Yule Be Mine

The Welwyn Marriage Wager #3

by Jenna Jaxon

‘Tis the season for love—no matter how much mistletoe it takes!

It’s Christmas time and Ulysses “Yule” Quartermain is unenthusiastically looking for a bride when Penelope St. Clare, the little sister of his boyhood friend, makes an appearance at a Christmas party. But it’s been ten years since he’s seen her. Penelope is no longer a child but a ravishing beauty, who’s turning heads everywhere she goes. And much to his discomfort, Yule is not immune to the charms of the little girl next door. But he’s working on it.

Penelope has wanted to marry Ulysses Quartermain for most of her life. Now she’s on the brink of her come out Season--a desirable young lady with wit and determination--and her happy ever after is within her grasp. If only she can make Yule see that she’s grown up and would make him the perfect wife, it’ll be the best present she’ll ever get.

Still, Penelope is not leaving anything to chance. Utilizing every ball of mistletoe she can find, she teases and tantalizes Yule, daring him to kiss her in hopes of breaking down his staunch resolve. As Christmas Day approaches, Penelope sets a final desperate plan in motion.

Before the holiday is over, Yule will know just how much of a woman she truly is!

Genres: Historical Romance

160 pages, Kindle Edition

Published December 5, 2023

About the author

Jenna has been reading and writing historical romance since she was a teenager. A romantic
herself, she has always loved a dark side to the genre, a twist, suspense, a surprise. She tries to
incorporate all of these elements into her own stories. She lives in Virginia with her family and
a small menagerie of pets. When not reading or writing, she indulges her passion for the theatre,
working with local theatres as a director. She often feels she is directing her characters on their
own private stage.

She has equated her writing to an addiction to chocolate because once she starts she just can’t
stop.

Reviews

[Margaret · Rating 5 out of 5]

Childhood friends, Ulyeses (Yule) Quartermain and Penelope St. Claire meet at a house party at Christmas. It's been ten years since they've seen each other. Yule is attracted to her, but still thinks of her as a child. Kisses under the mistletoe convinces her to change his mind.
She's always loved him, but when she finds out about his grandfather's wager, she thinks he doesn't love her and is only marrying her for the wager. She calls off the wedding. Yule is one determined man to convince her to marry him because he really loves her. Fast paced with humor and open bedroom door. Heat level 4.
I voluntarily read and reviewed a copy this book from NetGalley.

[Sophie · Rating 3 out of 5]

I received an Advance Reader Copy from the publisher, via NetGalley. This in no way impacted on my view.

Ulysses "Yule" Quartermain knows that he will soon follow his cousins down the aisle, and find a bride, but he never expected his childhood friend would be that woman. To him, Miss Penelope St. Clare will always be the little girl he gave a rag doll too before her family moved to Ireland, and he can't reconcile the beautiful woman in front of him with his memories. Penelope, however, has always known she will marry Yule, and just needs to convince him of that. As they spend the holidays together, using every opportunity she can to get close to him, will Yule finally come to terms with his feelings, and propose?

I think this one might be my favourite. The book was such a quick read, and the relationship between Yule and Penelope seemed so real. I loved the brother's best friend trope, and though Penelope was quite a bit younger than Yule, she had grown into a mature young woman, who knew what she wanted, and wasn't going to accept defeat. Yule just needed a little bit longer to realise she wasn't a little girl any more, and she was the perfect partner. A lovely addition to the series.

[Meliss · Rating 3 out of 5]

Cute little Christmasy novella.

[Connie · Rating 5 out of 5]

London - 1860

Ulysses (Yule) Quaterman and his cousins are all being looked at to marry. For himself, Yule wonders if he will be successful in finding someone to marry in the short time his grandfather has to live. If they find someone to marry, they will be given an estate, 10K pounds, and a carriage. The cousins all have their eye on someone but Yule does not.

Ashland Park, Kent

Yule and his family are attending a house party when a beautiful young woman enters the room. Seeing him, she remembers him and runs over to greet him. Unsure of who she is, she reminds him that she is Penelope St. Claire. She is the much younger sister of his childhood neighbor. She always followed them around when they played together. Now, she is 17 and she and her sister, Charlotte, will be heading to London in the spring for their dual seasons. Taken aback at his coolness to her, Penelope is determined to make this man notice her as she has always loved him.

It is a couple months later at a Christmas house party that Yule and Penelope are together again. By then, she outdoes herself boldly reaching out to him which finally awakens a response in him making him realize he loves her and wants to marry her. But before they can get married, they get into mischief that could make big trouble for them.

This is a delightful story that is in part humorous and very romantic. I loved the characters and the attention to detail the author penned about the activities of Christmas for the time period. This is a nice story that made me smile. Enjoy!

Copy provided by NetGalley in exchange for a fair and honest review.

[Anne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Yule Be Mine by Jenna Jaxon is the next in her series, The Welwyn Marriage Wager, in which an ill grandfather wagers six of his grandsons that they cannot marry within a year. Yule is the third. He has no idea who he should marry but when he is at a party, he sees the most stunning woman he has ever seen as she enters. She runs over to him and calls him by a childish name, reminding him of the little girl who had been his neighbor and moved away over ten years earlier. He no longer sees her as a stunning woman, but as that little girl. She tries really hard to change his view of her and then all of a sudden he does, but she finds out about the wager and is very hurt by the fact he didn’t tell her himself.

This was both amusing and cumbersome. It felt almost like it was scribbled out as the deadline drew near but then something would happen to change the reader’s opinion. Penelope was still ten years younger than he but it no longer felt like it made a different. Her parents wanted a six-month engagement. He couldn’t wait that long. What could be done? Penelope had an idea. He wasn’t sure he liked it but they proceeded and it turned out it liked it very much. Yule was a good man: honorable, wealthy, and kind. Penelope had loved him since she was a small girl. She would stop at nothing to make him love her, as well. It was an entertaining read with decent characters and a good storyline, for the most part.

I was invited to read a free e-ARC of Yule Be Mine by Dragonblade, through Netgalley. All thoughts and opinions are mine. #Netgalley #Dragonblade #JennaJaxon #YuleBeMine

[Anonymous 5 · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is Book 3 in the Welwyn Marriage Wager, and what a delightful holiday read this was! The series is based on wagers, where The Duke of Welwyn offers wagers to each of his grandsons. He wants to see all of them married, and if they achieve this he will grant them all estates of their own and the means to live comfortably.
This story was a fun regency romp featuring a best friend's little sister trope and it had me smiling and laughing all the way. Ulysses (Yule) and Penelope have known each other since childhood. She was always his friend's little sister, and thus he always saw her as a child. But seeing her now all grown up at the Christmas house party, turning heads wherever she goes, he can't help but notice her and his attraction to her is undeniable, but he still sees her as a child. Penelope has always loved Yule and dreamed of one day marrying him. Now that she is ready for her first season, she means to make him notice her. When he finally does, and they agree to marry, she finds out about the wager and is hurt, thinking that is the only reason he agreed to marry her. Now it's Yule's turn to convince Penelope that they really do belong together.
This was a delightfully charming story full of fun and humor, and intimacy and romance, but not without some misunderstandings. It was well-written with endearing characters and I was completely engrossed from start to finish. Although part of a series, it can easily be read as a standalone. Glad to have had the opportunity to read this!
I received a complimentary copy from Netgalley and Dragonblade Publishing and am voluntarily leaving my review.

[Sandra · Rating 4 out of 5]

The little girl next door is all grown up & wanting to play!
A tale that leaves you with a smile on your face, as Jaxon crafts YULE BE MINE into a sweet to deliciously spicy romance!
Yule floundering to hold up his end of the marriage wager, sees hope and his libido flare as a stunning beauty steps into his life. The only problem is, as recognition dawns, it's going to take alot of mistletoe kisses and an internal tug of war battle, to vanquish that 'little girl next door' image, he just can't help remembering and holding him back. Especially, as desire and a love so much more profound than before blooms and has him thinking anything but brotherly thoughts.
Full of stolen moments of intimacy, humour and teasing good fun. Where Penelope in all her endearingly innocent provocation nurtures this sweet, magnetic tension that grows to simmer between them, with such a sizable dose of heat, that sparks hot, fueled with all the tenacity, hope and steadfast determination of that once little infatuated girl next door, as she steps up to prove just how womanly she can be!
With a heartwarming layer of festive cheer to set the scene and elevate this - in the moment - childhood friends to lovers romance, with such a lighthearted joy and sense of good fun, it has me looking forward to seeing where the series will lead next! Can't wait for Tom's fall...after his cheeky cameo in this one...as it is sure to be a hoot!

~I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own~

[Slwd · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Yule Be Mine” is is the third book in Jenna Jaxon’s The Welwyn Marriage Wager series. This book centers around Yule and Penelope, childhood friends who were separated when Penelope and her family relocated to Ireland. At Christmas time they are reunited as adults. Penelope has always held Yule in her heart and sees him as husband material. However, after being called his childhood name, Yule only saw the child Penelope and not the adult. Being part of the marriage wager, Yule was looking for a bride. He did not tell Penelope about his grandfather’s wager, which would come back to haunt him. Once Yule saw Penelope for the beautiful young woman she was, far removed from her childhood, Yule wanted her for a wife. Yule realized he loved her. I enjoyed this holiday romance. These two main characters were meant for each other. Their passion for one another had them anticipating their wedding night early, as they created situations to be alone together. A lot of situations! Yule was eager to move up the wedding date as he had bedding Penelope constantly on his mind. Penelope was just as eager as Yule for bed sport. This is a very steamy, open door romance. It is well written, fast paced, and easy to read. It can be enjoyed as a Christmas romance during the holidays or read any time during the year. This book is part of a connected series, it can easily be read as a stand-alone or in any order. Definitely recommended for lovers of steamy historical romance which describes this book to a tee.

I was given this novel by NetGallery, my thoughts and opinions are entirely my own.

[Janet · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ulysses “Yule” Quartermain is unenthusiastically looking for a bride when Penelope St. Clare, the little sister of his boyhood friend, makes an appearance at a Christmas party. But it’s been ten years since he’s seen her. Penelope is no longer a child but a ravishing beauty, who’s turning heads everywhere she goes. And much to his discomfort, Yule is not immune to the charms of the little girl next door. But he’s working on it.
Penelope has wanted to marry Ulysses Quartermain for most of her life. If only she can make Yule see that she’s grown up and would make him the perfect wife, it’ll be the best present she’ll ever get.
The third book in the series about six cousins who love wagering & their grandfather places a wager that all six will marry before the following August, if they do they’ll each receive an estate, a sum of money & a carriage. A charming story of childhood friends meeting again. I loved both Yule & Penelope, he still thinks of her as a little girl until suddenly he sees she’s all grown up. Penelope has loved Yule like forever & is determined to make him court her, she’s helped by mistletoe & being the centre of attraction. Things don’t go smoothly & Yule very nearly scuppers everything. A delightful story filled with humour & romance
My review is for a special copy I voluntarily read

[SH · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ulysses “Yule” Quartermain is involved in a family wager set by his grandfather to marry. Yet Yule is not looking for a bride until he sees Penelope St. Clare, the little sister of his boyhood friend. It has been ten years since they last met but she is no longer seven, but a ravishing beauty. Yule is not immune to the charms of the little girl next door, but he is trying to avoid her. However, Penelope has wanted to marry Ulysses Quartermain for most of her life. All she must do is make him see that she is grown up and would make him the perfect wife. Yet when it all seems to be going to plan, the wager might just something that tears them apart.
Whilst a part of a series, this book can be read as a standalone as the family are quickly introduced and the concept of the wager. The shared history between Yule and Penelope makes their relationship move quickly as no introduction is needed. This was a sweet romance with a very naïve Penelope making some interesting comments as he feelings for Yule grow and mature. I also enjoyed the laughter that some of Yule’s family members bring to this story. A sweet romance.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book from NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Tiffany P · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 STARS

This book was a little annoying at times. I thought the history of Yule and Penelope was sweet especially given the story about Mrs. Phillpotts. However, considering that the biggest part of the beginning of the story was convincing him to see her as an adult, she often come off as very immature. I didn’t like that she treated it like a game to get him to fall in love with her. I thought it was silly to be okay with using his cousin Tom to make him jealous. She also showed her age and immaturity when they got engaged and touched on kissing and intimacy even though she said she had knowledge from her sister. She overreacted without talking to him first and giving him a chance to try and explain about the wager. All of those things were signs of a lack of maturity.

His cousin Tom was completely obnoxious throughout the book. He didn’t seemed very supportive at all. He just seemed to aim to make things worst, and he never apologized for all the chaos he left in his wake. Ultimately, Yule and Penelope got their happily ever after, but getting there was painful to read at times.

[Priscila Vera Schmidt · Rating 4 out of 5]

Such a great book!

I haven't read the 2 pervious ones but I will do it now.

Ulysses, Yule for his friends, accepted a wager with his grandfather, as his other male cousins. If they marry in a year, he will buy a state for each, give them 10000 pounds and a carriage. The catch? All of his 6 grandsons in marriageable age had to agree and all had to marry within the time frame or none would receive this very generous reward. All of them agreed and 2 of them are already married.

Yule really wants to make his grandfather happy, but none of the ladies he knows makes him feel anything like a wife should make him feel... until she sees the most beautiful woman in a Christmas ball. When he approaches her, he realizes they have known each other since they were children, and is reluctant to go on with that infatuation.

Penelope St. Claire, has been wanting to marry Yule since she moved to Ireland when she was 7 years old. Now that she's about to have her first Season, she will do anything for him to know how much she loves him. Anything.

It was so funny to read both of their POV and how Yule ends up changing his mind.

[Margaret Watkins · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lighthearted and entertaining, Ulysses Quartermain never thought his nemesis would be the lass who tagged along behind him and his best friend as children. With a wager set by his grandfather, Yule has enough trouble trying to find the bride his grandfather demands without all the side-wagers and a mischievous cousin stirring the pot. When Yule first sees Penelope St. Clare, all grown up and stunningly beautiful, he is immediately attracted to her. However, once he realizes who she is, he has a hard time ridding himself of the picture of the little girl in his mind, and the feeling that it would be wrong to take advantage of her. However, he does not take Penelope's determination into account, but when the situation goes off-kilter, Yule has his work cut out for him to win the fair lady. I received a copy of this enjoyable romance as a gift through Dragonblade Publishing and NetGalley and this is my honest and voluntary review.

[Anabella Shay Xo(RomanceBookWormXoXo) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Penelope used to tag along with her brother, Victor and his friend Ulysses( Yule). When her family faces tragedy and they decide to move, Yule gives Penelope a doll named Mrs. Phillpotts. Seven year old Penelope treasures the doll and takes her everywhere. Later a grown up Penelope returns to London with her sister and parents to debut for the season. Upon meeting Yule again Penelope tells her sister that she wishes for Yule to court her. Yule tries to keep her at bay and doesn't want her interested in him. I loved Pen and Yule's romance! I'd love to go back and read the previous books in this series.

[Ingrid Quitslund · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hard to ignore desire

Yule's grandfather made a wager with six grandsons old enough to marry within the coming year. The result...an entertaining story of Penelope's childhood love never waning and Yule discovering after not seeing her for ten years that he has feelings. Penelope is determined he'll court her while he still thinks of her a child despite having become a siren . What better time to reunite than Christmas. Full of humorous moments and romantic encounters but hiccups along the way not to mention a cousin who just has to interfere. Well written and I recommend for an enjoyable read.

[Cheryl McTyre · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ulysses “Yule” Quartermain is unenthusiastically looking for a bride. Penelope St. Clare decided she would marry "Yule" when she was 7 years old and now she's 17 and ready to marry him, Yule sees a beauty at a house party, his heart stops when she walks in the room, and it drops when he realizes the "beauty" is Penelope, his boyhood friends little sister. The denials, avoidance, and mean words do nothing to deter Penelope. A cute Christmas romance with all the feels. It's a quick read that I fully enjoyed.

I received an ARC thru NetGalley.

[Amy · Rating 3 out of 5]

When Yule sees his old neighbor Penelope he is shocked at how beautiful she is. He can not reconcile this Penelope with the seven year old he remembers. Penelope has always loved Yule and is determined to make him her husband. Yule needs to find a wife due to a wager he has with his grandfather. How can Penelope know that he wants her for herself and not for some wager? I received an ARC from NetGalley and Dragonblade Publishing for my honest review.

[Jo · Rating 4 out of 5]

A wonderful Christmas story full of fun and games. Penelope loves Yule. Yule still sees her as a child. The fun begins when Penelope begins to set wagers that Yule can't ignore. I grinned and laughed throughout the entire story. Lovely characters with very intelligent and pleasant personalities. Creative, well written and lots of Christmas history. This author has a great sense of humor and uses that along with her talent to produce an entertaining story.

[Lisa Cobb Sabatini · Rating 5 out of 5]

A quick read with all the joys of Christmas at the English ton, Yule Be Mine by Jenna Jason is full of merry twists and jovial turns. Readers quickly get into the spirit with the endearing protagonists, following them through the halls of the ton where not a single mistletoe ball is to be missed. Readers will want to read every book in the Welwyn Marriage Wager series!

[Phylis Collins · Rating 5 out of 5]

Vile Be Mine

I highly recommend that you get this book and read or listen to it yourself, then you will definitely find out exactly what happens. I'm absolutely sure. that you will enjoy this incredibly emotional book.

[lizzi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Yule Be Mine was an adorable book, filled with sweet romance. I thought it was hilarious and clever to make Ulysses be nicknamed "Yule" and liked the relationship between the two main characters.

ARC given by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Great book!

[Patricia O · Rating 2 out of 5]

Not for me

I have not the slightest interest in stories about 17 year olds, especially one who set her cap for someone she hadn't seen in 10 years. But it might suit other folks.

[Christina · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great story and characters!

Loved the hero and heroine! Really fun story an
d love the drama and dynamic of their relationship. Really enjoying this series and can't wait for the next cousin's book!

Yule Be Mine by Jenna Jaxon is the third installment in her enchanting series, The Welwyn Marriage Wager. Within its pages, readers are transported to a Regency world where mistletoe weaves its magic, and hearts collide in delightful ways.

Ulysses “Yule” Quartermain, our brooding hero, reluctantly embarks on the search for a bride during the festive Christmas season. But fate has other plans when Penelope St. Clare, the little sister of his childhood friend, reappears in his life. Ten years have passed since they last saw each other, and Penelope is no longer the girl next door. She’s a ravishing beauty, turning heads wherever she goes.

Penelope, with wit and determination, has harbored a lifelong desire to marry Yule. Her come-out Season is upon her, and her happy-ever-after seems within reach. But Yule remains oblivious to her grown-up charms. Determined to change his perception, Penelope employs every sprig of mistletoe she can find. Teasing and tantalizing, she dares him to kiss her, hoping to break down his staunch resolve.

As Christmas Day approaches, Penelope hatches a final desperate plan. She’ll ensure that Yule sees her as the woman she truly is—a perfect wife. Their chemistry sizzles, and their stolen kisses beneath the mistletoe ignite a fire that refuses to be extinguished.

Why You’ll Adore It:

Childhood Friends Reunited: Yule and Penelope’s reunion after years apart is heartwarming. Their shared history adds depth to their romance.

Grandfather’s Wager: The intriguing premise of a wager sets the stage for delightful complications.

Mistletoe Magic: Quinn masterfully uses mistletoe as a playful catalyst for love.

Unwavering Determination: Yule’s transformation from aloof bachelor to ardent suitor is utterly swoon-worthy.

Yule Be Mine is a gift-wrapped delight—a tale of longing, secrets, and the promise of love.