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Pelican Point #5

Scorched in Pelican Point: An Opposites Attract, Small Town Romance

Their dogs are in love.
We are definitely not.


I came to Pelican Point with pastel dreams, a flower truck named Petal Pusher, and a golden retriever who’s never met a boundary she didn’t barrel through. Starting fresh sounded great, until I nearly ran over the town’s grumpiest firefighter and his overly disciplined German Shepherd.

Ashe McAllister is hot, humorless, and infuriatingly off-limits. I’m sunshine and sass. He’s smoke and steel. The only thing we agree on? Our dogs need supervised visitation.

But between shared dog playdates, accidental sleepovers, and public bickering that somehow passes for flirting, I’m starting to think there’s more beneath that scowl.

Because under all that broody silence… Ashe is on fire. And I just might be the one getting scorched.

A steamy, hilarious enemies-to-lovers rom-com packed with grumpy firemen, meddling townsfolk, and golden retriever matchmaking magic.

Welcome to Pelican Point – Where Love is as Endless as the Ocean

Nestled along Florida’s sun-drenched coastline, Pelican Point is a charming seaside town where romance is always in the air, and passion simmers beneath the surface. In this steamy, multi-author contemporary romance world, love stories unfold in the cozy cafés of Seabreeze Avenue, along the sun-kissed beaches, and beneath the twinkling lights of the marina.

From broody billionaires to rugged fishermen, small-town sheriffs to sassy shop owners, every love story in Pelican Point is filled with undeniable chemistry, heart-melting moments, and a guaranteed happily-ever-after. With interconnected characters and a vibrant community that feels like home, readers will return to Pelican Point again and again for irresistible romance, scorching heat, and all the small-town charm they crave.

Come for the sunshine, stay for the love—welcome to Pelican Point!

142 pages, Kindle Edition

Published July 25, 2025

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About the author

Annie Carlisle

85 books88 followers
Annie Carlisle is the author of steamy romantic suspense novels, including the beloved Hibiscus Harbor series. She crafts stories with resilient women and challenging men, offering readers a perfect mix of love, intrigue, and excitement.

A Florida native, Annie has worn many hats throughout her life, including working as a street paramedic and flight medic, but her favorite role has always been storytelling.

When she’s not writing, Annie is a lover of all animals, especially dogs. She’s an avid collector of all things Goofy and believes in the magic of happily ever after, both on and off the page. Married to a retired Sheriff’s Deputy, Annie enjoys spending time with her husband and their dogs, whether at the beach, the dog park, or relaxing at home.

To learn more about her work, visit her website: www.AnnieCarlisle.com.

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5 stars
37 (54%)
4 stars
23 (33%)
3 stars
4 (5%)
2 stars
3 (4%)
1 star
1 (1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 47 reviews
Profile Image for Lynn_G.
1,258 reviews28 followers
August 22, 2025
I may be in the minority but I found Daisy chaotic and annoying, not so much pure sunshine or whatever characteristics were attributed to her in the blurb. After nearly hitting Ashe and Smokey with her delivery van she reacted immaturely and lectured him of all people.

The doggos were cute together, however. I’d hoped based on the title and description for more spice between the humans. 3.25 stars rounded way up to 4 overall.

I received an advance copy from Booksirens. and I’m sharing my honest review.
690 reviews8 followers
July 17, 2025
********

Such a wonderful fun read. Smokey and Peaches definitely steal the show and the pug in the tutu was priceless. Their humans were adorable and so much fun to rave along side of as they tried to cope with two instantly love struck dogs who did not understand why their humans were taking so long to get with the program.

I received this ARC from the author for free and I’m leaving this review voluntarily.
Profile Image for Aleksandra.
1,428 reviews13 followers
October 4, 2025
Scorched in Pelican Point by Annie Carlisle delivers exactly what it promises: sunshine, sass, doggy shenanigans, and a slow-burn that warms you from the heart.

What It’s About
Daisy Waverly inherits a flower shop in sweet, seaside Pelican Point, accompanied by her unstoppable Golden Retriever, Peaches. Enter Ashe McAllister, the town’s hot, grumpy firefighter with his disciplined German Shepherd, Smokey. Their humans clash (of course), but the real sparks fly through their dogs. When a storm strands Daisy and Ashe together overnight, candles and canned food lead to something neither expected. Then Ashe walks away. Cue the second-chance tension. Will Daisy let him back in?

What I Loved

The dogs. Peaches and Smokey aren’t just props—they steal the show. Their matchmaking mischief adds levity and charm.

Small-town atmosphere. Pelican Point feels like a place you want to sit and linger in—friendly neighbors, cozy setting, the promise of calm after the storm.

Humor + heat balance. The book delivers laughs (especially when Daisy nearly runs over Ashe with her delivery van—that scene had me snorting) and just enough romantic tension to make it spicy without being overwhelming.

Pacing. It’s a novella-length romance, which means it never drags. Perfect for one or two sitting reads when you need something uplifting.

What Gave Me Pause

Daisy’s personality. There were moments she felt more chaotic than sunny—her reactions could be immature or abrupt. That said, the contrast with Ashe’s gruff reserve is part of the charm.

Less intimate “spice.” If you're expecting deeply sensual scenes or very intense romance, this leans more romantic tension and sweetness than bold sensuality.

Author’s Style
Annie Carlisle writes with lightness and heart. Her dialogue snaps, especially in bickering & flirting, and her descriptions of settings and emotions hit just enough color and texture without over-doing it. She structures the opposites-attract trope in familiar ways, but she offsets predictability with humor, pets, and a heroine whose flaws make her real.

Overall Verdict
If you love dogs, small-town charm, and grumpy-sunshine romance with heart (and can forgive a few of Daisy’s overreactions), this book is a perfect feel-good addition to your shelf. It’s comforting, fun, and leaves you with a smile. Highly recommended.

Would I buy it again / recommend it? Yes—to anyone wanting a short escape with laughs, romance, and a happy ending.
2,722 reviews44 followers
August 17, 2025
A shorter, but marvelous and laugh out loud funny at times romance. When Daisy Waverly receives an inheritance from her aunt, she heads for Pelican Point and the Waverly Blooms Flower Shop. Daisy has always loved flowers and it seems she now has a home in Pelican Point. She, along with her dog Peaches, a Golden Retriever, are soon thrilled with the friendly town. Although her first meeting with Firefighter Lt. Ashe McAllister and his dog Smokey, a German Shepherd, was a bit awkward. Well awkward for them, but not for Smokey and Peaches. Ashe finds himself fighting against an attraction to Daisy, but as their dogs spend time together, so do they. When a fierce storm is threatening the area, he goes to her shop to make sure that she is safe, but getting stranded with her was not in his plans. A night spent together eating canned food by candlelight leads them to a closeness that he is not prepared for and he walks away from her. Has he just made the biggest mistake of his life? When he sees her out on a date, he knows that he wants to be the man sitting across the table from her, but will she give him a second chance, a chance to show her that she is the one for him, for a lifetime? I received an advance review copy at no cost and without obligation for an honest review. (paytonpuppy)
680 reviews8 followers
December 7, 2025
mmm... gonna go with "this just wasn't for me"... and I don't normally mind sweet, cheesy, and basically light reading... it simply didn't land well for me.

I like our new resident of Pelican Point. Daisy, even with a backstory we don't get until later in the book, is sweet and kind, with a bull-in-a-floral-shop dog. She's chipper, she's sunshine. And she's totally unprepared for life in Florida and learning as she goes. Daisy is easy to like.

Ashe, and that name while manly is also just a wee bit too on the nose for a fireman, OTOH is a surly silent jerk... until he decides the world won't end if he speaks. But my issue isn't Ashe being stand-offish, it's him being a coward in one solitary area of life. He isn't a coward elsewhere, so it would literally be out of character even with wounds or traumas in play. Hopefully it was just my reading that felt this way, because I wanted to like the story more than I did.... I mean, the dogs like each other [that may have been also over the top for me as well] and isn't that just awkward when the dogs get together before the people do?

Not awful, just not as enjoyable as earlier books in this series.
Profile Image for Mariaan Belinfante.
1,004 reviews6 followers
April 14, 2026
An engaging fun filled cosy read that had me shrieking with laughter. Bubbly Daisy and her boisterous golden retriever Peaches came to Pelican Point after she inherited Waverly Blooms from her aunt Violet. She nearly knocked over Ashe and his German shepherd Smokey. For Smokey and Peaches is insta love, this was adorable. Unfortunately our dear MMC is a tad emotional constipated and he ghosted her after the kiss. The pawty party Daisy had for the dogs was beyond hilarious, especially as I could picture Pixi pug vividly from my own experiences, lol pugs can run like hell on those little stubby legs especially when foods involved. The proposal was epic. Annie's writing deftly weaved fun, laughter and finally romance like a tapestry.
I received an advanced review copy and leave this review voluntary Thank you BookSirens
Profile Image for Judith Miguel.
Author 5 books42 followers
July 20, 2025
I adored this novella! Super cute and easy to read. Daisy is a forth of nature. All glitter and smiles. Peaches is the naughtiest golden retriever I've ever heard of. They are the perfect team. When she inherits a flower shop, she decides to start over in Pelican Point. Then she meets Asher, the town grumpiest and hottest fireman and they just crash. But their dogs fall in love at first sniff. So they get to spend time together. Plus, a tropical storm and everything just combust. For good.
An engaging reading to enjoy in one sitting and end it with the biggest smile.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

68 reviews
August 31, 2025
“Betrayed by Man’s Best Friend?”

I'm falling in love with the small town vibe in Pelican Point all over again. Loved that this was a quick read as well.

Animal lover or not, the 2 dogs (Peaches & Smokey) stole the show / story IMHO. Maybe, just maybe, these dogs could/should teach their owners a lesson? 😂

Can't wait to read the other books in this series & figure out what’s really going on in Pelican Point. I have a feeling there’s more than meets the eye, but won’t know until I’ve read them all.

I received a free advance review copy from BookSirens, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Profile Image for Rhonda Hicks.
4,681 reviews86 followers
September 16, 2025
This book is a vibrant, sunshine-filled novella that demands your attention this summer, featuring some of the cutest dogs you’ll ever encounter—and the humans hold their own, too! Daisy and Ashe may appear to be complete opposites with little in common, but their journey will captivate you. Ashe reveals his vulnerable side, while Daisy teaches him the true meaning of love. The real stars of this story are Peaches, the golden retriever; Stormy, the German shepherd; and a pug in a tutu, all of whom steal the show. This story had me laughing from start to finish, and watching this charming quartet come together as a family is incredibly heartwarming and absolutely worth the happy ending.

3,970 reviews51 followers
July 27, 2025
Daisy is new to town, she has inherited the flower shop and decides to stay in Pelican Point. Asher is a local fireman, who may be hot but very grumpy. These two clash but their dogs love each other. Peaches is the mischievous golden retriever. Daisy and Asher find that they spend together and when a storm rolls in these two find heat and steam also rolls in.

This book has humour, angst, drama and spice.

Loved the characters you will have a smile on your face.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
254 reviews3 followers
August 2, 2025
Scorched in Pelican Bay is a cute tale of opposites attract. Loud, outgoing and eternal sunshine Daisy meets Mr. Grumpypants. Ashe would rather keep to himself with no emotions or any attachments. But everywhere he turns Daisy is there upsetting his peacefully boring life. And now his dog has the hots for Daisy’s dog. What’s a guy to do but cave? This was an enjoyable book that will have you laughing out loud. I would definitely recommend. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Profile Image for Crystal Junebug.
513 reviews
Read
August 18, 2025
This is the fifth book in the Pelican Bay series and this is a standalone story between Ash (MMC) and Daisy (FMC). The other stories in this series are quite short and that's the case for this book as well. I was about to finish the book in about 2 hours. It's sweet, adorable, funny, and spicier than British merchant ship leaving India. So, if you have a couple of hours to indulge in a sweet and spicy story, this one should do the trick. Overall, a good read. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Profile Image for Vickie Chaisson.
1,313 reviews11 followers
August 23, 2025
This book is a quick summer sunshine filled novella with some of the cutest dogs known to man and the humans aren't bad either. Daisy and Ashe were total opposites and do not see to have much in common. But this story will steal your heart as Ashe opens up and shows his vulnerable side and Daisy shows him what love is. The stars of this story however are the golden retreiver Peaches a german shephard Storm and a pug in a tutu. I haven't laughed along with a story in a long time. Watching this quartet become a family was heart warming and so worth the HEA.
Profile Image for Linda de Klein.
46 reviews1 follower
September 15, 2025
This was anything but a relaxing read for me. I was driven crazy by the lengthy descriptions, especially the endless, over-the-top metaphors—very tiring.
I also found the male protagonist's conclusion that a life without love or connection was preferable, based on a single experience from early in his career, quite unbelievable.
Otherwise, it's quite well written, but someone should have gone over it with a red pen.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
276 reviews1 follower
July 23, 2025
A wonderful return to Pelican Point! This is a quick, sweet summer read with a dose of spice. Ashe is a local fireman, while Daisy is new to town. He's quiet and reserved, while she is all about glitter and sunshine. And I can't forget to bring up the dogs who fell in love way before their humans. This is a very enjoyable opposites attract story.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Profile Image for Emily Beaman.
9 reviews
August 3, 2025
This book is a cute romance novella that includes second chances, mild spice and a lot of puppies! If you like flowers, dogs and the beach then this book is for you. Even though this book was not my typical style, it was the perfect pallet cleanser for me. I felt like Ashe had too much desperation and not enough action, which is why I couldn’t rate it the full five stars. This book does have a lot of analogies and visualization that make for an easier read.
Profile Image for love2read.
132 reviews
August 5, 2025
Smokey and Peaches 🐕🐕‍🦺🥰
A cute dog story with a couple of humans thrown in for fun. She is a ray of pure sunshine, and he is a band of stormy weather…the humans not the dogs! Their journey to HEA is filled with a little bit of drama and doggie shenanigans. Choose this novella if you’re in the mood for a quick read that is fun and heart-warming!
I was happy to receive an advance review copy of Scorched in Pelican Point for free, and I am leaving my honest review voluntarily.
1,804 reviews11 followers
August 10, 2025
Ashe might be the sheriff in town, but Daisy definitely leaves her joy of life with her footprints as she settles down in Pelican Point. We don't only get one romance, but two. The first one instantaneous, while a tropical storm brings to life another.
Annie Carlisle has the ability to bring a smile to my face and keep my spirits uplifted.
I received a copy from BookSirens and this is my honest and voluntary review.
1,846 reviews7 followers
August 11, 2025
Really enjoyed this Pelican Point book. Ashe is a firefighter who has seen a lot with his job and has no interest in getting close to anyone. That is until Daisy the new flower shop owner in town barrels into his life. They are complete opposites who complement each other. As they begin to see more of each other and get close Ashe pulls away making them both miserable. It takes awhile but he finally sees the light! They each have a dog which really adds to the fun!
4,501 reviews35 followers
August 15, 2025
“Scorched in Pelican Point” by Annie Carlisle

-A charming, opposites-attract romance with plenty of laughs and heart. I received a free copy and am voluntarily sharing my honest thoughts.

Firefighter Ashe and flower shop owner Daisy can’t seem to agree—except when it comes to their love-struck dogs. Smokey and Peaches practically steal the spotlight in this sweet, small-town story.

Light, witty, and full of adorable moments, it’s a delightful one-sitting read.
Profile Image for J.
4,564 reviews22 followers
August 16, 2025
This is book 5 in the multi author series Pelican Point and a great addition to the series that can be read as a standalone. Our main characters are Ashe who is a local fireman, and Daisy who is new to town and inherited the local flower shop. The pup's all but steal the show in this novella but the overall read is sweet, heartwarming with the best balance of steam too!

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Profile Image for Berta Greenleaf Richardson.
1,525 reviews7 followers
August 27, 2025
I laughed so hard I couldn't stop. These MCs are adorable with their foibles and insecurities. However, it is the dogs that steal the show or book. This author knows how to make a book feel like a best friend. I want to reread this book over and over again. I highly recommend this book to all rom-com romance readers.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Profile Image for Jean.
1,883 reviews1 follower
August 27, 2025
Sunshine or trophies storms, this is the life in Pelican Point. Daisy Waverley inherited a aunt’s flower shop. Almost killing Ashe McAllister, Firehouse Lieutenant was not now she wanted to start her first day. Love the banter of the overtop, sunshine florist and her just as dynamic dog and the grumpy fireman and his stoic sidekick German shepherd. Great series.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
2,307 reviews15 followers
September 27, 2025
A MAGICAL TOWN WITH MATCHMAKING TOWNFOLK

Ashe and Daisy. And of course Smokey the german shepard and Peaches the golden retriever. You know they say about opposites.

So entertaining and lol moments. And the charecters with their banter that is steamy and grumpy on the verge of foreplay. Theres dosgs and townfolk and tutus and a romance that will have you glued to the pages.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
1,818 reviews11 followers
July 18, 2025
Scorched in Pelican Point is a super cute, fun and standalone short story in the multi-author Pelican Point series. While I enjoyed the romance between Ashe and Daisy, Smokey and Peaches really took the price and had me smiling and oohing all the way. A great way to spend an evening with two sweet HEAs! I received an early copy and am leaving this review voluntarily and honestly.
Profile Image for BecReadReview.
2,288 reviews37 followers
July 19, 2025
Daisy & Peaches bring laughter & absolute hilarity that’ll leave you clutching your stomach. Their refreshing energy lights up every page, leaving you smiling long after. Ashe & Smoke might have you rolling your eyes, but you can’t help but adore them especially when grumpy Ashe shows a vulnerable side that melts your heart. A quick, sweet, funny, & heartwarming read that’s pure indulgence.
Profile Image for Cynthia Khan.
3,279 reviews10 followers
Read
July 20, 2025
Book 5 Pelican Point story for Ashe McAllister and Daisy. Now that was a storyline that will have you falling in love not only with these two characters but with The dogs, they were the most interesting characters, I so loved reading this one.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
1,928 reviews25 followers
August 15, 2025
perfect

Everything about this book is perfect for me: the setting, the plot and the names of the characters say it all: Daisy and Asher (flowers and what´s left when the firefighters leave). What I loved most about this book was the canine matchmakers Smokey and Peaches (again, the names fit to a T)
Profile Image for Connie .
346 reviews3 followers
August 21, 2025
This book is a riot and a half. It’ll keep you laughing from beginning to end just because of two dogs and Daisy’s sense of humor. So much fun. And poor ole Ashe doesn’t know what to think or hardly know how to smile but between the dogs and Daisy he doesn’t have a chance. Oh, also behind the humor you’ll find a love story, actually two. The dogs have their own too.
Profile Image for Judy.
2,225 reviews13 followers
August 30, 2025
Daisy is outgoing and has a wonderful view of life, is always smiling and making others feel happy. Well except for Ashe who always seems to be grumpy, but not for long if she has anything to do with it. I tremendously enjoyed reading this story it has so much laughter and happiness amongst the trauma. I received a free copy of this book and I am voluntarily leaving an honest review .
Displaying 1 - 30 of 47 reviews