<div>Heat up your holidays with this collection of sexy, festive stories from three contemporary romance authors. In Donna Hill&rsquo;s &ldquo;A Promise for the Holiday,&rdquo; restaurateur Mitch Davis has had his eye on real estate broker Cara Holiday for a while, but he can&rsquo;t seem to break the ice with the recent divorc&eacute;e&mdash;until he cooks up a scheme to hire her. When Cara starts enjoying Mitch&rsquo;s company, she secretly begins to draw out the process of selling his house. With this much deception, it&rsquo;ll be a Christmas miracle if their relationship makes it through the holidays . . . In Zuri Day&rsquo;s &ldquo;A Sexy Christmas Carol,&rdquo; Carol Robbins has moved back to Detroit in time for the holidays after years of travel working for a pop diva. And while she&rsquo;s bought a home and bonded with her family, her prospects for romance seem slim. But when she attends a VIP party and makes a surprising love connection, she&rsquo;s soon torn between her old &ldquo;big life&rdquo; and a man who may give her the greatest gift of all . . . And in Cheris Hodge&rsquo;s &ldquo;Christmas Surprise,&rdquo; Lola Yvonne Joseph is tired of coming second to her wealthy husband&rsquo;s career and is sending him a very special present this year: divorce papers. When she leaves Miami for the kind of wintery white Christmas she&rsquo;s always wanted, she definitely doesn&rsquo;t expect Jonathan to track her down. But when he does everything possible to win her back, she might need to gift him with a second chance at love . . .</div>

The One That I Want

<div>Both down-home sweet and seductive, Cheris Hodges's new novel is about breaking the rules, going back home. . .and finding more than your heart's desire. . . Celina Hart had security, a steady job, a predictable fiancé. . .and nothing that was making her truly happy. She gave it all up to gamble on her talent, and found success she'd never imagined as one of New York's hottest painters. But when she returns to her South Carolina hometown to care for her ailing father, she gets an even bigger surprise. That "bow-legged" neighbor's boy she used to play with has grown up into Darius McRae, a lawyer who gave up the D.C. fast-lane to get back to his roots. Now, Darius' dark-chocolate build and slow, easy smile are proving to be just as tempting as any city lights. . . The last thing Darius was looking for was a relationship. He'd been burned by too many women who put finance over romance--including his conniving ex-girlfriend Cortina. But Celina's sense of humor and unpretentious ways are igniting more than his passions. And when Cortina starts stirring up a mess of trouble, Darius will do whatever it takes to show Celina a home-grown love is a dream worth everything. . .</div>

Just Can't Get Enough

<div>She's So Not Having This Problem "I go on vacation in the Bahamas to celebrate my promotion and who do I see? Maurice Goings, NFL superstar, my high school and college sweetheart...the man who not only broke my heart, but drop-kicked it beyond repair. We were only a few weeks away from marriage when I caught him cheating on me. I changed schools, became a top lawyer, and swore that I'd never be hurt like that again. I don't care that Maurice is even finer than ever before, I'm not letting him fool me twice. . ." But He's Ready To Do Whatever It Takes. . . "I know I hurt Kenya a lot, but I really do love her. No matter how much she tries to push me away, fate keeps drawing us back into each other's arms--and God knows there's still so much sizzling chemistry between us. So this is my last chance to show her that she can trust me again. It's going to be the hardest thing I've ever done--but Kenya's worth it..."</div>

Let's Get It On

<div>He's One Mistake She Plans To Forget.  .  .    As maid-of-honor to a friend who's gone Bridezilla, Winfred "Freddie" Barker is dealing with minute-to-minute drama from her crazy-extravagant wedding. So when the ceremony is over and the reception starts heating up, Freddie blows off steam with a little champagne--and a lot of the best man, Cleveland Alexander. It was definitely going to be just a one-night fling, 'cause no woman in her right mind would fall for that man's arrogant, self-centered self, no matter how caramel-fine he is.  .  .  She's The One Woman He Can't Live Without.  .  .  As a hard-core bachelor, Cleveland Alexander was strictly all about beddin' and forgettin'. And the only reason he let Ms. Winfred Barker call his bluff was to put her stuck-up attitude in check. But once he sees how complicated and caring she really is, he'll do anything to help solve her problems--and convince her that the love between them is a lifetime of real.  .  .</div>

More Than He Can Handle

<div>Her Fantasy And His Reality. . . Classically trained actress Imani Gilliam is gifted, beautiful—and broke. Facing eviction, her only hope of staying afloat is to do the reality TV show, "Let's Get Married." The show pairs up single strangers, and viewers vote for who should be united in wedded bliss. Imani is only looking to be united with a paycheck—until she locks eyes with a fellow contestant. . . Are About To Create A Buzz. . . Dr. Raymond Thomas is determined to keep his struggling free clinic running—even if it means appearing on "Let's Get Married." He can't imagine finding love on TV—but when he spots Imani, he definitely finds lust. And their attraction isn't lost on the producers. But as the cameras start focusing on them, Raymond wonders if he's just a tool in Imani's career. Only time—and a life-changing choice—will tell. . . Praise for More Than He Can Handle "Hodges delivers a sizzling romance. . ." —Publishers Weekly "A wonderful read." —UrbanReviews.com</div>

Too Hot for TV

<div>Crystal Hughes is mad as hell. . . No one is going to tear down the farmland that's been in her family since the turn of the century--certainly not multimillion dollar Welco Industries. And until Welco's president meets with her, Crystal will wage a fiery one-woman protest to prove it! But when he finally appears, Douglas Wellington III is far from the elderly curmudgeon she expected. . . Tall, lean, and fabulous, Douglas is in for a surprise of his own. Crystal's cafe au lait beauty takes his breath away. Still, if she had any sense, she'd realize his project will save the impoverished community. With battle lines drawn, Crystal issues Douglas a challenge: spend one week on the land he wants to destroy. He agrees, if only to be alone with her. But when nature takes over amid North Carolina's lush countryside, these two warriors just may discover what happens to even the best laid plans. . . "Count on Cheris Hodges to deliver a sassy, sexy romantic read." --Farrah Rochon, author of Always and Forever "This is a winning romance that readers will love." --RT Book Reviews on Too Hot For TV</div>

Forces of Nature

<div>Count on Cheris Hodges to deliver a sassy, sexy romantic read. --Farrah Rochon, author of Always and Forever When club owner Adrian Bryant discovers his biological father is hotel magnate Elliot Crawford, his life unravels. Shunned by Crawford while he and his mother struggled, Adrian hatches a high-profile plan to destroy the Crawford name--and the reputations of his two half-brothers. But to shield the woman he loves from the hell he intends to unleash, Adrian has to let her go. Photographer Dana Singleton is heartbroken and confused by Adrian's behavior. But just when she's given up on their relationship, she begins to discover the truth--and a dark side of Adrian she never knew existed. As the stakes get higher, she will have to ask herself if she can love a man who is capable of such vengeance--or if he can learn to forgive. . . "Hodges makes magic with this troupe." --Publishers Weekly on His Sexy Bad Habit "A fun and romantic story. . .Recipe for Desire has a touch of drama, humor and lots of sensual tension to keep readers turning page after page." --APOOO BookClub on Recipe for Desire "Hodges does a wonderful job of writing stories that have a positive message underneath all that passion. Great read!" --Urban Reviews on Recipe for Desire</div>

Love After War

<div>A Party Girl's Work Is Never Done. . . At twenty-seven, Marie Charles is still Charlotte's number one party girl. But when she adds a DWI arrest and a totaled Jaguar to her list of tabloid news-making escapades, her daddy is done bailing her out. Sentenced to five hundred hours of community service at My Sister's Keeper, a homeless shelter for women, Marie won't have much time left for partying. . . Renowned chef and TV star Devon Harris volunteers at My Sister's Keeper. And he's not happy Marie is joining him. He may be single--and she may be gorgeous--but the last thing he's interested in is a superficial southern belle. But as Marie outgrows the selfish girl she was, Devon is turned on by the woman she's becoming. . . "A good dose of love, humor, drama and all those sensuous things in between." --The RAWSISTAZ Reviewers on His Sexy Bad Habit "Hodges delivers a sizzling romance. . .." --Publishers Weekly on More Than He Can Handle</div>

Recipe for Desire

<div>What Happens In Vegas. . . High-stakes action and even hotter men are all Jade Christian wants now that her scheming boyfriend has aced her out of his bed and their successful company. But her Vegas weekend spree has turned into several nights of steamy commitment-free hookups with easygoing businessman James Goings--and he's becoming the one bet she can't resist . . . Is Just The Beginning. . . Growing up in the shadow of his famous athlete brother taught James that focusing on his career was far safer than trusting beautiful women. His sizzling encounters with Jade could almost change his mind . . . if he wasn't afraid she'd use him for revenge on her ex. But the more he sees of the real, down-to-earth woman behind the seductress, the more James will risk to win her love for a lifetime. . .</div>

Betting On Love

<div>Alicia Michaels needs a major career reboot, so she’s got no time for romance. But starting over in Atlanta is an uphill battle for the cautious PR rep—especially after she teams up with wealthy Richmond Crawford on a make-or-break project. For one thing, the risk-taking entrepreneur is nothing like the staid businessman he used to be. For another, she and Richmond can’t see  eye-to-eye on anything—except that the reckless attraction between them is sizzling, off-the-charts trouble . . .   Playing by the rules got Richmond betrayal from his rich family—and shattering heartbreak. He’s got to prove he can be his own man, so keeping things strictly-business with Alicia is the smart play. Still, even their conflicts only make Richmond want more of her honesty and courage. But a shocking revelation will endanger everything they’re fighting to build. And making things right could be the final deal breaker . . .   Praise for I Heard a Rumor   “A delicious, immersive page-turner.” —Publishers Weekly     “Count on Cheris Hodges to deliver a sassy, sexy, romantic read.” —Farrah Rochon, USA Today bestselling author   “Another fun, dramatic Southern romance from a rising star author that will satisfy readers, especially fans of Kimberla Lawson Roby.” —Booklist   “Hodges knows what romance readers want.” —Library Journal </div>

Strategic Seduction

<div>Liza Palmer couldn't be happier when her best friend and sorority sister, Chante Britt, and her closest guy friend, Robert Montgomery, hit it off. And she's beyond thrilled when they announce their engagement. Robert is an up-and-comer running for the North Carolina senate. Chante is a partner at a prestigious law firm. They're a power couple made in heaven--until Liza discovers Robert in a compromising position--with another woman. . . Liza can't possibly continue to support Robert's campaign, much less let him marry Chante. But when she tries to reveal the truth, Robert pulls out every corrupt trick in the book--including turning Chante against her. Her only choice is to seek out his opponent, Jackson Franklin, and help him take Robert down. But to Liza's great surprise, Jackson won't play dirty--and Liza finds him irresistible. As sparks fly, personally and politically, Liza and Jackson may become a winning team in more ways than one. . .</div>

Rumor Has It

<div>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 . . .</div>

The Perfect Present

<div>Elite investigator Zoe Harrington isn't about to be fooled twice. She knows all the tempting by-any-means-necessary games FBI agent Carver Banks will use to close a case. So when he needs her help with a missing persons case, she's happy to charge him double the fee—and keep his sizzling moves at arm’s length. But when the search strikes too close to home, Zoe finds the passion between them reigniting past the danger point . . .   Carver doesn't want to deceive Zoe again. He's never stopped wanting the sexy private detective who can match him play for passionate play. But she's at the top of a hit list. And he'll do whatever it takes to keep her out of harm’s way—until Zoe uncovers his true agenda. Now, how can he prove his love for her is real? And with time running out, will their one chance to survive mean losing each other forever?   Praise for I Heard a Rumor   “Count on Cheris Hodges to deliver a sassy, sexy, romantic read.” —Farrah Rochon, USA Today bestselling author   “Once again, she delivers a winner for a great romantic read.” —USAToday.com   “Another fun, dramatic Southern romance from a rising star author that will satisfy readers, especially fans of Kimberla Lawson Roby.” —Booklist   “Hodges . . . knows what romance readers want.” —Library Journal </div>

Deadly Rumors

<div>Chante Britt is nobody’s fool—and she’s definitely not standing by her cheating ex-fiancé and current mayoral candidate, Robert Montgomery. Too bad he chose to tell the media otherwise. To escape an onslaught of prying reporters, Chante flees to her grandmother’s South Carolina beach house. But when she meets Zach Harrington, she may be out of the frying pan and into the fire. The man is arrogant, way too forward—and way too sexy…   Newly divorced and dealing with a scandal of his own, Zach should stay clear of all women. Yet something about Chante draws him in—maybe it’s the drink she throws in his face after his too-hot-to-handle surprise kiss. Still, Zach firmly believes they can help each other take the edge off. And once he gets her to agree, what could have been a fling promises to be much more—until their personal and public dramas catch up with them. Will past wrongs keep them from finally having the love that’s right?</div>

Cheris Hodges

Books By Cheris Hodges (14 Books)