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Love Bug #2
Dragonfly Awakening
When Paul Harris laid eyes on Ellie Caldwell the first day of high school, his heart stopped and never beat the same again. However, his best friend Lance spoke first and ended up with the girl. Paul watched them from the sidelines as he fell harder and harder, caught beneath rules of friendship and bro codes. Ellie secretly desired Paul, but he never made a move.
Ten years later, Ellie is living in New York City, worlds away from her ex and the man her heart always craved. A New Years’ resolution sends her back to the country, bringing Ellie face to face with her past.
A forbidden love unfolds between a small town cowboy and a big city fashion designer. When time and distance are no longer excuses, secrets and broken promises come in between Paul and Ellie. All because of the one thing that has always stood in their way … Lance Walton.
Ten years later, Ellie is living in New York City, worlds away from her ex and the man her heart always craved. A New Years’ resolution sends her back to the country, bringing Ellie face to face with her past.
A forbidden love unfolds between a small town cowboy and a big city fashion designer. When time and distance are no longer excuses, secrets and broken promises come in between Paul and Ellie. All because of the one thing that has always stood in their way … Lance Walton.
Paperback
First published September 30, 2014
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About the author
Jaycee Ford
10 books166 followersInternational Bestselling author Jaycee Ford grew up chasing street cars around the city of New Orleans. After doing a four year stint at Louisiana State University, she earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in History and fled for the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains. New Orleans beckoned her home again where she put her love of the foothills into a series of romance novels. In between writing, she’s found behind her desk at a top rated law firm … or still chasing street cars.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 56 reviews
November 21, 2014
My thought process when the opportunity arose to review Dragonfly Awakening by Jaycee Ford was as follows:
It’s about a cowboy.
I love cowboys.
Scratch that, I f*cking love cowboys.
I’m so in.
And I didn’t regret it for one single second.
Paul Harris loved Ellie Caldwell from the moment he saw her. Despite that, he sat back and watched as his best friend, Lance, claimed the girl he desired then watched from the sidelines as they fell in love.
Ellie Caldwell loved Paul Harris for years. She wanted him as a teen, even as she dated his best friend, and she still wants him a decade later.
When Ellie and Paul come face-to-face once again nothing much has changed, except now they can’t fight their feelings. But will the person that came between them in high school stop them from finding their happily ever after?
LOVE. LOVE. LOVE. LOVE. <<—I could basically just type this over and over and call it a day. I adored Paul and Ellie. I ached for them, as they struggled to come to terms with their past, their present and their future. I wanted to knock some sense into Paul as he fought, denied and tried to hide his attraction. I wanted tell Ellie to be patient, to believe in herself, in Paul and in their us. Mostly though, I just wanted to know it would all be okay. I mean, I know it’s romance and so the HEA is essentially a given (unless it’s some dark, twisty sh*t, and this is clearly not) but still.... Jaycee Ford still managed to keep me on the edge of my seat and invested in the result.
I haven’t read book one in this series, Watching Fireflies, and for that I am grateful...for now. Not knowing what happened to the characters in that book heightened the tension for me - and made me want to race to Amazon, one-click it and stay up all night catching up on what I missed. I’m certain I’ll be doing just that one night soon, just as I am sure to read book three when it’s released. How can I not? Dragonfly Awakening was, for me, the perfect late night read. Sweet. Sexy. Charming. Heartwarming. Interesting. Jam packed with fun characters and interesting stories.
If I had to pick one word to describe this book though? Unexpected. This book snuck up on me, took me over and made me fall for all of these characters, particularly Paul, the sweetly possessive cowboy from North Carolina. Wait, NORTH CAROLINA?!? I live there!! OMG, I’m going to find my cowboy, I’ll be back....
Dragonfly Awakening is the second book in the Love Bug series and can be read standalone. No cliffhanger. ~ Beth, 5 stars
It’s about a cowboy.
I love cowboys.
Scratch that, I f*cking love cowboys.
I’m so in.
And I didn’t regret it for one single second.
Paul Harris loved Ellie Caldwell from the moment he saw her. Despite that, he sat back and watched as his best friend, Lance, claimed the girl he desired then watched from the sidelines as they fell in love.
Ellie Caldwell loved Paul Harris for years. She wanted him as a teen, even as she dated his best friend, and she still wants him a decade later.
When Ellie and Paul come face-to-face once again nothing much has changed, except now they can’t fight their feelings. But will the person that came between them in high school stop them from finding their happily ever after?
LOVE. LOVE. LOVE. LOVE. <<—I could basically just type this over and over and call it a day. I adored Paul and Ellie. I ached for them, as they struggled to come to terms with their past, their present and their future. I wanted to knock some sense into Paul as he fought, denied and tried to hide his attraction. I wanted tell Ellie to be patient, to believe in herself, in Paul and in their us. Mostly though, I just wanted to know it would all be okay. I mean, I know it’s romance and so the HEA is essentially a given (unless it’s some dark, twisty sh*t, and this is clearly not) but still.... Jaycee Ford still managed to keep me on the edge of my seat and invested in the result.
I haven’t read book one in this series, Watching Fireflies, and for that I am grateful...for now. Not knowing what happened to the characters in that book heightened the tension for me - and made me want to race to Amazon, one-click it and stay up all night catching up on what I missed. I’m certain I’ll be doing just that one night soon, just as I am sure to read book three when it’s released. How can I not? Dragonfly Awakening was, for me, the perfect late night read. Sweet. Sexy. Charming. Heartwarming. Interesting. Jam packed with fun characters and interesting stories.
If I had to pick one word to describe this book though? Unexpected. This book snuck up on me, took me over and made me fall for all of these characters, particularly Paul, the sweetly possessive cowboy from North Carolina. Wait, NORTH CAROLINA?!? I live there!! OMG, I’m going to find my cowboy, I’ll be back....
Dragonfly Awakening is the second book in the Love Bug series and can be read standalone. No cliffhanger. ~ Beth, 5 stars
November 19, 2014
Dragonfly Awakening by Jaycee Ford is the second book in her Love Bug series.
What I loved about this book was how tightly the timeline ran parallel with Watching Fireflies, the first book in this series. I also loved that even though the timelines were simultaneous they didn't tell the same story over from another perspective but told it's own precious story of love a long time in coming.
I got very annoyed with both Paul and Ellie and their constant wavering and doubt. Paul constantly worrying about losing his best friend or losing the only woman he has ever loved and Ellie always feeling like Paul's indecision in somehow reflects on her. HOWEVER, their love story was hard-earned and well told.
I will definitely be reading more from this wonderful author. Can't wait for Lance's story.
What I loved about this book was how tightly the timeline ran parallel with Watching Fireflies, the first book in this series. I also loved that even though the timelines were simultaneous they didn't tell the same story over from another perspective but told it's own precious story of love a long time in coming.
I got very annoyed with both Paul and Ellie and their constant wavering and doubt. Paul constantly worrying about losing his best friend or losing the only woman he has ever loved and Ellie always feeling like Paul's indecision in somehow reflects on her. HOWEVER, their love story was hard-earned and well told.
I will definitely be reading more from this wonderful author. Can't wait for Lance's story.
November 22, 2014
Ellie and Paul have loved each other from the moment they saw each other however they where never together because of Paul's friend Lance. Ellie dated him all through high school while wishing it was Paul she was with. Even if she broke up with Lance she could never be with Paul because of the bro-code. Paul and Ellie kissed once at a bonfire before she left for college. They both have dated but nothing serious because no one could compare to the other for them. Now Ellie has come back for the weekend to see if she if she should let go of Paul or see if they can make a go of it after all these years. The night before she is supposed to leave she runs into Paul. They go back to her room and give into what they have been feeling for all these years. She leaves the next day to go back to New York. She leaves and note with her number telling him to use it. Paul can't stop thinking about Ellie now that he has had her but does he want her enough to tell Lance or will he start something and keep a secret?
This is the second book in the love bug series and I have loved both books. The characters are fantastic. The books are written so well that I was drawn into their world. Pulling for them and feeling for them. Yelling when Paul was in danger and screwing everything up. I felt the love when they were together and the distance when they were apart. They had to over come several things to be together and it wasn't easy but they were going to try. There were mistakes and misunderstanding but in the end it was worth it. This book takes place a little before the first book and then overlaps the same time frame as the first book. They are all great friends and come together when needed. I don't want to give away any spoilers so I will stop now. My brain is runny a hundred miles an hour with all the happened in the book and I don't want to spoil it for anyone. These book are great and I would re-read. Another great one Jaycee.
I was given this book in return for an honest review.
This is the second book in the love bug series and I have loved both books. The characters are fantastic. The books are written so well that I was drawn into their world. Pulling for them and feeling for them. Yelling when Paul was in danger and screwing everything up. I felt the love when they were together and the distance when they were apart. They had to over come several things to be together and it wasn't easy but they were going to try. There were mistakes and misunderstanding but in the end it was worth it. This book takes place a little before the first book and then overlaps the same time frame as the first book. They are all great friends and come together when needed. I don't want to give away any spoilers so I will stop now. My brain is runny a hundred miles an hour with all the happened in the book and I don't want to spoil it for anyone. These book are great and I would re-read. Another great one Jaycee.
I was given this book in return for an honest review.
February 3, 2015
This is the second book in The Love Bug series and in this book we follow Paul and Ellie story.
I'm was surprised by our protagonists back-story, because their “relationship” is so much more than we are previously lead to believe. This is a story of two people that have been in love with one another for ten years, but because Ellie dated Paul's best friend Lance in High School, being together is never going to happen because of the guy code bros before hoes!
After completing her internship Ellie decides to take matters into her own hands and buys a shop in Olde Town to set up her clothing/design company. The motivation for the move from Manhattan is to see Paul again and pick-up after a brief interlude some months earlier. Will the gamble pay off?
Unrequited love is the heartbreaking theme and at times I just wanted to knock both Paul and Ellies's head together ask why they are not together? The short answer to that is called Lance and it is amazing how one person can have such a hold on his best friend and ex-girlfriend for such a long time. It is very clear to everyone, including Lance that Paul and Ellie have had mutual feelings for each other, like forever. However, Lance still harbors strong feelings for Ellie too and would love an opportunity to mend their broken relationship.
With the time-line running concurrently with Watching Fireflies, we are treated to an alternative point of view during a couple of scenes which brought the book more alive for me. I love how the author has written all of the characters. The focal point might be Ellie and Paul, but we also catch-up with Tom and Jordan. Add to the mix a colouful array of supporting characters and you have a fun packed, sexy story.
5 Stars
***arc received courtesy of the author in exchange for an honest review***
I'm was surprised by our protagonists back-story, because their “relationship” is so much more than we are previously lead to believe. This is a story of two people that have been in love with one another for ten years, but because Ellie dated Paul's best friend Lance in High School, being together is never going to happen because of the guy code bros before hoes!
After completing her internship Ellie decides to take matters into her own hands and buys a shop in Olde Town to set up her clothing/design company. The motivation for the move from Manhattan is to see Paul again and pick-up after a brief interlude some months earlier. Will the gamble pay off?
Unrequited love is the heartbreaking theme and at times I just wanted to knock both Paul and Ellies's head together ask why they are not together? The short answer to that is called Lance and it is amazing how one person can have such a hold on his best friend and ex-girlfriend for such a long time. It is very clear to everyone, including Lance that Paul and Ellie have had mutual feelings for each other, like forever. However, Lance still harbors strong feelings for Ellie too and would love an opportunity to mend their broken relationship.
With the time-line running concurrently with Watching Fireflies, we are treated to an alternative point of view during a couple of scenes which brought the book more alive for me. I love how the author has written all of the characters. The focal point might be Ellie and Paul, but we also catch-up with Tom and Jordan. Add to the mix a colouful array of supporting characters and you have a fun packed, sexy story.
5 Stars
***arc received courtesy of the author in exchange for an honest review***
February 1, 2015
Favorite Quotes:
“I never knew if she fell in love with the money and then the man, or if it was the man and then the money. Either way, she loved them both dearly.”
“If every morning for the rest of my life your smile was the first thing I could see, it still wouldn’t be enough.”
“His lips found mine and the earth stopped its rotation. Nothing in this world mattered when he kissed me, and I didn’t have a care in the world.”
“I have never lived until your fire awakened me. I never want to be parted from you.”
“You are and always have been the love of my life. I have never deserved you, never deserved the chance to be with you, but somehow, you are here with me. Be with me forever.”
My Review:
I adored this story from the first page to the last. I had read Ms. Ford’s highly enjoyable debut novel, Watching Fireflies, months ago and was instantly addicted. I think it safe to say that I took to her writing like a crack ho takes to the pipe, and being the greedy smut junkie that I am, upon finishing - I immediately wanted more. While you don’t need to read the first book in the series to enjoy the second, it is so much more fun to read them all. Both are stand-alone volumes, but the two stories interweave and the second continues both stories further. Excellently written, tastefully sensual, intelligent yet easy to read, and impossible to put down – in fact I couldn’t…at all. I had to plug in my trusty Kindle to keep going. I am anxious to see who Ms. Ford’s laser focus hones in on next, and know I definitely will be paying attention for her next delicious offering.
“I never knew if she fell in love with the money and then the man, or if it was the man and then the money. Either way, she loved them both dearly.”
“If every morning for the rest of my life your smile was the first thing I could see, it still wouldn’t be enough.”
“His lips found mine and the earth stopped its rotation. Nothing in this world mattered when he kissed me, and I didn’t have a care in the world.”
“I have never lived until your fire awakened me. I never want to be parted from you.”
“You are and always have been the love of my life. I have never deserved you, never deserved the chance to be with you, but somehow, you are here with me. Be with me forever.”
My Review:
I adored this story from the first page to the last. I had read Ms. Ford’s highly enjoyable debut novel, Watching Fireflies, months ago and was instantly addicted. I think it safe to say that I took to her writing like a crack ho takes to the pipe, and being the greedy smut junkie that I am, upon finishing - I immediately wanted more. While you don’t need to read the first book in the series to enjoy the second, it is so much more fun to read them all. Both are stand-alone volumes, but the two stories interweave and the second continues both stories further. Excellently written, tastefully sensual, intelligent yet easy to read, and impossible to put down – in fact I couldn’t…at all. I had to plug in my trusty Kindle to keep going. I am anxious to see who Ms. Ford’s laser focus hones in on next, and know I definitely will be paying attention for her next delicious offering.
October 19, 2014
This is Paul and Ellie’s story. Paul has loved Ellie for over ten years. Only problem is that one of his best friends got to her first. So they are only friends.
Paul never told her how he felt and she went away to live in New York. Now she is moving back to town and they are trying to be friends. They can’t be together as he does not want to hurt one of his best friends.
As they sneak around trying to have a relationship some small misunderstandings work against them and almost rip them apart. Now Ellie wants to be with Paul publicly but he is still trying to hide them.
Can Ellie be Paul’s secret lover? Or is it just too much that he does not want to be seen with her? Will Paul leave it too late to publicly claim her? Or will it all be over before he even has to claim her?
Loved Paul and you can feel his struggle with hurting Ellie and his best friend Lance. Ellie is sweet but also tough when she needs to be. They make a really great couple.
Can’t wait to read the other books in this series.
I highly recommend this story and this series.
Paul never told her how he felt and she went away to live in New York. Now she is moving back to town and they are trying to be friends. They can’t be together as he does not want to hurt one of his best friends.
As they sneak around trying to have a relationship some small misunderstandings work against them and almost rip them apart. Now Ellie wants to be with Paul publicly but he is still trying to hide them.
Can Ellie be Paul’s secret lover? Or is it just too much that he does not want to be seen with her? Will Paul leave it too late to publicly claim her? Or will it all be over before he even has to claim her?
Loved Paul and you can feel his struggle with hurting Ellie and his best friend Lance. Ellie is sweet but also tough when she needs to be. They make a really great couple.
Can’t wait to read the other books in this series.
I highly recommend this story and this series.
January 12, 2015
I read this when it was first posted on Wattpad and loved it all over again reading the published version. It's a deceptively quieter story than the others in the series, but make no mistake, this one packs a real emotional punch! There were many moments when I had to pause before reading on because my heart had just melted. The times when Ellie and Paul are apart are infused with love and longing, and when they're together, it's fire and heat that's so hot it's practically combustible. I especially loved Paul. He's a stand up guy who wants to do the right thing, but that means he can't have the woman he's loved for 10 years. There's something irresistible about a strong guy who shows his sweet, caring side with his girl, and I was rooting for him and Ellie all the way through. It was a pleasure to reread this, and I will definitely be reading it again!
March 14, 2015
I absolutely love Paul and Ellie's story. They overcome ex-boyfriends, best friends, miss communication and timing to finally be together. After everything that they go through it was nice to see them end up together, happy in each others arms.
Sometimes I felt like yelling out them to make up their minds and let the other know how they really felt instead of just running away because it was the easy option. However true love is never really easy.
Paul is just the sweetest cowboy ever and Ellie is so sweet-hearted. They made one really cute couple.
It was good seeing how this story fit in with the events in the first book. I loved how it filled in some of the gaps and made me love Tom and Jordan more seeing through the eyes of the other characters. Most of is book overlaps with the first one, so some parts felt a little repetitive. But I still enjoyed it.
Sometimes I felt like yelling out them to make up their minds and let the other know how they really felt instead of just running away because it was the easy option. However true love is never really easy.
Paul is just the sweetest cowboy ever and Ellie is so sweet-hearted. They made one really cute couple.
It was good seeing how this story fit in with the events in the first book. I loved how it filled in some of the gaps and made me love Tom and Jordan more seeing through the eyes of the other characters. Most of is book overlaps with the first one, so some parts felt a little repetitive. But I still enjoyed it.
November 30, 2014
Chuckles.
If I say that I love this book, it'd be an understatement. I wish I had a word to describe how much I am into this book. Every word of this book is the reason that I fell more for it. Unable to keep this book down, I walked into the world of past, love and twists.
Full of sensual aura, this book screams, "Read Me"
Jaycee has come up with a series which I refuse to forget. She has made me fall in love with sexy cowboys and her writing.
"She had tasted of whiskey and heaven." -winks-
#CowboyStrengthensYou
If I say that I love this book, it'd be an understatement. I wish I had a word to describe how much I am into this book. Every word of this book is the reason that I fell more for it. Unable to keep this book down, I walked into the world of past, love and twists.
Full of sensual aura, this book screams, "Read Me"
Jaycee has come up with a series which I refuse to forget. She has made me fall in love with sexy cowboys and her writing.
"She had tasted of whiskey and heaven." -winks-
#CowboyStrengthensYou
October 14, 2014
Paul & Ellies story is a 10 yrs of deciding to break the cardinal rule of never falling for your best friends girl. This book is full of misunderstandings & challenges. I love a good cowboy romance! Can't wait for Lance & Katherines story.
February 4, 2015
FIVE ‘I’VE LOVED YOU FOREVER’ STARS!
This is the second book in Jaycee Ford’s The Love Bug series. This book ‘s plotline ran concurrently to the first book, and therefore, it overlapped the first book in some places, but it focused on the perspectives of the two main characters’, Ellie and Paul. The skill of this writer shines in that she was able to make that plotline feel fresh. This book was not a recounting of what happened in the first book. Instead, in that small part of this book, the focus was on Ellie and Paul, and their roles and reactions to what happened to Jordan and Tom. However, the primary focus of the entire book was Ellie and Paul’s surrender to the long-simmering romance between them.
Paul and Ellie have a long history, one of friendship, one of longing, one of passion and love denied. Smack dab in the middle of that history is a man that they both care for, Lance, Paul's best friend and Ellie's former high school boyfriend of 4 years. This a story of two people’s struggle to do what they think is right while going after what will truly make them happy.
”He’ll only ever be a friend.”
Ellie Caldwell moved to the small town in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains when she was a freshman in HS. Two boys fell into love at first sight of Ellie. Only one of them asked her out, and while she said yes, it was always Paul that she wanted. Lance broke up with her, but not for the reasons he stated, and Ellie went back to NYC to pursue an education and career in fashion design. But that town was home, Paul was never far from her thoughts, and it was there that she wanted to open her own boutique. So she returned.
Paul Harris is a good man, a loyal friend, and a cowboy. He's also in love, and always has been, with his best friend's ex-girlfriend. He's never forgotten her, or the one kiss they shared before she left for college, and he's never gotten over her. But, he'll never have her either; she was Lance's first and they have a rule in there friendship - no going after each other's girls.
”Will this only ever be friends with benefits?”
Ellie is moving back to town to open her own boutique. She and Paul share a few explosive nights together. She has to finish her internship in NYC, and then she is coming back. While she is gone, they have a major communication breakdown, and Paul doesn’t handle it well. Months go by without any communication, but when Ellie does return, she runs into him. At this point, she’s heartbroken and emotionally battered; Paul is in a deep depression. That pull between is still there and won’t be denied. Ellie questions Paul about what happened, and Paul realizes his mistake.
”You’re the only one I have ever wanted to be with.”
The love they had for each other was undeniable, but they kept their relationship a secret because of Lance. This was very difficult on Ellie. I felt her frustration and her longing. Paul was a mix of emotions – deep love for Ellie, turmoil about Lance’s reaction, and guilt for sneaking around behind his back and for keeping their relationship a secret, and torment over hurting Ellie in the process. I felt it all. It was a difficult time for them, but they got through it, though the road was not easy.
I loved this book, and Jaycee Ford’s writing is captivating. She made an impression on me with her writing abilities in the first book, and she raised the bar with this book. This story is an excellent addition to an already fantastic series. Jaycee Ford is now a favorite author, and she moves to my auto-buy list. Well done, Ms. Ford!
This is the second book in Jaycee Ford’s The Love Bug series. This book ‘s plotline ran concurrently to the first book, and therefore, it overlapped the first book in some places, but it focused on the perspectives of the two main characters’, Ellie and Paul. The skill of this writer shines in that she was able to make that plotline feel fresh. This book was not a recounting of what happened in the first book. Instead, in that small part of this book, the focus was on Ellie and Paul, and their roles and reactions to what happened to Jordan and Tom. However, the primary focus of the entire book was Ellie and Paul’s surrender to the long-simmering romance between them.
Paul and Ellie have a long history, one of friendship, one of longing, one of passion and love denied. Smack dab in the middle of that history is a man that they both care for, Lance, Paul's best friend and Ellie's former high school boyfriend of 4 years. This a story of two people’s struggle to do what they think is right while going after what will truly make them happy.
”He’ll only ever be a friend.”
Ellie Caldwell moved to the small town in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains when she was a freshman in HS. Two boys fell into love at first sight of Ellie. Only one of them asked her out, and while she said yes, it was always Paul that she wanted. Lance broke up with her, but not for the reasons he stated, and Ellie went back to NYC to pursue an education and career in fashion design. But that town was home, Paul was never far from her thoughts, and it was there that she wanted to open her own boutique. So she returned.
Paul Harris is a good man, a loyal friend, and a cowboy. He's also in love, and always has been, with his best friend's ex-girlfriend. He's never forgotten her, or the one kiss they shared before she left for college, and he's never gotten over her. But, he'll never have her either; she was Lance's first and they have a rule in there friendship - no going after each other's girls.
”Will this only ever be friends with benefits?”
Ellie is moving back to town to open her own boutique. She and Paul share a few explosive nights together. She has to finish her internship in NYC, and then she is coming back. While she is gone, they have a major communication breakdown, and Paul doesn’t handle it well. Months go by without any communication, but when Ellie does return, she runs into him. At this point, she’s heartbroken and emotionally battered; Paul is in a deep depression. That pull between is still there and won’t be denied. Ellie questions Paul about what happened, and Paul realizes his mistake.
”You’re the only one I have ever wanted to be with.”
The love they had for each other was undeniable, but they kept their relationship a secret because of Lance. This was very difficult on Ellie. I felt her frustration and her longing. Paul was a mix of emotions – deep love for Ellie, turmoil about Lance’s reaction, and guilt for sneaking around behind his back and for keeping their relationship a secret, and torment over hurting Ellie in the process. I felt it all. It was a difficult time for them, but they got through it, though the road was not easy.
I loved this book, and Jaycee Ford’s writing is captivating. She made an impression on me with her writing abilities in the first book, and she raised the bar with this book. This story is an excellent addition to an already fantastic series. Jaycee Ford is now a favorite author, and she moves to my auto-buy list. Well done, Ms. Ford!
February 2, 2015
Complimentary copy provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.
Ellie has returned to her adopted hometown in North Carolina having been away for ten years pursuing her education in New York City. She decides to put her degrees in fashion to use to open up her own boutique, but she also has another goal in mind, finally expressing her feelings to the man that has held her heart for years, Paul.
Paul has loved Ellie since the day she showed up in one of his high school classes, however his best friend Lance makes a move toward her first. After four years of dating they break up, but Lance and Paul have a “bros before hoes” agreement, one in which Paul has respected, even ten years later.
Upon Ellie’s return, she and Paul finally realize their feelings for each other, but Paul, fearing for the future of his friendship with Lance, refuses to go public with their relationship, putting their own future as a couple in jeopardy. How long will Ellie continue to be Paul’s dirty little secret? Could Lance ever forgive two of the most important people in his life for what he thinks could be the ultimate deception?
Dragonfly Awakening is a sweet story of adolescent love revisited. The storyline is well written and the characters are easy to empathize with. While each book in the Love Bug series is written as a standalone, I highly suggest reading them in order as characters from the first book reappear in this one, which adds to the bigger picture of the story. I liked that Jordan and Tom had a big part in this book, and some of the events in both this and the first book overlapped a little, giving the story a sense of cohesiveness. I’m looking forward to the next book in the series, Hornet’s Nest, where we will hopefully learn how Lance gets along after the events of this book.
Ellie has returned to her adopted hometown in North Carolina having been away for ten years pursuing her education in New York City. She decides to put her degrees in fashion to use to open up her own boutique, but she also has another goal in mind, finally expressing her feelings to the man that has held her heart for years, Paul.
Paul has loved Ellie since the day she showed up in one of his high school classes, however his best friend Lance makes a move toward her first. After four years of dating they break up, but Lance and Paul have a “bros before hoes” agreement, one in which Paul has respected, even ten years later.
Upon Ellie’s return, she and Paul finally realize their feelings for each other, but Paul, fearing for the future of his friendship with Lance, refuses to go public with their relationship, putting their own future as a couple in jeopardy. How long will Ellie continue to be Paul’s dirty little secret? Could Lance ever forgive two of the most important people in his life for what he thinks could be the ultimate deception?
Dragonfly Awakening is a sweet story of adolescent love revisited. The storyline is well written and the characters are easy to empathize with. While each book in the Love Bug series is written as a standalone, I highly suggest reading them in order as characters from the first book reappear in this one, which adds to the bigger picture of the story. I liked that Jordan and Tom had a big part in this book, and some of the events in both this and the first book overlapped a little, giving the story a sense of cohesiveness. I’m looking forward to the next book in the series, Hornet’s Nest, where we will hopefully learn how Lance gets along after the events of this book.
February 3, 2015
Where Watching Fireflies was all about love at first sight, Dragonfly Awakening was about two people who had wanted each other since they first met as teenagers in high school, but could never really be together due to various circumstances. But when they finally come together years later, all that pent up want just explodes. Of course, it’s never that simple, is it?
Both Ella and Paul’s characters are wonderful. I liked them both as supporting characters in Watching Fireflies, and seeing how the two of them navigate their relationship (or try to) here makes for really enjoyable reading. Paul is very caring and doesn’t want to hurt his best friend by being with Ella, and Ella is such a sweetheart, a strong woman, a great friend and badly wants Paul-though she won’t hide that just to get him. This hiding game and the avoid-hurting-the-best-friend plot are where all the conflicts of their relationship come from.
I found the writing in Dragonfly Awakening to be much smoother flowing than the first book. I like that we get to experience some of the events from the first book again from Ella and Paul’s viewpoints, it helps lend depth to the overall series. And the difficulty Paul has accepting that he may hurt his friend to find his own happiness gives this story just the right dose of angst to tug at your heart.
A lovely story of a second chance at true love, I give Dragonfly Awakening 4.5 stars.
Both Ella and Paul’s characters are wonderful. I liked them both as supporting characters in Watching Fireflies, and seeing how the two of them navigate their relationship (or try to) here makes for really enjoyable reading. Paul is very caring and doesn’t want to hurt his best friend by being with Ella, and Ella is such a sweetheart, a strong woman, a great friend and badly wants Paul-though she won’t hide that just to get him. This hiding game and the avoid-hurting-the-best-friend plot are where all the conflicts of their relationship come from.
I found the writing in Dragonfly Awakening to be much smoother flowing than the first book. I like that we get to experience some of the events from the first book again from Ella and Paul’s viewpoints, it helps lend depth to the overall series. And the difficulty Paul has accepting that he may hurt his friend to find his own happiness gives this story just the right dose of angst to tug at your heart.
A lovely story of a second chance at true love, I give Dragonfly Awakening 4.5 stars.
December 12, 2014
My favourite Love Bug to date.
Paul and Ellie have known each other for a long time, but for most of that time their mutual attraction was blocked by Ellie's relationship with Lance, one of Paul's friends. Now Ellie is free, and the attraction as only grown over time, yet with circumstances still pushing them apart it is unclear whether they will finally have their chance to be together.
Paul is the perfect loveable male, seemingly a man of few words, less jovial and outgoing than his friends. He has loved Ellie for too long, and his quiet yet unmistakably fierce intensity is a a trait which only increases your empathy for him as he attempts to woo Ellie while remaining conflicted in his friendship with Lance. Their turmoil over their growing need for each other made my heart break as they try to figure out how their fragile relationship can withstand the complications in their way.
Cleverly, this book is written not as a prequel or sequel to Watching Fireflies, the first book in Jaycee Ford's Love Bug series, but actually as a concurrent story, and so reading it and noting how the events intertwined was extremely enjoyable.
My favourite Love Bug story to date. Look forward to the next instalment 'Hornet's Nest'.
Paul and Ellie have known each other for a long time, but for most of that time their mutual attraction was blocked by Ellie's relationship with Lance, one of Paul's friends. Now Ellie is free, and the attraction as only grown over time, yet with circumstances still pushing them apart it is unclear whether they will finally have their chance to be together.
Paul is the perfect loveable male, seemingly a man of few words, less jovial and outgoing than his friends. He has loved Ellie for too long, and his quiet yet unmistakably fierce intensity is a a trait which only increases your empathy for him as he attempts to woo Ellie while remaining conflicted in his friendship with Lance. Their turmoil over their growing need for each other made my heart break as they try to figure out how their fragile relationship can withstand the complications in their way.
Cleverly, this book is written not as a prequel or sequel to Watching Fireflies, the first book in Jaycee Ford's Love Bug series, but actually as a concurrent story, and so reading it and noting how the events intertwined was extremely enjoyable.
My favourite Love Bug story to date. Look forward to the next instalment 'Hornet's Nest'.
September 5, 2015
I just finished this book and loved it so much. I'm a sucker for a second chance, I've loved you forever, but so has he kind of story and Dragonfly Awakening hit the spot.
Paul has loved Ellie since the first time he laid eyes on her in high school but he never told her and she ended up with his best friend Lance. Now ten years later, Ellie is leaving New York and moving back home. Home to the man she's has always loved and the man she use to date. I loved Tom and Ellie but wanted to choke Tom for being so loyal all these years later to Lance. I'd have been all get out of my way buddy she's your ex but the love of my life and I'm going for it. That however isn't Paul's style and Lance knows it. It's a second chance meets a love triangle kind of story since Lance still has his feelings for Ellie too.
Jaycee Ford sucked me into this book from the first page and didn't let go until the very last words. I love when a books so perfectly written you can't and won't put it down. I loved catching up with Tom and Jordan in places too. The Love Bug Eeries is quickly becoming one of my favorite series I've ever read.
Paul has loved Ellie since the first time he laid eyes on her in high school but he never told her and she ended up with his best friend Lance. Now ten years later, Ellie is leaving New York and moving back home. Home to the man she's has always loved and the man she use to date. I loved Tom and Ellie but wanted to choke Tom for being so loyal all these years later to Lance. I'd have been all get out of my way buddy she's your ex but the love of my life and I'm going for it. That however isn't Paul's style and Lance knows it. It's a second chance meets a love triangle kind of story since Lance still has his feelings for Ellie too.
Jaycee Ford sucked me into this book from the first page and didn't let go until the very last words. I love when a books so perfectly written you can't and won't put it down. I loved catching up with Tom and Jordan in places too. The Love Bug Eeries is quickly becoming one of my favorite series I've ever read.
October 20, 2014
An ARC provided in exchange for an honest review.
Dragonfly Awakening was such a sweet love story. Paul and Ellie have known each other since high school. However, Paul never got a chance with Ellie because his best friend scooped her up first. He did the honorable thing and backed away. However, he has always harbored feelings for Ellie and never forgot about her. Well guess what....Ellie is back in town! When the two of them see each other again, the chemistry is off the charts! They try to be friends but it's hard because they both have feelings for each other that are more than friends. Plus Paul always lived by the saying "bros before hoes." Ellie and Paul went through such a struggle to try and find what really makes them happy is each other. If you're looking for a sweet romance read with a smoking hot cowboy then definitely check this book out! I'm giving it 4 stars!!!
Reviewed for Just One More Page book blog.
Dragonfly Awakening was such a sweet love story. Paul and Ellie have known each other since high school. However, Paul never got a chance with Ellie because his best friend scooped her up first. He did the honorable thing and backed away. However, he has always harbored feelings for Ellie and never forgot about her. Well guess what....Ellie is back in town! When the two of them see each other again, the chemistry is off the charts! They try to be friends but it's hard because they both have feelings for each other that are more than friends. Plus Paul always lived by the saying "bros before hoes." Ellie and Paul went through such a struggle to try and find what really makes them happy is each other. If you're looking for a sweet romance read with a smoking hot cowboy then definitely check this book out! I'm giving it 4 stars!!!
Reviewed for Just One More Page book blog.
December 6, 2014
Well written stand-alone book with a few editing issues. The story does set the stage for the next book in the series, which is about a different couple. 3.5 stars, rounded up.
I enjoyed this book much more than the first book in the series because the story just seemed more realistic than the first book. The storyline focuses on the three people who've never been honest with each other, and the mess they make of their friendships and relationships. The storyline has all the elements that make a story work for me: a little sweetness, some humor and a large serving of steamy romance.
There's a rich cast of supporting characters that contribute to the Southern charm of the story. Some were introduced in the first book, but we get to know them much better in this story, and I think that's what makes this a more satisfying book than the first one.
Recommended to fans of South Carolina, new adult genre, and friends-to-lovers stories.
I enjoyed this book much more than the first book in the series because the story just seemed more realistic than the first book. The storyline focuses on the three people who've never been honest with each other, and the mess they make of their friendships and relationships. The storyline has all the elements that make a story work for me: a little sweetness, some humor and a large serving of steamy romance.
There's a rich cast of supporting characters that contribute to the Southern charm of the story. Some were introduced in the first book, but we get to know them much better in this story, and I think that's what makes this a more satisfying book than the first one.
Recommended to fans of South Carolina, new adult genre, and friends-to-lovers stories.
January 14, 2015
Is it just possible that I loved this second book by Jaycee more than the first? This book is very cleverly written around & intertwines with the same timeline from book 1. Paul & Ellies story is one of forbidden love, in the sense that they don't want to upset Paul's best friend Lance who was Ellies first & only real past boyfriend. It them deciding to break the unwritten rule of never dating a mates ex. But these two are drawn together and have been even during the time she was initially dating Paul's best mate Lance. This story again has angst, with the MC's messing up and then trying to find their way past obstacles to be together. You just can't help but fall in love with these MC's, as they fall in love with each other. Bring on book 3 Jaycee. I need to know that Lance finds his happy ending. :-)
February 3, 2015
I was gifted a copy of this book for review.
Jaycee Ford has written another story that I absolutely love. After reading the first in this series I was anxious to see what would happen between Paul and Ellie. I was not disappointed. Paul has been in love with Ellie for years but his best friend Lance got to her first. He has kept his feelings in check until now and he can't hide them anymore. Ellie has been a thing for Paul as well but she doesn't want things to be awkward for him. When they have a night of passion neither one wants to let go. However a series of misunderstandings put there new relationship on the skids. Not to mention keeping it a secret. I love this series. It is such a great read and I highly recommend them. Jaycee Ford has become one of my favorite authors.
Jaycee Ford has written another story that I absolutely love. After reading the first in this series I was anxious to see what would happen between Paul and Ellie. I was not disappointed. Paul has been in love with Ellie for years but his best friend Lance got to her first. He has kept his feelings in check until now and he can't hide them anymore. Ellie has been a thing for Paul as well but she doesn't want things to be awkward for him. When they have a night of passion neither one wants to let go. However a series of misunderstandings put there new relationship on the skids. Not to mention keeping it a secret. I love this series. It is such a great read and I highly recommend them. Jaycee Ford has become one of my favorite authors.
March 16, 2015
Perfect Second Story to the Series
This series is done a little differently and to be truthful I wasn't sure how well I was going to like it but I love it. The first two stories are almost happening simultaneously but each about the separate couples. Jaycee Ford does such a wonderful job of writing them that you don't feel like you are reading the same story twice, and they can easily be read as stand alone books.
Paul and Ellie have been in love for ten years but for four of those years she dated his best friend which made her off limits even after they broke up. Sometimes though you just can't fight love and that's where this story goes. It's a beautiful story of forbidden love.
This series is done a little differently and to be truthful I wasn't sure how well I was going to like it but I love it. The first two stories are almost happening simultaneously but each about the separate couples. Jaycee Ford does such a wonderful job of writing them that you don't feel like you are reading the same story twice, and they can easily be read as stand alone books.
Paul and Ellie have been in love for ten years but for four of those years she dated his best friend which made her off limits even after they broke up. Sometimes though you just can't fight love and that's where this story goes. It's a beautiful story of forbidden love.
October 6, 2014
"I have never lived until your fire awakened me" ~ Paul Harris
Another amazing novel from the Love Bug Series.
Paul, a hopeless romantic and stubborn cowboy that has his heart set on Ellie since high school.
Ellie a fashion designer now living in New York. After 10 years she returns to face her past. A past that torments both Paul and Ellie because one thing has always stood in their way, their best friend Lance.
Will Paul and Ellie manage to have a future together? What will prevail, love or friendship? There is only one way to find out by reading this amazing story.
Well done Jaycee, you have accomplished another great novel. Now waiting for No.3 :-)
Another amazing novel from the Love Bug Series.
Paul, a hopeless romantic and stubborn cowboy that has his heart set on Ellie since high school.
Ellie a fashion designer now living in New York. After 10 years she returns to face her past. A past that torments both Paul and Ellie because one thing has always stood in their way, their best friend Lance.
Will Paul and Ellie manage to have a future together? What will prevail, love or friendship? There is only one way to find out by reading this amazing story.
Well done Jaycee, you have accomplished another great novel. Now waiting for No.3 :-)
February 16, 2015
After Watching Fireflies Author Jaycee Ford managed again to capture my attention in Dragonfly Awakening.
I could feel from the beginning that Ellie and Paul loved each other from day one. They couldn’t be together because of Paul’s best friend Lance and so their life went on without each other. Ten years later they meet again…
It’s just such a great story. I could easily relate to Ellie and Paul’s situation and how they felt for each other. Paul was conflicted between his loyalty to Lance and his love for Ellie. It is just so heartwarming how they meet again. Ellie and Paul have such great chemistry and are just perfect for each other.
It is really a great book.
I could feel from the beginning that Ellie and Paul loved each other from day one. They couldn’t be together because of Paul’s best friend Lance and so their life went on without each other. Ten years later they meet again…
It’s just such a great story. I could easily relate to Ellie and Paul’s situation and how they felt for each other. Paul was conflicted between his loyalty to Lance and his love for Ellie. It is just so heartwarming how they meet again. Ellie and Paul have such great chemistry and are just perfect for each other.
It is really a great book.
February 7, 2015
Full Review at: What's Beyond Forks?
This book takes place during the same time frame as Watching Fireflies. So, it gives you some perspective as to what's going on in all the characters lives during this time. Paul and Ellie have some serious chemistry going on that has only built up more after their years apart. I enjoyed watching their relationship unfold. They were funny and so darn cute.
Dragonfly Awakening by Jaycee Ford was kindly provided to me by the author for review. The opinions are my own.
February 12, 2015
Jordan has her life mapped out in front of her, finish her master's degree then head back to her hometown to marry her fiance... But her world comes crashing down, when a day early she surprises him, only to walk in on him with another woman... After threatening her when she won't take him back, she packs her bags and takes a teaching job in the country... Tom is fixing a leak in his aunts Inn, and stumbles across the most beautiful woman he has ever laid his eyes on and she also happens to be naked.... Their passion for each other ignites and slowly Jordan's walls around her heart come tumbling down.. But someone is watching them.... Loved their passionate story, so glad I read this!!
October 17, 2014
True love always wins
I fell in love with book 1 in this series and even more in love with book 2. The author pulled me in from beginning to end and had me hanging on to every word. Talk a about captivating, stimulating, sensual, a book you can relate to with characters who seem like the everyday men and women, a love story that is about so much more than love.
With this being her second publication, I can say that she is on to big things and I look forward to more books from her.
All the best Jaycee, keep up the hard work and I NEED MORE BOOKS!!!
I fell in love with book 1 in this series and even more in love with book 2. The author pulled me in from beginning to end and had me hanging on to every word. Talk a about captivating, stimulating, sensual, a book you can relate to with characters who seem like the everyday men and women, a love story that is about so much more than love.
With this being her second publication, I can say that she is on to big things and I look forward to more books from her.
All the best Jaycee, keep up the hard work and I NEED MORE BOOKS!!!
February 1, 2015
I love unrequited love stories and how time and people can get in the way of a love that is not spoken but burns deep within the gut of someone. This book captured that perfectly. What makes this story more interesting is the fact that it is the male characters best friend is the one who stands in the way of a love that we as a reader now needs to happen and that time and distance will not shake. This book is still romantic like the first book but in such a different way it spoke to me more it is great that it differs to the first book and the series is no a carbon copy of the story before.
October 6, 2014
Sweet story of love and challenges. A story of soul-mates & friendships.
This is Paul and Ellie's story of love at first sight. Test of love using time, distance , misunderstandings and friendships.
Paul is one HOT, stubborn cowboy. Ellie is a stylish fashionista who lives on Park Ave in NYC.
"Bros before hoes" is one such challenge. Will love win out?
Looking forward to Lance's story and what makes him tick.
This is Paul and Ellie's story of love at first sight. Test of love using time, distance , misunderstandings and friendships.
Paul is one HOT, stubborn cowboy. Ellie is a stylish fashionista who lives on Park Ave in NYC.
"Bros before hoes" is one such challenge. Will love win out?
Looking forward to Lance's story and what makes him tick.
October 27, 2014
OMG you have to check this book out. The story of Ellie and Paul is just amazing.
I mean who doesn't love a story of a hot cowboy? But this is a little different.
This cowboy loved his girl for ten years before they finally got together.
In this book you had your OMG moments, Your about damn time moments, and you holy shit moments.
Jaycee Ford is amazing and I so recommend you check this book out.
I mean who doesn't love a story of a hot cowboy? But this is a little different.
This cowboy loved his girl for ten years before they finally got together.
In this book you had your OMG moments, Your about damn time moments, and you holy shit moments.
Jaycee Ford is amazing and I so recommend you check this book out.
November 3, 2014
Nice contemporary love story of Ellie and Paul. It showed that true love never dies and would last a lifetime waiting for that one person. Paul knew he loved Ellie from the moment he saw her in high school, but she wound up being his best friends girl. It took many years later for them to reconnect and see that love never dies. Though they faced obstacles along the way, nothing was keeping them apart. I definitely give 4/5 stars on this. Took only one day to read, didn't want to put down.
November 23, 2014
I thought I loved Tom & Jordyn's story, but I think I loved Paul & Ellie's even more. This book is definitely in my top 5 of all time favorites. Jaycee Ford may be a newly published author, but she's quickly becoming one of my favorites. I'll definitely be buying all of her books as she publishes them.
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