Books & Spoons Review: YOU FOR CHRISTMAS by Madeline Ash

19/12/2015

Regan Case wouldn’t know the right side of the tracks if they ran her out of town. She’s lived hard since she ran away at sixteen, but eight years later, an accident has terrified her into pulling her life together. And that means finally going home for Christmas.

Taking her return one step at a time, she ends up on the doorstep of her sister’s best friend, Felix Nickson. The man indebted to her after she jammed ten grand down his trousers in high school and enabled him to escape his own demons. Felix agrees to let her stay, but doesn’t count on the chemistry that burns hot between them.

As they get into the Christmas spirit, he watches Regan’s shadows fade away and discovers that beneath her careless attitude, she is by far the bravest woman he’s ever met. He falls for her, fast and hard, but she fears she doesn’t deserve such a good man. A black sheep cannot change her colors.

Can Felix forgive her past or would asking for his love be one too many miracles this Christmas?

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