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Firefly Island: Southern Nights #3
Fireworks & Forehead Kisses
Hopeless romantic and free-spirit Ashley Thompson always knew what she wanted in life…to be a wife. In her youth, she dressed up as a bride eight times for Halloween. Despite donning a white dress and veil costume over a half dozen years, Ashley never cared about having a wedding; she just wanted a husband, a partner, a ride-or-die, her soulmate, and her person. So when her six-year-old niece suggested she go on a reality show looking for singles in her area to walk down the aisle and marry a stranger selected by a matchmaker, she jumped at the chance to enlist professionals in her search for Mr. Right.
After a failed twelve-year relationship and multiple situationships that fizzled out before they ever started, she clearly wasn't getting anywhere the old-fashioned way. Why not try an unconventional route?
But would she feel the same way about a marriage of convenience to a sexy billionaire who checked every box except one…love?
Acting CEO of Wolfe Enterprises, Declan Wolfe, was named GQ’s sexiest billionaire under 40 whether he wanted the title or not...he did not. The mysterious, enigmatic thirty-six-year-old had a reputation for being in control in the bedroom and out of it. Declan’s life was one of structure, discipline, and routine. He lived in a world that was black and white—no gray areas. His childhood was filled with tragedy and loss. First, he lost his mother at age six to cancer and then his father at eight in a car accident. His grandparents placed him in boarding schools where he was bred to take the reins of his family business, which is exactly what he’d done after his grandfather’s passing. His sole purpose in life became responsibility and duty.
After discovering he must be married to retain control of the family business, he knew the one requirement he didn't need for marriage was love. He learned at an early age the harsh lesson that love was a four-letter word used to cover all manner of sin.
But what would he do when the only woman he wanted to marry—even for convenience—believed the only reason to be married was...love?
Author’s Fireworks & Forehead Kisses is an enemies-to-lovers, opposites attract, billionaire, marriage of convenience, mistaken identity, age gap, small-town romance filled with heart, humor, and heat.
After a failed twelve-year relationship and multiple situationships that fizzled out before they ever started, she clearly wasn't getting anywhere the old-fashioned way. Why not try an unconventional route?
But would she feel the same way about a marriage of convenience to a sexy billionaire who checked every box except one…love?
Acting CEO of Wolfe Enterprises, Declan Wolfe, was named GQ’s sexiest billionaire under 40 whether he wanted the title or not...he did not. The mysterious, enigmatic thirty-six-year-old had a reputation for being in control in the bedroom and out of it. Declan’s life was one of structure, discipline, and routine. He lived in a world that was black and white—no gray areas. His childhood was filled with tragedy and loss. First, he lost his mother at age six to cancer and then his father at eight in a car accident. His grandparents placed him in boarding schools where he was bred to take the reins of his family business, which is exactly what he’d done after his grandfather’s passing. His sole purpose in life became responsibility and duty.
After discovering he must be married to retain control of the family business, he knew the one requirement he didn't need for marriage was love. He learned at an early age the harsh lesson that love was a four-letter word used to cover all manner of sin.
But what would he do when the only woman he wanted to marry—even for convenience—believed the only reason to be married was...love?
Author’s Fireworks & Forehead Kisses is an enemies-to-lovers, opposites attract, billionaire, marriage of convenience, mistaken identity, age gap, small-town romance filled with heart, humor, and heat.
398 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 8, 2025
205 people are currently reading
118 people want to read
About the author
Melanie Shawn
134 books1,851 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 48 reviews
January 13, 2025
Ashley’s sister raised her since she was nine years old as their parents passed away in a car wreck where they lived on the west coast. Ashley’s sister moved across the country to Firefly Island in Georgia. Ashley followed her as she wanted to be close to her sister and niece. I did not like Ashley’s boyfriend of 12 years especially after he broke up with her. When Ashley was finishing her art degree, Declan’s grandmother Stella contacted Ashley’s college to see who they would recommend for her as an employee. Ashley interviewed and Stella hired her on the spot. Declan, who was acting CEO of the Wolfe conglomerate was not happy with his gran’s decision. Declan had some emotional problems I can’t begin to pronounce and had to always be in control. Even though Ashley and Declan never met, he forced her to send him updates daily of what his Gran and Ashley were working on. Ashley was not a fan of Declan. You will be surprised how the two finally met that I loved. Their relationship was so much fun to watch. This book was so interesting that had funny scenes, heartbreaking scenes, and heart warming scenes that I loved. I strongly encourage you to read the book.
January 22, 2025
I loved this book!
I honestly could not put it down. I had too, just to get stuff done, but my mind was elsewhere.
I wanted nothing more than to return to Firefly Island and my new favorite couple!
I love that both Declan and Ashley knew from their first meeting that they had met their other half, but neither would admit it!
Even after an arranged marriage and a future plan that almost destroyed everything.
Ashley believes in love and Declan doesnt know what love is. Has she changed him for the better?
You better do yourself a favor and pick this one up!
I honestly could not put it down. I had too, just to get stuff done, but my mind was elsewhere.
I wanted nothing more than to return to Firefly Island and my new favorite couple!
I love that both Declan and Ashley knew from their first meeting that they had met their other half, but neither would admit it!
Even after an arranged marriage and a future plan that almost destroyed everything.
Ashley believes in love and Declan doesnt know what love is. Has she changed him for the better?
You better do yourself a favor and pick this one up!
January 18, 2025
I loved Declan and Ashley in Fireworks & Forehead Kisses by Melanie Shawn, book three in the Firefly Island: Southern Nights series; is a heartwarming, opposites attract, enemies to lovers, marriage of convenience love story.
Ashley was raised by her older sister, Skye, and once her sister moved across the country to Firefly Island, she followed. As Ashley was finishing her art degree she was recommended and hired for a job with Stella Wolfe, grandmother to Declan Wolfe. Ashley interviewed and Stella hired her on the spot. Declan was the acting CEO of the Wolfe conglomerate since the recent death of his grandfather. Ashley and Declan had never met despite the daily updates of what she and his Gran were working on; many were sarcastic. In Atlanta for an interview that didn’t happen, Ashley meets the most handsome man she’s ever seen. Believing her “Carrie” has met her “Mr. Big” she decides to go out of her comfort zone and have a single night to remember; though each gives a fake name. Little does she know, Mr. Big is actually Declan Wolfe.
Declan walks into his Gran’s house and sees Ashley which totally surprises him. It wasn’t possible that his “Carrie,” the one he could not forget was actually the young, sarcastic Ashley who worked with his Gran. When his grandfather’s will is found his world crashes. A marriage of convenience could be the answer to his predicament with the will. He only wants to marry one person, a red haired fairy that rocked his world, Ashley. This will be perfect with both of them getting what they want after ten weeks of marriage; or so Declan believes. When feelings develop, mixed with off the charts sizzling chemistry and fireworks, the rules are the least of their problems.
What a wonderful, heartwarming story that is heart breaking at the same time. It was so much fun catching up with characters from previous stories, including the Comfort brothers.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.
Ashley was raised by her older sister, Skye, and once her sister moved across the country to Firefly Island, she followed. As Ashley was finishing her art degree she was recommended and hired for a job with Stella Wolfe, grandmother to Declan Wolfe. Ashley interviewed and Stella hired her on the spot. Declan was the acting CEO of the Wolfe conglomerate since the recent death of his grandfather. Ashley and Declan had never met despite the daily updates of what she and his Gran were working on; many were sarcastic. In Atlanta for an interview that didn’t happen, Ashley meets the most handsome man she’s ever seen. Believing her “Carrie” has met her “Mr. Big” she decides to go out of her comfort zone and have a single night to remember; though each gives a fake name. Little does she know, Mr. Big is actually Declan Wolfe.
Declan walks into his Gran’s house and sees Ashley which totally surprises him. It wasn’t possible that his “Carrie,” the one he could not forget was actually the young, sarcastic Ashley who worked with his Gran. When his grandfather’s will is found his world crashes. A marriage of convenience could be the answer to his predicament with the will. He only wants to marry one person, a red haired fairy that rocked his world, Ashley. This will be perfect with both of them getting what they want after ten weeks of marriage; or so Declan believes. When feelings develop, mixed with off the charts sizzling chemistry and fireworks, the rules are the least of their problems.
What a wonderful, heartwarming story that is heart breaking at the same time. It was so much fun catching up with characters from previous stories, including the Comfort brothers.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 23, 2025
This was another great read from Melanie Shawn. The characters were so good and relatable. The story line was fantastic. This is a must read.
Declan is a very dedicated, very hard-working man who is about to inherit his grandparent’s company after his grandfather’s death. There is 1 stipulation, he must be married before Christmas Day, otherwise the company goes to his married alcoholic, drug addict, selfish brother who doesn’t even want the company. His grandfather was old school in his way of life so, even though his grandmother is still alive and well, there is nothing she can do about the stipulation. Declan was in a long relationship but just recently broke up with her so now he needs to find a woman he can marry that he also likes and can see making a commitment with.
Ashley is a sweet, caring, loving woman. She is super close to her sister who raised her after their parents passed away. Ashley is looking for a man she can love that loves her just as much and wants to spend the rest of his life with her. Unfortunately, she has no one she is considering for the position. That is until she has her first and only one night stand. After that night Ashley can’t think of anything else.
What happens when Ashley and Declan learn who the other is? Will each of them get their happily ever after or will they lose everything?
Declan is a very dedicated, very hard-working man who is about to inherit his grandparent’s company after his grandfather’s death. There is 1 stipulation, he must be married before Christmas Day, otherwise the company goes to his married alcoholic, drug addict, selfish brother who doesn’t even want the company. His grandfather was old school in his way of life so, even though his grandmother is still alive and well, there is nothing she can do about the stipulation. Declan was in a long relationship but just recently broke up with her so now he needs to find a woman he can marry that he also likes and can see making a commitment with.
Ashley is a sweet, caring, loving woman. She is super close to her sister who raised her after their parents passed away. Ashley is looking for a man she can love that loves her just as much and wants to spend the rest of his life with her. Unfortunately, she has no one she is considering for the position. That is until she has her first and only one night stand. After that night Ashley can’t think of anything else.
What happens when Ashley and Declan learn who the other is? Will each of them get their happily ever after or will they lose everything?
January 22, 2025
What a sweet and lovely read. I enjoyed the twist that it was the male character that did the chasing, and was trying really hard for the whole relationship to be real as he had insta love from the moment he saw her.
Ashley and Declan are great together, even if they are enemies to lovers. They meet and have an amazing one night stand without know who each other really is. Meanwhile IRL they do know each other and Declan is constantly on Ashley’s case about her work and progress with working with his grandmother to develop a new clothing range for his company, all whilst never having knowingly met.
Watching them together was sweet and their love for each other was obvious ( although maybe not to Ashley initially!). Declan ensures that he shows up for her and supports her, no strings attached, helping to restore her faith in Menkind and open her heart to him.
A great addition to the series, and a nice set up for the next one.
Ashley and Declan are great together, even if they are enemies to lovers. They meet and have an amazing one night stand without know who each other really is. Meanwhile IRL they do know each other and Declan is constantly on Ashley’s case about her work and progress with working with his grandmother to develop a new clothing range for his company, all whilst never having knowingly met.
Watching them together was sweet and their love for each other was obvious ( although maybe not to Ashley initially!). Declan ensures that he shows up for her and supports her, no strings attached, helping to restore her faith in Menkind and open her heart to him.
A great addition to the series, and a nice set up for the next one.
January 15, 2025
I love this book. I already have plans to reread it in the very near future. It checked every box for me. Ashley and Declan were on FIRE! There was so much chemistry between these two that I could feel it coming off the pages! Their story will just grab your attention and you honestly will not be able to stop reading. As you keep reading their story it just gets better and better. This is a book you will not be able to forget. One that will keep you coming back to for a reread. I highly recommend you grab this book today because you do not want to miss out on Ashley and Declan's incredible journey. I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
January 18, 2025
Loved this story! I mean who doesn’t love fireworks and forehead kisses. Declan is the CEO of the family’s company and Ashley is going to be working for his grandma. Ashley is t really qualified for her position so Declan wants to micromanage her. She is sassy while he is grumpy. She wants to be a wife and he doesn’t believe in love. But when they meet for the first time, there are fireworks and a proposal. The marriage has an expiration date but will it end on that date?
January 12, 2025
forehead kisses!!!
Omg I loved this book. This is an opposites attract enemy’s to lover’s marriage of connivence. Declan and Ashley are fire. Their chemistry’s is combustible. Loved this book.
Omg I loved this book. This is an opposites attract enemy’s to lover’s marriage of connivence. Declan and Ashley are fire. Their chemistry’s is combustible. Loved this book.
January 12, 2025
My favorite so far
This one is my favorite of the series so far. Loved the growth of our couple. OCPD is a daunting illness. Loved how Melanie Shawn handles our hero in this story. Our heroine is a warm, compassionate person compared to other women our hero dealt with. Lu Lu aka Luna is still adorable.
This one is my favorite of the series so far. Loved the growth of our couple. OCPD is a daunting illness. Loved how Melanie Shawn handles our hero in this story. Our heroine is a warm, compassionate person compared to other women our hero dealt with. Lu Lu aka Luna is still adorable.
January 11, 2025
Only a kindhearted redhead could bring light into Declan’s life. Great characters with lots of good feels. ❤️❤️
January 10, 2025
can you say hot hOT HOT?
I might be pregnant from reading this! Lol. So fiery, so hot, so sexy and all the goodness in between! Loved it and couldn’t put it down
I might be pregnant from reading this! Lol. So fiery, so hot, so sexy and all the goodness in between! Loved it and couldn’t put it down
January 18, 2025
I absolutely loved this book! It was refreshing and brought out all the feels. Declan and Ashley had a very unique relationship that was something like a fairytale.
January 13, 2025
Wow, wow, wow! I wasn’t expecting that! Ashley and Declan were amazing! Even though they were apart more than together through the book, they still had great chemistry. Every time I thought I knew how it would play out, I was wrong and pleasantly surprised. Couldn’t put it down.
January 14, 2025
This is the third book in Shawn’s Firefly Island Southern Nights series, a spinoff of her Southern Comfort series. And for the first time in this series the Comfort brothers (and sister) and their now spouses all make an appearance in this series. Which I realize may be something that only excites me. Anyway, as the blurb says this is an opposites attract/enemies to lovers trope.
Ashley Thompson who first appeared in the Southern Comfort series as the much younger sister of Skylar Thompson who fell in love and married Hank Comfort, is the female protagonist for this book. Ashley has appeared in the first two books in this series as part of a close knit group of young women whom this series in built around. It was a little hard for me to fully embrace Ashley’s (who is only 24 years old) lifelong obsession with being married and having a family. There’s nothing wrong with wanting those things, but I found it a bit ridiculous to be so desperate for them in her early twenties. She’s hardly in danger of becoming an old maid yet. But again, that’s just me. Ashley has recently graduated from two different colleges with a degree in art from one and psychology from the other. Not exactly the kind of degrees that guarantee a quick return on investment, but definitely guaranteed to leave a person with a lot of student loan debt. Like many recent college grads Ashley is struggling financially, working a bunch of low paying service industry jobs. Her dream is to open an art program to use art to help kids deal with life. Suddenly thanks to her hard work in college a former dean recommends her to wealthy recently widowed 92-year-old but amazingly sharp Stella Wolfe to help her launch a new environmentally friendly athletic leisurewear line of clothing. Ashley knows she doesn’t have the qualifications to be C.O.O. of a clothing manufacturer. She doesn’t even have any experience in designing clothes. But Stella has confidence that between the two of them they can pull it off. And considering the compensation package Stella is offering Ashley, she can’t afford to turn it down.
Enter Stella’s grandson Declan Wolfe the uptight with lots of psychological issues like OCDP, acting (since Stella’s husband’s death) C.E.O. of the Wolfe empire. Declan loves his grandmother and empathizes with her desire to exercise her new found freedom since her misogynistic late husband (his iron fisted grandfather) has passed. So rather than directly challenge her hiring of Ashley he decides to micromanage her. Why Ashley didn’t just simply tell him to “Fuck Off because you didn’t hire me your grandmother did and I answer to her and not you” I don’t know? But its important to our story that she didn’t. So without ever actually meeting, for around six month’s Ashley regularly and passive-aggressively reports to and takes work direction from Declan whom she makes no secret to him of how much she resents his micro-managing. Which is again odd considering she’s well aware she and Stella are in way over their heads in conducting the business part of this project.
The day after Declan comes home to discover Serena his seven-year super model fiancée in their bed with another man, Ashley discovers that Garrett (the guy she had been with since middle-school and thought would be her lobster until he dumped her two years ago because he told her he wasn’t ready for marriage and wasn’t even sure he wanted children) is now engaged to Jenny her childhood BFF and she is pregnant with his child (and that they had been seeing each other for at least a year before he broke up with her) is getting drunk at the Atlanta bar Wolfe owns. A brokenhearted and tipsy Ashley and upset Declan meet in the hotel’s bar. They share an immediate physical attraction which leads to them doing something neither has ever done before, a one-night stand, after they both give the other fake names. Because I guess that’s S.O.P. when you hook up with a stranger. After a night of the best sex either has ever experienced (Declan needs to be in control in and out of the bedroom and Ashley likes being controlled in it) they go their separate ways having no idea who the other really is to them. But of course neither can really forget about the other either. Declan conveniently to the story embarks on a six month tour of all of his European and Asian businesses so there’s no chance they will meet in person again. But they do keep up their regular business correspondence with Declan micromanaging and Ashley sending borderline insubordinate responses to his demands.
When Declan returns to the States the inevitable happens. He’s made up his mind that he’s going to demote Ashley to a position her artistic talents lend themselves to and she’s determined that she’s going to hand in her resignation and pursue her true passions now that the clothing line is ready to launch. But just before they meet Declan discovers that his grandfather has a provision in his will that the companies and all of the properties will go to which ever brother is married. Declan is fist in line unless he’s not married. Derek his younger brother because he is married, despite the fact Declan had been groomed almost since his birth to lead the businesses while his younger self-entitled brother was allowed to live a life of leisure and substance abuse will inherit the companies. After finally meeting Declan, realizing who he is and the product line launches, Ashley hands Declan her letter of resignation. In response rather than accept her resigniation he shocks himself by proposing to her. Ashley isn’t unsympathetic to Declan’s plight. She doesn’t’ want to see his and Stella’s company fall into the hands of his irresponsible brother. So she agrees to a ten week marriage until he gets control of the company and in return he agrees to pay off her student loans and credit card debt and even offers to fund her art program.
The story then morphs into the familiar trope where the male protagonist offers the female protagonist everything she could possibly want except the love he’s convinced he’s incapable of giving. And he being a clueless member of the male species continues to be clueless as to why mutual respect, great sex and anything money can buy isn’t enough to make the woman want to marry (or in this case) stay married to him? He’s also clueless to the fact that he’s already in love with Ashley. Ashley soon recognizes she’s in love with Declan but just can’t bring herself to stay married to a man whom has told her he can never love her the way she needs to be loved. If you’ve ever read a contemporary romance, I don’t have to tell you how it all turns out. **Spoiler Alert**, Leaving Nadia as the last unmarried friend among their group.
As per usual with his author I found this to be a highly entertaining story filled with warm family and friend feels, some sexy times and plenty of angst before we get to the sweet H.E.A.
Ashley Thompson who first appeared in the Southern Comfort series as the much younger sister of Skylar Thompson who fell in love and married Hank Comfort, is the female protagonist for this book. Ashley has appeared in the first two books in this series as part of a close knit group of young women whom this series in built around. It was a little hard for me to fully embrace Ashley’s (who is only 24 years old) lifelong obsession with being married and having a family. There’s nothing wrong with wanting those things, but I found it a bit ridiculous to be so desperate for them in her early twenties. She’s hardly in danger of becoming an old maid yet. But again, that’s just me. Ashley has recently graduated from two different colleges with a degree in art from one and psychology from the other. Not exactly the kind of degrees that guarantee a quick return on investment, but definitely guaranteed to leave a person with a lot of student loan debt. Like many recent college grads Ashley is struggling financially, working a bunch of low paying service industry jobs. Her dream is to open an art program to use art to help kids deal with life. Suddenly thanks to her hard work in college a former dean recommends her to wealthy recently widowed 92-year-old but amazingly sharp Stella Wolfe to help her launch a new environmentally friendly athletic leisurewear line of clothing. Ashley knows she doesn’t have the qualifications to be C.O.O. of a clothing manufacturer. She doesn’t even have any experience in designing clothes. But Stella has confidence that between the two of them they can pull it off. And considering the compensation package Stella is offering Ashley, she can’t afford to turn it down.
Enter Stella’s grandson Declan Wolfe the uptight with lots of psychological issues like OCDP, acting (since Stella’s husband’s death) C.E.O. of the Wolfe empire. Declan loves his grandmother and empathizes with her desire to exercise her new found freedom since her misogynistic late husband (his iron fisted grandfather) has passed. So rather than directly challenge her hiring of Ashley he decides to micromanage her. Why Ashley didn’t just simply tell him to “Fuck Off because you didn’t hire me your grandmother did and I answer to her and not you” I don’t know? But its important to our story that she didn’t. So without ever actually meeting, for around six month’s Ashley regularly and passive-aggressively reports to and takes work direction from Declan whom she makes no secret to him of how much she resents his micro-managing. Which is again odd considering she’s well aware she and Stella are in way over their heads in conducting the business part of this project.
The day after Declan comes home to discover Serena his seven-year super model fiancée in their bed with another man, Ashley discovers that Garrett (the guy she had been with since middle-school and thought would be her lobster until he dumped her two years ago because he told her he wasn’t ready for marriage and wasn’t even sure he wanted children) is now engaged to Jenny her childhood BFF and she is pregnant with his child (and that they had been seeing each other for at least a year before he broke up with her) is getting drunk at the Atlanta bar Wolfe owns. A brokenhearted and tipsy Ashley and upset Declan meet in the hotel’s bar. They share an immediate physical attraction which leads to them doing something neither has ever done before, a one-night stand, after they both give the other fake names. Because I guess that’s S.O.P. when you hook up with a stranger. After a night of the best sex either has ever experienced (Declan needs to be in control in and out of the bedroom and Ashley likes being controlled in it) they go their separate ways having no idea who the other really is to them. But of course neither can really forget about the other either. Declan conveniently to the story embarks on a six month tour of all of his European and Asian businesses so there’s no chance they will meet in person again. But they do keep up their regular business correspondence with Declan micromanaging and Ashley sending borderline insubordinate responses to his demands.
When Declan returns to the States the inevitable happens. He’s made up his mind that he’s going to demote Ashley to a position her artistic talents lend themselves to and she’s determined that she’s going to hand in her resignation and pursue her true passions now that the clothing line is ready to launch. But just before they meet Declan discovers that his grandfather has a provision in his will that the companies and all of the properties will go to which ever brother is married. Declan is fist in line unless he’s not married. Derek his younger brother because he is married, despite the fact Declan had been groomed almost since his birth to lead the businesses while his younger self-entitled brother was allowed to live a life of leisure and substance abuse will inherit the companies. After finally meeting Declan, realizing who he is and the product line launches, Ashley hands Declan her letter of resignation. In response rather than accept her resigniation he shocks himself by proposing to her. Ashley isn’t unsympathetic to Declan’s plight. She doesn’t’ want to see his and Stella’s company fall into the hands of his irresponsible brother. So she agrees to a ten week marriage until he gets control of the company and in return he agrees to pay off her student loans and credit card debt and even offers to fund her art program.
The story then morphs into the familiar trope where the male protagonist offers the female protagonist everything she could possibly want except the love he’s convinced he’s incapable of giving. And he being a clueless member of the male species continues to be clueless as to why mutual respect, great sex and anything money can buy isn’t enough to make the woman want to marry (or in this case) stay married to him? He’s also clueless to the fact that he’s already in love with Ashley. Ashley soon recognizes she’s in love with Declan but just can’t bring herself to stay married to a man whom has told her he can never love her the way she needs to be loved. If you’ve ever read a contemporary romance, I don’t have to tell you how it all turns out. **Spoiler Alert**, Leaving Nadia as the last unmarried friend among their group.
As per usual with his author I found this to be a highly entertaining story filled with warm family and friend feels, some sexy times and plenty of angst before we get to the sweet H.E.A.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 21, 2025
First of all, can I just say that I’m in love with the cover of this book. Of course, we have our great hero and heroine of this story plus our family and friends who are along for the ride. I really like Declan, he seems nice but does have some underlying issues, but who doesn’t? For all the money the Wolfe family has, they unfortunately have some major dysfunction within the family. Really like Ashley and Stella seems pretty cool. I enjoyed this story and how she works for Declan’s grandmother but these two have never met in person, fast forward to Ashley being in Atlanta and Stella being Stella gets her a room at one of their hotels and she ends up meeting Declan, who she calls Big and she of course gives the name Carrie (totally loved that) and they spend the night together. Who knew that he would show up at the house on Firefly Island and she would be working with grandmother that day and everything would be out in the open. Of course, he has found out that in order to keep the company he must be married, and he just throws it out to Ashley to marry him. I can definitely see why she was on the fence, but he offered her not just money and paying off her debts but providing for a future she never thought she’d have. I have to say I didn’t like Serena (his ex) but when his grandmother had pulled out a class assignment Declan had done when he was younger and every trait, he listed described Ashley, who knew that way back then he ‘manifested’ his future spouse. I really enjoyed this book and especially how a convenient arrangement turned more and gave both of them, especially Declan, exactly what he needed and wanted. Sure, these two had some ups and downs but I love how they are in a good place when this book ends and I’m definitely wanting more of these two and I cannot want for the next book. I’m curious however, this author referenced a business meeting with the Alfaro brothers that had fallen through, wondering if this was just for story purposes for maybe a future book/series….? Wonderful book!
January 13, 2025
I first read one of this author’s books in 2016 and instantly fell in love with her stories and became a huge fan. This latest addition to the Firefly Island series is not only one of the best in the series, but one of the best of all the stories read and belongs to Ashley Thompson and billionaire Declan Wolfe.
Twenty-four year old Ashley has always dreamed of being a bride and of marrying for love. Neither has happened, especially after her twelve years with the boyfriend ended up in a break up.
Her sweet six year old niece encourages to tryout for the matchmaker reality show. Maybe with someone’s help she’ll find THE ONE.
That all changes when she meets “Mr. Big” to her “Carrie” and ends up doing something she had never done in her entire life. A night she is sure will be only a memory in her future.
Totally different from Ashley who wears her heart on her sleeves and wants a marriage filled with love, is Declan. He is a very structured man, who does not believe in love. His tragic past and strict education has made him the man he is today.
A will changes it all. A marriage of convenience seems to be the answer to his dilemma. It should be straight forward and one in which both get what they want and after 10 weeks each goes their own way. At least that’s what Declan believes. But feelings develop in one of them. The one not willing to compromise if there is no love while the other one seems not to know what love is.
This story reminds us that life is not black and white, but variations of gray. It reminds us that loving someone does not mean the end of oneself but rather a wonderful union of two souls.
Though at times heartbreaking , it’s also heartwarming and filled with hope and new beginnings in life and love.
Another story that will definitely stay a long time in this reader’s mind.
I was entrusted a copy of this book. The opinions expressed are solely my own.
Twenty-four year old Ashley has always dreamed of being a bride and of marrying for love. Neither has happened, especially after her twelve years with the boyfriend ended up in a break up.
Her sweet six year old niece encourages to tryout for the matchmaker reality show. Maybe with someone’s help she’ll find THE ONE.
That all changes when she meets “Mr. Big” to her “Carrie” and ends up doing something she had never done in her entire life. A night she is sure will be only a memory in her future.
Totally different from Ashley who wears her heart on her sleeves and wants a marriage filled with love, is Declan. He is a very structured man, who does not believe in love. His tragic past and strict education has made him the man he is today.
A will changes it all. A marriage of convenience seems to be the answer to his dilemma. It should be straight forward and one in which both get what they want and after 10 weeks each goes their own way. At least that’s what Declan believes. But feelings develop in one of them. The one not willing to compromise if there is no love while the other one seems not to know what love is.
This story reminds us that life is not black and white, but variations of gray. It reminds us that loving someone does not mean the end of oneself but rather a wonderful union of two souls.
Though at times heartbreaking , it’s also heartwarming and filled with hope and new beginnings in life and love.
Another story that will definitely stay a long time in this reader’s mind.
I was entrusted a copy of this book. The opinions expressed are solely my own.
January 13, 2025
Fireworks & Forehead Kisses, book three in the Firefly Island: Southern Nights series was full of both fireworks and forehead kisses!
Ashley Thompson has followed her sister and niece to Firefly Island, having recently gotten out of a 12-year relationship and after having a series of situationships, Ashley is trying to figure out the best way forward. She recently graduated and before she gets serious about a job, she thinks she might try her hand at reality television and go on a matchmaking show. Ashley also has an opportunity to work with a woman named Stella, who wants to hire her after speaking to her college professor.
Declan Wolfe is doing his best to settle into his new role as CEO of Wolfe Enterprises following the passing of his grandfather. Declan is one that likes rules, structure and routine. When he learns his grandmother, Stella, has hired a woman to work with her, he is none too happy and even though he hasn't met Ashley, he isn't about to make any of this easy. Even though he and Ashley have never met, he makes sure she checks in with him daily via email to ensure things are going the way he wants them to.
What will happen when Declan and Ashley finally do meet? Will these two be able to handle all that is about to come at them?
This was a book I did not want to put down. I enjoyed both Declan and Ashley and I give the author kudos for how Declan's illness was handled. There was so much chemistry between Declan and Ashley and I also loved the role that Stella played in all of this! I am always ready for whatever Melanie Shawn has to offer us next!
**I voluntarily read an early copy of this title in exchange for an honest review**
Ashley Thompson has followed her sister and niece to Firefly Island, having recently gotten out of a 12-year relationship and after having a series of situationships, Ashley is trying to figure out the best way forward. She recently graduated and before she gets serious about a job, she thinks she might try her hand at reality television and go on a matchmaking show. Ashley also has an opportunity to work with a woman named Stella, who wants to hire her after speaking to her college professor.
Declan Wolfe is doing his best to settle into his new role as CEO of Wolfe Enterprises following the passing of his grandfather. Declan is one that likes rules, structure and routine. When he learns his grandmother, Stella, has hired a woman to work with her, he is none too happy and even though he hasn't met Ashley, he isn't about to make any of this easy. Even though he and Ashley have never met, he makes sure she checks in with him daily via email to ensure things are going the way he wants them to.
What will happen when Declan and Ashley finally do meet? Will these two be able to handle all that is about to come at them?
This was a book I did not want to put down. I enjoyed both Declan and Ashley and I give the author kudos for how Declan's illness was handled. There was so much chemistry between Declan and Ashley and I also loved the role that Stella played in all of this! I am always ready for whatever Melanie Shawn has to offer us next!
**I voluntarily read an early copy of this title in exchange for an honest review**
January 22, 2025
Fireworks & Forehead Kisses was the third installment in the Firefly Island: Southern Nights Series. Ashley Thompson followed her sister and niece to Firefly Island. After breaking up with her boyfriend of 12 years, her dreams of being a wife appear to be a distant dream. She has the opportunity to apply for a reality TV show where she would be matched and married while at the same time she is unexpectedly offered the COO role at Wolfe Clothing working with Stella Wolfe, a 92 year old grandmother. After running out of her interview for the TV show, she meets a sexy man in the hotel bar and spends an amazing night with him before leaving the next morning. Over the next six months she works on a sustainable athleisure clothing line with Stella, reporting daily to Stella’s uptight grandson who is interim-CEO of Wolfe Enterprises. Declan and Ashley are both shocked at the launch of the clothing line to realize they had met six months ago in a bar… Around this same time Declan realizes he needs to be married in order to gain official control of the Company and he believes that Ashley would fit that bill. Their chemistry is off the charts. Ashley wants a husband to love her and while she is willing to do a short term marriage she needs love for the long term and Declan doesn’t believe in love. It was fun watching Declan fall… Great book.
January 12, 2025
Ashley has always wanted to be a wife. In fact, her ex-boyfriend broke up with her after 12 years because he didn't want to get married and have kids while Ashley just wanted to have a partner who put her first in life.
Declan was groomed to take over his Grandfather's company. He had a plan for his life and love was not going to be a part of it. He didn't believe that fairy tale love actually existed.
Both of these characters had their issues. They were both hanging onto ideals that they thought they knew for years where love either doesn't exist or the words matter more than the actions. Actions in this story spoke louder than the words and made it difficult to cheer them on at times because of how blinded they were in their past experiences.
I felt that this book had a very slow start as well where the main characters didn't even meet until a quarter of the way through the book. While I get that backstory is important, we have been teased with this story in the previous ones in the series so going back was a bit tedious.
I did like the teaser for Nadia's book because there wasn't much there but enough for it to peak my interest.
Declan was groomed to take over his Grandfather's company. He had a plan for his life and love was not going to be a part of it. He didn't believe that fairy tale love actually existed.
Both of these characters had their issues. They were both hanging onto ideals that they thought they knew for years where love either doesn't exist or the words matter more than the actions. Actions in this story spoke louder than the words and made it difficult to cheer them on at times because of how blinded they were in their past experiences.
I felt that this book had a very slow start as well where the main characters didn't even meet until a quarter of the way through the book. While I get that backstory is important, we have been teased with this story in the previous ones in the series so going back was a bit tedious.
I did like the teaser for Nadia's book because there wasn't much there but enough for it to peak my interest.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 30, 2025
Ashley & Declan
This was an engaging, if steamy, enemies to lovers, age-gap, marriage of convenience romance. Declan is certainly a flawed character with some mental health issues he has learned to successfully navigate. Meeting Ashley is totally outside his experience. Ashley has entirely different issues. Much more practical, financial concerns, like student loans and credit card debt.
Two personalities could not be more opposite. But every time Declan is near Ashley, his stress levels drop. I loved that the assets Ashley brings into Declan's life are intangible necessities for him. It was a great means to redress the balance of personalities in their relationship. I also loved that Ashley's extended family would treat the billionaire CEO like just a regular guy, no pretenses allowed or accepted.
I purchased a copy of this story from Amazon to earn a Kindle badge and voluntarily chose to share my review.
This was an engaging, if steamy, enemies to lovers, age-gap, marriage of convenience romance. Declan is certainly a flawed character with some mental health issues he has learned to successfully navigate. Meeting Ashley is totally outside his experience. Ashley has entirely different issues. Much more practical, financial concerns, like student loans and credit card debt.
Two personalities could not be more opposite. But every time Declan is near Ashley, his stress levels drop. I loved that the assets Ashley brings into Declan's life are intangible necessities for him. It was a great means to redress the balance of personalities in their relationship. I also loved that Ashley's extended family would treat the billionaire CEO like just a regular guy, no pretenses allowed or accepted.
I purchased a copy of this story from Amazon to earn a Kindle badge and voluntarily chose to share my review.
January 12, 2025
I absolutely fell in love with this book!! This book had all my favourite troupes...#opposites attract and # marriage of convenience!! I can not get enough of this couple!! You will fall in love with Declan and Ashley!! Declan meets Ashley in a bar but both use fake names!! Ashley gets a job with Declan's grandmother but Declan has to email her for the job but does not know they are the same person!! I so enjoyed the push and pull between this couple before they realized who they really were!! Really emotionally charged book with plenty of sparks and dare I say this couple create fireworks!! Hands down one of my favourite books and can not recommend this book enough!! Grab this book and follow there journey and revisit the Comfort boys and their wife's!! This is a warm blanket book that I could not put down!!
January 15, 2025
I absolutely loved this book. This is one of my favorite books and will definitely be on my books to reread list.
When Ashley and Declan meet in a bar, they use fake names. So when they are missing each other, they don’t realize that they are actually communicating through email with each other on a daily basis. And when they finally meet, Declan ends up proposing to Ashley. Though they enter a marriage of convenience, the feelings are true, the attraction is sizzling, and hopefully the marriage will also turn real.
This book was awesome. It is an opposites attract, enemies to lovers read. The chemistry between Ashley and Declan is off the charts hot. I have always loved reading Melanie Shawn books, but with this one I had an extra hard time putting down.
Can’t recommend this book enough.
When Ashley and Declan meet in a bar, they use fake names. So when they are missing each other, they don’t realize that they are actually communicating through email with each other on a daily basis. And when they finally meet, Declan ends up proposing to Ashley. Though they enter a marriage of convenience, the feelings are true, the attraction is sizzling, and hopefully the marriage will also turn real.
This book was awesome. It is an opposites attract, enemies to lovers read. The chemistry between Ashley and Declan is off the charts hot. I have always loved reading Melanie Shawn books, but with this one I had an extra hard time putting down.
Can’t recommend this book enough.
February 1, 2025
Fireworks & Forehead Kisses is the third novel in the Firefly Island: Southern Nights series by Melanie Shawn, and I have to say, this one might be my absolute favorite Melanie Shawn book ever!
The title is perfect, the characters were everything - from Ashley to Declan to Gran and her staff, to of course the Comfort siblings and their spouses! This was a book that I could have devoured in 24 hours (if my family would let me - haha), but I'm glad life got in the way and took longer because it felt like it lasted forever!
The steamy scenes were hot, hot, hot! And the sweet scenes just made you swoon! Both many characters were hard-headed but at the same time let their emotions drive sometimes (much to their dismay).
Thank you for this novel! I absolutely loved it and cannot wait for more from Firefly Island!
The title is perfect, the characters were everything - from Ashley to Declan to Gran and her staff, to of course the Comfort siblings and their spouses! This was a book that I could have devoured in 24 hours (if my family would let me - haha), but I'm glad life got in the way and took longer because it felt like it lasted forever!
The steamy scenes were hot, hot, hot! And the sweet scenes just made you swoon! Both many characters were hard-headed but at the same time let their emotions drive sometimes (much to their dismay).
Thank you for this novel! I absolutely loved it and cannot wait for more from Firefly Island!
June 13, 2025
Ashley seems to have bad luck in relationships. She ignores her ex's calls and texts and finds out that he had lied to her for years. It's funny when Ashley meets Declan and they give fake names. They don't meet again until six months later and realize that what they shared was special. Declan finds out he has to be married to take over as CEO of his grandfather's business. Declan proposes they get married for ten weeks, but don't tell his family that it's not real. Ashley starts to develop feelings for Declan, but doesn't think he returns them. Declan's grandma gives his a push in the right direction. These two were good for each other and it was a sweet story about them. Really enjoyed this book and this series!!
January 1, 2026
As someone who has loved the previous books in this series, I went into this installment with excitement, and it delivered and did not disappoint! The story builds smoothly on what came before, with characters who feel more developed and a world that continues to grow in interesting ways. The pacing is strong, balancing character moments with plot progression, and it kept me engaged throughout. Overall, this was a satisfying continuation of this series and a rewarding read for longtime fans. I’m definitely looking forward to the next book!
I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.
January 19, 2025
Stunningly beautiful. Those are the first words that come to mind after reading this story. It is moving, romantic, sad and joyful all at the same time. This story is part of a series but can be read as a standalone. I enjoyed some of the overlapping to other stories (again not a problem if you have not read them). Ashley and Declan are perfect for each other. It takes them a while to understand that but the pay off is worth it. " Sometimes when you think everything is going wrong everything can actually be working for your good" .
February 3, 2025
Ashley & Declan
Another facet of Firefly Island is reviled in the most recent addition. A little known mansion, a Notebook replica, is being lived in full time. The family history is both fascinating and tragic. Ashley is kindhearted, loves animals, creative, and puts her family first always. Declan runs his life on a tight schedule through obligation and without emotions. They could not be more different. When they meet without knowing each other’s names, the chemistry is off the charts, sparks flying across the room. Their story is unique and heartwarming.
Another facet of Firefly Island is reviled in the most recent addition. A little known mansion, a Notebook replica, is being lived in full time. The family history is both fascinating and tragic. Ashley is kindhearted, loves animals, creative, and puts her family first always. Declan runs his life on a tight schedule through obligation and without emotions. They could not be more different. When they meet without knowing each other’s names, the chemistry is off the charts, sparks flying across the room. Their story is unique and heartwarming.
January 13, 2025
Man I love a trip to firefly and this one didn’t disappoint. Ashley is in need of a job and a lovelife and she wants true lovers that too much to ask. Declan is the boss of a billionaire dollar company, needs to be in control and doesn’t believe in love. These two are polar opposite but opposite attract right? Holy chemistry. When Declan needs to get married to keep the company,it seems only logical that he ask Ashley. These two are amazing. I loved the trip back to firefly.
January 20, 2025
One of my favorite authors - and this new one does not disappoint!! Ashley and Declan's meeting is unexpected for both of them and months later they are still thinking about the one night they had together when they meet again, not realizing they have actually been in touch weekly though neither of them realized!! And what happens next when they meet again for the second time is a perfect small town, romantic love story that has sweet forehead kisses and lots of fireworks!!
February 3, 2025
Ashley and Declan's journey to happily ever after was an enjoyable read. I really enjoyed how their relationship developed and how the two of them realized that they had something great before it was too late. I also fell in love with so many side characters and hope that each of the side characters will also find their own happily ever after.
I'm looking forward to the next book in this series.
I'm looking forward to the next book in this series.
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