Limecello’s review of Yule be Mine by Jennifer LaBrecque
Contemporary romance released by Harlequin Blaze on 1 Dec 08
Who doesn’t love a little Christmas in April? It was snowing in all three states I was the last week of March, so I found it was fitting. I like reading everything in a book, so when I started with Ms. LaBrecque’s “Dear Reader” letter I knew I was in for a treat. In the letter, Ms. LaBrecque admits she likes thinking of the worst person the heroine can fall in love with, then proceeds to write him as the hero. Terrific, brilliant, twisted, and entertaining.
Giselle Randolph is a smart, caring, driven woman, who has decided to take her love life into her own hands. Not only is she completing an assignment for work (she writes for a magazine), but she’s going to find a man to purge the obsession with the one she can’t have – her former brother-in-law. I like how Giselle can take everything in stride, yet is also able to hold her ground when necessary. She seems to be the backbone of her family, but doesn’t let that burden, or dictate her life.
I really liked Sam McKendrick. He’s a great guy, yes, but perfect hero material. Why? Because he knows he has feelings for the heroine – even love – and he goes after her. He’s like some rare, obscure breed of some animal. A caring, emotionally attuned man. Of course, he has his clueless moments and bumbling, but Sam is also determined. And sexy. I liked that he knows Giselle so well, and that he was really trying to establish a relationship with Giselle. Of course it didn’t hurt that he’s a talented photographer, and really manly.
The story for Yule Be Mine is incredibly cute, and I really enjoyed reading it. The situation Ms. LaBrecque sets up seems impossible, yet all the parts work, and come together. I liked not only that she wrote a happy ending, but there was also personal growth on the part of the secondary characters as well. Not even the “evil sister” was static, which I found very impressive. I liked that there was real conflict, and the characters worked through it, giving such problems the attention they deserve.
The emotions were real and believable. In fact, the slightly mystic/paranormal elements didn’t even really register on my radar or bother me in this contemporary romance. The chemistry between the characters was sizzling, and I really like how believable and reasonable Ms. LaBrecque managed to make the situation. The opening grabs your attention, but also allows the reader to believe the hero and heroine have a chance, even when the circumstances make it seem impossible.
I think it helped that the “mystic” element in Yule Be Mine is what prompted a lot of the sexy scenes that occur throughout the book. Sam is given an amulet which allows him to “see” Giselle’s desires. Not her thoughts, which would have been too intrusive, but it was fun to see how Giselle and Sam got into each other’s heads. I also liked that the amulet mattered later and was brought in a the end, which was a nice tie in.
One thing I didn’t like, however, was that Giselle got a little spastic at times. (And her name. It just didn’t really seem to fit, or be something her parents would have named her.) That, and how Giselle got into her own head too much. Her own insecurities and stubbornness were at times unnecessary and created conflict that ultimately didn’t contribute significantly to the story. However, those were relatively minor details.
I don’t think I’ve read many of Ms. LaBrecque’s books, but that’s something I plan on changing. I really enjoyed Yule Be Mine and am looking forward to reading her back list, as well as her new releases. In fact, Hot-Wired will be released in May, but it is available now from eHarlequin. Yule Be Mine has a great story, a lot of emotion, and the perfect amount of heat.
I recommend this book to anyone looking for a good read, and especially those who like a little Christmas spirit year round.
Grade: A-
Summary:
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He’s one big no-no. But all she wants to do is scream, “Yes, yes, yes!”
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This is going to be a Christmas to remember for journalist Giselle Randolph! Especially when she meets her new photographer. Because she’ll be working—in very close quarters—with the man she’s lusted after for years.
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Sexy Sam McKendrick…her former brother-in-law!
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Sam’s been in love with Giselle from the first moment he met her. Too bad he was married to her sister at the time. But he’s not married now…and he’s going to make sure Giselle knows how he feels. With a little help from a native shaman, he tunes in to her fantasies…and makes it a point to fulfill every one!
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But perfectly taboo sex always has a price. And fantasies can take a guy only so far….
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Read an excerpt here.
I really loved this too. I agree with everythign in this.
I have to say I have enjoyed every Jennifer LaBrecque Blaze I have read. She never fails to pull out a sweet romance.
Sayuri – yay! Glad you agree 😀 Also, I’m not sure I’ve read many other Jennifer LaBrecque books- got a rec for a “must read?”
I think she has only done three others (edit: that are available in eformat)…I have read The Big Heat (3*) & Nobody Does It Better (4*)- I enjoyed both. I think the other is a timetravel which I’m a little wary of… LOL espically as it’s timetravel to Scottish highlands.
On another completely unrelated note. Have you read the new Maya Banks Desire yet?
You know, I think I have a few J. Labrecque’s in the TBR; and one may have been the time travel one. Strange because I’m not big on highland romances, and next time travel? *shudder* (Esp after skimming LF’s newest…)
On your unrelated note… NO! I HAZ NOT! I WANTS IT! *BIG GIANT POUT* 🙁 I don’t have ANY of the new harlequins. *cry pout whine*
Why? Is it amazing? Is it fabulous? Will I just die?
lol, or haven’t you read it yet either?
Read it, loved it, something else it….I’m rubbish at slogans. *sigh*
Another story where the hero was previously married to the heroine’s sister? Hmm…
Tabitha – Yeah… I’m afraid I’ve been reading a lot of Harlequins with un-original story lines, recently. I’m having the hardest time not mentioning the ones they’re “the same” with… (because I definitely don’t want to start cries of plagiarism…) But still.
Wait, is this book one of the free reads that Harlequin released in honor of their anniversary? Because I recall downloading a book by her…
Tabitha – It… might be? But I don’t know/think so? One very well may have been by Ms. Labrecque (the freebies), but I bought this copy :P.
I’ve heard good things about her writing though. 🙂
Darn, I was hoping it was one of the freebies so I could read it during my lunch breaks! hahaha. sssh…
Hi guys, it wasn’t this but Leslie Kelly’s Heated Rush or Slow Hands that was the freebie. I can’t remeber which.
Jennifer LaBreque did do one called Triple Threat which was free for a time, I don’t think it is anymore though.
Thanks, Sayuri, for confirming! I left my pen drive at home (where I store all my e-books) so I have no clue what book I have by Jennifer LaBreque.
This is off-topic but where do you purchase the older Harlequin/Silhouette books that are no longer in bookstores? I usually purchase my books from Borders, Walmart, and Target but they only keep new Harlequin releases on the shelves…and I hate to buy books online b/c the waiting is annoying (yes, I’m impatient. lol).
Hi Tabitha,
I am exclusively an e-book reader as I am in the UK. However, I think the best place to get older titles and the like is online sources. Try paperback swap or Bookmooch.
Or I think a lot of local libraries in the US do sales of older qn/Sil titles. I’m sure Wendy would be able to clarify that though..LOL
Sayur, I’ve never heard of both sites before. Thank you!
Oh I’m a big fan of bookmooch 🙂