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Juliette's World #1
Claustrophobic
Working as a mall elf is Chloe Mitchell’s worst nightmare, but when her best friend calls in a favor, she’s forced to face her Claustrophobia—of the Santa variety—head on.
Unbeknownst to her, Santa Claus has her in his sights, and he’s determined to make sure she finally has the happy holidays he believes she deserves.
Unbeknownst to her, Santa Claus has her in his sights, and he’s determined to make sure she finally has the happy holidays he believes she deserves.
205 pages, ebook
First published December 8, 2018
42 people are currently reading
93 people want to read
About the author
Bernadette Franklin
6 books84 followersBernadette Franklin is a figment of imagination owned and operated by two cats, a few plants, and a human otherwise known as R.J. Blain.
Bernadette Franklin writes Contemporary Romantic Comedy.
Bernadette Franklin writes Contemporary Romantic Comedy.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews
October 17, 2019
3.5 stars.
I read Shammed first, so pretty much ruined this one for myself. Fun and quirky romance comedy for a girl overworked and has a fear of santa.
I did enjoy it, however it did feel like the characters had been recycled from serial killer princess. Great for a laugh and time killer. Looking forward to reading the next ones.
I read Shammed first, so pretty much ruined this one for myself. Fun and quirky romance comedy for a girl overworked and has a fear of santa.
I did enjoy it, however it did feel like the characters had been recycled from serial killer princess. Great for a laugh and time killer. Looking forward to reading the next ones.
July 19, 2025
Cute, but your mileage may vary...
I love romantic comedy, & read that this one has no graphic sex scenes, so I was eager to give this a try.
The plot is pretty solid - young adult woman does a stint working as a Santa's elf helper for her friend, & one of the guys playing Santa turns out to be a guy who used to work at the same law firm that she still does. He ends up helping her deal with her employment abuse.
There's a lot of stuff that was amusing enough to make me smile, though nothing laugh out loud. The problem is that the protagonist's flippant, sarcastic or off the wall humor is CONSTANT. It's like when you're with someone who doesn't know when to stop joking - on steroids.
What's worse is that it's present in all the positive secondary characters as well. So not only is the "banter" overdone, but all of those characters have almost the same "voice".
It undermines the story because it distracts from it. With the constant patter, the story itself remains superficial, as do the characters.
By the end of it, I was nearly as dissatisfied as I was entertained. The relationship that developed had a lot of affection but not much in the way of actual romance. They didn't even kiss, unless maybe I skimmed past it. The story felt like it had potential that was partially developed but never fully realized.
So how much you like this book is really going to depend on if that's something you like & what you're looking for. Just saying, I'm not sure this really counts as a romance - unless you consider movies like "Arsenic and Old Lace" or "The Front Page" to be romances.
*Clean romance level: sweet kisses, some innuendo, but nothing graphic
*Language: mid-level swearing, fairly frequent use of d---, h---, sh-- & a half dozen f-bombs
*Religion: no abuse of the Lord's Name - with much gratitude to the author
I love romantic comedy, & read that this one has no graphic sex scenes, so I was eager to give this a try.
The plot is pretty solid - young adult woman does a stint working as a Santa's elf helper for her friend, & one of the guys playing Santa turns out to be a guy who used to work at the same law firm that she still does. He ends up helping her deal with her employment abuse.
There's a lot of stuff that was amusing enough to make me smile, though nothing laugh out loud. The problem is that the protagonist's flippant, sarcastic or off the wall humor is CONSTANT. It's like when you're with someone who doesn't know when to stop joking - on steroids.
What's worse is that it's present in all the positive secondary characters as well. So not only is the "banter" overdone, but all of those characters have almost the same "voice".
It undermines the story because it distracts from it. With the constant patter, the story itself remains superficial, as do the characters.
By the end of it, I was nearly as dissatisfied as I was entertained. The relationship that developed had a lot of affection but not much in the way of actual romance. They didn't even kiss, unless maybe I skimmed past it. The story felt like it had potential that was partially developed but never fully realized.
So how much you like this book is really going to depend on if that's something you like & what you're looking for. Just saying, I'm not sure this really counts as a romance - unless you consider movies like "Arsenic and Old Lace" or "The Front Page" to be romances.
*Clean romance level: sweet kisses, some innuendo, but nothing graphic
*Language: mid-level swearing, fairly frequent use of d---, h---, sh-- & a half dozen f-bombs
*Religion: no abuse of the Lord's Name - with much gratitude to the author
January 5, 2019
The true meaning of Christmas - LOVE
I want to be a part of Chloe's circle of friends. I love the camaraderie amongst all, the characters were so amazing, fun, spunky, mischievous and very enjoyable. The best part is all the boots.
I want to be a part of Chloe's circle of friends. I love the camaraderie amongst all, the characters were so amazing, fun, spunky, mischievous and very enjoyable. The best part is all the boots.
July 28, 2019
Such fun
The snark is heavy on this one, and it is delightful. Includes fashionably coordinated consensual kidnapping and unconventional ice cream cone catching, along with gaming, lawyers and romance. I may never look at Mall Santas the same.
The snark is heavy on this one, and it is delightful. Includes fashionably coordinated consensual kidnapping and unconventional ice cream cone catching, along with gaming, lawyers and romance. I may never look at Mall Santas the same.
December 25, 2018
I tend to shy away from the romance genre but a friend had suggested I check this one out. It was a ridiculously fun read. Chloe ends up having to work as an elf at the mall despite the fact she avoids Christmas and all things Santa. Turns out though that Julian, the guy working as one of the mall Santas, and her have met before... the story of how they develop a friendship during the holiday season is the basis of the book. However there are quite a few other threads throughout related to Chloe's work situation, ill-fitting clothes, why she dislikes Christmas and Santa, and one of the most-high stakes games of Scrabble you might ever see. Julian's parents are a big part of the story and the source of some of the more hilarious moments in the story.
Just a really cute, fun, holiday romance novella.
Just a really cute, fun, holiday romance novella.
December 10, 2018
Yay!
I got one had no worries about how well the genre switch would hold up. Afterall, comedy of this type will almost always give me a case of the giggles. As far as I am concerned this book turned out wonderful. The humor was spot on and the jokes well timed. And of course there is the fact that the title of the book is a pun. Between being written by a favorite author (though under a different name) and being punny from the start, I couldn't not read the book. I would 100% recommend to both RJ Blain readers and those that just want a nice Contemporary Romantic Comedy.
I got one had no worries about how well the genre switch would hold up. Afterall, comedy of this type will almost always give me a case of the giggles. As far as I am concerned this book turned out wonderful. The humor was spot on and the jokes well timed. And of course there is the fact that the title of the book is a pun. Between being written by a favorite author (though under a different name) and being punny from the start, I couldn't not read the book. I would 100% recommend to both RJ Blain readers and those that just want a nice Contemporary Romantic Comedy.
September 20, 2021
Amazing!
I absolutely love all this author’s books no matter which name is on the cover! She does such a fantastic job of writing realistic characters with realistic problems, but still ensures the mcs get their happily ever afters. This book is no exception with Chloe facing issues at work and trying to overcome personal issues regarding the holidays while realizing the man of her dreams already thinks the world of her. Plus I really want Julian’s game collection…
I absolutely love all this author’s books no matter which name is on the cover! She does such a fantastic job of writing realistic characters with realistic problems, but still ensures the mcs get their happily ever afters. This book is no exception with Chloe facing issues at work and trying to overcome personal issues regarding the holidays while realizing the man of her dreams already thinks the world of her. Plus I really want Julian’s game collection…
May 25, 2022
Bernadette Franklin is a pen name for R.J. Blain. If you have read her books before, you know what to expect: one case of someone going overboard followed by another... It's very OTT but also fun.
My one complaint that caused my rating to lower from 4 to 3 stars is that the characters talk too much here. A lot of stuff is resolved through discussion or conversation about events...
My one complaint that caused my rating to lower from 4 to 3 stars is that the characters talk too much here. A lot of stuff is resolved through discussion or conversation about events...
July 21, 2019
You know those days when you just need something fun, fluffy, ridiculous, and with a bonus sprinkle of justice?
This is a perfect book for one of those days.
This is not an explicit romance. The romance is the driving force veiled with humour.
There are games, designer clothes, Christmas presents, and some very bad people getting what they deserve.
This is a perfect book for one of those days.
This is not an explicit romance. The romance is the driving force veiled with humour.
There are games, designer clothes, Christmas presents, and some very bad people getting what they deserve.
December 8, 2019
Four stars
Quirky Christmas time romance of a volunteer Santa and elf who met previously at their law firm workplace. Set in ny. Situations happen leaving the elf helpless except for her stubborn ny pride. Following a planned kidnapping with unlikely assailants their HEA is found.
Quirky Christmas time romance of a volunteer Santa and elf who met previously at their law firm workplace. Set in ny. Situations happen leaving the elf helpless except for her stubborn ny pride. Following a planned kidnapping with unlikely assailants their HEA is found.
May 19, 2020
I really liked this book. I loved the banter between Chloe and Julian. And I really loved Julian's parents. Those two were insane! (But in a good way!) I did feel like it ended a bit abruptly, but it was in a way that makes me think it was set up for a sequel/part 2 book. Maybe? Anyway, it was still an awesome story.
August 9, 2019
So much fun!
I totally need a mother in law like this, not to mention Claus ;) fast moving, fun, snarkfest of a read! I love the story, the irreverent humor, the romance, and the characters! And of course, the clothes!
I totally need a mother in law like this, not to mention Claus ;) fast moving, fun, snarkfest of a read! I love the story, the irreverent humor, the romance, and the characters! And of course, the clothes!
October 23, 2019
So Good!
What can I say but fantastic! You will not get bored reading this book. It is fast paced from beginning to end. I loved all the characters and their interactions with each other. This was a fun story that I didn't know I needed. Read it and you'll see too.
What can I say but fantastic! You will not get bored reading this book. It is fast paced from beginning to end. I loved all the characters and their interactions with each other. This was a fun story that I didn't know I needed. Read it and you'll see too.
November 6, 2019
Fun, though improbable. As a board-game loving lawyer myself, I really enjoyed this.
However, dialogue is often repetitive. So much so that I'd suspected a paragraph was accidentally printed twice at one stage. You'll get tired of the phrase "fair and square".
However, dialogue is often repetitive. So much so that I'd suspected a paragraph was accidentally printed twice at one stage. You'll get tired of the phrase "fair and square".
November 21, 2021
Borrowed this from my local online library on a whim and was delightfully surprised at how fun and wacky the story was. The dialogue was fast and funny on audio, I'm not sure if I'd have liked this as much in print. A great holiday story to listen to while driving and doing paperwork.
April 9, 2022
wonderful change of pace for me!
I needed a change from the paranormal/fantasy books I’ve been reading and came across this holiday gem! I absolutely fell in love with Julien’s parents!
I needed a change from the paranormal/fantasy books I’ve been reading and came across this holiday gem! I absolutely fell in love with Julien’s parents!
December 9, 2022
Okay, my bad. I resist reading contemporary romantic comedies because I find them too pulpy, so I did not pick this up for the longest time. I was wrong - this is worth reading and laughing over. My bad for not picking it up before!
August 31, 2025
Yet another lovely hea
I’m currently doing a read through on all of my favorite books. Of course I had to read this one again as it’s simply a perfect happy ever after and by one of my favorite authors too.
I’m currently doing a read through on all of my favorite books. Of course I had to read this one again as it’s simply a perfect happy ever after and by one of my favorite authors too.
December 11, 2018
Loved it.
This story was funny, endearing and amazing. I highly recommend it. The characters have depth, and humor. Love this story and the characters.
This story was funny, endearing and amazing. I highly recommend it. The characters have depth, and humor. Love this story and the characters.
December 13, 2018
A great read
Funny and compassionate and plenty of snark. Two nice folks end up first. Who can ask for more than that?
Funny and compassionate and plenty of snark. Two nice folks end up first. Who can ask for more than that?
December 27, 2018
Refreshing
A fun romp with bits of serious see this book up in a nice package all tied with a bow. Couldn't put it down!
A fun romp with bits of serious see this book up in a nice package all tied with a bow. Couldn't put it down!
May 19, 2019
Perfectly fun
I have read many books by this author and they are always so much fun and full of snark. A perfect happily ever after Christmas story.
I have read many books by this author and they are always so much fun and full of snark. A perfect happily ever after Christmas story.
July 22, 2019
Wonderful!
I had bought this at Christmas, but I have only just got around to reading it. What was I thinking?
Witty, funny, guaranteed happy ending. Wonderful.
I had bought this at Christmas, but I have only just got around to reading it. What was I thinking?
Witty, funny, guaranteed happy ending. Wonderful.
September 6, 2019
Claustrophobic
A rip roaring fun read from start to finish.
Full of sly humor and outrageous silliness, I read this in one day.
A rip roaring fun read from start to finish.
Full of sly humor and outrageous silliness, I read this in one day.
September 16, 2019
Best dam book
I picked up this book early today and I cold not stop laughing and reading through the hole book. It is a very good book that can’t be put down once you started.
I picked up this book early today and I cold not stop laughing and reading through the hole book. It is a very good book that can’t be put down once you started.
December 19, 2019
Light hearted fun & snarky - absolutely loved it. What a great pick me up to my day.
May 16, 2020
3.5 stars. This was a light, fun romantic comedy and a quick read. A big thank you to the author for posting it as a free serial on her fan page as a treat during the pandemic/May 2020!
September 2, 2020
This was a cute holiday love story
April 30, 2022
Brilliant book! A wonderful, joyful, funny, clever romance - it will make your day! I couldn’t put it down until it was done - highly recommended!
December 15, 2022
Just what I needed this week. I can see favourite characters from other series (under different pen names) in the main characters in the story.
I particularly like how all the characters interact.
I particularly like how all the characters interact.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews