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Firefly Embers: A Firefly Cove Novel
SPOILER ALERT -
Firefly Embers is the SECOND book in the Firefly Cove series, and this synopsis alludes to events that transpire at the end of Firefly Wishes. These books are best read in order of publication—starting with Firefly Wishes.
After an accident leaves him unable to ride, Wade Daniels is anything but the carefree cowboy his friends and family once adored. He is lost, broken, and angry.
Not even his best friend—the woman he’s loved since his teenage years—can break through the haze of his grief.
But Rayna Cortez is nothing if not determined to find the boy she once knew, even if she has to fight through his bitterness to reach him. She won’t stop trying to bring back the light in his haunted eyes and prove that he is worthy of being loved through anything.
Firefly Embers is the second installment in the Firefly Cove series. The story picks up directly after the conclusion of Firefly Wishes and follows childhood best friends Wade and Ray as they fight for love in the shadow of grief and trauma.
This book contains mature themes and content that is best suitable for readers 18+
After an accident leaves him unable to ride, Wade Daniels is anything but the carefree cowboy his friends and family once adored. He is lost, broken, and angry.
Not even his best friend—the woman he’s loved since his teenage years—can break through the haze of his grief.
But Rayna Cortez is nothing if not determined to find the boy she once knew, even if she has to fight through his bitterness to reach him. She won’t stop trying to bring back the light in his haunted eyes and prove that he is worthy of being loved through anything.
Firefly Embers is the second installment in the Firefly Cove series. The story picks up directly after the conclusion of Firefly Wishes and follows childhood best friends Wade and Ray as they fight for love in the shadow of grief and trauma.
This book contains mature themes and content that is best suitable for readers 18+
322 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 2, 2026
5 people are currently reading
35 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews
December 31, 2025
Ray & Wade’s story was just what my heart needed! The chemistry between them was *chefs kiss* I am so happy I got chosen to read an ARC of this one!!!
January 3, 2026
Got an advance copy of this book and boy am I glad I didn’t have to wait for the release! Firefly Cove is one of my favorite towns to read about. Wade was a favorite of mine in the 1st book of this series so I’m glad he got his own story. This one was a lot spicer than the first book and from reading the ending the 3rd book will be even spicer! This book deals with mental health for men which I feel like is a topic that is often overlooked/not talked about but something that needs to be addressed more. So glad to see that brought up! Can’t wait to see what else Ashley has in store for us in book 3 after introducing some new characters because I think they are going to be my favorites!
Review of advance copy received from Author
4.25 ⭐️
I am so thankful I was given the opportunity to read this as an ARC. I loved this so much, and I was so happy to be back in Firefly Cove. I love Wade and Ray's relationship, and I know a lot of people don't like the friends-to-lovers trope, but I eat it up! The mental health representation in this book was so refreshing to read because you don't really to see that too often in romance novels. I also was so happy to see Max, Stella and Charlie again! I had a great time reading this and can't wait for book three!
I am so thankful I was given the opportunity to read this as an ARC. I loved this so much, and I was so happy to be back in Firefly Cove. I love Wade and Ray's relationship, and I know a lot of people don't like the friends-to-lovers trope, but I eat it up! The mental health representation in this book was so refreshing to read because you don't really to see that too often in romance novels. I also was so happy to see Max, Stella and Charlie again! I had a great time reading this and can't wait for book three!
January 18, 2026
I was so happy to receive an ARC of Firefly Embers and return to Firefly Cove—it truly felt like coming home. I loved this book so much. The mental health representation was written with so much care and authenticity, and it added real depth to the story.
I’m not usually a friends-to-lovers fan, but this one was done so well. The progression felt natural and emotionally satisfying. The pop-ins from Max, Stella, and Charlie were absolute perfection and made the story even more special.
The lead-in for book three was perfectly done and now I’m beyond eager to read what comes next.
I’m not usually a friends-to-lovers fan, but this one was done so well. The progression felt natural and emotionally satisfying. The pop-ins from Max, Stella, and Charlie were absolute perfection and made the story even more special.
The lead-in for book three was perfectly done and now I’m beyond eager to read what comes next.
February 2, 2026
✨Childhood Friends to Lovers
✨Oldest Daughter FMC
✨Injured Cowboy MMC
✨Interconnected Stand Alone
(But seriously, read Firefly Wishes first. It’s so swoony)
I was so happy to return to Firefly Cove! Ray and Wade’s love story was so lovely to watch unfold. I definitely related to the oldest daughter struggles. Wade’s struggle with his mental health and healing from a very traumatic event is handled in a very sensitive yet realistic way. Trigger warning for suicide ideation.
Thank you to Ashley Templin for the advanced copy!
✨Oldest Daughter FMC
✨Injured Cowboy MMC
✨Interconnected Stand Alone
(But seriously, read Firefly Wishes first. It’s so swoony)
I was so happy to return to Firefly Cove! Ray and Wade’s love story was so lovely to watch unfold. I definitely related to the oldest daughter struggles. Wade’s struggle with his mental health and healing from a very traumatic event is handled in a very sensitive yet realistic way. Trigger warning for suicide ideation.
Thank you to Ashley Templin for the advanced copy!
Review of advance copy received from Author
I was so excited to get an ARC and head back to Firefly Cove!
Friends to lovers can be a tricky trope but I thought it was really well written and well paced. I loved getting to see Max, Stella and Charlie again too!
The ending left me intrigued about the characters we will get to know in book 3!
Friends to lovers can be a tricky trope but I thought it was really well written and well paced. I loved getting to see Max, Stella and Charlie again too!
The ending left me intrigued about the characters we will get to know in book 3!
December 18, 2025
I was picked as an ARC reader for Ashley’s book.
Ashley did it again, just like book 1!
I gave this 5 stars because I had a hard time putting it down. I stayed up past bedtime 2 nights in a row reading and reading!
Loved the dedication page recognizing those in darkness.
Thank you Ashley for highlighting mental health.
This story was nothing I would ever guess it to be.
When Wade ran out into the cove in a panic, I felt it! I love how Ashley describes everything in such detail that can be felt and seen.
Loved that this book included a different pov from a scene in book 1. And the flashbacks in time.
First time ever while reading a book, I wanted to cry!
Ready to read book 3 coming winter 2026.
And I noticed another related series?! Exciting!
Ashley did it again, just like book 1!
I gave this 5 stars because I had a hard time putting it down. I stayed up past bedtime 2 nights in a row reading and reading!
Loved the dedication page recognizing those in darkness.
Thank you Ashley for highlighting mental health.
This story was nothing I would ever guess it to be.
When Wade ran out into the cove in a panic, I felt it! I love how Ashley describes everything in such detail that can be felt and seen.
Loved that this book included a different pov from a scene in book 1. And the flashbacks in time.
First time ever while reading a book, I wanted to cry!
Ready to read book 3 coming winter 2026.
And I noticed another related series?! Exciting!
February 3, 2026
This is a solid 3.5 for me, but not quite a 4 star read. I wish all apps would lets us rate in halves.
I did genuinely enjoy the story. I appreciate Wade and Ray’s journey. The chemistry between the main characters is fantastic when it’s present. I admire Rayna’s spark and attitude. I also appreciate how Wade’s trauma and recovery were handled thoughtfully in this book.
However, I found the book repetitive, as it seemed to recap events from the first book very often. I believe it could have been sufficient to mention these events only at the beginning of this book, as reading the first book is a prerequisite for this one. Additionally, I noticed a few inconsistencies that bothered me and caused me to put the book down for a bit. I won’t detail those as they could be spoilers. I wish the romance subplot had a little more page time. Their story felt rushed to me, and I yearned for more between Wade and Ray in the romance department. These aspects may not bother everyone.
It does end on somewhat of a cliffhanger that completely caught me off guard, but that sets you up completely intrigued for the next installment. I cannot wait to see what happens in the next book.
Overall, the story was enjoyable much like the first in the series that I loved, and I recommend reading it and continuing the series. It is a positive addition to the series.
I did genuinely enjoy the story. I appreciate Wade and Ray’s journey. The chemistry between the main characters is fantastic when it’s present. I admire Rayna’s spark and attitude. I also appreciate how Wade’s trauma and recovery were handled thoughtfully in this book.
However, I found the book repetitive, as it seemed to recap events from the first book very often. I believe it could have been sufficient to mention these events only at the beginning of this book, as reading the first book is a prerequisite for this one. Additionally, I noticed a few inconsistencies that bothered me and caused me to put the book down for a bit. I won’t detail those as they could be spoilers. I wish the romance subplot had a little more page time. Their story felt rushed to me, and I yearned for more between Wade and Ray in the romance department. These aspects may not bother everyone.
It does end on somewhat of a cliffhanger that completely caught me off guard, but that sets you up completely intrigued for the next installment. I cannot wait to see what happens in the next book.
Overall, the story was enjoyable much like the first in the series that I loved, and I recommend reading it and continuing the series. It is a positive addition to the series.
Review of advance copy received from Author
“Um, hi, I’m Wade, and I’m emotionally damaged.”
MMC/FMC: Wade and Ray
Tropes:
Ranch romance
Best friends to lovers
Injured MMC
Emotional healing
Mental health rep
Safety:
No cheating, mentions of PTSD, violence, spinal injury, g*n violence, grief, mentions death of parent.
This best-friends-to-lovers story started with me unsure on whether I would truly enjoy it. The ‘best friends scared to make the leap so they hook up with anything else in sight’ trope is one that drives me up the wall.
But… the overall story was so good. Once it developed into the actual push-pull and attraction phase, it was riveting. I adored them together.
The mental health rep/PTSD scenes hook you. They’re devastating, and you can just picture yourself there. So emotional, and you could feel Wade’s anger… This was handled so well.
There was a twist at the end and frankly, I saw something potentially happening… but NOT that! That, plus the teaser… I can’t wait for book 3.
MMC/FMC: Wade and Ray
Tropes:
Ranch romance
Best friends to lovers
Injured MMC
Emotional healing
Mental health rep
Safety:
No cheating, mentions of PTSD, violence, spinal injury, g*n violence, grief, mentions death of parent.
This best-friends-to-lovers story started with me unsure on whether I would truly enjoy it. The ‘best friends scared to make the leap so they hook up with anything else in sight’ trope is one that drives me up the wall.
But… the overall story was so good. Once it developed into the actual push-pull and attraction phase, it was riveting. I adored them together.
The mental health rep/PTSD scenes hook you. They’re devastating, and you can just picture yourself there. So emotional, and you could feel Wade’s anger… This was handled so well.
There was a twist at the end and frankly, I saw something potentially happening… but NOT that! That, plus the teaser… I can’t wait for book 3.
February 3, 2026
4⭐ / 3🌶️
Book 2, here we go! This time we get a deeper look into the dynamic best-friend duo, Wade (aka Waddle) and Ray (aka Sunshine).
The beginning was a bit slow, but it ramps up toward the end, and the friends-to-lovers slow burn was done perfectly. Ashley Templin hyped up the spice and delivered, though I’d still say the plot outweighed it (which is my preference!)
Ray is such a fun character with her fierce personality and big heart. Wade is the classic southern gentleman, but this book shows him unraveling as he struggles with the aftermath of the accident mentioned in book one (no spoilers!). I loved his character development and the honest portrayal of his mental health journey.
I also really appreciated the continued involvement of Stella and Max. Instead of just cameo appearances, we actually get to see how their happily-ever-after is playing out. The subtle hints about who book three would cover were fun too!
Book 2, here we go! This time we get a deeper look into the dynamic best-friend duo, Wade (aka Waddle) and Ray (aka Sunshine).
The beginning was a bit slow, but it ramps up toward the end, and the friends-to-lovers slow burn was done perfectly. Ashley Templin hyped up the spice and delivered, though I’d still say the plot outweighed it (which is my preference!)
Ray is such a fun character with her fierce personality and big heart. Wade is the classic southern gentleman, but this book shows him unraveling as he struggles with the aftermath of the accident mentioned in book one (no spoilers!). I loved his character development and the honest portrayal of his mental health journey.
I also really appreciated the continued involvement of Stella and Max. Instead of just cameo appearances, we actually get to see how their happily-ever-after is playing out. The subtle hints about who book three would cover were fun too!
February 3, 2026
3.5/5
Compared to Firefly Wishes, this one didn't hold a candle to it. What I loved about Nax and Stella is the way they handled their complicated feelings, situation, and they way they communicated. I felt that's where Ray and Wade lacked. For how supposed close they were, the communication between the two wasn't there. I do adore how the author shined a light on men's mental health and struggles. How Wade eventually sought help even with the stigma behind it. However, the way he treated his brother and Stella and even Ray rubbed me the wrong way. Why he was blaming them for HIS choices bothered the heck out of me. Stella had already been through so much, and he added to it. Yet Stella and Max again showed how amazing they were with rolling with his issues and always being there for him. Ray deserved better, I think. But she loves Wade, and she deserves happiness. He did grow towards the end of the book, but there were some issues I couldn't get past personally.
Compared to Firefly Wishes, this one didn't hold a candle to it. What I loved about Nax and Stella is the way they handled their complicated feelings, situation, and they way they communicated. I felt that's where Ray and Wade lacked. For how supposed close they were, the communication between the two wasn't there. I do adore how the author shined a light on men's mental health and struggles. How Wade eventually sought help even with the stigma behind it. However, the way he treated his brother and Stella and even Ray rubbed me the wrong way. Why he was blaming them for HIS choices bothered the heck out of me. Stella had already been through so much, and he added to it. Yet Stella and Max again showed how amazing they were with rolling with his issues and always being there for him. Ray deserved better, I think. But she loves Wade, and she deserves happiness. He did grow towards the end of the book, but there were some issues I couldn't get past personally.
January 7, 2026
I gave this book 4 stars. I think for me personally the friends to lovers trope is just not my thing. The book was well written and I like Rays sassiness. But there were times when I wanted things to progress forward. I wanted them to stop talking about how they loved each other for years and just get together. I absolutely loved every time we saw Max and Stella and even Charlie. It makes me love them and their story that much more. I also loved seeing the little bits about Izzy and Sterling and it’s making me excited for their story. Also, can we talk about the spicy scenes!!!! OMG I could use more of those please. Overall, it wasn’t a bad book but I really think for me personally I’m gonna stay away from friends to lovers tropes in the future. The end of the book definitely had me tearing up.
January 21, 2026
I was lucky enough to receive an ARC of Firefly Embers, and wow—I absolutely adored this book. Ray and Wade’s transition from childhood best friends to lovers was everything. Their connection felt so natural and deeply emotional that I couldn’t help but become completely obsessed with them.
One of the elements that truly made this story stand out for me was Wade’s mental health journey. I always appreciate when authors thoughtfully and respectfully shed light on mental health, and this book handled it beautifully. While Wade could be frustrating at times, his struggles felt real and understandable, which only added depth to his character.
And Rayna Cortez—what an absolute ray of sunshine. Her unwavering love, patience, and support for Wade were written with such care and warmth. Their relationship was tender, emotional, and incredibly rewarding to read.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 5 stars
One of the elements that truly made this story stand out for me was Wade’s mental health journey. I always appreciate when authors thoughtfully and respectfully shed light on mental health, and this book handled it beautifully. While Wade could be frustrating at times, his struggles felt real and understandable, which only added depth to his character.
And Rayna Cortez—what an absolute ray of sunshine. Her unwavering love, patience, and support for Wade were written with such care and warmth. Their relationship was tender, emotional, and incredibly rewarding to read.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 5 stars
Review of advance copy
Firefly Embers, A Heartbreaking, Healing Second Chance
This is book two in the Firefly Cove series and follows events from Firefly Wishes.
This book hurt, in the quiet, aching way grief often does. Watching Wade struggle after the accident was heavy and real, and his anger felt painfully earned. What made this story shine for me was Rayna. Her loyalty, patience, and refusal to give up on the boy she’s always loved gave this book its heartbeat.
Firefly Embers isn’t a fast or easy romance, it’s about loving someone through brokenness, trauma, and self-doubt. Emotional, raw, and deeply tender, this installment proves that sometimes love isn’t about saving someone, but standing beside them while they find their way back to the light.
This is book two in the Firefly Cove series and follows events from Firefly Wishes.
This book hurt, in the quiet, aching way grief often does. Watching Wade struggle after the accident was heavy and real, and his anger felt painfully earned. What made this story shine for me was Rayna. Her loyalty, patience, and refusal to give up on the boy she’s always loved gave this book its heartbeat.
Firefly Embers isn’t a fast or easy romance, it’s about loving someone through brokenness, trauma, and self-doubt. Emotional, raw, and deeply tender, this installment proves that sometimes love isn’t about saving someone, but standing beside them while they find their way back to the light.
February 1, 2026
I was so happy to receive this as an arc copy. Of course I gladly took a dive back into Firefly Cove. You can’t help but fall in love with the characters. I’m glad I finally got to know the story behind Wade and Ray. I loved this whole book. The way mental health issues were represented perfectly and the way it was friends to lovers. There of course was some spice tossed in there, but nothing too crazy. I loved their handshake. 10/10 would recommend this amazing cowboy romance series. I can’t wait to continue!
Review of advance copy received from Author
Wade and Ray are childhood best friends with the best relationship around but could it be more? After a terrible year with a lot of trauma Wade makes a huge decision to better himself and Ray sticks by his side through it all.
I loved the mental health representation in this book. Not only did we see the growth but also the rock bottom.
I loved the small town, ranch lifestyle vibe. The next book seems like it’s going to ramp up the drama. Highly recommend.
I loved the mental health representation in this book. Not only did we see the growth but also the rock bottom.
I loved the small town, ranch lifestyle vibe. The next book seems like it’s going to ramp up the drama. Highly recommend.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I had the pleasure to Beta read this and I enjoyed it even more than Firefly Wishes! Wade and Ray are so fun to read together. Ashley writes books that make you feel like you're there; and the characters are so relatable. It was also refreshing reading about PTSD that didn't come from military service. As a society, we've come a long way towards acknowledging PTSD but still ignore that it happens in many other ways than military or police service.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Firefly Embers is book 2 in the Firefly Cove series and we pick up after book 1 ended. I recommend reading Max, Stella, and Charlie's story Firefly Wishes.
I love Wade and Ray! I felt for Wade as he struggled and reared his angry side. One truly felt his pain and struggle through the pages. The love Ray and Wade have was heartwarming they started as best friends transcending to lovers. A beautifully written story !!!! An emotional ride and I can't wait to see what happens next
I love Wade and Ray! I felt for Wade as he struggled and reared his angry side. One truly felt his pain and struggle through the pages. The love Ray and Wade have was heartwarming they started as best friends transcending to lovers. A beautifully written story !!!! An emotional ride and I can't wait to see what happens next
Review of advance copy received from Author
I had the privilege to be picked as an ARC reader for Firefly Embers. It was absolutely brilliant! It had such raw, intense emotions portrayed throughout that need to be processed and find healing. All while, a beautiful friendship evolves into something more.
If you enjoyed Ashley’s first book, Firefly Wishes, you will LOVE this one! I cannot wait for the next!!
If you enjoyed Ashley’s first book, Firefly Wishes, you will LOVE this one! I cannot wait for the next!!
Review of advance copy received from Author
This is book 2 in the Firefly cove series and starts directly after book 1. You do not necessarily need to read book 1 to understand, however I highly recommend Max, Stella, and Charlie's story.
I adored Wade and Ray in Firefly Embers. I have to say the angry side of Wade had me wanting to slap him upside his head a few times, however you felt his pain through the pages. The love between Ray and Wade was inspirational, from best friends transcending to lovers.
This book was beautifully written and emotional. I am excited to see the series is going to continue.
I adored Wade and Ray in Firefly Embers. I have to say the angry side of Wade had me wanting to slap him upside his head a few times, however you felt his pain through the pages. The love between Ray and Wade was inspirational, from best friends transcending to lovers.
This book was beautifully written and emotional. I am excited to see the series is going to continue.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
3.5 🌟.
I really enjoyed the storyline of this book. The characters were likable & relatable.
But once I hit the "NFR" section.... if you know anything about the rodeo world, it may leave you disappointed.
The NFR is a 10 day rodeo, but Izzy was to make 3 runs? Also, the event order never changes in real life..
I really enjoyed the storyline of this book. The characters were likable & relatable.
But once I hit the "NFR" section.... if you know anything about the rodeo world, it may leave you disappointed.
The NFR is a 10 day rodeo, but Izzy was to make 3 runs? Also, the event order never changes in real life..
February 2, 2026
If you’re looking for an emotional, raw, beautiful romance.. you found it. This book touches on mental health in such a careful and well written way. Wade and Ray loved each other through all the seasons of their lives as best friends, and finally gave in for their perfect forever.
Ope, and the spice.. so good!!
Ope, and the spice.. so good!!
February 2, 2026
This is the second book in one of the best series I have ever read. This is Wade and Rayna’s story and let me tell you will root for these two from start to finish. They both go through so much Wade with a career ending accident and Rayna having to grow up at a young age to help raise her younger siblings. It takes these two awhile but they do get their happy ending.
February 2, 2026
The tension between these characters was palpable from the previous book, and reading when they finally gave in was extraordinary.
It was admirable that after so much resistance, Wade realized he truly needed help to confront everything he refused to let go of.
He was able to heal, understand, and fight to be the man he wanted to love Ray unconditionally.
It was admirable that after so much resistance, Wade realized he truly needed help to confront everything he refused to let go of.
He was able to heal, understand, and fight to be the man he wanted to love Ray unconditionally.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I loved Ray and Wades story. The way it continued the overarching but gave their own spin. It was told well and the spice was great. So glad I got to be an ARC reader for this book and to see the story continue through this couple. Can’t wait to see what she has next!
January 10, 2026
I had the honor of being an ARC reader and holy cow, Ashley did it again! Omg!!! She has moved into one of my top favorite author spots, right next to Catherine Cowles. The way she builds the characters, emotions, heat and ignites the flames is unmatched! I don’t want to wait for the 3rd book!
Review of advance copy received from Author
ahhhh...gosh I just move all of Firefly Cove. Ashley...the way you brought in mental health...chefs kiss!!! Just when I thought nothing could be as good as book 1. If somebody gave me a million dollars to choose between the two id have to walk away broke because there is no way I could pick.
December 26, 2025
Ahhhh!!! This book 🥰🥰Wade & Rayna were EVERYTHING ❤️ as heavy as it was with PTSD storyline, it was so worth going thru all the emotions with them. Loved it!
January 7, 2026
I was chosen for an ARC and this book was written well and I loved the chemistry between the characters.
January 8, 2026
I don’t think friends to lovers is my trope of choice, overall it was a cute story but I am definitely excited for book 3!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews