Dare to Marry You

The Donnellys of Dogwood Cove #5

by Julia Jarrett

I’m marrying the hot cop who lived next door… if Mother Nature doesn’t ruin everything.

Our relationship began because of two secret crushes and one dare. Now we’re ready to say I do, but a freak snowstorm could ruin everything. Not to mention the unexpected two pink lines that show up while Hunter’s stranded on the mainland days before our wedding.

We’ve overcome so much together, I know we’ll get our happily ever after. But between the weather and Hunter’s inner demons, we’re going to need a Christmas miracle to make this wedding happen.

Genres: Novella, Romance, Surprise Pregnancy, Contemporary, Small Town Romance, Contemporary Romance

96 pages, Kindle Edition

Published December 13, 2023

Reviews

[Jenn the Readaholic · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kat and Hunter may be a tad unexpected in the best ways, but their journey toward their wedding day is kind of perfect for them. An unplanned surprise, anxiety, snowstorms that may derail it all, and a love that sees all bring everything together to create exactly what these two need.

I love how we didn’t need a huge production here and how clearly Kat, Max, and her family see Hunter. I also adore just how much Hunter observes and knows about Kat, even when they’re miles apart and he can only hear her voice. These two manage to survive the stress up to a wedding with grace, and their actual wedding is exactly what the two of them need for their perfect beginning. I promise.

[Sandra Aguilar · Rating 5 out of 5]

I Doooooooooo!!!!!! A hundred times I do 🥰.

If you read Dare to Love You by the wonderful Julia Jarrett, then this book is the cherry on top to that story. Dare to Marry you is Kat and Hunter wedding. That’s all you’ll get from me 😁. No but seriously an amazing read, all of your favorite characters and the love that Kat and Hunter have for each other is simply beautiful. Read it, Buy it…heck do both I say 😁. You will absolutely love it! 🥰

[Rachel McMahon · Rating 5 out of 5]

After reading Dare to Kiss You, which I loved by the way, and its epilogue with the time jump, I was bummed that we missed out on that part of Kat and Hunter’s story. I just love them and their family so much. I’m extremely glad we got the full experience surrounding Kat and Hunter’s wedding and pregnancy in this novella. If I had my choice we would get a bunch more books with these characters, but these wonderful books will do for sure.

[AddictedToReadingRomance · Rating 5 out of 5]

The perfect story to fall in love again with Hunter and Kat. This novella with all the Donnelly siblings is just amazing. My Max was there obviously. I love their sibling love, it’s kind of how much I love and tease mine. Every detail of this romantic HEA is perfect for Hunter and Kat. Get ready to swoon, laugh and maybe cry a little. The perfect holiday wedding for the season.

[Mel (whilemelwasreading) · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Hi baby, I love you already."

Quick Thoughts:
-Such a sweet novella
-You meet this couple in Book 1 of the series (read that first)
-Now they are getting married and there's alot of surprises along the way
-I love how they support one another, so intuitive to each other too
-I enjoyed it!

[Morgan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another 5 ⭐ book about the peeps from Dogwood Cove.
It's got spice and plot and anxiety rep!
Only wish it was longer cause it was just that good.

[Opal The Gem Book Reviews ✨ .... · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dare To Marry You ~ Julia Jarrett (Dogwood Cove #5)
5 Stars!!

The most desirable read for December is Kat & Hunter’s wedding! I have been waiting for Dare To Marry You since it was announced we’d be getting a wedding book. These characters are built like a family I've grown up with. The entire Donnellys of Dogwood Cove series is one big comforting hug and this was no exception.

Let the holiday’s begin as Kat & Hunter plan for their winter wedding that is until there’s a little two pink line surprise…Mother nature has had a little too much fun and while Hunter is away in training Kat finds herself expecting, now caught in a snowstorm Hunter rushes to get to Kat and to the wedding in time.

Hunter melted my heart from the first book he was in and getting to see his growth and how his anxiety has changed over time. Hunter’s fiance Kat has helped him open up over the course of their relationship and that really meant something to me as a reader who also struggles with her own anxiety and the idea of standing in front of a whole room of people and saying “I do” Kat & Hunter willing to bend and make each other's dreams come true made it possible for me to look at it in another light.

Julia is never modest about addressing Mental Health and the severity of how it affects the person dealing with it. I have always appreciated her truthfulness in creating a safe space for readers to find a character just like them and clarity through that expression a hundred times over Julia thank you!!


I will 100% be reading the next book which will be our Sawyer’s story. I cannot wait!

[Idalia Helaena · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Dare to Marry You” is a novella in Julia Jarrett’s series The Donellys of Dogwood Cove, and it follows Kat Donelly and Hunter Callaghan as they prepare for the happiest day of their lives - and discover a few surprises on the way. I thought this novella was perfection, it had moments that made me laugh as well as moments that made me swoon. I’ve always loved Kat and Hunter’s relationship, and I truly believe that this novella gave them the happy ending they deserved. Although I definitely think you should read Dare to Kiss You first, I also think you will enjoy this novella once you do! This was a fantastic read, and I’d definitely recommend both this novella and all the books in Julia Jarret’s The Donellys of Dogwood Cove series!

[Emily · Rating 5 out of 5]

Look there is just a special place in heaven for authors who write extended epilogues in the form of novellas! And Julia is doing the lords work with this one!
I just love how you truly felt you were just picking back up with some of your best friends! Hunter Hunter Hunter! I love the real and vulnerable way Julia writes his anxiety and how Kat truly understands him and love him for HIM!
I love reading the sweet moments leading up to their wedding and a surprise pregnancy YES PLEASE! These two truly are made for eachother and I love getting more of them and truly seeing the HEA play out just how it was suppose to!!

[Heather Edwards · Rating 5 out of 5]

Omg so good! I loved it!

Reading this novella just made me fall in love with Kat and Hunter all over again. And I'm in love with their romance. This novella was just what I needed to catch up on all the Donnelly siblings and their love for each other.

These two work through the stress and curveballs that happen when planning a wedding. You can expect laughter, tears, and steam! I enjoyed every second of it!

[Jessica · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was so much fun being back with the Donnelly family for Kat and Hunter’s wedding! This was the perfect little “extra” for Dare to Love You, filled with family, love & steam! If you’ve read Dare to Love You, definitely read this as well!

[Tracy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This has got to be the sweetest story!! I loved Hunter & Kat’s original story, but this one…GAWD! I don’t even know how to write a review without giving away spoilers. I just wanted to hug Hunter throughout both books! Just read this!!🥰🎄

[Amy · Rating 5 out of 5]

The continuation of Kat and Hunter‘s story.

If you‘ve ever wanted the story of your favorite characters after they get their HEAs, this would be it. Jarrett does a fantastic job giving us just a little bit more of their story a year later, where we are now at their Holiday wedding.

These two are absolutely adorable, Hunter with his golden retriever energy and Kat with her grounding calmness. They truly compliment each other so well.

And oh yeah.…there‘s a surprise

[Kira · Rating 5 out of 5]

Title: Dare to Marry You
Author: Julia Jarrett
Hero/Heroine: Hunter & Kat
Tropes: Small Town, Golden Retriever Hero, Surprise Pregnancy, Anxiety Rep,

tw/cw: detailed descriptions of anxiety, mention of dyslexia,

✨the good ✨

There aren’t enough words to express how much I love this couple. Hunter and Kat are my favourite pairing from the Donnelly’s of Dogwood Cove series, and I love that they’re getting their happy ending.

Planning a wedding is stressful at the best of times, but when the groom has to go on a course for work two weeks before the big day, it proves a bit of a test for Hunter and Kat. But they power on through like I knew they would. Especially when Kat finds out something that will change their lives irrevocably.

This short but incredibly sweet story had me smiling from ear to ear the whole time I was reading it. Hunter and Kat are just so bloody likeable and relatable, and I love how they’re constantly there for one another, despite distance or circumstances. Also, Hunter is still harnessing that Golden Retriever with BDE and I was here for it. Like proper here for it. I just love him.

Yet another fabulous addition to the series, this was a short, sweet and spicy novella that was enough to make the biggest cynic smile.

✨ the bad ✨

That Hunter is fictional.

Thank you to the author for providing me with a copy of this to read. This is my honest review.

✨overall thoughts: cannot get enough of this wonderful couple
✨ 3rd act break up: no
✨ heat level: 🌶️🌶️🌶️
✨ star rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

[Rebmay · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kat and Hunter are getting married. They were next door neighbours that fell in love and are about to get married on Christmas Eve which is less than a month away. Plans for the wedding are mostly done when Hunter leaves for a two week training session that will benefit his career in law enforcement. He is cool as a cucumber on the job, but in his personal life Hunter suffers from severe anxiety. Though the wedding guests will all be family and close friends, the thought of being the centre of attention is playing havoc with his anxiety control. Being away from Kat isn’t helping matters.

Kat is missing her man when a new development sends her into a tizzy. Mother Nature then decides to surprise them with a snowstorm just as Hunter is due come home. Now both the bride and groom are suffering from anxiety and asking a whole lot of “what if’s “ and generally spiralling. Thank goodness they both have great friends and family members who rally around them to offer support, comfort and advice. A few little blip’s don’t keep them from their perfect Christmas wedding.

This novella is the perfect roundup for the Dogwood Cove series with all of the Donnellys and their chosen ones present for Kat and Hunters nuptials. I received a copy of this book and I am voluntarily leaving this honest review.

[Jean · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is book five in The Donnellys of Dogwood Cove series and it continues Kat and Hunter’s story and omg it is such an emotional read. This book is about Kat and Hunter’s run up to their wedding day but things are starting to pile up including Hunter’s anxiety and then he needs to go away on a training course and will not be back until just before the wedding and without Kat being by his side he misses her so much and having trouble concentrating but just when it is time to go home the weather takes a turn for the worse and unable to travel delaying him and back at Dogwood there are a few surprises along the way making things even more complicated and as the wedding draws closer tension and nerves are frayed and emotions are high with everything that is going on. Wow this was a rollercoaster ride of emotions along with some super hot scenes and I love Kat and Hunter and all the family and friends and how they are always there for each other and support and love that they always have each other’s backs regardless of what happens or the situation that they find themselves in and I felt like I was part of not only their lives but with them every step of the way. I absolutely love this book and series so much and I can’t wait to read more.

[Chloé Desbiens · Rating 5 out of 5]

To be completed honest I haven't read Julia Dare you to kiss, I jumped right into Dare to marry you novella and to tell you I do not regret it at all! I loved walking into a story line that I have not read before. It was absolutely beautiful and heartwarming story and I can't wait to dive into their full story! It was beautiful to see how both Kat and hunter had to overcome so much anxiety and trying to be there for each other throughout this book.

I was able to read and see how much hunter grew and was able to find ways to overcome his mental health with Kat by his side and how Kat was able to overcome the little surprise she received a few days before the wedding! Julia wrote a beautiful story of how they were able to overcome the surprise and his anxiety with the love and support of each other.

It was an emotional, beautiful, cute yet very spicy story that concluded Kat and hunter story of happily ever after! It was an amazing book that I would recommend 100% but make sure to read the dare you to kiss first to get the full story of Kat and hunter to get the full experience ❤️🥰

[Gloria Umali · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this Novella from none other than Julia Jarrett! We once again dive into Kat and Hunters' universe in Dogwood Cove. Kat is faced with unexpected news, and Hunter continues to battle with anxiety. Armed with their love and trust for one another, they work through the multitude of hurdles, with the mutual goal of "Happily Ever After".

Once again, Julia has seamlessly combined romance and mental health battles, something that one doesn't generally see in the same novel. Kat and Hunter have worked towards building Hunter's confidence and ability to overcome panic attacks, and this novella highlights how much he has grown with her by his side, but also highlight how genuine Kat is in her goal of making sure Hunter is happy and safe within himself.

I'm sad that this series is almost over as Dogwood Cove has morphed into a beautiful fantasy land of romance. I look forward to seeing what else Julia brings to the table though!

[Lauren Feeley · Rating 3 out of 5]

Definitely better than the first book but this novella seems to have no plot. It just moves from one scene to the next, no drama or action. The couple is more likable in this one than the original. They are definitely more settled in the relationship than the insta-love in the previous novel.

My chief complaint: in the first book the mmc describes as his best friend of many years as someone that is brother to him. In the novella, which surrounds the mmc’s wedding, there is absolutely no mention of this “best friend”. It is as if this side character never existed or that once the mmc entered the relationship with the fmc only her family could be his friends. It’s weird and I don’t like the vibe of that.

Thank you to the author for a free copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

[Kym · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderfully touching story of Kat and Hunter preparing for their wedding day!

Having already met Kat and Hunter in Dare to Kiss You, it was so sweet to watch them as their big day draws near. As before, Hunter is trying his hardest to deal with his issues (no spoilers here!) and the honesty in which Julia Jarrett portrays Hunter is refreshing - a condition many people struggle with.

When Hunter has to travel to the mainland for a 2 week course right before the wedding, then is held up from returning by a freak snowstorm, it adds a layer of stress to their plans. Or does it help create clarity for Kat about what is most important about their wedding?

An enjoyable, feel good but realistic story with plenty of hotness added in!

[Amanda Wakefield · Rating 5 out of 5]

🛑STOP🛑 Make sure that you have read "Dare to Kiss You" which is the origin story for Kat & Hunter before proceeding!!

Dare to Marry You was such a sweet, cute, emotional yet spicy conclusion to Kat & Hunter's story. It was a quick & easy read that just brought soooo much emotion!

I love the connection and emotion that Hunter & Kat have. Their relationship and how they love each other is really what dreams are made of. The way Kat loves Hunter regardless of his anxiety, not despite and that really makes a difference.

This was a 5⭐ 2🌶️ on my personal rating scale. The spice was well placed and fit perfectly into this story. I have not yet read Books 2-4 yet (they are on my list) and I didn't feel like I received any spoilers for jumping the order around.

[Rachel · Rating 5 out of 5]

This novella is a nice little treat for those of us who have read this whole series. The two stars, Kat and Hunter, had the beginning of their story in "Dare to Kiss You." This book is about their wedding, plans, ceremony and reception. There is plenty of anxiety for both of them. The big Donnelly family is supportive of everyone. Her mom is the one we all want to have!
The best part is how they understand and support each other through the process. There is a surprise that they don't see coming, but they handle that together so sweetly and with their family. Julia writes so well that we believe these people are real, and we love them and want them to have a great life.
I received an ARC from the author and left this review voluntarily.

[…Welcome to My World &#x1f30e.. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very sweet short story about Hunter and Kat. Hunter and Kat are getting married soon and it seems like all the things that can go wrong and trigger Hunter’s anxiety, begins to come. Add in a surprise baby and a trip that has to be moved up closer to the wedding date. These two went against the odds and still fought for their love. I loved the surprise that Kat had for Hunter on their wedding day. It was so sweet to see that she cared enough about him to make a few changes. The surprise pregnancy was sweet as well. All of Kat’s brothers being there to support Hunter and her was just so wholesome!

I received an Arc copy and I am voluntarily leaving my review.

[Nicole (all_bookedup) · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 Stars
2 Chili Peppers

Dual POV

I forgot how much I liked Kat and Hunter! They seriously are perfect for each other. I love how they both calm each other and can read each other like a book.

I'm not going to lie, I teared up multiple times while reading this. Hunter is just so sweet, I can't stand it. I liked the mental health rep in this one as well. Honestly, I didn't want it to end. I want, no, I need more Kat and Hunter.

I loved that we got to see all the Donnellys and their partners. When they are all together, you know you'll be entertained.

Thank you to Julia Jarrett for this ARC.

[Margaret Watkins · Rating 4 out of 5]

Arranging a wedding is stressful under normal circumstances, but Hunter and Kat experience a couple of unforeseen situations before they tie the knot. In some ways, it was a good thing that Hunter was kept busy as it forced him to think about his training course rather than tying the know. Kat, on the other hand, is already stressed out and when she unexpectedly discovers that she is pregnant, she is thrown for a loop. However, with the support of family and friends, their special day does eventually arrive and all's well that ends well. I received a copy of this entertaining romance as a gift and this is my honest and voluntary review.

[Dani | thebookishcajun · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a wonderfully short and sweet novella to wrap up Kat and Hunter’s story. We meet them earlier in the series, and now it’s time for their wedding! But between work obligations, Mother Nature, and unexpected surprises, the weeks leading up to their special day are even more chaotic and anxiety-ridden than anticipated.

I just love how in tune Kat and Hunter are with each other’s thoughts and emotions. They’ve built such a strong relationship, and this novella celebrating their marriage and future together was the cherry on top.

𝚝 𝚛 𝚘 𝚙 𝚎 𝚜:
💍 small town romance
❄️ golden retriever hero with BDE
💍 Christmas wedding
❄️ surprise pregnancy

[Christine Baboomian · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read Dare to Marry You immediately after reading Dare to Kiss You. It is a quick, easy, and entertaining read. I love how Julia Jarrett doesn’t shy away from mental health and how intrusive thoughts can impact people, but she also shows that getting help is beneficial and helps.

Kat and Hunter are such a great couple, and this book takes you on their journeys through finding out you’re going to be a parent and planning a wedding. Their emotions and thoughts were so relatable and real feeling. The spicy scenes are good too.

I can’t wait to read more Kat and Hunter stories.

[Susan McWhinney · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a great ending to a beautiful love story. Snow storms threaten to take their magical day away from them, but both Kat and Hunter find a way to make their wedding day the best that they could of dreamed of! Being set for the 24th December, a special day for Hunter, a white wedding is what they both dreamed of. Kat knew Hunter's anxiety would ruin his day for him, so she sets in motion a day that they both will not forget. He realizes how much she loves him when he sees what she has done just for him. So romantic, it makes you swoon. A terrific and appropriate ending to an epic love story!

[Tanja OMGReads · Rating 5 out of 5]

These two were my very first couple of Julia Jarrett and I've been here ever since. The way these two love each other brings me so much joy I have no words.

Hunter has a special place in my heart. His struggles are real and I absolutely adore him for trying his best in not letting them take over.

Kat is still in love with her man as she was when I met them. Her love for him gives me hope that there are people out there who would do anything for the ones they love. And I'm so happy to be able to see them ridding off into the HEA once again.

[Craftybookworm11 · Rating 5 out of 5]

You will definitely have to read Dare to Kiss before reading this one as it's a continuation of that story. But who would say no to more Kat and Hunter?

Getting to see them support each other leading up to their wedding is so sweet. As always you have the whole Donnelly family being their supportive selves.

If you're an easier crier like I am you might want to have some tissues handy because I definitely needed them.

Overall a wonderful addition to not only Kat and Hunters's story, but the whole Donnelly clan as well!

I read an ARC of this book, all opinions are my own.