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Being the bodyguard for a friend you’re secretly in love with isn’t easy.Ashley Fallon narrowly survived an assault by a serial rapist and murderer. As the only surviving victim she finds herself in need of a bodyguard after her assailant makes it clear he doesn’t like loose ends and intends to finish what he started.Sawyer Watson is trapped in his own kind of Hell. He’s secretly in love with Ashley but as far as she’s concerned they’re just friends. Now he’s living in her house and spending his days—and his nights—with her, and while he won’t take advantage of her while she’s vulnerable he can’t help but hope that spending so much time together might make her see him differently.The truth always has a way of coming out, and sometimes at the worst possible time.If you loved USA today bestselling author Jane Blythe's inclusions in Vi Keeland and Penelope Ward's Cocky Hero Club and K Bromberg's Everyday Heroes World, you'll be thrilled with YULETIDE PROTECTOR, the fourth book in the Christmas Romantic Suspense series.Scroll up and one click to start this thrilling romantic suspense filled with murder, mystery, serial killers, and love! HEA guaranteed!

180 pages, Kindle Edition

Published December 1, 2020

211 people are currently reading
247 people want to read

About the author

Jane Blythe

118 books1,360 followers
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USA Today bestselling author Jane Blythe writes action-packed romantic suspense and military romance featuring protective heroes and heroines who are survivors. One of Jane's most popular series includes Prey Security, part of Susan Stoker's OPERATION ALPHA world! Writing in that world alongside authors such as Janie Crouch and Riley Edwards has been a blast, and she looks forward to bringing more books to this genre, both within and outside of Stoker's world. When Jane isn't binge-reading she's counting down to Christmas and adding to her 200+ teddy bear collection!

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5 stars
206 (43%)
4 stars
149 (31%)
3 stars
79 (16%)
2 stars
25 (5%)
1 star
12 (2%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews
Profile Image for Brenda.
5,029 reviews2,989 followers
May 18, 2022
Ashley Fallon was on the phone to Sawyer Watson as she left the restaurant with their meal. The attack which happened out of nowhere was heard by Sawyer and he immediately dialed 911, knowing where Ashley was. Fortuitously, the police arrived in time to stop the person killing Ashley, but knowing he’d already killed many young women before her, terrified her. When she’d recovered enough to be moved, Ashley left the hospital for Sawyer’s house, where for the next few months, he kept her safe, while the long searched for killer was still on the loose.

Sawyer’s twin sister and her husband were both FBI and Jett and his partner Morgan had been searching for this killer for three years. But would they find him? Would Ashley ever be free to live a normal life again?

Yuletide Protector is the 4th in the Christmas Romantic Suspense series by Jane Blythe and I quite enjoyed it. It wasn’t what I’d expected as I haven’t read any of the previous in the series, and going on the cover, I expected it not to be as good as it is. The suspense was gripping, the attacks weren’t in-your-face brutal (thankfully) and I liked Ashley and Sawyer’s characters. Recommended.
Profile Image for Sherry Fundin.
2,277 reviews161 followers
June 2, 2021
Tis the season..for murder and mayhem, love and laughter, and the magic of Christmas.

Sixteen young women dead, and Ashley Fallon is the only survivor of an attack by the serial killer. BUT, he wants her and will stop at nothing to get her.

Sawyer Watson is her best friend, he has been in love with her for many years. She is oblivious. They are thrown together after the attack and he becomes her bodyguard.

Ashley loves snow, snowmen and Christmas. Don’t miracles come true at Christmas? Could one come true for her? The killer being caught so she can go back to her life. But after being with Sawyer 24/7, can life ever be normal again?

Ashley is sweet and a bit naive, but she has a lot of fight in her.

I had my heart in my throat early in the story. A woman’s worst nightmare: snatched from behind, drug into an alley, raped and, almost, killed. He revels in killing. It is fun for him and he will not stop, until someone stops him. We know he wants the one that got away, so she becomes a target.

Months have passed and Christmas is right around the corner. Knowing a showdown has to be coming, I am waiting…waiting…tension builds. Like any serial killer, he feels he has do it, whatever it takes.

Characters from previous novels make an appearance and it adds a little extra to the story. None of them have had an easy life, so they will protect their own, with their lives, if necessary. Jane Blythe’s novels do that a lot, but it’s not necessary to read the previous novels. Though, if you are just starting the series, I highly recommend starting at the beginning. I loved each and every one and she manages to make each book unique in its own way.

I voluntarily reviewed a free copy of Yuletide Protector by Jane Blythe.

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Profile Image for Sophie Ruthven.
2,300 reviews145 followers
December 2, 2020
Don't let the page count fool you!!
Just like all her other books you'll be on the edge of your seat in this festive suspense.
It was nice seeing some old favourite characters and meeting some new ones. Although I did want to bang some heads together at times!
If you're new to this author, don't worry you won't be lost and will fall in love with her writing like the rest of us.
Profile Image for D Call.
666 reviews29 followers
December 4, 2021
Find a different Christmas suspenseful romance

MY RATING
5 stars--WOW
4 stars--would read again
3 stars--was good
2 stars--didn't enjoy
1 star--didn't finish

Should I read books before this one: no
Cliffhanger: no

SUMMARY
Sept 1 830pm
Ashley is bringing takeout for dinner with her best friend, Sawyer. They're on the phone deciding a movie when she's abducted, choked, and raped. She knows she won't live because he lets her see his face. The last words she hears are Thank you.

912pm
Sawyer has been in love with Ashley since they met 3 years ago. He tells 911 her favorite restaurant and where she likes to park. He drives there. The EMT says, though she can breathe on her own, she's intubated against the bruising. Waiting at the hospital are his twin, Savannah, and her husband, Jett, both FBI (he an agent, she on the evidence response team). “We don’t know who he is, but he’s raped and killed sixteen women in four states over the last three years. Ashley fits his preferred victim type, early to mid-twenties, dark hair, brown eyes, pretty. He grabs them in a reasonably public location, usually pulling them into an alley near a busy shopping or restaurant strip. He rapes them and then strangles them to death with a metal chain. Ashley is the only surviving victim. If she saw his face then she could be the key to finally finding this guy.” Sawyer sits with her all night.

Sept 2 1146am
Ashley hears, "Hey, sweetheart," and knows all is okay. Sawyer leaves to get pen and paper for her to communicate, she almost panics at being alone. She asks how she's still alive, learns she was raped, and writes everything she can remember about the man and the Thank you. A doctor comes in, Sawyer leaves. It's the killer. She screams, but it's barely a croak. He chokes her, she throws the pad of paper at her cup of water, it shatters.

1221pm
Sawyer's talking to Jett when he hears a crash in Ashley's room. He goes in, sees the doctor choking her. The man runs, knocking Sawyer over. After making sure Ashley is breathing, he tells a nurse to have the hospital shut down and to call a doctor. Sawyer acts as sentry. Jett arrives. Sawyer wants Ashley in a safe house. Sawyer opens the door and finds Ashley writing furiously. She gives it to Jett. Sawyer tells her he's going to be her bodyguard and she's living with him until this guy is caught. He expects a fight; bated, she cries and hugs him.

Dec 21 909am
Ashley wishes for snow. She and Sawyer have spent the past 3 months in his townhouse, rarely going out. The news reported she didn't survive the second attack; only a few cops and the company she works with (security, Sawyer works there, too) know. A job friend made it look like her house is on the market. She wants to go back to her house, her job, her life. She's ready to be bait.

1033am
Jett stares at another victim not far from where Ashley was hurt. This woman looks the same, though choked with a rope. The killer had been escalating, but stopped after Ashley. And he's stayed in the same city, which means he's here for Ashley. He probably knows she's not dead.

1052am
Sawyer loves having Ashley in his home, though he knows she's frustrated. He brings in the fake show he bought for her. She's excited, kisses him on the cheek. They make it in the tub. He won't do anything to risk their friendship.

1124am
Ashley throws snow at Sawyer's face. Snow fight. They both end up in the tub. Ashley presses a kiss to Sawyer’s cheek, “You are the very best friend that anyone could ever ask for.” “Right back at ya.” They almost kiss, the doorbell rings. Good thing, because Sawyer is the only stable thing in her life. Jett and Morgan are here, another woman has been killed.

EVALUATION
The characters are static except Ashley, and her growth is limited. The romance is mediocre. The tension is okay. Christmas focuses only on snow. I'm sure those who've read the series will enjoy reuniting with previous couples.

The story needs at least a proofreader and probably an editor. I try not to rate a story on publisher skills, but this one is that needy.


RECOMMENDATION
Read Toni Anderson or Jennifer Lynn Barnes for romance and suspense
POSSIBLE TRIGGERS (SPOILERS)
Sex: 1 mild scene
Language: none
Violence: rapes, kidnappings, chokings, stalking
3,218 reviews68 followers
November 30, 2022
So I am not usually someone who enjoys romantic suspense romances. But ever since I came across Jane Blythe’s amazing books well all that is definitely changed . Well if I’m being completely honest I wouldHave to say that it’s specifically Janes books I am just loving so much . Yuletide Protector is the fourth installment In Janes unforgettable and unputdownable Christmas series ( a series that just keeps getting better and better. This time around we get Ashley and Sawyers journey and trust me when I say it’s a emotional rollercoaster, one that literally kept me on the edge of my seat the entire time . Ashley and Sawyer have been friends for years and unbeknown to Ashley Sawyer has been in love with her the entire time . When Ashley’s life is put in jeopardy Sawyer of course comes to her rescue . Sawyer is a total alpha only with a heart of gold - there isn’t anything he wouldn’t do to protect the Woman he loves . And Ashley Just loved her so much , she is such a good hearted person ,kind and a bit naive yet extremely strong . To say that their journey was not easy would definitely be a understatement. Especially with everything Ashley endured a tragedy that is truly heartbreaking and would break the best of us . But Ashley somehow found the strength not to give up and came out the other side a stronger person . Of course Sawyers love and friendship played a huge part in making that possible . Dark , raw , gritty, suspenseful, tragic , steamy , romantic, friends to lovers , second chances , love , healing , family , friendships, stalkers , serial killers , twists and turns , unforgettable and unputdownable. Every time I pick up one of Janes awesome I know without a doubt that I am headed for a very long night of reading and of course I’m always right .
2,284 reviews91 followers
November 29, 2020
This fourth book in the Christmas Suspense series is another winner by this amazing author. With a hunky bodyguard, who happens to be Ashley’s best friend, and good friends ready to help out, the Christmas season is shaping up to be a fantastic one-except for a crazy killer who is on the loose and he has Ashley in his sights.

Sawyer is a really likeable character as is Ashley but I found
Ashley annoyed me a bit at times, I liked her but she tended to be a bit wishy-washy. I liked how she did try to be honest with herself though she seemed to want one thing then do the opposite, she certainly had a strong backbone though. I might be being a tad unfair because Sawyer did some yo-yoing too, the situation is a tricky one as well. What really stands out for all of the characters is the level of support and care towards each other.

As usual the suspense element is fantastic and the criminal, although of course he has his reasons, is one very twisted beast of a man. I love the way this author isn’t afraid to be creative and vindictive with her criminals, leaving readers on the edge of their seats.

The whole Christmas feeling is very intense and I honestly want to bake gingerbread and have hot chocolate and that’s saying a lot because it’s summer and a heatwave here! Another great great story I recommend to everyone.
Profile Image for Jackie.
1,617 reviews8 followers
December 5, 2021
short and sweet.

3.5 stars!
I really liked the story. Lots of angst and suspense. I like how we started with all the crazy and drama and then got the meat and potatoes do the characters. It sucked you Into how they story was going to go from there and invested in how the characters were altered. Loved Sawyer. He was adorable and sweet and everything you want in a best friend who is secretly in love with Ashley. They just worked. And how she never knew is beyond me.
Spoilers**
Loved the story until she found out. Yes she has a lot going on and lots of stress. But she was so mean to him about it and I feel over reacted about being ‘lied’ to. He wasn’t obligated to divulge his feelings. Yes lie by omission but it isn’t the same when he was worried about their friendship. And to automatically jump to conclusion that he was taking advantage of her after everything he did for her was horrible. Loved the ending. So adorable. Downside. Pretty clean story on the steam front.
Profile Image for Miss Andrews.
443 reviews15 followers
November 21, 2022

What a ride!! This story was full of action, suspense, yearning and love.
I was championing for Sawyer and Ashley from the previous book. Watching them traverse their path through the danger and fear was addictive and compelling.
Sawyer is a larger than life alpha protector. Such a sweetheart, I could just hug him!! His determination to protect the woman he has loved for years was enough to make my ovaries miss a beat.
I loved watching the relationship with his twin sister, their obvious love for one another perfectly portrays the beauty of unconditional love and family.
Ashley is a beautiful character, although I wondered how she could be friends with someone like Sawyer and not want to jump his bones. Luckily she came to her senses and realised the beautiful future this man could offer her.
Jane Blythe has once again taken me in a wild ride full of action and a stunning depth of emotion that left me breathless.
Can’t recommend highly enough.
So many more than 5 stars.
Profile Image for Dawn Cruikshank.
1,119 reviews8 followers
January 28, 2024
Wow! This story starts out violently. This story is about Ashley and Sawyer. Ashley is attacked and she survived the attack because the killer heard sirens and left. Ashley then survived the second attack on her in the hospital. She is definitely one strong lady. Sawyer becomes her bodyguard and their relationship grows from there but Sawyer wants more but doesn't want to ruin what they already have. Towards the end, the killer finds her a third time but Sawyer and gang come to the rescue and get rid of the killer. I am so happy these two finally declare their love for each other. The ending was so perfect for Ashley - she got all of her wishes. FANTASTIC job Jane! I would recommend this book!
Profile Image for Carmela Dimattia.
1,842 reviews23 followers
November 30, 2020
This book was amazing, amazing, amazing. I have come to love Jane Blythe’s books and this was definitely no exception. A great story that truly had me on the edge of my seat with every page I read. I had goosebumps on more than one occasion as this story had me hooked and I found myself being feeling the emotions of the storyline. Lots of suspense and some beautiful and tender moments between our main characters in Ashley and Sawyer. Such a wonderfully written book that paid lots of attention to detail. Definitely 5 star worthy.

I received an arc copy and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
Profile Image for Chelsea Skinner.
174 reviews5 followers
March 28, 2023
The premise of this was good, the execution, not so much.

First of all, Sawyer talked to Ashley like they were already dating and yet she "couldn't see" he was in love with her.

Second, this reeked of Stockholm Syndrome. Ashley doesn't realize her feelings for Sawyer until she literally has to live with him 24/7 and had never seen him as anything other than a friend?

I get it, it is a short romantic suspense and we should overlook some of the bad because liberties must be taken yadda, yadda. But she had literally been *trigger warning* and almost murdered!

Also they acted like teenagers and not the adults they were supposed to be.
Profile Image for Meghan.
3,298 reviews6 followers
February 24, 2025
best friends to everything

Sawyer and Ashley. We met Sawyer in the last book since he is Savannah’s twin bother. Now he gets to protect his best friend who he is also in love with. Ashley has no idea of his feelings and is only trying to heal from a horrific attack and still being in danger. This story brings in the other FBI agents and some new characters from the security firm Sawyer works at. The bad guys back story was sad, but also showed how messed up he was to become a serial killer/rapist. The ending had danger and then a perfect hallmarky Christmas moment.
Profile Image for Cynthia Carpenter.
1,663 reviews15 followers
November 28, 2020
Ashley and Sawyer take you on intense, action oacked, twisted read that will have you on the edge of your seat and glued to your kindle. From one page to the next I keeps you on the edge wanting to know more and more. With a killer after Ashley will Sawyer be able to save her before its too late or will he find her? Another amazing read from this author who knows how to keep you in suspense thur the whole book. Can't wait to read what she has next.
411 reviews7 followers
November 15, 2022
Well Ashley and Sawyer certainly did have an action packed Christmas! I am loving this series which all are proving to be a real change from the usual Christmas fare. Once again Jane takes us on a rip-roaring ride of red herrings, a crazy killer and a hunky bodyguard. What more could anyone want for Christmas? Jane Blythe is one of my go to authors and this book was certainly up to the mark! I highly recommend this read and am just about to start on the next in the series
Profile Image for Jenn O'Leary.
963 reviews20 followers
November 20, 2023
Yuletide Protector is an exciting Holiday Romantic Suspense from Jane Blythe.
Ashley & Sawyer have been best friends for a few years, and Sawyer has been in love with Ashley from the start.
One evening Ashley is attacked, and almost dies.
Sawyer is a body guard and promises to keep Ashley safe, while the police try to find her attacker.
This was an exciting, shorter read that I could not put down.
Profile Image for Barbara Lack.
1,610 reviews21 followers
November 12, 2020
If you like suspense and a serial killer in your Christmas books then this is the book for you. I couldn’t put the book down. Jane Blythe has impressed me this year with how much her writing has grown and flourished. She is such a talented writer. I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced free copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
1,227 reviews18 followers
November 27, 2020
I have to say that I love this authors books and this book did not disappoint. Ashley and Sawyer were the perfect couple. They may had to go through horrible situations to get there but they persevered and got their hea. You definitely get to feel all different emotions from this couple as well as the other character. I love this book as well as all of this authors books.
Profile Image for Karin.
2,178 reviews
December 1, 2020
Ashley and Sawyer have been friends forever and when she barely survives a attack it’s Sawyer who vows to protect her and make her feel safe again no matter what that takes even at further risk of his heart cause he loved her but knows her safety is his first priority and he’s also afraid to lose her if she doesn’t feel the same. Loved the suspense and I adored Sawyer!!
Profile Image for Barbara "Cookie" Serfaty Williams.
2,704 reviews5 followers
January 6, 2022
Yule tide Protector (Christmas Romantic Suspense Book 4)

The love story of Ashley and Sawyer. On September 1, Ashley was attacked by a serial killer, she survived. And now he is after her. Sawyer is assigned to protect her. He is in love with Ashley. Can he save her and tell her he loves her? Great story.
Profile Image for Ela La1978.
534 reviews14 followers
October 20, 2022
This 4 book is about two best friends who have to overcome a murder attempt where one is in love with the other. You will not stop reading until you find out if the killer will be stopped and if the friends will find a happy ever after. It continues with news about the former characters and brings you joy and suspense to read.
2,681 reviews25 followers
November 25, 2020
4*
Ashley & Sawyer are best friends so in tune with each other.
The friendship and having a good knowledge of her routine comes in handy one night.
Ashley isn't prepared for the night that changes her life and has her facing that as well as her own feelings.
Nice series
262 reviews
December 22, 2021
Good read

This book grabs your interest right from the first page and keeps you interested until the end. Great characters and storyline. Looking forward to the next book in this series.
2,964 reviews10 followers
January 4, 2022
Drama and crime

Drama is one thing this book has. Trama is the big trigger. The crime is the lose of peoples lives. The ending fixes that. Two people find they belong together and can get through anything. They do just that.
Profile Image for Romaine Heart.
2,337 reviews30 followers
February 3, 2022
Ashley and Sawyer have been best friends for years. Little did she know that he has been in love with her the entire time.
When a serial killer attacks Ashley and leaves her for dead she knows it's only a matter of time before he strikes again.
Christmas, mayhem and murders.
Profile Image for Monique Westwood.
483 reviews4 followers
November 26, 2022
Friends to lovers story with a serial rapist/murderer thrown in for good measure.   Sawyer and Ashley have an amazing friendship.  I love how all the characters interact with each other.  This might be my favourite couple in the series!  Can be read as a stand-alone. 
Profile Image for Leah Blanks.
126 reviews2 followers
November 6, 2020
Another amazing book my Jane i absolutely loved it and can't wait for more
Profile Image for Paula Genereau.
3,077 reviews39 followers
December 1, 2020
Good book. I loved this story. It is a good book to add to this series. It will have you wanting more
Profile Image for Clayr Catherall.
1,590 reviews99 followers
December 2, 2020
Really enjoyed this Christmas romantic suspense. I was glued to my kindle from start to finish. It kept me up reading till the early hours of the morning.
7 reviews
December 3, 2021
First time with this author. What a great read. Characters were wonderful and it was very suspenseful. I could not put this down until then I finished it.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews

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