Khialee Rosa has lived her life on her own terms, isolated from family that loves her very much. An unfortunate turn of events pushes her to the last place she ever thought she would be...back home. Finding her new wings in a very familiar but unfamiliar place, she wonders if she will ever get the wind to lift her to new heights. A run in at a carwash can offer more than just detailing services, but is she ready? With the holidays right around the corner, Khialee is in store for many surprises in life and love. An unexpected Christmas guest can put a hitch in all her growth, or it could be just what she needs to find the true peace she seeks.
Mel Dau (Melvin’s Daughter) was born in Vicenza, Italy but raised in Mount Pleasant, South Carolina. She is the baby girl and only girl of three. She has always had a love for books beginning with the Baby Sitter’s Club, R.L. Stine, and Christopher Pike. She dabbled in writing as she grew up but never took it as seriously as she should have.
Mel Dau graduated from from Wando High School, then later matriculated to Benedict College (BSW) and Webster University (MHRM). She is a mother of a teenage daughter, a HR Professional, and a proud member of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc.
Her love for Urban Literature did not arrive until Mid-2016. Reading over 900 books from 2016 to 2017, she was obsessed with reading--an obsession that helped her cope with her father’s illness and death. In March of 2018, she decided to finally come from behind the wall and submit a short story which resulted in her first Book, Khiaere and Phy: A Charleston Love Story being published under Queens of Lit Presents. Under Queens of Lit Presents, she successfully published 15 titles that were all debuted in the top fifty on Amazon Top 100.
In May of 2020, she was signed to her new publisher B. Love Publications where she continues her growth as an author. Her purpose as an author is to provide her readers’ with her E³ formula, Entertain, Encourage & Educate. She achieved her first #1 Bestseller with her Erotica title, Pet The Kitty. In August of 2020 she founded Mel Dau Publications, LLC to pursue self-published projects. Penning in a lane all her own, her Informational Dramas fulfills her purpose with every release. Her overall desire is to use her fiction catalog to help change at least one person’s non-fiction reality.
I loved this book from beginning to end! The Christmas Guest is not your typical holiday book. It was filled with love, lust, betrayal, loyalty and death. Given their family connection, Harlem and Khialee were pretty much fated to be together. Their love journey was fast paced but, organic and believable. The storyline was unpredictable with a plot twist I did not see coming. I didn't realize this book was tied to Khiaere and Phy: A Charleston Love Story. Now, I have to read that book so I can understand all of the players in The Christmas Guest. There are some mistakes I'd like to point so the author doesn't make them again. One, a nurse's title is not BN. BN (Bachelor of Nursing) is the title of the degree. A nurse is called an RN (registered nurse) depending on the level of degree he or she has earned. Two, when calling an elder by their first name, it's not Mrs. Joann or Mrs. Marie. It's Ms. Joann or Ms. Marie. Mrs. is use for the last name only. Other than those minor mistakes, The Christmas Guest was an awesome book. I would definitely recommend you add it to your TBR list.
These stories man… they be short but they be sooooo goood. This author literally touches on every subject. Even though the groups of people are or are related to those I’ve read from before, I don’t get tired of them… I actually want more…
Khialee Rosa Washington and Harlem LaCroix Jr were a match from the beginning. I wasn't put off by how fast they moved, bc it's kind of the Washington-Christianson-Smith Tribe way to be, yet what did shock me was how Khialee pushed up on Harlem. She was such a loner, per previous books that mentioned her, so that threw me a bit.
Khialee is the baby of the family to Khiaere and Phy Washington. The Tribe has long wealth and Khialee didn't like the attention that wealth brought, so she fought against it and wanted to just be "normal" and fit in with the regular kids, but that didn't happen. I thought she maybe was teased by a family member, yet when it came out that a "friend" did her dirty and that just made her recoil and be more of a loner than she already was. I hate that she missed out so much time with her family, especially her mom, yet I'm glad things are better. I like that awareness to the whole military issue with women was done in the book, yet hate that it's even a topic. Khialee was stronger than most and I'm glad she got revenge and closer.
Harlem seemed like such a chill dude and I love that he loved Khialee or Lee as he called her, like he did. Knowing the Tribe, he knew he'd have to be a real man with her and not play games. I enjoyed that he, his father, and his best friend Bashir all fit in with the Tribe. I love that he had Lee's back, yet hate how he did her at the family barbeque. I was hoping he'd take their conversation inside, yet anger and hurt was leading him and it backfired and almost got him hurt. Even through all that, he saw that Lee needed him even more, and he vowed to be her rock. I love it.
I'm glad that Khialee commanding officer was handled because he was a rather sick and broken individual.
This was a short, yet another great read. I love the Washington-Christianson-Smith Tribe and can't wait to read more.
Listen… when I tell you I went into The Christmas Guest with my blinders fully on, no synopsis, no warnings, just vibes I was not prepared. If you’re looking for a light, cozy, Hallmark style Christmas guest, this is not that book. Not even a little.
This story takes a hard left and doesn’t apologize for it.
Khialee’s return home already carries grief the kind that sits quietly in your chest and changes how you move through the world. Watching her reconnect with family while still protecting her peace felt real. Then comes the romance. Soft. Healing. Spicy in that “maybe life can still be good” way. For a moment, you believe this might turn into a holiday comfort read.
BOOM a big ass plot twist. What unfolds isn’t easy and it isn’t wrapped in a pretty bow but it is necessary. This book forces a conversation that so many stories avoid, especially during the holidays when everything is expected to be merry and bright. Mel Dau doesn’t sweep trauma under the rug or dilute its impact. She lets it sit in the room, uncomfortable and heavy, just like it does in real life.
Her family decides what she needs… A Christmas guest. He arrives not as joy, not as love but as the very source of her pain, PTSD and depression.
Don't worry Khialee still gets a happily ever after. Not because the pain didn’t matter but because her healing did.
This is not a feel good Christmas story. It’s a feel everything Christmas story. One that may catch you off guard but one you won’t forget. Read with care and with an open heart.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
I loved catching up with the Washington's and Smith's, but you ain't have to put me in my feelings like this! Khyialee's tone was so sad from the beginning, that it made you wonder what had she seen in the military. Then to find out her story was devastating! Her meeting Harlem was a chance one, but so significant. Their connection was electric, and their relationship moved quick, but the love was solid! They had each other's back through everything! I loved how the family rallied around her when she revealed what happened, and helped her fight to get her power back. Harlem was bae, through and through! Great read! 👍👍👍
I have not read many books by Mrs. Mel Dau only being the second one so far but both being extraordinary. This is truly your gift, the way you tell a story is it so vivid, it's like you know the characters personally. I love the twists and turns in the plot. Mrs. Mel Dau you gave us a full story in one hundred plus pages which speaks volumes about your craft. I have read other authors thst has not quite accomplished that part of their writing career.
This was a wonderful read. I am hoping that Bashir and Sammi gets to tell their story next. Download, relax, and enjoy this read you will not be disappointed.
What an absolutely amazing book. I had no idea what awaited me when I sat down to read this story. The title of this book was so very clever, and I loved that! Khialee and Harlem, the attraction, flirtation, and sexual tension between them are immediate and very intense. The family drama was everything! I loved how they came together to take care of Khialee and give her the peace she deserved after what she endured while in the military. And through it all, she had the care, protection, and love from Harlem.
This book was fire!! Once again, Mel Dau has made a feast that I enjoyed very much. I highly recommend it.
If you're looking for a holiday story, this is not it.
However, if you're looking for some more Washington/Christianson/Smith & 2nd Generation, Harlem Jr. and Khialee Rosa will hit that spot.
If you are curious about Harlem's parents and sister back story, check out: "His Love Is More Than Enough : Harlem and Constance". Harem LaCroix Sr ❤️
His son did not fall far from the tree in the insta-love novel.
The way he affirmed life into her...
“I love you too. You know why?” I continue to giggle. “Why?” “Because of who and what you are. You are light. You are love. You are truth. You are enough. You are whole. You are happy. You are peace.” I smile at his affirmation of me. “We are love.”
I loooooooved this book! It was so good! I love an instalove so Khialee & Harlem's whirlwind courtship was everything! They just seemed to click. And their families clicked also. Everything was just right. So when that situation popped up I was shocked! And heartbroken. Especially knowing that this sadly happens all too often in real life. But I'm glad closure was gotten and another woman won't have to be harmed. This was a really good story of healing and love. Highly recommend!
I have yet to be disappointed by Mel Dau I love that she has continued with the children Harlem Jr and Khialee story was awesome…. Khialee story was all too real many women and some men have suffered at the hands of their commanding officer and when reported they are deemed to be the problem……I get why Harlem reacted the way he did to Kihalees actions because he thought they had trust and love but for her she was in survival mode for her mental well beings and I commend Mel Dau for writing having choices jibe well done
I loved this book from beginning to end it was such a touching and joyous read. My heart went out to Khialee because she suffered in silence too long but I'm glad she received the healing that she needed. Harlem is definitely#bookbae he was everything and so much more that Khialee didn't even know she needed. Mel Dau always brings the best reads and I can't wait for what's next
Khialee has returned home from the service without her family knowing. When she first see Harlem at the carwash, she liked what she saw. When Harlem and Khialee ran into each other again, they spent a night together that turned into something more. When Khialee became sick, the secrets that were revealed in the aftermath of what she did shocked me. Harlem and Khialee were perfect for each other and even though he was hurt by her actions, his was there for her. I loved Khialee and Harlem and was glad they got their HEA and more. Mel Dau warms my heart on every book by her and I'm so in love with her writing!!! I want more from this family!!!
Ok this is one of the best Christmas books I’ve read and I’ve read a ton. Where do I begin...first I love how Harlem loved Khialee. She was traumatized while in the military and her family sowed up and out for her. I’m glad she let them back into her life. This is a must read and you have easily slipped into my top 5 authors. Keep them coming because you are truly talented.
I thought the previous book, The Wrap Up, would be the last we heard from this clan, so when I saw this book was connected, I was surprised. Now I didn’t finish The Wrap Up because there was so much trauma that I didn’t want to read. I thought since this book had Christmas in the title, it would be like the other books of the series. I was wrong. I guess I can at least say I’m done with the series. Kinda wish I had stopped at Tana’s book.
3.5/5⭐️ 3.9/5🌶️ I enjoyed this drama filled story. I really loved the affirmations. I enjoyed The drama it was so messy I literally gasped because I was that surprised. The bond between Harlem Jr. and Khialee was really cute too! I didn't like that it really had nothing to do with Christmas. Literally the first 50% of the book I wasn't even sure it was December lol. I wanted it to feel like Christmas as I read. It Also had too many povs! We didn't need to know everyones thoughts lol.
Harlem and Khialee meeting was nothing but fate. They fell for one another fast and it was amazing. Khialee got reacquainted with her family although there was a secret she had to get past. It was good to have Harlem, her family, and his family to help her heal. Great book.
Khialee was the epitome of strength. It was a great insta love story that went deeper than the eye could see. I loved Harlem and Khialee together. This story had drama, love, a little murder and mystery. Would love to read more about the Washington's. My first time reading Mel Dau and definitely not the last! Bravo!
I enjoyed this immensely. It touched on real issues but remained refreshing and funny. I enjoyed hearing from Khiaere and Trell. Seeing their children was fun. I am glad Khialee leaned on her love 💗and family. Another great story. I just feel like I missed out on a lot of Phy😢😢.
A great read that is so emotional. The characters are interesting, likeable,and dealing with issues. An issue that a lot of women deal with daily. The author has done a great job bringing together all the reproduction and effects of rape. Everyone deals with it differently and the way it is dealt with in this story was great.
I hated what happened to KhiaLee. She should have told her family. The way they get down it would have been handled a long time ago. I love me some Harlem Jr. He was just the man KhiaLee needed in her life. I am so happy she found love. Now I need back stories on the cousins and their wives.
Loved revisiting the Washingtons/Smith/Christian clan. Harlem Jr was a hell of a man, and exactly who Khalid needed. Loved the family dynamics and the way were there for each other. Loved the twist, had me pissed at Lee for a minute. Commander Jason Cleveland messed over the wrong woman!!
I just love this family. The men in this family represents what I like to see strong, educated, family oriented, and fine. I love how they love each other. None of them are perfect and that’s what makes reading about them even more interesting. I think Harlem fits right on in.
This was good, it had a great storyline much different than the holiday stories over read over the past few weeks. At first I did wonder what was going on but everything came out and I'm so happy things worked out for everyone yes including the Captain! Can't to read another great read from this author.
Everything! Loved everything bout this book. Family-ahmazzing! The strength shown by Khialee and what she went through and finding love with Harlem despite what took place, is that true love affirmation! How this family handled the situation that came, was beyond smooth ! Excellent read!
I loved getting back to the Washington, Smith n Christianson clan. I was scared that the wrap up was the end. I immediately got excited when I started the first chapter. Miss Mel Dau you are AMAZING. I am literally reading your entire catalog n I haven't read one book that didn't captivate me yet
Well, well well🥴 ‼️Guess what, it’s a small world after all⁉️ Ain’t that right Mr. JP🤡‼️…”The Christmas Guess” was the necessary affirmation the next generation of Washington/Christianson/Smith’s needed considering all the family have endured 🤷🏾♀️. However, their reality it’s a bitter sweet fictional tale!
Awww I loved Harlem and Khialee's story! It was just so wholesome and relatable. Also, I loved the families, I hope that you have more of their stories in your catalog. Yes, peace can come in many forms, and it's the unconventional ones that matter the most! I will say some aspects I was not expecting at all, but it all tied together at the end!
First book by this author. I heard good things and have her other work on my TBR list. However, I am in my holiday mood so have been meeting short holiday novellas. Anyhoo, I really enjoyed this. I read it in one setting. I didn't want to put it down. I need to go through her catalog, this book seems to tie to her other works.
I just love this family. I love how the men protect their partners/wives and how the women have their backs too. I love how close and connected the family is...I've always dreamed of having that but maybe I will experience it through the next generation. Continue to let God use you and I promise to continue to read every single book you write. God Bless you, Mel Dau!
Harlem and Khialee was such a cute couple. This was not what I expected from a Christmas Novella but I definitely enjoyed the way they both fell fast and how real the story felt. Both families were fully supportive and that was a great addition to the story. The ending was perfect the guest got exactly what the deserved..