What do you think?
Rate this book
Countermeasure: Bytes of Life #7
Christmas Wish
In the seventh Byte of Life, newlyweds Stephan and Jessica Connellan are solidifying their relationship while expecting their first child. Nothing will stop Stephan from protecting the dream he’s always yearned for—a family—but his concerns for Jessica and their baby’s health could be more harmful than the eye can see.
Jessica’s joy in the new life they are creating together is crumbling. As her pregnancy progresses, Stephan appears distant, detached. Worried that their whirlwind romance is about to explode in her face, she’s anxious to bridge the distance between them. Will she be able to remind him of what they have together before his promise of forever slips through her fingers?
Jessica’s joy in the new life they are creating together is crumbling. As her pregnancy progresses, Stephan appears distant, detached. Worried that their whirlwind romance is about to explode in her face, she’s anxious to bridge the distance between them. Will she be able to remind him of what they have together before his promise of forever slips through her fingers?
- GenresContemporary Romance
73 pages, ebook
First published February 26, 2015
About the author
Chris Almeida
29 books132 followersChris Almeida (also known as C. Almeida) began writing children’s stories at a very young age. Born in Brazil but currently living in Toronto, Ontario, Canada, Chris’ life took a totally different course when technology came into play, and the following 17 years were spent delving deep into the world of programming and web design.
It was in 2010, when Chris began role playing online as a hobby, that writing wormed its way back into the picture. This time, writing storylines for the role playing group.
The ideas and plots created for the game awoke the inner writer and a few months later, together with partner in crime C. Aubrey, began writing erotic romance.
Now, still together, they have written a number of short stories and novel. They are currently working on book three of their series as well as several short stories. Through it all they have continued to enjoy role playing through their favorite characters.
Chris welcomes feedback, input and comments from readers. You can get in touch via FB, email, Linked in and Goodreads. Links below:
https://www.facebook.com/Chris.Almeid...
calmeida@caduobooks.com
http://ca.linkedin.com/in/chrisalmeid...
It was in 2010, when Chris began role playing online as a hobby, that writing wormed its way back into the picture. This time, writing storylines for the role playing group.
The ideas and plots created for the game awoke the inner writer and a few months later, together with partner in crime C. Aubrey, began writing erotic romance.
Now, still together, they have written a number of short stories and novel. They are currently working on book three of their series as well as several short stories. Through it all they have continued to enjoy role playing through their favorite characters.
Chris welcomes feedback, input and comments from readers. You can get in touch via FB, email, Linked in and Goodreads. Links below:
https://www.facebook.com/Chris.Almeid...
calmeida@caduobooks.com
http://ca.linkedin.com/in/chrisalmeid...
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
February 26, 2015
Been waiting forever for more of Jessica and Stephan. Although, I am a natural HATER because I claimed him first before Jessica I would still say I enjoyed the blossoming of their relationship. With a rocky start in TRWL Jessica claimed her Charming but he still struggled with letting people in and expressing the fights he mostly likely has with himself.
To say I was ticked off at my husband will be an understatement by Chris and Cecilia did a wonderful job turning it around and having both characters express themselves to a point of understanding. I would say it was a pleasure seeing old faces and getting an insight of new struggles to come. This was truly a wish come true and a flash of the pain and respect that still lives for the founder of the company. That was the best board meeting ever. It touched my heart.
To say I was ticked off at my husband will be an understatement by Chris and Cecilia did a wonderful job turning it around and having both characters express themselves to a point of understanding. I would say it was a pleasure seeing old faces and getting an insight of new struggles to come. This was truly a wish come true and a flash of the pain and respect that still lives for the founder of the company. That was the best board meeting ever. It touched my heart.
February 28, 2015
Jessica and Stephan Connellan are awaiting their birth of their first child. For Stephan this is a dream he never thought po Jessica ssible and he will do anything to protect his family. As Stephan ' s fears grow, he pushes Jessica away. Jessica sees their relationship imploding before her eyes. Can Stephan move past his fears before it's too late?
What I love most about the Bytes of Life is that we get extra time with our favorite characters. As a reader, there have been countless times that I closed my book or turned off my Kindle and wondered what happened after the HEA. Unlike some novellas, where I feel cheated because it doesn't answer anything, Almeida and Aubrey make sure their novellas have meaning and impact for their readers. Each Byte serves to enhance an already rich series and make the reader long for the next Byte installment.
Stephan was honestly never a favorite of mine. I liked him and I was happy Jessica got her HEA. Stephan just can't top the Alpha Geek, Trevor Bauer. A Christmas Wish made me see the brooding tightly controlled Stephan in a whole new light. I felt his anxiety at protecting his dream. Even though I wanted to slap him silly a few times and yell that he needed to get his head out of the sand before Jessica ended up leaving him, I got where he was coming from. For a man who controls everything, Jessica' s pregnancy, which he can't control scares the crap out of him.
One of the problems I have always had with pregnant characters is that I don't always get their perspective having never been pregnant myself. Not so with Jessica! I could totally feel her glowing. I got how she revelled in the beauty of her now lush body and then how she questioned that sexiness when Stephan because distant.
If you are a fan of the Countermeasure Series and you haven't read any of the Bytes, you need to grab your favorite electronic device and start downloading. Not tomorrow or later but NOW. You will enjoy the insight you will gain to your favorite characters.
*received ARC as a beta reader for the authors. Review also to appear on somanyreads.com*
What I love most about the Bytes of Life is that we get extra time with our favorite characters. As a reader, there have been countless times that I closed my book or turned off my Kindle and wondered what happened after the HEA. Unlike some novellas, where I feel cheated because it doesn't answer anything, Almeida and Aubrey make sure their novellas have meaning and impact for their readers. Each Byte serves to enhance an already rich series and make the reader long for the next Byte installment.
Stephan was honestly never a favorite of mine. I liked him and I was happy Jessica got her HEA. Stephan just can't top the Alpha Geek, Trevor Bauer. A Christmas Wish made me see the brooding tightly controlled Stephan in a whole new light. I felt his anxiety at protecting his dream. Even though I wanted to slap him silly a few times and yell that he needed to get his head out of the sand before Jessica ended up leaving him, I got where he was coming from. For a man who controls everything, Jessica' s pregnancy, which he can't control scares the crap out of him.
One of the problems I have always had with pregnant characters is that I don't always get their perspective having never been pregnant myself. Not so with Jessica! I could totally feel her glowing. I got how she revelled in the beauty of her now lush body and then how she questioned that sexiness when Stephan because distant.
If you are a fan of the Countermeasure Series and you haven't read any of the Bytes, you need to grab your favorite electronic device and start downloading. Not tomorrow or later but NOW. You will enjoy the insight you will gain to your favorite characters.
*received ARC as a beta reader for the authors. Review also to appear on somanyreads.com*
May 12, 2015
Another wonderfully sweet Bytes of Life from the Countermeasure Series. Stephen and Jessica had a whirl wind affair that turned into a loving marriage with a baby on the way. After Stephen reads too many baby books and scares himself (silly boy) into not being intimate with Jessica, her insecurities rear their ugly head. Once they learn to communicate than maybe she will get her Christmas wish. A lovely novella that touches your heart and makes you want to smack Stephen upside the head at one point. So worth the read. I love getting a glimpse into the daily lives of the Countermeasure characters.
I was given an ARC for an honest review.
I was given an ARC for an honest review.
February 27, 2015
I LOVED THIS BOOK! I am so happy that Stephan and Jessica have their happy ever after! I can totally relate to this story because my son's father and I went through a similar situation with his over-protectiveness and my wanting to seduce him! I truly love how Chris and Cecilia have made their characters so true to life! I cannot wait to find out the gender of the baby: perhaps they should have found out and had a cake party during Christmas dinner!!! Great read and I highly recommend it!
February 26, 2015
Lovely. Simply lovely. Christmas Wish by Chris Almeida and Cecilia Aubrey is the seventh novella in the Countermeasure: Bytes of Life series and is one of my favorite Bytes so far. Christmas Wish features Stephan and Jessica who were introduced to us in Countermeasure and their love story begins in To Russia With Love. This book is a side story and continuation of their romance. I get so freaking excited when authors write novellas like this so I don’t have to let my favorite characters go.
Stephan and Jessica are newlyweds and parents-to-be so we get to peek in on what life is like for them right now. The authors do a phenomenal job in general of writing about couples who have been together for a long time. It is not easy coming up with new story ideas with the same characters, but I am always surprised when I read a new one from Chris and Cecilia. Their stories are real and engaging. Christmas Wish is no different. I enjoyed the simple scenes of everyday married life between Stephan and Jessica just as much as the bigger parts of the story. There was a very heartwarming scene where the two of them are just talking in bed and it makes your heart swell at the openness of it. It’s so refreshing in fiction to have the real substance of life that isn’t heartbreaking, but joyful.
Everything is not all sunshine and rainbows for this couple, though. Stephan is worried. Fearful. And going a little out of his mind. He is so scared of losing Jessica and the baby he thought he would never have that he takes things to the extreme. He inadvertently pushes Jessica away and this only causes concern from Jessica. She has been down this road with him in the past and really doesn’t want to travel it again. The scene in which everything comes to head is genius. It is real and raw and emotional. Your heart breaks for both Jessica and Stephan as they deal with their own personal version of hell. It is a fantastic scene that results in some incredibly passionate and steamy intimate moments.
There is so much hope for this couple when you see the way they can work things out. My favorite quote is from Stephan spoken to Jessica: “You awe me. And you scare the hell out of me.” It is a loaded statement and you really want to read the book to find out how he explains it to her. You might just swoon. Christmas Wish is a captivating romance that draws you in from the first page, tangles with your emotions and leaves you both satisfied and wanting more at the same time. If you haven't read this series yet, I highly recommend you get started now.
*I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.*
Stephan and Jessica are newlyweds and parents-to-be so we get to peek in on what life is like for them right now. The authors do a phenomenal job in general of writing about couples who have been together for a long time. It is not easy coming up with new story ideas with the same characters, but I am always surprised when I read a new one from Chris and Cecilia. Their stories are real and engaging. Christmas Wish is no different. I enjoyed the simple scenes of everyday married life between Stephan and Jessica just as much as the bigger parts of the story. There was a very heartwarming scene where the two of them are just talking in bed and it makes your heart swell at the openness of it. It’s so refreshing in fiction to have the real substance of life that isn’t heartbreaking, but joyful.
Everything is not all sunshine and rainbows for this couple, though. Stephan is worried. Fearful. And going a little out of his mind. He is so scared of losing Jessica and the baby he thought he would never have that he takes things to the extreme. He inadvertently pushes Jessica away and this only causes concern from Jessica. She has been down this road with him in the past and really doesn’t want to travel it again. The scene in which everything comes to head is genius. It is real and raw and emotional. Your heart breaks for both Jessica and Stephan as they deal with their own personal version of hell. It is a fantastic scene that results in some incredibly passionate and steamy intimate moments.
There is so much hope for this couple when you see the way they can work things out. My favorite quote is from Stephan spoken to Jessica: “You awe me. And you scare the hell out of me.” It is a loaded statement and you really want to read the book to find out how he explains it to her. You might just swoon. Christmas Wish is a captivating romance that draws you in from the first page, tangles with your emotions and leaves you both satisfied and wanting more at the same time. If you haven't read this series yet, I highly recommend you get started now.
*I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.*
February 28, 2015
Christmas Wish (Countermeasure: Bytes of Life #7)
Chris Almeida & Cecilia Aubrey
File Size: 986 KB Print: 74 pages
In the seventh Byte of Life, newlyweds Stephan and Jessica Connellan are solidifying their relationship while expecting their first child. Nothing will stop Stephan from protecting the dream he’s always yearned for—a family—but his concerns for Jessica and their baby’s health could be more harmful than the eye can see. Jessica’s joy in the new life they are creating together is crumbling. As her pregnancy progresses, Stephan appears distant, detached. Worried that their whirlwind romance is about to explode in her face, she’s anxious to bridge the distance between them. Will she be able to remind him of what they have together before his promise of forever slips through her fingers?
In this Byte of life we take a peek into the life of one of my favorite book couples. I have to say that in real life I was never attracted to older men. But Stephan is the epitome of the nickname Jessica has blessed him with…Charming. He is utterly charming and could probably Charm the underpants off a nun. So if I had to fall for an older guy…Charming would be it…even if I’m not a nun!
Jessica is showing and her hormones are now kicking in full throttle, except like most pregnant women she’s not suffering from cravings with the exception of one …Mr Charming himself. Well, I can’t blame her for that craving, had it been me…I would’ve tied him to the bed, but that’s a whole different genre! Stephan has wanted one thing in life and is scared to death of watching his dreams crumble, but little does he know that his need for control in all things doesn’t easily transfer to real life; causing Jessica to go without her favorite Pickle. But no fear ladies our girl Jessica knows how to get to tickle that pickle and then some! The authors never let me down with their array of emotions that place you into their books. If you haven’t read The Countermeasures series before, I encourage you to at least pick this one up. It will definitely become your new addiction.
The Oracle (Maria Mercedes)
All synopsis are supplied by the publisher via Amazon or Goodreads or Barnes & Noble.
The Oracle Reviews: https://www.facebook.com/permalink.ph...
The Oracle Reviews receives books to review via Netgalley. All opinions and reviews are her own.
Chris Almeida & Cecilia Aubrey
File Size: 986 KB Print: 74 pages
In the seventh Byte of Life, newlyweds Stephan and Jessica Connellan are solidifying their relationship while expecting their first child. Nothing will stop Stephan from protecting the dream he’s always yearned for—a family—but his concerns for Jessica and their baby’s health could be more harmful than the eye can see. Jessica’s joy in the new life they are creating together is crumbling. As her pregnancy progresses, Stephan appears distant, detached. Worried that their whirlwind romance is about to explode in her face, she’s anxious to bridge the distance between them. Will she be able to remind him of what they have together before his promise of forever slips through her fingers?
In this Byte of life we take a peek into the life of one of my favorite book couples. I have to say that in real life I was never attracted to older men. But Stephan is the epitome of the nickname Jessica has blessed him with…Charming. He is utterly charming and could probably Charm the underpants off a nun. So if I had to fall for an older guy…Charming would be it…even if I’m not a nun!
Jessica is showing and her hormones are now kicking in full throttle, except like most pregnant women she’s not suffering from cravings with the exception of one …Mr Charming himself. Well, I can’t blame her for that craving, had it been me…I would’ve tied him to the bed, but that’s a whole different genre! Stephan has wanted one thing in life and is scared to death of watching his dreams crumble, but little does he know that his need for control in all things doesn’t easily transfer to real life; causing Jessica to go without her favorite Pickle. But no fear ladies our girl Jessica knows how to get to tickle that pickle and then some! The authors never let me down with their array of emotions that place you into their books. If you haven’t read The Countermeasures series before, I encourage you to at least pick this one up. It will definitely become your new addiction.
The Oracle (Maria Mercedes)
All synopsis are supplied by the publisher via Amazon or Goodreads or Barnes & Noble.
The Oracle Reviews: https://www.facebook.com/permalink.ph...
The Oracle Reviews receives books to review via Netgalley. All opinions and reviews are her own.
February 28, 2015
This sweet short refers to other characters of the Countermeasure series but you don't have to know the other books to enjoy this steaming hot story. This novella is mostly internal as Jessica and her 'Charming' Stephan adjust to a lot of physical and emotional changes all at once. Their polar opposite methods of coping causes problems. The characters are wonderfully written and I felt like a close friend. I found myself wanting to slap them both and tell them to get it together.
This story didn't leave me with a smile, it left me with a big goofy grin and a happy heart.
This story didn't leave me with a smile, it left me with a big goofy grin and a happy heart.
March 2, 2015
In this novella, we get to check in with Stephan and Jessica: Stephan is a pseudo-uncle / father figure for Trevor: he was Connor’s best friend. Stephan is a wonderful man: a bit too buttoned up and control-freak for his own good, even though those traits combined with his ability to compartmentalize his life and emotions have served him well in business.
Jessica is Cassie’s friend and employee – she’s a whiz at ‘finding’ people, and she’s got that whole grab for the brass ring attitude about life and love. Jess saw and went for Stephan, despite his initial protestations and attempts to fob her off, and now 7 months pregnant she is about as happy as can be.
Well, almost. See there’s one problem. Stephan is an utter dolt.
And I love Stephan, but like most men who are into ‘controlling’ situations, he has realized that there are TONS of things out of his control: from random accidents to Jessica’s increasing desirability, which completely freaks him out even as every moment she tempts him. So, he does what all people afraid of emotions and sharing do – he avoids.
And poor Jessica is thinking he doesn’t want her, he’s disgusted by her now “fertility goddess’ shape. It’s bad enough when “your ass is a magnet” and you can’t get out of a chair, but to think that Stephan doesn’t want her or the baby is just one thing too much. She’s very connected to his “I’m in control” attitude, and she’s unaware of just what sort of power she has where Stephan is concerned, but all that will change.
Walking away quietly is not a Jessica move though, so after one of the most addlepated, unfeeling and childish moves ever as Stephan rejected her advances, she waddles him down and sets the stage for confrontation. Oh he capitulates, in some ways learning a lesson (but knowing him, it’s a short-term memory and he’ll do this again with something else) as he shares his deepest fears, concerns and emotions with Jessica. Oh – and need I mention he’s read every single book about pregnancy, focusing on the “what could go wrong’ bits? *sigh* Men.
See, Stephan is not an ‘emotionally connected’ man, deep emotions send him off balance and make him feel out of control, and he has carefully constructed his façade to be inscrutable and enigmatic. Now, when the time comes, facing those emotions is even more frightening – but to lose Jess would be world-ending. Yet, he can’t let go of the information that he has absorbed like a sponge – all worst case scenario issues that he never shared with Jessica. Her chasing him down to confront him is the push off the cliff he needed, to trust that she will be there to catch and reassure him.
Yet another peek into lives of the secondary (but wholly enjoyable) characters. The emotion and connection between the two is palpable, and while there is some incredibly steamy smexy moments, but the emotional honesty, trusting in one another when the very idea scares you silly, all work to forge a deeper connection. These are hallmarks of the writing and character development in this series and why they stay with readers long after the last page is turned.
I purchased an eBook copy of this title for my own personal library. I was not obligated nor compensated for this review: all conclusions are my own responsibility.
Jessica is Cassie’s friend and employee – she’s a whiz at ‘finding’ people, and she’s got that whole grab for the brass ring attitude about life and love. Jess saw and went for Stephan, despite his initial protestations and attempts to fob her off, and now 7 months pregnant she is about as happy as can be.
Well, almost. See there’s one problem. Stephan is an utter dolt.
And I love Stephan, but like most men who are into ‘controlling’ situations, he has realized that there are TONS of things out of his control: from random accidents to Jessica’s increasing desirability, which completely freaks him out even as every moment she tempts him. So, he does what all people afraid of emotions and sharing do – he avoids.
And poor Jessica is thinking he doesn’t want her, he’s disgusted by her now “fertility goddess’ shape. It’s bad enough when “your ass is a magnet” and you can’t get out of a chair, but to think that Stephan doesn’t want her or the baby is just one thing too much. She’s very connected to his “I’m in control” attitude, and she’s unaware of just what sort of power she has where Stephan is concerned, but all that will change.
Walking away quietly is not a Jessica move though, so after one of the most addlepated, unfeeling and childish moves ever as Stephan rejected her advances, she waddles him down and sets the stage for confrontation. Oh he capitulates, in some ways learning a lesson (but knowing him, it’s a short-term memory and he’ll do this again with something else) as he shares his deepest fears, concerns and emotions with Jessica. Oh – and need I mention he’s read every single book about pregnancy, focusing on the “what could go wrong’ bits? *sigh* Men.
See, Stephan is not an ‘emotionally connected’ man, deep emotions send him off balance and make him feel out of control, and he has carefully constructed his façade to be inscrutable and enigmatic. Now, when the time comes, facing those emotions is even more frightening – but to lose Jess would be world-ending. Yet, he can’t let go of the information that he has absorbed like a sponge – all worst case scenario issues that he never shared with Jessica. Her chasing him down to confront him is the push off the cliff he needed, to trust that she will be there to catch and reassure him.
Yet another peek into lives of the secondary (but wholly enjoyable) characters. The emotion and connection between the two is palpable, and while there is some incredibly steamy smexy moments, but the emotional honesty, trusting in one another when the very idea scares you silly, all work to forge a deeper connection. These are hallmarks of the writing and character development in this series and why they stay with readers long after the last page is turned.
I purchased an eBook copy of this title for my own personal library. I was not obligated nor compensated for this review: all conclusions are my own responsibility.
March 4, 2015
Stephan and Jessica are about to celebrate their first Christmas together as husband and wife. However, their happiness is put to the test as they face their inner fears, in preparation for their bundle of joy. Will they be able to open up to each other, or will their first holiday season also be their last?
Readers are first introduced to the romantic possibilities between Stephan and Jessica in To Russia with Love. In Christmas Wish, readers will fall in love with this couple, as they connect with the newlyweds on a deeper level. Chris Almeida and Cecilia Aubrey have managed to turn 70-ish pages into an emotional, realistic journey that will satisfy the reader's need to know more about this secondary couple. Christmas Wish is like a present wrapped with a bow for fans of the Countermeasure Series.
Notes:
I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
This review was originally posted on the Ariesgrl Book Reviews website.
Readers are first introduced to the romantic possibilities between Stephan and Jessica in To Russia with Love. In Christmas Wish, readers will fall in love with this couple, as they connect with the newlyweds on a deeper level. Chris Almeida and Cecilia Aubrey have managed to turn 70-ish pages into an emotional, realistic journey that will satisfy the reader's need to know more about this secondary couple. Christmas Wish is like a present wrapped with a bow for fans of the Countermeasure Series.
Notes:
I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
This review was originally posted on the Ariesgrl Book Reviews website.
July 14, 2015
Take a Byte
Another great snippet into the lives of 2 of my favorite characters in the Countermeasure Series.
Stephan and Jessica are an amazing couple but still have a ways to go. Misconceptions, love, fear, so many things guide us to what we believe to be true may spell trouble for these two if they don't learn to communicate with one another.
Chris & Ceci have done an amazing job bringing the passion and love to these characters. I loved this storyandthese Bytes seem to keep getting better and better with each one I read.
Another great snippet into the lives of 2 of my favorite characters in the Countermeasure Series.
Stephan and Jessica are an amazing couple but still have a ways to go. Misconceptions, love, fear, so many things guide us to what we believe to be true may spell trouble for these two if they don't learn to communicate with one another.
Chris & Ceci have done an amazing job bringing the passion and love to these characters. I loved this storyandthese Bytes seem to keep getting better and better with each one I read.
February 7, 2016
I loved, too, To Russia with Love, but some small twigs were to be neatly tied, and the one, more important to be untied... the small ones, that relate to Stephan & Jessica and Dmlyn & Tatiana were neatly tied and a way very beautiful.
March 13, 2015
LOVED IT...Then again I loved these two when they were introduced more in the 2nd book of the Countermeasure series. Hope to read more on them as well as Trevor and Cass :)
January 18, 2016
loved this book
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews