What do you think?
Rate this book
Christmas Romantic Suspense #5
Yuletide Guard
Is it possible to move on from your past?
Samara Patrick is being stalked. She doesn't know by who, or where she came into contact with this person, but when the stalker makes an attempt at kidnapping her she knows he's not going to go away. She doesn't know by who, or where she came into contact with this person, but when the stalker makes an attempt to kidnap her she knows he's not going to go away. It's bad enough suffering through her least favorite time of the year but now on top of everything else she's got a bodyguard who makes her feel things she's not ready to accept.
Michael Stein did something he can never forgive himself for. Now he's lost down a path he can't find his way back from, but when his friend Samara needs him he's there for her. Developing feelings for her wasn't supposed to happen, but he sees through her veneer of perfectionism to the deep pain she tries to hide and it calls out to his own pain. Only problem is his issues have the power to destroy them both.
Samara Patrick is being stalked. She doesn't know by who, or where she came into contact with this person, but when the stalker makes an attempt at kidnapping her she knows he's not going to go away. She doesn't know by who, or where she came into contact with this person, but when the stalker makes an attempt to kidnap her she knows he's not going to go away. It's bad enough suffering through her least favorite time of the year but now on top of everything else she's got a bodyguard who makes her feel things she's not ready to accept.
Michael Stein did something he can never forgive himself for. Now he's lost down a path he can't find his way back from, but when his friend Samara needs him he's there for her. Developing feelings for her wasn't supposed to happen, but he sees through her veneer of perfectionism to the deep pain she tries to hide and it calls out to his own pain. Only problem is his issues have the power to destroy them both.
ebook
Published December 1, 2021
43 people are currently reading
44 people want to read
About the author
Jane Blythe
116 books1,362 followers
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!
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
December 7, 2022
Yuletide Guard is Book II of Jane Blythe’s Bodyguard Christmas Trilogy and I am looking forward to reading of damaged characters, a villain that won’t take no for an answer, and the knight in shining armor’ that will come to her rescue. The thing is, the knight has issues of his own.
Samara has a great job, great friends…and a stalker. Stories like Yuletide Guard is truly frightening to me. It’s a good thing she has friends that are bodyguards and FBI, but still, if a stalker wants you…
Samara doesn’t believe in a happy ever after for herself. She feels she doesn’t deserve it.
Michael carries his own guilt and baggage and feels the same. Can they heal each other?
Stories like Yuletide Guard read like true crime to me, and the thought of a stalker, where the stalker has no repercussions except to take it, makes me angry. What would I do? What would you do? It brings to mind so many questions as I read along. Would I turn vigilante? Would I become the hunter instead of the hunted? Would you?
I bounced between a three and a four rating, because I found nothing new in the story. It was predictable, but I gave Yuletide Guard a star for keeping me reading and hoping they would find a happy ever after and the whole stalker thing is soooo creepy. Of course, I knew they would, but…and I do love the warm, fuzzy feelings I got when I am done.
I voluntarily reviewed a free copy of Yuletide Guard by Jane Blythe.
Samara has a great job, great friends…and a stalker. Stories like Yuletide Guard is truly frightening to me. It’s a good thing she has friends that are bodyguards and FBI, but still, if a stalker wants you…
Samara doesn’t believe in a happy ever after for herself. She feels she doesn’t deserve it.
Michael carries his own guilt and baggage and feels the same. Can they heal each other?
Stories like Yuletide Guard read like true crime to me, and the thought of a stalker, where the stalker has no repercussions except to take it, makes me angry. What would I do? What would you do? It brings to mind so many questions as I read along. Would I turn vigilante? Would I become the hunter instead of the hunted? Would you?
I bounced between a three and a four rating, because I found nothing new in the story. It was predictable, but I gave Yuletide Guard a star for keeping me reading and hoping they would find a happy ever after and the whole stalker thing is soooo creepy. Of course, I knew they would, but…and I do love the warm, fuzzy feelings I got when I am done.
I voluntarily reviewed a free copy of Yuletide Guard by Jane Blythe.
December 1, 2021
Just like all the books in this series it was suspenseful with crazy as a loon bad guy and a couple who find love along the path after tragedy and sacrifice.
He could stare at her forever. It didn't look like his plan to pretend he wasn't desperately in love with her was going to last very long.
Samara has been dodging a stalker for months but now he’s found her. Mike is protecting her with his life but this man will stop at nothing to have her.
Ms.Blythe is never afraid to hit on tough subjects and this edition is no exception. Just one of the reasons she is one of my go to authors.
He could stare at her forever. It didn't look like his plan to pretend he wasn't desperately in love with her was going to last very long.
Samara has been dodging a stalker for months but now he’s found her. Mike is protecting her with his life but this man will stop at nothing to have her.
Ms.Blythe is never afraid to hit on tough subjects and this edition is no exception. Just one of the reasons she is one of my go to authors.
November 30, 2021
4 1/2 stars
I love these holiday stories by one of my favourite authors and this one is right up there with the others, so, so good. It really made me think though… what would it be like to have never experienced celebrating Christmas? This is one reason for the extra half a star, I love it when a story encourages me to reflect on things. My heart went out to Samara and not just because of this lack of celebrating but also her stalker.
This story about Samara and Michael, thank goodness for this wonderful character, brings out all the angst with the suspense filled storyline. I literally sat on the edge of my seat in fear at times yet at others felt so much joy and happiness. I applaud how this author has no fear in going straight for the jugular with her suspense. Yet another reason for the extra half a star.
The detailed descriptions, incredible characters that are so easy to like, the solid storyline and intense suspense all wrapped together make this one wonderful story.
I love these holiday stories by one of my favourite authors and this one is right up there with the others, so, so good. It really made me think though… what would it be like to have never experienced celebrating Christmas? This is one reason for the extra half a star, I love it when a story encourages me to reflect on things. My heart went out to Samara and not just because of this lack of celebrating but also her stalker.
This story about Samara and Michael, thank goodness for this wonderful character, brings out all the angst with the suspense filled storyline. I literally sat on the edge of my seat in fear at times yet at others felt so much joy and happiness. I applaud how this author has no fear in going straight for the jugular with her suspense. Yet another reason for the extra half a star.
The detailed descriptions, incredible characters that are so easy to like, the solid storyline and intense suspense all wrapped together make this one wonderful story.
November 28, 2021
This Christmas romantic suspense had me on the edge of my seat from start to finish.
Samara, has never celebrated Christmas, but has always secretly hoped for a real family Christmas. What she hadn’t hoped for was a crazy stalker.
Michael has been fighting his feelings for Samara for long time. Now that she’s in trouble he can’t stay away. He must keep her safe, if it’s the last thing he does.
Samara, has never celebrated Christmas, but has always secretly hoped for a real family Christmas. What she hadn’t hoped for was a crazy stalker.
Michael has been fighting his feelings for Samara for long time. Now that she’s in trouble he can’t stay away. He must keep her safe, if it’s the last thing he does.
December 1, 2021
What an amazing book. I absolutely loved it. Jane definitely knows how to hook you in and keep you wanting more.
December 1, 2021
Samara and Michaels story was chalk full of mystery and suspense. These two are both dealing with there demons and the way the story unfolds over the pages was just epic
October 18, 2021
I just loved Samara and Michael. My heart just broke for the two of them. This book is loaded with angst and suspense, not to mention the Christmas spirit. I love that Jane Blythe’s Christmas books aren’t the saccharine sweet books that a lot of Christmas books are. There’s nothing like a little romantic suspense to put you in the holiday spirit!
November 30, 2022
Oh my gosh this story was so heart rendering. It was as sad as it was beautiful.
Michael and Samara were such damaged characters. Each carrying pain, guilt and regret from their pasts.
Michael was carrying so much guilt, pain and grief it’s no wonder he turned to addiction. Such a beautiful character. I think Jane wrote his pain and grief perfectly. We all take on guilt, even when we know sometimes there’s nothing we could have done to change the outcome.
My heart went out for Samara. My husband committed suicide so this is a subject I’m a bit touchy about but Jane handled it with her usual empathy, understanding and a true love for her art.
Watching these two damaged characters come together was so heartwarming. Seeing them realise they deserved to be loved and happy and while they couldn’t wipe out their pasts they could embrace their present and future together.
It never ceases to amaze me how truly talented Jane Blythe is. The worlds she creates are truly mesmerising.
Can’t recommend highly enough.
Way more stars than what reside in the sky
Michael and Samara were such damaged characters. Each carrying pain, guilt and regret from their pasts.
Michael was carrying so much guilt, pain and grief it’s no wonder he turned to addiction. Such a beautiful character. I think Jane wrote his pain and grief perfectly. We all take on guilt, even when we know sometimes there’s nothing we could have done to change the outcome.
My heart went out for Samara. My husband committed suicide so this is a subject I’m a bit touchy about but Jane handled it with her usual empathy, understanding and a true love for her art.
Watching these two damaged characters come together was so heartwarming. Seeing them realise they deserved to be loved and happy and while they couldn’t wipe out their pasts they could embrace their present and future together.
It never ceases to amaze me how truly talented Jane Blythe is. The worlds she creates are truly mesmerising.
Can’t recommend highly enough.
Way more stars than what reside in the sky
November 30, 2022
If you are a fan of romantic suspense and holiday romances then stop right now as this is the absolute perfect series for you. Yuletide Guard is the fifth installment in Janes Christmas Series ( a series that has very quickly become a favorite of mine .Samara and Michaels journey is one filled with demons and stalkers , mystery and suspense, angst . Off the charts chemistry, non stop action, romance, second chances, friends to lovers , wonderfully written characters , tragedy, heartbreaking and heartfelt moments and story that is going to grab onto all your emotions and pull you right in . I certainly was not prepared for all the emotions I was going to feel while reading or how Michael and Samaras epic love story would break my heart . Both have been through so much suffering and tragedy in their lives yet somehow found the courage not to give up . And together were able to finally get the happiness they so desperately wanted
December 8, 2024
Samara and Michael has secrets hidden deep in their past. Samara is struggling with a childhood trauma while Michael is dealing with guilt and grief that ultimately led him to a drinking problem. He has loved Samara from a distance for a while but doesn’t feel he is good enough. Samara holds herself apart form friends and her brother and her need to be perfect at all times lead to an attempt to take her own life. When an unknown stalker take his obsession to the real world, Michael is determined to keep her safe.
I loved almost everything about this story. Samara’s way of dealing with trauma by retreating into herself and internalizing her guilt made total sense. Michael's actions at the end were a bit troubling. Not so much what he did, but how he handled it. I loved this story and how Michael and Samara helped each take their first steps out of darkness. And despite not liking Michael's final choices the HEA made it worth the read.
I loved almost everything about this story. Samara’s way of dealing with trauma by retreating into herself and internalizing her guilt made total sense. Michael's actions at the end were a bit troubling. Not so much what he did, but how he handled it. I loved this story and how Michael and Samara helped each take their first steps out of darkness. And despite not liking Michael's final choices the HEA made it worth the read.
Read
November 30, 2021Once again Ms Blythe delivers another heartbreaking but exciting read. Samara and Michael both have had traumatic pasts and are therefore damaged in their own way but they manage to help each other begin to heal. When Samara is stalked by a very crazy man Michael moves in to protect Samara and thus their journey begins. This was a great story filled with suspense and some tender moments between Samara and Michael and even though it is a Christmas story it is not your typical Christmas miracle tale. I loved that previous characters in this series make several appearances and it was great that through all this drama Samara and Michael find a way to build a future together. Ms Blythe has a talent for writing suspense books and this book and series will certainly capture your imagination.
I received an arc copy from the author and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
I received an arc copy from the author and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
November 18, 2022
This series of holiday time books have been an absolute joy to read, they are a far cry from the sugar and spice Christmas reads. True to the format of the rest of the series this book includes a scarily crazy bad guy, a wonderful alpha protector and a sassy heroine. Jane Blythe is an absolute master at developing characters and making them so believable you share in all their emotions. Samara and Michael are a wonderful couple and you so desperately want things to work out for them. As always in Jane's books there are absolute roller coaster highs and lows as you are dragged through the suspense and excitement. I don't usually read Christmas books but in my opinion Jane has completely mastered this series with the intense drama alongside the Christmas spirit. I loved this book and cannot wait for the next in the series
November 30, 2021
This book should come with a countdown. It begins on the first page and ticks down as you make your way through the drama and the suspense until zero when everything happens! I could feel it, something was coming, something was going to happen. I didn’t know what but it hooked me in and I had to keep going, keeping reading until the big reveal! Who is the stalker? Will he get to Samara? Will Michael be able to protect her? This book gave me an uneasy feeling, wanting to yell into it, wanting to solve the mystery, wanting to skip to the end just so I didn’t have to wait any longer! This author has a gift of being able to grab your attention from the first chapter and holding you captive until the very end and then leave you wanting more!
January 29, 2024
Yuletide Guard
Wow! Another dark romance story! This story is about Mike and Samara. Samara's life has been tumultuous at the least. I felt bad for Samara for what she has gone through and her brother didn't make it easy for her either. When she has been kidnapped in the beginning, Mike is assigned as her bodyguard. Everyone, but these two, knew they belonged together. It was sad that the stalker finally got Samara but thankfully, the stalker and his idea didn't work and Mike saved her but then he disappeared for a year. It took two Christmases for these two to get their happy ending. FANTASTIC job Jane! I would recommend this book!
Wow! Another dark romance story! This story is about Mike and Samara. Samara's life has been tumultuous at the least. I felt bad for Samara for what she has gone through and her brother didn't make it easy for her either. When she has been kidnapped in the beginning, Mike is assigned as her bodyguard. Everyone, but these two, knew they belonged together. It was sad that the stalker finally got Samara but thankfully, the stalker and his idea didn't work and Mike saved her but then he disappeared for a year. It took two Christmases for these two to get their happy ending. FANTASTIC job Jane! I would recommend this book!
December 11, 2024
Samara and Michael fight off stalker
Excellent read . Michael had accidentally run over his 2 yr old daughter. Samara was raped for two yrs by her grandfather. Michael deals with his guilt by drinking to excess. Samara is not celebrating Christmas in her dark world keeping her twin Fin from knowing about the abuse. Dealing with these issues along comes Dante who is crazy in love in his fantasy world over Samara. She has to deal with him killing people to tell her he won’t give up until he has her. Read to find out how all these blend together into a Christmas romance between friends.
Excellent read . Michael had accidentally run over his 2 yr old daughter. Samara was raped for two yrs by her grandfather. Michael deals with his guilt by drinking to excess. Samara is not celebrating Christmas in her dark world keeping her twin Fin from knowing about the abuse. Dealing with these issues along comes Dante who is crazy in love in his fantasy world over Samara. She has to deal with him killing people to tell her he won’t give up until he has her. Read to find out how all these blend together into a Christmas romance between friends.
December 25, 2021
So glad that I decided to read this on Christmas, especially since like the main characters I'm not that big on it, so it brought a little cheer into the day.
Actually that sounds twisted when you take the festivities out and focus on the twisted aspect of the page turning plot.
This series is more for the holiday season superfans but doesn't stop the suspense lovers still getting a thrill, for me I felt there was some things I would of preferred more focus on than others, but that may just be my grinch showing.
Actually that sounds twisted when you take the festivities out and focus on the twisted aspect of the page turning plot.
This series is more for the holiday season superfans but doesn't stop the suspense lovers still getting a thrill, for me I felt there was some things I would of preferred more focus on than others, but that may just be my grinch showing.
February 24, 2025
Fighting for happiness
Samara and Michael. Friends to lovers on a slow track. They both had some heavy baggage that made it hard to feel they deserved joy, but together they worked in that the whole book. The danger was a u our stalker situation that also turned deadly for some. The updates on the other couples and their children was adorable and great connection for the series. Fin needed to be punched which I have thought in several books, but definitely in this one. The ending was a bit cheesy for me due to the time span of everything, but I am always glad for an HEA.
Samara and Michael. Friends to lovers on a slow track. They both had some heavy baggage that made it hard to feel they deserved joy, but together they worked in that the whole book. The danger was a u our stalker situation that also turned deadly for some. The updates on the other couples and their children was adorable and great connection for the series. Fin needed to be punched which I have thought in several books, but definitely in this one. The ending was a bit cheesy for me due to the time span of everything, but I am always glad for an HEA.
November 30, 2021
What a fantastic story that Michael and Samara have. So much suspense and tragedy. This story definitely had you on the edge of your seat waiting to see what was next. Both Samara and Michael had horrible pasts but it took time but they ultimately helped one another get past it and to live in the present. I love this author and her writing, she definitely doesn't hold back. I most definitely recommend this book and this series. I loved them all.
November 7, 2022
Samara and Michael's story was wonderful. In a holiday setting, with romance and suspense,Jane Blythe brings it all to the story! Both have pasts that they must work through to get to their happiness. But the twists and turns as well as the bumps on the road keep you on the edge of your seat. Definitely recommend this book!
December 1, 2021
Once again book does not fail their is mystery intrigue a stalker a lover a guard but who is who ? Fantastic feel good book cosy up for a good read you won't be disappointed book five in this great series
November 27, 2022
Okay…I say it every book…but Samara and Mike might be my favourite couple! This one was not as 'dark' as some of the others but there is still plenty of suspense. A good balance of romance and drama. Two thumbs up.
November 17, 2025
Emotional Rollercoaster
Michael and Samara both have traumatic pasts they struggle to overcome. In this friends to lovers story they not only have to overcome their pasts but also a stalker obsessed with Samara. Jane Blithe weaves her Christmas magic throughout the story!
Michael and Samara both have traumatic pasts they struggle to overcome. In this friends to lovers story they not only have to overcome their pasts but also a stalker obsessed with Samara. Jane Blithe weaves her Christmas magic throughout the story!
December 1, 2021
I enjoyed Samara and Michael's story..Samara has a stalker and he is determined to have her, Michael is her friend and now bodyguard, this was a good read with intresting characters and a good plot.
February 15, 2025
Lots of edge
Jane Blythe did it again. Highlighting mental issues from previous traumas and other tough issues. I enjoyed seeing the relationship between Samara and Michael.
Jane Blythe did it again. Highlighting mental issues from previous traumas and other tough issues. I enjoyed seeing the relationship between Samara and Michael.
November 30, 2022
Another great addition to this series! Samara has such a sad back history, and Christmas has always never been a time she has enjoyed. This year could be different for her, but it all depends on her stalker and her bodyguard, and which one comes out on top at the end!
If you haven’t read this book yet, I highly suggest you do. It’s best to start with book one of the series and go from there…the backstory of the other characters helps to understand Samara & Michael more.
If you haven’t read this book yet, I highly suggest you do. It’s best to start with book one of the series and go from there…the backstory of the other characters helps to understand Samara & Michael more.
September 9, 2023
This book was so intense. Couldn't get enough, turning the pages to see what happened next, so much action. Dante was a crazy stalker, he was in love with Samara but she didn't know him or why he was stalking her. So Michael became he bodyguard. Couldn't put this book down until finished. Recommend.
Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews