She returned home to find herself. He returned to bury his mom. Neither were looking for love but during Christmas time, love is always in the air.
Kristmas Kasey hasn’t been back to her hometown Bexley, GA since she left six years ago. She never thought she’d want to come back but after a series of misfortunate events she decided to come home to recenter and find herself during her favorite time of the year. Instead, she finds her high school sweetheart and feelings she thought were gone come crashing back.
Jonathan ‘Deuce’ Jacobs always hated home and avoided it like the plague but his mother’s rapidly declining health landed him back on its soil. The pressure to be great, the pressure to go pro, and the pressure to make something of himself were the only things he could remember about Bexley. And Kristmas. Kristmas had been his first everything and after they went their separate ways he never thought he’d see her again. But what’s Christmas in Bexley without Kristmas?
Finding Kristmas is a novella that takes two former lovers on a whirlwind romance of reconnecting during a bittersweet time.
Miami bred, Bella Jay (born Precious Rodgers) has had a love for books since she was a little girl. Getting lost in them was a favorite past time but writing them has become a true love. In 2018, with a little push she stepped out on faith and released her first novel to the world allowing her writer alter ego, Bella Jay, to take flight into the writing industry.
She writes spicy & contemporary Black romance books with unapologetically flawed characters who she loves to fix.
When she’s not wrapped up in her characters, she can be found traveling the world, building her empire, sipping on tea or wine while reading a book, and wishing healthy eats were pancakes or cupcakes.
Yes I’m still reading holiday books. Don’t judge me! LOL! 🤣🤣🤣 After a bad break-up, Kristmas is back in Bexley, GA in hopes of finding herself but, she ends up finding so much more. By pure happenstance, she runs into the love of her life who she hasn’t seen in six years. Deuce is back in Bexley to bury his mama and spend the holidays with his brothers. When he sees Kristmas, he decides right then and there to right his wrongs and get his girl back. Finding Kristmas was an adorable second chance story that’s full of romance and holiday spirit. You will absolutely love watching X and Deuce find their way back to one another. The Jacobs brothers may be my new favorite trio of siblings. I fell hard for all of them and I can’t wait to get to know Nelly and Jay.
Kristmas and Jonathan aka as X and Deuce were High School Sweethearts and like most young love stories theirs ended in severe heartbreak. So much so that Kristmas gave up her dream job, just too e far away from him. Years have past and both seem to be at an empass in life and are called to return home.
They end up at a place they both find solace again and it's like their love story never ended. Despite her reservations Kristmas is wrapped up in all things the charming Deuce has to offer. Due to this being a time of bereavement for him she decided to be by his side and that side is a rocky one at best.
This was a sweet story, but fast paced where one mc is bought all the way in while the other tows the line with trust issues due to the past haunting them. It's worth reading to see and feel them get their HEA.
Wow, this novella packed a punch! I always love a second chance romance, and X & Deuce delivered! These two went through some heavy stuff apart, but found their way back to each other. I loved all the characters in this book and that is rare! These people weren’t perfect and that made me love them more! I already downloaded the second book!
Second chance romance, him spending the nights in the room with the other girl were a major problem for me, also the r word was used once, not a fan. However there is an updated version without it, it just depends on if Amazon gives you the updated version or not. CW for grief, cheating.
I loved this second chance romance, once I started I couldn’t put it down! Kristmas and Deuce were such a fun couple to read about. I loved that they had their baggage and flaws but still loved each other fiercely. I loved the cast of characters, they all had such fun banter, and I can’t wait to read the next book in this series!
'Finding Kristmas' was okay. The few editing issues didn't really interfere with the story; it's just that for me, the story was just meh. There were some cute and humorous moments, but the sex scenes were bleh. Plus, the characters' relative youth in relation to their jobs and their motivations didn't quite ring true, i.e. a 21-year old brother owning and running a restaurant. Sure, it could happen, but it's also not very believable. Ditto for people in their early and middle twenties rushing into marriage in the 21st century. Okay...I've used meh and bleh in this review. 2 stars.
Blurb: She returned home to find herself. He returned to bury his mom. Neither were looking for love but during Christmas time, love is always in the air.
Kristmas Kasey hasn’t been back to her hometown Bexley, GA since she left six years ago. She never thought she’d want to come back but after a series of misfortunate events she decided to come home to recenter and find herself during her favorite time of the year. Instead, she finds her high school sweetheart and feelings she thought were gone come crashing back.
Jonathan ‘Deuce’ Jacobs always hated home and avoided it like the plague but his mother’s rapidly declining health landed him back on its soil. The pressure to be great, the pressure to go pro, and the pressure to make something of himself were the only things he could remember about Bexley. And Kristmas. Kristmas had been his first everything and after they went their separate ways he never thought he’d see her again. But what’s Christmas in Bexley without Kristmas?
I can't remember the last time I added a book to my favorites-2018 shelf, but this one without a doubt makes the cut! I adored this holiday novella filled with pure love. I didn't think I was going to enjoy this one nearly as much as I did, but I am very pleased with the result! I was smiling virtually the entire time I was reading it and my heart was so full, it could barely contain itself!
Thank you to the author for providing me with a free copy in exchange for an honest review.
4.5 stars. I loved this it was so sweet and cute I smiled from ear to ear. To the point my husband was asking who I was texting lol. My only complaint is the funeral and conflict around it I didn't like how Deuce handled that at all.
Whew finally done reading. Although a short read …life….but ummm Ok now Ms Bella Jay did it again for me!!!! I loved this one too!! ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️!!! She is about to become one of my favorites now. But this one gave me chills with a few goosebumps. Second chance love with your high school sweetheart after trust was broken and also trying to find herself again and for him searching for her to prove he will never let her get away again and grief. Kristmas & Deuces 🥰
After 6 years, Kristmas is back home in Georgia. She's been hurt by love and confused by her life choices. So of course, she runs smack into NBA champ, Deuce, who broke her heart and caused her to leave their hometown.
Now he wants a second chance to make it up to her. Should Kristmas take a chance again, especially when his current "girlfriend" shows up to his house? Loved Deuce's brothers, they are hilarious!
Yes I read a Christmas book in May. I’m grown and I do what I want! This is a cute, fun and hilarious novella. The relationship between the Jacobs brothers is GOALS. They roast each other AND you know they will fight anyone who comes at any of them sideways. This book has my faves: second chance romance, black love, witty banter. Can’t wait to read the second book in the series!
If you love Christmas and black romance like I love Christmas and Black romance add this to your TBR! A little steam, some reservations with a little reluctance and a couple that throughout everything are meant to be 😍
I devoured this second chance romance! X and Deuce were such an amazing couple and not because they both were flawless but because they went through a lot together and individually and were able to come back on the other side of it. I also loooove these Jacob brothers, the way they clown each other and give each other loving jabs remind me of how my male cousins and brothers are around each other but you can also tell how much they love each other.
Finding Kristmas wasn't too heavy on the angst/drama, it was well paced, the characters kept me extremely engaged and laughing and I enjoyed all the swoon as well, so glad I picked this one up!
I LOVED this book. This story was realistic and the issues Kristmas and Deuce were relatable and I appreciated the clean story line. The plot made sense, the writing was strong and good. I loved that it was spicy at times. I loved the dialogue and banter between all of the characters. I can't think of any other book I've read where I enjoyed the banter this much. I honestly laughed out loud most of this book because these fools were funny AF. I loved the brothers' relationship with Kristmas and with each other. It was very authentic and loving. I could definitely feel the love coming off the page, and I want to hang out with all of these characters😂 I loved the Love and Basketball references; it was so damn cute. And the romance. Gah-lee 😭😭😭 This book is a perfect example of how a man should beg his woman for forgiveness. The words matched the action...and both were top tier. I wanna cry and squeal please and thank you. This is how its done, so take notes y'all.
This my first Bella Jay and I feel like in bout to tear through her catalog. BRB 😂
I mean, it's Bella Jay, so I had no doubts this would be Amazing.
I enjoyed getting to know Kristmas 'X' Kasey and Jonathan 'Deuce' Jacobs.
I fully understand why X held onto the pain of their past, yet people grow and change, hopefully for the better and I'm glad she eventually was open to that fact.
Deuce committed the ultimate no-no by doing what he did to X in high school, yet he was truly remorseful and learned a valuable lesson.
I loved the Jacobs men and cannot wait to read more about them. Have to wait to read the next book, yet I'm sure it'll be worth it.
Bella Jay is Dope As F***, so if you haven't read any of her work, WHAT. ARE. YOU. WAITING. FOR🤨. Read this book and then read more of her work.
I read this book AFTER reading Kookie Dough (book 2) so I was a little thrown with the change of narrative. It feels harder for me to connect to characters when the story us written in 3rd person, but once I got into this story good, I was hooked. I don't think I so much connected with the characters, it was just a great story. Very well written and I loved the lengths Deuce was willing to go to in order to get his girl back. I was more willing to forgive his transgression because it was high school and they were still kids. I would have loved knowing more about X's business and seeing her come up. This is a family I hope to follow for quite some time.
I love a good second chance romance, and this one did not disappoint. Jonathan and Kristmas were high school sweethearts that broke up due to Jonathan messing up big time. They are both back in their hometown for different reasons. These two reconnect and old feelings resurface. Their love for each other never left, and watching them rekindle their love was beautiful. There were a couple of bumps in the road, but they overcame. I really enjoyed this story. It gave all the Christmas feels, and this love story was beautiful.
This was a nice, cute holiday read!! I loved the bond between the brother's and I loved X And Deuce even more. There was just enough background on the characters and ex relationship of Kristmas and Johnathan. I laughed and smiled like a fool lol I knew before I could read thru the synopsis good that I was gonna read this book. And I enjoyed it!! Great work Ms. Bella Jay ❤❤❤
Hands down I could see this as an instant Christmas movie fav. I banter and humor was my favorite part. I also loved Kristmas’s name and nickname. This had all the corny cheesiness you want an expected in a Christmas Romance. If I ever get my spicy hallmark channel I would definitely put this in the rotation. I’m also happy I finally got around to reading Bella’s work. She’s a fav of mine in TikTok and I can’t wait to read more.
It should not have taken me this long to read this book…but did. Not because it wasn’t good…that’s not the issue; I enjoyed reading about Kristmas & Jonathan. This book did a great job giving us the back story and set up. I’m glad they got a second chance at love. I know the next book is about one of the brothers but I do want to get little glimpses into what’s going on with them now…maybe the author will do another book about them as a married couple. One can only hope so!
This book was so great and I loved it from beginning to end. I literally felt the love beaming off the pages between Kristmas and Deuce... I’m a forever fan now and I can’t wait to read more of your work... I loved the bond that the brothers shared especially with Kristmas and not just with each other I know each one of them have a story to be told and I can’t wait to read it... Awemazing Job
Who says a flame can't be rekindled. I loved the story and the teenage CRUSH which became grown LOVE. Deuce was going thru his worst moments but Kristmas was there just in tome he needed her the most. Nelly and Jay still had mad love for Kristmas even tho years separated them. Great story
Finding Kristmas just melted my heart! I was smiling from within my soul as I read this. It was so touching and full of love and laughter. Deuce was everything and I admired his determination. I was going to choke Kristmas if she didn't get some act right, lol. I really enjoyed reading this holiday novella and I recommend it to anyone looking for a holiday read that's going to tug at your heart!!!
It ain’t even Christmas and Bella got me ready to play “Last Christmas “ and put my tree up! I truly enjoyed Deuce and X second chance story. It was all wrapped up with sadness, laughter, romance , and lil freak nasty action! I really look forward to the rest of the series!! I don’t know how I was sleeping on Bella Jay, but I’m up now!!
This is my first read from this Author and I must say that she did not disappoint. I loved everything about this story. Kristmas and Deuce were great together. I’m glad that Kristmas let the past go and realized that Deuce was her forever. Can’t wait to read more from this Author!
I love second chance romance even though I wanted to handle Deuce for breaking X's heart. Then you have to acknowledge that he was young and immature. Glad Kristmas moved carefully even though her love for Deuce could not be denied. Their love for each other was beautiful to behold. Good read!
This was a sweet but steamy holiday romance that gave me all the feels! I absolutely loved the chemistry and love between Kristmas & Deuce but I also loved the family dynamics between him and his brothers. The interaction between the brothers made for pure comedy. I can't wait to read Nelly's story. Definitely recommend.
And the streak continues. Bella Jay did not disappoint. Kritsmas went home to find herself but what she finds is way more. Her ex and so much more. Jonathan, AKA Deuce was trifling back then but I loved how he fought to regain her trust and her heart. This was super cute and the ending was everything.
Short and sweet little second chance love novella BUT the second chance came way to quick for me. Like seriously we went from I HATE YOU JODY (IYKYK) because you did some super fowl shit that broke my heart and deterred my life dream to I’s MARRIED NIH (again IYKYK) in a matter of weeks?! Yeah they lost me with that. BUT it was a nice little slick set up for Kookie Dough…
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.