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Under the Mistletoe
Truth or Dare
After a year of recovery, wounded war veteran Jonah Harrison comes home for Christmas. No longer the outgoing high school track star, he just wants to be left alone, away from well-meaning friends and neighbors.
But when a blizzard strands him with Kami Jackson - the girl who once knew him best - he can’t hide anything from her, no matter how much he wants to. Kami has a wounded heart of her own, though, and it might take a miracle - or at least two matchmaking dogs - for them to find the healing they both long for and the courage to reach for a chance at love.
But when a blizzard strands him with Kami Jackson - the girl who once knew him best - he can’t hide anything from her, no matter how much he wants to. Kami has a wounded heart of her own, though, and it might take a miracle - or at least two matchmaking dogs - for them to find the healing they both long for and the courage to reach for a chance at love.
Audible Audio
First published January 1, 2018
39 people are currently reading
75 people want to read
About the author
Julie Coulter Bellon
47 books592 followersAfter reading every Nancy Drew, Trixie Belden, and Hardy Boys book her elementary school library had, Julie Coulter Bellon knew from a young age she wanted to write books and be a published author someday. That dream came true and she is now the author of thirty romantic suspense novels and two children's books. One nightmare that also came true was that she once tripped up the stairs going on stage to accept a book award and she thinks about that moment more often than she should.
Julie loves to travel and her favorite cities she's visited so far are probably Athens, Paris, Ottawa, and London. She is a former journalist and podcast host of Authors Off the Page. She loves to read, write, teach, watch Hawaii Five-O reruns, and eat Canadian chocolate. Not necessarily in that order.
If you'd like to be the first to hear about Julie's new projects and receive a free book, you can sign up to be part of her VIP Readers Group at juliebellon DOT com
Julie loves to travel and her favorite cities she's visited so far are probably Athens, Paris, Ottawa, and London. She is a former journalist and podcast host of Authors Off the Page. She loves to read, write, teach, watch Hawaii Five-O reruns, and eat Canadian chocolate. Not necessarily in that order.
If you'd like to be the first to hear about Julie's new projects and receive a free book, you can sign up to be part of her VIP Readers Group at juliebellon DOT com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews
April 3, 2019
I love this story! It's one of my favorite novellas to re-read. There's just something about how Jonah and Kami lift each other and have that foundation of friendship to build on. The chemistry is amazing, the banter is fun, and the overall theme of hope in adversity is one that leaves me with a smile on my face. I *love* that the author added more chapters for its release as a single title (originally it was published in A Timeless Romance Anthology: Under the Mistletoe Collection). It was so exciting to see their relationship progress past that first night and blossom with more experiences and challenges together.
December 19, 2019
I love Christmas time! There are so many reasons why. But one of them is definitely all of the great stories of love and hope, redemption and healing that I get to read. I've thoroughly enjoyed all of the great Christmas reads I've enjoyed the last couple weeks.
I listened to an audiobook of this one and it was a great way to enjoy another Christmas story while working on some projects. I laughed. I cried. And I smiled and sighed several times.
Jonah and Kami haven't seen each other in several years. They were best friends and inseparable. They had even hoped (separately of course) that their friendship might turn to something more after they graduated from high school. Except it didn't. Life threw them different paths.
I loved the dogs in this story and thought they added such a fun dimension. I'm a dog lover and thought the author did a great job nailing the personalities of these dogs in the story. And they were a great way to bridge a gap that had grown between Jonah and Kami.
Such a sweet story. I loved the healing that came. They both have suffered and had struggles. But together they were able to face those scars. The sweet love story had my heart glowing. Definitely one I'll be recommending and enjoying again.
Content: Clean.
Happy Reading!!!
I listened to an audiobook of this one and it was a great way to enjoy another Christmas story while working on some projects. I laughed. I cried. And I smiled and sighed several times.
Jonah and Kami haven't seen each other in several years. They were best friends and inseparable. They had even hoped (separately of course) that their friendship might turn to something more after they graduated from high school. Except it didn't. Life threw them different paths.
I loved the dogs in this story and thought they added such a fun dimension. I'm a dog lover and thought the author did a great job nailing the personalities of these dogs in the story. And they were a great way to bridge a gap that had grown between Jonah and Kami.
Such a sweet story. I loved the healing that came. They both have suffered and had struggles. But together they were able to face those scars. The sweet love story had my heart glowing. Definitely one I'll be recommending and enjoying again.
Content: Clean.
Happy Reading!!!
May 14, 2018
I love closure. I read this in the TIMELESS ROMANCE: UNDER THE MISTLETOE collection, but Julie Coulter Bellon went back and added to the story and in my mind, it's now complete.
Jonah is physically wounded and Kami is emotionally damaged. My heart became invested when their two dogs brought them together again after years apart. Once best friends, the timing is now right for possibly more. The romance is very tender and although fast, this couple does have a past together, so it totally works.
I appreciated the struggles that Jonah and Kami worked through and it brought a depth to this sweet story. It's not Christmas right now, but any time of year is a good time to warm your heart with this book.
Content: mild romance
*I received a copy, which did not influence my opinion*
Jonah is physically wounded and Kami is emotionally damaged. My heart became invested when their two dogs brought them together again after years apart. Once best friends, the timing is now right for possibly more. The romance is very tender and although fast, this couple does have a past together, so it totally works.
I appreciated the struggles that Jonah and Kami worked through and it brought a depth to this sweet story. It's not Christmas right now, but any time of year is a good time to warm your heart with this book.
Content: mild romance
*I received a copy, which did not influence my opinion*
June 8, 2020
The loss of a limb and Jonah’s new reality combined with Kami’s choice to help her sister, bring heart, hope and gravitas to this audiobook.
Read full review in the 2020 June issue of InD'tale Magazine.
Read full review in the 2020 June issue of InD'tale Magazine.
November 12, 2019
This originally appeared as a short story in the Under the Mistletoe Collection, but I really wanted to go back and tell the rest of Jonah and Kami's story, so I did and here it is!
May 21, 2018
I first read this cute novella as part of a collection but here it is, updated with new content and standing on it's very own! :) This is a sweet story of a soldier recovering both physically and emotionally from a severe injury and the girl from high school that re-enters his life.
I loved how Jonah and Kami find that easy rhythm and camaraderie that they years before. Even though both have changed and grown, dealing with struggles of their own, the core of who they are and how they feel when they are together hasn't changed.
This is an easy reading, clean romance. I read through it quickly and ended up in a happy place.
Content: clean, some kissing
- I received a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions expressed are my own.
I loved how Jonah and Kami find that easy rhythm and camaraderie that they years before. Even though both have changed and grown, dealing with struggles of their own, the core of who they are and how they feel when they are together hasn't changed.
This is an easy reading, clean romance. I read through it quickly and ended up in a happy place.
Content: clean, some kissing
- I received a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions expressed are my own.
December 17, 2020
Cute Christmas short story. I suspected there might be a kiss once the game of truth or dare began.
June 19, 2018
Jonah and Kami were best friends in high school, pretty much inseperable. In the six years since they've seen each other, their lives have changed drastically. Jonah has returned from Afghanistan as a wounded soldier and Kami is fighting battles of her own. However, their friendly dogs and a winter storm bring them together again and they each feel a little piece of home that they had been missing.
I thought this was a well written story about being true to who you are, even when plans don't turn out how we thought they would. I enjoyed the easy relationship between Jonah and Kami; it was one of those relationships where they go years without seeing each other, but are able to pick up right where they left off. Very good book.
I thought this was a well written story about being true to who you are, even when plans don't turn out how we thought they would. I enjoyed the easy relationship between Jonah and Kami; it was one of those relationships where they go years without seeing each other, but are able to pick up right where they left off. Very good book.
January 16, 2020
[This is an expanded version of a story originally published in "Under the Mistletoe Collection" (A Timeless Romance Anthology Book 14)]
Jonah, a military veteran, is recovering from losing his foot & learning how to use a prosthesis. He's struggling with the loss, his self-consciousness, & some bitterness. When his old school friend, Kami, gets stranded with him at his parents' house during a blizzard, she manages to break thru the barricades he's put up around his heart (with a little dog therapy). After that and over time, she begins to coax him out of his socially insulated shell.
It's very well done, especially for a short story. The author succeeds in creating believable characters within a realistic situation, and the relationship develops in a way credible way, especially because of their previous relationship. The story is so touching, & I love the way that Jonah helps Kami find emotional healing, too.
*Clean romance level: sweet kisses, nothing graphic
Jonah, a military veteran, is recovering from losing his foot & learning how to use a prosthesis. He's struggling with the loss, his self-consciousness, & some bitterness. When his old school friend, Kami, gets stranded with him at his parents' house during a blizzard, she manages to break thru the barricades he's put up around his heart (with a little dog therapy). After that and over time, she begins to coax him out of his socially insulated shell.
It's very well done, especially for a short story. The author succeeds in creating believable characters within a realistic situation, and the relationship develops in a way credible way, especially because of their previous relationship. The story is so touching, & I love the way that Jonah helps Kami find emotional healing, too.
*Clean romance level: sweet kisses, nothing graphic
May 29, 2022
WHAT IT'S ABOUT
After a year of recovery, wounded war veteran Jonah Harrison comes home for Christmas. No longer the outgoing high school track star, he just wants to be left alone, away from well-meaning friends and neighbors. But when a blizzard strands him with Kami Jackson—the girl who once knew him best—he can’t hide anything from her, no matter how much he wants to. Kami has a wounded heart of her own, though, and it might take a miracle---or at least two matchmaking dogs---for them to find the healing they both long for and the courage to reach for a chance at love.
MY TAKE
Such a fun, holiday read. I loved how Kami and her high school friendship with Jonah and their shared history helped him to reconnect with his old self. Their chemistry was delicious. A short, sweet love story.
I listened to the audiobook, and Tristan Wright did a nice job with the narration.
After a year of recovery, wounded war veteran Jonah Harrison comes home for Christmas. No longer the outgoing high school track star, he just wants to be left alone, away from well-meaning friends and neighbors. But when a blizzard strands him with Kami Jackson—the girl who once knew him best—he can’t hide anything from her, no matter how much he wants to. Kami has a wounded heart of her own, though, and it might take a miracle---or at least two matchmaking dogs---for them to find the healing they both long for and the courage to reach for a chance at love.
MY TAKE
Such a fun, holiday read. I loved how Kami and her high school friendship with Jonah and their shared history helped him to reconnect with his old self. Their chemistry was delicious. A short, sweet love story.
I listened to the audiobook, and Tristan Wright did a nice job with the narration.
July 28, 2020
Former best friends Jonah and Cami have both suffered in their years away from each other, he through military action and losing a foot and she from having to change her plans to help her sister. When she chases her dog to his house in a snowstorm it brings them back together and through their game of truth or dare they finally admit their romantic feelings for each other. Their game was funny and sweet, but some of the dares they previously participated in sounded really crazy and I would have never completed them. I loved the dogs and thought it was so sweet how they kept wanting to be together. Jonah has to accept that he is not less of a man and is worthy of Cami's love. This was a clean romance with funny, sweet, and emotional moments.
The audible narrator has an even tone with voice changes and inflections in the right places.
The audible narrator has an even tone with voice changes and inflections in the right places.
December 25, 2019
A sweet insightful good clean friends to lovers romance. This well written storyline has a Christmas timeline where loving dogs and a winter storm reunites two past best friends together, finding more as they find together they are able to face past scars and struggles that they have faced with an overall theme of hope in adversity. A truly heartwarming story with fun banter, amazing chemistry, and overall love. The narration is beautifully done truly make you feel and see the emotions bringing the story to life.
July 7, 2022
Jonah is back from the war in Afghanistan, he's been injured out, he lost his foot and still hasn't come to terms with it either physically or emotionally. He's staying at his parents, who have gone out. His dog, Magnus, starts pawing at the door, there's a blizzard outside, Jonah manages to open the door and sees Lola, Kami's dog. They used to run together in school, she tries to persuade Jonah to get back into life.
A good quick emotional read
A good quick emotional read
April 24, 2023
I absolutely LOVED this story. It pulled at my heartstrings and portrayed what a real hero looks like and what scars remain from serving our country. This is the first book I have read by this author, but it will not be my last. Thank you for keeping your story clean. Julie Bellon did a wonderful job portraying the characters as so real and showing us the healing for both characters. Keep up the great writing and thank you for sharing your God given talent with all of us!!
May 24, 2024
Amazing read!
This was an amazing read! I loved how real the characters felt. This is a sensitive subject that was dealt with perfectly for this style of book. It was a light read in spite of the difficult subject. I adored both characters, especially Kami, and how much support she gave. She was loveable in a nonsmothering way and has you cheering for them both to get their HEA.
This was an amazing read! I loved how real the characters felt. This is a sensitive subject that was dealt with perfectly for this style of book. It was a light read in spite of the difficult subject. I adored both characters, especially Kami, and how much support she gave. She was loveable in a nonsmothering way and has you cheering for them both to get their HEA.
October 23, 2019
This is a short, heart warming romance that will leave you feeling happy when you finish. I love the concept of playing the Game Truth or Dare as part of the storyline. You'll have to read the book to find out how the game was used in the plot.
I highly recommend this book to those who enjoy sweet romances.
I highly recommend this book to those who enjoy sweet romances.
July 19, 2022
Sweet, Clean Romance
This story was perfect for relaxing at the end of the day. It was easy to read and I found the characters likeable. It's short, but the author did a nice job showing the growth of the MCs and how their relationship progressed. I'd recommend this book to anyone looking for contemporary romance which is sweet and clean.
This story was perfect for relaxing at the end of the day. It was easy to read and I found the characters likeable. It's short, but the author did a nice job showing the growth of the MCs and how their relationship progressed. I'd recommend this book to anyone looking for contemporary romance which is sweet and clean.
August 1, 2018
A tender, quick (novella), clean -"beach read"!
I borrowed this story through Kindle Unlimited, and wasn't expecting much of the author's writing skills... However, I find myself interested in reading more by Ms. Bellon.
I borrowed this story through Kindle Unlimited, and wasn't expecting much of the author's writing skills... However, I find myself interested in reading more by Ms. Bellon.
August 7, 2018
I read this one a few years ago and felt like it ended too soon. Did the author add more story? It was more complete this time around. I liked it a lot more. I also liked how understanding Kami was. Their relationship was sweet, supportive, and strong. A quick, fun read. Clean and sweet.
December 13, 2019
Jonah and Kami, a good story of their lives, the adjustments, disappointments and changes made. With the help of two dogs, they come together again. What both need is each other to love and heal.
The audio by Tristen Wright was an added enjoyment to the story.
The audio by Tristen Wright was an added enjoyment to the story.
December 24, 2019
A good story
This is a story of starting over & readjusting life's plan to a change. After the injury, he needed to figure out his new self & if he could find a new life purpose. This is an illustration of re-evaluating & then moving to a new way.
This is a story of starting over & readjusting life's plan to a change. After the injury, he needed to figure out his new self & if he could find a new life purpose. This is an illustration of re-evaluating & then moving to a new way.
July 8, 2022
I think this story is unique. Can a game, Truth or Dare, bring Jonah & Kami together? It's a game that can make them share secrets or drive them apart. I also loved their dogs were also instrumental at bringing them together also. A very cute story.
June 30, 2024
Sweet story.
This was a nice, sweet story. I really liked how Kami was able to help Jonah overcome his discouragement after he lost his foot. She was able to help him get past the depression and see the bigger picture. The was a fast read. I loved the matchmaking dogs!
This was a nice, sweet story. I really liked how Kami was able to help Jonah overcome his discouragement after he lost his foot. She was able to help him get past the depression and see the bigger picture. The was a fast read. I loved the matchmaking dogs!
August 9, 2018
In "Under the Mistletoe Collection (A Timeless Romance Anthology)"
December 17, 2019
A high school romance rekindled years later at Christmastime. Quick, cozy story.
December 20, 2019
What begins with the stormy and troubled relationship results with a match made in heaven. The storytelling is charming. I felt like I could step into the story and play along.
December 31, 2019
This was a quick heartwarming romance. Each had to struggle through their own pain. And they drew closer together and challenged each other.
A nice book to read when it’s cold outside.
A nice book to read when it’s cold outside.
June 17, 2020
A sweet romance about high school best friends who are each other again after he comes home from war wounded and a hero. Another great book by Julie Coulter Bellon!
August 26, 2020
A great little story with plenty of swoon.
December 16, 2024
This was a fairly typical "friends to lovers" story. It was well written and just the ticket if you're interested in a quick read that satisfies.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews