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Alternate cover edition of ASIN B07XDS518V

Spencer Christmas

Jada Forte creeps through my hallways, sleeps in my bed, and dines at my table.
I hired her, brought her from New York to work on my remote ranch in Wyoming, and yet I've never met her.
I've seen her.
I watch her.
Exotically beautiful, sweet, and innocent.
Although she's the daughter of one the most ruthless politicians on the planet.
She brings parts of me that have gone dormant alive again.
But I'm damaged goods, the son of a dead man scorned.
It doesn't matter anyway. I'm not here to get involved with my help.
She's here to do a job.
But I can't stop thinking about her.
I can't stop watching her.
Can't stop wanting her.
I can't continue avoiding her.

Jada Forte

I've heard rumors about my boss. He's a billionaire playboy, and I was advised to avoid him like the plague.
That wouldn't be a problem because he's nowhere to be found, until one day I'm looking into his eyes.
Spencer Christmas is a brooding, intense, and extremely enigmatic man.
Never have I desired someone so intensely. My best friend was right, I should stay away from him, but I can't.

Now we're alone, him and I, in this great big house full of dark and dangerous secrets. Anything could happen, and everything does.

280 pages, ebook

First published September 30, 2019

1529 people are currently reading
1088 people want to read

About the author

Z.L. Arkadie

104 books498 followers
Z.L. Arkadie is stepping into a new era of emotionally rich, upmarket romance that sweeps you away and thrills your heart in the best possible way. Her upcoming stories promise the kind of passion, longing, and intensity that pull you out of the everyday and into something unforgettable. For readers who crave stories that ache, soar, and stay with you—this is where it begins.

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 60 reviews
Profile Image for Sara.
6 reviews
Read
October 27, 2020
Dnf 55%. All respect to the author for actually publishing a book, getting a great summary that pulls in the reader and a pretty decent cover. Thumbs up!

However, there are some serious issues I have with this book. I’m sorry if I’m being to harsh now, but something about this just really rubbed me the wrong way... With a steel brush. Hard. For hours. On,
End...

I consider myself an easy flirt regarding romance or any PR, UF, YA, RH etc.
Often it’s the darker the better, if it’s weird I’m in! Nothing surprises me anymore.

I’ve read countless of books of all genres, (most commonly) with the core being fantasy or romance. (Not all are listed on GR since I’ve only been here a short while, and my curriculum of resumes are embarrassingly short).

But bear in mind, I hate, and I mean HATE to label a book DNF without at least trying. I’ve had (and still have) countless books still stewing in the currently “reading” shelf for months on end, before actually giving up.

This book was for free on Amazon, but still. Im sorry, I can’t do it.

The heroine starts her journey traveling to a far off destination in Wyoming.
I’m sorry, was is Massachusetts? Montana? The characters best friend can’t tell the difference so why should I?

Anyshoe... The Mc is bitchin about being broke in an inner dialogue, and privileged while she doesn’t wanna be a burden on her tough senator mother, her father is a pushover, she’s gorgeous and oh by the way; a VIRGIN. Jada jada, how original. Wait, what’s her age again? Paus for checking...:
29?

29!?!!! For real? Ok, let’s buy into that for a second. Just a second. Come on book, I can take it.
Give me all you’ve got!

Mc gets to said far off location, to work for her mysterious billionaire boss.

Stays in mansion (cough) I’m sorry, cabin, including butler, maid, chamberMAIDS (yes plural) and cook.
Plus not to forget security detail and who knows what more?

What does she know about this mysterious employer? Who just magically wanted her?
Why? We don’t know? Her mother? Maybe? How is she qualified? We don’t know? Is she single? Hell yes!
Off to another orchestrated scene!

She’s broke because she got for fired. Ok.
Why?

Her slutty best friend only exists because the Mc do. Why?

So. Many. Questions!

When the Mc gets to said Montana, Wyomingwhole whatever... She immediately feels lonely, and have a problem with people calling her by her last name, or even Miss. I’m sorry what?

Sure, I’m all for familiarity, but why? You’ve known them for 2 min! Barely... that’s not enough time to establish a working/casual relationship?!

And she gets cabinfever after one day people. One. Friggin. Day.

A few days later, after sending a few emails and eating 10 breakfasts and 258 dinners by her lonesome at her desk, she can’t stand being alone and so isolated anymore. Can’t cope... At. All...

It’s horrible not being broke and so dependent with her one girlfriend just existing for her and no other friends!
Living in a luxurious mountain mansion with funny pleasant employees following your every whim, sarcastic butlers, nice masseuses and good natured cooks all around! Did I mention getting a salary of 4K per month? How awful...

But no, shes saaad...

Until He shows up.
Mysterious playboy billionaire. Except he’s not really a playboy. And not that mysterious really... and not a billionaire... JK! That part is actually true...

Anyhoe, she gets a case of instant attraction and basically the next night He slinks into her room and deflowers her.
No build-up.
No angst. No chemistry.
No... anything really.

I could have handled NC, bullying, blackmail or something.
Drama. Chemistry. Friction. Anything. Chemistry.
Nada.

During the sex scene it’s not even clear when the “oh-so-special” cherry-popping-action happened?
I just suddenly found myself being at the point where I read that He was inside her and was like: “Wait, haven’t we missed something here?”

I actually had to scroll back to check. Almost missed it folks. Almost.

After that point it wasn’t even categorized as dirty guilty pleasure anymore. It was to bad to put up with. Teethgrindingembarrassingly bad.

So. I stopped. I DNF.
Sorry, I truly feel ashamed.
Deep sigh. I really tried. I did. Honest.

And I know that bad reviews are often the ones that are featured the most, and can sometimes hinder a book from getting their true appreciation.
But just this once I felt the true motivation to actually write an honest review from someone how did not actually like this book.

Because so far, according to reviews, almost everyone did?

I know it is trash-guiltypleasure-chicklit-mom-porn but I don’t care. We need standards!

This book did, at this moment, not have ANY negative reviews. So as of this moment it’s deflowered. Or maybe not? Scroll back in case you missed it.

/Sara

15/11-2019
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
36 reviews
October 2, 2019
OMG!!!!! I loved this book! It had me so intrigued I had to keep reading it to find out what happened next. I can honestly say I did not like Spencer at all from the previous books. I was so sure that he was unworthy of being redeemed. But, needless to say, Z.L. Arkadie has made him worth saving. Jada and Spencer have a lot of chemistry, but both are running. They are running from their past. Will they ever live their lives for themselves or will they keep running from their past? You will have to read the series to find out! This book has so many twists and turns. You will be shocked. A must read!!
Profile Image for Gerry.
1,788 reviews
April 28, 2021
Enthrall

Wow really enjoyed reading. Just when things start to get really interesting it ends and you have to get another book but I have to know what happens next so on to the next book. Highly recommend reading.
Profile Image for Madonna Grant.
15 reviews
October 1, 2019
If you know this author, then you know she writes a good book. Enthrall doesn't disappoint. I wasnt a fan of Spencer in the previous novels, so having another female protagonist outside perspective made me excited to read part 1 of this new trilogy.

I really liked Jada, she's my kind of gal, and the way she and spencer meet and interact was a breath of fresh air. Her journey is just as interesting as the Christmas dynasty.

You'll be shocked when you meet poor Jada, her circumstances and bravery make you like her. Her past and Spencer's collide and the ending really shocked me, it was so unexpected that I read part 2 immediately.

If you like books that are enthralling and vivid, and have strong and empathetic female leads, get yourself a copy of Enthrall.

I am part of the ARC community of readers.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Joanna.
327 reviews2 followers
June 21, 2020
Feels like a 50 Shades wannabe. There was no reason to drag out the ending into a trilogy, oh wait....didn't that happen with 50 Shades?
Profile Image for Elizabeth Edwards.
5,548 reviews9 followers
July 23, 2022
wow, Spencer is plain weird. i will see after book 2, 3 and 4. i am on book 2 now. but since i have read Asher's books (i think he just had an odder way of interacting with women he might be sexually involved with, i don't think i am telling any secrets. in that way he is sort of similar to how Spencer is with the ladies. that is just short and to the point, no secrets. wait 'til you read these books, I still say that Spencer is weird. we will see. i will say of all the brothers he is really like his father, Spencer i mean. but this family is so weird, i who knows what. secrets not revealed but it is like watching a soap opera for sure. can you keep up??! or a bit of West VA. and just so you know i am not making fun of West VA. just the gossip you have heard as a kid is what i am referencing there. hope u got that???), Jasper's (oldest brother, he felt he needed to be strong for all the siblings). Asher's first for me ...then Jasper. i am trying to figure out how i am okay with Spencer at all. he is at least going to a counselor to help with past trauma (i would think that all of them should be going. Bryn as well. she sounds about as odd at Spencer or at least pretty close. i feel for kids who are changed due to their parents). so that is good. interesting how calm and kind the helpers are ...they keep to themselves and i bet they have lots to tell. LOL!! Jada is a weak woman, i don't prefer those in books. i wish for the leading ladies to be headstrong, she wants a Jane Austin kind of read. those kind of burn me up. don't like them is the point. i am curious if i will feel that they didn't need four books. we will, see??! you come up with ways to cope ...that is how Spencer and Bryn interact ...not saying it is right or wrong, just different.
1,698 reviews15 followers
July 11, 2022
Interesting 🤔 Very Good Start to Series

Enthrall is by an author I have read before but not recently. This title caught my eye 👀 and I decided to get this book 📚📖 and read it. This is the story of Spencer Christmas part of the wealthy family made from old money 💰💰. They bought the money from Europe with them. But as we know wealth doesn't always make you happy. Spencer is a Billionaire CEO and he saw Jada Forte's resume on an application and hired her as his assistant without interviewing her. She is the daughter of a politician. She was born into a political family. Her mother is a politician and has been using her since she was two years old. Her father is a yes Man for his wife. So her mother a congresswoman from New York rules there household. So since Jada was laid off her last job and needed a job, she goes to work for Spencer Christmas, she didn't want her mother to get her a job. So this is the beginning of Jada and Spencer's story and the more I read the more exciting it got. I would recommend this book 📚📖.👍🏾.
Profile Image for Lauren.
57 reviews
January 16, 2024
Was decent enough to keep my attention, but I think that was mainly because it was just weird. The characters were a bit confusing. FMC as a character doesn’t make a whole lot of sense. Her attitude towards the things that are happening around her is bizarre. Not much development on her character aside from her losing her virginity. She talks a lot in her inner monologues about the value of a man to her. Weird.

MMC I guess has some major character development, but really nothing happens. He allegedly has this addiction, but we don’t learn much about it aside from the abuse he received as a kid. Also I think the book is weirdly insinuating that the two MCs are related? I’m not sure I’ll be reading the second book.
Profile Image for PhoenixMarauder12.
10 reviews10 followers
November 8, 2020
Can't finish. Kudos to the author still for writing this book.

Reading this feels like an unedited version of Fifty Shades. The girl is like "I want him but I should not-I can't stop thinking about him--I should have sex with him--I know it's wrong but I'll do it", and unfortunately it goes like that for the ENTIRE book. Her brain is so disconnected with her body I get so frustrated every time she thinks!

Guy is okay, a bit weird but okay. The girl I can't connect. I'm on page 133 before I gave up. Oh well.
Profile Image for Mara W..
446 reviews4 followers
April 11, 2021
Really hard to read at time due to, what I believe to be, an excess of descriptive paragraphs and exposition. Also the speed at which the main characters fell in love or whatever just didn't make sense to me. I found it unreasonable.

And how come nobody's freaking out about the male character's last name being CHRISTMAS? I still can't get over that, lmao.
352 reviews
March 8, 2024
Dark

Surprised at how deeply mentally ill Spencer is and the fact that Jada immediately craves him is beyond me.My turn off would be dark long hallways and a man showing up in your bed out of no where would not be a turn on. That seemed a bit of a rush by the author to get to the romance, not romantic though but suggest Jada may have mental issues also
Profile Image for Melanie.
363 reviews
April 8, 2020
WOW! I loved it. The details were so good and the connection was great. I wish we saw more of Spencer's point of view. I hated the cliff hanger. I can't wait to get the next book to find out what happens next.
Profile Image for Peggy Moore.
774 reviews31 followers
June 9, 2020
He hired her without ever meeting her and had come to his ranch. She works her way in to my heart and bed. But that not want I want from her but it is everything I need. A new author to me but I want to read more.
Profile Image for Cynthia.
3,201 reviews99 followers
November 20, 2020
A very interesting

Story. Spencer is trying to put his ghost behind him, but he need someone to be his assistant while doing other things. He comes from a very screwed up rich family. Jada need the job, and is intrigued by him.
931 reviews3 followers
August 14, 2021
Good

This story was well written and the storyline great. The characters kept your interest up wondering what would happ3en next, but the disappointment was that it is a cliffhanger.
Profile Image for Sheila Walker.
461 reviews1 follower
October 3, 2021
Life's a mystery is everyone searching

Spencer was a mystery Jada wanted to unwrap that in him we did she he was never at peace but is he now. This is quite a heady book and deep can Jada alter that hum your turn to find out. I enjoyed the story and boy was it hot too
7 reviews1 follower
January 28, 2022
Catchy storyline

I have enjoyed 2 of the series, but make no mistake, none of the books have closure, each book is like another chapter so you will have to buy the whole series of books
11 reviews
September 30, 2022
Enjoyed the story.

This author could have condenced these books. I find a lot of authors are giving you less pages so can buy another book to continue the story line. Making you buy all the books that follow.🤔
Profile Image for Haney Hayes Promotions.
1,482 reviews68 followers
September 25, 2024
This is a captivating read for fans of steamy, emotional, and intense romance, particularly those who enjoy complex, brooding heroes and strong, independent heroines navigating the complexities of forbidden attraction and dark secrets.
Profile Image for Aynat.
325 reviews
May 20, 2020
Another unnecessary sequel

Seriously why the cliffhanger, this book didn’t need to drag into a book 2. Could have just concluded and it’d have been better.
1,675 reviews5 followers
June 22, 2020
Brilliant

Another brilliant book well written and a great cast of characters loved this book couldn't put it down superb will read more from this author
Profile Image for Juls  Melville .
332 reviews4 followers
October 26, 2020
His hidden secret

A great story full of mystery and tension, thoroughly e njoyed this book. Can't wait to read more about Spencer.
Profile Image for Gemma.
24 reviews
December 5, 2020
I’m hooked...

Really looking forward to the next book, so much so I’m going to buy it now.... Can’t wait to see what happens next..
Profile Image for Yeyenism.
235 reviews
December 6, 2020
The story was so dragging and next thing that I knew it ended with a cliffhanger. It seemed like Spencer wasn’t the character I read in Jasper’s book. It was still an easy read.
978 reviews1 follower
May 5, 2021
OK

This was a pretty good book until I got to the end of it, the end wasn't the end. To finish requires buying another book.
Profile Image for Velma Smith.
25 reviews
May 30, 2021
Move over fifty shades of grey

Have never loved Christmas as much as I love the Christmas series stumbled upon this they are fast paced and have you ready and craving the next book
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