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Dogwood Cove #2.5
Secrets and Mistletoe
On the eighth day of Christmas my true love was the only maid a milking….
Except Abby Martin is no milkmaid, even if I do find her hanging out with cows a lot.
And she isn’t my true love. Is she?
She’s mother of one of my students and should be off limits. But I can’t seem to stay away from her. Even if we have to keep it a secret at first, our chemistry needs to be explored and under the mistletoe seems the perfect place to do just that.
But when things start to get real, I’ve got my work cut out for me proving to Abby and her daughter that this Christmas, we might all get the gift of love.
Except Abby Martin is no milkmaid, even if I do find her hanging out with cows a lot.
And she isn’t my true love. Is she?
She’s mother of one of my students and should be off limits. But I can’t seem to stay away from her. Even if we have to keep it a secret at first, our chemistry needs to be explored and under the mistletoe seems the perfect place to do just that.
But when things start to get real, I’ve got my work cut out for me proving to Abby and her daughter that this Christmas, we might all get the gift of love.
72 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 8, 2021
22 people are currently reading
349 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 54 reviews
December 18, 2021
I loved this short, sweet & steamy holiday novella set in one of my favorite fictional small towns, Dogwood Cove. But if you haven’t read Julia’s Dogwood Cove series yet, no worries—this can be read as a complete stand-alone! 4.5/5 stars.
November 6, 2021
From the moment I started reading this book I was hooked, I loved Abby and Reid’s story and when Layla is added to the mix she brings some lighthearted laughter too. The way Reid handed each situation he was put in shows the kind of man he is both personally and professionally. I understand how Abby was hesitate with decisions but glad when she made choices she did on her terms. A storyline that moves at moderately fast pace in an enjoyable way where as a reader you don’t feel you’re missing or being overloaded with too much information with the characters.
November 29, 2021
Secrets & Mistletoe by Julia Jarrett is a part of the Dogwood Cove series. Some of the characters from the previous books made an appearance. Little updates about previous characters is something I always love when I'm reading a series.
I was hooked to this book from the first page and read it in one sitting.
This story was fast-paced, but I still felt like I knew the characters and didn't feel I was missing something.
The storyline was fluent and realistic. I understood why Abby was hesitant about a relationship with Reid. Their connection and chemistry were off the charts, anyone would be unable to walk away from that.
A cute girl, a strong, single mother, a hot hero, and a sweet, steamy storyline sprinkled with lots of holiday cheer makes this story another winner for Julia Jarrett.
I received an ARC from the author and am voluntarily leaving this honest review.
I was hooked to this book from the first page and read it in one sitting.
This story was fast-paced, but I still felt like I knew the characters and didn't feel I was missing something.
The storyline was fluent and realistic. I understood why Abby was hesitant about a relationship with Reid. Their connection and chemistry were off the charts, anyone would be unable to walk away from that.
A cute girl, a strong, single mother, a hot hero, and a sweet, steamy storyline sprinkled with lots of holiday cheer makes this story another winner for Julia Jarrett.
I received an ARC from the author and am voluntarily leaving this honest review.
December 9, 2021
🔥
Abby needs a Christmas miracle after all the mess in her life and magic do happen in Dogwood Cove.
Reid is a friend everyone needs in their lives. An epitome of perfection.
An unexpected meeting and there are fireworks with hot chemistry. It's easy to be with each other coz they click together. But when reality hits will the chemistry and understanding be enough??
It's a lovely read and Layla is adorable😁.
Abby needs a Christmas miracle after all the mess in her life and magic do happen in Dogwood Cove.
Reid is a friend everyone needs in their lives. An epitome of perfection.
An unexpected meeting and there are fireworks with hot chemistry. It's easy to be with each other coz they click together. But when reality hits will the chemistry and understanding be enough??
It's a lovely read and Layla is adorable😁.
December 13, 2021
AMAZON US / UK / CA / AU / UNIVERSAL
Abby and Reid somehow made a connection, the kind you don't have with everyone. But when they realize he's the principal of her daughter's school, will it keep them from being together?
I loved this sweet and spicy holiday romance. Reid and Abby made such a great couple, then her precocious, adorable daughter Layla was added to the mix, and Secrets and Mistletoe became even better.
ARC provided by Give Me Books Promotions for an honest review.
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December 8, 2021
Super steamy, quick Christmas read coming at you! If you need something deliciously spicy with a side of swoon, this is the book for you. At only 72 pages, this will be a book you can devour to get your fix of Christmas romance steam! Abby is a very likeable character, very relatable, which makes you root for her and a love story. It was also great to get a glimpse of other well loved characters from Dogwood Cove!
Want to Read
November 29, 2021Secrets & Mistletoe is a fun quick read that will get you in the holiday spirit.
Abby is a strong independent woman who is doing her best as a single mom to Layla
Reid is Layla’s teacher so his interaction with Abby is expected but is there more there?
This book is filled with laughs, angst, heat and holiday feels.
I requested an arc and I am leaving my honest review.
Abby is a strong independent woman who is doing her best as a single mom to Layla
Reid is Layla’s teacher so his interaction with Abby is expected but is there more there?
This book is filled with laughs, angst, heat and holiday feels.
I requested an arc and I am leaving my honest review.
September 19, 2023
Es una lastima que fuera una historia corta, para mi tenía más potencial que el libro siguiente (Finn y Ashley).
December 23, 2022
Reid is sexy, confident, and so understanding. Abby is a single mom that puts her daughter first always. Reid falls for Abby hard, and Abby cannot deny her feelings for Reid, but she takes things slow due to being a single mom. This story had the warm fuzzies fluttering and made me smile at the sweet storyline.
December 12, 2021
This was an awesome little Christmas book, a super quick easy read that you will be able to devour in one sitting, it literally took me an hour.
I loved both Reid and Abby, they were both such likeable people, then add sweet Layla to the mix and it was just super cute.
Great sexy little book that will have you smiling from start to finish .
I loved both Reid and Abby, they were both such likeable people, then add sweet Layla to the mix and it was just super cute.
Great sexy little book that will have you smiling from start to finish .
December 4, 2021
This was a great, quick holiday story. I love visiting Dogwood Cove and my favourite characters!
After her Uncle is unable to run his farm alone, Abby and her young daughter move to Dogwood Cove to help him out. Abby has a run in with a fun & sexy local, but soon discovers that he may be popping up more frequently than she had expected when it turns out her daughter Layla is one of his students!
Reid isn't looking for love when Abby shows up in his life, but he just can't get the woman off of his mind. Can he convince Abby that she, and her daughter, should take a chance on him?
I'm a sucker for Christmas romance, especially when you throw in some small town Canadian content. From cheesy pickup lines & pop-cultural references, to delightful descriptions of sexy men in Henley shirts, Julia sure knows her audience! This is a low drama, light-medium steam level story. I say light-medium because the length doesn't allow a lot of sex scenes, but we do get a few steamy ones and the chemistry between Reid and Abby throughout the story is really nice. Reid certainly has a way with words.
I enjoyed the interactions in this story with characters from the first 2 Dogwood Cove books and seeing how Reid fit into the group of friends I've come to love. This just made me even more excited for the next book in the series!
December 23, 2021
"Secrets and Mistletoe" by Julia Jarrett is part of the Dogwood Cove series and features cameo appearances from previous characters, but reads as a standalone.
Single mom Abby Martin and her daughter, Layla, recently relocated to the small town of Dogwood Cove to help out on her Uncle Steve's farm after he broke his leg. On her own for an evening shortly after their arrival, she decides to unwind with a beer and some nachos at a local bar, where she meets a handsome man named Reid. They spend the evening talking and even share a kiss before parting ways, but don't exchange last names or phone numbers. A month later, they're surprised to run into each other when elementary school principal Reid accompanies Layla and her fellow first graders on a field trip to the Martin farm. With no rules preventing him from dating the parent of a student, Reid hopes that Abby will agree to go out with him again, but she's concerned about her daughter's reaction to the prospect of them dating. Can he convince both Abby and Layla to take a chance on him?
"Secrets and Mistletoe" was a short but sweet story with the perfect amount of steam. Abby's concerns about dating as a single mom were totally understandable, and I appreciated how patient Reid was with her while she worked up the courage to talk to her daughter about their relationship. I also appreciated that the author didn't try to rush them into an engagement, or even living together, by the end of the story. I didn't need a proposal to see how happy they were together or that they were in it for the long haul. Finally, I loved Abby's adorable, precocious daughter Layla, whose antics made me laugh numerous times over the course of the story.
I recommend this novella for all fans of contemporary/holiday romance and look forward to Julia Jarrett's next release.
*Review copy provided by the author/publisher via Give Me Books Promotions. All opinions expressed are my own.
Single mom Abby Martin and her daughter, Layla, recently relocated to the small town of Dogwood Cove to help out on her Uncle Steve's farm after he broke his leg. On her own for an evening shortly after their arrival, she decides to unwind with a beer and some nachos at a local bar, where she meets a handsome man named Reid. They spend the evening talking and even share a kiss before parting ways, but don't exchange last names or phone numbers. A month later, they're surprised to run into each other when elementary school principal Reid accompanies Layla and her fellow first graders on a field trip to the Martin farm. With no rules preventing him from dating the parent of a student, Reid hopes that Abby will agree to go out with him again, but she's concerned about her daughter's reaction to the prospect of them dating. Can he convince both Abby and Layla to take a chance on him?
"Secrets and Mistletoe" was a short but sweet story with the perfect amount of steam. Abby's concerns about dating as a single mom were totally understandable, and I appreciated how patient Reid was with her while she worked up the courage to talk to her daughter about their relationship. I also appreciated that the author didn't try to rush them into an engagement, or even living together, by the end of the story. I didn't need a proposal to see how happy they were together or that they were in it for the long haul. Finally, I loved Abby's adorable, precocious daughter Layla, whose antics made me laugh numerous times over the course of the story.
I recommend this novella for all fans of contemporary/holiday romance and look forward to Julia Jarrett's next release.
*Review copy provided by the author/publisher via Give Me Books Promotions. All opinions expressed are my own.
December 21, 2021
I jumped at the chance to read this series, because well there are some of my favorite Authors in it as well as a few new ones that I can promise I will be reading more of. Well thought and put together. Thank you for allowing me to review these wonderful books.
Abby Martin comes to Dogwood Cove with her daughter Layla to help her Uncle Steve on the family farm, but what she finds is something that she was least expecting.
Reid Corser is the elementary principal of Dogwood Cove elementary. We got to meet this hunky hero in book one of the Dogwood Cove Series, I am ever so happy to get Reid's story.
The chemistry and the honesty from the beginning between Reid and Abby was quite refreshing, no beating around the bush on feelings. This short novella is packed full of humor, sweet moments and a good dose of sexiness.
Rated 5 Stilettos by Deb! Read More. . . https://www.romanceswithalittlekick.c...
Abby Martin comes to Dogwood Cove with her daughter Layla to help her Uncle Steve on the family farm, but what she finds is something that she was least expecting.
Reid Corser is the elementary principal of Dogwood Cove elementary. We got to meet this hunky hero in book one of the Dogwood Cove Series, I am ever so happy to get Reid's story.
The chemistry and the honesty from the beginning between Reid and Abby was quite refreshing, no beating around the bush on feelings. This short novella is packed full of humor, sweet moments and a good dose of sexiness.
Rated 5 Stilettos by Deb! Read More. . . https://www.romanceswithalittlekick.c...
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December 8, 2021
It’s Christmas time in Dogwood Cove and this story does not disappoint!
Abby and her daughter are new to Dogwood Cove. When she goes out and meets a local resident, Reid, there is an instant connection between them. Neither of them can stop thinking about each other and they don’t expect to run into each other again…until Abby meets her daughter’s principal.
I loved everything about Abby and Reid. There was instant connection, but also some hesitation on Abby’s side that is quickly resolved. Add in Abby’s adorable daughter for some extra cuteness and this story is perfection.
There are plenty of laughs, steam and cuteness mixed into this fast paced novella.
If you’re looking for a small town, single mom, holiday novella this is one to read!
Abby and her daughter are new to Dogwood Cove. When she goes out and meets a local resident, Reid, there is an instant connection between them. Neither of them can stop thinking about each other and they don’t expect to run into each other again…until Abby meets her daughter’s principal.
I loved everything about Abby and Reid. There was instant connection, but also some hesitation on Abby’s side that is quickly resolved. Add in Abby’s adorable daughter for some extra cuteness and this story is perfection.
There are plenty of laughs, steam and cuteness mixed into this fast paced novella.
If you’re looking for a small town, single mom, holiday novella this is one to read!
December 8, 2021
So happy to see Reid find his happily ever after in this adorable Christmas novella! Single mom Abby is a breath of fresh air when she meets Reid out one night but they part with no further plans. When Reid, the elementary school principal, chaperones the field trip to the local tree farm he comes face to face with Abby and puts two and two together and discovers she’s the mom of one of his students. Reid and Abby have instant chemistry and there’s no denying they have feelings by a for each other. Abby’s daughter is adorable and helps Reid and Abby overcome a few hurdles by being her adorable self!
December 8, 2021
Super cute single mom novella
I love Dogwood Cove and it’s characters and stories and Secrets and Mistletoe was no different. Julia always does a wonder job with detail and crafted characters and settings where you feel like you are walking right along beside them in real time. She did it again with a sweet and caring male lead and a strong, compassionate single mama in a female lead.
Each detail and scene were realistic and the flow and progress of their love story ran perfectly. I love when little ones are accepting and literal in a story. I love this one so much and wish it could have been a full length story so I could get much more of these three characters.
I love Dogwood Cove and it’s characters and stories and Secrets and Mistletoe was no different. Julia always does a wonder job with detail and crafted characters and settings where you feel like you are walking right along beside them in real time. She did it again with a sweet and caring male lead and a strong, compassionate single mama in a female lead.
Each detail and scene were realistic and the flow and progress of their love story ran perfectly. I love when little ones are accepting and literal in a story. I love this one so much and wish it could have been a full length story so I could get much more of these three characters.
December 9, 2021
This was a cute story notable in that it was set on Vancouver Island, BC, so yay CanCon! Abby and Reid meet at a bar one night and have a great time chatting without exchanging numbers. They meet again a few weeks later when Layla, Abby's daughter's class visits the family farm on a field trip and Reid, as the school principal was roped into chaperoning because a parents fell ill. This is book 8 of the 12 Days of Kissmass series, and the link here is that Reid finds her milking Betty, the farm's cow, like one of the 8 maids a milking.
December 14, 2021
How do you prove to someone that you will be there for and her daughter no matter what? Well, this holiday Reid is going to do just that. Abby just wants to make a better life for her daughter bring some happiness back. These two will have their work cut out for them though because the attraction is there, but so is some hurt. How can Reid prove he would be the best man to be in their lives forever? And can Abby let her guard down? I totally loved how adorable Layla was and I can't wait to read more from this author.
December 8, 2021
Dogwood Cove at Christmas has to be one of my favorite places! Sexy school principal Reid meets his match in single mom, Abby. The sparks fly between them and you just know it’s going to be good! I enjoyed every minute of this Christmas romance novella and was happy to be back in my favorite small town during the holidays! Reid, Abby and little Layla are going to win over your book loving heart! I’m giving Secrets and Mistletoe the judy.ann.loves.books stamp of approval, TBR and Enjoy!
December 9, 2021
Secrets and Mistletoe takes you back into Dogwood Cove for the holidays, where we get to know more about Reid and meet Abby and her adorable daughter.
Abby has run into some bad luck lately and is just trying to give her daughter the best life. She a random meet with a hot guy, who later turns out to be her daughters principal. Let the romancing begin.
Reid and Abby’s story was a wonderful Christmas novella that hits all the feels and makes you believe in Christmas magic.
Abby has run into some bad luck lately and is just trying to give her daughter the best life. She a random meet with a hot guy, who later turns out to be her daughters principal. Let the romancing begin.
Reid and Abby’s story was a wonderful Christmas novella that hits all the feels and makes you believe in Christmas magic.
December 11, 2021
#SingleMom #Holiday
This short novella has humor, steam, a single mom who is used to being alone, and a school principal determined to win his girl. It is written in first person from an alternating dual POV.
Reid and Abby have an awesome meet cute at a bar with terrible pick up lines and good conversation. The next time they meet, Reid knows he needs to pursue her and her cute daughter. Their romance is fi=un and steamy and will melt both your heart and your panties.
This short novella has humor, steam, a single mom who is used to being alone, and a school principal determined to win his girl. It is written in first person from an alternating dual POV.
Reid and Abby have an awesome meet cute at a bar with terrible pick up lines and good conversation. The next time they meet, Reid knows he needs to pursue her and her cute daughter. Their romance is fi=un and steamy and will melt both your heart and your panties.
October 13, 2023
This one was a cute, shorter read. I loved watching Reid and Abby come together and figure things out. They had a chance meeting that just flowed and clicked but they didn’t expect anything else to come of it. And then they run into each other again. I loved watching them decide to take the chance and figure out how to move forward in a way that worked for both of them as well as taking Abby’s daughter into account. This was a sweet story and I really enjoyed it.
December 10, 2021
Oh my! So good!
I’m a fan of InstaLove stories and this one is pretty amazing! Reid and Abby have a wonderful time together and an unforgettable kiss and then goes in different direction. Time leads them together again and the Chemistry is A-M-A-Z-I-N-G!!! You need to read this, perfect for this Christmas. And you get to see other Dogwood Cove characters too. So good!!!
I’m a fan of InstaLove stories and this one is pretty amazing! Reid and Abby have a wonderful time together and an unforgettable kiss and then goes in different direction. Time leads them together again and the Chemistry is A-M-A-Z-I-N-G!!! You need to read this, perfect for this Christmas. And you get to see other Dogwood Cove characters too. So good!!!
December 14, 2021
4 Stars
This is Abby and Reid’s story. He is her daughter’s teacher and that should make her off limits but with the pull being too much they can’t fight it. But will keeping it a secret turn the relationship sour? She will fight but can he prove that it is real?
I recommend this book.
This is Abby and Reid’s story. He is her daughter’s teacher and that should make her off limits but with the pull being too much they can’t fight it. But will keeping it a secret turn the relationship sour? She will fight but can he prove that it is real?
I recommend this book.
February 17, 2022
Such a sweet single mom finds love story.
Abby is a single mom to Layla and is moving home temporarily to help on her uncle's Christmas tree farm after recently losing her job. Reid meets Abby on her one night out for some "me time", and the two of them feel sparks. Can they work around Reid being Kayla's principal and find their HEA?
Abby is a single mom to Layla and is moving home temporarily to help on her uncle's Christmas tree farm after recently losing her job. Reid meets Abby on her one night out for some "me time", and the two of them feel sparks. Can they work around Reid being Kayla's principal and find their HEA?
December 19, 2022
I was lucky to win this book in a competition on the author's Facebook page - but only after I'd looked everywhere online for an ebook (apparently it will be available again sometime in 2023).
I enjoyed the rest of the Dogwood Cove series and wanted to hear more about this story (although you can read it standalone)
It was a lot of fun and a quick 'snack' to read.
I enjoyed the rest of the Dogwood Cove series and wanted to hear more about this story (although you can read it standalone)
It was a lot of fun and a quick 'snack' to read.
December 9, 2021
Sweet love story
Fast and fun book. Great chemistry between them and I enjoyed the friendships that Reid had. The interactions with his group of friends were fun to picture. Good story.
Fast and fun book. Great chemistry between them and I enjoyed the friendships that Reid had. The interactions with his group of friends were fun to picture. Good story.
December 11, 2021
Reid and Abby were such a sweet couple! Add in a cute little girl and the relationship between Reid and Layla was heartwarming. I love how down time earth and relatable the characters and storyline were. Julia Jarrett is a queen of sweet and steamy romance!
December 13, 2021
Fantastic book
This is a first time read from this author for me and I LOVED it. Reid and Abby are an amazing couple. Little Layla rounds out this sweet family. Great storyline, memorable characters, steamy NSFW scenes and a lovely HEA combine to make a great short read.
This is a first time read from this author for me and I LOVED it. Reid and Abby are an amazing couple. Little Layla rounds out this sweet family. Great storyline, memorable characters, steamy NSFW scenes and a lovely HEA combine to make a great short read.
January 2, 2022
Corny pickup lines, single mom & the principle
Loved this novella!! The characters were great. The story line super sweet! I enjoyed the writing style as well. Can definitely see myself reading more from this author!
Loved this novella!! The characters were great. The story line super sweet! I enjoyed the writing style as well. Can definitely see myself reading more from this author!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 54 reviews