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Firefly Wishes: A Firefly Cove Novel

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Nothing screams 𝗕𝗔𝗚𝗚𝗔𝗚𝗘, quite like a woman and her toddler on the run from murderous drug dealers. But, when Stella and her daughter, Charlie, find themselves in the small town of Firefly Cove, the last thing they expect is to meet a man and his family willing to carry all of that baggage for them.
When Stella’s past catches up with them, will the love and life she’s created be enough? Or will she lose herself and the thing that is most important to 𝗖𝗛𝗔𝗥𝗟𝗜𝗘

294 pages, Kindle Edition

First published August 4, 2025

30 people are currently reading
99 people want to read

About the author

Ashley Templin

2 books18 followers

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5 stars
72 (59%)
4 stars
36 (29%)
3 stars
11 (9%)
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3 (2%)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 56 reviews
Profile Image for Jordan.
141 reviews4 followers
August 8, 2025
This book blew me away, I would recommend this to anyone who is a huge fan of Elsie Silver or Catherine Cowles. To go on this journey with a single mom, on the run, and healing from a DV situation, was beautiful. But later I knew my heart was going to be ripped out and I was not wrong. I am not one to be able to finish a book in one day but I couldn’t put it down. And Ashley, if you are reading this, you owe me some makeup wipes because I was sobbing. I would say that this is a terrific debut story but that wouldn’t be giving the author enough credit, this is simply a perfect story and I can’t wait to read more.
Profile Image for Cheyanne.
21 reviews
July 18, 2025
Firefly Wishes will have you wishing you read it sooner! This small town romantic suspense (with open-door spice—🌶️🌶️ maybe even 🌶️🌶️🌶️ in a few later chapters!) follows Stella and her almost-one-year-old daughter, Charlie, as they escape a dangerous past and search for a safer, happier life. Their journey leads them to the charming small town of Firefly Cove—as the story puts it, “small towns have a way of calling to wayward souls.”

Stella is a fiercely independent single mom who would do anything to protect her daughter. As a first-time mom myself, I found the author’s portrayal of new motherhood incredibly authentic and deeply relatable. Stella’s backstory is heavy—she fell for the wrong man young, endured years of abuse, and finally made her escape (no spoilers, but wow). She’s guarded, traumatized, and not ready to let anyone in… until she meets Max.

Max is a young, broody rancher who’d rather work the land than deal with people. But underneath the grump he's a “walking green-flag” and a true Southern gentleman. He opens his home and heart to Stella and Charlie without hesitation—and never once looks back.

This story has it all: heartwarming romance, the emotional depth of motherhood, just the right touch of spice, and a twist of suspense that hits right when you think all is calm. The ending had me speed reading to find out what happens!
Every character felt real and grounded, and the found family vibes gave “The Ranch” energy. (I am convinced Pops is a version of Sam Elliott—chef’s kiss.) The chemistry between Stella and Max is beautiful and their second chance/found family story is one to swoon over.

The plot-to-spice ratio was spot on—just enough heat to keep things steamy without overpowering the story. I’m already anticipating the next book featuring Max’s twin, Wade!
Profile Image for Chloe Rowley.
236 reviews4 followers
July 14, 2025
Wow—this book was truly amazing. From the very first two chapters, I found myself completely hooked. I fell in love with the characters almost instantly, and that connection only grew stronger as the story unfolded. The pacing, emotion, and character development kept me turning the pages, and by the end, I genuinely didn’t want it to be over. I wish it had been longer because I wasn’t ready to say goodbye to these characters.

Stella and Max’s relationship was an absolute dream to read. Their chemistry felt so natural, and the emotional intimacy between them was written beautifully. I especially adored how Max stepped up in such a genuine, loving way to be a father figure to Charlie. The tenderness he showed—not just toward Stella, but toward Charlie as well—completely melted my heart. It never felt forced or overdone; it was authentic, and that made it even more impactful.

This story had so much heart. It was full of love, healing, and second chances, and it’s one that will definitely stay with me. If you’re looking for a romance that’s both emotionally rich and completely swoon-worthy, I can’t recommend this enough.
Profile Image for Mina.
81 reviews7 followers
December 14, 2025
wow!


I picked this book up on a complete whim and went in totally blind and I’m so glad I did because it ended up being such a great read. I absolutely loved Max and Stella. From the moment Max sees Stella crying alone in her car on the side of the road, he’s instantly drawn to her. One look is all it takes for him to be smitten. Max is the ultimate grumpy golden retriever. He’s rough around the edges but fiercely protective, loyal, and willing to do anything to keep Stella and her toddler loved and safe.

Stella’s story really pulled at my heart. She’s been through so much at such a young age. She thought she was in love, getting pregnant, and then being forced to run from dangerous men who threaten her and her child. When she ends up in Firefly Cove, she unexpectedly finds comfort in the smalltown charm and slowly falls in love with the place as well as the grumpy man she can’t stop thinking about. Their connection felt natural & electrifying.

I loved the found family vibes, the protective MMC energy, and the smalltown setting. I’m already excited and can’t wait to dive into Wade and Ray’s book.
Profile Image for Kelly.
29 reviews2 followers
September 6, 2025
This is like the 17th time I’ve tried to rate & review this book but Goodreads either hates me or this link bc every time I try it deletes my review. Anywho…

Stella and Dean drew me in from the get go and I was eager to see where the story would go. After Stella fled her situation and found herself in Firefly Cove, I was immediately drawn to Max (and Wade 😜). Stella and Charlie’s time in Firefly Cove felt a little rushed at times, but I genuinely enjoyed the relationship between Stella and Max. The bond that Charlie and Max built was so sweet but I kinda wanted him to chill a little with the “our daughter” after knowing that baby for only a few months. Toward the end, I really would have loved more build up. There were such high stakes and so much emotion, but it felt like a little too much was happening too quickly. Howeverrr, I just know the sequel is going to be great!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Andrea Vessman.
Author 13 books68 followers
July 13, 2025
I've read this ARC called Firefly wishes by Ashley Templin.
It's a suspenseful cowboy romance. About Stella who escapes a terrible life with her toddler and ends up in a small town called Firefly cove. Where she meets a rancher named Max. After she explains why she is there Max offers her a place to stay at his family's house.
The attraction and tension between these characters is a driving force of the story. And the fact that Max is a walking talking green flag is really refreshing.
The book deals with loss, hope and finding the power within yourself again. And accepting help.

It's a open door spice book. I gave it 2 chili peppers. 🌶🌶

The book is releasing August 4th.
Profile Image for Ashleigh Benham.
66 reviews1 follower
September 3, 2025
Not going to lie..at first I was like meh...mom running away from trouble..another romance okay let's give it a shot.

I read this book in 24 hours...I was thinking about it all day at work.

The way Ashley tells the story is unlike any other I have read before. Not just the banter, but the story. The feels....THE LETTER AT THE END!!!!!! I was ugly crying!!!

Thank you Ashley for telling such an amazing story that I easily fell in love with <3 I am dieing for book #2!!
1 review
July 13, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Absolutely devoured this one. Perfect mix of romance, suspense and just the right amount of spice to keep me up way too late. The chemistry between the characters was electric and the twists had me hooked from start to finish. I’m impatiently waiting for Wade’s book! Highly recommend if you love your romance with danger and heat.
Profile Image for Daynette.
2 reviews
December 23, 2025
Firefly Wishes is a gripping read that completely draws you in. The characters feel real, and the pacing is excellent—it provides plenty of detail without ever feeling "dragged out." Between the suspenseful climax and the perfect amount of romance, it’s a total page-turner. It feels cinematic enough for a movie adaptation, and I’m already eager for the sequel!
Profile Image for Megan Carlotta.
8 reviews1 follower
July 13, 2025
This book was beautifully written, making it easy to picture the story in your mind. I would read this book again! so good.
Profile Image for Ally.
190 reviews5 followers
September 6, 2025
I absolutely loved this book! The emotional maturity, the communication and the romance was everything! As a debut novel, Ashley Templin knocked it out of the park. 10/10 definitely recommend!
Profile Image for Mandi.
86 reviews
September 15, 2025
As a debut novel, this book was really good.
I really enjoyed this story while reading it; however, when I was pulled away from it, I wasn't rushing to get back to it. There were a few phrases that were a bit repetitive but overall an interesting storyline with interesting characters. I think this author has great potential and I'm interested to read her next book.
Profile Image for Cassandra Bergman.
95 reviews13 followers
July 22, 2025
I had a chance to get an ARC of this book. Let me start off by saying I loved it. If you’re looking for a cowboy romance with some spice and a good plot, then look no further. There is some open door spice, so if you’re not into that this may not be for you. This books had me hooked right from the start and made me want to keep reading. I enjoyed the story behind Stella, Charlie, and Max. There were points in the book that had me squealing. When he asks her if she knows what it means to wear a man’s cowboy hat and his response was “Wear the hat, ride the cowboy”…the scream I was screaming 🤣 There were a few grammatical errors in the typing, but those can be easily fixed and in no way ruined my opinion on this book.
10/10 recommend
5⭐️
Welcome to Firefly Cove 🤗
Profile Image for Isabelle Scott.
50 reviews1 follower
August 16, 2025
3.5 stars, rounded up.

As a debut novel, it was such an enjoyable read.

Starting with the parts I liked most:
-The storyline was solid and the quick synopsis and first couple pages hooked me in, ready for a wild ride.
-The character growth by Stella was so fun to watch. She went from an extremely abusive relationship that made her small and timid to a confident woman/mother.
-Certain scenes truly made me feel the emotions seeping out of the book.

Neutral points/thoughts:
-If you are reading for spice, know that it starts about 2/3 of the way in. The attraction and tension is there from the start but all the physical aspects of the relationship would have me considering it a slow burn.

Things that I feel could be better or were not my favorite:
-I did feel that the plot was rather rushed and/or unrealistic at times. For example, Max offering not just one bedroom, but two, to Stella and Charlie after knowing them less than 24 hours seemed unrealistic to me. Or the fact Stella was being taught gun/weapon safety, shot one shot and missed the target
-Certain descriptive words were repeated. Example of this-every time a gun was fired the smell was described as acrid.
-Personally, I hated that Max’s pet name for Stella was Trouble. Knowing her background, even though Max never used Trouble in a negative context, it just sat wrong with me. At any given point early on, she could have gotten the impression that she was more trouble than she is worth. This is 100% a me thing and not a knock on the book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Twinkle.butt.reads.
313 reviews22 followers
August 5, 2025
Firefly Wishes by Ashley Templin is a tender, emotionally-charged romance that glows with heart, hope, and healing. Set in a quiet small town with big secrets and even bigger emotions, the story weaves together suspense, love, and the fragile strength it takes to start over.

At the heart of the story is a woman on the run—with her child and a past full of fear. Her journey collides with a rugged, emotionally grounded cowboy who doesn’t just offer safety—he offers a chance to breathe again. But this isn’t insta-love. Templin masterfully lets the relationship simmer, building trust in stolen glances, quiet moments, and the protective warmth that slowly breaks down walls.

The small-town setting adds layers of intimacy and charm, but don’t be fooled—danger still lingers. The sense of being hunted never fades completely, and the stakes are high, both emotionally and physically. Every chapter pulls you deeper into the heroine’s fears, the cowboy’s quiet strength, and the love story that feels as inevitable as it is hard-earned.
Profile Image for Lisa Ruise.
85 reviews3 followers
August 7, 2025
I have been in a reading slump lately. Everything in the books I have chosen has been so complicated, convoluted, 500+ pages plus 8 sequels deep. It has been EXHAUSTING!!

Then, I read the prologue of Firefly Wishes and was instantly sucked in. I'd like to take a moment here to state the drama and emotion of the prologue show the author has real talent towards dramatic/classic books too, not just romance.

Now, onto the meat of the book. Sometimes a book comes along and feels REAL. I am talking real in the sense where you've thought "I've done this, I've thought that". Max and Stella were relatable because they're both smart, deep, caring dumba** twentysomethings and all of us 30+ year olds can relate to that!

Were there a couple of "ehhhh is that believable moments?" Sure. Because that is romance novels. Then I think of my own decisions in my 20s and go "oh. wait. that could be a subplot!"

All in all, the book was worth the read and the emotional investment. If you like Elsie SiIver, you'll love Ashley Templin! I also cannot wait for Wade and Ray's story!
Profile Image for Dedra Richardson.
50 reviews
August 12, 2025
✨ Firefly Wishes
🌾 Cowboy Romance | Small Town | Found Family

When Stella and her young daughter flee from an abusive past, they find themselves in the quiet charm of Firefly Cove. What starts as a desperate escape soon turns into a story of hope, healing, and the unexpected pull of love. Enter a protective cowboy who refuses to let the shadows of her past win — and suddenly, the stars (and fireflies) begin to light the way forward.

Ashley delivers a heartfelt romance filled with grit, tenderness, and that small-town warmth that makes you want to move in next door. It’s about survival, trust, and finding a love strong enough to stand between you and the storm.

⭐ Rating: 4/5 – Sweet, emotional, and impossible to put down. Check your tw ♥️
Mentions
Drugs
Repaying a debt
Kidnapping
Open door spice
Profile Image for Jessica Hoffmaster.
92 reviews15 followers
August 20, 2025
Firefly Wishes
Ashley Templin

Published: August 4th

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Thank you for my physical copy. I loved this story.

I absolutely loved the main FMC in this book. She pushed through all the pain for her daughter, I loved reading about a beautiful mother daughter relationship. The daughter just sounds like the cutest little girl in the world and I loved it. Close to the ending I was so mad for them, but then 🩷.
I enjoyed the small town aspect and I loved the banter between the two main characters. I loved the grumpiness of the main MMC and the one scene 🩷 absolutely the perfect date!🩷

I would love to live in a town like that!

✨small town
✨grumpy MMC
✨single mom
✨the cutest daughter



“Cat got your tongue, Cowboy?” 🤠


I will continue to read this author! I can’t wait to read the next story in this small town
Profile Image for Carrie R. B..
69 reviews2 followers
January 29, 2026
This book is full of small-town charm and a beautiful romance between two people who truly deserve a happy ending. I finished this book in one day! To me, the characters all felt very genuine so I was able to really connect with them. Stella is a resilient FMC and a wonderful mom. The MMC, Max, is nothing but green flags. I love a story with found family, and this book certainly delivers that is the most heart-warming way. I also especially loved Ray’s character so I look forward to getting more of her story in the second book!

This is mostly a romance with a little bit of suspense toward the end of the story. I thought the flow of the story and the dialogue was so well-done. It made this book a joy to read. I would definitely recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a small-town romance with spice and a dash of suspense.
Profile Image for Kiley.
359 reviews9 followers
August 5, 2025
Stella is on the run in order to keep her daughter safe. She finds herself lost in the small town of Firefly Cove when a handsome cowboy, Max gives her directions to the closest inn. The next day she runs into him again and ends up accepting an offer to live with him and his family on their ranch. Will Stella be able to move on from her past and accept Max and his family or will her past come back to haunt her future.

I really enjoyed this book especially all the characters. There were strong found family elements which I love and can't wait to see more of some of the side characters in future books. I liked how you got to see how strong Stella is and how she is willing to do anything to give her daughter a good life. I also really enjoyed Max's character and how supportive he was.
Profile Image for Chaos.
3,647 reviews117 followers
October 27, 2025
Man this book sure put me through the ringer of emotions. So many times throughout the book I thought something awful was going to happen. It did towards the end but not in the way i was expecting. Both Stella and Max handled their new relationship, sex, and a toddler like mature adults. They fought and argued but always worked it out. Stella spoke her truth and her trauma in a mature way. Something thats usually missing with romance books. I honestly love the way everything was handled. While a bit unrealistic with how certain things were handled, it was still a good story. I definitely hope Wade gets his miracle and happy ending too.
Profile Image for Jessica Knowles.
22 reviews
December 11, 2025
I really liked this story and the characters. The spice was good(🌶️🌶️). But I feel like they all needed more development, there were lots of mentions of people and past events that weren’t ever explained. Towards the end of the book police get involved and the way the situation is handled is not at all believable, this was a huge turnoff for me. And the way the main character handled the situation was absolutely reckless and unbelievable. That’s why I gave it 4 stars. I feel like it’s a great quick read and I did enjoy it but it could use more character development and greater editing in regard to details provided.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Erin.
1 review
August 2, 2025
This book definitely kept me up late reading! A small-town romance with just the right mix of spice and suspense, it was fun, flirty, and full of twists that kept me guessing. From the very beginning, the suspense had me hooked.

The chemistry between Max and Stella was electric — the tension was on point and added so much to the story. The spicy scenes were well-written and added depth to their connection without overpowering the plot.

What really stood out was how well the romance blended with the mystery. It kept things exciting and unpredictable, making it more than just a typical love story.

Overall, I absolutely loved this book and would definitely recommend it to anyone who enjoys steamy romances with a side of suspense. A perfect weekend binge-read!
Profile Image for Michelle Alessi.
71 reviews4 followers
August 6, 2025
Fantastic! I do have to say the prologue was my favorite! I giggled and thought “she really said that!”…more than once! Love it. I’m not one to read the romance genre, but because I know Ashley, I wanted to support her dreams. And was I hooked into Max and Stella’s story from the start! I love Ashley’s style and descriptions. I could SEE their story playing out in my mind as I read.

“Firefly Wishes” by Ashley Templin is a heartfelt small-town romance that explores grief, healing, and the power of second chances.

Profile Image for Liz Smith.
50 reviews1 follower
August 8, 2025
If I could rate this novel a 100000000/5 stars, I would! This has been my most anticipated read for 2025 and blew my expectations out of the water!

In this novel you will meet a single mom who's had so much trauma but has been raising a beautiful girl flawlessly, a walking green flag MMC who devotes himself deeply to his loved ones, a new found family. It takes a lot for me to cry over a novel, and this one had me SOBBING at the end.

I really encourage yall to read this, you won't regret it at all!
1 review
August 8, 2025
holy guacamole

If I could rate this novel a 100000000/5 stars, I would! This has been my most anticipated read for 2025 and blew my expectations out of the water!

In this novel you will meet a single mom who's had so much trauma but has been raising a beautiful girl flawlessly, a walking green flag MMC who devotes himself deeply to his loved ones, a new found family. It takes a lot for me to cry over a novel, and this one had me SOBBING at the end.

I really encourage yall to read this, you won't regret it at all!
Profile Image for Rachael Landon.
187 reviews2 followers
January 26, 2026
This book reminded me a lot of Devney Perry and Catherine Cowles; part romance, part suspense and 100% lovable.

I loved the emotional maturity of the MMC, the representation of therapy & healing journeys, and the relationship the members of Daniels family had with each other.

The only part that felt a little inorganic to me was the speed at which Stella and Max moved in together. It felt a little rushed, but I did appreciate that there wasn’t a big song and dance surrounding the 2 of them getting together.
Profile Image for MellissaMae.
257 reviews23 followers
August 4, 2025
This debut novel was an absolute rollercoaster of emotions! Packed with a little drama, whirlwind romance, healing, and laughter, it was like a warm hug from a southern gentleman. There were moments that felt so relatable, and the spice was just right! Who wouldn’t want a southern man ready to jump into action to protect his girl(s)? We get a female lead that also stands up for herself and is willing to do whatever it takes too?? We are winning all around!!!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 56 reviews

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