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Christmas Romantic Suspense #6
Yuletide Hero
Childhood crushes never come to fruition.
Hayley Hood has loved Brian Xander since she was a girl, but to him she's always going to be the quiet kid he met when her parents adopted her. She's resigned herself to forever being nothing more than his friend, but when her job as a social worker puts her in the line of fire with an angry parent he steps up to play bodyguard.
Brian Xander blinked and family friend Hayley turned from a kid to a woman. A stunningly gorgeous woman. When her life is threatened he's more than happy to help out and volunteers to keep her safe, but falling in love with her will be easy compared to keeping her alive from a relentless stalker who will stop at nothing to get his revenge.
Just when they give into their connection an unforeseen threat rears its head.
Hayley Hood has loved Brian Xander since she was a girl, but to him she's always going to be the quiet kid he met when her parents adopted her. She's resigned herself to forever being nothing more than his friend, but when her job as a social worker puts her in the line of fire with an angry parent he steps up to play bodyguard.
Brian Xander blinked and family friend Hayley turned from a kid to a woman. A stunningly gorgeous woman. When her life is threatened he's more than happy to help out and volunteers to keep her safe, but falling in love with her will be easy compared to keeping her alive from a relentless stalker who will stop at nothing to get his revenge.
Just when they give into their connection an unforeseen threat rears its head.
ebook
Published December 1, 2022
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50 people want to read
About the author
Jane Blythe
117 books1,361 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!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews
November 22, 2022
Oh my goodness, how have I missed this series until now. It stands alone but I need to go back and read the first 5 now. I just couldn't put my kindle down and read this one until bedtime.
The bad guy was no mystery but he sure was slippery and evil. He and his wife were a strange pair, developed by an evil upbringing. Their small child was in serious danger but she was property to her father and he was determined to kill the social worker. There were topics in this story like domestic abuse, murder and kidnapping. They were all handled so well. You will want the social worker and her protector to come out of this alive and have their happy ending. The story had one danger after the other as evil was determined to catch up with them.
I highly recommend this story and loved every tense moment.
The bad guy was no mystery but he sure was slippery and evil. He and his wife were a strange pair, developed by an evil upbringing. Their small child was in serious danger but she was property to her father and he was determined to kill the social worker. There were topics in this story like domestic abuse, murder and kidnapping. They were all handled so well. You will want the social worker and her protector to come out of this alive and have their happy ending. The story had one danger after the other as evil was determined to catch up with them.
I highly recommend this story and loved every tense moment.
February 25, 2025
What’s right beside you
A cute take on friends to lovers. Hayley has a rough go of it as she enraged a father that was abusing his child. Her role as a social worker is a major part of who she is and why she is in danger. Brian is a unique blend of doctor like Fin and bodyguard like Sawyer. We get more time with the owners of the security firm since Hayley is one of their daughters. The danger takes a lot of forms and the story also has heartwarming moments with the foster and adoption topics. Quick read and good addition to the Christmas series.
A cute take on friends to lovers. Hayley has a rough go of it as she enraged a father that was abusing his child. Her role as a social worker is a major part of who she is and why she is in danger. Brian is a unique blend of doctor like Fin and bodyguard like Sawyer. We get more time with the owners of the security firm since Hayley is one of their daughters. The danger takes a lot of forms and the story also has heartwarming moments with the foster and adoption topics. Quick read and good addition to the Christmas series.
December 1, 2022
Just when you think you’ve seen the worst bad guy this author can come up with she shocks you with someone who invokes hate immediately.
The love story was sweet between Hayley and Brian. This is a suspenseful Christmas short story with some of our favorites showing up to prove why this series is so great. Lots of action from the beginning to keep you glued to the pages and completely on your toes.
The love story was sweet between Hayley and Brian. This is a suspenseful Christmas short story with some of our favorites showing up to prove why this series is so great. Lots of action from the beginning to keep you glued to the pages and completely on your toes.
November 30, 2022
I loved everything about Hayley and Brian!!! Hayley is the kindest best soul ever and her profession is just one of the reasons, she wants to help and protect every single child she can and be there voice but when that gets her in a lot trouble and she needs protection Brian is there in second, he won’t let anyone near her and I loved him for that!! Great suspense story
November 26, 2022
My first holiday story this year and I believe it might be hard to beat, as this book has a fabulous balance between romance and suspense, with some fun humour thrown in to lighten things and all the emotions to make you want Christmas right now! Just when I think this author couldn’t possibly think of new, evil methods of torture and killing… she comes along and does it again! I truly think she is the mistress of murder—well in book format.
Brian and Hayley, the lead characters, are great together as friends and perhaps more. I enjoyed reading the One to Ten series where we met both of these characters when they were children but it’s even better now they’re adults. (It’s not necessary to have read that series to enjoy this story but it is a terrific series) I enjoyed the fun banter between these two as well as between the other characters. The support the characters gave to each other is another aspect that stands out.
There were a few curly moments in this story where I truly was ready to curse Ms Blythe, but phew, no cursing needed. That’s the brilliance of this author’s writing, you feel like you’re participating in the story along with the characters because of the terrific descriptions, and the way you feel every emotion. I can only suggest you read this fast-paced story, as you will then fully appreciate everything I have been saying.
Brian and Hayley, the lead characters, are great together as friends and perhaps more. I enjoyed reading the One to Ten series where we met both of these characters when they were children but it’s even better now they’re adults. (It’s not necessary to have read that series to enjoy this story but it is a terrific series) I enjoyed the fun banter between these two as well as between the other characters. The support the characters gave to each other is another aspect that stands out.
There were a few curly moments in this story where I truly was ready to curse Ms Blythe, but phew, no cursing needed. That’s the brilliance of this author’s writing, you feel like you’re participating in the story along with the characters because of the terrific descriptions, and the way you feel every emotion. I can only suggest you read this fast-paced story, as you will then fully appreciate everything I have been saying.
November 30, 2022
Although I have absolutely adored each and every book in this amazing series . Yuletide Hero just might be my favorite so far . From the moment I met both Hayley and Jack they pretty much had my heart . Jane wrote their characters so flawlessly and so beautifully. Haylee has not had the easiest of lives . She was rescued as a child and and placed with a loving family , unfortunately not all children are as lucky as she was and it because of everything she has endured that she became a social worker and has dedicated her life to helping children who are not as fortunate as she was . Haylee is also 100% in love with Brian and she has been from the moment she met him as a young girl, but unfortunately Brian never saw her as anything more then a family friend. Well all that changes when her life is out in danger and Brian comes to her rescue. Feeling change and grow and what starts off as friendship slowly turns into so much more then either expects. Mystery, suspense, romance, drama , heartbreaking and heartfelt moments, non stop action, tragedy, second chances , angst , murder , stalkers , twists and turns , family , friendships, friends to lovers , slow burn , wonderfully written characters that are so likable, relatable, unique and multi layered and a storyline that is going to have you tumbling head first into a journey unlike you’ve ever experienced before .
November 24, 2022
If you like a story full of mystery, suspense and romance this book is for you. Hayley became a social worker because she loves children and wants to take them out of harms way into a good life. She knows all to well the horrors that some children have to go through. She was rescued as a child and placed into a wonderful loving family. This is what she wants for all the children she rescues but not all of the parents are happy with their child being taken away from them. When she becomes the target of a parent that has every intention of killing her a family friend Brian Xander becomes her bodyguard. He will do everything to keep her safe. Brian has always known that Hayley has had a crush on him even as a child but then she grew up. While guarding her does he realize that he may be falling for her as well but he only has one priority and that is to keep her safe. When Hayley finds herself in harms way can Brian get her back safely or will he lose everything before it even begins. I really enjoyed Hayley and Brian's story. Most definitely recommend this book. Loved it.
November 30, 2022
What a fantastic read!! I absolutely adored Brian and Hayley.
My heart went out for Hayley. Loving a man for years, pining for what she thought could never be must have been so painful. You can almost feel her pain and yearning through the pages.
Hayley is a beautiful character. She’s been through such a traumatic childhood and survived. I don’t think she realises just how strong she is. She even protects people in her job where she fights for the rights of those who can’t protect themselves. She awe inspiring.
Brown is a beautiful alpha protector who dedicates his life to helping people, an admirable quality.
Watching him realise that his childhood friend has changed into a beautiful woman, one he’s falling for was so heartfelt.
This is a wonderfully addictive read. Watching them fall in love whilst trying to find a killer before he finds Hayley was one heck of a wild ride, but one I wouldn’t have missed for the world.
Another fabulous read by a truly talented author.
Can’t recommend highly enough
Way more than 5 stars
My heart went out for Hayley. Loving a man for years, pining for what she thought could never be must have been so painful. You can almost feel her pain and yearning through the pages.
Hayley is a beautiful character. She’s been through such a traumatic childhood and survived. I don’t think she realises just how strong she is. She even protects people in her job where she fights for the rights of those who can’t protect themselves. She awe inspiring.
Brown is a beautiful alpha protector who dedicates his life to helping people, an admirable quality.
Watching him realise that his childhood friend has changed into a beautiful woman, one he’s falling for was so heartfelt.
This is a wonderfully addictive read. Watching them fall in love whilst trying to find a killer before he finds Hayley was one heck of a wild ride, but one I wouldn’t have missed for the world.
Another fabulous read by a truly talented author.
Can’t recommend highly enough
Way more than 5 stars
November 20, 2023
This has been sitting in the kindle for nearly a year. I knew this book centred around characters we first meet in Count to Ten and I really wanted to read those books first.
I am so glad I did it this way as it gave me so much background on Hayley and Brian, but if you read it without that background this is still as great read as the author gives you enough of their history to make the story flow.
Hayley is the sweetest character, after all she has endured, she still is so giving. I loved her and Brian as a couple. They have history as childhood friends, so there is so much they know nan d accept about each other and their interactions are well written and so very believable!
I couldn’t put this one down once I started! Wow! Haley and Brian are both fighters who overcame significant battles during their childhood, and they certainly bring grit and determination ot the events depicted in this book. As always, it’s good to visit with our favourites Paige, Ryan, et al.
Another triumphant Christmas romantic suspense from the estimable Miss Blythe!
I am so glad I did it this way as it gave me so much background on Hayley and Brian, but if you read it without that background this is still as great read as the author gives you enough of their history to make the story flow.
Hayley is the sweetest character, after all she has endured, she still is so giving. I loved her and Brian as a couple. They have history as childhood friends, so there is so much they know nan d accept about each other and their interactions are well written and so very believable!
I couldn’t put this one down once I started! Wow! Haley and Brian are both fighters who overcame significant battles during their childhood, and they certainly bring grit and determination ot the events depicted in this book. As always, it’s good to visit with our favourites Paige, Ryan, et al.
Another triumphant Christmas romantic suspense from the estimable Miss Blythe!
December 8, 2024
Hayley has been in love with Brian since she was a kid. Brian was 6 years older than Hayley and has always seen her as a child until Hayley lands in the middle of elf a dangerous situation. When she has to remove a child from her dangerous home, the father of the little girl she removes attacks her not once, but twice. Brian offers his home to her and is protection. When they spend more time together, Brian begins to realize his feeling for Hayley are much more than he realized.
I liked Hayley and Brian’s story. Hayley have been through a lot in your life, she was abducted as a baby and lived with her kidnapper until she was rescued and adopted at 6 year old. As a result she has a unique empathy when dealing with children as a social worker. When Hayley’s life is put in danger, Bryan hides her from her would be attacker. Unfortunately there are dangers everywhere. It is a great addition to the series. Brian is all in once he makes up his mind which I really loved. Hayley is a strong MFC and this book deserves to be in your TBR.
I liked Hayley and Brian’s story. Hayley have been through a lot in your life, she was abducted as a baby and lived with her kidnapper until she was rescued and adopted at 6 year old. As a result she has a unique empathy when dealing with children as a social worker. When Hayley’s life is put in danger, Bryan hides her from her would be attacker. Unfortunately there are dangers everywhere. It is a great addition to the series. Brian is all in once he makes up his mind which I really loved. Hayley is a strong MFC and this book deserves to be in your TBR.
December 1, 2024
Hayley a social worker and Brian a childhood friend now security guard/Md.
Book was suspenceful , romance and a man set on abusing others. Hayley is the social worker who was brought up in foster care until adoption at an early age of 6 yrs . Now as an adult she needs to protect young Kinsley from her abusive dad Jay Turner. The mother also a victim , Jay’s wife Maria gets hurt many times but loves Jay. When Jay finds out that Hayley is putting his property his daughter Kinsley in a foster care house he drinks and decides to Kill Hayley and grab his kid and wife and hide them.
Brian a childhood friend to Hayley was always 6 yrs older so timing was off for anything but friendship growing up. I enjoyed a mix of protectiveness Brian offers as Hayley’s assigned security guard from abusive Jay. Great read with some new found love as Brian lets Hayley get her secret feelings for him out. Enjoy the Holidays too!
Book was suspenceful , romance and a man set on abusing others. Hayley is the social worker who was brought up in foster care until adoption at an early age of 6 yrs . Now as an adult she needs to protect young Kinsley from her abusive dad Jay Turner. The mother also a victim , Jay’s wife Maria gets hurt many times but loves Jay. When Jay finds out that Hayley is putting his property his daughter Kinsley in a foster care house he drinks and decides to Kill Hayley and grab his kid and wife and hide them.
Brian a childhood friend to Hayley was always 6 yrs older so timing was off for anything but friendship growing up. I enjoyed a mix of protectiveness Brian offers as Hayley’s assigned security guard from abusive Jay. Great read with some new found love as Brian lets Hayley get her secret feelings for him out. Enjoy the Holidays too!
November 17, 2022
I have absolutely loved this series and this book certainly did not disappoint. I had not read these books previously and I have binged the whole series in the last few days. I was so pleased this book picked up the story of Brian, protector and doctor. As always there was plenty of excitement and a roller coaster of emotions. Jane Blythe never shies away from difficult topics and this book included abuse in the family and the impact this has. The difficult topics are dealt with sympathetically and are cleverly woven into the story. The Christmas theme and the exciting plot makes for a brilliant read, I recommend this book unreservedly and am hoping there will be more to come in this series
November 28, 2022
This was another great read in an amazing series by Jane Blythe. I have been blessed and spoilt to have discovered Ms Blythe’s books and I have loved each and every one. This book had all the suspense and drama that I have come to expect and love and our main characters of Hayley and Brian were just the right measure of perfect but also very strong and determined. As soon as I open up one of Ms Blythe’s books I can feel the anticipation building and I have never been disappointed. Another fabulous five star read. If you have not yet read any of Ms Blythe’s books you must do so as you will fall in love with all her books and characters.
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 30, 2022
This is a book that shows that evil exists at any time, and unfortunately holidays don't make you exempt from that.
Although the 'bad guy' was obvious very early on, his warped mind and views made this a book that you'll be unable to look away from.
The main characters are all grown up froma previous series (Count to Ten), but it's been way too long since I've read that series, so I promise that if you're new to this author, you won't be lost. But you'll probably be desperate to go back and (re)read that series.
Although the 'bad guy' was obvious very early on, his warped mind and views made this a book that you'll be unable to look away from.
The main characters are all grown up froma previous series (Count to Ten), but it's been way too long since I've read that series, so I promise that if you're new to this author, you won't be lost. But you'll probably be desperate to go back and (re)read that series.
January 31, 2024
Yuletide Hero
Wow! Another dark story to be had. We all know that there are despicable men out there but this particular man is truly evil. You will definitely hate this man. This story is about Brian and Haley! Haley is definitely one strong gal! Kinsley is also one strong little girl. As always, the ending gets pretty darn intense but the good guys came out on top. I am so happy that these two are finding their happy ending and helping Kinsley also. FANTASTIC job Jane! I would recommend this book!
Wow! Another dark story to be had. We all know that there are despicable men out there but this particular man is truly evil. You will definitely hate this man. This story is about Brian and Haley! Haley is definitely one strong gal! Kinsley is also one strong little girl. As always, the ending gets pretty darn intense but the good guys came out on top. I am so happy that these two are finding their happy ending and helping Kinsley also. FANTASTIC job Jane! I would recommend this book!
October 30, 2022
I love this series! This one was scary in a way that you knew who the bad guy was from the beginning, what he was capable of and what Hayley was running from. The serious topics discussed in this book make it even more terrifying, that people could be living through it right now, a very scary thing to think about.
An awesome book, a race to either find the bad guy or lose Hayley forever…. Will they find him in time or will it be too late for Brian to save her??
An awesome book, a race to either find the bad guy or lose Hayley forever…. Will they find him in time or will it be too late for Brian to save her??
November 30, 2022
This story is a favorite in this series for me, as well as Hayley & Brian as a couple. I love age gap, especially the younger women crushing on the guy as a teen and on into adulthood. LOVE IT! The issues Hayley faces as a social worker are things movies are made of and keep you on the edge of your seat. Good thing she has a body guard, she’ll definitely need one.
If you love tense moments wondering what’s coming, a relentless villain that considers family possessions and takes what he wants, and a bodyguard that just might be more than a bodyguard…then you need to read this!
If you love tense moments wondering what’s coming, a relentless villain that considers family possessions and takes what he wants, and a bodyguard that just might be more than a bodyguard…then you need to read this!
October 14, 2022
I was so excited when I saw that Brian and Hayley were the main characters in the book. Brian is a straight up alpha. He’s the total swoony package. Hayley is sensitive and very caring. The ending of the book made my heart happy. This is a romantic suspense Christmas story.
November 27, 2022
I really enjoyed this book. The romance was sweet with just the right amount of heat. The villain was definitely depraved and evil. This is part of a series but can be read as a stand-alone. I will definitely be going back to the beginning and reading them all.
November 30, 2022
What a wonderful balance between romance and suspense! This is a solid story with a holiday background, could definitely be read at other times of the year. Loved the chemistry between Hayley and Brian! While the villain wasn't a surprise the reasoning threw me.
November 30, 2022
an amazing Christmas novella by Jane Blythe, wonderful characters and a very well written storyline, this book is a friends to lovers' book with a Christmassy feel. It's a quick and interesting read with plenty of suspense and danger, along with laughter and family, for me it's a 5-star read.
December 3, 2022
Jane always knows how to write the right mix of drama,mystery, attraction,angst and heat and this book is no different. Hayley and Brian's story is dark and gritty with just the right amount of light thrown in to make this book you'll be very glad you read. A great read!!!
November 27, 2023
OMG, so much excitement and danger. So much pain that Hayley had to go through. Brian and Hayley are so cute together, their chemistry is crazy. Couldn't put this book down, you will be biting you nails until finished. Highly recommend.
November 22, 2025
Swoon worthy
Watching Hayley and Brian's story unfold had me reaching for tissues one minute and smiling the next. A great addition to the Christmas Romantic Suspense family. Can't wait to read the next one!
Watching Hayley and Brian's story unfold had me reaching for tissues one minute and smiling the next. A great addition to the Christmas Romantic Suspense family. Can't wait to read the next one!
November 24, 2022
A love that lasted many years but will it ever be recognised.
November 26, 2022
This is a good read. Hayley and Brian have great chemistry and are a good couple. It’s nice to catch up with characters from the other books. I recommend this book.
November 29, 2022
This was a new series to me. Loved it
March 1, 2025
Good read
Some tough topics in this book but Jane Blythe handled them well. Loved getting to know Brian’s Hayley. Waiting to see what the others have in store.
Some tough topics in this book but Jane Blythe handled them well. Loved getting to know Brian’s Hayley. Waiting to see what the others have in store.
November 7, 2022
I love the serious issues Yuletide hero brings up. It got me thinking for the holiday season what it really means. Hayley loves the holiday season and loves crafting presents for her family. She also is a wonderful social worker. Her job brings danger to her life. Her good friend Brian rushes to her side. He's a doctor/bodyguard and his alpha side comes out and wants to protect Hayley.
There are a lot of characters involved in the protection of Hayley, some from other books in this series. However, more are mentioned and I can see future books in this series.
There are a lot of characters involved in the protection of Hayley, some from other books in this series. However, more are mentioned and I can see future books in this series.
November 16, 2022
A must read if you loved the previous 5 books in this Series. Jane again picks up a theme that is still happening around the globe - abuse within the family and risk the social workers may face. Reading this book is like being there personally experiencing everything the characters face. Its emotional and heartbreaking. It keeps the reader on edge until the end.
I can‘t wait for more books in the series.
I can‘t wait for more books in the series.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews