Yule Fire by Lena Austin

PAGAN & PEN REVIEW

Title:  Yule Fire
Author:  Lena Austin 

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Publisher:  Aspen Mountain Press

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Length: 101 pgs.
Other:  M/F

Pagan & Pagan Elements: Yes

Reviewed by: Violet Harper

About The Book:

Belle is hiding her multi-millionaire preschooler from the press. Jacques is hiding his business dealings and playing the reluctant war hero Belle must host as a promo stunt for her magazine. All they both want is a quiet holiday season in each other’s arms, but not if Belle’s obnoxious boss has his way. What are a witch and a war hero to do but become co-conspirators, determined to have a little food and fun with no strings attached? But someone else has plans for them both that go beyond the holiday season.

The Review:  

Yule Fire is the story of a man and a woman who have had to overcome some tough things in life.  Belle reels from the aftereffects of a bad marriage and former in-laws who wield tight control over any support money she needs for her son.  Jacques is a wounded war hero looking for a piece of home and normalcy. 

While there were some holes in the plot (If she’s a nationally-known editor, why does she rely on child support money?), I found the characters to be likeable and the plot moved at a good pace.  However, the sudden erotic scenes seemed out of place.  The majority of the novel is written as a sweet romance.  There is nothing sensual or erotic until Belle and Jacques are suddenly horny.  Sentences meant to be erotic are peppered in odd places.  For example, Jacques has just arrived and they’re eating a meal he prepared.  “Belinda dropped her eyes and applied her fork to good use.  She could feel heat creeping up from her pussy, wet and ready.”  I know she was eating, but this sounds like she did something different with the fork.  Some teasing or some kind of lead-in would make this a tighter story.

Belle and Jacques are made for each other.  When they come together at the end, it’s a truly satisfying and very sweet HEA.  Overall, I liked the story and I would read more from this author without hesitation.

Pagan Elements: While both Belle and her mother have Pagan beliefs, and Belle is an editor for a Pagan magazine, the majority of the novel revolved around Christmas customs.  Ms. Austin does a good job of explaining how Santa could translate into a Pagan deity.  It was definitely a learning experience for me. 

Cover (Rated 1-10): 8—It’s warm.  Shrouded in flames, the expressions on Belle’s and Jacques’ faces make me curious to know more about them. 

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