Jump to ratings and reviews
Rate this book

Acceptance #4

Christmas With The Houstons

Rate this book
Jake and April’s long-awaited delivery date is getting closer by the day. After thirteen years together, they are finally going to be parents. This should be the most exciting time of their lives except they are now faced with obstacles they never imagined.
Jake Houston is at his wits end and is taking it out on his wife. Work is a nightmare ever since his brother, Connor, joined the family business. As excited as he is to finally become a father, the stresses of day to day life are really bringing him down. When April drops a bombshell on him and tries to bring her work into their home life, it’s what he’s always dreamed of and his biggest nightmare all at once.
April Houston loves her husband with all her heart and knows he’s struggling. She wants to make things easier for him but oversteps some major boundaries in the process. Can Jake and April’s love conquer her major misstep? Or will this couple realize marriage isn’t all they thought it would be and throw in the towel?
Come celebrate Christmas with your favorite Acceptance Series characters and find out.

276 pages, ebook

Published December 14, 2015

58 people are currently reading
277 people want to read

Ratings & Reviews

What do you think?
Rate this book

Friends & Following

Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!

Community Reviews

5 stars
99 (59%)
4 stars
49 (29%)
3 stars
11 (6%)
2 stars
4 (2%)
1 star
3 (1%)
Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
Profile Image for D. Kelly.
Author 37 books2,261 followers
December 18, 2015

Christmas with the Houstons was a labor of love. Originally, this book was supposed to be a novella and is still labeled and priced as a novella because that was the original intent.
Jake and April had a story to tell and it took me a long time to get it out and make it the best it could be. Truth be told this book really should have been called Holidays with the Houstons instead because it encompasses Halloween, Thanksgiving, and Christmas.
You'll get to revisit all your favorite Acceptance Series characters and see how their lives and loves are working out.
I don't plan on writing any more Acceptance Series books so this one truly is goodbye and that's what made it so difficult to write.
I hope I've given you the final farewell you asked for after Loving Kate. I loved writing Jake and April for many reasons, the main one being they are the two characters I've always held closely to my heart.
Eventually, I may change my mind or write a few short stories on my website so please be sure you're following along.
Happy Holidays Everyone!
http://www.dkellyauthor.com/mailing-l...
Profile Image for Karen Harper.
383 reviews
December 24, 2015
Before you read this review, as a blogger, I thought I should let you know that I read the previous books in The Acceptance Series as an ARC, but I also bought these books because I loved them. I also bought this book, even though there was no blog tour associated with it, because I wanted to read this book and I needed to finish this journey.
However, it was difficult for me to start reading “Christmas with the Houstons”. Why? Because I knew this was the last book in The Acceptance Series, a series which I have loved from the very first book. I felt like I was saying goodbye to ‘old’ friends. But D. Kelly knows how to finish a party with a bang!
One of the many reasons I loved this book was because the central characters, Jake and April, were characters I didn’t really know much about. I knew Jake as the brother of Connor and April as the woman he married in Book 1, but I didn’t really KNOW them. BTW, this is the part where I tell you that if you haven’t read the earlier books in the series, you need to read them first.
I loved reading their story as they struggled with their first pregnancy along with a few family problems that threatened to tear brothers apart. However, this book was not just about them. Overall, I think this was a story of an extended family, a family full of love and acceptance for each other. Christmas with the Houstons is one of those books that wraps you in a soft blanket and puts a smile on your face.
Even though I’m sad this series is over, I can’t wait to read whatever D. Kelly writes next. I gave Christmas with the Houstons 5 sparkling Christmas stars.

Written by Karen from A Thousand Lives Book Blog
Profile Image for Nikki Costello ***Crazy Cajun Book Addicts Blog***.
2,081 reviews57 followers
December 22, 2015
Christmas with the Houstons is a bloody fantastic read and I would definitely give it more than 5 stars if I could.It had me in an emotional mess throughout with happy and sad tears This book is about Jake and April but don't worry all our favourite characters are there too aswell as some new ones. If you've read the Acceptance Series then be sure to get this little beauty aswell you definitely won't be dissapointed.

***ARC given in exchange for an honest review***
Profile Image for Stefanie Kral.
764 reviews25 followers
December 20, 2015
✯✯5 Beautiful Stars!!✯✯

Wow!! Just wow. I finished this book a few days ago and I honestly don't think I have yet to find the words to write a review that does this book and series justice. I fell in love with Jake and April in the very beginning of this incredible series. Jake is Connor's older brother. Jake and April are like the mom and dad of the group. I been hoping Dee would give us a little of their story. And, man. It was worth the wait!!

We seen Jake and April get married in Breaking Kate and now we're watching them prepare for the birth of their first child. It should be the best time of their lives. Now, I'm not going to give you much bc it's too good to giveaway. But, we all know Jake works with his father along with Daniel and Mike. Now, his brother Connor is working there as well as with Kate.

Jake is working such long hours and is extremely stressed. He won't talk to April about what's bothering him. April is trying her best between Jake's bad attitude and working. Even though they have all that going on they're still madly in love with each other. So much so they can't stand it when other men or women are looking at their husband/wife. It's so nice to see a couple that's been together so long and still so attracted and in love with each other. This is the first time they've gotten into such a bad fight. They are trying to figure out a way to move past all this.

I love how we've seen such a huge change to Mike since the beginning. Listening to him give Jake advice was hysterical! Then, add in Daniel and I'm swooning. This book had everything you could look and want in a story. I found myself tearing up multiple times while reading this. The closer to the end I got the more I cried. This is one series I don't want to end! I want to be a part of this circle of friends so bad it's unreal LOL. Thank you Dee for bringing me Kate, Daniel, Michael and the rest of their friends. Jake and April were the perfect ending to this perfect series <3
Profile Image for Christie72 (Devilishly Delicious Book Reviews).
1,453 reviews32 followers
December 18, 2015
Christmas with the Houstons is the perfect ending to the series, even though I’m going to miss these people like crazy! I feel like I have become a member of this special group, having shared in their joy and their pain.

Readers finally get Jake and April’s story. It’s not like the other books in the series; this couple is already married and are awaiting the birth of their first child. With most series, the HEA comes right after the couple walk down the aisle and pledge their love to one another. Well…we all know that’s not really how it is in real life, just like Jake and April will find out in this book. The issues they have to overcome are real, and it takes a lot of work and compromise to make a marriage work. But, through all of the turmoil they are facing, there is a lot of joy and happiness too. Jake gives the perfect analogy to his and April’s love when he says:

“The ocean is relentless, timeless, and never stops moving, never gives up. It doesn’t matter if the waves crash too high or too low--if they wreak havoc, destroying things in their path, leaving death and destruction in their wake—because the waves eventually recede. They calm, the beauty resets, and they become perfect imperfections all over again.”

There were points in this book where I shed a few tears, and miraculously most were tears of happiness. It’s a beautiful romance with some hot, steamy sex, but it’s also a love story of family. Family isn’t always about your blood relatives, but it’s about the family you choose with your heart and how wonderful that can be. I could go on and on about how wonderful this series is. I have loved every moment of smiles and tears I’ve shared with all of the characters, and D. Kelly really blew me away with how she ended it…it was perfect and bittersweet. I loved seeing all my favorite characters again, and I hated telling them good-bye. Perfect ending and a perfect Christmas story. Good-bye, gang! Thanks for allowing me to take this journey with you. You will be missed!!!!

***Reviewed for Devilishly Delicious Book Reviews***
Profile Image for Lora.
1,295 reviews14 followers
December 27, 2015
4 ½ out of 5 stars

This was my first book in this series and though I’m sure it had much more significance to the readers who have followed the their thing, I know that it was still a wonderful story that made me want to read more about the characters and their journeys.

April and Jake have a relationship that stands test after test and still comes through and helps them be stronger individually and together. They created a family from friends and from nothing at all. They made a holiday read so much more enjoyable and loving by having the kind of relationship I love, too.

April is very pregnant and not sure about what life is about right now, both at home and with her job. Jake is struggling with the fact that his wife is pregnant and doesn’t understand that she is still the most beautiful woman in the world. But April still knows that Jake is it for her and this statement made my heart so happy for them:

“Yours, Jake. Only yours, forever yours.” These are the most honest and truthful worlds I’ve even spoken.

I laughed until I cried. I cried because I was so happy for them. I even cried some tears of sadness along the way. BUT everyone of my tears was well worth it. This book is one that you should read -- and you don’t even need to wait till next Christmas. Just go for it. You’ll be glad you did!
Profile Image for Jacqui Norris.
296 reviews7 followers
December 20, 2015
ARC received for honest review

Honestly, I absolutely loved this story and this series! First off, you need to read the whole series to know who any of these characters are. Be ready to debate about characters and choose sides. I make no secret I am #TeamMichael. Once they are read, this book brings them all back together as they await the arrival of Jake and April’s baby. Baby hormones, job stress, and crazy family and friends take a toll on the Houston’s but their love is the foundation that all the others base theirs on. True “epicness”. As the holidays approach, we are introduced to some new members of this crew and fall in love just a little bit more. As much as I wanted to read it fast to see what happens, I also wanted to take my time to enjoy the last ride with the Acceptance Series family. Both ways stole my heart.

Dee Kelly has a way of writing this group of people. They are all so individual and lovable in their own way. It has definitely been one of the best series I have read and will always remember. Even though I am sad to it come to an amazing end, I wait for what more Dee Kelly will bring us. But I will forever be #TeamMichael. Thank you Dee Kelly once again!
Profile Image for Tammy.
3,865 reviews18 followers
August 21, 2017
book 4 in the series but this is Jake and April's happy ever after. Jake is Conner's older brother and their circle of friends are ever present in Jake and April's lives. April is getting closer to her due date when she meets a little girl Mia as a social worker she knows not to get attached but Mia crept right up into her heart. April and Jake both have to work thru some insecurities even though they have been together for 13 years, with a new baby coming big changes are all around. There is a wonderful message about fostering kids and adoption that nearly had a whole box of tissues wrapped up in it. I found this book to be so beautiful and an amazing read. Love catching up with Kate, Daniel, Mike and all their close friends. Great ending to this series. I LOVED IT!!
Profile Image for Patricia Maia (The Bookery Review).
811 reviews48 followers
January 4, 2016
If you haven't read this series, you cant imagine how good it felt to read about this group of friends again.
Jake and April's story is beautiful! I knew from previous books that Jake was an extraordinaire man but in this book you will see him raw. He's a wonderful human being and April? April is the perfect woman for him. They complete each other like no other!
It was sooo good to read about all the crew, the babies and the toddlers. They all are the perfect family. They suffered so much and together they stuck and won!
Yes, I did cry. This whole series is so angsty and so incredible sweet that you will need some tissues for sure.
Profile Image for Judie.
1,233 reviews
December 16, 2015
*An ARC was provided in exchange of an honest review*

Absolutely LOVED Jake & April's story!! D. Kelly does not disappoint!! Right from the very beginning you will be completely captivated!!! We also get to see what's happened with the others since Loving Kate. There is so much love in this story. Yes, there are a few bumps but all in all the love in this story is epic. Such a great reminder that family and friends are what's most important in life.

A MUST-READ!!!
Profile Image for Nancy Metsch.
1,368 reviews3 followers
December 16, 2015
What an amazing book!!!
I am #teamdanielalltheway . But I'll tell you this Jake Houston comes in a really close 2nd. His and April's story was so sweet. ** No spoilers** There were equal amounts of great times and times that pissed me off. There was a point in the story I was yelling at Jake, then yelled at April. But at the end of the day this book was an incredible ending to a great series
Profile Image for Hopelessly Hooked on Books.
333 reviews25 followers
February 3, 2016
First of all, thank you Dee for this ARC. secondly, this book was amazing! Totally unexpected things happening through the whole book. I loved seeing the whole gang through the the book, they truly are family and not just great friends. Having that is one of the best feelings in the world. My BFF is a part of my family's lives every day too. The best Christmas story ever
Profile Image for Shirin Rasheed.
2,833 reviews40 followers
December 17, 2015
WOW. I Loved Jake and April's Story in this novella. I am a big fan of Acceptance Series Characters and i became so happy that Dee released a book on Jake and April. I Loved this book and would definitely recommend to everyone <3
Profile Image for Dawn Trepczyk.
388 reviews4 followers
Read
January 11, 2016
This is another great book in the series. To me it was very emotional. If you haven't yet read this series yet you really should. I literally had tears rolling down my face.
Profile Image for Darla.
893 reviews6 followers
January 11, 2016
Amazing finish to this series!!! Jake & April's story just made it perfectly complete!!!
Profile Image for Reading to Escape.
1,105 reviews
July 21, 2017
Wow, I am not sure I have ever read a story filled with so much friendship, family and love before. I enjoyed this whole series and getting to know each of the main characters and seeing how their lives interconnected. Watching their families grow and all the children added to the mix was both special and hilarious at times. This book is full of bonding moments and milestones. In addition to all the babies (I mean these people seriously reproduce...lol), I loved the addition of Hannah and Mia and their unexpected arrival. While this book focused a great deal on Jake and April, which was nice, it was also SO much more. This book was truly heart-warming and a definite must read!!!
27 reviews
December 25, 2022
The Acceptance Series

This final book involves all of the friends and family of the original characters Kate and Michael. This is the second time I have read the initial 4 books. I bought the final book, "Christmas with the Houstons" and it really brought all of the characters together. I cried through sad parts and laughed through happy funny parts. Well written and pulled me in from the first few chapters of book 1. I strongly recommend this writer's books if you enjoy erotic romance stories.
Profile Image for Sharilyn Dickerson.
401 reviews22 followers
August 29, 2017
A Wonderful End to an Amazing Series!

I seriously cannot come up with the words to express how much I loved this series and these characters. Through the good and the bad, they are a family! Much like the previous books in the series, this one takes you on an emotional roller-coaster of a ride. I am truly going to miss the whole gang and their families.
Profile Image for Janice Bold.
409 reviews
December 8, 2017
Loved this book - so much so I had to read all the others in the series!~
Profile Image for Martha Watkins.
113 reviews1 follower
January 25, 2021
This book gave me so many feelings ! Full of love and laughter ! Such a good read couldn’t ask for anything better !
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Donna.
484 reviews7 followers
July 15, 2023
I loved this book. All my favourite characters. I couldn’t put it down. Thank you.
2,212 reviews2 followers
June 27, 2020
Wonderful!!! 5 stars

I can't wait to read about the lives of the kids of these families all grown up one day!!

I loved looking into April and Jake's family life. Just proves, no matter how much money you have, it doesn't solve everything. (Though it helps!!!)

April, with her amazing insight, personality, attribute and wisdom that make her a great friend, she still has insecurities. And Jake, as gorgeous and awesome as he is, he can still be cocky and hurtful. They both have their flaws. But they have been together since they were 15 years old.

A lonely neighbor, who has too much time on her hands, isn't going to ruin that with her subtle little digs and her perfect body that doesn't even interest Jake.

Pregnancy hormones are hard to deal with, but when a skinny, exercise obsessed woman with nothing else but time on her hands starts ogling your husband, you are justified if you blow up on her or him.

When the couple start fighting for the first time in 15 years, she gets upset. Thinking that maybe love isn't enough anymore to get them through. April hates the neighborhood they live in, her neighbors, and not being near family. She wants to be near family, watching her nieces and nephews growing up, living on the same street.

When a case hits close to home, she wants the unthinkable. Jake can't believe he will get his dream sooner than later. It's everything he's ever wanted. He just NEVER expected April to give in so fast and easily.

When the Houston's get their Christmas wish along with a big delivery, it's definitely a holiday they won't forget.

Ooh!!! Such a great read!!!
Profile Image for Carol.
3,586 reviews3 followers
December 20, 2015
Christmas with The Houstons

Awesome story, involving, death, foster care, adoption, marriage, courtship, friends, family, story involves several couples, have been friends for years, best friends, boyfriends, girlfriends. They are all very close, love each other, are there for each other for whatever issues come up, Jake and April are married, in love, pregnant, have some arguments/ misunderstanding
, they both say things they didn
Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews

Can't find what you're looking for?

Get help and learn more about the design.