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The Vet's Christmas Pet: (A Holiday Novella)

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The last thing Toni wants for Christmas is more responsibility, but her daughter has other ideas. A near accident not only brings them a dog in need of a home, but puts Toni back in contact with Matthias Laing, a hot-shot footballer from her past, who she'd prefer to stay there.

Matthias can't believe his luck when a lost pooch puts his high-school crush back on his radar. Given an opportunity to grant a wish for Toni's daughter, he can't resist going into Santa mode. Christmas is about to be the merriest one in ages, until Toni discovers the deception surrounding Ridley, her daughter's new pet.

N.B. The Vet's Christmas Pet is included in the Christmas Pets & Kisses Boxed Set.

111 pages, Kindle Edition

First published October 6, 2015

5 people are currently reading
33 people want to read

About the author

J.L. Campbell

110 books307 followers
J.L. Campbell is fascinated with Jamaican flora and has hundreds of photos in her collection. She writes contemporary and sweet romance, romantic suspense, women's fiction, as well as new and young adult novels.

Campbell, who features Jamaican culture in her stories, has written over forty books. She is also a certified editor.

Feel free to join her mailing list for news and updates https://sendfox.com/lp/1rk5gx or connect with her on social media.

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5 stars
39 (52%)
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24 (32%)
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5 (6%)
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Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
Profile Image for Celeste .
582 reviews6 followers
August 16, 2015
I first want to thank JL Campbell for ability to read A Vets Christmas Pet, prior to it's official release. I am not a animal lover,but I do love the Christmas spirit and season. I have fond memories of my youthful Christmases, so I definitely wanted to partake in the journey of Christmas Pets & Kisses:Sixteen Sweet Christmas Romances.

Let me begin. I always have great expectations when the task of writing about the Christmas season is taken on my authors. Therefore, I was happy I received the Hallmark Movie Classic feeling after reading, A Vets Christmas Pet. Can I tell you, I loved the names of the characters. There is something about a name that has a relatable feeling, that draws you into a story. I do not want to give away the story but a few highlights I appreciated. I appreciated and respected, Dr. Matthias Laing patience with Toni, as well as, Ridley and Jade. More importantly Jade because Jade was a tender perceptive child and it was soothing how Matthias was able to relate to her. I also appreciated Toni recognizing her flaws and not allowing past hurts to block future blessings. Lastly, I appreciated Jade and Ridley relationship, although I personally do not care for animals on that level, I can appreciate the tenderness of the relationship Jade and Ridley shared.

The character and plot development was at an appropriate pace for the novella. It gave you exactly what you needed. Answered the appropriate questions that allowed you to see why and how the main characters Toni and Matthias came together. It was sweet, refreshing and a good balance of how a blended family comes together. You can overcome your past when you all love in your heart. Happy Reading. Good job, JL

Celeste
Profile Image for Priscilla.
155 reviews
December 12, 2015
If you are looking for a holiday story that will make you say “Ahhhhh”, then The Vet’s Christmas Pet by J.L. Campbell is definitely for you. Toni is struggling to put her life together after a divorce when she stumbles on a stray dog, affectionately named Ridley. Worried that she may have hurt him she takes him to the vet with anticipation of finding its owner. But, her daughter, Jade, falls madly in love with the dog. To complicate matters, the Vet just happens to be an old friend from high school who had a secret crush on her.

This novella was cute and fun to read. Readers will instantly fall in love with Ridley, the dog, and Jade and cheer for Matthias as he woos for Toni’s affections. Campbell novella is also part of the box set Christmas Pets and Kisses. I hope Campbell has more in store for this couple and their dog.
Profile Image for Medeia Sharif.
Author 19 books458 followers
February 24, 2016
Matthias is a dedicated vet who’s floored when a beautiful woman walks through the door of his practice—a high school crush whom he gave a bad impression to. Toni is a single mother whose daughter desperately wants to adopt a lost, injured animal. Matthias takes care of the dog while he attempts to get closer to Toni, who has her reservations about starting a new relationship. Lies, deceptions, the past, and the present all come together to jeopardize or strengthen their new bond. This is a well-written novella with great characterization. The dog and Toni’s daughter add wonderful layers to this contemporary romance.
Profile Image for Rose Morales.
17 reviews1 follower
August 17, 2015
The Vet's Christmas Pet can be describe in one word; LOVE. Love a parent has for a child: in the since that Toni put her dislikes and misconceptions about the animal aside so Jade could keep the dog. Love that long ago slipped away only to return when the universe was ready for that love to be discovered fully. But most importantly the love of a child and a pet. Mrs. Campbell has hit the nail on the head with what love is all about. This couldn’t be released at a better time than for the holidays. Bravo!
Profile Image for D.
1,069 reviews
November 12, 2015
I'm a sucker for a good Christmas romance and the Vet's Christmas Pet was one of the best. This one gave me heart palpitations. I enjoyed Jade, Toni, Ridley and Matthias. Matthias patience with Toni was beautiful and his determination to get the woman he once lost keep you turning the pages to see what would happen next between him and Toni. What can I say about sweet Jade, she was the best. Her innocent and wisdom made you smile. Great story. I highly recommend it.
379 reviews6 followers
October 7, 2015
J.L. Campbell's "The Vet's Christmas Pet" was beautifully written and has me wanting more from Matthias and Toni as a couple. Character Chemistry was on point from beginning to end. This was a very smooth read and I only pray that she decides to go farther with their story. J.L., is a very gifted and talented writer. If you haven't had the pleasure of reading any of her work, it's time to check her out.
Profile Image for Lyn.
353 reviews7 followers
September 23, 2015
Refreshing love story. I enjoyed the way the story flowed. I found myself starting to correct words then remembered, oh wait they are Jamaican. lol. I really enjoyed how Doc stayed right in there even when it looked bad for him. I thought Toni was going to blow it, but yay for her daughter. I loved how each chapter left me with a question mark. I am so glad the ex did not show up making trouble. I am a sucker for happy endings and this was that, especially for Jade. Love that little girl.
Profile Image for Laverne.
327 reviews53 followers
January 10, 2019
This book was right on time, I was looking for something different and it had just enough of an edge that I was satisfied. The setting I believe was on an island, it included a dog (I’m such an animal lover) and the young person in the story had a voice which made me smile just like it did the doctor. Children; though inexperienced are very capable of saying the most mature and wise things. Jade, Toni’ young daughter had me oftentimes saying to myself the old idiom “out of the mouth of babes often times comes gems”. I absolutely wanted to hug her every chance encounter throughout the book. Then when Mr. Ridley enters the story you really get to see a lot of her personality and interactions with the supporting cast.

Her mom Toni has her hands full with Jade and has no desire to take on any emotional commitments, but Mattias and Jade have other plans for her. How this story unfolds will absolutely bless your heart.
Profile Image for Nicole.
1,597 reviews165 followers
December 11, 2018
What kept me from really enjoying this book was the actions of the adults. Toni ran over a dog and she didn’t care at all. I understand if you’re not an animal person but show a little compassion.
Then Toni’s daughter really wanted the dog, because she’s a child, and Toni key saying no, she’s the adult it’s her decision, but then the vet, Matthias (they knew each other in school) decided, no the child deserves this dog and I wanna get it with the mom so I’m going to do everything in my power to make sure they keep this dog so I can continue to see them. (Excuse me, what?!)
And then, Matthias spends all this time trying to convince Toni he’s not the egotistical jock he was in school, but see exhibit A with the lying about the dog and also he doesn’t ask her out, he straight demands it. (Excuse me, what?!)

Dog was cute, daughter was cute... that’s about it
Profile Image for Rachelle Ayala.
Author 250 books1,228 followers
March 28, 2021
What's more irresistible than a stray dog, a sweet kid, and a hot vet?

Toni is a single mother overwhelmed by responsibilities and dealing with her critical ex-husband. Watch what happens when a stray dog, a determined five year old and a man she dated long ago conspire to tangle her up with feelings and emotions she'd rather hide from.

The dialogue between Jade, the daughter, and Matthias, the hot veterinarian is hilarious and so cute, and soon Toni is caught in their web, forcing her to reevaluate what she wants and needs from life. Sure, there are a few devious moments, but the motives were pure and you're pulling for every one to get what they need and deserve. A Happy Ending.
Profile Image for Trudy Gleason.
868 reviews6 followers
January 27, 2017
Although I like this story and romance of it, there were a couple of things that really bothered me. What kind of vet would force a dog on a person who didn't want one and couldn't afford one. That we pretty irresponsible not to mention manipulative. Not only that but he lied to her. I don't see the relationship based on lying and manipulation as having a happy ending or lasting very long and the one that will get hurt by this will be Jade again.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
42 reviews
December 27, 2022
A lovely story

I enjoyed this sweet romance set during the Christmas holiday season. Matt and Toni found each other after living different lives with others and I appreciate how Matt included caring for Jade as he courted Toni. I love that Jade trusted Matt and was able to have Ridley to love too.
Profile Image for Geri Evans.
672 reviews
December 27, 2018
I Just Love Jade

This is such a sweet, funny and loving story! A day with Jade would be the best! Her innocence and intuitiveness is such a delight! Add in Ridley, Toni and Matthias and it’s a wrap. I thought I was catching up on all my Christmas reading, but I’m drawn in on continuing this story, so now I’m off to Book 2! J.L., another great story from you! 💜👩🏽‍🏫💜
Profile Image for Barb.
1,203 reviews
December 1, 2016
The last thing Toni wants for Christmas is more responsibility, but her daughter has other ideas. A near accident not only brings them a dog in need of a home, but puts Toni back in contact with Matthias Laing, a hot-shot footballer from her past, who she'd prefer to stay there.
Matthias can't believe his luck when a lost pooch puts his high-school crush back on his radar. Given an opportunity to grant a wish for Toni's daughter, he can't resist going into Santa mode. Christmas is about to be the merriest one in ages, until Toni discovers the deception surrounding Ridley, her daughter's new pet.
A cute Christmas Novella, that will warm your heart. 5 stars
Profile Image for Ann.
Author 14 books218 followers
December 16, 2015
Sweet Love Story

Loved this sweet story. You will cheer for Matthias as he attempts to woo Toni. But, you will definitely love Jade and her unending love and care for Ridley.

The story was well written, and it flowed very well. I was smiling at the end of this book.

Keep the stories coming J.L. Campbell. You are a talented writer. One click today.
Profile Image for Shanta Gray.
772 reviews6 followers
Read
December 11, 2015
I love Matthias & Toni's story. The fact that they were actually building on something from the past made it that much more enduring. Jade needed Ridley in her life. He was the sibling that she didn't have. Also, as most kids, she was very intuitive for her age. This was a very good read & I love happy endings.
Profile Image for Whit.
3,663 reviews52 followers
December 28, 2015
A short, sweet story! Matthias had a crush on Toni, eighteen years ago, back when they attended high school. Imagine his surprise when she shows up at his vet's office with her daughter, Jade and an injured dog. Toni is divorced and doesn't have a lot of trust in men. Will Matthias be able to convince Toni to take another chance on love?
Profile Image for Megan.
3,622 reviews45 followers
December 26, 2015
I appreciate the story of this book but I didn't really care for either of the characters, she was a mean woman who didn't seem all that sad she had hurt a dog. And the vet was manipulating her into keeping the dog.
Profile Image for Becky.
1,646 reviews27 followers
January 3, 2017
I hated these people from the woman who ran over a dog and showed absolutely no concern for it and the vet who tricked her into keeping it so he could stalk her. This story had neither romance or any knowledge or interest in animals. Lose-lose.
Profile Image for Ellowyn.
554 reviews63 followers
December 9, 2015
This was a cute story. I am looking forward to reading more by this author.
Profile Image for Crystal Collier.
Author 5 books183 followers
January 4, 2016
A sweet, short story addressing many complications that come from the emotions of failed relationships. I enjoyed this short, holiday romance.
Profile Image for Denise Blanks.
34 reviews16 followers
April 7, 2016
I enjoyed Toni and Matt's story, being able to reconnect after 18 years and her having a kid.. It was truly a wonderful Christmas story.. I didn't want it to end...
Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews

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