What’s my grown-up Christmas wish this year? For my secret crush on Hunter Callaghan to not be a secret anymore.
Everyone says he’s like a golden retriever, with his happy-go-lucky attitude and friendly personality. But I see something more – I see the vulnerable side he works so hard to cover with a smile and a joke. I see the man I wish I could spend forever with. My wish seems to be coming true when Hunter reveals that he wants me just as much as I want him. As long as we keep it a secret… Small towns make relationships challenging, especially when you’ve got a big family like I do. Between my meddling brothers and my police chief cousin, no man ever wants near me. Add on the fact that my cousin just so happens to be Hunter’s boss? Maybe Christmas wishes aren’t enough. Maybe we need a Christmas miracle. Because I’m not giving up on us so easily. This holiday season, I’m ready to be on the Naughty List if it means getting the man of my dreams.
"I see your demons and they don’t frighten me. You just need to let me in, so I can fight those shadows with you." I’ve been wanting to read a Julia Jarrett book for a while, and I even bought a couple of them. However, I’m happy I decided to start with this one because I needed it this Christmas. You see, there’s a part of this story that means a lot to me. And a lot of it could have been written by me.
"Hunter is just naturally happy, friendly, easygoing, and…cute. Very cute. But also, oblivious. As in, totally clueless I might want to be more than just his waitress." It’s hard not to fall for Hunter because he does seem like the happy guy without a care in the world, maybe not very ambitious and yes, kind of clueless. But there’s a lot about him that people don’t know and maybe wouldn’t understand. So he doesn’t show it to anyone.
"I don’t even know how she does it, but Kat is magic to me." Kat is so good. I mean, she has a tender, soft side to her and one that is slightly self-conscious and hesitant sometimes, like we all do, but underneath that—she’s a powerhouse. I love her strength as a woman, a sister, and a partner.
"A date. Where I pick you up, take you out, we have a nice time, and if I’m lucky, you let me kiss you at the end of it." Hunter and Kat have been circling each other for a while. They both want it, but they don’t know how to do it. Kat thinks he’s not interested, but he’s a lot more than just that. The thing is: Hunter has an anxiety disorder, and while she brings him the calm he so desperately needs, he also feels like he’s less-than, and that no one could ever love him for who he is. Even worse, that he shouldn’t subject someone to that. I hear ya, buddy. I am you.
"I don’t always want a gentleman. Sometimes I want a bad boy who’s willing to break the rules." When Kat finally gets the courage to ask him out, it all changes. Suddenly, they’re not just friendly anymore, there may actually be something there. And when they let go of the things holding them both back—yeah, I really enjoyed the spice. It’s both sexy and sweet, and it made perfect sense for these two. A gentleman in the streets, a bad boy between the sheets, right? Or… in front of the mirror?
"Thank you for not running in the opposite direction." I reach up to touch his cheek. "Anyone who runs away from you would have to be an idiot." Even though things seem to be going his way, Hunter still can’t believe it. It’s not her, it’s really him. And until he can come clean about what he’s facing, they won’t be able to move forward. It broke my heart to see him struggling while being so in love with her.
"I’m lovestruck when I think of him. And the power of that love can eclipse his fears and worries." Of course, she doesn’t give up on him. Of course, she still wants him, regardless of how he sees himself. Because that’s love: you’re present and you stick up for the person you love every day, even (and especially) when it’s not all sunshine and rainbows.
"When I say I love all of you, I mean everything. The good stuff and the hard stuff. Do you trust me on that? Do you believe me when I say I’ll still love you when things seem dark?" Their story has the perfect ending because these two complement each other. Her strength is inspiring, as is his love for her. It’s a Christmas novella that touches on some serious aspects and does it well and respectfully. And yes, it will still put a huge smile on your face at the end. We all need that. I definitely did.
Wow, this one has it all. Seemingly unrequited love, lust, friendship, some misery, and a clear case of adulting up to handle the repercussions of rash actions taken in panic. Hunter and Kat took me on a bit of a ride and I can’t say I was upset by any of it. I mean, when someone let their fears of inadequacy rule the words coming out of their mouth, I was SO upset. But then when the truth came out to everyone present for said fear-blurting, I had to forgive with the rest.
This story brings two sort-of friends closer because of the brave words of a celebrity, and also makes a point to remind us that anxiety comes in all shapes and sizes. The fear. The wall-clawing worries of not being enough. The rush to mollify anyone who has unkind words or views. And the damage that can come with not following simple rules learned to cope. But this also brings the proof that anxiety is a beast that can be tamed with the right tools, and Christmas is looking to bestow some of those tools and gifts on this couple because they’re clearly meant to be!
Loved going back to Dogwood Cove with this sweet and spicy Christmas novella starting off @juliajarrettauthor ‘s new series. Kat Donnelly has been crushing on local cop Hunter Callaghan for almost two years and after being inspired by a recent viral video she decides to finally ask him to attend the upcoming gala with her. Also secretly crushing on Kat and inspired by the same viral video, Hunter finally asks Kat out on a date but it doesn’t go as planned. Hunter’s anxiety gets the better of him and causes him to shut down. However Kay’s understanding settles his fears but is it too good to be true or is the pressure just too much?
Thank you @juliajarrettauthor for a spot on your ARC team and a chance to read this eARC!
This story is a wonderful Christmas story. Kat had liked Hunter for a long time but didn’t think he liked her too. When she saw an interview with one of her favorite Christmas movie actresses where she made the statement for women to “claim their coal” Kat got the courage to ask Hunter on a date to a fundraiser with her. Hunter also saw the interview and decided that since Kat asked him to the fundraiser he would have the courage to ask her on a date. Their story is one that anyone can relate to. Both Kat and Hunter are imperfect people who let insecurities keep them from one another for a long time before finally finding the courage to ask the other out. Even though this is a quick story it is full of depth. This story will definitely get you in the mood for Christmas.
Getting back to Dogwood Cove is always a delight. I was eager to jump into the Donnelly family and it was everything I wanted and more. Sweet little Kat has always had a crush on Hunter and vice-versa. A trend that started by a celebrities words finally gives them the courage.
I loved the prologue and the scandal that started everything. I'm all for #claimyourcoal. It was a sweet read filled with emotions. I loved getting to know Hunter and Kat better. Reading them being vulnerable and open up to each other. I loved the Donnelly brother and Lily. Cannot wait for the series to start and the bonus epilogue just added to my curiosity.
A lively thought thought provoking seasonal romance.
Hunter suffers from anxiety, how this affects his relationships is a big issue. When he meets Kat and finally gets her to go on a date with him, her brothers are a major part of his problems. Very good story and great characters.
I received an arc copy of this book and chose to post this review
In this short story there are so many emotions packed into it that one second you will be swooning with heart eyes and the next your heart crushing along with the characters. Kat is a hard worker that has had a crush on Hunter for a while now, but she doesn’t think he sees her in that way, so she pushes those feelings to the side. Hunter has also harbored feelings for Kat, but he has kept them under wraps for many reasons one being her brothers and another his fear of being hurt because of his anxieties. When these two decide to finally put themselves out of their misery and finally go after what they want which is each other they have obstacles that stand in their way, but can they overcome them to finally find their happiness? This was such a great read because the worries that Hunter had were so real and something that was relatable that it hurt my heart to see him struggle, but love will always find a way. Claim your coal and go after what makes your heart happy and that’s what they did.
Kat and Hunter are friends, however they have kept their true feelings from each other. Yet, they both decide to just go for it and take the risk.
I adored these two. I loved Hunter so much. I love that his anxiety wasn’t just mention to be mentioned or overlooked. It is a part of who he is and I loved how it was shown in this story. I loved Kat and the fact she had no issues with standing up to her brothers and really calling them out when they do something she doesn’t like.
Kat and Hunter have a ton of chemistry and these two brought more spice than I thought they would.
If you’re looking for a small town, friends to lovers, holiday romance this is one to check out.
If you like Christmas and romance then this is the book for you! It’s definitely a quick read as I finished it in about 2 hours (I am a fast reader though lol.)
This is a quick book to read, not the normal length for this author. This is about Kat and Hunter who we met in the last book of her other series. This is a standalone, so no worries. Hunter is a great guy who struggles with his own insecurities and that's not in a typical romance book. It works though, he's genuinely sweet and kind. Kat is the only female in a family of males, so she's strong and witty. This really was a cute, fun read.
Kat has always had a crush on Hunter and vice versa. When they see a viral celebrity video to “claim your coal”, both Hunter and Kat decide to make their move and ask each other out. But they’re going to need to work on themselves before they can take a possible relationship anywhere.
I was so excited when I realized we were going to back to Dogwood Cove! For a novella, Julia gave us an in-depth story. I can’t wait to read more of the Donnellys!
It was an honor to be among those chose to receive and ARC. I fell in love with Hunter quickly, and appreciated the realness of this story! Tackling a tough subject in such and honest, heartfelt way! Thank you for sharing these characters and allowing us the pleasure to witness their love story! Look forward to reading more!
They've loved each other from afar for years until a hashtag call to arms gives them the confidence they need to go for what they want. Hunter and Kat are perfect together. He suffers from anxiety and she helps to calm it just by being her. A nice novella that has me wanting to read more in the series.
This was my first Julia Jarrett read and I loved it. I especially enjoyed her writing style and character development. Hunter is completely opposite of my usually preferred MMC; however, I feel for him immediately. His mental health journey is very relatable to me and I appreciate the story not being written with the usual condescending attitude.
❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️ I was cheering on these two characters from the first awkward moment in the diner! Loved how the author addressed the complexities of each character and how their story led to a truly HEA. ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
This was a good read! Fast read too! Now it MAY fall under the miscommunication trope just a little but not enough that it bothered me at all. It's very small town Christmas romance and I really enjoyed it!
What a great small town holiday romance novella! I loved Kat and Hunter and there story and so glad they found there HEA! This story gave me all the holiday cheer
Sooooooooo good ! I read this book in 1.5 hours . This book was so entertaining , funny, sexy and all around good. Their story is one great story . I loved this book and would highly recommend it .
Each book in The Naughty List series is based on the same premise of the heroine finding a way to #claimhercoal. Kat grew up with four brothers who made her dating life a nightmare and still do to a point. Kat has strong feelings for Hunter Callaghan and she is wondering if he is man enough to stand against her brothers. Hunter has heard many times from Kat's brothers that no one in their town is good enough to date their sister and Hunter happens to agree with them. He knows that he doesn't have much to offer a wonderful woman like Kat, but it doesn't stop him from hoping that she would like him as much as he does her. Read this wonderful story to see if Kat and Hunter can #claimtheircoal and find a happy ending for themselves. This story just made me feel good and I enjoyed reading it. I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Lovestruck is a spicy holiday tale of a small town cop falling for his friend's sister, who also happens to be his boss's cousin.
This story starts out with a message of empowerment that is nicely woven throughout the story. This is a different love story, where as it's the hero who faces mental health challenges, and the heroine is able to recognize and support those challenges.
So much is packed into an easy, fun read. As someone that also suffers from the same anxiety issues, this story resonates deep in my heart. It was an easy read. Not too deep, not too sugary sweet, and just the right amount of spice!
I definitely recommend for a fun, one sitting read. If you are lucky, Santa will leave you one smoking hot cop book boyfriend for Christmas.
Hunter is just so freaking sweet and so damn adorable. His insecurities were relatable and valid, but man did I want to shake him sometimes!
I loved that Kat was so kind and compassionate. She never used Hunter's vulnerability against him. She was always so understanding. It made her an easy female main character to love.
I loved this story and the way that Julia wrote the characters. They were easy to adore and to connect with. I will absolutely be reading more of her work.
Note: I received an advance copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
I love Julia Jarrett.I love her books, characters and storyline’s and this one was once again amazing. Oh, I adored this novel. Hunter and Kat were real. The fact Hunter suffers from anxiety made him so real ( my son and husband are very anxious people ) and this was portrayed with grace and honesty. The favourites from Dogwood Cove making tiny pop ins, and all the while the rollercoaster of love was fun and full of life. Real life moments. Friends to lovers, families, anxiety and Christmas all in Dogwood Cove. Another must read from Julia.
This was a quick read. Romantic. And detail in the naughty things. I enjoyed it. It has the great build up and Hunter is one of those characters I think majority of us can relate. I can’t wait to read what other adventures these characters will have. The author does have a disclosure in some of the sensitive topics that was mention in the story. Some are not comfortable reading about anxiety so I think it’s important to read the disclosure before reading this novella.
I love that Julia tackled some tough struggles and that she did it with grace and relatability. I love that Kat was able to stand her ground with overbearing family and that Hunter found that strength too.
I love how this book tackles the reality of anxiety! I loved that Hunter was the ond with insecurities even with being a poilce officer, and Kat is the one who is there to help! I loved everything about this book, and if you haven't read the Dogwood Cove series, you need to ASAP! I received an ARC, and this is my honest review.
This is a new to me author. Despite the trigger warning in the beginning I loved that she addressed an issue so many people are facing. Life is not always perfect for everyone and that she was able to address it so thoughtfully and the H and h had their HEA was great. When an author can so tastefully address challenges is a wonderful thing.
This is such a sweet and amazing story. I love seeing the realness of Kat & Hunter as they struggle with and overcome their insecurities. Showing that everybody is worthy of love and happiness, no matter what.
It's amazing to be back at Dogwood Cove and I'm so excited to continue reading about new couples and dynamics. This book felt like the perfect start and I am so ready for more!!!! Absolutely loved Kat and Hunter's story.
This was such a great transition book from Dogwood Cove into Julia’s next series. We met Hunter and Kat in Now & Then, Leo & Serena’s story.
Kat is a nursing student who has had a crush on Hunter, a local police officer and is convinced he doesn’t even know she exists. His anxiety has kept him from sharing his real feelings with her for awhile. This book is part of the Naughty List novella series with the common thread of #claimyourcoal & it’s what convinces both of them to finally go for it with each other.
When faced with adversity, Hunter lets his anxiety win but finds that Kat can be the calm in the storm of his mind. Hunter is sweet and funny & Kat is caring and kind. They balance each other out and support one another when needed.