There is something very unique about Madeline Ash's romances. The characters have fascinating, yet quite normal professions. Regan's job was incredibly daring and dangerous (don't want to reveal the surprise) and Felix is a computer programmer. She grew up in the foster system with her sister, Stevie, next door to Felix. A quick decision had her abandoning her sister with the hopes that Felix would help her. All the years of loneliness finally caught up to Regan leading to her surprise visit with Felix. The feelings I get from reading this book are intense from joy and sadness to fear and revenge. Ash has included characters from another series, with various Australian authors, in which she wrote Her Secret Prince. We get a reunion during Christmas at Parker's place as the happy ending we know is coming takes place. Ash goes against the normal and has us intrigued with the bad girl and computer geek. My copy was given through Netgalley for my honest review.

I really enjoyed this book but it left me wanting more! I want to know who Zach's father is and more about some of the other characters! It was heartbreaking at times, getting a dose of reality at what abuse victims go through emotionally with the blaming, etc. So glad she found safety in Felix :)

Ah, these Christmas stories from Tule Publishing are tugging at my heartstrings with each new one I finish reading. Each of the three I've read so far--Her Secret Christmas Hero by Mallory Kane, Three Nights Before Christmas by Kat Latham, and this latest one by Madeline Ash--can be read as standalones but you can also go ahead and read the other inter-connected stories that Kat Latham and Madeline Ash have written previously or the rest of the multi-authored Secrets of Cherry Lake series that the first book I mentioned belongs to. With Madeline Ash's Christmas offering, You for Christmas, I have yet to be disappointed by the holiday fare, and she definitely took this story to a place that had my heart squeezing in empathy for Regan Case and everything she went through and wanting to give Felix Nickson a long hug.

I had an idea why Regan decided to leave her foster home when she was sixteen and why she asked Felix to take Stevie, who were both eighteen, on the day he would run away from home. This was an emotional story because of what she's had to live with for years, but it's also a hopeful one and leaves you believing in the power of love--not just romantic love, but the love we have for those who mean the most to us, whether they be a family member or a lover or even a friend. Things between Regan and Felix do evolve quickly, but there's nothing frivolous about what they feel for each other, and you become just as invested in both of them as they are in one another. I'm hoping that Stevie Case gets her own happily-ever-after in the future, I'm adding The Playboy to my long to-be-read list, and I'm giving You for Christmas five stars. ♥

I’ve been sitting here, staring at a blank screen trying to corral my emotions together to tell you about this simply amazing story. But truth be told You For Christmas has me completely gobsmacked. (yes that is a word, look it up and you’ll understand why I used it.)

On Felix’s last day of class Regan convinced him to leave home, escape the abuse from his father and start over someplace new. As she dropped ten thousand dollars down his pants she overrode his objections. They both knew he needed to get away. Her only demand was for him to take her sister, Stevie with him. Run far and fast – and build on his dreams. Without his knowledge, Regan planned to take the other ten thousand and escape as well. She just couldn’t go with them, she would bring danger to both of them so she set out on her own…at sixteen years old.

Eight years have passed and now Regan is standing outside of Felix’s door – praying as she never had before, for a chance at redemption, a place to rest and the chance to explain to Stevie and Felix the reasons why she ran – and why she stayed away so long. Regan was sure they would turn her away. She was convinced that what had happened to her would forever close her off from her sister and her friend. But she had to connect with her sister again. She had her reasons, even if she didn’t know how to express them anymore.

On the surface, You For Christmas seems like a lighthearted, airy Christmas romance. It’s not. Regan first comes off as a character that isn’t very likeable. She’s rough, sarcastic, rude with an attitude to challenge anyone in her way. Slowly as we read more of her story the layers begin to fall away and the true Regan emerges. This is one brave, frightened, lonely woman who simply wants her life, her family back – but has no clue how to go about that since she is convinced if they knew her truth they would turn their backs on her. But as afraid as she is, she must try.. she’s just wanting to take baby steps to get to that first meeting with Stevie.

I want to say that as important as the romance between Felix and Regan is to the story – it almost becomes secondary to the desire to see this wounded soul heal in any way possible. It is a story of one woman’s recovery from a past that no one should ever have to face. I suspected what had happened to Regan before the reveal. Yet I will admit to having tears streaming down my face as I read the reunion between Regan and Stevie – and Regan’s truth finally revealed. Heart wrenching doesn’t even come close to how it felt.

This is a powerful story. A Christmas that these two sisters and one friend will never, ever forget. And, if you have read any of Ms Ash’s other stories don’t be surprised to find yourself reunited with two couples who already have their happily ever after.

I would urge you to read You For Christmas the first chance you get. You will be rewarded with a powerful story, believable characters and a heroine who will find her way into your heart so easily.

*I received an e-ARC of You For Christmas from the publisher and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. That does not change what I think of this novel.*

Eight years ago, Regan Case ran away from home. No one has heard from her since she left or knew if she was alive or dead. After a horrific accident scares Regan, she decides it finally time to return to Melbourne.

Felix Nickson lived next door to Regan and her sister Stevie in their foster home. Before Regan left town she gave Felix ten thousand dollars for told him to leave and take Stevie with him. Felix has done well with his life since then.

Looking for a safe place to stay, Regan turns to Felix and asks to stay with him, but not to let Stevie know she is there. Regan looks just as tough as she did when she was younger, but Felix can tell something is troubling her. He works hard to get her to open up more and agree to see her sister again.

Felix and Regan fall for each other hard and fast. But how will Stevie feel when she finds out her missing sister has hooked up with her best friend?

This fast moving story has a lot of emotional parts in it. The characters and plot are very interesting.

Only in the world of romance novels would this plot be credible but the characters were engaging and it was certainly a feel-good read. If you're looking for something to while away a few hours on Christmas Eve, this would fit the bill.

Madeline Ash has such a way of weaving an emotional story. I have read many of her books and I have to say that I love her writing style.

Felix is a smart, nerdy computer geek and he has been Regan's sisters best friend for years. On his last day of class before graduation Regan shoves $10,000.00 dollars down the front of his pants and tells him to take it and leave town...go make something of himself. Regan also demanded that he take her sister Stevie with him. They both knew that Felix needed to leave home and get away from his abusive father. The money would allow him to do that. Felix could see something in Regan's eyes and he could only say yes to her request. Little did he know that Regan had a plan of her own to leave town. She just couldn't go with them because she felt that she would put them in danger. Regan leaves town without a word to anyone.....including her sister.

Fast forward eight years and Regan is now standing outside Felix's door. Something has occurred in her life and she just wants to feel safe and secure and she and her sister had always felt that way with Felix. She wants to change her life, she is tired of feeling alone in the world. She asks Felix if she can stay with him for a couple of days and she begs him not to tell her sister she is here. She wants to explain everything to her sister but she needs to do it when she is ready. Felix is torn because he doesn't want to betray Stevie but he really wants to know why Regan ran all those years ago and he knows that Stevie deserves to know the truth so he agrees to her plan.

This is not a lighthearted read. It is an emotional story and it is written in such a way that it will really pull you in. We see the true Regan revealed as the layers of pain and shame are peeled away. I had a good idea of what happened to Regan before it was revealed to us but I still got teary eyed when she talked to Stevie and the truth was revealed. This is more than just a romance book - it is a touching story of love and acceptance as Regan overcomes her past in order to truly live her life and find love.

Wow. This was such an emotional read. Regan has been through the wringer. Having acquired her bad girl reputation young, she has learned to distance herself from everyone, even her beloved sister. She has no one but herself. No one to trust, no one to talk to, no one to love. And no one to tell her story to. She has finally had enough and decides to finally return home. Felix owes everything to Regan. After she helps him run away from his abusive father Felix is able to build the life he wants and he has thrived. The last thing he expects on his Christmas holiday is for Regan to show up on his doorstep. This story has absolutely all the feels. There were so many amazing moments in this story. Felix is absolutely the sexiest nerd in creation. Poor Regan is just completely broken but she remembers the kindness in Felix and is drawn to him. My heart just broke for both of them. They truly deserved the happy ending they got.

I had a hard time connecting to Regan. I just didn't get a real feeling of engagement with her as a character. I did like Felix more, but still felt he was fairly one dimensional. I haven't read the other stories in this series. Maybe I would have enjoyed it more if I had read them first.

Loved this one! Always enjoy reading about the holidays down under, so different than I know. In this one Regan Case returns to Aussie roots after 8 years. She ran away at 16 and no one has heard from her since. When she turns up on her sister's best friends doorstep she can only hope Felix won't turn her away. But he owes her so what choice does he have?? What he doesn't expect is the wonderful woman that lies under her rough and tough exterior, or the attraction that flares to life any time she's near. With the fear that she will disappear again, he wants take things slow but maybe a Christmas miracle will keep her around!

Great story of love, forgiveness, and moving forward. Definitely recommend this one!

Wow! Madeline Ash has written a book that I think alot of readers can relate to! You for Christmas is a story that will tug at your heartstrings, make you emotional and so happy for Regan by the end of the book. I was really sad when I finished reading the last page, because I didn't want to stop reading about Regan!

You For Christmas really got under my skin. Regan has been a pretty tough cookie since her mid teens, stealing $20000 from her foster father at the age of 16, giving half of it to her sister's best friend Felix, and running away with the rest.
Fast forward eight yeas ad Stevie is on Felix's doorstep begging for a room for a few nights. She's still brittle and edgy and in my opinion darned lucky to have Felix take her in. Regan is not an immediately likeable character, though we get glimpses of inner turmoil and trauma from time to time which hint at something pretty traumatic having happened in the past.
Felix is a computer nerd and a genius at programming. He's also smoking hot and thoroughly decent. I liked him immediately and i was Felix that kept me turning the pages for a while until Regan found her way into my heart.
The plot flowed nicely and for the most part I enjoyed it though until I found out what had happened to teenaged Regan I often wanted to bash some sense into her. Still there's nothing like a damaged heroine to hook me into a book and Regan managed to do this. I enjoyed You For Christmas.

A well written emotional story of forgiveness, letting go of your past and moving forward in life. I enjoyed reading about Christmas in Australia. A picture perfect Christmas.

Regan left home eight years ago and now shows up on Felix's door step. Regan gave Felix a large sum of money prior to her leaving, he now owes her. Regan had a near brush with death and needs to make amends. The chemistry between Felix and Regan is hot, but can he trust her with his heart and will she ever think she is good enough for him.

I highly recommend you read this book this holiday season. I received this book from netgalley for an honest review.

Wow, this is an emotional intense coming home story. You for Christmas is the best I have read by Madeline Ash. The characters are revealed as the story progresses so that what your first impression of Regan, Felix and Stevie changes over the course of the book. This is all about love, as much family love as it is romantic love.

I enjoyed this story even when I knew some of the secrets would expose difficult situations that should never happen. The plot is realistic, honest and yet sensitive. I was drawn into the lives of these three adults as their teenage years came to light. So much so that the best part of the story is the happy ending. Can you hear me cheering?

What an amazing, emotional, moving festive story this is!

Regan Case had been in foster care for years. When she was sixteen she gave money to help the boy next door, Felix Nickson, leave his abusive father and asked him to make sure he took her sister with him, then she ran away herself. Eight years later she’s had an accident which has made her reevaluate her life and made her want to reconnect with him and her sister so she’s travelled from Canada back to Melbourne. Once there she finds out where Felix now lives and knocks on the door of his apartment. . . .

Regan has been traumatised by events in her teen years, she’s learnt to protect herself and her feelings by building a fortress around her heart. She comes over as fierce, wild, self reliant, independent and a loner, but that’s only an act and the accident has started demolishing some of those walls. Felix is the only person in the world who owes her, knows she’s soft beneath those barricades and that her serious attitude problems are really just an act to protect herself. She wants to change so seeks his help . . . . even though she’s uncertain she dare reconnect with her sister as that will mean revealing why she ran.

The story has some very emotional scenarios in it, written so well it is easy to empathise with the characters and feel their angst and turmoil. It definitely has a dark subscript, though the reason isn’t discovered till near the end (and I’m not spoiling it by telling that here) and despite that it is still a positive story, showing that despite past events, love can find a way to help heal - especially when mixed with some hope, festive magic, family love and self acceptance. It is good to reconnect with some characters from earlier novels by this author, especially Dee and Jed from ‘Her Secret Prince’. It is a brilliant story that I have no hesitation in highly recommending.

Thanks to the author, publisher and NetGalley, too, for letting me read an ARC of this book in exchange for this, an honest review.

Having love and respect for yourself is the most important gift a person can give themselves. In You for Christmas, Regan makes mistakes as she gradually begins learning that she is deserving of love, happiness and peace of mind. It doesn't hurt that she has a broad shouldered, patient and handsome fella to remind her that she is an important part of his world. Owning your mistakes, acknowledging your worth and learning to move on from the past are important lessons that You For Christmas brings to the forefront.

The story has a grim beginning and frame. All three of the teenagers, Felix, Stevie, and Regan has experienced dire events in their lives, and are ready to escape, run away, at whatever the cost. This is made possible, by illegal and dishonest actions, that I still question if they were justified.
The plans they had, didn't follow through quite like they wanted them to. But they are all survivors, and made the best out of the situation, all but Regan, who has carried guilt, blame, and sorrow within her for the long eight years.
She has isolated herself, and is in need to learn how to connect with people again, how be with others around, how trust, and let others into her life again. Regan is going through a lot in the short span of the story, the lessons she must learn, the past she has to face, and re-live the memories once again, it all takes a toll on her. The connection with Felix is fragile. He is the first man to be kind and caring towards her, who sees her, and who takes care of her, listen to her. I understand the connection on that foundation, but I don't know if a person as lost as Regan is, is capable to be in a relationship at the moment. But Felix would be the perfect man for her, and his feelings towards her seems solid, lasting, and trustworthy. The story has several emotional scenes, that will touch your heart. It also made me laugh out loud, with some very subtle humor. Regan is not the easiest person to connect with, she is pulling away, even from the readers, I felt like. But there's absolutely nothing not to like about her, she genuinely is seeking out her family, forgiveness, and understanding, even love.
~ Four Spoons

I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. This takes a look at rape and what the ramifications are. It's also a cute love story between two people who were teenagers that thought that they barely knew each other. It was very interesting and thought provoking and I enjoyed reading it.

For those of us who lives north of the equator, we associate snow and cold weather with Christmas. Down under, it is literally the polar opposite. Summer and balmy weather defines Christmas.

Hence, for me, choosing “You for Christmas” by Madeline Ash as the third book for the holiday romance reviews was also a no brainer for me. Christmas is celebrated in the four corners of the globe, so why not go down under for some beach weather?

“You for Christmas” follows Regan Case and Felix Nickson who have known each other from childhood but lost touch when Regan run away from home on the eve of Felix’s high school graduation. Now, eight years later, Regan knocks on Felix’s door asking for sanctuary.

Welcoming Regan to his home is a good deed but a very bad idea. First, Regan did not want her sister, who happens to be Felix’s best friend, to know that she was back. Second, there is chemistry between Regan and Felix that though Felix refuses to acknowledge, there was just no way avoiding it. Third, and most important, Felix does not believe he can let Regan leave again.

It is a romance of course, but it is also a Christmas story wherein love, forgiveness and welcoming someone back into the fold is also central to the story. Regan will tug at your heartstrings while you will find Felix so endearing with his valiant efforts of trying to be a gentleman but failing miserably.

And, if you have read “Her Secret Prince” and “The Playboy” which are both written by Madeline Ash, you can catch up with Jed & Dee and Alexia & Parker, protagonists of the two books, respectively.

“You for Christmas” is Rated M for Mature due to sexual content.

Regan Case was an orphan along with her sister when they were fostered by a family, although things would never be simple for the Case Sisters especially Regan. So, when she corners Felix Nickson her sister's best friend, she had a plan in mind, one that would change not only her life but her sister's and Felix's although whether it was for the best or worse they had yet to find out. Fast forward eight years, Regan shows up at Felix's door at Christmas needing a place to stay for a few days, Felix agrees as she did help him in the past but only if she promised to meet her sister, the sister she had not seen in eight years, the same one who she broke their heart when she left. Felix Nickson worked hard to get to this point in his life, although the money that Regan gave him eight years ago did help a lot even if he felt bad for taking it. Although at the time he was desperate for a better life away from his father and Regan helped him on the track to who he is today. Although Regan's life isn't what she thought it would be, after a very close call she decided to face her fears and find someone she knew someone who would not ask to many questions, but she was wrong as Felix may not ask many questions but he makes her feel things she never thought she could feel and she is scared as she is hiding something that could destroy their relationship and take her back to a place where she worked so hard to come from.
You For Christmas is a bitter-sweet story about running away from the past, falling into the present and trying to battle your way to the future. With its sadness, happiness and Christmas themes it is a lovely read that will make you stop and think about things life throws at you and how you handle them. Three Words to sum it up, Emotional, Beautiful and Hopeful.

Sweet holiday story, Perhaps I'm burned out from reading so many. I would like to read a non-holiday book by this author, to give her a fair chance to earn more stars. Thank you.

I absolutely loved this book and would recommend and can't wait to read more by this author!

"You for Christmas" by Madeline Ash is a heartwarming story. This story is Regan Case and Felix Nickson's story. They reconnect after eight years. But it is also about Regan reconnecting with her sister, Stevie, too. Felix and Stevie have been best friends for years.

Regan has secrets that she has kept for more than eight years. She has lived a hard and lonely life. Regan had a terrible accident that scared her into getting her life straight. She helped Felix out eight years ago so now she she is asking him to help her out.

The story is about second chances in many different ways. Regan and Felix are attracted to each other. She feels that she isn't good enough for anyone. If Felix and Stevie knew her secrets they would be disgusted want her to leave. Will Regan let her guard down to experience true romance with Felix and a relationship with her sister?

This is a story that involves so many emotions such as sadness, anger, fear, and happiness.

I received a copy of this book from NetGalley/Tule Publishing for an honest review.
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When Regan was sixteen she stole twenty thousand dollars from her foster father. Something horrible had happened and Regan needs to go. But on Felix’s last day of classes she shoves a lot of money- ten thousand - down his pants so he can leave his abusive father and go after his dreams. Regan has two requests take her sister Stevie who is eighteen with him and never tell her where he got the money. Eight years later Regan had a life threatening accident she then decides to come back. She shows up on Felix’s door step the only place she ever felt safe. Felix is now a computer programmer so he has in fact done something with his life. Regan is a very troubled and broken woman who has built a wall around her heart to protect herself after being so traumatized as a teen. She became a loner and only had herself. But after the accident she decided she wanted to learn how to trust again and let people in her life especially Stevie and Felix if they will have her. Felix’s and Regan’s friendship grows into something hot quickly.
I loved this story and plot not your usual Christmas story but it shows the urge to feel and connect with people even after a horrendous past. It was an awesome but a little bit different read as no one should go through what Regan did in her teens. But felix is there to help her. This story seems realistic like it could happen. I loved the characters even if Regan seemed hard to love at times but after all she went through and cut herself off couldn’t really blame her for the way she was. Loved Felix everyone should have a Felix in their life. Anyway I highly recommend,

A beautiful well written heart warming Christmas romance which will steal many a hearts

Never kiss your best friend's sister. That's how the rules go, right? At age 16, Regan saved Felix by giving him the money to get him and her sister out of town. Despite Felix's offer to take her with them, Regan ran off... and doesn't show up again until 8 years later. She shows up at Felix's front door, looking for kindness, but will she leave with love? This book will tug at your heart strings, make you laugh, and leave you hopeful for the kind of love that overcomes painful pasts.

You for Christmas by Madeline Ash

Felix Nickson is 18, a programming geek and Regan Case's big sister, Stevie's best friend. His plans are to leave home and get away from his abusive father, after his last exam and go to University. He gets a note to meet Regan behind the school shed because she wants to talk. Giving Felix ten thousand dollars down his pants there is two things he has to do. One, take Stevie with him and keep her safe and the other is to give Regan a kiss. That kiss was something or maybe I read too much into it, but that's something I love about books. I can read as much as I want into things. Plus I went back and re-read it. (2 points for books over movies, ongoing debate...) Regan runs away at 16 knowing her sister will be safe with Felix.

Eight years later and now Regan is still alone. Social Media lets Regan find Felix. She shows up at Felix's door needing a peaceful place to stay for a while. Just a little more time before she meets her sister again and explain everything.

At first I was expecting this book to be a Christmas lighthearted, sweet romance. But I found it to be so much more. I love the characters, each on their own. At 16 Regan is an uncaring rude, devil may care. Her character is slowly revealed with a lot of depth to her. Felix is a sweetheart! Kinda shy but strong, patient and understanding. Fell in love with him at 18.

I so very much wanted to see this book unravel, I read the whole book in one reading. Then read it again. This is a Christmas story with POW! So Heart Wrenching! This is a powerful story.

As a teenager Felix Nickson didn’t have the best home life and had been planning on leaving home as soon as he graduated high school. When Regan Case, the younger sister of Felix’s best friend, approached Felix just as he was about to leave home she pushed a proposal on him that Felix couldn’t refuse. Giving Felix ten thousand dollars to get his new life started all Regan wanted in return was for Felix to take her sister with him and protect her and for Felix to share one kiss with Regan before he left.

Now, eight years after that day that Regan helped change Felix’s life Regan has returned to town and asked for a place to stay but not to let her sister know she was back. Regan herself had ran that night from horrors in her home that only she knew but she had also stolen the money to help Felix and to gain her own freedom. Not knowing whether he should trust her but knowing he owed her a debt from before Felix agrees to let Regan stay for the holidays but before they know it that small spark started from a kiss eight years before begins to grown.

You for Christmas is the third book in the Rags to Riches series by Madeline Ash. Each book in the series features a new couple so it is not necessary to have read the other books to enjoy this story as it reads fine as a standalone novel.

The one thing that I enjoy the most with a story such as this one is that there is some kind of history with the characters to explain a more fast forward type of relationship. The story was quite the emotional one with both characters back stories involved where each had a touch time growing up and things they needed to escape from. The book is fairly short so things move rather quickly between Felix and Regan but since they had grown up together and both had their own demons the pair fit rather nicely and the more rushed nature makes more sense.

Overall, a fast pace emotional holiday romance between two somewhat flawed characters who had escaped their pasts.

I received an a copy from the publisher via NetGalley.