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Firefly Island: Southern Nights #1
Sweatpants & Sweet Tea
Their connection is undeniable. Their goals are incompatible. When Hollywood hits the small town, will their sizzling chemistry explode?
Daphne Moore is determined to stop being a people pleaser. But after seven lackluster years working on a pop culture tabloid show, the ambitious TV producer is starting to rethink her career-first mantra. And a weekend in Georgia sounds like a great opportunity for a simple reset… until she meets a six-foot-four country boy who tempts her to backslide.
Harlan Mitchell knows what he wants. But the retired pro baseball player’s plan to get married and settle down on the family farm implodes when he lays eyes on the blonde-haired California beauty. And he can’t resist chasing the sparks when he realizes the curvy temptation is staying right next door.
Abandoning her no-dating rule when her hunky neighbor answers the door wearing only gray sweatpants riding low on his waist, Daphne tries to enjoy the fireworks without worrying about commitment. But when Harlan discovers she’s still headed back to the West Coast, his loyal heart is torn.
Can their insta-lust turn into a heartfelt HEA?
Author’s Sweatpants & Sweet Tea is an opposites attract small-town romance with a colorful supporting cast of meddling townsfolk and family, lots of spicy swooniness, and a generous splash of humor.
Buy Sweatpants & Sweet Tea for a sip of steamy delight today!
Daphne Moore is determined to stop being a people pleaser. But after seven lackluster years working on a pop culture tabloid show, the ambitious TV producer is starting to rethink her career-first mantra. And a weekend in Georgia sounds like a great opportunity for a simple reset… until she meets a six-foot-four country boy who tempts her to backslide.
Harlan Mitchell knows what he wants. But the retired pro baseball player’s plan to get married and settle down on the family farm implodes when he lays eyes on the blonde-haired California beauty. And he can’t resist chasing the sparks when he realizes the curvy temptation is staying right next door.
Abandoning her no-dating rule when her hunky neighbor answers the door wearing only gray sweatpants riding low on his waist, Daphne tries to enjoy the fireworks without worrying about commitment. But when Harlan discovers she’s still headed back to the West Coast, his loyal heart is torn.
Can their insta-lust turn into a heartfelt HEA?
Author’s Sweatpants & Sweet Tea is an opposites attract small-town romance with a colorful supporting cast of meddling townsfolk and family, lots of spicy swooniness, and a generous splash of humor.
Buy Sweatpants & Sweet Tea for a sip of steamy delight today!
292 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 28, 2024
487 people are currently reading
412 people want to read
About the author
Melanie Shawn
134 books1,849 followersNEW YORK TIMES & USA TODAY bestselling author Melanie Shawn writes HEAs filled with sweet and sassy heroines, heroes who are cinnamon rolls in the streets alpho-holes in the sheets, casts of supportive *cough: meddling* friends and family who put the fun in funny, toe-curling combustible heat, and sugary sweet “aww” moments that will have your hearts and e-readers melting.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 62 reviews
October 3, 2024
The only way this could have been better was if it was written in third person. (It’s my fav!) Harlan was a prince among the Firefly men. Dedicated to Farm Strong and his grandfather. Daphne comes home for a quick visit, which then turns into two months. The chemistry was fought but clearly undeniable. Excellent ending!
October 14, 2024
Daphne thinks she knows what she wants but is unfulfilled by her job. Leaving home again should have been easy. Harlan is prioritizing his family farm and losing himself in the process. Both need some help. A great story.
October 17, 2024
Our earlier trips to Firefly Island Ga. came in the author’s Southern Comfort series. Now we have a Firefly Island Southern Nights series spinoff where we’ll get to see some of the characters from the earlier series like Harland Mitchell along with several new ones fall in love. Yeah!
What I found nearly unique about this story is the fact that it is the rare contemporary romance where it is the female protagonist Daphne Moore and not the male protagonist Harland Mitchell who is afraid to fall in love. Not that she doesn’t have some good reasons. You see Daphne grew up in a dysfunctional household. And no one can fuck us up more growing up than our parents can. Daphne’s father was an alcoholic with a mean temper that only got worse when he drank. And he always drank. Her mother spent her time trying to appease her father and not upset him more. Daphne learned to be as invisible as possible as to not trigger her father’s rage. As a victim of growing up in that environment Daphne learned to be a people pleaser. She found herself constantly changing and reinventing herself to be what she thought the man she was currently in a relationship with wanted her to be. Now closing in on thirty, after years of therapy, Daphne has worked hard to unlearn that behavior. Because she doesn’t want to fall into that trap again, she has avoided being in another relationship. She is in a Situationship (as she calls it) where she has sex with an A-list actor a few times a year when he’s in town, which is L.A. Daphne produces segments of and appears in a fake-reality dating show for the Pulse network, Dating in the City, where she goes on 5 dates a month, supposedly hoping to find Mr. Right. The shows fans then vote on whom she should go on a second date with. Which never really happens. According to Daphne her boss Alexandria at Pulse makes the boss in The Devil Wears Prada look warm and caring. So, Daphne really doesn’t enjoy her job, although she appears to make a good living at it. Although that’s not stated we know she lives in a nice safe apartment building in L.A. She flew first class from L.A. to Firefly Island. Still, she doesn’t especially enjoy living in L.A. any longer. Her only friends are her co-workers. She’s lonely. But when she comes to Firefly Island Ga. to attend a ceremony honoring her late grandmother (her boss wouldn’t allow her to attend her funeral) she meets the hunky ex-pro baseball player Harlan Mitchell who is struggling to keep his multi-generational family farm financially afloat by supplementing whatever little income the farm generates by running a Farm Strong Fitness Boot Camp. Those of you who have read the Southern Comfort series are by now very familiar with Harlan and his fitness business. The attraction between Harlan and Daphne is both immediate and powerful. It has all the hallmarks of Love at First Sight. The sexual chemistry crackles, the warm fuzzy feels. Despite her many previous romantic relationships, Daphne has never felt this way around another man. On her supposed second and last night on the Island they share things with each other they’ve never shared with anyone else. They have sex that gives her orgasms like she’s never before experienced. It’s clear that it’s more than a physical attraction between two stunningly beautiful individuals. And that attraction along with Daphne’s attraction to the other Firefly Island residents who embrace her and extend their friendship, the life she could see herself building there, scares the crap out of Daphne. So, despite all she doesn’t like about her boss, her job, and life in L.A., she can’t wait to get out of Firefly and back to LaLa Land where her heart will be safe. See what I mean? Daphne is a hot mess. But her boss Alexandra has other plans for Daphne. She decides Daphne needs to stay on Firefly for a few weeks to film a dating segment for her show they’ll call Dating in the Country. This of course will force Daphne to remain in Harland’s orbit whether she wants to or not. Daphne tries to avoid Harlan. Harlan having gotten mixed signals from Daphne tries to avoid her. But this being a contemporary romance we know their attempts to avoid each other are futile because true love will eventually win out.
What I found nearly unique about this story is the fact that it is the rare contemporary romance where it is the female protagonist Daphne Moore and not the male protagonist Harland Mitchell who is afraid to fall in love. Not that she doesn’t have some good reasons. You see Daphne grew up in a dysfunctional household. And no one can fuck us up more growing up than our parents can. Daphne’s father was an alcoholic with a mean temper that only got worse when he drank. And he always drank. Her mother spent her time trying to appease her father and not upset him more. Daphne learned to be as invisible as possible as to not trigger her father’s rage. As a victim of growing up in that environment Daphne learned to be a people pleaser. She found herself constantly changing and reinventing herself to be what she thought the man she was currently in a relationship with wanted her to be. Now closing in on thirty, after years of therapy, Daphne has worked hard to unlearn that behavior. Because she doesn’t want to fall into that trap again, she has avoided being in another relationship. She is in a Situationship (as she calls it) where she has sex with an A-list actor a few times a year when he’s in town, which is L.A. Daphne produces segments of and appears in a fake-reality dating show for the Pulse network, Dating in the City, where she goes on 5 dates a month, supposedly hoping to find Mr. Right. The shows fans then vote on whom she should go on a second date with. Which never really happens. According to Daphne her boss Alexandria at Pulse makes the boss in The Devil Wears Prada look warm and caring. So, Daphne really doesn’t enjoy her job, although she appears to make a good living at it. Although that’s not stated we know she lives in a nice safe apartment building in L.A. She flew first class from L.A. to Firefly Island. Still, she doesn’t especially enjoy living in L.A. any longer. Her only friends are her co-workers. She’s lonely. But when she comes to Firefly Island Ga. to attend a ceremony honoring her late grandmother (her boss wouldn’t allow her to attend her funeral) she meets the hunky ex-pro baseball player Harlan Mitchell who is struggling to keep his multi-generational family farm financially afloat by supplementing whatever little income the farm generates by running a Farm Strong Fitness Boot Camp. Those of you who have read the Southern Comfort series are by now very familiar with Harlan and his fitness business. The attraction between Harlan and Daphne is both immediate and powerful. It has all the hallmarks of Love at First Sight. The sexual chemistry crackles, the warm fuzzy feels. Despite her many previous romantic relationships, Daphne has never felt this way around another man. On her supposed second and last night on the Island they share things with each other they’ve never shared with anyone else. They have sex that gives her orgasms like she’s never before experienced. It’s clear that it’s more than a physical attraction between two stunningly beautiful individuals. And that attraction along with Daphne’s attraction to the other Firefly Island residents who embrace her and extend their friendship, the life she could see herself building there, scares the crap out of Daphne. So, despite all she doesn’t like about her boss, her job, and life in L.A., she can’t wait to get out of Firefly and back to LaLa Land where her heart will be safe. See what I mean? Daphne is a hot mess. But her boss Alexandra has other plans for Daphne. She decides Daphne needs to stay on Firefly for a few weeks to film a dating segment for her show they’ll call Dating in the Country. This of course will force Daphne to remain in Harland’s orbit whether she wants to or not. Daphne tries to avoid Harlan. Harlan having gotten mixed signals from Daphne tries to avoid her. But this being a contemporary romance we know their attempts to avoid each other are futile because true love will eventually win out.
October 6, 2024
Sweatpants & Sweet is the first book in the Firefly Island: Southern Nights series and what a great start to the series it was!
Harlan Mitchell is back in Firefly Island after an injury ended his baseball career prematurely. He is running Farm Strong and helping his grandfather keep the farm up and running. It's definitely not what Harlan saw himself doing, but he can't say he hates being back in his hometown either. He really wants to settle down and have a family of his own, but he hasn't found the right person yet.
Daphne Moore lives in California and works on a reality show where she is both producer and star. She has come back to Firefly Island for an event that is honoring her grandmother. She stays with her Aunt Rhonda, who happens to live next door to the Mitchell farm.
Daphne and Harlan meet initially when Daphne has to return Dini, Harlan's cat, after she has escaped. The sparks fly between the two immediately, but with Daphne headed back to the West Coast in a matter of days, starting something doesn't make sense, especially since Daphne doesn't want a relationship. Does it? When Daphne ends up staying in town longer to film her show, will things continue to evolve between Daphne and Harlan? Or will she keep him at arms length?
The way that this story unfolded was really natural and realistic. I enjoyed how Harlan and Daphne got to know one another even with all of the other distractions around them. They were really able to be themselves as they spent time together and while there were challenges to overcome, they both kept a level head about it. I enjoyed the secondary characters in this series as well and I can't wait to see what else is in store for us as it continues!
**I voluntarily read an early copy of this title in exchange for an honest review**
Harlan Mitchell is back in Firefly Island after an injury ended his baseball career prematurely. He is running Farm Strong and helping his grandfather keep the farm up and running. It's definitely not what Harlan saw himself doing, but he can't say he hates being back in his hometown either. He really wants to settle down and have a family of his own, but he hasn't found the right person yet.
Daphne Moore lives in California and works on a reality show where she is both producer and star. She has come back to Firefly Island for an event that is honoring her grandmother. She stays with her Aunt Rhonda, who happens to live next door to the Mitchell farm.
Daphne and Harlan meet initially when Daphne has to return Dini, Harlan's cat, after she has escaped. The sparks fly between the two immediately, but with Daphne headed back to the West Coast in a matter of days, starting something doesn't make sense, especially since Daphne doesn't want a relationship. Does it? When Daphne ends up staying in town longer to film her show, will things continue to evolve between Daphne and Harlan? Or will she keep him at arms length?
The way that this story unfolded was really natural and realistic. I enjoyed how Harlan and Daphne got to know one another even with all of the other distractions around them. They were really able to be themselves as they spent time together and while there were challenges to overcome, they both kept a level head about it. I enjoyed the secondary characters in this series as well and I can't wait to see what else is in store for us as it continues!
**I voluntarily read an early copy of this title in exchange for an honest review**
October 14, 2024
This read was excellent. The characters and the story line were exceptional. I really enjoyed this read and didn’t want the story to end. This was a “I can’t put the book down” read. I highly recommend this book.
Harlan was a professional baseball player until he was injured. After being injured he came home to work on his grandpa’s farm, it’s his legacy as the farm has been in his family for 5 generations. Since meemaw’s passing, Harlan is left to help his grandpa keep the farm in the red. To do this Harlan started a bootcamp with a farm twist called Farm Strong. It’s not raking in the dough but it’s keeping it in the red, just barley.
Daphne came back to Firefly Island for a short visit with her aunt Rhonda. The minute Daphne see’s the handsome, sexy Harlan, she instantly feels the attraction, but she knows nothing can become of her attraction as she is only in town for a few days. With a call from her boss, Daphne’s plans change from a few days to 3 weeks. At the end of the 3 weeks, with aunt Rhonda’s health, Daphne ends up staying even longer than the 3 weeks, but after everything that has happened Daphne is confused on what to do with her life; should she stay on Firefly Island or go back to California where she has lived for years?
What happens when two people have an instant connection but want 2 totally different things in life? Can they find a way to connect on a new level that makes them both get everything they want?
This is a must read!!!
Harlan was a professional baseball player until he was injured. After being injured he came home to work on his grandpa’s farm, it’s his legacy as the farm has been in his family for 5 generations. Since meemaw’s passing, Harlan is left to help his grandpa keep the farm in the red. To do this Harlan started a bootcamp with a farm twist called Farm Strong. It’s not raking in the dough but it’s keeping it in the red, just barley.
Daphne came back to Firefly Island for a short visit with her aunt Rhonda. The minute Daphne see’s the handsome, sexy Harlan, she instantly feels the attraction, but she knows nothing can become of her attraction as she is only in town for a few days. With a call from her boss, Daphne’s plans change from a few days to 3 weeks. At the end of the 3 weeks, with aunt Rhonda’s health, Daphne ends up staying even longer than the 3 weeks, but after everything that has happened Daphne is confused on what to do with her life; should she stay on Firefly Island or go back to California where she has lived for years?
What happens when two people have an instant connection but want 2 totally different things in life? Can they find a way to connect on a new level that makes them both get everything they want?
This is a must read!!!
October 8, 2024
Sweatpants & Sweet Tea by Melanie Shawn, book one in the Firefly Island: Southern Nights series, is a story about family, new beginnings and second chances in life and as we revisit Firefly Island, and meet some new characters who instantly fall in love.
After a career ending injury, Harlan returned home to help his grandfather with the family farm that is struggling financially; working hard to keep it from being sold. Daphne, a hard working journalist, serial reality dater who took a break from her life in California and returns to the place her grandmother loved. She needs to think of herself and maybe “reboot” her life. When these two meet the stars shined and fireworks exploded. Despite the fiery chemistry, they were afraid to commit; as their life goals appeared to be different. While taking care of her aunt, Daphne grows closer to Harlan; making them reconsider what they thought they wanted and realize that what they might find together is worth the chance. Amazing from start to finish and I can’t wait for the next story in this series.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.
After a career ending injury, Harlan returned home to help his grandfather with the family farm that is struggling financially; working hard to keep it from being sold. Daphne, a hard working journalist, serial reality dater who took a break from her life in California and returns to the place her grandmother loved. She needs to think of herself and maybe “reboot” her life. When these two meet the stars shined and fireworks exploded. Despite the fiery chemistry, they were afraid to commit; as their life goals appeared to be different. While taking care of her aunt, Daphne grows closer to Harlan; making them reconsider what they thought they wanted and realize that what they might find together is worth the chance. Amazing from start to finish and I can’t wait for the next story in this series.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.
October 14, 2024
This was such a sweet romance. Daphne went back to Firefly Island where her Aunt lived for an honor celebration for her grandmother. Harlan lived on the farm next to her aunt with his grandpa. Harlan was one hunk of sunshine! Of course, he felt the same way about Daphne even though neither were looking for a mate. Daphne’s job was in LA where she had done a segment on dating a city guy. Daphne was ready to leave Firefly Island as she started having feelings for Harlan and did not want to stay in the small town. Daphne’s boss had other ideas when she told Daphne she had to stay there and do a segment on dating a country guy. It was cute all she had to go through dating four of Harlan’s friends. I loved all the love between the family and friends on the island. It was sweet watching Harlan and Daphne try to deny their feelings. I encourage you to read the book.
October 5, 2024
Oh my!! What is not to love about Daphne and Harlan. They each have so much heart and love to give, and I loved their insta attraction. Daphne has so much self control as she tried her very best to friend zone Harlan, but Harlan’s heart was made for her and I loved how he backed off just enough but still made his presence known.
The Firefly community really got under Daphnes skin and watching her struggle with her own feelings on what to do was interesting. She thought she had the life she wanted, turns out she needed more.
Amazing from start to finish and I can’t wait for the next instalment.
The Firefly community really got under Daphnes skin and watching her struggle with her own feelings on what to do was interesting. She thought she had the life she wanted, turns out she needed more.
Amazing from start to finish and I can’t wait for the next instalment.
October 6, 2024
We revisit the firefly island and meet Harlan and Daphne in this new series by author Melanie Shawn.
Harlan is a sexy cowboy who is managing his family farm and running farm strong. Daphne is an entertainment TV producer and reality serial dater.
When they meet or rather see each other for the first time, it’s literally love at first sight, and once they meet, it’s game over for them and we have fireworks 💥 🔥. Daphne tries her best to ignore the attraction, friend zone their connection, but Harlan and Daphne are like 2 magnets, they cannot be kept away.
Amazing read from start to finish, and I just can’t wait for the next one.
Harlan is a sexy cowboy who is managing his family farm and running farm strong. Daphne is an entertainment TV producer and reality serial dater.
When they meet or rather see each other for the first time, it’s literally love at first sight, and once they meet, it’s game over for them and we have fireworks 💥 🔥. Daphne tries her best to ignore the attraction, friend zone their connection, but Harlan and Daphne are like 2 magnets, they cannot be kept away.
Amazing read from start to finish, and I just can’t wait for the next one.
October 8, 2024
Daphne come home to see her aunt and attend a ceremony for her grandma. One her first night on the farm she sees Harlan and thinks he’s hot. Daphne is also not looking for a relationship because they never seem to go the right way. Harlan feels for her the first time he seen her-it’s love at first sight, maybe? When Daphne’s aunt gets sick and she has to stay longer than she planned, her boss decides to have her do her work in Firefly Island. That means she will be “dating” some country boys. Nothing can go wrong, right? But what she wasn’t expecting is to have a perfect date a catch some feelings.
October 6, 2024
Sweatpants & Sweet Tea was an incredible start to this new series. What's not to like about Daphne and Harlan. They were perfect together and the had so much chemistry between them. No matter how much Daphne tried to keep Harlan at arms length the draw that these two had made that almost impossible. I loved their story. From the moment I started it I was reminded why I love these authors. I cannot wait to see what they come up with next. I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
October 6, 2024
Oh my, a sweet small town romance with a dreamy alpha male lead and an emotionally stunted female lead. The return to Firefly island with a new set of characters is a readers dream, love this spin off series! Harlan is just trying to do what he can to save the family farm after a career ending baseball injury. Daphne flys in for the weekend to attend an event honoring her late grandmother. The love/lust at first sight is unexpected and they both give into their steamy chemistry, if only for one night. Can’t wait for the next story.
October 9, 2024
I loved this book, it made me laugh, it made me cry and it was full of heat, what more can you ask for?? Harlan and Daphne’s story was so good, he wanted to stay in Firefly and have a wife and kids, she didn’t want to be tied down… until Harlan changed her thinking. Of course you already know there is a HEA, but what you don’t know is, how they got there… get the book, read it and thank me later. :)
October 10, 2024
Return to Firefly Island
Had a great time revisiting the Island. Hollywood vs small town home , firefighter vs reality tv star ,seeing old friends from previous books set here,Instant love, serious steam.So looking forward to seeing what and who Melanie let's visit the island next. As with all of Melanie's books 5 stars
Had a great time revisiting the Island. Hollywood vs small town home , firefighter vs reality tv star ,seeing old friends from previous books set here,Instant love, serious steam.So looking forward to seeing what and who Melanie let's visit the island next. As with all of Melanie's books 5 stars
October 1, 2024
Every girl needs a Harlan. What a sweetheart. Great read from the folks at Firefly Island. 😘😘
October 13, 2024
Sweatpants & Sweet Tea is the first novel in the new Firefly Island: Southern Nights series by Melanie Shawn and boy is it great to be back in Firefly Island!!
Daphne Moore is back on Firefly Island to visit and help her aunt. On her first day out on her aunt's farm, she sees the most delicious man.
Harlan is struggling to keep things in his family's farm afloat. But when he sees Daphne for the first time, he's taken away.
I loved that both Harlan and Daphne were going through their own personal struggles, but they find a way to enjoy each other. They chemistry was a joy to follow and being back in Firefly Island!
Daphne Moore is back on Firefly Island to visit and help her aunt. On her first day out on her aunt's farm, she sees the most delicious man.
Harlan is struggling to keep things in his family's farm afloat. But when he sees Daphne for the first time, he's taken away.
I loved that both Harlan and Daphne were going through their own personal struggles, but they find a way to enjoy each other. They chemistry was a joy to follow and being back in Firefly Island!
October 11, 2024
Another great trip to firefly island. This time up Daphne and Harlan. Great cast of characters and a "farm strong" backdrop.
October 13, 2024
Good story
Really enjoyed this. Was a good story. Harlan and Daphne are perfect. Love bring back at Firefly Island. This couple brings out all the feels
Really enjoyed this. Was a good story. Harlan and Daphne are perfect. Love bring back at Firefly Island. This couple brings out all the feels
October 15, 2024
This was a great book. I absolutely loved the storyline. The details throughout make you really feel like Firefly Island and all of its residents are people you can visit and meet.
There is some definite spice going on here too. The sparks fly between Harlan and Daphne from the very first touch.
There is some definite spice going on here too. The sparks fly between Harlan and Daphne from the very first touch.
October 18, 2024
I loved the start of this new series by Melanie Shawn! It captured me right away and I can't wait to see what comes next!
I could not put this book down once I started it.
Harlan and Daphne have an undeniable chemistry but they're both at different places in their lives. Harlan has always wanted to take over his family's legacy and run the family farming business and Daphne is a producer in California burnt out by her current job and life. They fight their feelings but these two are meant to be together!
I loved their banter, chemistry and the way their relationship developed!
I could not put this book down once I started it.
Harlan and Daphne have an undeniable chemistry but they're both at different places in their lives. Harlan has always wanted to take over his family's legacy and run the family farming business and Daphne is a producer in California burnt out by her current job and life. They fight their feelings but these two are meant to be together!
I loved their banter, chemistry and the way their relationship developed!
October 19, 2024
I don’t even have words to describe how much I loved Daphne & Harlan!! Daphne thought she had the perfect life in California. Harlan was so focused on saving his family farm he wasn’t thinking of anything or anyone else. They had a magical connection from the moment they met. Both seemed a bit lost and not only found each other but found their way forward too.
April 5, 2025
The story dragged. I believe a lot of reviewers mentioned boring.
The descriptors were goofy. Especially the things the H said.
The author’s over use of idioms wore on the mind.
The descriptors were goofy. Especially the things the H said.
The author’s over use of idioms wore on the mind.
January 27, 2025
This book was actually quite enjoyable in an uncomfortable way. I like the characters (but why was the cat the best one?) but the metaphors were questionable. They did make me laugh though… if we are channeling the vibe of this book for the review, why can’t these people talk to each other? They communicate less than two chickens facing away from each other in the vacuum of space. For goodness sake, use your words! Love a HEA but feel I needed to get to accept one of them changing their livelihood for the other 🤷♀️3.5 stars (.5 for cowboy returning)❤️🐶
Special mention to the metaphor- ‘my hands were clammy like an otter at a slip n slide.’🤔
Also just seen who the next book is about, and I am disturbed, will not be reading that one 🧐🤨
Special mention to the metaphor- ‘my hands were clammy like an otter at a slip n slide.’🤔
Also just seen who the next book is about, and I am disturbed, will not be reading that one 🧐🤨
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 27, 2025
I really like both characters but I wish we had more moments with just them two together. That would’ve helped build and show the connection they had together even more.
October 13, 2024
I am beyond happy that we’re back in Firefly Island and just in time for the annual masquerade ball and bachelor auction. Daphne Moore has come back home since they are honoring her late grandma at the event but it’s supposed to be a quick weekend then back to LA where she lives and works. Of course that ends up being wishful thinking on her end. Daphne is staying with her Aunt Rhonda and of course her Aunt lives close to the farm where Harlan Mitchell lives with his granddad. Harlan runs Farm Strong while trying to make enough money to save the farm and Daphne’s Aunt Rhonda runs the family business Moore Farms Moonshine. They both have a family legacy to keep going, in a roundabout way. These two definitely have the chemistry in spades once they run into each other again. Unfortunately, just as Daphne is getting ready to leave town and head back home, her witch of a boss (who doesn’t ‘remember’ where Daphne went for the weekend) calls her and pretty much demands she pitches shows so they can capitalize on the area and do something. So, Daphne pretty much ends up getting railroaded by her boss and has to stay another month for Dating in the Country. While she is supposed to be dating a few guys from Firefly Island ,her feelings are starting to grow for Harlan and Harlan has gotten himself roped into being one of her dates. The date he plans for her is her dream date but I feel like it spooks her and she retreats. Aunt Rhonda has a situation come up and Daphne ends up staying even longer using all of her vacation and sick time and once again her boss doesn’t understand, in my opinion she just needs to quit her job. The day her Aunt comes home, Daphne definitely makes the decision to go back home but her feelings have gotten the better of her and she has strong feelings for Harlan. She leaves anyway but encounters a big motorcycle man at the airport who she feels comfortable with, her dark angel. They end up talking and she looks away and once she looks back he’s gone. She knows what she has to do and goes back to Firefly Island. She goes to see Harlan and there is a picture on his mantle of the dark angel she saw at the airport, it’s a picture of his late father. Is his late father and her recently deceased grandma joining forces to take care of the two of them, I’d say yes. I so loved this book and especially being back in Firefly Island with Farm Strong, Abernathy Manor and of course the trolley tour and the history of the island. LOVED another great story from this author and I’m so excited for our next trip there and the next story.
October 13, 2024
It’s great to come home to Firefly Island! The first book in this new series by Melanie Shawn brings home Daphne Moore to celebrate her late grandmother for a quick weekend which turns into so much more when her aunt needs help after a medical scare. Daphne’s family home is right next door to Harlan Mitchell and she starts drooling her first morning seeing him leading his farm fitness classes. Daphne has no plans to stay in Firefly island, after all she lives in LA and works in the entertainment industry, however, Harlan’s draw and those of her new friends and her family make the choice extra hard. Harlan is trying to save the family farm and barely scraping by with his morning fitness classes. The blonde angel he sees next door makes a lasting impression on him and although they have some steamy times, she asks for space and he gives it to her. However, their pull is undeniable and he finds himself spending more and more time with her. When it is time for Daphne to go back to LA, will the desire to stay in Firefly Island outweigh the life she has in LA? What a great read and I can’t wait to read the next book!
October 14, 2024
Daphne thinks she is happy with her life in LA as a producer sometimes on screen talent depending upon her boss's mood. She loves her team and wants to create the best product she can while she is working.
Harlan runs Farm Strong which he started after realizing the farm he 'inherited' from his grandparents (Grandpa is still around but not very active with the farm). He needed a new source of income for the farm and since he was forced out of baseball due to injury, he went back to his roots. Farm Strong is a bootcamp fitness class.
When Daphne goes back to Firefly Island for a ceremony honoring her grandmother, she ends up meeting Harlan. The night before she is set to leave, her boss informs her she is staying so that she can do a segment of 'Dating in the Country". While Daphne seems in a hurry to leave, she ends up staying an additional 3 weeks.
Both of these characters are intriguing and it is a great easy read that reintroduces characters from a former series. The set up for the next book is brief but leaves you wanting to know what will happen next. Can't wait for Zoe's story and how AJ feels about how things play out.
Harlan runs Farm Strong which he started after realizing the farm he 'inherited' from his grandparents (Grandpa is still around but not very active with the farm). He needed a new source of income for the farm and since he was forced out of baseball due to injury, he went back to his roots. Farm Strong is a bootcamp fitness class.
When Daphne goes back to Firefly Island for a ceremony honoring her grandmother, she ends up meeting Harlan. The night before she is set to leave, her boss informs her she is staying so that she can do a segment of 'Dating in the Country". While Daphne seems in a hurry to leave, she ends up staying an additional 3 weeks.
Both of these characters are intriguing and it is a great easy read that reintroduces characters from a former series. The set up for the next book is brief but leaves you wanting to know what will happen next. Can't wait for Zoe's story and how AJ feels about how things play out.
October 5, 2024
This first story in the new series introduces us to Daphne Moore and Harlan MItchell.
After a career ending injury, Harlan is back home struggling to keep the family farm in the black. Once upon a time, he had dreams. Dreams of a family and keeping the farm that had been in his family for many generations. But lately, things are not going great.
Meanwhile Daphne, an entertainment tv producer, has finally decided to take a break from her life in California and heads to the place her grandmother loved. She needs to think of herself and maybe “reboot” her life.
What neither expected was the instant attraction when they meet. But their goals appear to be different. Will they rethink what they thought they wanted and realize that what they might find together is worth the chance
This was a story about family, new beginnings and second chances in life and love.
I have to confess that I am not a fan of insta-love or lust. But as a fan of the author, I did enjoy the story.
I was entrusted a copy of this book. The opinions expressed are solely my own.
After a career ending injury, Harlan is back home struggling to keep the family farm in the black. Once upon a time, he had dreams. Dreams of a family and keeping the farm that had been in his family for many generations. But lately, things are not going great.
Meanwhile Daphne, an entertainment tv producer, has finally decided to take a break from her life in California and heads to the place her grandmother loved. She needs to think of herself and maybe “reboot” her life.
What neither expected was the instant attraction when they meet. But their goals appear to be different. Will they rethink what they thought they wanted and realize that what they might find together is worth the chance
This was a story about family, new beginnings and second chances in life and love.
I have to confess that I am not a fan of insta-love or lust. But as a fan of the author, I did enjoy the story.
I was entrusted a copy of this book. The opinions expressed are solely my own.
November 23, 2024
Loving this town and the characters! This installment focuses on Harlan and Daphne and their journey to love. Daphne has returned to town for an event honoring her grandmother, who basically raised her after the traumatic childhood she had. She isn’t planning on being in town long, opting to stay with her aunt next door to Harlan’s farm. Everything changes when she returns a kitten to the farm and meets Harlan. Returning home after the ending of his sports career, Harlan is working to keep the farm in the family after finding out that they are at risk of losing it due to financials. There’s instant chemistry between these two and while they decide to have some fun while she’s in town and get to know each other, the promise of Daphne leaving constantly looms between them. Throw in the hysterics of Daphne’s job, where we then see Harlan truly fight for his chance to be with her, and we are left with quite a comical HEA that the whole town rooted for. Can’t wait for who’s next with these characters!
I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.
November 21, 2024
Really good read
Harlan an injury early retired pro ball player who lives next door to Daphne's aunt when she comes to visit is an immediate mutual attraction. Daphne is working both in development & the reality dater on a show.in different locations. Her character always goes.out with five different men and pretends they have a second date with each man. Never really connecting with any of them. But Harlan is kind,very caring and a real hunk. He runs Farm Strong, exercise classes on his family farm. He wants a real relationship with Daphne. It all takes place on Fire Island. When Daphne's boss decides to shoot a segment on Fire Island. Ok I don't want to give more of the story out. Buy it enjoy another really good Melanie Shawn story a new series! Yea!
Harlan an injury early retired pro ball player who lives next door to Daphne's aunt when she comes to visit is an immediate mutual attraction. Daphne is working both in development & the reality dater on a show.in different locations. Her character always goes.out with five different men and pretends they have a second date with each man. Never really connecting with any of them. But Harlan is kind,very caring and a real hunk. He runs Farm Strong, exercise classes on his family farm. He wants a real relationship with Daphne. It all takes place on Fire Island. When Daphne's boss decides to shoot a segment on Fire Island. Ok I don't want to give more of the story out. Buy it enjoy another really good Melanie Shawn story a new series! Yea!
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