Review: The Perfect Present by Rochelle Alers, Cheris Hodges and Pamela Yaye

I received this book for free in exchange for an honest review.

The Perfect Present by Cheris Hodges, Pamela Yaye, Rochelle Alers
Published by Kensington on September 26th 2017
Genres: African American, Anthologies (multiple authors), Contemporary Women, Fiction, Multicultural & Interracial, Romance
Pages: 352
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three-stars

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-fiancé 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 . . .

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.

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Natalya

Natalya is an Account Manager by day and an editor and author's assistant to passionate creatives by night. When she is not adding to her enormous book collection or stationery supply, she is catching up on her favorite television shows.

Natalya is the author of All The Things I Never Said, a soul-stirring collection of short stories, prose and love letters for the soulful wanderers, the brokenhearted and the hopeless romantics.

You can follow her rantings and occasional sparks of brilliance on Twitter @NatalyaMuncuff.