a masked ball. Abandoning her inhibitions, she shares a blissful tryst with a mysterious partner. Though Eve runs from their hotel room the next morning, Leyton Palmer is determined to track her down and show her that the night neither can forget was only the start of something sensational….
Candy Christmas by Adrianne Byrd
Peace on earth and goodwill to all men? Not if the man in question is drop-dead-sexy Montel Starks, Candy Lahane's competitor since he started at their ad agency a year ago. But on a business trip to Europe, rivalry gives way to a red-hot, explosive affair that makes Candy realize that what she really wants for Christmas is right in front of her, just waiting to be unwrapped….
Chocolate Truffles by Kimberly Kaye Terry
It started as an innocent drink with a stranger to celebrate her promotion. It turned into the most erotic night of Camille Jackson's life. But the man she was sure she'd never see again is now her instructor in a two-week managerial workshop, and Gideon Taber is making it clear that he'd love to relive every delicious detail of their encounter, again and again….
Holiday Heat by Beverly Jenkins
For Eve Clark, winter usually means long cold nights spent alone, until she's persuaded to attend a masked ball. Abandoning her inhibitions, she shares a blissful tryst with a mysterious partner. Though Eve runs from their hotel room the next morning, Leyton Palmer is determined to track her down and show her that the night neither can forget was only the start of something sensational….
Candy Christmas by Adrianne Byrd
Peace on earth and goodwill to all men? Not if the man in question is drop-dead-sexy Montel Starks, Candy Lahane's competitor since he started at their ad agency a year ago. But on a business trip to Europe, rivalry gives way to a red-hot, explosive affair that makes Candy realize that what she really wants for Christmas is right in front of her, just waiting to be unwrapped….
Chocolate Truffles by Kimberly Kaye Terry
It started as an innocent drink with a stranger to celebrate her promotion. It turned into the most erotic night of Camille Jackson's life. But the man she was sure she'd never see again is now her instructor in a two-week managerial workshop, and Gideon Taber is making it clear that he'd love to relive every delicious detail of their encounter, again and again….
304 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 17, 2010
31 people are currently reading
228 people want to read
About the author
Beverly Jenkins
70 books4,831 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 - 24 of 24 reviews
November 27, 2016
3.5 stars
Read this for 12 Tasks of the Festive Season:
Task the Fifth: The Kwanzaa:
- Read a book written by an African-American author or set in an African country.
I was impressed that all three felt like complete stories, not rushed, which is usually my biggest complaint about novella/short stories. The first story Holiday Heat had a very believable compatible couple, the second Candy Christmas was the most sexual with plenty of dirty little scenes, and the third Chocolate Truffles was my favorite with the build up of love with the balance of sexy times and relationship building being fantastic.
I rounded down because I didn't really get a holiday feel from the stories, they take place on or around the holiday season but it wasn't really focused on.
Read this for 12 Tasks of the Festive Season:
Task the Fifth: The Kwanzaa:
- Read a book written by an African-American author or set in an African country.
I was impressed that all three felt like complete stories, not rushed, which is usually my biggest complaint about novella/short stories. The first story Holiday Heat had a very believable compatible couple, the second Candy Christmas was the most sexual with plenty of dirty little scenes, and the third Chocolate Truffles was my favorite with the build up of love with the balance of sexy times and relationship building being fantastic.
I rounded down because I didn't really get a holiday feel from the stories, they take place on or around the holiday season but it wasn't really focused on.
July 5, 2020
Holiday Heat by Beverly Jenkins—Eve and Leyton sizzled! Loved the masquerade meet and the ensuing chase!
July 31, 2020
There are no words on the twist in the story. I loved the story as well its unusual to see a Halloween story with a romance but it matches the story. I enjoyed the mystery part of this story because it help both the hero and heroine to come together with their hearts not just physically.
October 8, 2010
Three romantic holiday stories full of cheer, laughter and love by three leading authors. Once Upon a Holiday will bring joy and warmth to readers' hearts during the holiday season.
Holiday Heat by Beverly Jenkins
Eve Clark is a ball-busting ATF agent, not one for letting her guard down and shaking loose. She finds herself in an unusual situation when she agrees to go to a holiday costume party and meets a man who turns her controlled world upside down. Throwing all caution to the wind, she ends up between the sheets with this hot and sexy stranger, but once she comes down off her holiday high, she runs for cover, escaping without offering to reveal her true identity Called to duty for an arson case, Eve's plan to go home is halted, but she gets a surprise when the lead investigator and her new partner on the case is Leyton Palmer, the same man she shared that hot night with. Neither is aware of the other's identity and as they get close and learn the truth, they have to decide if love is worth fighting for.
From the first page I was caught up in this story. Leyton is a man who is not afraid to show himself. There is no pretense to his character. His charm, wit and sensitivity are reflected throughout and he makes for a great hero. Eve, on the other hand, is a bit cold and it took me longer to warm up to her. She carries some baggage due to her field of work, but eventually Leyton is able to wear down her defenses. There is a suspense element thrown into the story and it works well in the background.
Candy Christmas by Adrianne Byrd
Candace Lahane is a top-notch advertising executive on the fast track to VP status at her firm. She has pulled in the highest numbers the last seven years and there is no doubt in her mind that she will get the promotion any day. But she has to overcome one obstacle and that is, Montel Starks, a handsome pain in her butt. Ever since he has been with the company, he's been nipping at her pointy designer heels. The competition is on and neither one is backing down. On a trip to Paris, the two rivals' war turns into a passionate affair and they have to figure out if they really want the job or one another.
Adrianne Byrd is the Queen of surprises. She can twist a plot like nobody's business and she did not let me down in this short story. There is humor in all of her books, and I laughed out loud at certain parts and gasped at her twists. Though the story is light and short, it's filled with a lot of emotion, tension, conflict and surprises. My only complaint is that I wished it was a full length novel.
Chocolate Truffles by Kimberly Kaye Terry
Camille Jackson just got a new promotion and she is giddy with joy. She is caught in an elevator doing her happy dance by a handsome stranger, and he offers to buy her a drink to celebrate. She accepts his offer, finding it to be harmless. A simple drink turns into a hot and heavy tryst in a hotel room. Once the fun is over, Camille sneaks off, embarrassed at what happened. She can't stop thinking about it either, even when she goes to Houston for her mandatory managerial training. She is shocked to find that her instructor, Gideon Taber, is the same guy she had the celebratory dance with in the bed. Camille is apprehensive about Gideon's advances but Gideon has plans to convince Camille that he seriously wants more than just a one night stand.
I enjoyed this story as much as the other two. I was glad that this was not a let-down. Camille and Gideon's relationship progressed at a normal rate. There is some tension between Gideon and Camille about the speed of the relationship. Since this is an interracial romance story, there is issue of race and I love how Camille addresses it during a dinner scene.
Holiday Heat by Beverly Jenkins
Eve Clark is a ball-busting ATF agent, not one for letting her guard down and shaking loose. She finds herself in an unusual situation when she agrees to go to a holiday costume party and meets a man who turns her controlled world upside down. Throwing all caution to the wind, she ends up between the sheets with this hot and sexy stranger, but once she comes down off her holiday high, she runs for cover, escaping without offering to reveal her true identity Called to duty for an arson case, Eve's plan to go home is halted, but she gets a surprise when the lead investigator and her new partner on the case is Leyton Palmer, the same man she shared that hot night with. Neither is aware of the other's identity and as they get close and learn the truth, they have to decide if love is worth fighting for.
From the first page I was caught up in this story. Leyton is a man who is not afraid to show himself. There is no pretense to his character. His charm, wit and sensitivity are reflected throughout and he makes for a great hero. Eve, on the other hand, is a bit cold and it took me longer to warm up to her. She carries some baggage due to her field of work, but eventually Leyton is able to wear down her defenses. There is a suspense element thrown into the story and it works well in the background.
Candy Christmas by Adrianne Byrd
Candace Lahane is a top-notch advertising executive on the fast track to VP status at her firm. She has pulled in the highest numbers the last seven years and there is no doubt in her mind that she will get the promotion any day. But she has to overcome one obstacle and that is, Montel Starks, a handsome pain in her butt. Ever since he has been with the company, he's been nipping at her pointy designer heels. The competition is on and neither one is backing down. On a trip to Paris, the two rivals' war turns into a passionate affair and they have to figure out if they really want the job or one another.
Adrianne Byrd is the Queen of surprises. She can twist a plot like nobody's business and she did not let me down in this short story. There is humor in all of her books, and I laughed out loud at certain parts and gasped at her twists. Though the story is light and short, it's filled with a lot of emotion, tension, conflict and surprises. My only complaint is that I wished it was a full length novel.
Chocolate Truffles by Kimberly Kaye Terry
Camille Jackson just got a new promotion and she is giddy with joy. She is caught in an elevator doing her happy dance by a handsome stranger, and he offers to buy her a drink to celebrate. She accepts his offer, finding it to be harmless. A simple drink turns into a hot and heavy tryst in a hotel room. Once the fun is over, Camille sneaks off, embarrassed at what happened. She can't stop thinking about it either, even when she goes to Houston for her mandatory managerial training. She is shocked to find that her instructor, Gideon Taber, is the same guy she had the celebratory dance with in the bed. Camille is apprehensive about Gideon's advances but Gideon has plans to convince Camille that he seriously wants more than just a one night stand.
I enjoyed this story as much as the other two. I was glad that this was not a let-down. Camille and Gideon's relationship progressed at a normal rate. There is some tension between Gideon and Camille about the speed of the relationship. Since this is an interracial romance story, there is issue of race and I love how Camille addresses it during a dinner scene.
December 12, 2014
This is a collection of three romance novellas by African American women, all revolving around December holidays. Collections tend to be a mixed bag, and this was no exception. I rated one 4 stars and the other two 2 stars, so I give the collection an average of 3 stars.
All in all, I'm glad Holiday Heat was first, since I may try to read more by Beverly Jenkins. The other two were such disappointments that if it had been at the end, I probably wouldn't have gotten to it!
Holiday Heat by Beverly Jenkins - 4 stars
The set-up is a little contrived here, I admit, but Ms. Jenkins goes all-in with it, so I gave her points for that. The character backstories were fairly minimal, but the interaction was fun. I especially liked how it was peppered with references to things like X-men, African mythology, and jazz standards. The main plot was a serviceable mystery, and although it wasn't rocket science, it was handled fairly realistically and kept the story moving along. My main complaints were that the end went probably one chapter too long, she focused a lot on the woman's beauty and men's reaction to it, and there were some very cheesy lines in there. Phrases like "twin beauties" and "her damp vent" seemed a bit off-putting in otherwise emotionally charged scenes.
Candy Christmas by Adrianne Byrd - 2 stars
The "frigid" woman and "player" man stereotypes made me hesitate at the beginning of this one, but I continued on to get familiar with the main plot, which had some interesting dynamics. But then suddenly it veered toward manipulative with talk of "ownership" by the man and "humiliation" by the woman, and the interactions made me uncomfortable viz a viz personal boundaries. I'm not a fan of those relationships.
Chocolate Truffles by Kimberly Terry Kaye - 2 stars
I had high hopes for this one because I really loved Come Back to Me: An Erotic Short Story by the same author. Like that story, this is an interracial romance, and seemed to have some promise, but again the male/female power dynamics got in the way. He actually tugs her hair to get her to look up at him - no, sorry, not on my watch. The whole scene is him manhandling her face or body without asking her permission for any of it. Sorry, Ms. Kaye, you lost me on this one.
All in all, I'm glad Holiday Heat was first, since I may try to read more by Beverly Jenkins. The other two were such disappointments that if it had been at the end, I probably wouldn't have gotten to it!
Holiday Heat by Beverly Jenkins - 4 stars
The set-up is a little contrived here, I admit, but Ms. Jenkins goes all-in with it, so I gave her points for that. The character backstories were fairly minimal, but the interaction was fun. I especially liked how it was peppered with references to things like X-men, African mythology, and jazz standards. The main plot was a serviceable mystery, and although it wasn't rocket science, it was handled fairly realistically and kept the story moving along. My main complaints were that the end went probably one chapter too long, she focused a lot on the woman's beauty and men's reaction to it, and there were some very cheesy lines in there. Phrases like "twin beauties" and "her damp vent" seemed a bit off-putting in otherwise emotionally charged scenes.
Candy Christmas by Adrianne Byrd - 2 stars
The "frigid" woman and "player" man stereotypes made me hesitate at the beginning of this one, but I continued on to get familiar with the main plot, which had some interesting dynamics. But then suddenly it veered toward manipulative with talk of "ownership" by the man and "humiliation" by the woman, and the interactions made me uncomfortable viz a viz personal boundaries. I'm not a fan of those relationships.
Chocolate Truffles by Kimberly Terry Kaye - 2 stars
I had high hopes for this one because I really loved Come Back to Me: An Erotic Short Story by the same author. Like that story, this is an interracial romance, and seemed to have some promise, but again the male/female power dynamics got in the way. He actually tugs her hair to get her to look up at him - no, sorry, not on my watch. The whole scene is him manhandling her face or body without asking her permission for any of it. Sorry, Ms. Kaye, you lost me on this one.
January 31, 2011
Great Winter Holiday Read!
Here are three great stories that will surely bring a smile to your face and fulfill your minds hungry sexual appetite. I loved the women in each of these stories; they were very strong in their careers and let nothing stand in their way of success. They didn’t just sleep around with anyone, most of the time they were too busy to even have a social life but as the ole saying goes, when you aren’t looking for love, love will find you and that’s what makes these three stories great. The men of course were perfect matches for these hard working career women and the erotic scenes were very HOT!
Very nice winter read, I was smiling when I finished the book.
Here are three great stories that will surely bring a smile to your face and fulfill your minds hungry sexual appetite. I loved the women in each of these stories; they were very strong in their careers and let nothing stand in their way of success. They didn’t just sleep around with anyone, most of the time they were too busy to even have a social life but as the ole saying goes, when you aren’t looking for love, love will find you and that’s what makes these three stories great. The men of course were perfect matches for these hard working career women and the erotic scenes were very HOT!
Very nice winter read, I was smiling when I finished the book.
September 29, 2010
I loved the stories by Beverly Jenkins and Adrienne Byrd. Sexy and fun, they were great reads.
Not so crazy about the last story by Kimberly Kaye Terry. I just don't find the connection between the heroine and hero believable. I'm done with this last story yet, so perhaps by the end, I'll feel differently.
Not so crazy about the last story by Kimberly Kaye Terry. I just don't find the connection between the heroine and hero believable. I'm done with this last story yet, so perhaps by the end, I'll feel differently.
August 13, 2021
This was the hottest collection of short stories I've read since "The Pearl."
Really steamy stories that were a change of pace for me.
"Holiday Heat" by Beverly Jenkins where a masked ball leads to an unforgettable night for the two characters who hope to someday find out who the other was so they can pick up where they were forced to leave each other.
"Candy Christmas" by Adrianne Byrd...my first time reading anything by Ms. Byrd. Not sure I could read another story written by her since this one was so steamy. But the twist in the story was a good one.
"Chocolate Truffles" by Kimberly Kaye Terry was my second favorite of the three. Its always nice to read about a man who knows what he wants when he sees it yet treads carefully so he doesn't lose it.
Men are such fun, aren't they?
Really steamy stories that were a change of pace for me.
"Holiday Heat" by Beverly Jenkins where a masked ball leads to an unforgettable night for the two characters who hope to someday find out who the other was so they can pick up where they were forced to leave each other.
"Candy Christmas" by Adrianne Byrd...my first time reading anything by Ms. Byrd. Not sure I could read another story written by her since this one was so steamy. But the twist in the story was a good one.
"Chocolate Truffles" by Kimberly Kaye Terry was my second favorite of the three. Its always nice to read about a man who knows what he wants when he sees it yet treads carefully so he doesn't lose it.
Men are such fun, aren't they?
December 15, 2019
Three painful novellas tied unconvincingly to holidays.
November 19, 2019
Put me in the mood a lot great romantic twists 💯
November 11, 2010
APOOO Rating: 4
Amazon Rating: 4
Holiday Sizzle and Heat
Beverly Jenkins, Adrienne Byrd and Kimberly Kaye Terry have collaborated to bring readers three sexy holiday treats in Once Upon A Holiday. In Holiday Heat, by Beverly Jenkins, Eve Clark is a Federal ATF Agent stationed in Chicago. Eve loves her job and she has dedicated her life to her work. While visiting relatives, her cousin talks her into attending a masquerade ball where she meets a tall, sexy Centurion that heats her in more ways than one.
Montell Starks, in Adrienne Byrd’s Candy Christmas, is every woman’s desire.
Candace Lehane just doesn’t see what all the hoop-la is about. She has only one thing on her mind – becoming the next vice president at the advertising firm. Am unexpected European trip and mysteriously cancelled hotel reservations lead to an explosive affair that Candace does not want to end.
As he watched Camille do a victory dance in her office, Gideon knew she was someone he had to meet. After sharing a drink at the bar and a spontaneous erotic night, Gideon knew that this was the woman he had been waiting for. Kimberly Kaye Terry’s, Chocolate Truffles, shows that the things your heart desires most comes in all types of packages.
All three stories had me on the edge as I turned each heated page to see what would happen next. If I had to rate them individually, I would give Jenkins and Byrd five stars for the passion, romance and heat that flowed between the characters. Terry’s story was sexy but it left you wanting more after reading the first two. This is definitely a collection of stories to read to heat up the holidays.
The book was provided by Beverly Jenkins for review.
Priscilla C. Johnson
APOOO BookClub
Amazon Rating: 4
Holiday Sizzle and Heat
Beverly Jenkins, Adrienne Byrd and Kimberly Kaye Terry have collaborated to bring readers three sexy holiday treats in Once Upon A Holiday. In Holiday Heat, by Beverly Jenkins, Eve Clark is a Federal ATF Agent stationed in Chicago. Eve loves her job and she has dedicated her life to her work. While visiting relatives, her cousin talks her into attending a masquerade ball where she meets a tall, sexy Centurion that heats her in more ways than one.
Montell Starks, in Adrienne Byrd’s Candy Christmas, is every woman’s desire.
Candace Lehane just doesn’t see what all the hoop-la is about. She has only one thing on her mind – becoming the next vice president at the advertising firm. Am unexpected European trip and mysteriously cancelled hotel reservations lead to an explosive affair that Candace does not want to end.
As he watched Camille do a victory dance in her office, Gideon knew she was someone he had to meet. After sharing a drink at the bar and a spontaneous erotic night, Gideon knew that this was the woman he had been waiting for. Kimberly Kaye Terry’s, Chocolate Truffles, shows that the things your heart desires most comes in all types of packages.
All three stories had me on the edge as I turned each heated page to see what would happen next. If I had to rate them individually, I would give Jenkins and Byrd five stars for the passion, romance and heat that flowed between the characters. Terry’s story was sexy but it left you wanting more after reading the first two. This is definitely a collection of stories to read to heat up the holidays.
The book was provided by Beverly Jenkins for review.
Priscilla C. Johnson
APOOO BookClub
November 7, 2018
This was an okay enough read, i didn't really care for it which is very surprising because i have enjoyed everything that Beverly has released, But this was definitely a no from me.
I can't really say that i really remember much from this story, which says a lot. I found it kind of boring and was ecstatic that this was not a full length novel.
I can't really say that i really remember much from this story, which says a lot. I found it kind of boring and was ecstatic that this was not a full length novel.
December 14, 2010
Once Upon a Holiday
Overall Rating: 3.5 out of 5
There is nothing like a super sexy story to heat up the days before Christmas. Once Upon a Holiday contains 3 sizzling stories to make your season merry…or so the tag line would have you believe.
Holiday Heat, Candy Christmas and Chocolate Truffles are cute and sexy reads. Candy Christmas turned out to be my favourite. I enjoyed every story, they were well written and the characters likeable, but I didn’t feel overwhelmingly festive when I’d finished the book.
The relationships between all the lead heroes and heroines are sizzling. The sex scenes are luscious. I thoroughly enjoyed the initial scene between Eve and Leyton (I don’t want to give too much away, hence the lack of description!).
I did, however, feel unfulfilled, mainly on the festive front.
Overall, a jolly good read, especially of you are a fan of contemporary erotic romance.
Overall Rating: 3.5 out of 5
There is nothing like a super sexy story to heat up the days before Christmas. Once Upon a Holiday contains 3 sizzling stories to make your season merry…or so the tag line would have you believe.
Holiday Heat, Candy Christmas and Chocolate Truffles are cute and sexy reads. Candy Christmas turned out to be my favourite. I enjoyed every story, they were well written and the characters likeable, but I didn’t feel overwhelmingly festive when I’d finished the book.
The relationships between all the lead heroes and heroines are sizzling. The sex scenes are luscious. I thoroughly enjoyed the initial scene between Eve and Leyton (I don’t want to give too much away, hence the lack of description!).
I did, however, feel unfulfilled, mainly on the festive front.
Overall, a jolly good read, especially of you are a fan of contemporary erotic romance.
May 12, 2014
Great stories (3) and just in time for the holidays.
The third story, "Chocolate Truffles" by Kimberly Kaye Terry mentions (briefly) Kwanzaa and Hanukkah, which we don't see in a lot of fiction period. Great story!
The third story, "Chocolate Truffles" by Kimberly Kaye Terry mentions (briefly) Kwanzaa and Hanukkah, which we don't see in a lot of fiction period. Great story!
February 16, 2013
Holiday Heat by Beverly Jenkins made me wish something like that would happen to me.
Candy Christmas by Adrianne Byrd was a good addition to the book.
Chocalate Truffles by Kimberly Kaye Terry, never had an instructor like that.
Candy Christmas by Adrianne Byrd was a good addition to the book.
Chocalate Truffles by Kimberly Kaye Terry, never had an instructor like that.
January 12, 2011
I only read Beverly Jenkins story in this book. As far as I'm concerned the woman can't write a bad story!
December 22, 2010
Normally I don't like these short Christmas stories...usually they are too sappy, but this one was pretty good. Pretty hot and steamy too...lol
October 30, 2012
A romance novel with 3 books. If you want to be taken away, this is it.
August 29, 2013
Read one story in this book, you've read them all. Disappointed.
Read
May 19, 2014(blank)
March 11, 2016
Good steamy read.
November 7, 2014
Holiday Heat & Candy Christmas are just average short stories....Chocolate Truffles is the best in this bunch!!!
January 14, 2016
I love how it wasn't your average romance novel. It was great to see strong and beautiful individuals passionate about their work and each other. A great read!!
December 17, 2013
FANTASTIC!!!!
Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews