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The Perfect Present
Make your heart merry and unwrap these delightful stories of seasonal romance . . .
A CHRISTMAS LAYOVER Rochelle Alers
When Navy SEAL Captain Noah Crawford and elementary school teacher Sierra Nelson meet on a plane headed east from San Diego, they're glad to pass the time in friendly conversation. But when a freak storm grounds them, Sierra offers Noah a place to spend the night--with her extended family, all of whom assume they're a couple. And as the holiday spirit infuses every moment they spend together, they both begin to wonder if a relationship is a special gift they didn't expect . . .
THE CHRISTMAS LESSON Cheris Hodges
Kayla Matthews isn't looking forward to heading home this Christmas. Divorced and struggling, nothing has turned out the way she expected--including her childhood friend, DeShawn Carter. Now the high school principal, he's also the kind of man she's always dreamed about. But before the holidays are over, Kayla has a chance to reclaim everything she once thought she wanted--or prove to DeShawn that they have a second chance worth celebrating . . .
CHRISTMAS WITH YOU Pamela Yaye
Celebrity stylist Maya Malone can't find anything joyous about the season, not since her ex-fiance left her on Christmas Eve. But one look at suave, sexy sports agent Marc Cunningham is almost enough to change her mind. Their instant attraction feels like the best sort of present, except for one very large obstacle--Maya's NFL star big brother, Marc's new client. It will take more than holiday spirit to convince everyone involved that Marc and Maya's connection will make the angels sing . . .
A CHRISTMAS LAYOVER Rochelle Alers
When Navy SEAL Captain Noah Crawford and elementary school teacher Sierra Nelson meet on a plane headed east from San Diego, they're glad to pass the time in friendly conversation. But when a freak storm grounds them, Sierra offers Noah a place to spend the night--with her extended family, all of whom assume they're a couple. And as the holiday spirit infuses every moment they spend together, they both begin to wonder if a relationship is a special gift they didn't expect . . .
THE CHRISTMAS LESSON Cheris Hodges
Kayla Matthews isn't looking forward to heading home this Christmas. Divorced and struggling, nothing has turned out the way she expected--including her childhood friend, DeShawn Carter. Now the high school principal, he's also the kind of man she's always dreamed about. But before the holidays are over, Kayla has a chance to reclaim everything she once thought she wanted--or prove to DeShawn that they have a second chance worth celebrating . . .
CHRISTMAS WITH YOU Pamela Yaye
Celebrity stylist Maya Malone can't find anything joyous about the season, not since her ex-fiance left her on Christmas Eve. But one look at suave, sexy sports agent Marc Cunningham is almost enough to change her mind. Their instant attraction feels like the best sort of present, except for one very large obstacle--Maya's NFL star big brother, Marc's new client. It will take more than holiday spirit to convince everyone involved that Marc and Maya's connection will make the angels sing . . .
306 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 26, 2017
78 people are currently reading
98 people want to read
About the author
Rochelle Alers
222 books1,060 followersRochelle Alers was born in Manhattan, New York, USA, where she raised. She obtained degrees in Sociology and Psychology, before started to work. She is a member of the Iota Theta Zeta Chapter of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc., and her interests include gourmet cooking and traveling. She has traveled to countries in North, Central and South America, and Europe. She is also in accomplished in knitting, crocheting and needlepoint.
Published since 1988, today a full-time writer, has been hailed by readers and booksellers alike as one of today's most prolific and popular African-American authors of romance and women's fiction. With more than fifty titles and nearly two million copies of her novels in print, she is a regular on the Waldenbooks, Borders and Essence bestseller lists, regularly chosen by Black Expressions Book Club, and has been the recipient of numerous awards, including the Gold Pen Award, the Emma Award, Vivian Stephens Award for Excellence in Romance Writing, the Romantic Times Career Achievement Award and the Zora Neale Hurston Literary Award. She also wrote as Susan James and Rena McLeary.
Rochelle Alers lives in a charming hamlet on Long Island.
Published since 1988, today a full-time writer, has been hailed by readers and booksellers alike as one of today's most prolific and popular African-American authors of romance and women's fiction. With more than fifty titles and nearly two million copies of her novels in print, she is a regular on the Waldenbooks, Borders and Essence bestseller lists, regularly chosen by Black Expressions Book Club, and has been the recipient of numerous awards, including the Gold Pen Award, the Emma Award, Vivian Stephens Award for Excellence in Romance Writing, the Romantic Times Career Achievement Award and the Zora Neale Hurston Literary Award. She also wrote as Susan James and Rena McLeary.
Rochelle Alers lives in a charming hamlet on Long Island.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews
September 23, 2017
E-ARC is received thanks to the publisher via Netgalley.
A CHRISTMAS LAYOVER by Rochelle Alers (3/5 stars)
I really like the story and the characters, although I do feel like the writing's a bit...showy? I prefer my romance with less telling to it, if you get my drift.
THE CHRISTMAS LESSON by Cheris Hodges (1.5/5 stars)
It had a potential to be great--two old besties reconnecting and having a second chance at love? YES. However, the plot's littered with unnecessary drama and it marred my enjoyment.
CHRISTMAS WITH YOU Pamela Yaye (DNF)
I just can't get into this at all, ugh sorry.
Overall, 2 stars.
A CHRISTMAS LAYOVER by Rochelle Alers (3/5 stars)
I really like the story and the characters, although I do feel like the writing's a bit...showy? I prefer my romance with less telling to it, if you get my drift.
THE CHRISTMAS LESSON by Cheris Hodges (1.5/5 stars)
It had a potential to be great--two old besties reconnecting and having a second chance at love? YES. However, the plot's littered with unnecessary drama and it marred my enjoyment.
CHRISTMAS WITH YOU Pamela Yaye (DNF)
I just can't get into this at all, ugh sorry.
Overall, 2 stars.
September 26, 2017
The Perfect Present
Christmas short story collection
If you are looking for a book with multicultural romance novellas with a Christmas theme then this book just might be for you. Three short stories with happy endings for all of the characters all wrapped up with a Christmas bow.
A Christmas Layover by Rochelle Alers:
Two strangers meet on a plane and get stuck in Chicago. Sierra invites Captain Noah Crawford to her parents’ house to stay till he can fly to his destination and the two are thought to be a couple…play the part well…and admit feelings for one another before he flies away.
The Christmas Lesson by Cheris Hodges
High school friends that were almost more are given a chance to see if they can find love when Kayla returns home for the holidays. There is a bit of a financial problem at the school DeShawn is principal of that Kayla uses her skills to help out with.
Christmas with You by Pamela Yaye
Marc sees Maya and is stunned. There is a one night hookup that eventually becomes more even with a big brother trying to put a spanner in the works.
Thank you to NetGalley and Kensington Books for the ARC – This is my honest review.
3-4 Stars
Christmas short story collection
If you are looking for a book with multicultural romance novellas with a Christmas theme then this book just might be for you. Three short stories with happy endings for all of the characters all wrapped up with a Christmas bow.
A Christmas Layover by Rochelle Alers:
Two strangers meet on a plane and get stuck in Chicago. Sierra invites Captain Noah Crawford to her parents’ house to stay till he can fly to his destination and the two are thought to be a couple…play the part well…and admit feelings for one another before he flies away.
The Christmas Lesson by Cheris Hodges
High school friends that were almost more are given a chance to see if they can find love when Kayla returns home for the holidays. There is a bit of a financial problem at the school DeShawn is principal of that Kayla uses her skills to help out with.
Christmas with You by Pamela Yaye
Marc sees Maya and is stunned. There is a one night hookup that eventually becomes more even with a big brother trying to put a spanner in the works.
Thank you to NetGalley and Kensington Books for the ARC – This is my honest review.
3-4 Stars
October 3, 2017
I found all three of these books fun to read and each full of romance, intrigue, and at times some good hot love scenes. Plenty of dancing, and celebrating the holiday season with just enough drama with either family, or breaking up and finding that love you thought had walked away only to see her come back years later, or connecting with someone on a plane, and then meeting someone at a dinner, dance function only to realize that she is the sister to the person you represent, he is a sports agent. All three stories are very good, and all have good male and female characters. They also all have strong mothers who get their children no matter what their age to do what they want them to do. A very good book all the way around. I got this book from Netgalley.com I gave it 5 stars. Follow us at www.1rad-readerreviews.com
November 29, 2025
Three separate Christmas romance stories in one book.
Spice level -2.5 🔥🔥
Warm and fuzzy, quick read
Spice level -2.5 🔥🔥
Warm and fuzzy, quick read
February 21, 2021
Anthologies are tough - which is also why my tags are so WTF.
I finished the first novella.
DNF'd the 2nd.
Tried the 3rd and DNF'd that one too.
The narrator was ... ok. 😅 initially her men's voices made me laugh because it was so ... so. but anyway.
Christmas Layover by Rochelle Alers - it requires a LOT of suspension of disbelief. First of all, Sierra meets Noah on the plane - they chat on the flight ... and because he's a military man and she's from a military family, she offers her parents place for him to crash instead of being stranded in the airport and sleeping there.
I don't know if we would even call this a "closed door" romance since they don't even have sex behind a closed door. I mean they literally just met each other. But what requires suspension of disbelief is that Sierra's brother picks them up, and assumes his sister - who seemingly brought a man home for the holidays - is with her boyfriend. ALL she has to do is say "oh no - he's not my boyfriend; he's someone I met but offered a place to stay because he's in the military and was nice on the flight." Basic hospitality. [Well I mean, very generous hospitality - but reasonable.]
But nope! She just ... goes all "OH YES THIS IS MY BOYFRIEND."
And THEN Noah just ... GOES WITH IT.
Like they're in this play.
But ... of course in what, 2? days ?2.5 they form strong feelings. Granted they do have to playact like a couple and act affectionate ... but still.
However when Noah pops up again - because obviously once the weather clears and flights resume he does have to go to his family for Christmas - but AFTER - once they're all home ... that was cute.
Kinda wish there'd been more there for us to see.
But considering how cute it was and sweet - and the no door no sex :P but it's clear there's the strong attraction and such -
C - - I think
The Christmas Lesson by Cheris Hodges -
The 2nd, I listened to an hour that was nearly all toxic family shit. Her shitty husband, her absolute shit sister, her okay mom but that let her sister get away with shitty stuff...
It'd be like her sister would say "well you're too stupid fat and ugly to keep a husband anyway" and the heroine would say "shut your fucking mouth" and the mom would be like "GIRLS! YOU'RE BOTH BAD - NOW BE NICE AND MAKE UP!" ...
...
uhhhh.
[Which also sure - I probably feel some type of way about that because hello] - but look I don't need to listen to hours of that.
Especially the weirdness with the hero and his girlfriend/not girlfriend...
The epilogue was ok but nothing that made me think "well damn I should actually listen to all of that" so :X unfortunately, I don't know that Cheris Hodges is the author for me.
[And that's totally cool - clearly a lot of other people like her which is great.]
For Christmas With You by Pamela Yaye... ok so I was already :| from trying to listen to the CH.
Marc seems like a good guy.
I don't think I even met Maya.
But Marc's mom is 😒 - she seemed pretty shitty. AND also - the football client.
Like... WTAF. How do you get to be a pro and blow off practices and games? That's some johnny manziel type shit and he lasted what, one? two? seasons?
Fucker.
Also - why would Marc be the bad guy here?
Hell look at Dwayne Haskins :X
So it was ridiculously unrealistic and ugh and look I don't need to listen to ANYONE be berated and verbally abused.
Especially not by a spoiled manbaby.
>.> TBH I was hoping each novella had been published individually so I could review one for the TBR challenge - but that doesn't seem to have been the case. Annnnd yeah.
I finished the first novella.
DNF'd the 2nd.
Tried the 3rd and DNF'd that one too.
The narrator was ... ok. 😅 initially her men's voices made me laugh because it was so ... so. but anyway.
Christmas Layover by Rochelle Alers - it requires a LOT of suspension of disbelief. First of all, Sierra meets Noah on the plane - they chat on the flight ... and because he's a military man and she's from a military family, she offers her parents place for him to crash instead of being stranded in the airport and sleeping there.
I don't know if we would even call this a "closed door" romance since they don't even have sex behind a closed door. I mean they literally just met each other. But what requires suspension of disbelief is that Sierra's brother picks them up, and assumes his sister - who seemingly brought a man home for the holidays - is with her boyfriend. ALL she has to do is say "oh no - he's not my boyfriend; he's someone I met but offered a place to stay because he's in the military and was nice on the flight." Basic hospitality. [Well I mean, very generous hospitality - but reasonable.]
But nope! She just ... goes all "OH YES THIS IS MY BOYFRIEND."
And THEN Noah just ... GOES WITH IT.
Like they're in this play.
But ... of course in what, 2? days ?2.5 they form strong feelings. Granted they do have to playact like a couple and act affectionate ... but still.
However when Noah pops up again - because obviously once the weather clears and flights resume he does have to go to his family for Christmas - but AFTER - once they're all home ... that was cute.
Kinda wish there'd been more there for us to see.
But considering how cute it was and sweet - and the no door no sex :P but it's clear there's the strong attraction and such -
C - - I think
The Christmas Lesson by Cheris Hodges -
The 2nd, I listened to an hour that was nearly all toxic family shit. Her shitty husband, her absolute shit sister, her okay mom but that let her sister get away with shitty stuff...
It'd be like her sister would say "well you're too stupid fat and ugly to keep a husband anyway" and the heroine would say "shut your fucking mouth" and the mom would be like "GIRLS! YOU'RE BOTH BAD - NOW BE NICE AND MAKE UP!" ...
...
uhhhh.
[Which also sure - I probably feel some type of way about that because hello] - but look I don't need to listen to hours of that.
Especially the weirdness with the hero and his girlfriend/not girlfriend...
The epilogue was ok but nothing that made me think "well damn I should actually listen to all of that" so :X unfortunately, I don't know that Cheris Hodges is the author for me.
[And that's totally cool - clearly a lot of other people like her which is great.]
For Christmas With You by Pamela Yaye... ok so I was already :| from trying to listen to the CH.
Marc seems like a good guy.
I don't think I even met Maya.
But Marc's mom is 😒 - she seemed pretty shitty. AND also - the football client.
Like... WTAF. How do you get to be a pro and blow off practices and games? That's some johnny manziel type shit and he lasted what, one? two? seasons?
Fucker.
Also - why would Marc be the bad guy here?
Hell look at Dwayne Haskins :X
So it was ridiculously unrealistic and ugh and look I don't need to listen to ANYONE be berated and verbally abused.
Especially not by a spoiled manbaby.
>.> TBH I was hoping each novella had been published individually so I could review one for the TBR challenge - but that doesn't seem to have been the case. Annnnd yeah.
December 20, 2020
I’m a huge Rochelle Alers fan and must admit I was interested in this Christmas anthology solely because of her. I think in a world of same-y Christmas romances, this Black romance anthology features a lot of Black excellence whilst still bringing a lot of emotion and drama, and of course, all the Christmas cheer, coincidences, and Deus Ex miracles you want in a Christmas Romance.
In Rochelle Alers’ A Christmas Layover, Navy Seal Captain Noah meets schoolteacher Sierra when they sit next to each other on a flight. When bad weather cancels Noah’s trip home, Sierra invites him to spend Christmas with her multigenerational family, and somehow they get stuck in a pretend relationship rather than acknowledging the basic strangers that they are. This was everything warm, black excellence and super traditional but still sexy, that you can expect from Rochelle Alers. Family was a major theme as was respect and it was great to see a functional multigenerational successful Black family with military representation. The premise was a little out-there, but even though this was basically low heat, the tension and attraction was palpable and in its own quiet way, it was delightful and moreish and very cute. This would make a FANTASTIC Christmas romance movie.
Cheris Hodges’ The Christmas Lesson features childhood BFFs Kayla and DeShawn who for years his their feelings from each other until life separated them. Now years later Kayla is back in town after a divorce and DeShawn is going through work trouble, but sparks are flying and so trouble is a little less troublesome. This was a lovely second chance romance- not the most exciting, but it featured interesting family dynamics between two sisters with a lot of animosity between them, as well as the learning to love and trust again after heartbreak. The hero does date someone who’s not the heroine at the start of the book and later isn’t the nicest to her but she’s also not the nicest to him. This might bug you if you hate seeing MCs in other relationships within a romance, but overall, this was cute and would put you in the right mood for Christmas with the whole spirit of forgiveness and reconciliation,and the miracle of second chances.
In Christmas With You by Pamela Yaye, who’s a new-to-me author, sports agent Marc and stylist Maya hit it off at a Christmas only to discover her spoiled brat brother is Marc’s difficult NFL client. I spent much of this book annoyed with Marc whom I found INCREDIBLY untrustworthy and filled with f-boy ways! I liked this author’s writing but Marc definitely harshed the great Christmas vibe she created. I also could have done without the heroine’s controlling and toxic brother- it wasn’t cute and she shouldn’t have stood for that behaviour. I did like her female friendships and her eventual willingness to stand up for herself when push came to shove.
Overall, this was an interesting collection and I definitely would like to check out more books from these 3 authors.
In Rochelle Alers’ A Christmas Layover, Navy Seal Captain Noah meets schoolteacher Sierra when they sit next to each other on a flight. When bad weather cancels Noah’s trip home, Sierra invites him to spend Christmas with her multigenerational family, and somehow they get stuck in a pretend relationship rather than acknowledging the basic strangers that they are. This was everything warm, black excellence and super traditional but still sexy, that you can expect from Rochelle Alers. Family was a major theme as was respect and it was great to see a functional multigenerational successful Black family with military representation. The premise was a little out-there, but even though this was basically low heat, the tension and attraction was palpable and in its own quiet way, it was delightful and moreish and very cute. This would make a FANTASTIC Christmas romance movie.
Cheris Hodges’ The Christmas Lesson features childhood BFFs Kayla and DeShawn who for years his their feelings from each other until life separated them. Now years later Kayla is back in town after a divorce and DeShawn is going through work trouble, but sparks are flying and so trouble is a little less troublesome. This was a lovely second chance romance- not the most exciting, but it featured interesting family dynamics between two sisters with a lot of animosity between them, as well as the learning to love and trust again after heartbreak. The hero does date someone who’s not the heroine at the start of the book and later isn’t the nicest to her but she’s also not the nicest to him. This might bug you if you hate seeing MCs in other relationships within a romance, but overall, this was cute and would put you in the right mood for Christmas with the whole spirit of forgiveness and reconciliation,and the miracle of second chances.
In Christmas With You by Pamela Yaye, who’s a new-to-me author, sports agent Marc and stylist Maya hit it off at a Christmas only to discover her spoiled brat brother is Marc’s difficult NFL client. I spent much of this book annoyed with Marc whom I found INCREDIBLY untrustworthy and filled with f-boy ways! I liked this author’s writing but Marc definitely harshed the great Christmas vibe she created. I also could have done without the heroine’s controlling and toxic brother- it wasn’t cute and she shouldn’t have stood for that behaviour. I did like her female friendships and her eventual willingness to stand up for herself when push came to shove.
Overall, this was an interesting collection and I definitely would like to check out more books from these 3 authors.
September 12, 2017
I received this book for free in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
It’s about to be Christmas in September. The Perfect Present is a holiday anthology by Rochelle Alers, Cheris Hodges, and Pamela Yaye. I appreciate these authors’ work and love the holidays (which will be upon us sooner than we think) so I was happy to dive into this book.
Christmas Layover by Rochelle Alers
This was a short, quick, and joyful read. I loved the familial bonds, holiday cheer, and love under the mistletoe that we got with this book. Nothing says holidays like bringing the family together, and taking your new man to meet your parents; even if it is all a ruse. However, I must say that I was not a fan of the “I love you” being exchanged literally two days after Noah and Sierra met each other. I know romance novels tend to have a whirlwind courtship but this was too much even for me.
The Christmas Lesson by Cheris Hodges
This was both a second chance and best friends to lovers novel. Kayla doesn’t want to go back to her small hometown (at least I get the feeling that it’s a small town) with her tail tucked between her legs but circumstances don’t give her any other option. The Christmas Lesson was a sugary sweet novel about falling in love with your best friend. At times, it might have been a little bit too sweet especially with DeShawn but in the spirit of the holidays, I can overlook it.
Christmas With You by Pamela Yaye
I’m sorry but Marc was too corny. He was supposed to be this suave and debonair guy but he came off as the opposite to me. Something about the dialogue between Maya and Marc was so stilted that at times I didn’t quite believe them. The holiday spirit infected everyone in this novel and the instant attraction between Marc and Maya promises them both something that may last beyond Christmas.
These stories may have suffered from the brevity needed for this anthology but if you’re open to a little bit of love for the holidays, check it out and let me know what you think.
It’s about to be Christmas in September. The Perfect Present is a holiday anthology by Rochelle Alers, Cheris Hodges, and Pamela Yaye. I appreciate these authors’ work and love the holidays (which will be upon us sooner than we think) so I was happy to dive into this book.
Christmas Layover by Rochelle Alers
This was a short, quick, and joyful read. I loved the familial bonds, holiday cheer, and love under the mistletoe that we got with this book. Nothing says holidays like bringing the family together, and taking your new man to meet your parents; even if it is all a ruse. However, I must say that I was not a fan of the “I love you” being exchanged literally two days after Noah and Sierra met each other. I know romance novels tend to have a whirlwind courtship but this was too much even for me.
The Christmas Lesson by Cheris Hodges
This was both a second chance and best friends to lovers novel. Kayla doesn’t want to go back to her small hometown (at least I get the feeling that it’s a small town) with her tail tucked between her legs but circumstances don’t give her any other option. The Christmas Lesson was a sugary sweet novel about falling in love with your best friend. At times, it might have been a little bit too sweet especially with DeShawn but in the spirit of the holidays, I can overlook it.
Christmas With You by Pamela Yaye
I’m sorry but Marc was too corny. He was supposed to be this suave and debonair guy but he came off as the opposite to me. Something about the dialogue between Maya and Marc was so stilted that at times I didn’t quite believe them. The holiday spirit infected everyone in this novel and the instant attraction between Marc and Maya promises them both something that may last beyond Christmas.
These stories may have suffered from the brevity needed for this anthology but if you’re open to a little bit of love for the holidays, check it out and let me know what you think.
September 12, 2017
It’s about to be Christmas in September. The Perfect Present is a holiday anthology by Rochelle Alers, Cheris Hodges, and Pamela Yaye. I appreciate these authors’ work and love the holidays (which will be upon us sooner than we think) so I was happy to dive into this book.
Christmas Layover by Rochelle Alers
This was a short, quick, and joyful read. I loved the familial bonds, holiday cheer, and love under the mistletoe that we got with this book. Nothing says holidays like bringing the family together, and taking your new man to meet your parents; even if it is all a ruse. However, I must say that I was not a fan of the “I love you” being exchanged literally two days after Noah and Sierra met each other. I know romance novels tend to have a whirlwind courtship but this was too much even for me.
The Christmas Lesson by Cheris Hodges
This was both a second chance and best friends to lovers novel. Kayla doesn’t want to go back to her small hometown (at least I get the feeling that it’s a small town) with her tail tucked between her legs but circumstances don’t give her any other option. The Christmas Lesson was a sugary sweet novel about falling in love with your best friend. At times, it might have been a little bit too sweet especially with DeShawn but in the spirit of the holidays, I can overlook it.
Christmas With You by Pamela Yaye
I’m sorry but Marc was too corny. He was supposed to be this suave and debonair guy but he came off as the opposite to me. Something about the dialogue between Maya and Marc was so stilted that at times I didn’t quite believe them. The holiday spirit infected everyone in this novel and the instant attraction between Marc and Maya promises them both something that may last beyond Christmas.
These stories may have suffered from the brevity needed for this anthology but if you’re open to a little bit of love for the holidays, check it out and let me know what you think.
Christmas Layover by Rochelle Alers
This was a short, quick, and joyful read. I loved the familial bonds, holiday cheer, and love under the mistletoe that we got with this book. Nothing says holidays like bringing the family together, and taking your new man to meet your parents; even if it is all a ruse. However, I must say that I was not a fan of the “I love you” being exchanged literally two days after Noah and Sierra met each other. I know romance novels tend to have a whirlwind courtship but this was too much even for me.
The Christmas Lesson by Cheris Hodges
This was both a second chance and best friends to lovers novel. Kayla doesn’t want to go back to her small hometown (at least I get the feeling that it’s a small town) with her tail tucked between her legs but circumstances don’t give her any other option. The Christmas Lesson was a sugary sweet novel about falling in love with your best friend. At times, it might have been a little bit too sweet especially with DeShawn but in the spirit of the holidays, I can overlook it.
Christmas With You by Pamela Yaye
I’m sorry but Marc was too corny. He was supposed to be this suave and debonair guy but he came off as the opposite to me. Something about the dialogue between Maya and Marc was so stilted that at times I didn’t quite believe them. The holiday spirit infected everyone in this novel and the instant attraction between Marc and Maya promises them both something that may last beyond Christmas.
These stories may have suffered from the brevity needed for this anthology but if you’re open to a little bit of love for the holidays, check it out and let me know what you think.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 23, 2021
The Perfect Present by Rochelle Alers, Cheris Hodges, and Pamela Yaye 368 pages
Genre: Contemporary Romance, Holiday - Christmas, New Year's
Featuring: Travel, Military, Family Dynamics, Sex - detailed, Education, Sports, Some Profanity
Rating as a movie: NC-17 for sexual content
My rating: ⭐⭐⭐
My thoughts:
A Christmas Layover by Rochelle Alers 3/5
This story was okay. I have read Rochelle Alers books before and they tend to be tasteful and she likes to use the word exquisite a lot. This story was a bit overdone but consistent with her style and achieved the goal of telling a complete story in 8 chapters.
The Christmas Lesson by Cheris Hodges 3/5
This story started off good but had a lot of gaps and loose ends as it continued. The first half was a 3.5 and the second half a 2.5 so it got a 3. It was better than the first story until it took an odd turn and left me hanging. I would be interested in reading a complete story by this author.
Christmas With You by Pamela Yaye 3/5
This was the weakest story of the trio. It was all over the place and not as believable as the other characters. It had it's moments both good and bad and overall was just okay, not an author I would seek out based on this story.
This collection was just alright. Every story had flaws that worked against it's plot. The stories weren't bad but they weren't great either just middle-of-the-road holiday novellas. Something to read when you're not picky. The first story felt like it didn't belong with the other 2 which were steamier and could be both labeled Urban Fiction.
Recommend to others?: Eh. It can go either way. If you just need something to get you through the weekend and you don't mind steamy scenes this could be an option. If you're looking for a good Christmas Romance on limited time, I would skip this collection.
Genre: Contemporary Romance, Holiday - Christmas, New Year's
Featuring: Travel, Military, Family Dynamics, Sex - detailed, Education, Sports, Some Profanity
Rating as a movie: NC-17 for sexual content
My rating: ⭐⭐⭐
My thoughts:
A Christmas Layover by Rochelle Alers 3/5
This story was okay. I have read Rochelle Alers books before and they tend to be tasteful and she likes to use the word exquisite a lot. This story was a bit overdone but consistent with her style and achieved the goal of telling a complete story in 8 chapters.
The Christmas Lesson by Cheris Hodges 3/5
This story started off good but had a lot of gaps and loose ends as it continued. The first half was a 3.5 and the second half a 2.5 so it got a 3. It was better than the first story until it took an odd turn and left me hanging. I would be interested in reading a complete story by this author.
Christmas With You by Pamela Yaye 3/5
This was the weakest story of the trio. It was all over the place and not as believable as the other characters. It had it's moments both good and bad and overall was just okay, not an author I would seek out based on this story.
This collection was just alright. Every story had flaws that worked against it's plot. The stories weren't bad but they weren't great either just middle-of-the-road holiday novellas. Something to read when you're not picky. The first story felt like it didn't belong with the other 2 which were steamier and could be both labeled Urban Fiction.
Recommend to others?: Eh. It can go either way. If you just need something to get you through the weekend and you don't mind steamy scenes this could be an option. If you're looking for a good Christmas Romance on limited time, I would skip this collection.
February 25, 2018
This book contains three short novellas in one. Each is about 100 pages. The first story is A Christmas Layover by Rochelle Aleta, the second is The Christmas Lesson by Cheri’s Hodges and the third was Christmas With You by Pamela Yaye. I really enjoyed the first two stories, but didn’t really care for the third one. The first story has a teacher meeting a serviceman on the flight from LA, home to Chicago for Christmas. Yes it is quite amazing how easily it is accepted that she has brought a man home by a household of alpha military men, but at least the two main characters had a connection and were likeable. I also loved the large family atmosphere and the perfect family Christmas events:).
The second story has Kayla returning home to North Carolina after a nasty divorce. She immediately meets up with her best friend from high school. It turns out they both wanted it to be more than friends so the relationship moves fast, but still seems realistic. The story also features a sideline of a problematic sisterly relationship which gets ironed out. The main character of this story reminds me of a blogger I read:)
The third story, I found annoying and I found myself skipping paragraphs just to be done it. It has the magic moment across the dance floor, not once, but twice. Instantaneous attraction, a one night stand, and the obnoxious overbearing brother. I just felt like if the heroine was staying true to her character she wouldn’t have let her brother dictate her life. There were way too many baby’s and darlings and the main character didn’t seem genuine.
All in all, three quick Christmas reads to help anyone get into the Christmas mood.
The second story has Kayla returning home to North Carolina after a nasty divorce. She immediately meets up with her best friend from high school. It turns out they both wanted it to be more than friends so the relationship moves fast, but still seems realistic. The story also features a sideline of a problematic sisterly relationship which gets ironed out. The main character of this story reminds me of a blogger I read:)
The third story, I found annoying and I found myself skipping paragraphs just to be done it. It has the magic moment across the dance floor, not once, but twice. Instantaneous attraction, a one night stand, and the obnoxious overbearing brother. I just felt like if the heroine was staying true to her character she wouldn’t have let her brother dictate her life. There were way too many baby’s and darlings and the main character didn’t seem genuine.
All in all, three quick Christmas reads to help anyone get into the Christmas mood.
October 9, 2017
Christmas came early with this trio of stories
Noah and Sierra was a sweet love at first sight story. Where a chance encounter lead them on a world-class trip of exploration. Based in the windy city, it had the perfect backdrop of snow and what happens when one takes a chance on a stranger.
The next story is a second chance at love story. It started ten years prior with youthful innocence between best friends who were reluctant to go further. However as Kayla experienced a failed marriage that brought her back to Charlotte. A new leash on life with reconciliation between her sister Autumn, and Detrick always being the man of her dreams.
Wrapping up we have the sweetness of risks being taken as Maya finds herself entangled in a relationship with her brothers agent. It was a you had me at hello romance, as Marc was confident and walked as well as talked with a purpose as he perused Maya. The relationship was not without it's rough patches, but what one's knows is if anything is worth having it's worth fighting for.
You laugh, you'll choke up and root for the three couples. As love truly is worth the wait and sharing with someone who is as committed as you are. Good collaboration between the three authors.
Noah and Sierra was a sweet love at first sight story. Where a chance encounter lead them on a world-class trip of exploration. Based in the windy city, it had the perfect backdrop of snow and what happens when one takes a chance on a stranger.
The next story is a second chance at love story. It started ten years prior with youthful innocence between best friends who were reluctant to go further. However as Kayla experienced a failed marriage that brought her back to Charlotte. A new leash on life with reconciliation between her sister Autumn, and Detrick always being the man of her dreams.
Wrapping up we have the sweetness of risks being taken as Maya finds herself entangled in a relationship with her brothers agent. It was a you had me at hello romance, as Marc was confident and walked as well as talked with a purpose as he perused Maya. The relationship was not without it's rough patches, but what one's knows is if anything is worth having it's worth fighting for.
You laugh, you'll choke up and root for the three couples. As love truly is worth the wait and sharing with someone who is as committed as you are. Good collaboration between the three authors.
October 22, 2024
Noah and Sierra had such a cute story. This was a fake relationship that turned real. They met on a plane and she invited him home when his connecting flight was cancelled. After faking their relationship when her family got the wrong idea about them, they both decided they wanted the real thing. I enjoyed the flow of this story.
Kayla and DeDhaen were childhood best friends who never quite crossed the line even though they both wanted to. Now she is back in town and he is determined not to let this opportunity pass him by. Friends to lovers is my favorite and this story did not let me down.
Maya and Marc met at a charity event. They hit it off immediately. Then he found out she was his client's little sister. He wanted to back off but couldn't stop thinking about her. They began to date in secret. When their relationship is exposed to her brother, so are a few things Marc kept from her. I was actually okay with the third act break up in this story. I was happy they got to their happily ever after.
This was a great trio of stories.
Kayla and DeDhaen were childhood best friends who never quite crossed the line even though they both wanted to. Now she is back in town and he is determined not to let this opportunity pass him by. Friends to lovers is my favorite and this story did not let me down.
Maya and Marc met at a charity event. They hit it off immediately. Then he found out she was his client's little sister. He wanted to back off but couldn't stop thinking about her. They began to date in secret. When their relationship is exposed to her brother, so are a few things Marc kept from her. I was actually okay with the third act break up in this story. I was happy they got to their happily ever after.
This was a great trio of stories.
December 9, 2025
DNF'd at the end of Chapter 2 of the last story.
Yeah I'm too old to be reading about an immature FMC in her twenties and a lame 30-year-old MMC that the author is trying to convince us was actually married once. 😒 I refuse to waste another second on that novella.
I did, however, like the first book, but the FMC's sisters-in-law were hella weird. Nosy AF too. I chuckled when one of their husbands read his wife for filth about her complaints that her sons don't listen to her, and she left the room embarrassed as hell. Don't ask that man to handle it and then when he does, you don't like the result. Anywhoo, it was a very short novella so of course, it was rushed.
The second novella was cool. I just don't like when Mothers scold the daughter that is the 'victim' in sibling rivalries, instead of the daughter that's always starting shit. And Mom KNEW she was a shit starter, but wants the oldest daughter to 'be nice because it's Christmas'. 🙄😒 Lady, they're grown. Siddown somewhere.
Novellas 1 & 2 are the reason for the three stars.
Yeah I'm too old to be reading about an immature FMC in her twenties and a lame 30-year-old MMC that the author is trying to convince us was actually married once. 😒 I refuse to waste another second on that novella.
I did, however, like the first book, but the FMC's sisters-in-law were hella weird. Nosy AF too. I chuckled when one of their husbands read his wife for filth about her complaints that her sons don't listen to her, and she left the room embarrassed as hell. Don't ask that man to handle it and then when he does, you don't like the result. Anywhoo, it was a very short novella so of course, it was rushed.
The second novella was cool. I just don't like when Mothers scold the daughter that is the 'victim' in sibling rivalries, instead of the daughter that's always starting shit. And Mom KNEW she was a shit starter, but wants the oldest daughter to 'be nice because it's Christmas'. 🙄😒 Lady, they're grown. Siddown somewhere.
Novellas 1 & 2 are the reason for the three stars.
December 11, 2017
Rochelle Alers, Pamela Yaye and Cheris Hodges have teamed up to bring us three wonderful couples celebrating Christmas. I enjoyed reading the stories about Noah and Sierra, who get caught in Chicago because of a snow storm and pretend to be a couple in front of Sierra's family, Malik and Kayla, who were friends ten years ago in high school, but some unfortunate circumstances bring them back to the same town, and Marc ( A sport's agent) and Maya (a Celebrity stylist) who start off keeping their relationship a secret, until it blows up in their face. I enjoyed all three stories and they were all well written.
Thank you to Net Galley for an advance copy
Thank you to Net Galley for an advance copy
February 2, 2018
When (Navy SEAL Captain) Noah Crawford and (elementary school teacher) Sierra Nelson meet on a plane headed east from San Diego, they’re glad to pass the time in friendly conversation. But when a freak storm grounds him, Sierra offers Noah a place to spend the night—with her extended family, all of whom assume they’re a couple, so they play along. Oh, and they have to share a bedroom because the house is full. And as the holiday spirit infuses every moment they spend together, they both begin to wonder if a relationship is a special gift they didn’t expect . . .
While it is a little hard to perceive this happening, it's still a delightful romance
While it is a little hard to perceive this happening, it's still a delightful romance
December 22, 2022
The first story: A Christmas Layover by Rochelle Alers ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
I'm a huge fan of Ms Alers and I wanted a full story. This was the best story in the group. A different spin on the accidental relationship theme. There was so much chemistry between the two MC. Ms Alers included love, passion, family and holiday all in this short novel!
2nd story: The Christmas Lesson by Cheris Hodges ⭐⭐⭐
Another author that I am familiar with. This story lost a couple stars because I felt like there was too much drama in such a short story. However second chance romance is always a win for me.
3rd: Christmas With You by Pamela Yaye DNF
I'm a huge fan of Ms Alers and I wanted a full story. This was the best story in the group. A different spin on the accidental relationship theme. There was so much chemistry between the two MC. Ms Alers included love, passion, family and holiday all in this short novel!
2nd story: The Christmas Lesson by Cheris Hodges ⭐⭐⭐
Another author that I am familiar with. This story lost a couple stars because I felt like there was too much drama in such a short story. However second chance romance is always a win for me.
3rd: Christmas With You by Pamela Yaye DNF
October 19, 2020
A Christmas Layover was a great story!☆☆☆
Noah and Sierra were an unexpected sweet couple. Their meet cute was totally sweet. Sierra's family was fun, boisterous, supportive and loving.
The Christmas Lesson was good.☆☆
Kayla and DeShawn was a very sweet 2nd chance story. Kayla's sister was a total embarrassing pain.
Christmas With You could've been much better. ☆
Maya came off like a 22 year old college student, instead of a 28 year old entrepreneur. Mark was a bit wimpy. JeVonte was a jerkish brute.
Noah and Sierra were an unexpected sweet couple. Their meet cute was totally sweet. Sierra's family was fun, boisterous, supportive and loving.
The Christmas Lesson was good.☆☆
Kayla and DeShawn was a very sweet 2nd chance story. Kayla's sister was a total embarrassing pain.
Christmas With You could've been much better. ☆
Maya came off like a 22 year old college student, instead of a 28 year old entrepreneur. Mark was a bit wimpy. JeVonte was a jerkish brute.
October 21, 2017
Rochelle Alers, Cheris Hodges and Pamela Yaye together in one book. Three separate stories, written by three of the hottest names in AA Romance? Yes please and thank you! Team this up with the theme of love at the holidays, and you indeed have The Perfect Present. I loved all three stories, and would recommend this book to anyone looking for holiday themed romances, or just romance with just a bit of spice and suspense, with a dash of drama. Looking forward to seeing more from these authors!
November 13, 2017
This anthology of Christmas-themed stories was very cute. I particularly enjoyed the forced-proximity/snowbound/meet-cute first story, and the second-chance second story; the third one felt like it might have been by a newer author, as I found the writing clunky and the plot points heavy-handed. But I definitely look forward to reading more adorable Rochelle Alers stories and sexy Cheris Hodges stories!
March 1, 2019
I was given a digital copy of this title, free, in exchange for my honest opinion.
This is trio of novellas set around Christmas time. Though they follow the same theme -a romance being kindled around the holidays, they were all so very different. They each had a challenge to overcome, as well as some steamy sexy times. I enjoyed them all, but if I had to pick a favorite it would be A Christmas Layover by Rochelle Alers. I think that this would be a great pick to read around Christmas, especially if you are surrounded by snow.
This is trio of novellas set around Christmas time. Though they follow the same theme -a romance being kindled around the holidays, they were all so very different. They each had a challenge to overcome, as well as some steamy sexy times. I enjoyed them all, but if I had to pick a favorite it would be A Christmas Layover by Rochelle Alers. I think that this would be a great pick to read around Christmas, especially if you are surrounded by snow.
January 3, 2021
Mixed feelings
I enjoyed , "The Christmas Layover" most. It is this author's writing that I enjoy. Cherish Hodges, " The Christmas Lesson " was very enjoyable. I will be reading more of her works. Pamela Yaye's , "Christmas with You" was incomplete, in my opinion. Appears to be a good writer but the story drowned.
I enjoyed , "The Christmas Layover" most. It is this author's writing that I enjoy. Cherish Hodges, " The Christmas Lesson " was very enjoyable. I will be reading more of her works. Pamela Yaye's , "Christmas with You" was incomplete, in my opinion. Appears to be a good writer but the story drowned.
October 12, 2018
I enjoyed this trio of short stories but my favorite was A Christmas Layover by Rochelle Alers. I really wish there was an extension of this story because I want to know what happened with Noah Crawford & Sierra Nelson.
December 28, 2020
Loved the Cheris Hodges story, enjoyed the Pamela Yaye story. The Rochelle Ayers story was a bit clunky and contrived. Some weird gender feelings about all three of these. All in all, if you enjoy MF Christmas romances, it's worth picking up....
October 26, 2023
Of the three I enjoyed Christmas with you by Pamela Yaye the most. A Christmas Layover was so sweet Sierra and Nash's chance meeting was sweet and all of Nelson family love was the tops.The Christmas Lesson DeShawn and Kayla were made for each other. Autumn was a brat.
September 28, 2017
This Christmas-themed collection of stories from talented black women capture the spirit of the holiday season with the ever present romance that defines budding relationships.
November 5, 2017
Three quick holiday romances...they were all just okay for me!
November 15, 2017
The prefect holiday read
Wonderful book by three amazing authors. Rochelle Akers, Cheris Hodges and Pamela Yaye had great stories finding love for Christmas.
Wonderful book by three amazing authors. Rochelle Akers, Cheris Hodges and Pamela Yaye had great stories finding love for Christmas.
December 8, 2017
review to come
January 4, 2018
Really fun holiday themed stories. I really liked the Cheris Hodges's story, the middle one. Lots of interesting family dynamics and characters with depth.
December 18, 2017
I only read the first book and it was cute. The other two didn't interest me.
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