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Dive into the thrilling conclusion of The Secret Billionaire Asher Christmas Duet!
Penina learns something about her parentage that threatens to extinguish her white-hot romance with her boss--once neurosurgeon Jake Sparrow, now billionaire Asher Nathaniel Christmas. But Asher refuses to embrace a future without Penina in it; after all, she's the reason he had reclaimed his name in the first place. Yet trouble lurks around every corner, threatening to separate them at every turn.
Penina learns something about her parentage that threatens to extinguish her white-hot romance with her boss--once neurosurgeon Jake Sparrow, now billionaire Asher Nathaniel Christmas. But Asher refuses to embrace a future without Penina in it; after all, she's the reason he had reclaimed his name in the first place. Yet trouble lurks around every corner, threatening to separate them at every turn.
366 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 17, 2020
252 people are currently reading
172 people want to read
About the author
Z.L. Arkadie
104 books498 followersZ.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 39 reviews
May 21, 2020
Amazon | Universal
Penina's on her way to find out more about her lineage. She wants to know if she is related to Jake or not, because the answer to that will certainly impact their future relationship, if any.
Damn, so much happens in this conclusion to Pen and Jake's (Asher) story. My head may have been spinning a bit with so much coming at me, but I enjoyed as these two figured everything out and fell in love. Jake's family is full of secrets and revelations, and Pen was a strong woman to be able to handle it all. She's tough, though, and still my favorite part of this duet. I'm so glad she got her happy ever after.
ARC via L. Woods PR for an honest review.
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May 16, 2020
The truth is out. The mystery continues and two hearts may never be the same. Arkadie blew my mind with Seduction and now she sets out to take my heart with Embrace. Jake has finally found a home in Penina's heart. His secret is out, but it turns that Penina has a few of her own. Can their new love endure the heartache headed it's way? Unforgettable and unpredictable go hand in hand.
March 10, 2024
Me ha dado penita que este libro se aleje tanto del hospital. Pero la trama ha estado guapa. Me imaginaba una trama más compleja, unos malos más desarrollados. Pero me ha mantenido enganchada así q un tres estrellas está bien
February 6, 2021
Asher and Pennina
This was an excellent story with romance between a couple and
lots of drama. This was all set in a hospital that was owned by one person and later by his brother. Fun reading that I couldn't put down.
I recommend to anyone who would like the above story points.1
This was an excellent story with romance between a couple and
lots of drama. This was all set in a hospital that was owned by one person and later by his brother. Fun reading that I couldn't put down.
I recommend to anyone who would like the above story points.1
June 24, 2020
Gripping
Brilliant absolutely loved this series hooked from the start couldn't put it down don't normally mY for books but these i had to have and read such a good writer was up till three this morning reading give them a go
Brilliant absolutely loved this series hooked from the start couldn't put it down don't normally mY for books but these i had to have and read such a good writer was up till three this morning reading give them a go
July 20, 2022
this would be a 5-star read if i could keep up. meaning ...you will totally get whiplash (moments of WHAT?? did i miss something??! did i hear her/him correctly. and yes, i would enjoy knowing more about the Christmas family members) from this book; it is like everyone is having their stories and if you can keep up ...u will love it. holy moly... i enjoyed this read more than book 1 ...it is a duet as you know. duh!! but this one fills in lots of holes that were in the first book. i see "Destined" is Bryn's book. i will check out always these books by Z.L. Arkadie and Zoey Locke ...i tell ya when authors have multiple names, it is sometimes like total whiplash there. LOL!! i mean maybe your brain is able to keep up. but the whole time when i am reading it is like you are missing a piece, and your brain is going roaring forward like an engine, trying to keep up ... when you go a bit too far forward you have to back and go, wait ...then you fill in ...lots of characters. u gotta figure out how each one fits together and some parts of some relationships you think to yourself, yeah right??! if that was real ...it wouldn't work out??! but like always it is a book, no real life. that is the authors' creative license in play ...i will let it be. LOL! sort of. i did read this in a day, it is that easy for me, not sure how you will play it out ...i am a faster reader when i have the time. quiet. humid day here in VA ...hiding in the shade. stay cool. read. so fun!! later.
July 15, 2022
I actually learned to love Asher and Penina in the first book of the duet. I really loved this book. A lot of what happened when the siblings had all gathered together at that Mansion that Christmas when their father died. We get to see Penina get to have her closure with her mother and also Asher got to see his siblings again and find out that they all love one another and what their brother Jasper has done and what he continually is doing to take care of his siblings, even though they are all young. I hope you all have read Jasper and Holly's story and Spencer and Jada's story because if you hadn't you definitely go back and read those two series. I truly will be sad when this family's story is over because I truly have enjoyed getting to know each sibling and what caused them to become the man or women they have become. I loved that Bryn was there for her brother and they still have some type of telepathy between them. I just really enjoyed reading Asher and Penina's story. I would highly recommend this duet. I suggest you read Seduction before you read Embrace. This was definitely not just a good read it was awesome.
July 25, 2022
Almost final
First, I would recommend reading the first book Intrigued. The book will knock you off your feet. It will help you understand all the other stories in the series.
Asher turned out better then what Hua family expected. Always in need of sexual contact. Finally accepting his demons, then he began to slaughter them with Pen by his side. Pen was forced to learn about her past. Asher was by her side to get her through when she needed him.
My review will not spoil the story.
First, I would recommend reading the first book Intrigued. The book will knock you off your feet. It will help you understand all the other stories in the series.
Asher turned out better then what Hua family expected. Always in need of sexual contact. Finally accepting his demons, then he began to slaughter them with Pen by his side. Pen was forced to learn about her past. Asher was by her side to get her through when she needed him.
My review will not spoil the story.
February 19, 2021
Not worth the time to read.
Maybe a 1.5 star. Maybe. Stupidly, I thought this duet would be worth the time and an interesting set of books. That’s what the excerpt leads you to believe. Have you ever read something thinking it must get better? And, it never does? Well, that’s this set. Can’t believe I wasted the time on both of these. Will NEVER read anything else by this author. Very disappointing.
Maybe a 1.5 star. Maybe. Stupidly, I thought this duet would be worth the time and an interesting set of books. That’s what the excerpt leads you to believe. Have you ever read something thinking it must get better? And, it never does? Well, that’s this set. Can’t believe I wasted the time on both of these. Will NEVER read anything else by this author. Very disappointing.
May 10, 2024
Family name change confusion
I read the first half of this duet and it must have been an older version of the book because it was the Christmas family, so needless to say, I had a hard time getting into this book at first when I realized the family name had changed to Blackstone. That said, the story itself is good. There were more twists and turns than was needed for the storyline, but I guess that was to make it long enough to justify being a duet instead of one book.
I read the first half of this duet and it must have been an older version of the book because it was the Christmas family, so needless to say, I had a hard time getting into this book at first when I realized the family name had changed to Blackstone. That said, the story itself is good. There were more twists and turns than was needed for the storyline, but I guess that was to make it long enough to justify being a duet instead of one book.
July 4, 2025
Embrace (The Secret Billionaire Book 2)
Whew, what a super read. I totally enjoyed the whole thing, except the strange name change?
The love story was through the roof, sexy, surprising facts that came up, lust and love. The harrowing stories that were part of the main characters upbringing, very original. Two neurosurgeons with top intelligence and surgical skills, have secrets. A must read or you will miss an.awesome interesting book.
Thank you author Z.L. Arkadie.
Whew, what a super read. I totally enjoyed the whole thing, except the strange name change?
The love story was through the roof, sexy, surprising facts that came up, lust and love. The harrowing stories that were part of the main characters upbringing, very original. Two neurosurgeons with top intelligence and surgical skills, have secrets. A must read or you will miss an.awesome interesting book.
Thank you author Z.L. Arkadie.
September 22, 2021
Awesome series
I have read all nine books and although I dislike cliffhanger books, these books were so good that you want the next one, so it was great that they were already published when I stumbled across this series. It really opened my eyes to the depravity of people and the lengths they will go, to hurt and exploit underage children.
I have read all nine books and although I dislike cliffhanger books, these books were so good that you want the next one, so it was great that they were already published when I stumbled across this series. It really opened my eyes to the depravity of people and the lengths they will go, to hurt and exploit underage children.
February 12, 2021
The Christmases
I’ve read 3 books from this series just finished embraced 1 & 2 really loved these 2 and the first book about Holly going to the mansion for Christmas. I would recommend reading the whole series! What I probably should of done.
I’ve read 3 books from this series just finished embraced 1 & 2 really loved these 2 and the first book about Holly going to the mansion for Christmas. I would recommend reading the whole series! What I probably should of done.
May 1, 2021
Embrace
Just when I thought things couldn't get any more complicated it does. Loved all the twists and turns yet family seems to stick together in the end. Great reading. Highly recommend reading.
Just when I thought things couldn't get any more complicated it does. Loved all the twists and turns yet family seems to stick together in the end. Great reading. Highly recommend reading.
February 14, 2024
Excellent conclusion for Asher and Penina
The book duo is quite entertaining. I thought there might be more drama towards the end, but the story concluded nicely. I’ll have to check out the other books for the Blackstone stories on Ash’s brothers.
The book duo is quite entertaining. I thought there might be more drama towards the end, but the story concluded nicely. I’ll have to check out the other books for the Blackstone stories on Ash’s brothers.
February 29, 2024
Didn't want this one to end
Great story that fills in all the gaps of the Blackstones. Enough angst to keep you wondering if the ending will be what you expect. Moving on to the conclusion
Great story that fills in all the gaps of the Blackstones. Enough angst to keep you wondering if the ending will be what you expect. Moving on to the conclusion
July 12, 2024
Embrace
I really enjoy Pen and Asher's story. Both came from trauma growing up and learned how to be better people despite their past. The storyline was a good plot and fast-paced. And the spicy scenes were delish.
I really enjoy Pen and Asher's story. Both came from trauma growing up and learned how to be better people despite their past. The storyline was a good plot and fast-paced. And the spicy scenes were delish.
December 21, 2024
Why Asher’s last name was changed from book one - Blackstone to Christmas in book 2???
Blackstone is wayyyy cooler.
How can Zara be a daughter of an American senator in book 1 and be English in book 2?
Blackstone is wayyyy cooler.
How can Zara be a daughter of an American senator in book 1 and be English in book 2?
September 17, 2025
Three specials
Enchantint,thrilling, emotional reading, I found these books that and more. Z.L. Arkadie you outdid yourself with the three books. I could not stop reading them. They were like magnets to me. Thanks for my interesting week with your three Blackstone stories,
Enchantint,thrilling, emotional reading, I found these books that and more. Z.L. Arkadie you outdid yourself with the three books. I could not stop reading them. They were like magnets to me. Thanks for my interesting week with your three Blackstone stories,
June 23, 2020
Wonderful series
I think the Asher story is my favorite so far, especially opening up more about the family secrets. Can't wait to read Bryn's story.
I think the Asher story is my favorite so far, especially opening up more about the family secrets. Can't wait to read Bryn's story.
December 10, 2020
See Seduction for review.
January 31, 2022
Ok this book was wayyyy better than thr first…. And now i also realized this is also a a part of a larger series……. I MIGHT just go back and start at the beginning….
April 19, 2022
Great story line
The storyline moves around at a great pace.
Story keeps you interested throughout the whole book.
Love Ash and Pens story.
The storyline moves around at a great pace.
Story keeps you interested throughout the whole book.
Love Ash and Pens story.
October 31, 2023
Enjoyed
I really enjoyed reading this book, it makes you really want to root for the Blackstone Children and there happy ending. I really loved Asher and Penina Love Story
I really enjoyed reading this book, it makes you really want to root for the Blackstone Children and there happy ending. I really loved Asher and Penina Love Story
January 27, 2025
Interesting
I really enjoyed this second book. I like justified revenge. Less is more when describing making love. Most people don't agree but that's okay. On to the 3rd book.
I really enjoyed this second book. I like justified revenge. Less is more when describing making love. Most people don't agree but that's okay. On to the 3rd book.
July 9, 2024
Pointless second book, lots of different story lines that aren’t really needed. Could have wrapped up the story in one book and an epilogue.
July 17, 2021
Great read
On to the next book in the series I like how they screw up but still come to one another because at the end of the day family is all you have at the end of the day and a family is what you make of it
On to the next book in the series I like how they screw up but still come to one another because at the end of the day family is all you have at the end of the day and a family is what you make of it
May 17, 2020
This book two of Penina and Asher/Jack’s Story. IF YOU HAVE NOT READ SEDUCTION YOU MUST GO BACK AND READ IT!
Going into book two we learn that Jake Sparrow is actually Asher Christmas, the long lost sibling of the infamous Christmas Family. We know that there is darkness and rumors swirling all around him. But what does this mean for his relationship with Penina Ross. We know that Penina has been offered a prestigious fellowship in Boston. This would put her in proximity with her aunt. It would fulfill her sense of family that she is desperately seeking. Penina is still looking for her missing mother. There are questions swirling about her family connections to Asher. So much angst and turmoil you are rooting for Asher and Penina, but you aren’t sure they can come together.
Embrace was not the sweet easy conclusion you expect in a duet. Most times they are written to kind of wrap up and put a nice bow on the story with a bit more detail than what could have been done had it been a standalone book. This second book adds as many twists and turns as the first book. The conclusion does result in a HEA but you are never sure how and if the story will get there. This was a 4.5/5 read for me. I was surprised and engaged every page of the story. The view of each character and their reactions to the situations and worlds around them was diverting. Every moment in this book was needed to make this a complete story. To know that the best conclusion possible happened. I would highly recommend this book to anyone who loves an angsty emotional romance. (Plus, plenty of steam party)
Going into book two we learn that Jake Sparrow is actually Asher Christmas, the long lost sibling of the infamous Christmas Family. We know that there is darkness and rumors swirling all around him. But what does this mean for his relationship with Penina Ross. We know that Penina has been offered a prestigious fellowship in Boston. This would put her in proximity with her aunt. It would fulfill her sense of family that she is desperately seeking. Penina is still looking for her missing mother. There are questions swirling about her family connections to Asher. So much angst and turmoil you are rooting for Asher and Penina, but you aren’t sure they can come together.
Embrace was not the sweet easy conclusion you expect in a duet. Most times they are written to kind of wrap up and put a nice bow on the story with a bit more detail than what could have been done had it been a standalone book. This second book adds as many twists and turns as the first book. The conclusion does result in a HEA but you are never sure how and if the story will get there. This was a 4.5/5 read for me. I was surprised and engaged every page of the story. The view of each character and their reactions to the situations and worlds around them was diverting. Every moment in this book was needed to make this a complete story. To know that the best conclusion possible happened. I would highly recommend this book to anyone who loves an angsty emotional romance. (Plus, plenty of steam party)
May 17, 2020
In this fast-paced sequel to Seduction, secrets are revealed almost as quickly as one turns the pages.
Penina finds out the truth about her parentage while fighting her electric connection to Jake/Asher. His connections to her family are also twisted. As his identity is made public, will it spell more trouble for the couple? Can Penina keep her identity while at being a part of the Christmas' world?
There was a lot going on in this installment/conclusion. While I enjoyed the suspense and drama of it all, I felt that the author made me sort through a lot of unnecessary bye-lines to keep the main plot in focus. Also, the epilogue didn't give me the idea that Pen & Asher's story was fully finished.
In spite of all this, I still found the book to be quite fascinating; it held my attention in such a way that I finished it in one day. I recommend this duet.
I voluntarily read & reviewed an ARC of this book.
Penina finds out the truth about her parentage while fighting her electric connection to Jake/Asher. His connections to her family are also twisted. As his identity is made public, will it spell more trouble for the couple? Can Penina keep her identity while at being a part of the Christmas' world?
There was a lot going on in this installment/conclusion. While I enjoyed the suspense and drama of it all, I felt that the author made me sort through a lot of unnecessary bye-lines to keep the main plot in focus. Also, the epilogue didn't give me the idea that Pen & Asher's story was fully finished.
In spite of all this, I still found the book to be quite fascinating; it held my attention in such a way that I finished it in one day. I recommend this duet.
I voluntarily read & reviewed an ARC of this book.
May 17, 2020
Embrace is the 2nd book in this Duet, which means YOU HAVE TO READ Seduction (Book 1) FIRST! HOLY HELL WHAT DID I JUST READ?! I'm not going into details because this duet is all kinds of twisty! The twists & turns alone had me on the edge of my seat, dropping f-bomb after f-bomb throughout, as everything really seems bigger this round. I was totally engrossed cover to cover, because I honestly couldn't tell which direction the brilliant Z.L. Arkadie was taking me & that's the very best type of book in my eyes. Jake & Penina were characters that held all of my attention, as I imprinted on both to be honest, though in Jake's (Asher), it took bit longer. This was a fantastic journey that I go to experience, and you will too once you hit your one click buttons! However, don't forget to hit that one click button on Seduction first if you haven't already! HIGHLY HIGHLY HIGHLY RECOMMEND!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews