Customer Reviews

Once Upon a Holiday: Holiday Heat\Candy Christmas\Chocolate Truffles (Arabesque)

5 star:		(11)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I'm sure you'll enjoy these 3 short stories as much as I did; Holiday Heat by Beverly Jenkins featured ATF agent Eve Clark throwing away her inhibitions at her cousins urging to attend a masked ball and meets fire investigator Leyton Palmer where they have one explosive night of passion and then go their seperate ways until they unknowingly work together on an arson case where the flames ignites again.

Adrianne Byrd's Candy Christmas was my favorite of the 3 because of the chemistry between Candy Lahane and Montel Starks. They were frienemies fighting to become the next VP of advertising. Their chemistry was explosive and Montel had a witty sense of humor and was just so bold, I loved him and didn't want this story to end.

Kimbery Kaye Terry's Chocolate Truffles featured teaching instructor Gideon Taber and Camille Jackson who met when Camille unknowingly did a celebratory dance in the elevator after receiving a promotion. They proceed to share a drink where the sparks fly and they share a passionate night. Gideon awakes for another dose of fire but finds and empty bed and is upset until Cami shows up as a student in his class where the sparks are ignited again.

These authors did a great job and I enjoyed all of these stories and would highly recommed.

Beverly Jenkin's leads the way in this holiday read by introducing Agent Eve Clark, who is dedicated to her career and wants to be judged on her capabilities instead of her beauty and curvaceous assets. With reservations, Eve dons a sexy cat suit designed by her capricious cousin and assumes the personality of the goddess Oya and attends a masquerade ball. Leyton Palmer attends this ball as an assignment for additional security and is stunned with the entrance of the sexy mystery lady in the enticing black costume that has every man's attention.

Adrianne Byrd isn't short stepping with competitors Candy Lahane and Montel Starks as they spar for a key position on their job. Bets are flying, sparks are ignited, heads are spinning, and looks are mos def deceiving in this hot and spicy saga.

Lastly Kimberly Kay Terry lures the reader in with a touch of humor as Camille Jackson displays her excitement and joy with hot moves meant for her eyes only. Gideon Taber just happens to witness this scene and attempts to assuage her embarrassment with drinks which turn into a night of electrifying, mind-blowing lust that proves to be unforgettable for either participant.

Once Upon A Holiday's synopsis in no way prepares you for the erotic or explicit scenes that unfold between the pages of this inconspicuous sounding anthology. Smoldering sex, fascinating and vivid illustrated scenes complete with fascinating characters and plots make this a stunning read! All of the authors placed their ultimate stamp on their short story with brilliance! Great job!! 4.45

Your holiday gift comes early with this book! I THROUGHLY enjoyed this book! Beverly Jenkins, Adrianne Byrd and Kimberly Kaye Terry deliver a three level gift wrapped HOT, EROTIC and ROMANCE that really makes a mistletoe look - well kind of small...

Ms. Jenkins' Holiday Heat - starts witha halloween party and ends with holiday cheer! Eve Clark is baaaad! She is a warior and Leyton Palmer is the alpha male she needs, the romance here is true B. Jenkins and I love it!

Ms. Byrd's Candy Christmas is only read with OVEN MITTS!!!! OMG! The chemistry between Monty & Candy is amazing and the office setting/characters - the ofice gamblers makes the story soooooo good! The twist at the end is perfect!

Ms. Terry - the Queen of inter racial romance delivers a wonderful story between Cami and Gideon is perfect! I love Cami and her complex life, the relationship with her mother too!

This is a great book - it just came out a bit too soon...! :) But I am not complaining abut the early release!

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

I read this book on a cold day, and honey I had to get the fans out.
This was a great book, I have been a fan of Ms. Byrd. This was the first anthology I have read with Kimberly Kaye Terry, and they was all great together. Each story got hoter and off the damn hook. The holidays never looked so damn good, I wish I could tell you all about the book but it was so damn HOT you will have a ball with your man or woman. The ladies did the damn thang, I am now a fan of all the ladies and can't wait for the next one from any of them. I don't know who I liked the most, but Ms. Adrianne had me on the edge of my seat and when you read it you will see why. lol
If you don't have it get it NOW!

This book has some wonderful short stories that are easy to read and very romatic. If you want to read a story that is quick and with a happy ending, read this book. Beverly Jenkins is one of the authors and has written some excellent historical romance novels as well as some contempory romance novels with a lot of action encorporated in the story.

Holiday Heat by Beverly Jenkins was a great story and I loved it so much that I'm reading it again right now. Keep up the good work Bev. Candy Christmas by: Adrianne Byrd was my first story that I've read by this author and I have to say that I felt like Montel Starks was my man instead of Candy's, but They are definitely a HOT!!! couple. Chocolate Truffles by: Kimberly Kaye Terry was alright,however I've read better stories by her.

Holiday Heat by Beverly Jenkins

This was a good story! The dialogue was sharp and strong, and it was the biggest hook for me. The second hook would be Eve Clark. She's in a career that is mostly led by men. She's earned her place and intends to keep it. She doesn't have to make demands for equality. She comes by it quickly with strong, icy words that cut egotistical jerks off at the... well, you know. She's good. She sharp. She can handle it all. Except for play time. The main characters were well matched. Leyton Palmer is also career oriented to a fault. Together they get the play time down pat.
Candy Christmas by Adrianne Byrd

Once again, I was caught by dialogue. The conversations between Starks and Lahane had me barking out in laughter multiple times. And speaking of multiple... yeah, you know what I mean. Byrd knows sex, and has it down to the bare bones. I've never read sex like this. I won't hide the fact that I had to consult with google on a couple of things. It was good, and interesting. Best part of this story was a fantastic twist that made me gasp, because I truly wasn't expecting it.

Chocolate Truffles by Kimberly Kaye Terry

While I always enjoy a male lead who knows how to take what he wants it was refreshing to have one who took a step back. That's not to say he didn't tease the leading lady into near insanity before he walked out the door. A little tease like that pulls you right along. This is straightforward story without a lot of twists and turns. It was sweet with small gestures that make a big difference.

This book will make you want to rewind the clock and give your significant other a real Christmas present.

*I received this eGalley free in exchange for an honest review.

Three hot stories by 3 talented authors. My favorite is Holiday Heat by Beverly Jenkins, but I thoroughly enjoyed all 3 stories. Talk about hot! Whew, now this is the way to celebrate the holidays.

These three stories were great reads. I really enjoyed "Candy Christmas" by Adrianne Bryd. The story was Hot! Hot! Hot!. Montel did his thing in her office. I mean right there for there for the window washer to see. I don't want to give the story away. I was pleasantly surprised once I found out about there supposedly love/hate relationship. I think they were a perfectly good match.