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The Coach's Boys #5
Code Red Christmas
***This book is the fifth in the Coach's Boys series. Because of the mystery involving a secondary character, the books should be read in order.***
When she promised 'until death do us part,' she meant it…
When Darby O'Hara believed in something, she believed in it forever, and her marriage rated at the top of that list. But she hadn't counted on a husband who devoted most of his life to his business. As the years passed, and he spent more and more hours away from home, her dreams of becoming a mother seemed to be just that – a dream. One that would never be fulfilled. Being patient hadn't worked. Talking hadn't either, and one day she decided she'd had enough. It was time to make a new life for herself. Maybe with the handsome and attentive Dylan.
Achieving success had always been important to him…
No one had ever loved their wife more than Cal O'Hara loved his, but he'd never figured out how to balance his personal life and his business. And then came the day she announced her intention to divorce him. In that moment he knew he'd do anything to win her back. When a holiday reprieve comes his way, he knows he's got one chance to make some serious changes. He's willing to give everything he has to win Darby back. The question is … will everything be enough to make her want to stay?
When she promised 'until death do us part,' she meant it…
When Darby O'Hara believed in something, she believed in it forever, and her marriage rated at the top of that list. But she hadn't counted on a husband who devoted most of his life to his business. As the years passed, and he spent more and more hours away from home, her dreams of becoming a mother seemed to be just that – a dream. One that would never be fulfilled. Being patient hadn't worked. Talking hadn't either, and one day she decided she'd had enough. It was time to make a new life for herself. Maybe with the handsome and attentive Dylan.
Achieving success had always been important to him…
No one had ever loved their wife more than Cal O'Hara loved his, but he'd never figured out how to balance his personal life and his business. And then came the day she announced her intention to divorce him. In that moment he knew he'd do anything to win her back. When a holiday reprieve comes his way, he knows he's got one chance to make some serious changes. He's willing to give everything he has to win Darby back. The question is … will everything be enough to make her want to stay?
246 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 10, 2013
34 people are currently reading
101 people want to read
About the author
Kristy K. James
53 books112 followersAll it took was the encouragement of a student teacher in a ninth grade writing class and Kristy K. James was off and running. She has been writing for more years than she’ll ever admit to, and loves every aspect of it. From creating characters who are so real that they sometimes take over the writing when they don’t like where she’s taking a story, to adding as many twists and mysteries to her plots as she can get away with.
She is the author of Reluctant Guardian, A Fine Mess, and The Stranger in my Head.
Kristy currently lives in Michigan with her family, too many pets and the occasional spider. She spends her time living in her make-believe worlds, cooking and baking up a storm, and doing her best to learn to say ‘no’ when stray animals wander into her large country yard.
Reading is one of her favorite pastimes, as is traveling around the state, especially to coastal beaches to enjoy the sound of the waves crashing on the shore and gulls screeching overhead.
She is the author of Reluctant Guardian, A Fine Mess, and The Stranger in my Head.
Kristy currently lives in Michigan with her family, too many pets and the occasional spider. She spends her time living in her make-believe worlds, cooking and baking up a storm, and doing her best to learn to say ‘no’ when stray animals wander into her large country yard.
Reading is one of her favorite pastimes, as is traveling around the state, especially to coastal beaches to enjoy the sound of the waves crashing on the shore and gulls screeching overhead.
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
May 11, 2019
Amazing fifth book in the Coach's Boys Series. It was also by far the hardest book to read. Cal and Darby are both deeply wounded by their present and their past. Darby has finally reached the end of her patience with Cal. She's done waiting for him to make her a priority. Eight years of neglect, eight years of promises that they would start a family, eight years of apologies for coming home late and eight years of his job coming first. She faces Cal with the declaration that she's done with their marriage. Cal's heart is broken, he never thought that he could lose Darby. He loves her. I liked that Cal acknowledged the errors and neglect that led them to the breaking point. He doesn't bury his head or point fingers. He takes responsibility and seeks help. He wants Darby to come back to him, for love. The changes he makes to his life are for himself and in doing so he draws her back to him. It was incredible to see the rest of the Coach's boys circle around lending support and strength. Loving each other enough to speak hard truth and give brotherly advice. The ending is truly heartwarming.
Highly recommended series and author
Highly recommended series and author
July 27, 2014
I was very fortunate to receive an ARC copy of this book. I really love this series and Darby and Cal's story didn't disappoint.
I don't like it when an author separates a couple just so they can put them back together again. That's not what this story is about, I think most of us who have been married for awhile have periods in our marriage similar to what this couple are going through. It's nice to read a clean story that shows real people just trying their best to live a happy life.
I don't like it when an author separates a couple just so they can put them back together again. That's not what this story is about, I think most of us who have been married for awhile have periods in our marriage similar to what this couple are going through. It's nice to read a clean story that shows real people just trying their best to live a happy life.
April 28, 2018
At first, while reading Code Red Christmas, I was a little frustrated with Darby and Cal. They both have some areas that they needed to work on and they needed to figure out how to communicate with each a little better about their individual struggles. Thankfully, after seeing the changes they each need to make and coming to some realizations about themselves and each other, things in their marriage are on their way to improving.
**Spoiler Alert** Darby starts out the book, talking with a male co-worker and expressing interest in him. Throughout the book, she insists that she’s not having an affair with him (mainly by saying that she hadn’t even kissed him), but you don’t have to kiss someone to already be having an “emotional affair” with someone—putting that person over your spouse, talking to them about your problems, and doing things to facilitate an emotional connection that should be reserved for your spouse. Her attitude about this really bothered me. While she may not have kissed him, she was actively choosing to spend time with him (often over spending time with her husband) while still married, knowing that he wanted more and that she did, too. Not okay in my book and the start of an affair because affairs go much deeper than physical affection. She was already starting the process of making her heart available to him while still being married and that really bothers me (especially that she never seemed to see it that way-in her mind, it was all okay because she hadn’t ever kissed him). With that being said, I am still very glad about the outcome of the book and that Cal and Darby realized their marriage is worth fighting for and that they need to put forth the effort to fix their relationship.
Ed’s stalker—Oh my goodness! Things finally come to a head with the stalker and it will be quite a surprise to see just what’s been happening. I can’t wait to see how the rest of this part of the story line goes in the next book.
**I received a copy of this book from the publisher and have chosen to review it. My opinions are my own.
**Spoiler Alert** Darby starts out the book, talking with a male co-worker and expressing interest in him. Throughout the book, she insists that she’s not having an affair with him (mainly by saying that she hadn’t even kissed him), but you don’t have to kiss someone to already be having an “emotional affair” with someone—putting that person over your spouse, talking to them about your problems, and doing things to facilitate an emotional connection that should be reserved for your spouse. Her attitude about this really bothered me. While she may not have kissed him, she was actively choosing to spend time with him (often over spending time with her husband) while still married, knowing that he wanted more and that she did, too. Not okay in my book and the start of an affair because affairs go much deeper than physical affection. She was already starting the process of making her heart available to him while still being married and that really bothers me (especially that she never seemed to see it that way-in her mind, it was all okay because she hadn’t ever kissed him). With that being said, I am still very glad about the outcome of the book and that Cal and Darby realized their marriage is worth fighting for and that they need to put forth the effort to fix their relationship.
Ed’s stalker—Oh my goodness! Things finally come to a head with the stalker and it will be quite a surprise to see just what’s been happening. I can’t wait to see how the rest of this part of the story line goes in the next book.
**I received a copy of this book from the publisher and have chosen to review it. My opinions are my own.
September 1, 2016
Code Red Christmas – Book 5 in the Coach's Boy's Series by the AMAZING
Kristy K. James.
This is the story of Cal & Darby O'Hara. If you have read any of the other books in the series then you will remember Cal is the one who owns the catering business (the guy who makes all the great food).
Darby has stood by her man for better or worse and believes in forever. She has one dream, a loving marriage and children. Years of standing in the background waiting for Cal to slow down with his business and settle down to start their family. She finally comes to realise that day is not going to happen. She has tried talking but he just isn't getting it so she turns to another.
Cal loves Darby with all his heart and is blind to the problems at home. When Darby tells him she wants a divorce he is devastated.
I absolutely love all of the Coach's Boys but this book really makes you feel all kinds of emotions. Follow along on the rocky road of a broken marriage and the husband who would give everything and anything to get his wife back. Does Cal win the love and trust of Darby? Will he convince Darby that she will finally come first in his life instead of his business? Guess ya gotta just read this great instalment of The Coach's Boy's to find out.
Once you read this book, if you haven't read the other books, I bet you will go get them as well. You don't have to read them all, each book is a stand alone story. BUT, the more you get to know each of their stories the more you will fall in love with them all.
Kristy K. James.
This is the story of Cal & Darby O'Hara. If you have read any of the other books in the series then you will remember Cal is the one who owns the catering business (the guy who makes all the great food).
Darby has stood by her man for better or worse and believes in forever. She has one dream, a loving marriage and children. Years of standing in the background waiting for Cal to slow down with his business and settle down to start their family. She finally comes to realise that day is not going to happen. She has tried talking but he just isn't getting it so she turns to another.
Cal loves Darby with all his heart and is blind to the problems at home. When Darby tells him she wants a divorce he is devastated.
I absolutely love all of the Coach's Boys but this book really makes you feel all kinds of emotions. Follow along on the rocky road of a broken marriage and the husband who would give everything and anything to get his wife back. Does Cal win the love and trust of Darby? Will he convince Darby that she will finally come first in his life instead of his business? Guess ya gotta just read this great instalment of The Coach's Boy's to find out.
Once you read this book, if you haven't read the other books, I bet you will go get them as well. You don't have to read them all, each book is a stand alone story. BUT, the more you get to know each of their stories the more you will fall in love with them all.
December 12, 2016
The fifth book in the series, it was the first one I have read. It works as a standalone, but could,tell,there is some back story that would have made it more cohesive. This author has brought a wonderful second chance romance to its forefront. The story, unlike so many others brings forth some true feelings felt by long term relationships. The story of Cal and Darby is very true to life. i love how she brought Darby's angst to life. Her unhappiness can be felt down to your core, and the way she dealt with it so human. I loved Cal and the way he was willing to work on th problem once it was forced in his lap. And bringing Kelly into the home...what a coo. He made life incredibly interesting. The secondary story with little Lucy was endearing, really making this story heartwarming.
Daniela Acitelli is a wonderful narrator. This was my first story that I have heard her perform. She is able to bring the emotional level to one you can feel the character's happiness and pain. I enjoyed her softness where needed, and the roughness in the tough scenes. She made it an enjoyable listen!
--I was given a copy of this audiobook in exchange for an honest review.
Daniela Acitelli is a wonderful narrator. This was my first story that I have heard her perform. She is able to bring the emotional level to one you can feel the character's happiness and pain. I enjoyed her softness where needed, and the roughness in the tough scenes. She made it an enjoyable listen!
--I was given a copy of this audiobook in exchange for an honest review.
February 11, 2014
OMG kristy you have done it again delivered a great story with some action and tender love at the end and I am so glad this was a story that had friends like that that stuck to you like glue when things get rough it was a very gear read for me and hope you have an ending for Ed he deserves it btw I had a feeling it was the other daughter by how pissed she was thx bunches can't wait for next story or series whichever one comes first
October 4, 2014
Best book in the series!! Sadly, also the end of the series.
If you enjoy a clean romance series, and won't be turned off by some extra words showing up here and there on the page, you will enjoy this series. You do need to read the books in order (unlike many other series)
I enjoyed how this was a different type of love story that I haven't read before.
If you enjoy a clean romance series, and won't be turned off by some extra words showing up here and there on the page, you will enjoy this series. You do need to read the books in order (unlike many other series)
I enjoyed how this was a different type of love story that I haven't read before.
March 28, 2014
this was a great series to read i loved each book and each character (although my fav is Sam ) this is a great holiday read and i have to admit read all 5 book in a week as could not wait to get on to the next one great writing and i loved the romance of the books Fab read
October 18, 2014
Great Series!!!
I loved this series and hope that there is a continuation of it!! Hearing how Ed's world turned out and about the new babies would be great!!!!! Can't wait to read more by Kristy K. James!!!
I loved this series and hope that there is a continuation of it!! Hearing how Ed's world turned out and about the new babies would be great!!!!! Can't wait to read more by Kristy K. James!!!
February 6, 2015
This was an amazing series and kept you gripped right to the end with lots of surprises you didn't expect.
The thing I loved most about this book is the bond they all share and help each other through everything.
I really hope theirs another book!
The thing I loved most about this book is the bond they all share and help each other through everything.
I really hope theirs another book!
October 9, 2014
Another great addition to the series! looking forward to something about Ed.
October 5, 2022
Dealing with grief
During the past few years Darby has been unhappy. Cal and darby has been dealing with his mom dying and the stalker he has pretty much ran off making sure he is busy 24/7, till one day Darby drops a bomb shell. What he does in the next week's shows how the whole family deals with grief
During the past few years Darby has been unhappy. Cal and darby has been dealing with his mom dying and the stalker he has pretty much ran off making sure he is busy 24/7, till one day Darby drops a bomb shell. What he does in the next week's shows how the whole family deals with grief
September 15, 2017
Not all of life is a bed of roses even after the marriage, and not all families are the piture perfect ideal as shown out in public. You think that one big problem of the series is solved, but is it? Can anything be done to fix that one problem?
February 6, 2020
A good story of how love sometimes isn’t enough, when she feels like she not a top priority with her husband. She gave him enough time, and thinking maybe time to change things. Good. Story of a wake up call for both of them.Given ARC for my voluntary review and my voluntary review
March 6, 2018
Loving this series! I like that each book keeps all friends and family together in each book. Wish this series would never end
December 13, 2019
3.5 Stars
August 7, 2020
Wow
Roller coaster story until the end. I suspected the stalker 's identity but with all the twists that this author puts in , I couldn't be sure.
Roller coaster story until the end. I suspected the stalker 's identity but with all the twists that this author puts in , I couldn't be sure.
January 16, 2017
Another really good addition to the series. Entertaining, engaging and enjoyable. Mystery, suspense, misunderstandings, second chances and a little good clean romance. I have enjoyed all the books in this series and this one was no different.
This book is a bit different than the others as it deals with a divorce. Relationships take work. When you don't nurture your relationship, you drift apart and lose focus on the things that should really be your priorities. Most of us have ups and downs throughout our relationships and it's nice for a change to see a fictional couple that also has their ups and downs. There is more than one storyline going on in this book and even though this is a shorter book the story flows well and nothing feels rushed or unfinished.
Dillon what a piece of work. Lucy was adorable. Loved that Cal was willing to do everything in his power to win his wife back even moving Kelly into their house. We finally know who the stalker is. I had my suspicions and I was right.
Daniela Acitelli does a really good job with the narration. She is the voice of this series. Pleasant voice. Clearly spoken. Nice even pace. Good character voices. She was able to bring the characters emotions to life through her narration.
The way she portrayed Dillon's voice was annoying but then he was an annoying character, and the voice she used for his was perfect. Very enjoyable.
I was voluntarily provided this free review copy audiobook by the author, narrator or publisher
This book is a bit different than the others as it deals with a divorce. Relationships take work. When you don't nurture your relationship, you drift apart and lose focus on the things that should really be your priorities. Most of us have ups and downs throughout our relationships and it's nice for a change to see a fictional couple that also has their ups and downs. There is more than one storyline going on in this book and even though this is a shorter book the story flows well and nothing feels rushed or unfinished.
Dillon what a piece of work. Lucy was adorable. Loved that Cal was willing to do everything in his power to win his wife back even moving Kelly into their house. We finally know who the stalker is. I had my suspicions and I was right.
Daniela Acitelli does a really good job with the narration. She is the voice of this series. Pleasant voice. Clearly spoken. Nice even pace. Good character voices. She was able to bring the characters emotions to life through her narration.
The way she portrayed Dillon's voice was annoying but then he was an annoying character, and the voice she used for his was perfect. Very enjoyable.
I was voluntarily provided this free review copy audiobook by the author, narrator or publisher
August 29, 2016
Code Red Christmas is fifth book in The Coach's Boys series and honestly I think it’s the best one. The main plot of this book focus on the marriage of Darby and Cal. They’ve been married for several years and they both been through a lot. After losing his mom Cal started to spend more and more time in his work and neglected his wife. Darby can’t stand being so lonely, she wants to have kids and loving family, not a husband whom she doesn’t see anymore. Despite the fact that she still loves Cal she doesn’t see any hope for their relationship and so she decided to get divorce and to try find her happiness with someone else. But as always things become complicated and fortunately they both get their second chance. Additionally, we finally get to know who this mysterious stalker really is and why he is so determined to hurt Ed.
Recently I had the opportunity to read this book for the second time. First time I read it almost a year ago and I simply couldn’t forget it. So I was really excited to reread it. It’s a beautiful story about falling in love again with someone who you already love. It reminded me that being in love with somebody isn’t necessarily the same thing as loving someone and that good relationship actually needs both. I sincerely recommend this book.
Recently I had the opportunity to read this book for the second time. First time I read it almost a year ago and I simply couldn’t forget it. So I was really excited to reread it. It’s a beautiful story about falling in love again with someone who you already love. It reminded me that being in love with somebody isn’t necessarily the same thing as loving someone and that good relationship actually needs both. I sincerely recommend this book.
March 27, 2019
Code Red Christmas: The Coach's Boys Series, Book 5
: Kristy K. James
Book 5 in the series finds the gang still together, except Darcy wants to divorce Cal. She feels neglected because of all the time he spends with his catering business. The listener gets mystery, suspense , romance , and lots of whiny drama! I read this as an e-book a few months ago, but I wanted to hear the audiobook..................I was very disappointed, not so much in the story, even though it had a different feel than earlier books.
The narration was nothing but WHINE!!!! It got on my last nerve. I will finish the series and hope the narration returns to previous books. Daniela Acitelli did so much better in the other books.
I give the audiobook a 3 star.
"I was voluntarily provided this review copy audiobook at no charge by the author, publisher and/or narrator."
: Kristy K. James
Book 5 in the series finds the gang still together, except Darcy wants to divorce Cal. She feels neglected because of all the time he spends with his catering business. The listener gets mystery, suspense , romance , and lots of whiny drama! I read this as an e-book a few months ago, but I wanted to hear the audiobook..................I was very disappointed, not so much in the story, even though it had a different feel than earlier books.
The narration was nothing but WHINE!!!! It got on my last nerve. I will finish the series and hope the narration returns to previous books. Daniela Acitelli did so much better in the other books.
I give the audiobook a 3 star.
"I was voluntarily provided this review copy audiobook at no charge by the author, publisher and/or narrator."
February 17, 2015
I really hope that this isn't the last book. Cal and Darby's story was great. They were a loving couple in the other books and it was sad in this one. Thank goodness they finally got the stalker. It did cross my mind in the last book that that's who it was.
March 17, 2016
A very enjoyable Christmas story! Even though this is #5 in the series, it is the first I have read. I did feel like I was missing out on things with the side characters and stalker, but I still enjoyed the story. I'm a sucker for second chance love stories, and this did not let me down!
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews