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Yule Know It When You See It
Theodora “Theo” Hackett loves being a romance writer. Every month at Celestial Magazine she gets to pen themed stories. Her favorite piece to write each year? The Christmas piece. She loves the holiday vibes but never felt the connection behind the “true meaning” of Christmas.
When the new sports columnist arrives, he’s nothing like the tall, dark, and handsome heroes from her stories. He’s extra tall, blonde, and looks and sounds like a Viking. Too bad he’s as annoying as he’s charismatic and—her new partner. But as they spend more time together, amid laughter, misunderstandings, and sprinkles of holiday magic, Theo may discover her true reason for the season.
Axel Nord is on top of the world as Celestial Magazine’s new sports columnist. And nothing will tear him down despite the homesickness for Norway every year around the holidays.
Enter Theodora Hackett—his new, irritating, and unfortunately adorable partner. But as frustration melts into something else and walls begin to crumble, he may find she’s a kindred spirit he can share Yule traditions with and feel home again thousands of miles away.
Yule Know It When You See It is a standalone, slow-burn, enemies-to-lovers holiday rom-com with a bit of steam showing there’s more than one form of holiday spirit. For fans of the rom-com vibes of Christina Lauren, the steamy swooning moments of Tessa Bailey, and quirky lovable characters of Penny Reid.
When the new sports columnist arrives, he’s nothing like the tall, dark, and handsome heroes from her stories. He’s extra tall, blonde, and looks and sounds like a Viking. Too bad he’s as annoying as he’s charismatic and—her new partner. But as they spend more time together, amid laughter, misunderstandings, and sprinkles of holiday magic, Theo may discover her true reason for the season.
Axel Nord is on top of the world as Celestial Magazine’s new sports columnist. And nothing will tear him down despite the homesickness for Norway every year around the holidays.
Enter Theodora Hackett—his new, irritating, and unfortunately adorable partner. But as frustration melts into something else and walls begin to crumble, he may find she’s a kindred spirit he can share Yule traditions with and feel home again thousands of miles away.
Yule Know It When You See It is a standalone, slow-burn, enemies-to-lovers holiday rom-com with a bit of steam showing there’s more than one form of holiday spirit. For fans of the rom-com vibes of Christina Lauren, the steamy swooning moments of Tessa Bailey, and quirky lovable characters of Penny Reid.
260 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 30, 2023
About the author
Carly Spade
25 books754 followersAn adult romance writer who has been writing since she could pick up a pencil. After the insanity of obtaining a bachelor’s and master’s degree in cybersecurity, creating worlds to escape to still ate at her very soul. She started writing FanFiction (which can still be found if you scour the internet 😉 ), and soon felt the need to get her original ideas on paper. And so the adventure began.
She lives in Colorado with her husband and two fur babies, and revels in an enemies to lovers trope with a slow burn.
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She lives in Colorado with her husband and two fur babies, and revels in an enemies to lovers trope with a slow burn.
To keep tabs on all my new works and get sneak peeks, you can sign up for my newsletter here: https://carlyspade.com/newsletter/
Join my readers group:
http://www.facebook.com/groups/Acesof...
Follow me on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/carlyspadeau...
Follow me on BookBub:
https://www.bookbub.com/profile/carly...
Follow me on Instagram:
@carlyspade
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 82 reviews
November 10, 2023
What a wonderfully cute and fun holiday read!
Theo was such a great heroine. She’s highly relatable and I loved that she started the little battle between her and Axel. I could totally see myself doing some of the things she did. Her disconnect from the holidays and Axel’s responding actions was heartwarming and the perfect thing to add to the overall holiday charm of this book.
Axel was absolutely gobsmackingly delicious! I couldn’t have dreamed of a more perfect hero for a holiday story. And having read all of this author’s previous works, I couldn’t help but place Axel in the small god category.
From the very beginning this story pulled me in and I was wrapped in all the feels of the Chicago winter. There was lots of engaging banter that had me smiling, the angst was low, and there was just enough steam to keep my cocoa warm.
Dual POV
Safe
Triggers
Steam
Theo was such a great heroine. She’s highly relatable and I loved that she started the little battle between her and Axel. I could totally see myself doing some of the things she did. Her disconnect from the holidays and Axel’s responding actions was heartwarming and the perfect thing to add to the overall holiday charm of this book.
Axel was absolutely gobsmackingly delicious! I couldn’t have dreamed of a more perfect hero for a holiday story. And having read all of this author’s previous works, I couldn’t help but place Axel in the small god category.
From the very beginning this story pulled me in and I was wrapped in all the feels of the Chicago winter. There was lots of engaging banter that had me smiling, the angst was low, and there was just enough steam to keep my cocoa warm.
Dual POV
Safe
Triggers
Steam
November 10, 2023
I am so honored to have worked on this project as an alpha reader for an author I so greatly admire! Carly Spade never fails to deliver a sweet-but-spicy, fast-paced but meaningful romance featuring a super relatable heroine and an adorable MMC. Picture Anna and Kristoff from Frozen--a feisty, quirky redhead and a blonde himbo with a hard exterior but made of cinnamon roll dough--that's exactly these two!
-Workplace Romance
-Romance Writer x Sports Columnist
-MMC with Viking Vibes
-Hate-to-Love/Rivals-to-Lovers
-Hockey Game + Kiss Cam 👀
-Plenty of 🌶️🌶️
My favorite part about this book is the brilliant way this super talented author weaves in holiday cheer through clever wordplay! I'm always so impressed with Carly's unique and quippy writing style--it's so compelling and well done. This was my first ever holiday romance, and I am so glad it was--literally THE most perfect way for me to kickoff the holiday season!
-Workplace Romance
-Romance Writer x Sports Columnist
-MMC with Viking Vibes
-Hate-to-Love/Rivals-to-Lovers
-Hockey Game + Kiss Cam 👀
-Plenty of 🌶️🌶️
My favorite part about this book is the brilliant way this super talented author weaves in holiday cheer through clever wordplay! I'm always so impressed with Carly's unique and quippy writing style--it's so compelling and well done. This was my first ever holiday romance, and I am so glad it was--literally THE most perfect way for me to kickoff the holiday season!
November 28, 2023
There is nothing like a romance to get you in the holiday mood. Only in the past couple years have I started reading Christmas romcoms, because I wanted to wallow in my grinch-ness. But as I read Yule Know It When You See It, I couldn’t help but smile. (His heart grew three sizes that day!)
Theo is a romance columnist for a newspaper and she’s lacking in the actual romance IRL. When the sexy new sports writer shows up (who looks like a modern day Viking), she gets partnered with him to write a special sports romance piece. So imagine workplace rivals to lovers, but with Thoren Bradley (albeit with blonde hair, beard, and named Axel), if he was a sweet cinnamon roll of a man.
Nothing makes my knees weaker than a man who could break you like a twig, but just wants to *bleep bleeeeeeeep bleep bleep bleep bleep bleep* you and then *bleep bleep bleeeeeeeeeeeeeep bleep bleep* and then cuddle. Right? Am I right????
This was sweet and spicy. Which is exactly how I like my holiday fun! Now I just need an Axel in my life!! (Begging Santa to help a boy out!)
Theo is a romance columnist for a newspaper and she’s lacking in the actual romance IRL. When the sexy new sports writer shows up (who looks like a modern day Viking), she gets partnered with him to write a special sports romance piece. So imagine workplace rivals to lovers, but with Thoren Bradley (albeit with blonde hair, beard, and named Axel), if he was a sweet cinnamon roll of a man.
Nothing makes my knees weaker than a man who could break you like a twig, but just wants to *bleep bleeeeeeeep bleep bleep bleep bleep bleep* you and then *bleep bleep bleeeeeeeeeeeeeep bleep bleep* and then cuddle. Right? Am I right????
This was sweet and spicy. Which is exactly how I like my holiday fun! Now I just need an Axel in my life!! (Begging Santa to help a boy out!)
December 16, 2023
Review 4.5 stars! ❄️
If y’all are looking for a sweet but spicy holiday romance to read this season, I couldn’t recommend this one enough! 😍
The story follows a romance writer who is forced to work together on a Christmas piece with a sports columnist! From their very first encounter Theodora and Axl set off as rivals at the workplace, prepare yourself a for banter-filled dialogues and tons of laughter in this romantic comedy! These two do not understand at first why they have been put together in this Christmas story, but as they start to get know each other better, the undeniable attraction starts to grow between them! 🔥
Theo was determined not to fall again after her last failed relationship, but who can resist a tall blonde Nordic god that practically screams sexy Viking? Their first kiss was definitely one of my favorite scenes!!😍❤️ I felt cozy Christmas romance vibes while reading that reminded me of the movie Love Actually.
Thanks to the author for gifting me a copy for review
If y’all are looking for a sweet but spicy holiday romance to read this season, I couldn’t recommend this one enough! 😍
The story follows a romance writer who is forced to work together on a Christmas piece with a sports columnist! From their very first encounter Theodora and Axl set off as rivals at the workplace, prepare yourself a for banter-filled dialogues and tons of laughter in this romantic comedy! These two do not understand at first why they have been put together in this Christmas story, but as they start to get know each other better, the undeniable attraction starts to grow between them! 🔥
Theo was determined not to fall again after her last failed relationship, but who can resist a tall blonde Nordic god that practically screams sexy Viking? Their first kiss was definitely one of my favorite scenes!!😍❤️ I felt cozy Christmas romance vibes while reading that reminded me of the movie Love Actually.
Thanks to the author for gifting me a copy for review
December 4, 2023
FIVE GLORIOUS STARS
As usual, I have fallen in love with a Carly Spade’s characters! Theo is quirky in all the right ways and not a single soul could say no to Axel! This is the perfect Holiday themed rom com! Sweet and spicy all wrapped up in an enemies to lovers story! I highly recommend for all the holiday feels! You might even learn a thing or two from the Viking man 😏
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice: 🌶️🌶️
Pacing: Fast
Favorite Character: Axel
As usual, I have fallen in love with a Carly Spade’s characters! Theo is quirky in all the right ways and not a single soul could say no to Axel! This is the perfect Holiday themed rom com! Sweet and spicy all wrapped up in an enemies to lovers story! I highly recommend for all the holiday feels! You might even learn a thing or two from the Viking man 😏
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice: 🌶️🌶️
Pacing: Fast
Favorite Character: Axel
November 7, 2023
What a read!
Clever wordplay in the title aside, there's no shortage of quips and witty jabs in this book!
The writing took me straight to Chicago over Christmas season. The Christmas vibes jump right off the page and filled me with festive cheer. Oh, and that acerbic-banter-between-MCs-that's-fooling-no-one trope? Simply *Chef's kiss*
Theo's character is beautifully written, making her absolutely lovable and above all, relatable. Theo loosing her mind over the Axel taking the last of her sandwich? Been there one too many times. That Duolingo moment? Downright adorable.
Axel is every bit the swoon-worthy match to Theo, what with his Scandinavian charm and his occasional lapse into Norwegian, for good measure. The glimpse into Norwegian Jul traditions is also interesting.
Des, Rupert and Spencer are also wonderfully brought to life, adding some much needed satire and level-headedness, as and when our MCs need it.
Overall, it's a satisfying read with a phenomenal 🌶️🌶️🌶️ scene that had me involuntarily fanning myself!
Super glad I could get an advance review copy of the book. Voluntarily reviewed and highly recommended!
Clever wordplay in the title aside, there's no shortage of quips and witty jabs in this book!
The writing took me straight to Chicago over Christmas season. The Christmas vibes jump right off the page and filled me with festive cheer. Oh, and that acerbic-banter-between-MCs-that's-fooling-no-one trope? Simply *Chef's kiss*
Theo's character is beautifully written, making her absolutely lovable and above all, relatable. Theo loosing her mind over the Axel taking the last of her sandwich? Been there one too many times. That Duolingo moment? Downright adorable.
Axel is every bit the swoon-worthy match to Theo, what with his Scandinavian charm and his occasional lapse into Norwegian, for good measure. The glimpse into Norwegian Jul traditions is also interesting.
Des, Rupert and Spencer are also wonderfully brought to life, adding some much needed satire and level-headedness, as and when our MCs need it.
Overall, it's a satisfying read with a phenomenal 🌶️🌶️🌶️ scene that had me involuntarily fanning myself!
Super glad I could get an advance review copy of the book. Voluntarily reviewed and highly recommended!
December 14, 2023
I'm not crying, you're crying
This is going to be my annual Yule read and I will not apologize. I wish we had seen a little more of the Yule side, but I loved every moment of this.💙
This is going to be my annual Yule read and I will not apologize. I wish we had seen a little more of the Yule side, but I loved every moment of this.💙
December 26, 2023
This is one adorably cute Christmas book that is sure to bring you joy and heartfelt smiles this holiday season. If sports romance, or meet cutes, or even holiday romances pique your interest, you're going to need to pick this unputdownable book up. What's hotter than a Norseman during Jul!? Add in a beard and flannel, and I'm one happy girl.
The Christmasy theme and phrases were delightful. I really enjoyed learning about a different culture's traditions, and our hero and his reaction when introducing our heroine to his heritage were very heartwarming.
This isn't the cookie cutter version that is so saturated and sugary sweet, this has layers and relatable characters. This is most definitely deserving to be bummed up to the tippy top of your to be read pile.
The Christmasy theme and phrases were delightful. I really enjoyed learning about a different culture's traditions, and our hero and his reaction when introducing our heroine to his heritage were very heartwarming.
This isn't the cookie cutter version that is so saturated and sugary sweet, this has layers and relatable characters. This is most definitely deserving to be bummed up to the tippy top of your to be read pile.
December 1, 2023
Cute Holiday Romance . . .
This was a fun and well-paced story, with excellent character development and a great plot to pull the reader right into the story line. Theodora “Theo” Hackett meets the new sports columnist, Axel Nord. The sparks that fly give the reader an idea of the true meaning of Christmas. You won’t want to miss this one! I thoroughly enjoyed reading their story, and recommend it to all.
This was a fun and well-paced story, with excellent character development and a great plot to pull the reader right into the story line. Theodora “Theo” Hackett meets the new sports columnist, Axel Nord. The sparks that fly give the reader an idea of the true meaning of Christmas. You won’t want to miss this one! I thoroughly enjoyed reading their story, and recommend it to all.
November 24, 2023
This book was so cute and sweet. Loved the whole Norwegian hottie and the jul thing. The characters has great chemistry and the push and pull was on point.
Really loved this book.
Really loved this book.
December 11, 2023
Really sweet and fun holiday romance. Loved the Viking and Norse aesthetics, not to mention the banter and charming romantic moments.
December 14, 2023
This book was SUPER cute.
I enjoyed all the holiday magic that this book world and couple had to offer and Axel is suppppppperrrrr yummy!
I enjoyed all the holiday magic that this book world and couple had to offer and Axel is suppppppperrrrr yummy!
December 11, 2023
This short Christmas read was everything I needed! He’s from Norway and a sports writer, she’s your normal Chicago gal who writes romance. I really loved this dirtty romcom!
February 11, 2024
I highly enjoyed this cute and steamy holiday romance! I fell for Axel and his swoonworthy Viking ways immediately. The tension between him and Theo was *chef's kiss*. However, their declarations of love just seemed way too quick for me and a tad bit unrealistic. Maybe if the time-line was a a bit longer than a couple of weeks it would make more sense to me. Still, if give it 4 stars for pulling me in and making smile and swoon!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
November 9, 2023
What a cute book! This is my first Carly Spade read, and she did not disappoint. Yule Know it When You See It had me smiling from the playful banter and witty jabs between the two main characters, Theo and Axel. The setting of the story reminded me of Holiday Hallmark movies. There were times in the story I felt like I, myself, was in Chicago and feeling the brutal winter cold. Theo’s character was super relatable throughout the entire book in how she reacted in different instances (no spoilers here) and when we finally reach the spicy scene, you can’t help but want more. The amount of effort Axel puts into making Theo feel seen had me swooning. This is a quick, fun, holiday themed read that I, myself, wish there was more of. Thankfully the book ends in a way that Carly can expand on Theo and Axels story, or even begin a new focus on both the main characters best friends, should she so choose. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
January 3, 2024
This was such a fun holiday read, full of the romance of the Christmas season. I’ve always thought that Christmas was a romantic time and this book definitely highlighted that aspect. I loved reading both Theo's and Axel's perspectives. I really wouldn't call this enemies to lovers though, they weren't really enemies. More like, they got on each other's nerves a bit. This was a fast-paced, fun read. It was exactly what I needed to overcome my post Iron Flame book hangover. I'd never read a hockey romance story before and I truly enjoyed this one. I will definitely be reading more of Carly Spade's work!
December 29, 2023
Frozen is one of my favorite movies, and Anna and Kristoff is definitely one of my favorite Disney couples. Theo and Axel really reminded me of that adorable couple, personality-wise.
The sweet spice, the back and forth, and the work rivals to lovers, it was all so much fun to read this Christmas season. I will be adding this book to my Christmas reading list to get me into the holiday spirit.
I've never really been a fan of hockey, so that part of the story held no appeal to me. But I can acknowledge that it was still fun to read and very well-written.
I also tend to be against miscommunication used as a plot device, but I feel that it was done well and was cleared up relatively quickly.
I really had a great time reading Yule Know It When You See It!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
The sweet spice, the back and forth, and the work rivals to lovers, it was all so much fun to read this Christmas season. I will be adding this book to my Christmas reading list to get me into the holiday spirit.
I've never really been a fan of hockey, so that part of the story held no appeal to me. But I can acknowledge that it was still fun to read and very well-written.
I also tend to be against miscommunication used as a plot device, but I feel that it was done well and was cleared up relatively quickly.
I really had a great time reading Yule Know It When You See It!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
January 8, 2024
This is a lovely romance set in the winter in Chicago, in the offices of Celestial Magazine between the ‘Romance’ writer, Theo (Theodora) Hackett, and the newcomer and ’Sports’ writer Axel Nord. They meet as such, when both are running late, him for his first day on the job, when she closes the lift door on him, on purpose, afraid to be late herself and thinking this stranger will get off at a lower floor and slow her down! Theo is still waiting for her boss, the somewhat scary Simone, who only address the staff by the topic they write, to give her an idea of what she expects for her Christmas Holiday piece, but she is still waiting. Two of her friends work there also, Desiree (food) and Rupert (fashion), and are always on hand to give their opinions of anything. When she realises that the stranger by the lift is their new sports columnist, she still can’t resist playing a joke on him as he looks for Theo Hackett, for a joint article. That was their boss’ idea, to combine sports and romance in a special festive piece! Axel has lived in the US for some ten years and is missing Jul with his family back in Norway, to start early at his new Boss’ request. He is nothing like her usual tall, dark and handsome, well except for the dark bit. He looks and sounds like a Viking of old, with the beard down pat. When she gets called into Simone’s office, she gets the shock that Simone expects her to work with Axel on a joint article! Matters of the past bring back problems for Theo in trusting a fellow columnist to work together and pull their own weight. Her ex took her piece and said he had written all of it, taking all the praise and leaving her name off the article. This led to her leaving there after two years with her ex and ending up in Chicago.
She knows nothing of ice hockey which is the main sport during the winter. She knows a bit of football because of her dad, but hasn’t a clue what any hockey rules are. Axel takes her to a practice session at the rink, to get her used to what happens during a game and she slowly starts to realise he is not the annoying person she first thought. He is homesick for his Jul (Yule) traditions and family, and she hasn’t quite had the connection of the true Christmas meaning, until she was forced to work with him! A main hockey game brings her to a Kiss Cam moment and a very distracting time with Axel, as they were supposed to write a joint article. She ends up interviewing the wives and girlfriends of the players, whilst he goes into the locker room to interview the players themselves. They both get some surprising details for their story from their interviews, and Theo is primed to start her end of the story with some of her dreams of a Viking, bringing her to an interesting storyline idea. Axel found Theo annoying at first, but she is too adorable to be annoyed at for long and he soon finds he can share some of his Jul traditions with her, bringing his homesickness a reprieve from what he is missing. A great story is finally coming together, as they find their relationship growing ever closer to a full romantic endeavour, only to crash and burn with a misheard partial conversation. Communication is key, but hurt from the past doesn’t always allow for a sensible reaction when it is triggered! So close and yet so far away from what could have been. Only a works Christmas party will allow for them to get back to talking and figuring out where it all went wrong, if he can get her to listen. A lovely ending and a HEA ending for this mismatch of characters, with even a little extra romance for some friends on the side. Nice, light-hearted story with lots of fun and romance, with fantastic friends on both sides giving advice and knowing about their relationship even before they did themselves. A good festive read with a little touch of what is really important at that time of the year, rather than the very commercial side most see and celebrate. Loved the Jul log and the twelve days of celebration and the Christmas market with touches of home. I received an ARC copy of this book form BookSprout and I have freely given my own opinion of the book above.
She knows nothing of ice hockey which is the main sport during the winter. She knows a bit of football because of her dad, but hasn’t a clue what any hockey rules are. Axel takes her to a practice session at the rink, to get her used to what happens during a game and she slowly starts to realise he is not the annoying person she first thought. He is homesick for his Jul (Yule) traditions and family, and she hasn’t quite had the connection of the true Christmas meaning, until she was forced to work with him! A main hockey game brings her to a Kiss Cam moment and a very distracting time with Axel, as they were supposed to write a joint article. She ends up interviewing the wives and girlfriends of the players, whilst he goes into the locker room to interview the players themselves. They both get some surprising details for their story from their interviews, and Theo is primed to start her end of the story with some of her dreams of a Viking, bringing her to an interesting storyline idea. Axel found Theo annoying at first, but she is too adorable to be annoyed at for long and he soon finds he can share some of his Jul traditions with her, bringing his homesickness a reprieve from what he is missing. A great story is finally coming together, as they find their relationship growing ever closer to a full romantic endeavour, only to crash and burn with a misheard partial conversation. Communication is key, but hurt from the past doesn’t always allow for a sensible reaction when it is triggered! So close and yet so far away from what could have been. Only a works Christmas party will allow for them to get back to talking and figuring out where it all went wrong, if he can get her to listen. A lovely ending and a HEA ending for this mismatch of characters, with even a little extra romance for some friends on the side. Nice, light-hearted story with lots of fun and romance, with fantastic friends on both sides giving advice and knowing about their relationship even before they did themselves. A good festive read with a little touch of what is really important at that time of the year, rather than the very commercial side most see and celebrate. Loved the Jul log and the twelve days of celebration and the Christmas market with touches of home. I received an ARC copy of this book form BookSprout and I have freely given my own opinion of the book above.
December 19, 2023
📚BOOK REVIEW📚
Yule Know It When You See It by Carly Spade
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
Spice level: 🌶️/3
Genres: Holiday romance, contemporary
Tropes: office rivalry, witty banter, bearded MMC, miscommunication, sports romance (kind of), love interests from different cultures
Theo is a romance writer for a magazine, and her favorite piece to write is the Christmas piece. She loves the holiday vibes but has never actually felt connected to the “true meaning” of Christmas.
Axel has just been hired to be the new sports columnist, and he looks like he could be straight out of a Viking movie.
Their meeting is anything but cute when Theo intentionally closes the elevator on him on his first day of work, which starts a new office rivalry between the two.
When the magazine’s chief editor assigns them to work together on a holiday sports romance piece, they have to learn to set aside their initial feelings about each other.
Theo finds a new favorite holiday when Axel teaches her about Yule, and he works past his precious trauma with an ex.
This story is dual-POV between Theo and Axel.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
A nice, quick, cute holiday read. Definitely very fast paced, both in terms of the story and the relationship.
It was interesting learning more about both hockey and Yule traditions, because both are things I’m not super familiar with. This wasn’t quite a sports romance but it was definitely sport romance adjacent.
There were plot things that didn’t make sense and weren’t super realistic, but if you’re just looking for a cute holiday read then they’re easy enough to ignore.
Overall, cute read for the holidays.
Thank you to Paper Myths and the author for a copy of this to read
‼️book specific notes, may contain spoilers‼️
-the speed that the relationship developed at seems way too fast
-for someone who hasn’t dated in multiple years to “focus on her career” she seems way to willing to risk it by screwing someone in the middle of the office
-I don’t think it’s realistic he would freak this much after her giving him the cold shoulder once, when they’re known each other like a week
-it gets kind of slow / boring after they get together, which happens pretty early on
-something about the workplace dynamic (either the boss-employee relationships or maybe even how they can just come and go from the office) doesn’t feel super realistic
-they both (internally) talk about their tragic/traumatic past relationships but not much detail is given on them
-the characters (and kind of the book overall) feels like it lacks depth
Yule Know It When You See It by Carly Spade
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
Spice level: 🌶️/3
Genres: Holiday romance, contemporary
Tropes: office rivalry, witty banter, bearded MMC, miscommunication, sports romance (kind of), love interests from different cultures
Theo is a romance writer for a magazine, and her favorite piece to write is the Christmas piece. She loves the holiday vibes but has never actually felt connected to the “true meaning” of Christmas.
Axel has just been hired to be the new sports columnist, and he looks like he could be straight out of a Viking movie.
Their meeting is anything but cute when Theo intentionally closes the elevator on him on his first day of work, which starts a new office rivalry between the two.
When the magazine’s chief editor assigns them to work together on a holiday sports romance piece, they have to learn to set aside their initial feelings about each other.
Theo finds a new favorite holiday when Axel teaches her about Yule, and he works past his precious trauma with an ex.
This story is dual-POV between Theo and Axel.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
A nice, quick, cute holiday read. Definitely very fast paced, both in terms of the story and the relationship.
It was interesting learning more about both hockey and Yule traditions, because both are things I’m not super familiar with. This wasn’t quite a sports romance but it was definitely sport romance adjacent.
There were plot things that didn’t make sense and weren’t super realistic, but if you’re just looking for a cute holiday read then they’re easy enough to ignore.
Overall, cute read for the holidays.
Thank you to Paper Myths and the author for a copy of this to read
‼️book specific notes, may contain spoilers‼️
-the speed that the relationship developed at seems way too fast
-for someone who hasn’t dated in multiple years to “focus on her career” she seems way to willing to risk it by screwing someone in the middle of the office
-I don’t think it’s realistic he would freak this much after her giving him the cold shoulder once, when they’re known each other like a week
-it gets kind of slow / boring after they get together, which happens pretty early on
-something about the workplace dynamic (either the boss-employee relationships or maybe even how they can just come and go from the office) doesn’t feel super realistic
-they both (internally) talk about their tragic/traumatic past relationships but not much detail is given on them
-the characters (and kind of the book overall) feels like it lacks depth
November 30, 2023
I really LOVED this book! The characters were amazing, so were the background ones.
Theo is a hard working romance columnist for a magazine in Chicago. Girl has her issues but she knows what she wants and isn’t afraid of getting it. I like that she’s a bit all over the place though. It made her feel so much more relatable. Especially when she was like oh crud do I or don’t I want to take this step with sweet Axel. She has some stuff happen to her in the past and honestly I don’t blame her feeling the way she does.
Oh sweet Axel. I really loved his character. So, he’s the new sports writer for the magazine and sits in the desk next to Theo. He’s such a great guy and has his flaws. I really liked that we got to see his insecurities and how he felt and dealt with them. Spence (his bff) really was there for him. Seeing that side of a guy was quite refreshing and made me like Axel that much more.
I could seriously feel all the tension between them much like their coworkers, especially Des and Rupert. At first it was like oh dang these two are seriously getting on each others nerves. They both gave as good as they got which was awesome because you usually see the guy taking it easy on the girl but not good ol’ Axel. He was like ok we are doing this, it’s on. The back and forth eventually became something more and I loved it.
These characters have so much chemistry. I loved their story. It was a perfect holiday read.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Theo is a hard working romance columnist for a magazine in Chicago. Girl has her issues but she knows what she wants and isn’t afraid of getting it. I like that she’s a bit all over the place though. It made her feel so much more relatable. Especially when she was like oh crud do I or don’t I want to take this step with sweet Axel. She has some stuff happen to her in the past and honestly I don’t blame her feeling the way she does.
Oh sweet Axel. I really loved his character. So, he’s the new sports writer for the magazine and sits in the desk next to Theo. He’s such a great guy and has his flaws. I really liked that we got to see his insecurities and how he felt and dealt with them. Spence (his bff) really was there for him. Seeing that side of a guy was quite refreshing and made me like Axel that much more.
I could seriously feel all the tension between them much like their coworkers, especially Des and Rupert. At first it was like oh dang these two are seriously getting on each others nerves. They both gave as good as they got which was awesome because you usually see the guy taking it easy on the girl but not good ol’ Axel. He was like ok we are doing this, it’s on. The back and forth eventually became something more and I loved it.
These characters have so much chemistry. I loved their story. It was a perfect holiday read.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
November 26, 2023
I've been lucky enough to receive this as an ARC copy and this is my own personal and honest opinion and review of the book. I haven't read any of Carly's books previously so wasn't sure what to really expect, I was really glad I chose to read this book. The story revolves around Theodora and Axel. Theo is a romance writer for a magazine and enjoys her job, especially after how her last job ended through her ex taking all the praise for a joint article saying it was all his own work. Axel is a sports journalist on his first day in his new job at the same magazine as Theo. Running late hoping the woman will keep the lift for him, but typically she doesn't. Then his new boss tells him he's doing a joint article with Theo, when he asks the red head which is Theos desk she sends him to the far corner. Obviously the red head is Theo. When she finds out they are now working together she's far from happy. After how they first met is certainly doesn't bode well, plus past experiences this can end well. The draw Axel feels for Theo is unexpected he's never felt this way since his ex left him. Can these two really let their pasts go and move on, or is the past always going to repeat itself. This is a brilliant story with really great characters, it's also really nice to find all the different traditions in Norway. I'm really hopefully that there maybe a book for Spencer and even Desiree. I really hope you'll enjoy this as much as I have.
November 17, 2023
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Theodora is a romance writer with a monthly column in a magazine. She is teamed up with the new sports writer, Axel Nord, for a co-piece. Theo is rude to him when they first meet and from there they are kind of "frenemies." As the story goes on, they have small moments where they start liking each other. Eventually, they both fully let themselves dive off the deep end, ultimately ending in a happily ever after.
This story is a holiday rom-com, standalone. While this story a lot of tension, of all kinds, between the two MCs, there is little to no spice until the last 15-20% of the book. It is listed as a slow burn, but it is almost nonexistent. The spicy scenes involved are not fade to black.
I did enjoy reading this book but only give it 4 stars. I liked how when Axel used a word in his language, the author also quickly gave the meaning as well. I enjoyed the Yule/Jul information. I had a hard time connecting with Theodora, but I am not really sure why. The story is well written, I will definitely explore more books by Carly Spade. The story was evenly paced. I loved all the holiday things occurring, from going to hockey games, ice skating, office party, etc. Overall, it is a cute, feel good story, and a perfect year end, holiday read!
Theodora is a romance writer with a monthly column in a magazine. She is teamed up with the new sports writer, Axel Nord, for a co-piece. Theo is rude to him when they first meet and from there they are kind of "frenemies." As the story goes on, they have small moments where they start liking each other. Eventually, they both fully let themselves dive off the deep end, ultimately ending in a happily ever after.
This story is a holiday rom-com, standalone. While this story a lot of tension, of all kinds, between the two MCs, there is little to no spice until the last 15-20% of the book. It is listed as a slow burn, but it is almost nonexistent. The spicy scenes involved are not fade to black.
I did enjoy reading this book but only give it 4 stars. I liked how when Axel used a word in his language, the author also quickly gave the meaning as well. I enjoyed the Yule/Jul information. I had a hard time connecting with Theodora, but I am not really sure why. The story is well written, I will definitely explore more books by Carly Spade. The story was evenly paced. I loved all the holiday things occurring, from going to hockey games, ice skating, office party, etc. Overall, it is a cute, feel good story, and a perfect year end, holiday read!
November 18, 2023
“I know with every fiber of my being that spark was my heart telling my brain… that’s your forever. And don’t let her get away.” - Axel Nord
5 stars! ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Yule Know It When You See It by Carly Spade is the perfect book to get you into the holiday spirit! A charming, sweet, enjoyable read. Theo and Axel are truly winsome, lovable and relatable characters. The vivid descriptions of the setting make you feel like you are right there amid all of the holiday hustle and bustle in Chicago with Theo and Axel.
Romance writer Theo and her new co-worker, sports writer Axel, are assigned to co-write a holiday romance/sports piece. Theo and Axel start off on the wrong foot, but as they spend more time working together they learn that they actually enjoy each other’s company. They share so many heartfelt, touching moments throughout the book.
This holiday rom-com contains the perfect blend of romance, banter, spice, friendship, and holiday spirit. If you love enemies-to-lovers, workplace romance stories with cute, quirky characters and lots of swoon-worthy moments, you should definitely read Yule Know It When You See It!
I received an advance review copy for free and am leaving this review voluntarily.
5 stars! ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Yule Know It When You See It by Carly Spade is the perfect book to get you into the holiday spirit! A charming, sweet, enjoyable read. Theo and Axel are truly winsome, lovable and relatable characters. The vivid descriptions of the setting make you feel like you are right there amid all of the holiday hustle and bustle in Chicago with Theo and Axel.
Romance writer Theo and her new co-worker, sports writer Axel, are assigned to co-write a holiday romance/sports piece. Theo and Axel start off on the wrong foot, but as they spend more time working together they learn that they actually enjoy each other’s company. They share so many heartfelt, touching moments throughout the book.
This holiday rom-com contains the perfect blend of romance, banter, spice, friendship, and holiday spirit. If you love enemies-to-lovers, workplace romance stories with cute, quirky characters and lots of swoon-worthy moments, you should definitely read Yule Know It When You See It!
I received an advance review copy for free and am leaving this review voluntarily.
November 24, 2023
This was an enemies to lovers sports holiday romantic comedy.
I adored this story! The characters were fantastic. The story was funny, steamy and sweet. Highly recommend! Must read!
Theodora/Theo Hackett is the romance writer at Celestial Magazine. She is a sassy redhead.
Axel Nord is the magazine's new sports writer. He is originally from Norway and looks like a bearded Viking god.
Theo was a total brat when they first met - closing the elevator door in his face, sending him looking for Theo Hackett, throwing a hissy fit over a sandwich. Their boss Simone decides to pair them up to write a romance in sports piece. Theo knows nothing about hockey and has to study before the two of them attend a game. The night they attend a professional hockey game, they are caught by the kiss cam and sparks fly. They leave the game and end up in a make out session. After that their relationship starts heating up. The first night of Yul they spend at his place and hook up, repeatedly! Their personal relationship takes off until she overhears part of a conversation between Axel and Simone. They finally straighten everything out and get their HEA.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I adored this story! The characters were fantastic. The story was funny, steamy and sweet. Highly recommend! Must read!
Theodora/Theo Hackett is the romance writer at Celestial Magazine. She is a sassy redhead.
Axel Nord is the magazine's new sports writer. He is originally from Norway and looks like a bearded Viking god.
Theo was a total brat when they first met - closing the elevator door in his face, sending him looking for Theo Hackett, throwing a hissy fit over a sandwich. Their boss Simone decides to pair them up to write a romance in sports piece. Theo knows nothing about hockey and has to study before the two of them attend a game. The night they attend a professional hockey game, they are caught by the kiss cam and sparks fly. They leave the game and end up in a make out session. After that their relationship starts heating up. The first night of Yul they spend at his place and hook up, repeatedly! Their personal relationship takes off until she overhears part of a conversation between Axel and Simone. They finally straighten everything out and get their HEA.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
November 30, 2023
A lovely book to read for Christmas.
Theadora's (Theo for short) a romance writer for the chronicle she loves her work and her friends however what she didn't love was the fact that her editor Simone was waiting so long to give her the topic of the Christmas Romance that she's supposed to write about however Simone has an idea her new hire is due to start yes he was a sports writer but what if he could work with Theo aka Romance to complete the Christmas story a pairing of sport and of finding love and romance. What Simone didn't know is that Theo hadn't got off to the greatest start with Axel (the sports writer) as she literaly closed the lift doors on him the first day he started making him late for work this caused a bit of tension between them especialy as they find out they have to write this sports romance piece together in time for the Christmas edition however the tension between them turns into a spark that ignited between the two of them and a passionate kiss on the kiss cam at a hockey game would lead to something the two of them never saw coming as the tall handsome viking is falling for the red headed beauty who captured his lust at first then his heart and you know what the feeling is mutal for Theo. You know this could be the best pairing of writers that Simone has ever paired and for Theo and Axel a love so great
Theadora's (Theo for short) a romance writer for the chronicle she loves her work and her friends however what she didn't love was the fact that her editor Simone was waiting so long to give her the topic of the Christmas Romance that she's supposed to write about however Simone has an idea her new hire is due to start yes he was a sports writer but what if he could work with Theo aka Romance to complete the Christmas story a pairing of sport and of finding love and romance. What Simone didn't know is that Theo hadn't got off to the greatest start with Axel (the sports writer) as she literaly closed the lift doors on him the first day he started making him late for work this caused a bit of tension between them especialy as they find out they have to write this sports romance piece together in time for the Christmas edition however the tension between them turns into a spark that ignited between the two of them and a passionate kiss on the kiss cam at a hockey game would lead to something the two of them never saw coming as the tall handsome viking is falling for the red headed beauty who captured his lust at first then his heart and you know what the feeling is mutal for Theo. You know this could be the best pairing of writers that Simone has ever paired and for Theo and Axel a love so great
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 11, 2023
So, I started reading this with my book club and it really does have the perfect vibes for this time of year. All conveyed in little details throughout the story that really sell the winter/Christmas aura. You should definitely drink hot chocolate reading this!
I love the banter here and as the story progresses, it was wonderful to see the characters evolve with one another. It’s not too fast nor is it perfect—their flaws are still very much present—but that’s what makes it believable. Adore when a book takes it time and it certainly pays off for this one.
My only complaint that keeps it from being a five star is that MC Theo can really be a bit of an ass. She improves as the story goes but at the beginning, I really found myself not liking her and I didn’t blame Axel for not liking her either. Now, she does improve and by the end, it works great but especially in the first few chapters, some of her behavior really rubbed me the wrong way. Thought it could have been a bit more balanced but that’s a minor nitpick.
Absolutely a wonderful winter read and well worth your time
I love the banter here and as the story progresses, it was wonderful to see the characters evolve with one another. It’s not too fast nor is it perfect—their flaws are still very much present—but that’s what makes it believable. Adore when a book takes it time and it certainly pays off for this one.
My only complaint that keeps it from being a five star is that MC Theo can really be a bit of an ass. She improves as the story goes but at the beginning, I really found myself not liking her and I didn’t blame Axel for not liking her either. Now, she does improve and by the end, it works great but especially in the first few chapters, some of her behavior really rubbed me the wrong way. Thought it could have been a bit more balanced but that’s a minor nitpick.
Absolutely a wonderful winter read and well worth your time
December 14, 2023
This was the perfect holiday read!!
I love all Carly Spade's unique stories and this was no different. I was captivated from the first page and honestly I couldn't stop reading this super fun but spicy enemy to lovers workplace romance with a beautiful message about the true spirit of the holidays.
Theo has a romance column in a newspaper and now that the holidays are coming she is task to co- write a sports romance article with the new sexy addition sports columnist who also looks like a sexy viking.
Axel finds him self attracted to the red head co-worker of his, who not only drives him crazy but also makes him feel things he hasn't felt before.
I love all the fun banter and sexy times between Axel and Theo but what I love the most is that together they find the true meaning of the holidays.
ps: the secondary characters of this story where so much fun and I hope we get to see more of them.
December 8, 2023
What an adorable holiday romcom!
This year I started my holiday TBR strong with my first ever Carly Spade book. I’ll definitely be reading more by this author because I adore her style, and her book did not disappoint. Yule Know It When You See it was a charming novel interwoven with holiday cheer and traditions, especially Norwegian.
One of my favorite aspects of the story was that both Theodora and Axel are writers, and their area of expertise crossed to form one of my favorite things ever—sports romance! More specifically, hockey romance. So in between reading about these two falling in love, we also got to read about writers writing a romance. So meta!
I was expecting to have a little more rivalry in the beginning. I feel like Axel and Theo moved past it pretty quickly. If on the one side it’s very mature of them, on the other it would have been fun to see the two butting heads a little more.
Thank you to the author for gifting me a copy. Opinions are my own.
This year I started my holiday TBR strong with my first ever Carly Spade book. I’ll definitely be reading more by this author because I adore her style, and her book did not disappoint. Yule Know It When You See it was a charming novel interwoven with holiday cheer and traditions, especially Norwegian.
One of my favorite aspects of the story was that both Theodora and Axel are writers, and their area of expertise crossed to form one of my favorite things ever—sports romance! More specifically, hockey romance. So in between reading about these two falling in love, we also got to read about writers writing a romance. So meta!
I was expecting to have a little more rivalry in the beginning. I feel like Axel and Theo moved past it pretty quickly. If on the one side it’s very mature of them, on the other it would have been fun to see the two butting heads a little more.
Thank you to the author for gifting me a copy. Opinions are my own.
December 8, 2023
A fun holiday story with wonderful characters!
Theo and Axel were such fun characters and it was fun to learn a little about the Jule traditions that Axel would celebrate. Their story is a pretty quick one, a little over 200 pages of winter holiday fun, witty banter, and some office shenanigans.
I liked Axel from the beginning, but Theo took a little while to warm up to. Axel was easy to like, with a friendly and open personality (with a hint of mischievousness). Theo has many adorable quirks and some minor petty habits that I can appreciate. I really liked their interactions together, they had amazing chemistry, and were completely adorable!
This is a fun story, with forced proximity, ice skating antics, and learning different holiday traditions! There's chemistry, steam, and a little Viking role play, for a fun, holiday read!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Theo and Axel were such fun characters and it was fun to learn a little about the Jule traditions that Axel would celebrate. Their story is a pretty quick one, a little over 200 pages of winter holiday fun, witty banter, and some office shenanigans.
I liked Axel from the beginning, but Theo took a little while to warm up to. Axel was easy to like, with a friendly and open personality (with a hint of mischievousness). Theo has many adorable quirks and some minor petty habits that I can appreciate. I really liked their interactions together, they had amazing chemistry, and were completely adorable!
This is a fun story, with forced proximity, ice skating antics, and learning different holiday traditions! There's chemistry, steam, and a little Viking role play, for a fun, holiday read!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
December 18, 2023
Initially, I really REALLY had a hard time with this! It had all the cliché Christmas romcom things (in a good way!!) but I've read those soooo much in the past years that it felt hard to connect on a deeper level to the story and feel invested. First note: if you love cheesy Christmas romcoms and never get sick of those, this is your book ALL THE WAY!
NOW! The more I read though, the more I got sucked in! In their heat and chemistry, the adorable gestures and gifts that were more of the "it's the thought that counts" variety than the material one. Which always gets me, hands down. That's what Christmas means for me; thinking of your loved ones and what makes them happy, and this book delivered this spirit 1000%
It's such a short, spicy, christmassy, adorable read, with just enough heat and sexy man butt to keep you well fed through the holidays 🌶️🍆 Totally recommend on any Christmas TBR!
NOW! The more I read though, the more I got sucked in! In their heat and chemistry, the adorable gestures and gifts that were more of the "it's the thought that counts" variety than the material one. Which always gets me, hands down. That's what Christmas means for me; thinking of your loved ones and what makes them happy, and this book delivered this spirit 1000%
It's such a short, spicy, christmassy, adorable read, with just enough heat and sexy man butt to keep you well fed through the holidays 🌶️🍆 Totally recommend on any Christmas TBR!
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