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The Firefly Effect
It was supposed to be nothing more than a fantasy.
All right, so I’ll admit that maybe steamy, impulsive sex isn’t the ideal way to cope with a total stranger wandering into your beach house unannounced. But discovering that my anonymous lover is none other than Shane-the-Pain Becker, the dirtbag spawned only to torment me throughout adolescence...well, somebody kill me now.
To add insult to injury, there’s a major hurricane bearing down on us and we’re stuck together for the duration. I don’t know which force of nature scares me the most – Hurricane Elliott or Shane.
***
Never in my wildest dreams would I have envisioned a scenario where Melanie Lane would be wrapping her sweet legs around me. Scratch that – there were, in fact, an abundance of wild dreams where Felony Melanie was concerned. I just never thought I had a chance in hell of making them reality. I mean, the girl thinks I’m sewer scum and always has.
Even now. She still believes I’m not good enough for her. I’m assuming that’s why she seems bound and determined to shut me out.
She keeps insisting this is just sex.
But as long as the hurricane keeps her trapped in my arms, I will make it my mission to convince her otherwise.
All right, so I’ll admit that maybe steamy, impulsive sex isn’t the ideal way to cope with a total stranger wandering into your beach house unannounced. But discovering that my anonymous lover is none other than Shane-the-Pain Becker, the dirtbag spawned only to torment me throughout adolescence...well, somebody kill me now.
To add insult to injury, there’s a major hurricane bearing down on us and we’re stuck together for the duration. I don’t know which force of nature scares me the most – Hurricane Elliott or Shane.
***
Never in my wildest dreams would I have envisioned a scenario where Melanie Lane would be wrapping her sweet legs around me. Scratch that – there were, in fact, an abundance of wild dreams where Felony Melanie was concerned. I just never thought I had a chance in hell of making them reality. I mean, the girl thinks I’m sewer scum and always has.
Even now. She still believes I’m not good enough for her. I’m assuming that’s why she seems bound and determined to shut me out.
She keeps insisting this is just sex.
But as long as the hurricane keeps her trapped in my arms, I will make it my mission to convince her otherwise.
262 pages, Paperback
First published December 3, 2015
65 people are currently reading
449 people want to read
About the author
Allie Gail
10 books149 followersBorn and raised in rural Alabama, Allie Gail currently resides in sunny Florida with her very own blue-eyed Prince Charming and a hyperactive hamster named Toot-Toot. Always an avid reader, she took to her keyboard on a whim in 2012 and that was the last anyone ever saw of her. (Just kidding...I did venture out of the house that one time back in 2014, but only because I was tricked into it. Stupid hurricane.)
Her genres of choice are rom-com and paranormal romance, featuring goofy but headstrong heroines and the sexy, snarky men who love them. When she isn't busy obsessing over the lexicon of her latest project, Allie can usually be found snuggled up to her hubby watching cheesy B-movie horror, helping out with the family business or playing online RPG games while indulging her hopeless sugar addiction.
Fun facts – she loves the sound of thunder, can't stand coffee, is known to randomly start laughing in her sleep, and is irrationally creeped out by H.R. Pufnstuf. (Seriously, have you ever seen that thing? Why is its head so big? Agh!)
You can also find her on Facebook, so stop by and say hello. She would love to hear from you! Just make sure your profile pic isn't a giant yellow puppet.
http://www.facebook.com/alliegailauthor http://twitter.com/alliegailauthor
Her genres of choice are rom-com and paranormal romance, featuring goofy but headstrong heroines and the sexy, snarky men who love them. When she isn't busy obsessing over the lexicon of her latest project, Allie can usually be found snuggled up to her hubby watching cheesy B-movie horror, helping out with the family business or playing online RPG games while indulging her hopeless sugar addiction.
Fun facts – she loves the sound of thunder, can't stand coffee, is known to randomly start laughing in her sleep, and is irrationally creeped out by H.R. Pufnstuf. (Seriously, have you ever seen that thing? Why is its head so big? Agh!)
You can also find her on Facebook, so stop by and say hello. She would love to hear from you! Just make sure your profile pic isn't a giant yellow puppet.
http://www.facebook.com/alliegailauthor http://twitter.com/alliegailauthor
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews
November 26, 2018
DNF @ 33%
Maybe because I was raised NOT to accept the BS 'boys are mean to the girls the like', I found the concept of this book offending.
And we are not speaking about harmless mean signs of affection here, but about harassing and even bullying.
I don't find mean boys/men (even good-looking) attractive. A real man would never harass a woman he has feelings for!!!
She did fight back at school and showed some balls in the present, but her boiling hormones and clear evidence of arousal made her look pathetic.
I couldn't read further, but I guess they'd try to justify his mistakes and portray him as a good man (coz he is even a vet!!!), but his behaviour toward her at school was shallow, mean and totally unacceptable.
What is the moral/message of this book?
For a young readers: if a boy insults and harasses you, he has deep feelings for you, show him love?
For an adult readers: if your daughter tells you a mean boy spred rumours she has a herpers, you as a mom shall tell her to be kind and patient, coz one day he could be your daughter's true love?!
😤😤😤😤😤
Thank you, my beautiful and strong mother, for raising me as a strong, self-confident woman with faith in my self-worth! 😘
Maybe because I was raised NOT to accept the BS 'boys are mean to the girls the like', I found the concept of this book offending.
And we are not speaking about harmless mean signs of affection here, but about harassing and even bullying.
I don't find mean boys/men (even good-looking) attractive. A real man would never harass a woman he has feelings for!!!
She did fight back at school and showed some balls in the present, but her boiling hormones and clear evidence of arousal made her look pathetic.
I couldn't read further, but I guess they'd try to justify his mistakes and portray him as a good man (coz he is even a vet!!!), but his behaviour toward her at school was shallow, mean and totally unacceptable.
What is the moral/message of this book?
For a young readers: if a boy insults and harasses you, he has deep feelings for you, show him love?
For an adult readers: if your daughter tells you a mean boy spred rumours she has a herpers, you as a mom shall tell her to be kind and patient, coz one day he could be your daughter's true love?!
😤😤😤😤😤
Thank you, my beautiful and strong mother, for raising me as a strong, self-confident woman with faith in my self-worth! 😘
December 17, 2015
Indulge in a little fantasy for a moment. That is after all what romance is all about. Imagine a hot stranger entering your rented beach house, stripping naked, and taking you like you’ve never been taken before. It’s kinda hot and forbidden, a dirty dream come true. That is till you catch his name and realize…
You just had sex with Shane the Pain, your sworn enemy—your biggest tormenter since puberty!
Shane Becker was a little brat in the past, but he’s an adorable, ornery, mischievous brat and the author captures the essence of 6th—7th—8th—9th grade boys at that age perfectly. You can’t help but read it and remember your own middle school days so I think he can be forgiven at age 28.
“Boys do stupid things when they’re in love.”
He’s all grown up, and he no longer steals homework; instead he removes the nuts of domestic animals. Don’t worry; he’s a certified veterinarian who’s also good at writing love scenes and talking dirty to the former object of his torments, writer Melanie Kristine Lane.
“What was it like? Like a supernova in my balls exploded out the end of my cock, but maybe that’s not the most appropriate thing to say right now.”
Shane is actually a great guy. He thinks cheating’s not cool; he likes Rob Zombie music, and he favors palm trees over pine trees in his landscaping. He’s a man after my own heart. Melanie is also a likeable female character. She’s down-to-earth, strong, and holds her own. Honestly there’s no weak females presented here. Even her friend, Leah, is quite a ball of spunk, and I hope Leah gets her own story at some point.
The story is mostly light-hearted and low angst. I had quite a few laugh out loud moments…
“‘It would be like trying to solve calculus equations while masturbating.’”
And there are plenty of sexy, steamy times.
“‘You feel this, baby? This big, horny cock—it’s all for you. Been waiting for you all these years. You f*cking remember that.’”
When a hurricane keeps the pair secluded together, they get the chance to know each other as adults and lovers rather than the immature enemies they once were. And I really adored both the premise of the story as well as how Shane and Melanie handled their relationship with maturity and sensibility. There are no unavoidable misunderstandings here, nor drama from the outside. (We won’t count “Elliot!” he he) Plus, the flashback chapters are a ton of fun that also help make the characters fuller and at times more colorful.
Told via Melanie and Shane’s alternating first person point of view, The Firefly Effect is a highly recommended, cute, stand-alone romance.
*ARC received in exchange for an honest review for Release Blitz, which includes character interview & excerpt on the blog:
http://book-bosomed.blogspot.com/2015...
You just had sex with Shane the Pain, your sworn enemy—your biggest tormenter since puberty!
Shane Becker was a little brat in the past, but he’s an adorable, ornery, mischievous brat and the author captures the essence of 6th—7th—8th—9th grade boys at that age perfectly. You can’t help but read it and remember your own middle school days so I think he can be forgiven at age 28.
“Boys do stupid things when they’re in love.”
He’s all grown up, and he no longer steals homework; instead he removes the nuts of domestic animals. Don’t worry; he’s a certified veterinarian who’s also good at writing love scenes and talking dirty to the former object of his torments, writer Melanie Kristine Lane.
“What was it like? Like a supernova in my balls exploded out the end of my cock, but maybe that’s not the most appropriate thing to say right now.”
Shane is actually a great guy. He thinks cheating’s not cool; he likes Rob Zombie music, and he favors palm trees over pine trees in his landscaping. He’s a man after my own heart. Melanie is also a likeable female character. She’s down-to-earth, strong, and holds her own. Honestly there’s no weak females presented here. Even her friend, Leah, is quite a ball of spunk, and I hope Leah gets her own story at some point.
The story is mostly light-hearted and low angst. I had quite a few laugh out loud moments…
“‘It would be like trying to solve calculus equations while masturbating.’”
And there are plenty of sexy, steamy times.
“‘You feel this, baby? This big, horny cock—it’s all for you. Been waiting for you all these years. You f*cking remember that.’”
When a hurricane keeps the pair secluded together, they get the chance to know each other as adults and lovers rather than the immature enemies they once were. And I really adored both the premise of the story as well as how Shane and Melanie handled their relationship with maturity and sensibility. There are no unavoidable misunderstandings here, nor drama from the outside. (We won’t count “Elliot!” he he) Plus, the flashback chapters are a ton of fun that also help make the characters fuller and at times more colorful.
Told via Melanie and Shane’s alternating first person point of view, The Firefly Effect is a highly recommended, cute, stand-alone romance.
*ARC received in exchange for an honest review for Release Blitz, which includes character interview & excerpt on the blog:
http://book-bosomed.blogspot.com/2015...
March 27, 2018
This is one of those books that put a constant goofy smile on your face and butterflies in your stomach.
I loved it. I enjoyed my time with it. It has a simple plot line but as always, what matters is how the writer deals with it. And she presents a simple plot line in such fun and sweetness that I didn’t want to let it go until I finished it.
The story goes between past and present. In the past our hero Shane and heroine Melanie are students at the same school but they constantly tease each other. He makes her life hell but she gives as good as she gets. Through their pranks and fights, one can see they have a secret crush on each other but they never act on it except for one kiss Shane steals on their graduation day.
Today, after 10 years from their graduation, they are each in different places in their lives.
One day one unexpected coincidence brings them to the same house. Melanie is a writer and needed a peaceful place and rented her friend Leah’s house for 6 months. However, the house in fact belongs to Leah’s step-brother, who happens to be Shane. Melanie doesn’t have an idea that Shane’s mother later got married to someone else and he has a step-sister. And Leah never mentioned his name as she constantly calls him Butthead!
Shane, not knowing Melaine is in his summer house, comes to strengthen the house's windows before the approaching hurricane. There, he finds Melanie, sleeping naked 😊 She is sleeping naked because after the day’s sunburnt, she had a bath, put lotion all over her body and slept on her towel. She didn’t have any idea someone would come in and see her like that.
Melanie doesn’t recognize him at first whereas he does recognize her. They are pulled to one another by an undeniable force and with no words spoken, they find themselves in each other’s arms.
From then on, while they are growing a connection at present time, they also go back to the past times and discuss the events of those days.
Because they have to stay indoors for a few days due to the hurricane, this gives them an opportunity to grow a connection between them.
It is sweet, it is fun and it is hot. My kind of sweet, my kind of fun and my kind of hot… I really do not have any criticisms.
The book may have a simple plot of two people rekindling years later and now acting upon their mutual attraction but the way the writer delivers this simple topic is so entertaining that it makes all the difference.
There is no stupid plot twist, no OW or OM drama, no cheating, nope, nothing nada… It is safe and sugary sweet.
It feels like a good chocolate treat. The jokes they make and the way they still tease each other is worth many rereads later on so I am sure I’ll go back to it when I need a good laugh and some delicious hotness.
***********************************************
P.S. Don’t let the Prologue mislead you. Wait and see. You will learn who it was written by much later in the book. It is related to a trauma in the heroine's past that we learn from her narrative bit by bit. It affects her life today because it has made her the woman with anxiety attacks.
***********************************************
Here are some fun and emotional moments from the book...
I see that she’s got her cell phone clenched in one hand, which tells me she was probably just talking to my dippy brother. Who, let’s face it, has never been in a halfway serious relationship as far as I know and wouldn’t know how to pursue one if he had a detailed instruction manual. With pictures. And diagrams. And color-coded pie charts.
Then again, judging by the massive flower arrangement on the table, he may be on the right track.
***
What sort of coercion is this? Of all the dirty, manipulative tactics! I am all set to protest when he leisurely pushes his way inside me and frankly, at this point I am prepared to offer him my bank account, book copyrights and firstborn child.
***
And as far as I’m concerned, the wind can go on shaking the trees. The rain can go on falling. Because when the storm moves on, so does he.
I turn my head to gaze at him, this memory from my childhood who swept back into my life with more force than the hurricane raging outside.
***
“Is this what you normally do on a rainy day?” I ask facetiously. “Spend it curled up in bed with a random woman?” Ugh – why did I say that? I don’t like that thought. Not at all.
“You are anything but random.” He tangles his fingers in my hair and massages the back of my neck gently through the strands. “And if there were others in my bed, they were only there because you weren’t.”
I loved it. I enjoyed my time with it. It has a simple plot line but as always, what matters is how the writer deals with it. And she presents a simple plot line in such fun and sweetness that I didn’t want to let it go until I finished it.
The story goes between past and present. In the past our hero Shane and heroine Melanie are students at the same school but they constantly tease each other. He makes her life hell but she gives as good as she gets. Through their pranks and fights, one can see they have a secret crush on each other but they never act on it except for one kiss Shane steals on their graduation day.
Today, after 10 years from their graduation, they are each in different places in their lives.
One day one unexpected coincidence brings them to the same house. Melanie is a writer and needed a peaceful place and rented her friend Leah’s house for 6 months. However, the house in fact belongs to Leah’s step-brother, who happens to be Shane. Melanie doesn’t have an idea that Shane’s mother later got married to someone else and he has a step-sister. And Leah never mentioned his name as she constantly calls him Butthead!
Shane, not knowing Melaine is in his summer house, comes to strengthen the house's windows before the approaching hurricane. There, he finds Melanie, sleeping naked 😊 She is sleeping naked because after the day’s sunburnt, she had a bath, put lotion all over her body and slept on her towel. She didn’t have any idea someone would come in and see her like that.
Melanie doesn’t recognize him at first whereas he does recognize her. They are pulled to one another by an undeniable force and with no words spoken, they find themselves in each other’s arms.
From then on, while they are growing a connection at present time, they also go back to the past times and discuss the events of those days.
Because they have to stay indoors for a few days due to the hurricane, this gives them an opportunity to grow a connection between them.
It is sweet, it is fun and it is hot. My kind of sweet, my kind of fun and my kind of hot… I really do not have any criticisms.
The book may have a simple plot of two people rekindling years later and now acting upon their mutual attraction but the way the writer delivers this simple topic is so entertaining that it makes all the difference.
There is no stupid plot twist, no OW or OM drama, no cheating, nope, nothing nada… It is safe and sugary sweet.
It feels like a good chocolate treat. The jokes they make and the way they still tease each other is worth many rereads later on so I am sure I’ll go back to it when I need a good laugh and some delicious hotness.
***********************************************
P.S. Don’t let the Prologue mislead you. Wait and see. You will learn who it was written by much later in the book. It is related to a trauma in the heroine's past that we learn from her narrative bit by bit. It affects her life today because it has made her the woman with anxiety attacks.
***********************************************
Here are some fun and emotional moments from the book...
I see that she’s got her cell phone clenched in one hand, which tells me she was probably just talking to my dippy brother. Who, let’s face it, has never been in a halfway serious relationship as far as I know and wouldn’t know how to pursue one if he had a detailed instruction manual. With pictures. And diagrams. And color-coded pie charts.
Then again, judging by the massive flower arrangement on the table, he may be on the right track.
***
What sort of coercion is this? Of all the dirty, manipulative tactics! I am all set to protest when he leisurely pushes his way inside me and frankly, at this point I am prepared to offer him my bank account, book copyrights and firstborn child.
***
And as far as I’m concerned, the wind can go on shaking the trees. The rain can go on falling. Because when the storm moves on, so does he.
I turn my head to gaze at him, this memory from my childhood who swept back into my life with more force than the hurricane raging outside.
***
“Is this what you normally do on a rainy day?” I ask facetiously. “Spend it curled up in bed with a random woman?” Ugh – why did I say that? I don’t like that thought. Not at all.
“You are anything but random.” He tangles his fingers in my hair and massages the back of my neck gently through the strands. “And if there were others in my bed, they were only there because you weren’t.”
March 28, 2016
Steamy, low-angst, romantic story of former childhood enemies finding and falling in love again. While they fought in high school, it wasn't as bad as the bullying books out there. H and h were very mature about their past and moved on to create a beautiful equation with each other. There was insta-lust but the growth of love and trust was sweet and beautiful to see. Great dialogue too.
The H had always sub-consciously loved the h and it was great to see him get the woman he wanted. H was so good to her and such a dirty talker too. I liked the h and I loved this book!
Safe romance.
The H had always sub-consciously loved the h and it was great to see him get the woman he wanted. H was so good to her and such a dirty talker too. I liked the h and I loved this book!
Safe romance.
December 17, 2015
This was such a beautiful story! Without feeling in the least bit clichéd or contrite this was a hilarious and deliciously sexy read about lifelong enemies turned lovers.
Shane and Melany have been enemies since either of them can remember. Rivals at school they were increasingly mean to each but was the hate they feel really misconstrued attraction? They would never find out however as they part ways after high school and never see each other again until one night a stranger walks into the beach house Melony is renting. After one very sexy night together Melony realises that the stranger that made her purr is actually Shane.
I loved the way this book was written. Mostly told from a dual POV there are also one or two chapter’s told from another person’s POV. Right from the very beginning the book opens in a mystery. Through flashbacks and subtle hints in our character’s memories we learn more about the character’s themselves, but also it helps develop the attraction between them.
The banter between the two was extremely funny at times with Shane being adorably cocky and Melony becoming ever more flustered by his presence. There are also moments that were just so romantic and all the little sly glances, touches and smiles caused some amazing tension. The sexy times were crazy good and Shane had a deliciously dirty mouth.
As the story progresses some secrets are uncovered and their lives certainly didn’t take the path they set out on after high school. Preconceived notions are turned on their heads and old feelings are set alight again. All in all a fast paced and easy read with some difficult moments and a whole lot of funny and chemistry! Definitely recommended!
(ARC provided by author in exchange for an honest review)
Shane and Melany have been enemies since either of them can remember. Rivals at school they were increasingly mean to each but was the hate they feel really misconstrued attraction? They would never find out however as they part ways after high school and never see each other again until one night a stranger walks into the beach house Melony is renting. After one very sexy night together Melony realises that the stranger that made her purr is actually Shane.
I loved the way this book was written. Mostly told from a dual POV there are also one or two chapter’s told from another person’s POV. Right from the very beginning the book opens in a mystery. Through flashbacks and subtle hints in our character’s memories we learn more about the character’s themselves, but also it helps develop the attraction between them.
The banter between the two was extremely funny at times with Shane being adorably cocky and Melony becoming ever more flustered by his presence. There are also moments that were just so romantic and all the little sly glances, touches and smiles caused some amazing tension. The sexy times were crazy good and Shane had a deliciously dirty mouth.
As the story progresses some secrets are uncovered and their lives certainly didn’t take the path they set out on after high school. Preconceived notions are turned on their heads and old feelings are set alight again. All in all a fast paced and easy read with some difficult moments and a whole lot of funny and chemistry! Definitely recommended!
(ARC provided by author in exchange for an honest review)
December 16, 2015
☆ I received an ARC via Love Between the Sheets in exchange for an honest review. Thank you! ☆
3.5 stars!!
What if your childhood tormentor turned out to be your savior?
Melanie Lane is an up and coming author who needs to finish her next book. She takes up an offer to stay at a beach rental, from bestie and ex-co worker, Leah, and from there she has a very racy encounter from a blast from a past--- Leah's "Butt head," stepbrother, Melanie's very own 'tormentor,' Shane Becker.
From there, the two rehash past discretions, feelings, and kept secrets and are taken on an emotional and steamy rollercoaster down memory lane from their past, and now to their present and futures.
This is my first Allie Gail read and I found it very cute and easy to read. There's a fine line between love and hate, and both Leah and Shane have that trait in spades.
It was delightful watching their conflicting emotions for each other fester over the years and time jump forward to current day and see how things pick up and go from there. In a hurricane, more less.
An inspiring tale of second chances at love.
3.5 stars!!
What if your childhood tormentor turned out to be your savior?
Melanie Lane is an up and coming author who needs to finish her next book. She takes up an offer to stay at a beach rental, from bestie and ex-co worker, Leah, and from there she has a very racy encounter from a blast from a past--- Leah's "Butt head," stepbrother, Melanie's very own 'tormentor,' Shane Becker.
From there, the two rehash past discretions, feelings, and kept secrets and are taken on an emotional and steamy rollercoaster down memory lane from their past, and now to their present and futures.
This is my first Allie Gail read and I found it very cute and easy to read. There's a fine line between love and hate, and both Leah and Shane have that trait in spades.
It was delightful watching their conflicting emotions for each other fester over the years and time jump forward to current day and see how things pick up and go from there. In a hurricane, more less.
An inspiring tale of second chances at love.
April 10, 2016
I loved this light, sweet, sexy romance! A little humor, a little suspense, lots of steaminess and a H to die for!
Hope we get Leah's story eventually...
Hope we get Leah's story eventually...
July 27, 2017
3.5 Stars
Overall Opinion: This was a cute hate-to-love themed story. It was a pretty light read with little angst, and absolutely no OW/OM drama or interactions. It ended before we got to really experience them as an official couple (because the h is hesitant to call what they had more than casual because of her past ), and even though there was a cute epilogue I would've appreciated more time with them "together". I did find it enjoyable, but I don't think it'll be all that memorable or go down as one of my favorites.
Brief Summary of the Storyline: This is Melanie and Shane's story. They've known each other since 6th grade and have always been enemies. There has always been an underlying attraction for both of them though. 9-10 years later, they meet again in an unexpected way and get stuck together in a hurricane. They get steamy, have strong feelings develop, work through some personal demons, and eventually get their HEA ending.
POV: This alternated between Melanie and Shane's POV.
Overall Pace of Story: Good. I didn't feel the need to skim at all, and it flowed well to where I read it fast.
Instalove: No. They've known each other for a long time (flashbacks as far as 6th grade), so the feelings had been building for a really long time.
H rating: 4 stars. Shane. He was a stupid boy that didn't know how to show is true feelings, but he turned into a pretty sweet man.
h rating: 4 stars. Melanie. She was pretty feisty, and I felt for her when she was dealing with her traumatic past.
Sadness level: Low. I didn't need any tissues for this read.
Heat level: Moderate. They have good chemistry with a good amount of steamy times.
Descriptive sex: Yes
Safe sex: They use condoms their first time, and then they talk about their std status and that the h is on birth control and chose not to continue with the condoms. The H indicates that he never had intercourse without condoms, but the h suggests that she has.
OW/OM drama: No
Sex scene with OW or OM:
Cheating:
Possible Triggers:
Closure: It had kind of a quick ending, and I wanted more time with them as an official couple. It did have a cute epilogue that gave us closure for the couple and a glimpse into their HEA ending.
How I got it: It was part of my kindle unlimited subscription.
Overall Opinion: This was a cute hate-to-love themed story. It was a pretty light read with little angst, and absolutely no OW/OM drama or interactions. It ended before we got to really experience them as an official couple (because the h is hesitant to call what they had more than casual because of her past ), and even though there was a cute epilogue I would've appreciated more time with them "together". I did find it enjoyable, but I don't think it'll be all that memorable or go down as one of my favorites.
Brief Summary of the Storyline: This is Melanie and Shane's story. They've known each other since 6th grade and have always been enemies. There has always been an underlying attraction for both of them though. 9-10 years later, they meet again in an unexpected way and get stuck together in a hurricane. They get steamy, have strong feelings develop, work through some personal demons, and eventually get their HEA ending.
POV: This alternated between Melanie and Shane's POV.
Overall Pace of Story: Good. I didn't feel the need to skim at all, and it flowed well to where I read it fast.
Instalove: No. They've known each other for a long time (flashbacks as far as 6th grade), so the feelings had been building for a really long time.
H rating: 4 stars. Shane. He was a stupid boy that didn't know how to show is true feelings, but he turned into a pretty sweet man.
h rating: 4 stars. Melanie. She was pretty feisty, and I felt for her when she was dealing with her traumatic past.
Sadness level: Low. I didn't need any tissues for this read.
Heat level: Moderate. They have good chemistry with a good amount of steamy times.
Descriptive sex: Yes
Safe sex: They use condoms their first time, and then they talk about their std status and that the h is on birth control and chose not to continue with the condoms. The H indicates that he never had intercourse without condoms, but the h suggests that she has.
OW/OM drama: No
Sex scene with OW or OM:
Cheating:
Possible Triggers:
Closure: It had kind of a quick ending, and I wanted more time with them as an official couple. It did have a cute epilogue that gave us closure for the couple and a glimpse into their HEA ending.
How I got it: It was part of my kindle unlimited subscription.
December 16, 2015
4.0 FIREFLY STARS!!!
This book is an easy and light read which I enjoyed actually. Not my typical read but definitely I devoured because I enjoyed every turning page. At first, I was kinda hesitant to continue reading because I was confused but later on realized this is the author's way of introducing the story to the readers which is definitely a plus.
Anyway, the story is about Melanie Lane who is an author that rented a beach house from an ex-co-worker/friend to finish her next book and Shane Becker, her friend's step brother whom she thought she haven't met and only known for the nickname "Butthead". Only to realize that the stepbrother is her erstwhile mortal enemy who she haven't seen for quite a while and never thought would see again. Both were stuck in the beach house due to hurricane Elliot....
....from there starts the blossoming of unexpected feeling...is it just sex???or will Shane could finally convince her otherwise?
"And as far as I'm concerned, the wind can go on shaking the trees. The rain can go on falling. Because when the storm moves on, so does he. I turn my head to gaze at him, this memory from childhood who swept back into my life with more force than the hurricane raging outside."
This is my first Allie Gail book and I love how she writes this story. From glimpses of the past...secret revelations...the feelings and emotions portrayed by the characters...It's so cute and so easy and at times funny, a way to enlighten someones mood from a tiresome workload. She even uses terms I know every readers will not forget and it's so unique in a way. The title of the story too just seems fit the way she described it in her book.
Great job Ms. Allie Gail. I'm looking forward to more of other works. And I'm here hoping you'll write a story of Leah. I wanted to follow her story..she seems so funny and witty.
*ARC provided by the author in exchange of an honest review*
This book is an easy and light read which I enjoyed actually. Not my typical read but definitely I devoured because I enjoyed every turning page. At first, I was kinda hesitant to continue reading because I was confused but later on realized this is the author's way of introducing the story to the readers which is definitely a plus.
Anyway, the story is about Melanie Lane who is an author that rented a beach house from an ex-co-worker/friend to finish her next book and Shane Becker, her friend's step brother whom she thought she haven't met and only known for the nickname "Butthead". Only to realize that the stepbrother is her erstwhile mortal enemy who she haven't seen for quite a while and never thought would see again. Both were stuck in the beach house due to hurricane Elliot....
....from there starts the blossoming of unexpected feeling...is it just sex???or will Shane could finally convince her otherwise?
"And as far as I'm concerned, the wind can go on shaking the trees. The rain can go on falling. Because when the storm moves on, so does he. I turn my head to gaze at him, this memory from childhood who swept back into my life with more force than the hurricane raging outside."
This is my first Allie Gail book and I love how she writes this story. From glimpses of the past...secret revelations...the feelings and emotions portrayed by the characters...It's so cute and so easy and at times funny, a way to enlighten someones mood from a tiresome workload. She even uses terms I know every readers will not forget and it's so unique in a way. The title of the story too just seems fit the way she described it in her book.
Great job Ms. Allie Gail. I'm looking forward to more of other works. And I'm here hoping you'll write a story of Leah. I wanted to follow her story..she seems so funny and witty.
*ARC provided by the author in exchange of an honest review*
August 17, 2018
PERFECTLY DELIGHTFUL!!!
Title: The Firefly Effect
Author: Allie Gail
Designation: Contemporary Romance, Full-Length, Standalone, NO CLiffhanger, HEA, Explicit Language and Sex #enemiestolovers #humor #sassyheroine #sexyhero #childhoodnemesis #notriggers #nobullying #feelgoodromance
My Rating: Five Deliciously Sexy Stars*****
I'm not really sure how The Firefly Effect ended up in my library, possibly a freebie offered through my BookBub newsletter, but regardless of how it came into my possession, I'm just sooo glad it did! I was trawling through my unread books looking for a good summer read and this title jumped out at me. I was immediately intrigued but realized the author's name was unfamiliar, so I decided to read a few chapters to see if it was worth my time. Best decision ever! Once I started reading, I simply couldn't stop. This may have been my first time reading the work of Allie Gail, but it certainly won't be my last. I LOVED The Firefly Effect! It's a delightful, feel-good summer read with the perfect combination of sass, snark, wit, humor, emotion, passion, and romance with just a sprinkle of drama and angst. The narrative was beautifully written in the first person with multiple perspectives but the primary points of view were from the two protagonists, successful mystery author Melanie Kristine Lane aka Felony Melanie and handsome veterinarian Dr Shane Becker aka Shane the Pain. I can't even begin to describe how much I enjoyed these two characters and their outrageously witty banter, but it was beyond entertaining. I laughed so hard at all the barbs flying between them, both past and present, that I had actual tears streaming down my cheeks. I can't even remember how long it's been since I've been so completely entertained by the dialogue between two characters. Melanie and Shane were childhood acquaintances who were the same age and attended the same school from grammar through high school, and let's just say they were NOT friends. As a matter of fact, I would say they were the bane of each other's existence, so I guess this could be classified as an enemies to lovers trope but, most definitely, unlike anything I've ever read. After having gone their separate ways after graduation, they meet again ten years later in what can only be described as very unusual circumstances, and the shenanigans begin with a hurricane and a feisty friend playing matchmaker. No spoilers from me but I will say it kept me reading long into the night! Did I like this book? No, I LOVED it! Would I recommend it? You bet, and I am but only for adults since it does some naughty language and dreamy sex. Hubba! Hubba! The Firefly Effect is a sexy, full-length, exceptionally well-crafted and edited standalone contemporary, which is always a big plus for me. There is nothing I hate worse than a poorly written story, littered with errors, that ends in a surprise cliffhanger. But no worries here - you get the whole story and a wonderful, heartwarming happy ending. Will I read this author again? Absolutely! As a matter of fact, I raced back to purchase Breaking the Seventh by Gail which features one of the secondary characters from The Firefly Effect. And finally, was I entertained? Completely! Fabulous entertainment and an awesome read!
Title: The Firefly Effect
Author: Allie Gail
Designation: Contemporary Romance, Full-Length, Standalone, NO CLiffhanger, HEA, Explicit Language and Sex #enemiestolovers #humor #sassyheroine #sexyhero #childhoodnemesis #notriggers #nobullying #feelgoodromance
My Rating: Five Deliciously Sexy Stars*****
I'm not really sure how The Firefly Effect ended up in my library, possibly a freebie offered through my BookBub newsletter, but regardless of how it came into my possession, I'm just sooo glad it did! I was trawling through my unread books looking for a good summer read and this title jumped out at me. I was immediately intrigued but realized the author's name was unfamiliar, so I decided to read a few chapters to see if it was worth my time. Best decision ever! Once I started reading, I simply couldn't stop. This may have been my first time reading the work of Allie Gail, but it certainly won't be my last. I LOVED The Firefly Effect! It's a delightful, feel-good summer read with the perfect combination of sass, snark, wit, humor, emotion, passion, and romance with just a sprinkle of drama and angst. The narrative was beautifully written in the first person with multiple perspectives but the primary points of view were from the two protagonists, successful mystery author Melanie Kristine Lane aka Felony Melanie and handsome veterinarian Dr Shane Becker aka Shane the Pain. I can't even begin to describe how much I enjoyed these two characters and their outrageously witty banter, but it was beyond entertaining. I laughed so hard at all the barbs flying between them, both past and present, that I had actual tears streaming down my cheeks. I can't even remember how long it's been since I've been so completely entertained by the dialogue between two characters. Melanie and Shane were childhood acquaintances who were the same age and attended the same school from grammar through high school, and let's just say they were NOT friends. As a matter of fact, I would say they were the bane of each other's existence, so I guess this could be classified as an enemies to lovers trope but, most definitely, unlike anything I've ever read. After having gone their separate ways after graduation, they meet again ten years later in what can only be described as very unusual circumstances, and the shenanigans begin with a hurricane and a feisty friend playing matchmaker. No spoilers from me but I will say it kept me reading long into the night! Did I like this book? No, I LOVED it! Would I recommend it? You bet, and I am but only for adults since it does some naughty language and dreamy sex. Hubba! Hubba! The Firefly Effect is a sexy, full-length, exceptionally well-crafted and edited standalone contemporary, which is always a big plus for me. There is nothing I hate worse than a poorly written story, littered with errors, that ends in a surprise cliffhanger. But no worries here - you get the whole story and a wonderful, heartwarming happy ending. Will I read this author again? Absolutely! As a matter of fact, I raced back to purchase Breaking the Seventh by Gail which features one of the secondary characters from The Firefly Effect. And finally, was I entertained? Completely! Fabulous entertainment and an awesome read!
March 6, 2018
Many over used romance concepts...but still cute and enjoyable....the book started in an interesting way.
November 11, 2015
I was given a arc in exchange for my honest opinion.
Allie is truly a remarkable author. Every time she tells me she has something new for me to read, I squeal like a little school girl. Each sentence is highly anticipated magic. Her last book Burning Down the House BLEW me away. But this, perfection. At the start we get a bit of mystery and suspense and you can already tell Allie will have you on the edge of your seat. Then we flash to the present time and Melanie is staying at her friend Leah's place to get away for a while and finish her book. Little did she know, a person from her past would come back into her life and turn her whole world upside down. And the last thing she ever expected was to start caring for the man who tormented her for years. The Firefly Effect was exhilarating, refreshing and a pure enjoyment to read. Some of my most favorite scenes from a book, ever. Enjoyed every moment and I think everyone will love it as much as I did :-)
"There is no until. Stay. Just stay.I'm asking you not to go."
Allie is truly a remarkable author. Every time she tells me she has something new for me to read, I squeal like a little school girl. Each sentence is highly anticipated magic. Her last book Burning Down the House BLEW me away. But this, perfection. At the start we get a bit of mystery and suspense and you can already tell Allie will have you on the edge of your seat. Then we flash to the present time and Melanie is staying at her friend Leah's place to get away for a while and finish her book. Little did she know, a person from her past would come back into her life and turn her whole world upside down. And the last thing she ever expected was to start caring for the man who tormented her for years. The Firefly Effect was exhilarating, refreshing and a pure enjoyment to read. Some of my most favorite scenes from a book, ever. Enjoyed every moment and I think everyone will love it as much as I did :-)
"There is no until. Stay. Just stay.I'm asking you not to go."
April 3, 2016
4.5 stars rounded up to 5. A new author to me, and I loved this romance. Strong characters who went to high school together and meet up again when she rents a beach house from a co-worker not realizing that the co-worker's stepbrother is the boy that taunted but also intrigued her during high school. The stepbrother shows up at the beach house to outfit it for an incoming hurricane knowing that his high school crush/nemesis is staying there. He is a veterinarian now (with the author's luscious description of an alpha, well put together hunky male with his silky brown hair in a ponytail down his back--yum, yum.)
The book is steamy and a little angsty, but moves right along to a great ending. It does include some "dreaded" flashbacks but I have to admit they added to the story so I put up with them. I purchased another book by this author, hope its as good.
The book is steamy and a little angsty, but moves right along to a great ending. It does include some "dreaded" flashbacks but I have to admit they added to the story so I put up with them. I purchased another book by this author, hope its as good.
February 5, 2016
Genre: CR
Rating: 3.5
Tags: flashback chapters, high school crush, stalker, dirty talk, humorous banter
Rating: 3.5
Tags: flashback chapters, high school crush, stalker, dirty talk, humorous banter
December 15, 2015
Sweet, funny and sexy romance.
Melanie Lane is staying at a beach house in Florida owned by a former co-worker. She gets all settled in so she can finish writing her novel, she has had a run of bad luck with losing her day job, but she is hopeful for her future. She is laying on the couch having a naughty fantasy when she opens her eyes the most gorgeous man she has ever seen is sitting on the couch with her, something about him is familiar, and she instantly feels comfortable with him. Comfortable enough to have a little fun time right then and there no questions asked. Once the after glow starts to ebb, that's when she realizes this is none other than Shane the Pain she has just had sex with. The boy who made her life miserable throughout junior high and high school. Shane has always had a thing for Felony Melanie and couldn't resist a chance when he catches her lying naked on his couch. What follows is a funny, sweet and completely romantic tryst while a hurricane is bearing down on them. But, Melanie has secrets that might keep her from taking a chance on Shane.
This story is laugh out loud funny, sweet, and sexy. I loved the flash back scenes from junior high and high school between these two, they are hysterical! There are plenty of hot loves scenes and some angst to round out this lovely story. I really enjoyed it. This is the first book I have read from this author, but it won't be my last.
Melanie Lane is staying at a beach house in Florida owned by a former co-worker. She gets all settled in so she can finish writing her novel, she has had a run of bad luck with losing her day job, but she is hopeful for her future. She is laying on the couch having a naughty fantasy when she opens her eyes the most gorgeous man she has ever seen is sitting on the couch with her, something about him is familiar, and she instantly feels comfortable with him. Comfortable enough to have a little fun time right then and there no questions asked. Once the after glow starts to ebb, that's when she realizes this is none other than Shane the Pain she has just had sex with. The boy who made her life miserable throughout junior high and high school. Shane has always had a thing for Felony Melanie and couldn't resist a chance when he catches her lying naked on his couch. What follows is a funny, sweet and completely romantic tryst while a hurricane is bearing down on them. But, Melanie has secrets that might keep her from taking a chance on Shane.
This story is laugh out loud funny, sweet, and sexy. I loved the flash back scenes from junior high and high school between these two, they are hysterical! There are plenty of hot loves scenes and some angst to round out this lovely story. I really enjoyed it. This is the first book I have read from this author, but it won't be my last.
December 16, 2015
Melanie is an author who has recently her job, to focus on her next book she rents a house from her friend Leah. A few days after she gets there she takes a much needed break and heads out to the beach, when she comes back she is sunburned and decides to take a nap on the couch, naked.
Shane just so happens to walk in on her while she is sleeping on the couch and he is excited to know that he was right about who was renting the house and he is pleasantly surprised to find her naked and takes this as a sign.
When Melanie wakes, she is a little fuzzy and thinks she is dreaming up the hot man sitting in front of her! What follows is steamy hot sex.
When Melanie’s brain starts to put together the puzzle, she is not happy to find out that the most intense orgasm’s of her life were just given to her by her high school enemy Shane.
Shane has secretly had feelings for Melanie since they were in school and he decides to take advantage of the fact there is a hurricane heading their way.
What follows is 2 people who seemingly hated each other embarking on a journey through some key moments from their past that will either bind them or separate them.
This was such a beautiful story! Shane and Melanie were so amazing together, the story was believable and I could actually picture them in my mind as though I knew them.
**I was given an arc in exchange for an honest review**
Reviewed by Deb @ The Club
December 16, 2015
I was given an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Although I finished this book with a smile on my face, it took me a long time to become invested in this story. Melanie and Shane were childhood enemies, or were they? But they each took a different path after leaving high school, but fate aka Hurricane Elliott threw them back together.
It took me a while to get into their story, but I did finish this book with a smile on my face and I did have a few chuckles while I was reading it. Although I realise that I needed to know Melanie and Shane’s history, I found the going back and forth in time prevented me from really becoming involved with this story. I felt it dragged in places and the ending was too rushed.
As I stated, I did end this book with a smile on my face, but I wish I had smiled more often while reading The Firefly Effect.
I gave this book 3 and a half stars.
Written by Karen from A Thousand Lives Book Blog
Although I finished this book with a smile on my face, it took me a long time to become invested in this story. Melanie and Shane were childhood enemies, or were they? But they each took a different path after leaving high school, but fate aka Hurricane Elliott threw them back together.
It took me a while to get into their story, but I did finish this book with a smile on my face and I did have a few chuckles while I was reading it. Although I realise that I needed to know Melanie and Shane’s history, I found the going back and forth in time prevented me from really becoming involved with this story. I felt it dragged in places and the ending was too rushed.
As I stated, I did end this book with a smile on my face, but I wish I had smiled more often while reading The Firefly Effect.
I gave this book 3 and a half stars.
Written by Karen from A Thousand Lives Book Blog
March 15, 2017
I've got to admit I like this author. Her dialogue is impressive, her characters are stand out and have personalities alongside steam. They had humour (it's actually pretty hard to find that). I want to certify her but I'll have to read more of what she's written. The actual plot was a little boring in itself hence the three stars, but imagine had it been complex - where she could have gone!?
Anyways, that cover needs to be changed pronto. It looks medieval and this book is definitely set in the 21st century*. I'm surmising this as the only reason this author hasn't gained much recognition because otherwise it's such a shame. She has wonderful writing.
*the hero is supposed to have really long hair but that hair doesn't look sexy or something to set as goals.
Anyways, that cover needs to be changed pronto. It looks medieval and this book is definitely set in the 21st century*. I'm surmising this as the only reason this author hasn't gained much recognition because otherwise it's such a shame. She has wonderful writing.
*the hero is supposed to have really long hair but that hair doesn't look sexy or something to set as goals.
December 28, 2015
I liked it but definitely not a bully book. It was more of a hate/love relationship as teens. Still cute.
September 6, 2017
I like others thought this was a great easy read. I like the story line in that it does bring former childhood enemies together in a most unexpected way. It also shows the insecurity of each character still almost not getting together because of them. Some people just need the outsider to help them along.
October 21, 2017
One of the best books I have read in a long time, the characters were rich and full bodied, they had lives beyond what was happening in the book. I am a speed reader and this book was hard for me to read at my normal pace BECAUSE the characters were so true to life. When I read I do it to escape and because this book was so true to life it was hard to read but SOOOO good.
March 12, 2017
Having read Breaking the Seventh I wanted to try another by Allie Gail and found this one which ended up being a prequel or a first to the Seventh.
Again a nice feel good romance but a little deeper with the heroine having a nasty experience in her past which coloured her life. A bonus visit from Leah added to the enjoyment.
I really liked Shane and his character and how he wouldn't be put off by Felony Melanie's hesitancy and their HEA which we also saw in Seventh.
I like that the characters were older and had experience of life, so many books I seem to read are about 18-22 year old girls who are just not mature and self centred. ( even though I know many who are not like this, must be an American thing?). We got a bit of that with Melanies college " friends" but she showed a nicer side of herself which unfortuately lead to trouble.
Great enjoyable read thanks again Ms Gail
Again a nice feel good romance but a little deeper with the heroine having a nasty experience in her past which coloured her life. A bonus visit from Leah added to the enjoyment.
I really liked Shane and his character and how he wouldn't be put off by Felony Melanie's hesitancy and their HEA which we also saw in Seventh.
I like that the characters were older and had experience of life, so many books I seem to read are about 18-22 year old girls who are just not mature and self centred. ( even though I know many who are not like this, must be an American thing?). We got a bit of that with Melanies college " friends" but she showed a nicer side of herself which unfortuately lead to trouble.
Great enjoyable read thanks again Ms Gail
December 15, 2015
This book started out kind of great, and just kept getting better with every page. What more could a girl ask for? I adored this enemy to lover's story. It was a sweet story with the perfect blend of steaminess and humor.
Melanie is having a bit of bad luck. She just lost her job, and now is laying low. Her friend Leah has offered her a place to unwind so she can concentrate on her writing. The beach house has become her sanctuary, and just what the doctor ordered. Until, she is woken by the most delicious man, who gives her the best erotic experience of her life. When the sexy haze fades she is embarrassed to find the man who just made her ultimate fantasy come to life is the one person she has despised since she can remember.
Shane couldn't believe his luck, when he found Melanie on his couch. He couldn't resist what seemed like the perfect invitation. Deep down, he's always harbored feelings for her, and disguising them with his irritation for her. Now they are both stuck until the nasty hurricane subsides.
Melanie, and Shane decide to make the most of their time. It's only the two of them, and it's just sex, right? Melanie soon realizes that Shane isn't the same creep she knew in high school. He's her perfect match, but a few days trapped indoors aren't enough to decide an entire future, even if it feels so, so right, or is it? Crazier thing s have happened.
This one really grabbed me. I wasn't expecting the shocking start, and it worked. Melanie, and Shane were a great duo. They each held the same confidence, and insecurities. They meshed with each other well, and I just like to thank that pesky hurricane for bringing them together. It became quite salacious when the cabin fever set in. I couldn't ask for more from this book.
If you are looking for a new book to fall in love with that is light, and fun. I recommend you pick this one up. I am sure glad I did.
Melanie is having a bit of bad luck. She just lost her job, and now is laying low. Her friend Leah has offered her a place to unwind so she can concentrate on her writing. The beach house has become her sanctuary, and just what the doctor ordered. Until, she is woken by the most delicious man, who gives her the best erotic experience of her life. When the sexy haze fades she is embarrassed to find the man who just made her ultimate fantasy come to life is the one person she has despised since she can remember.
Shane couldn't believe his luck, when he found Melanie on his couch. He couldn't resist what seemed like the perfect invitation. Deep down, he's always harbored feelings for her, and disguising them with his irritation for her. Now they are both stuck until the nasty hurricane subsides.
Melanie, and Shane decide to make the most of their time. It's only the two of them, and it's just sex, right? Melanie soon realizes that Shane isn't the same creep she knew in high school. He's her perfect match, but a few days trapped indoors aren't enough to decide an entire future, even if it feels so, so right, or is it? Crazier thing s have happened.
This one really grabbed me. I wasn't expecting the shocking start, and it worked. Melanie, and Shane were a great duo. They each held the same confidence, and insecurities. They meshed with each other well, and I just like to thank that pesky hurricane for bringing them together. It became quite salacious when the cabin fever set in. I couldn't ask for more from this book.
If you are looking for a new book to fall in love with that is light, and fun. I recommend you pick this one up. I am sure glad I did.
December 18, 2015
This book! It was everything I thought it would be and more! I think I might have found a new favorite author in Allie Gail. Her writing was so fun, quick-witted, and flowed seamlessly. I was a little nervous (as I usually get) when I quickly realized that this story uses flashbacks. Sometimes (for me) when there is an abundance of flashbacks, the story can seem bogged down. However, this author did it beautifully and each flashback enhanced the story.
Melanie and Shane were enemies throughout their childhood until they graduated from high school and went their separate ways. The things they did and said to each other were awful! No wonder why they hated each other. However, underneath all the hate, pranks, and snarky comments, there was an undercurrent of want and attraction (that neither would ever admit). They meet again, years after graduation, when Melanie rents a beach home from her friend Leah (Shane's stepsister) to get away for awhile and concentrate on writing. Shane hears who is renting the house and he just has to see for himself. She is always the one who got away, the crush he can't let go.
They have a steamy reacquainting, before Melanie realizes that he is actually Shane the Pain, as she has always called him. He uses the excuse of the impending hurricane and the need to secure the house to buy more time with her. She reluctantly and begrudgingly lets him stay. He is determined to win her over and show her he isn't like what she always thought. She is determined to keep him out of her heart if not out of the bedroom.
I honestly cannot say one bad thing about this book. There was emotion and I love a good book with emotion. There was witty, sarcastic humor in spades. And of course there was steam and romance! This book has it all! The Firefly Effect is the perfect weekend read!
Melanie and Shane were enemies throughout their childhood until they graduated from high school and went their separate ways. The things they did and said to each other were awful! No wonder why they hated each other. However, underneath all the hate, pranks, and snarky comments, there was an undercurrent of want and attraction (that neither would ever admit). They meet again, years after graduation, when Melanie rents a beach home from her friend Leah (Shane's stepsister) to get away for awhile and concentrate on writing. Shane hears who is renting the house and he just has to see for himself. She is always the one who got away, the crush he can't let go.
They have a steamy reacquainting, before Melanie realizes that he is actually Shane the Pain, as she has always called him. He uses the excuse of the impending hurricane and the need to secure the house to buy more time with her. She reluctantly and begrudgingly lets him stay. He is determined to win her over and show her he isn't like what she always thought. She is determined to keep him out of her heart if not out of the bedroom.
I honestly cannot say one bad thing about this book. There was emotion and I love a good book with emotion. There was witty, sarcastic humor in spades. And of course there was steam and romance! This book has it all! The Firefly Effect is the perfect weekend read!
December 15, 2015
Talk about hot, sizzling romance with some spice on the top!
What would you do if you are in for a surprise visit from someone who made your life hell in school? Would you hide or would you run? I would definitely run away but that's not what Melanie Lane did. Before Melanie knew who the mysterious, handsome hunk was, she already had her way with him. For Shane, it was a dream come true of Melanie and him on the couch.
Was it Melanie who came in his way or was it Shane? But either way, Melanie didn't care because she wanted to stay away from Shane The Pain.
A story set amidst an impending hurricane and with Melanie's dark past and her emotions veering crazy, this is a fun-filled and energetic read. Once again, Ms. Allie Gail has successfully woven a tale of love, romance and childhood friendships that will have you laughing at the wittiness of Shane and his step-sister Leah, at the deviousness and multi-dimensional characteristics of the characters and a plot that keeps you curious till the end.
I would recommend this to all those avid readers of romance who enjoy some saucy dialogues.
March 5, 2016
Loved it! The writing is excellent and the story line flows well. This is sorta a second chance romance between Shane the Pain and Melanie aka Felony. Melanie rents a beach cottage from a coworker to get away and work on her novel, she is an Author. Her friends stepbrother, who knows she is there goes to the cottage to help prepare it for a hurricane that is on its way but really wants to see his high school crush. Melanie doesn't recognize him when he arrives at first as Shane the Pain from high school, only has Leahs stepbrother. As the hurricane bears down they let their attraction to each other work out all their past differences. The story has a few flash backs to their history going to school with each other. Typical boy is mean to girl because he is crushing on her and she is mean back but they both thought each other was hot back then and nothing much has changed in that department. He has to return home for work after the storm, giving her time to "miss him". Leah push's that along and she goes to visit him a week later and he asks her to stay. The story has a nice epilogue set 21 months into the future for their HEA.
June 11, 2016
More of a 3 1/2, but I'll round up since I did enjoy it.
“Get your mind out of the gutter, Dr. Becker.”
“Don’t knock the gutter until you’ve wallowed in it, Miss Lane."
After losing her job at the newspaper, Melanie decides to work on her next novel full-time. She rents her friends vacation house on the beach for the winter.
When Shane stumbles upon his high school crush lying naked in his beach house, he decides it's time to make a move. Unfortunately, they were enemies since elementary school.
They end up stuck in the house together for a week while a tropical storm passes by. During their week together they move past their differences and realize that what they were both looking for had been in front of them all along.
The story was a little long-winded at times, but a nice low drama love story about growing and maturing.
"How bizarre to think that the boy who used to go out of his way to tap my insecurities has become the only man who ever made me feel truly desirable."
“Get your mind out of the gutter, Dr. Becker.”
“Don’t knock the gutter until you’ve wallowed in it, Miss Lane."
After losing her job at the newspaper, Melanie decides to work on her next novel full-time. She rents her friends vacation house on the beach for the winter.
When Shane stumbles upon his high school crush lying naked in his beach house, he decides it's time to make a move. Unfortunately, they were enemies since elementary school.
They end up stuck in the house together for a week while a tropical storm passes by. During their week together they move past their differences and realize that what they were both looking for had been in front of them all along.
The story was a little long-winded at times, but a nice low drama love story about growing and maturing.
"How bizarre to think that the boy who used to go out of his way to tap my insecurities has become the only man who ever made me feel truly desirable."
Read
February 6, 2016Standalone/Cliffhanger: Standalone
Multi-Luv'n/Ménages:
Was There Descriptive Sex:
Descriptive Sex &/Or Drama Between H/h With OW/OM:
>>If So, Before or After H/h Hookup:
Contains Cheating:
Amount of Sex In The Book:
HEA/HFN/etc Ending:
Will This Meet My 'Safety Gang' Buddies' Approval:
Any Triggers/Warnings: Maybe?
>>Detail: Melanie had a classmate who was mentally unstable and kept on asking her out, saying they were a couple, nearly assaults her and later on kills himself. It's had an effect on her.
Do You Recommend This Book: Yes for those that like PNRs.
Will You Re-read This Book: Maybe.
Would You Read More Books By This Author: Yes
Multi-Luv'n/Ménages:
Was There Descriptive Sex:
Descriptive Sex &/Or Drama Between H/h With OW/OM:
>>If So, Before or After H/h Hookup:
Contains Cheating:
Amount of Sex In The Book:
HEA/HFN/etc Ending:
Will This Meet My 'Safety Gang' Buddies' Approval:
Any Triggers/Warnings: Maybe?
>>Detail: Melanie had a classmate who was mentally unstable and kept on asking her out, saying they were a couple, nearly assaults her and later on kills himself. It's had an effect on her.
Do You Recommend This Book: Yes for those that like PNRs.
Will You Re-read This Book: Maybe.
Would You Read More Books By This Author: Yes
January 17, 2016
Touching, will tug at the heart strings. I could not put this down at all, I felt for Melany with her struggles and her guilt of the past that happened. Shane was her school bully but she also bullied him as well, but he tormented her because like all young men they pick on the person they like so that's what he did all through their school years until graduation where he stepped up and kissed Melany. Now a decade later they meet up in his beach house that his stepsister set up. Hurricane Elliot has landed and the beach house in in the path but will the two frenemies get along or will Elliot be the least of their problems.
June 7, 2016
We all have tales of the "One Who Got Away" but what if the One is someone who you never envisioned yourself ever being with in a relationship?!
This is exactly the predicament that Melanie Lane finds herself when her former high school nemesis Shane Becker walks into her rented beach house during an impending hurricane. What comes next? How about unbelievable steamy moments, throw in witty banter and mysteries solved and you have this very enjoyable read by the talented Allie Gail!
If you are a fan of romance, then you will love this one! A story that shows love can come in the most unexpected ways!
Recommend for 18 years or older!
This is exactly the predicament that Melanie Lane finds herself when her former high school nemesis Shane Becker walks into her rented beach house during an impending hurricane. What comes next? How about unbelievable steamy moments, throw in witty banter and mysteries solved and you have this very enjoyable read by the talented Allie Gail!
If you are a fan of romance, then you will love this one! A story that shows love can come in the most unexpected ways!
Recommend for 18 years or older!
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