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Hellcat Canyon #4
The First Time at Firelight Falls
Single mom Eden Harwood has a lively daughter, a blooming business—and a juicy secret she’s hung on to for ten years. She doesn’t mind a bit that there’s no room for romance in her whirlwind life . . . until six-foot-infinity, smoldery-eyed, bass-voiced Gabe Caldera reminds her of what she might be missing.
The principal of Hellcat Elementary is usually knee-deep in fawning PTA moms, but Gabe only has eyes for the fiery, funny, skittish redhead who barely knows he’s alive. But this ex-Navy SEAL never fails to get what he wants. And what he wants is to fan those sparks between him and Eden into the kind of bonfire you can see two counties away.
The passion is explosive . . . and the tenderness has them thinking about forever. But when Eden’s past waltzes into town for a reckoning, her secret blows them apart. Still, Gabe will never back down from a fight . . . especially if the ultimate prize is Eden’s heart.
The principal of Hellcat Elementary is usually knee-deep in fawning PTA moms, but Gabe only has eyes for the fiery, funny, skittish redhead who barely knows he’s alive. But this ex-Navy SEAL never fails to get what he wants. And what he wants is to fan those sparks between him and Eden into the kind of bonfire you can see two counties away.
The passion is explosive . . . and the tenderness has them thinking about forever. But when Eden’s past waltzes into town for a reckoning, her secret blows them apart. Still, Gabe will never back down from a fight . . . especially if the ultimate prize is Eden’s heart.
340 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 29, 2018
168 people are currently reading
371 people want to read
About the author
Julie Anne Long
38 books2,963 followersWell, where should I start? I've lived in San Francisco for more than a decade, usually with at least one cat. I won the school spelling bee when I was in 7th grade; the word that clinched it was 'ukulele.' I originally set out to be a rock star when I grew up (I had a Bono fixation, but who didn't?), and I have the guitars and the questionable wardrobe stuffed in the back of my closet to prove it.
But writing was always my first love.
I was editor of my elementary school paper (believe it or not, Mrs. Little's fifth grade class at Glenmoor Elementary did have one); my high school paper (along with my best high school bud, Cindy Jorgenson); and my college paper, where our long-suffering typesetter finally forced me to learn how to typeset because my articles were usually late (and thus I probably have him to thank for all the desktop publishing jobs that ensued over the years).
Won a couple of random awards along the way: the Bank of America English Award in High School (which basically just amounted to a fancy plaque saying that I was really, really good at English); and an award for best Sports Feature article in a College Newspaper (and anyone who knows me well understands how deeply ironic that is). I began my academic career as a Journalism major; I switched to Creative Writing, which was a more comfortable fit for my freewheeling imagination and overdeveloped sense of whimsy. I dreamed of being a novelist.
But most of us, I think, tend to take for granted the things that come easily to us. I loved writing and all indications were that I was pretty good at it, but I, thank you very much, wanted to be a rock star. Which turned out to be ever-so-slightly harder to do than writing. A lot more equipment was involved, that's for sure. Heavy things, with knobs. It also involved late nights, fetid, graffiti-sprayed practice rooms, gorgeous flakey boys, bizarre gigs, in-fighting—what's not to love?
But my dream of being a published writer never faded. When the charm (ahem) of playing to four people in a tiny club at midnight on a Wednesday finally wore thin, however, I realized I could incorporate all the best things about being in a band — namely, drama, passion, and men with unruly hair — into novels, while at the same time indulging my love of history and research.
So I wrote The Runaway Duke, sent it to a literary agent (see the story here), who sold it to Warner Books a few months after that...which made 2003 one of the most extraordinary, head-spinning years I've ever had.
Why romance? Well, like most people, I read across many genres, but I've been an avid romance reader since I got in trouble for sneaking a Rosemary Rogers novel out of my mom's nightstand drawer (I think it was Sweet Savage Love). Rosemary Rogers, Kathleen Woodiwiss, Laurie McBain...I cut my romance teeth on those ladies. And in general, I take a visceral sort of pleasure in creating a hero and a heroine, putting them through their emotional paces, and watching their relationship develop on the page. And of course, there's much to be said for the happy ending. :)
And why Regency Historicals? Well, for starters, I think we can blame Jane Austen. Her inimitable wit, compassion and vision brought the Regency vividly to life for generations of readers. If Jane Austen had written romances about Incas, for instance, I think, we'd have racks and racks of Inca romances in bookstores all over the country, and Warner Forever would be the Inca Romance line.
But I'm a history FREAK, in general. I read more history, to be perfectly honest, than fiction (when I have time to read!) these days. When we were little, my sister and I used to play "Littl
But writing was always my first love.
I was editor of my elementary school paper (believe it or not, Mrs. Little's fifth grade class at Glenmoor Elementary did have one); my high school paper (along with my best high school bud, Cindy Jorgenson); and my college paper, where our long-suffering typesetter finally forced me to learn how to typeset because my articles were usually late (and thus I probably have him to thank for all the desktop publishing jobs that ensued over the years).
Won a couple of random awards along the way: the Bank of America English Award in High School (which basically just amounted to a fancy plaque saying that I was really, really good at English); and an award for best Sports Feature article in a College Newspaper (and anyone who knows me well understands how deeply ironic that is). I began my academic career as a Journalism major; I switched to Creative Writing, which was a more comfortable fit for my freewheeling imagination and overdeveloped sense of whimsy. I dreamed of being a novelist.
But most of us, I think, tend to take for granted the things that come easily to us. I loved writing and all indications were that I was pretty good at it, but I, thank you very much, wanted to be a rock star. Which turned out to be ever-so-slightly harder to do than writing. A lot more equipment was involved, that's for sure. Heavy things, with knobs. It also involved late nights, fetid, graffiti-sprayed practice rooms, gorgeous flakey boys, bizarre gigs, in-fighting—what's not to love?
But my dream of being a published writer never faded. When the charm (ahem) of playing to four people in a tiny club at midnight on a Wednesday finally wore thin, however, I realized I could incorporate all the best things about being in a band — namely, drama, passion, and men with unruly hair — into novels, while at the same time indulging my love of history and research.
So I wrote The Runaway Duke, sent it to a literary agent (see the story here), who sold it to Warner Books a few months after that...which made 2003 one of the most extraordinary, head-spinning years I've ever had.
Why romance? Well, like most people, I read across many genres, but I've been an avid romance reader since I got in trouble for sneaking a Rosemary Rogers novel out of my mom's nightstand drawer (I think it was Sweet Savage Love). Rosemary Rogers, Kathleen Woodiwiss, Laurie McBain...I cut my romance teeth on those ladies. And in general, I take a visceral sort of pleasure in creating a hero and a heroine, putting them through their emotional paces, and watching their relationship develop on the page. And of course, there's much to be said for the happy ending. :)
And why Regency Historicals? Well, for starters, I think we can blame Jane Austen. Her inimitable wit, compassion and vision brought the Regency vividly to life for generations of readers. If Jane Austen had written romances about Incas, for instance, I think, we'd have racks and racks of Inca romances in bookstores all over the country, and Warner Forever would be the Inca Romance line.
But I'm a history FREAK, in general. I read more history, to be perfectly honest, than fiction (when I have time to read!) these days. When we were little, my sister and I used to play "Littl
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 150 reviews
June 22, 2018
If there is one way to kill a romance novel, it is to include a "precocious" kid. The author NEVER seems to have the kid act their age, which pulls you out of the story. Then, the kid always ends up reminding me of one of those hammy kids who always needs to be the center of attention and they are just so damn loud that you can't think and their parents think it's cute when they are obnoxious little brats being horrible... uh, yeah. Okay, I might have dealt with a kid or two like that... I might have witnessed a brat telling his mom to "shut up" and a parent tell me that their kid shouldn't be responsible for the property damage he did to another parent's house because, and I quote verbatim, "Boys will be boys." Yeah. That was said. Aww, the joys of working with kids and their parents..
Yeah, I could have passed this book out a few times. Couldn't we all?
So, yeah, there is a kid in this book who is too much the focus instead of being on the couple.
The next way to ruin a romance is to make the heroine very hard to relate to. This heroine had a child 10 years ago and never once has told anyone who the father is. That's right - no one. Not her parents, sister, bestie, nothing. She's been a perfect, celibate, saintly mother who has dedicated her entire life to raising her perfect child. She runs a successful business that she started on her own, volunteers at the school, is a member of the Chamber of Commerce, leads a girl scout troop, and takes her daughter to soccer and music lessons all while being beautiful, thin, and mysterious. *sigh* In other words - she's the anti-me. I recently had to write an introduction about myself for a class I'm taking and I said that I'm a retired housewife. I no longer cook or clean, but I'm still home. My house is messy, I'm a chub who loves the chocolate, and if my kids want lessons for anything they can get a damn job and drive themselves. Hey, and pick me up a box of tampons while you are out. It's good for you. Develop some character. You're welcome, their future wives.
It's not like people are thinking they are for you. Suck it up, man!
The last part of ruining a romance? Make the hero something unromantic. I mean, I guess it could have been worse. He could have worked at the box factory, but elementary school principal isn't that much better. I have never once in my life seen a school principal that was hot. I think that if they aren't bald when they are hired, they are made to shave the little horseshoe pattern themselves.
A.K.A.: The Principal Special. Comes with free pocket protector.
But, this principal was a Navy Seal, jilly!!
Yeah. Bullshit.
I call bullshit on that.
Okay, so apart from the kid, the hero, and the heroine, I liked the book. It had its moments. See how nice I am?
If you are thinking of reading this series, I would say you should read books 1 & 3. Three is the best.
Yeah, I could have passed this book out a few times. Couldn't we all?
So, yeah, there is a kid in this book who is too much the focus instead of being on the couple.
The next way to ruin a romance is to make the heroine very hard to relate to. This heroine had a child 10 years ago and never once has told anyone who the father is. That's right - no one. Not her parents, sister, bestie, nothing. She's been a perfect, celibate, saintly mother who has dedicated her entire life to raising her perfect child. She runs a successful business that she started on her own, volunteers at the school, is a member of the Chamber of Commerce, leads a girl scout troop, and takes her daughter to soccer and music lessons all while being beautiful, thin, and mysterious. *sigh* In other words - she's the anti-me. I recently had to write an introduction about myself for a class I'm taking and I said that I'm a retired housewife. I no longer cook or clean, but I'm still home. My house is messy, I'm a chub who loves the chocolate, and if my kids want lessons for anything they can get a damn job and drive themselves. Hey, and pick me up a box of tampons while you are out. It's good for you. Develop some character. You're welcome, their future wives.
It's not like people are thinking they are for you. Suck it up, man!
The last part of ruining a romance? Make the hero something unromantic. I mean, I guess it could have been worse. He could have worked at the box factory, but elementary school principal isn't that much better. I have never once in my life seen a school principal that was hot. I think that if they aren't bald when they are hired, they are made to shave the little horseshoe pattern themselves.
A.K.A.: The Principal Special. Comes with free pocket protector.
But, this principal was a Navy Seal, jilly!!
Yeah. Bullshit.
I call bullshit on that.
Okay, so apart from the kid, the hero, and the heroine, I liked the book. It had its moments. See how nice I am?
If you are thinking of reading this series, I would say you should read books 1 & 3. Three is the best.
June 2, 2018
This woman is solidifying herself as one of my favorite contemporary authors.
Her romances feel so real and so do her characters. Eden was a fantastic heroine, so relatable and real - the amount of times she took my breath away discussing her daughter had me falling in love with this book. Annalise felt real too-precocious, but real. And then...there's Gabe. I wouldn't say I was chomping at the bit to read his story, but I pretty much did a 180 with all the direct, intense, short conversations...or ok, he had me with the 'moments' bit-where in the first pages he illustrates the moments where his interest in Eden took root and grow into more-and the moments continue wonderfully in this book.
The set up was delightful. A single mom (with help!) who has to wedge her life into interrupted snippets were such a clever way to handle this romance between two overcommitted people. My kobo is sick with highlights. JAL does another grand gesture and love declaration that make my heart want to break and gives us a glimpse into secondary characters I want to know more about.
I was invested, laughing, and charmed the entire time. Straight to the the tbrr shelf!!
Her romances feel so real and so do her characters. Eden was a fantastic heroine, so relatable and real - the amount of times she took my breath away discussing her daughter had me falling in love with this book. Annalise felt real too-precocious, but real. And then...there's Gabe. I wouldn't say I was chomping at the bit to read his story, but I pretty much did a 180 with all the direct, intense, short conversations...or ok, he had me with the 'moments' bit-where in the first pages he illustrates the moments where his interest in Eden took root and grow into more-and the moments continue wonderfully in this book.
The set up was delightful. A single mom (with help!) who has to wedge her life into interrupted snippets were such a clever way to handle this romance between two overcommitted people. My kobo is sick with highlights. JAL does another grand gesture and love declaration that make my heart want to break and gives us a glimpse into secondary characters I want to know more about.
I was invested, laughing, and charmed the entire time. Straight to the the tbrr shelf!!
May 31, 2018
The kinds of things Eden Harwood said out loud made Gabe yearn to know all the things she didn't say out loud.
If someone wants to get me to know me like Gabe got to know Eden (with protracted conversation you perverts), I would.. uh, let it happen. I'd be down for that.
While every woman wanted to hear she's beautiful in a man's eyes, true seduction was all about making it clear that he saw her for who she truly was. That maybe he saw things no one else saw. And liked them. And wanted them all.
Ten years ago, Eden became a mom, but she was also mum (ahaha kill me) on the identity of the father. And for a decade she's kept that secret, all while meeting every need of her daughter and running a successful business. With her every minute scheduled, she's had no time for herself a person, as a woman, much less for a man. But more and more she's finding Annelise's elementary school principal harder to ignore. Especially when he subtly indicates his interest.
"Eden, the first thing you should know is that sex has changed a lot in ten years. You may need to brush up."
"I hope it has levels now, like Candy Crush. I'd totally ace it."
Gabe is good looking, selfless when it comes to volunteering, helping in the community, or coaching soccer for fifth graders. The ex-SEAL is not unaware of his effect on the single, and not so single, moms in the PTA. But while he fills his days to the brim to fight the loneliness in his life, he hasn't been so busy that he hasn't noticed Eden. And finding time to communicate that becomes Gabe's next mission. He's playing the long game, every move strategic, and the dude has skills.
Since Annelise was born, her emotions seemed permanently more tenderized, more porous and pliant. Another human's feelings were a sacred trust. She did not gamble with them anymore, not hers, not anyone else's.
I thought this romance to be totally delightful in a very realistic 'who even has time for love' kind of way. The way these two savoured their time together, down the last minute, was funny.. in a kind of sad but precious way. And othertimes it was outright funny as hell (the Time Porn, omg). They didn't use their time to sext or spend all their time having sexy fantasies. The majority was spent looking forward to the next phase of their conversation, navigating the get-to-know you part of courting, though that definitely didn't mean they were innuendo free.
Pretty did a disservice to Eden. The problem was that he couldn't really think of her in terms of simple adjective. He thought of her more in terms of how she made him feel, like want and soft and smile and like, the kinds of word Koko the gorilla would sign to indicate her needs. He experienced her on a very basic, very fundamental level.
There was, of course, the added drama surrounding Annelise and her mysterious father. That actually didn't go as terribly as I expected. Some things I saw coming, others not so much, and in true Long fashion she makes the emotional complications charming and quirky and, yeah, angsty. We definitely have that too.
The family dynamic of the Harwoods is a big highlight of this series. In this one we got to meet (as I don't believe we saw them before, though someone correct me if I'm wrong), the male siblings, Jude and Jesse, and oh I hope this means we get books for them, too. Or at least more of this series in general. I don't want to say goodbye. This series is just.. fun. Warm. Funny. Sweet. With the rare honour of being one of the few books/series with a prominent child character I can actually stand. And, in this case, love.
Highly recommend this series.
If someone wants to get me to know me like Gabe got to know Eden (with protracted conversation you perverts), I would.. uh, let it happen. I'd be down for that.
While every woman wanted to hear she's beautiful in a man's eyes, true seduction was all about making it clear that he saw her for who she truly was. That maybe he saw things no one else saw. And liked them. And wanted them all.
Ten years ago, Eden became a mom, but she was also mum (ahaha kill me) on the identity of the father. And for a decade she's kept that secret, all while meeting every need of her daughter and running a successful business. With her every minute scheduled, she's had no time for herself a person, as a woman, much less for a man. But more and more she's finding Annelise's elementary school principal harder to ignore. Especially when he subtly indicates his interest.
"Eden, the first thing you should know is that sex has changed a lot in ten years. You may need to brush up."
"I hope it has levels now, like Candy Crush. I'd totally ace it."
Gabe is good looking, selfless when it comes to volunteering, helping in the community, or coaching soccer for fifth graders. The ex-SEAL is not unaware of his effect on the single, and not so single, moms in the PTA. But while he fills his days to the brim to fight the loneliness in his life, he hasn't been so busy that he hasn't noticed Eden. And finding time to communicate that becomes Gabe's next mission. He's playing the long game, every move strategic, and the dude has skills.
Since Annelise was born, her emotions seemed permanently more tenderized, more porous and pliant. Another human's feelings were a sacred trust. She did not gamble with them anymore, not hers, not anyone else's.
I thought this romance to be totally delightful in a very realistic 'who even has time for love' kind of way. The way these two savoured their time together, down the last minute, was funny.. in a kind of sad but precious way. And othertimes it was outright funny as hell (the Time Porn, omg). They didn't use their time to sext or spend all their time having sexy fantasies. The majority was spent looking forward to the next phase of their conversation, navigating the get-to-know you part of courting, though that definitely didn't mean they were innuendo free.
Pretty did a disservice to Eden. The problem was that he couldn't really think of her in terms of simple adjective. He thought of her more in terms of how she made him feel, like want and soft and smile and like, the kinds of word Koko the gorilla would sign to indicate her needs. He experienced her on a very basic, very fundamental level.
There was, of course, the added drama surrounding Annelise and her mysterious father. That actually didn't go as terribly as I expected. Some things I saw coming, others not so much, and in true Long fashion she makes the emotional complications charming and quirky and, yeah, angsty. We definitely have that too.
The family dynamic of the Harwoods is a big highlight of this series. In this one we got to meet (as I don't believe we saw them before, though someone correct me if I'm wrong), the male siblings, Jude and Jesse, and oh I hope this means we get books for them, too. Or at least more of this series in general. I don't want to say goodbye. This series is just.. fun. Warm. Funny. Sweet. With the rare honour of being one of the few books/series with a prominent child character I can actually stand. And, in this case, love.
Highly recommend this series.
May 16, 2019
This is fourth in a series, but really only the previous, Dirty Dancing at Devil's Leap, is relevant. I recommend reading at least that one before this because Avalon and Mac are present and important and we meet Annalise and Eden there, too.
As is common in this series, the title really does suck and has literally nothing to do with the story. Just so you know.
Anyway, this story is fantastic and I loved both protagonists right from the start and never let go. Oh my heart, is Gabe the prefect man. Okay perfect is misleading. He has his ego and he gets in his own way sometimes. But he's caring and strong and competent and would do anything for the people he cares about and that is so my catnip. But then, do your really need to say anything more than ex-Navy SEAL elementary school principle? That's the finest wish-fulfillment fantasy any romance has peddled right there, that is! And Long does such a great job breathing life into that framework.
And Eden is fantastic, too. She's doing her best and doing a fantastic job with a precocious ten year-old while running her small business and keeping her calm even when confronting ridiculous and emotional antagonism. The byplay between her and Gabe is off-the-charts funny with many laugh-out-loud moments and her handling of Jan Pennington's sometimes hysterical tantrums was subtle and careful and with an edge of sly that slew me. Seriously, Long really knocked this out of the park and not least by allowing Jan Pennington to be a real, fully-dimensional character despite the narrative role as foil for Eden to play against.
I did have a week-long pause in the middle of this because at two thirds in they were in a great place and obviously in love and I knew that something had to come in to blow them up for the last third of the story. And if you pay attention, it isn't hard to see that it's going to be Annalise's father showing up and disrupting things. And I couldn't face it for a while. Fortunately, I did pick it back up and the humor and heart drew me right back in even when everything did, indeed, blow up.
So this is a 4½ star read for the angst and blow-up and for the truly fantastical elements (like Annalise's dad). But I laughed out loud so often that anything but rounding up is impossible. Julie Anne Long does banter with the best and this book is an example of just how good she is.
A note about Steamy: There are a couple explicit sex scenes putting this in the middle of my steam tolerance. I actually liked how indicative they were of these two protagonists and the crazy-busy lives they lead. I particularly liked how they had to become intimate in pieces and parts and how that spread out over time by necessity.
As is common in this series, the title really does suck and has literally nothing to do with the story. Just so you know.
Anyway, this story is fantastic and I loved both protagonists right from the start and never let go. Oh my heart, is Gabe the prefect man. Okay perfect is misleading. He has his ego and he gets in his own way sometimes. But he's caring and strong and competent and would do anything for the people he cares about and that is so my catnip. But then, do your really need to say anything more than ex-Navy SEAL elementary school principle? That's the finest wish-fulfillment fantasy any romance has peddled right there, that is! And Long does such a great job breathing life into that framework.
And Eden is fantastic, too. She's doing her best and doing a fantastic job with a precocious ten year-old while running her small business and keeping her calm even when confronting ridiculous and emotional antagonism. The byplay between her and Gabe is off-the-charts funny with many laugh-out-loud moments and her handling of Jan Pennington's sometimes hysterical tantrums was subtle and careful and with an edge of sly that slew me. Seriously, Long really knocked this out of the park and not least by allowing Jan Pennington to be a real, fully-dimensional character despite the narrative role as foil for Eden to play against.
I did have a week-long pause in the middle of this because at two thirds in they were in a great place and obviously in love and I knew that something had to come in to blow them up for the last third of the story. And if you pay attention, it isn't hard to see that it's going to be Annalise's father showing up and disrupting things. And I couldn't face it for a while. Fortunately, I did pick it back up and the humor and heart drew me right back in even when everything did, indeed, blow up.
So this is a 4½ star read for the angst and blow-up and for the truly fantastical elements (like Annalise's dad). But I laughed out loud so often that anything but rounding up is impossible. Julie Anne Long does banter with the best and this book is an example of just how good she is.
A note about Steamy: There are a couple explicit sex scenes putting this in the middle of my steam tolerance. I actually liked how indicative they were of these two protagonists and the crazy-busy lives they lead. I particularly liked how they had to become intimate in pieces and parts and how that spread out over time by necessity.
June 25, 2018
4.5
A lovely crafted romance, especially the first half, which zings with sexy banter and deft plotting. Up until now, I've been more of a fan of Long's historical romances, but this fourth addition to her contemporary series feels more in tradition with the best of her historicals. Just exchange a waltz, a courtly stroll through meticulous grounds, and witty banter at a country dinner party with sassy repartee in the elementary school parking lot, hasty flirting on the sly at weekly PTA fundraising events, and surreptitious kisses in the principal's office, and The First Time at Firelight Falls could easily substitute for one of Long's Pennyroyal Green books. And while I can't exactly say that I was skeptical of the premise of a small-town florist and a school principal hooking up (because this is the superb Julie Anne Long, after all), my expectations were easily exceeded.
I think it's fair to say that I was thrilled during the first half to see how Principal Gabe would catch the attention of his crush, reserved and over-scheduled Eden. From their first scenes in this book, the attraction between them is intense, and I applaud Long for setting up the romance efficiently from the very beginning, for these are characters who have known each other, if only from the sidelines. The antics of Eden's precocious daughter, Analeese, brings Eden more firmly into Gabe's orbit, all to his benefit. I do love a hero with not just a a crush but an actual plan to win the object of his affections. Gabe's plans to reel in Eden are so utterly charming and just flat out entertaining to read. And their unfinished conversations are not just riveting, they are believable given the hectic nature of life for both of them. It is joyful to pick up each interrupted conversation as soon as Eden and Gabe find their way back to each other. All of their small interactions add up to one very emotionally felt romance that had me anxiously picking up this book every chance I could.
Having said that, the second half of the book is unfortunately a little bit of a letdown, darn it! The return of Eden's former fling and Analeese's biological father was about the only unwelcome interruption in what had been a near perfect story. The Jasper plot takes over in the second half, and Gabe is shoved to the sidelines for way too many pages. I did get frustrated and found that for about a third of the book, the story loses its edge. I also did not find Eden's secret about Jasper that believable. There was never a good reason for Eden to hide it from her friends or family, or even Gabe, for that matter. Along these lines, I also felt a bit let down by Gabe's overreaction to Jasper, especially since he had been such a grounded guy throughout the book. The story ends well, and the resolutions for all characters is ultimately a satisfactory one. But I do regret what feels like a missed opportunity to explore an actual relationship between Eden and Gabe, in between the courtship and the resolution.
Still, this is easily my favorite of the Hellcat Canyon novels. It is the sweetest and most charming of the romances thus far. I'm sure I'm not alone either in speculating about the very interesting Harwood brothers. I know Long is scheduled to start a new historical series -- yay! -- but I'm hoping that she juggles that with the continuation of her Hellcat Canyon books too.
A lovely crafted romance, especially the first half, which zings with sexy banter and deft plotting. Up until now, I've been more of a fan of Long's historical romances, but this fourth addition to her contemporary series feels more in tradition with the best of her historicals. Just exchange a waltz, a courtly stroll through meticulous grounds, and witty banter at a country dinner party with sassy repartee in the elementary school parking lot, hasty flirting on the sly at weekly PTA fundraising events, and surreptitious kisses in the principal's office, and The First Time at Firelight Falls could easily substitute for one of Long's Pennyroyal Green books. And while I can't exactly say that I was skeptical of the premise of a small-town florist and a school principal hooking up (because this is the superb Julie Anne Long, after all), my expectations were easily exceeded.
I think it's fair to say that I was thrilled during the first half to see how Principal Gabe would catch the attention of his crush, reserved and over-scheduled Eden. From their first scenes in this book, the attraction between them is intense, and I applaud Long for setting up the romance efficiently from the very beginning, for these are characters who have known each other, if only from the sidelines. The antics of Eden's precocious daughter, Analeese, brings Eden more firmly into Gabe's orbit, all to his benefit. I do love a hero with not just a a crush but an actual plan to win the object of his affections. Gabe's plans to reel in Eden are so utterly charming and just flat out entertaining to read. And their unfinished conversations are not just riveting, they are believable given the hectic nature of life for both of them. It is joyful to pick up each interrupted conversation as soon as Eden and Gabe find their way back to each other. All of their small interactions add up to one very emotionally felt romance that had me anxiously picking up this book every chance I could.
Having said that, the second half of the book is unfortunately a little bit of a letdown, darn it! The return of Eden's former fling and Analeese's biological father was about the only unwelcome interruption in what had been a near perfect story. The Jasper plot takes over in the second half, and Gabe is shoved to the sidelines for way too many pages. I did get frustrated and found that for about a third of the book, the story loses its edge. I also did not find Eden's secret about Jasper that believable. There was never a good reason for Eden to hide it from her friends or family, or even Gabe, for that matter. Along these lines, I also felt a bit let down by Gabe's overreaction to Jasper, especially since he had been such a grounded guy throughout the book. The story ends well, and the resolutions for all characters is ultimately a satisfactory one. But I do regret what feels like a missed opportunity to explore an actual relationship between Eden and Gabe, in between the courtship and the resolution.
Still, this is easily my favorite of the Hellcat Canyon novels. It is the sweetest and most charming of the romances thus far. I'm sure I'm not alone either in speculating about the very interesting Harwood brothers. I know Long is scheduled to start a new historical series -- yay! -- but I'm hoping that she juggles that with the continuation of her Hellcat Canyon books too.
July 30, 2018
For me, each book in this series has basically been better than the last, and this one will be difficult to top. I am writing this review much to long after reading, but I just could relate to this story very much. I loved how it took place as real life was happening. So lovely. Great kiddo also.
April 30, 2018
3.5 stars
I had read and enjoyed the previous book in this series, so I couldn’t resist this one.
Eden and Gabe are both great MCs. They’re both loving and maybe a bit stubborn and it works. Annalise straight up steals every scene she’s in and I loved reading her questions and reaction.
Plot wise, it was okay. The underlying theme is that Eden doesn’t have time and it definitely comes across. Eden and Gabe fall in love in 5 minute increments because that’s basically all the time they have to be around each other. I would have liked to see a bit more from that side of their relationship. The secret wasn’t a surprise, but I did enjoy how it was handled.
Overall, it was a quick read, I really liked these characters, and the epilogue was fantastic.
**Huge thanks to Avon Books for providing the arc free of charge**
I had read and enjoyed the previous book in this series, so I couldn’t resist this one.
Eden and Gabe are both great MCs. They’re both loving and maybe a bit stubborn and it works. Annalise straight up steals every scene she’s in and I loved reading her questions and reaction.
Plot wise, it was okay. The underlying theme is that Eden doesn’t have time and it definitely comes across. Eden and Gabe fall in love in 5 minute increments because that’s basically all the time they have to be around each other. I would have liked to see a bit more from that side of their relationship. The secret wasn’t a surprise, but I did enjoy how it was handled.
Overall, it was a quick read, I really liked these characters, and the epilogue was fantastic.
**Huge thanks to Avon Books for providing the arc free of charge**
November 8, 2019
I love Julie Anne Long and this is a sweet story but I’m just not a fan of books where the kid is the main storyline.
October 20, 2018
Slow burn romance between two busy individuals - single mum and florist, Eden Harwood, and her 10 year old daughter's school principal, Gabe Caldera. Eden makes for a strong and warm heroine and her relationship with her daughter, Annelise, is wonderfully portrayed. The child is a cute kid who is bright and yet not precocious which so many book kids are. Okay, so I confess, I held off on reading this book for a while despite enjoying the series and loving JAL, because I wasn't sure if a primary/elementary school principal is my idea of hero material. Well, didn't he prove me wrong?! Of course, it helps that he's ex-Navy SEAL, but really he's the perfect amalgamation of the best of alpha and beta qualities - alpha on the outside in terms of his muscly, 6 foot plus physique and his possessiveness but beta when it comes to his sweet interactions with children, his patient wooing of Eden and his ability to verbally articulate his feelings for her in a swoonworthy manner. JAL's writing is superior as expected. The banter is witty and highly enjoyable. The supporting characters are well described, not black and white but with shades of grey which I like, because this approximated realism more. Gabe was a bit of an arse towards the end, but he did win her back quite nicely.
The narration was superb!
The narration was superb!
June 21, 2025
Very cute! 3.25 rounded to 3. I loved this couple together but I think the whole “we’re both too busy” excuse was lame. JAL is a talented writer and she writes very well. Her secondary characters are always fun, too.
March 31, 2019
This was pretty charming. A warmhearted, if mildly disjointed, read. Very endearing leads. Quite a few memorable lines and moments of humour.
It was also full of wonderful character discussions about words in that way relatable to what a regular reader feels when they encounter a word they enjoy the sound or rythm of, or discover some naunce of meaning.
The kid bordered on annoying. Totally didn’t act her stated age.
It was also full of wonderful character discussions about words in that way relatable to what a regular reader feels when they encounter a word they enjoy the sound or rythm of, or discover some naunce of meaning.
The kid bordered on annoying. Totally didn’t act her stated age.
May 11, 2024
I decided to round this one up to 5, it's probably more like 4.5.
But the reason I round it up is because I was feeling an ache in my chest from the moment Gabe saw the h (see I'm not very good with recalling the heroines even tho I liked this h a lot!) with that person to almost the end of the book. That's a long time to be aching!
But I felt his pain so much - even tho it wasn't totally her fault. She could have handled it better for sure. I wish she could have been more trusting, more forthcoming. But I also understand where she came from. Her daughter came first. Everyone else came second. And as that person was related to her daughter, Gabe came second.
But given how much they love each other, as clearly they already do, I think her priorities should have taken that into account. And that's actually all he was asking for. There was a point where he said to her directly - I'm not saying my pain is more important, just that it's still important. And there should have been a recognition of that on her part. She didn't handle the situation before or immediately after well at all.
Both their fears and pride got in the way, as these things do when the stakes are high. And it was Gabe who made the sacrifice first in a very big way before she was able to see the light, so to speak. And that's why I take 0.5 star off. I wish she could have been braver. Giving him what he needs in that moment should have been a lot easier.
That said, I still loved the H and h and loved their dynamic together.
I like this author's writing style. Just great relationship and character portrayal.
But the reason I round it up is because I was feeling an ache in my chest from the moment Gabe saw the h (see I'm not very good with recalling the heroines even tho I liked this h a lot!) with that person to almost the end of the book. That's a long time to be aching!
But I felt his pain so much - even tho it wasn't totally her fault. She could have handled it better for sure. I wish she could have been more trusting, more forthcoming. But I also understand where she came from. Her daughter came first. Everyone else came second. And as that person was related to her daughter, Gabe came second.
But given how much they love each other, as clearly they already do, I think her priorities should have taken that into account. And that's actually all he was asking for. There was a point where he said to her directly - I'm not saying my pain is more important, just that it's still important. And there should have been a recognition of that on her part. She didn't handle the situation before or immediately after well at all.
Both their fears and pride got in the way, as these things do when the stakes are high. And it was Gabe who made the sacrifice first in a very big way before she was able to see the light, so to speak. And that's why I take 0.5 star off. I wish she could have been braver. Giving him what he needs in that moment should have been a lot easier.
That said, I still loved the H and h and loved their dynamic together.
I like this author's writing style. Just great relationship and character portrayal.
June 12, 2018
This book was C H A R M I N G! The writing is lovely and the characters are so mature and sweet, and have distinct voices and I don't know what else to say. It's such a nice, nuanced yet straightforward exploration of motherhood and what it does to a person's identity in ways that are great and complicated and sometimes hard to navigate, and I liked every part of it. Also, it has a love gesture, not grand gesture, but *love* gesture, that it's one of the most touching, romantic things I've read in years, and it was so quiet and perfectly telegraphed but surprising nonetheless, and I don't usually like romantic gestures, but this one was *kisses fingers* perfect *sigh* it made me cry and gasp and I wish I could read this book again for the first time so I could experience that moment again.
As an aside, I think I read What I Did For a Duke, but I don't remember it, and I have not read the previous books in this series, so I really can't compare. This one stands alone great, tho!
Recommended on twitter by Amanda.
As an aside, I think I read What I Did For a Duke, but I don't remember it, and I have not read the previous books in this series, so I really can't compare. This one stands alone great, tho!
Recommended on twitter by Amanda.
March 8, 2020
Four stars for first half. Two for second half because Gabe overreacted to an obstacle. So I’ll wrap this up at three stars.
August 6, 2024
4.5 stars
This is the fourth and final (for now??) book in the Hellcat Canyon series, and I am bereft. I demand books for Casey Carson (but NOT with Truck Donegal), Giorgio the cook, and Jesse (Avalon and Eden’s adventurer brother).
But anyway. I have loved all previous Hellcat Canyon books, and First Time at Firelight Falls is no exception. Eden Harwood has been a minor but notable presence up till now, including a moment when she is not very nice to Glory Greenleaf, the FMC of book 2. But here we learn why: She is a single mother who is keeping the identity of her 10yo daughter’s father a secret. For her, reputation is everything, because she is a small business owner and sole breadwinner who cares deeply about her daughter’s happiness. And we know how small town folks gossip.
So, when sparks fly between her and her daughter’s school principal, Gabe Caldera (who is a gorgeous and buff former Navy SEAL), she proceeds with caution. There is little room in her life for anything but her daughter and her business, so she doesn’t want to mess anything up. But their chemistry is blazing, and it is delicious to watch those sparks gradually turn into flames. (I will stop with the fire metaphors now, but 🔥!)
As with all Julie Anne Long’s books, this is full of heat, emotion and laugh-out-loud moments. Eden is a fierce FMC and Gabe is tasty, and we get just the right amount of the other Harwoods, who seem like the bestest family.
My one slight quibble is that there is a lot of on-page parenting, which I felt a little impatient with, probably because I have to do so much of my own. 😩
But if it is indeed the last of JAL’s contemporary series (and I really hope it’s not), it was a truly worthy conclusion.
This is the fourth and final (for now??) book in the Hellcat Canyon series, and I am bereft. I demand books for Casey Carson (but NOT with Truck Donegal), Giorgio the cook, and Jesse (Avalon and Eden’s adventurer brother).
But anyway. I have loved all previous Hellcat Canyon books, and First Time at Firelight Falls is no exception. Eden Harwood has been a minor but notable presence up till now, including a moment when she is not very nice to Glory Greenleaf, the FMC of book 2. But here we learn why: She is a single mother who is keeping the identity of her 10yo daughter’s father a secret. For her, reputation is everything, because she is a small business owner and sole breadwinner who cares deeply about her daughter’s happiness. And we know how small town folks gossip.
So, when sparks fly between her and her daughter’s school principal, Gabe Caldera (who is a gorgeous and buff former Navy SEAL), she proceeds with caution. There is little room in her life for anything but her daughter and her business, so she doesn’t want to mess anything up. But their chemistry is blazing, and it is delicious to watch those sparks gradually turn into flames. (I will stop with the fire metaphors now, but 🔥!)
As with all Julie Anne Long’s books, this is full of heat, emotion and laugh-out-loud moments. Eden is a fierce FMC and Gabe is tasty, and we get just the right amount of the other Harwoods, who seem like the bestest family.
My one slight quibble is that there is a lot of on-page parenting, which I felt a little impatient with, probably because I have to do so much of my own. 😩
But if it is indeed the last of JAL’s contemporary series (and I really hope it’s not), it was a truly worthy conclusion.
July 3, 2018
:(((((((((
This is me being resentful at the forced ending of my JAL binge. We now return you to our regularly scheduled backlog of ARCs, a pile of SEPs delivered Monday by the postal service and two shifter series loaned by a friend.
:((((((((((
This is me being resentful at the forced ending of my JAL binge. We now return you to our regularly scheduled backlog of ARCs, a pile of SEPs delivered Monday by the postal service and two shifter series loaned by a friend.
:((((((((((
June 13, 2018
First half of this was a solid 5 stars for me. I love a smitten hero, and Gabe is that in spades. The book introduces his huge crush on Eden almost immediately, and it was adorable. Their romance was so sweet, the way they’d start conversations and pick them up later.
The book took a dive in the second half for me, even though I thought the ending was really romantic.
This book handles the subject of single parenthood with such humor and heart. Eden has always been a single mom, and her entire identity is being Annelise’s mother. When she’s falling in love with Gabe, she’s just learning all over again what it means to be her own person separate from motherhood. There are times when she feels selfish, guilty, uncertain—it all rang true to me (admittedly, as someone who doesn't have children). But Gabe—who genuinely likes Annelise and not just because he’s her principal—understands how important this is for Eden and really respects her. He’s also super sexy. *fans self* I loved both main characters a lot. I liked Annelise—she is on the precocious side but still felt like a real child, not just a plot device. And the setting in Hellcat Canyon really worked for me here. It didn’t feel too cutesy as it has in some of the previous books.
All in all, another solid book from one of my favorite romance writers.
The book took a dive in the second half for me, even though I thought the ending was really romantic.
This book handles the subject of single parenthood with such humor and heart. Eden has always been a single mom, and her entire identity is being Annelise’s mother. When she’s falling in love with Gabe, she’s just learning all over again what it means to be her own person separate from motherhood. There are times when she feels selfish, guilty, uncertain—it all rang true to me (admittedly, as someone who doesn't have children). But Gabe—who genuinely likes Annelise and not just because he’s her principal—understands how important this is for Eden and really respects her. He’s also super sexy. *fans self* I loved both main characters a lot. I liked Annelise—she is on the precocious side but still felt like a real child, not just a plot device. And the setting in Hellcat Canyon really worked for me here. It didn’t feel too cutesy as it has in some of the previous books.
All in all, another solid book from one of my favorite romance writers.
January 5, 2018
I just finished reading an ARC of this May 29, 2018 novel by Julie Anne Long and all I want to do is go back to the beginning and read it all over again. Exquisitely crafted by Long, it's filled with humor, romance, sizzle, emotion, family, community, and the reveal of a long-held secret. I can honestly say I never imagined I'd be lusting after a grade school principal hero but when that hero is Gabe Caldera? Let's just say my internal engine is humming very nicely.
I mourned Long's announcement in 2015 that she was transitioning from historical romance to contemporary but each book in her Hellcat Canyon series has reinforced the brilliance of that move. Gabe and Eden are one of my favorite JAL couples (of any era) and their story, in my opinion, one of the best books Julie Anne Long has written. You won't want to miss this one.
I mourned Long's announcement in 2015 that she was transitioning from historical romance to contemporary but each book in her Hellcat Canyon series has reinforced the brilliance of that move. Gabe and Eden are one of my favorite JAL couples (of any era) and their story, in my opinion, one of the best books Julie Anne Long has written. You won't want to miss this one.
August 4, 2020
Original review June 2018: 3.5 to 4 stars. A sweet, enjoyable CR, with little angst. I liked the H, Gabe, principal of the elementary school, but also an ex-Navy SEAL. He's hot, but also a really nice guy. Mature, likeable, a person of integrity.
Gabe has quietly admired Eden for a while. A parent of one of his students, a single mom of bright ten-year-old Annelise. He sees the lovely relationship between mother and daughter, and his respect and liking for Eden grows.
But just as the relationship between Gabe and Eden starts to heat up, a complication from Eden's past wanders into town. And it has to be dealt with.
The story moved along at a good pace, and I liked the plot line and the characterisations. Overall, a well-written and enjoyable, although not brilliant, CR.
Gabe has quietly admired Eden for a while. A parent of one of his students, a single mom of bright ten-year-old Annelise. He sees the lovely relationship between mother and daughter, and his respect and liking for Eden grows.
But just as the relationship between Gabe and Eden starts to heat up, a complication from Eden's past wanders into town. And it has to be dealt with.
The story moved along at a good pace, and I liked the plot line and the characterisations. Overall, a well-written and enjoyable, although not brilliant, CR.
July 16, 2018
This was my first time reading Julie Anne Long, and I will be reading more of her in the future. I was at first skeptical as to whether I would like this book. I didn't think I would relate to the characters - a single mom and school principal... but I loved them! I really like Long's writing style. The romance was sweet and a little steamy, and she made our heroine's kid cute and entertaining.
Eden Harwood is our single mom heroine, proprietor of a florist shop and master at a white board schedule necessary to keep her life and kid's schedule organized. She is pretty and enigmatic, but hasn't had a date in the 10 years since she learned of her unexpected pregnancy. Her life revolves around her daughter, Annelise. Annelise was cute and smart and talented. She likes new words and can play a mournful guitar, and she really added a fun element to the story aside from the romance. I liked the relationship between Annelise and Eden. But Eden will have to step away from her Annelise comfort zone if she ever wants to become romantically involved again, and that was hard for her to do. I found Eden's background and her lack of love history interesting and somewhat unusual for a romance. Usually a single mom heroine is nursing pain and a broken heart somewhere, but that wasn't the case with Eden. I loved her empathy and many of the little things she did when it involved someone she cared about.
Gabe Caldera is our school principal heroine... not normally the sort of guy I envision as a romance hero. But Gabe is a former Navy SEAL! Oh man, why couldn't my high school principal have been a smoking hot former Navy SEAL with "those square muscles on his stomach" (as relayed by Annelise)? All the PTA moms are hot for principal, and I couldn't blame them one bit. Gabe was great with kids, but even greater with the moms and knew how to use his attributes to smooth over situations. I loved his fun and flirty side, and particularly liked the little bit of dirty flirty that came out around Eden. Gabe's heart has been wounded in the past, which has led to him staying all kinds of busy and not getting involved. However, he found himself drawn closer and closer to our heroine and was finally able to step out of his own comfort zone to give it a shot.
The relationship between these two was so fun. They had great banter and chemistry, and it was a joy to watch their dynamic unfold. Of course there had to be some drama thrown in to disrupt things a little, which usually makes me grumbly as I chase the happy ending. But in this case, I didn't get aggravated. I was still riveted to the kindle screen to see what would happen next. (So riveted, in fact, that I stayed on the treadmill for an extra half hour!)
I haven't read the earlier books in the Hellcat Canyon series, and I think this on worked fine as a standalone despite the character crossover. But I will be going back to check out those earlier stories now because I really liked this one.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book that I received from the publisher, Avon.
December 7, 2025
The final instalment of Julie Anne Long’s Hellcat Canyon series delivers a funny, tender, and deeply engaging story about Eden Harwood, single mom extraordinaire, and Gabe Caldera, a former Navy SEAL turned unflappable elementary school principal. Their romance unfolds in stolen moments amid busy lives, only to combust spectacularly when a secret from Eden’s past comes to light.
One of the things I treasure most about JAL’s writing is her seamless blend of laugh‑out‑loud humour and gut‑wrenching emotion, all while offering gleaming insights into human nature. In this book, she deftly explores the vulnerabilities of two characters who have built resilience through hardship, capturing the aching beauty of a love story beset by obstacles. Readers are treated to steamy scenes, sparkling banter, small‑town charm, and the irresistible presence of Eden’s precocious daughter, Annelise, who draws people together in unexpected ways.
I especially admired the nuanced depiction of school politics, family dynamics, and the many forms of love. The central romance, grounded in the deep understanding Eden and Gabe share, is revealed through actions and subtle details that make their connection compelling and believable. JAL’s masterful characterization avoids shortcuts: she refuses to paint people as simply good or bad. Even characters who initially seem abrasive are given dimension and depth, making them feel authentic and real.
Although this novel can be enjoyed as a standalone, the entire Hellcat Canyon series is a delight worth savouring. I’m genuinely sorry this is the final book—so many of the side characters introduced along the way would make fascinating leads in stories of their own.
One of the things I treasure most about JAL’s writing is her seamless blend of laugh‑out‑loud humour and gut‑wrenching emotion, all while offering gleaming insights into human nature. In this book, she deftly explores the vulnerabilities of two characters who have built resilience through hardship, capturing the aching beauty of a love story beset by obstacles. Readers are treated to steamy scenes, sparkling banter, small‑town charm, and the irresistible presence of Eden’s precocious daughter, Annelise, who draws people together in unexpected ways.
I especially admired the nuanced depiction of school politics, family dynamics, and the many forms of love. The central romance, grounded in the deep understanding Eden and Gabe share, is revealed through actions and subtle details that make their connection compelling and believable. JAL’s masterful characterization avoids shortcuts: she refuses to paint people as simply good or bad. Even characters who initially seem abrasive are given dimension and depth, making them feel authentic and real.
Although this novel can be enjoyed as a standalone, the entire Hellcat Canyon series is a delight worth savouring. I’m genuinely sorry this is the final book—so many of the side characters introduced along the way would make fascinating leads in stories of their own.
July 11, 2018
It took me a long time to recognize how good this book is, which is my reader's prerogative. Gabe and Eden were likable, their hesitant dance to being together wasn't quite convincing. However, Long's witty writing, engaging banter, and penchant for making wonderful allusions won me over, reluctantly, but enough to keep me reading. About more than half of the way through, this got really really good. I can't tell you why, spoilers, but here are some thoughts from my blog:
https://missbatesreadsromance.com/201...
I received an e-ARC from Avon Books, via Edelweiss+.
https://missbatesreadsromance.com/201...
I received an e-ARC from Avon Books, via Edelweiss+.
August 29, 2021
Julie Anne Long is a really incomparable writer. I hesitated on these contemporaries of hers because I didn’t know how she’d be writing something other than historical, but boy was I proved wrong.
Gabe and Eden may be one of my favorite couples ever. They’re individually incredible, and even better together. The only reason this is a 4.5 and not a 5 is because the last third of the book got really bogged down by plot that kept the characters apart. But god, they are perfect! They both put so much work into the relationship with each other 😭
Gabe and Eden may be one of my favorite couples ever. They’re individually incredible, and even better together. The only reason this is a 4.5 and not a 5 is because the last third of the book got really bogged down by plot that kept the characters apart. But god, they are perfect! They both put so much work into the relationship with each other 😭
February 25, 2024
This book is not perfect. There’s a cringe-worthy broccoli scene early on. Gabe’s multi-chapter overreaction and sulk to Annalise’s parentage, and Eden’s overreaction to Gabe’s overreaction, seemed childish and unworthy of them both.
But everything else, OMG EVERYTHING else, was Just.So.Good. Funny, warm (and hot), clever, special. I’m still basking in a joyous afterglow a day afterwards.
But everything else, OMG EVERYTHING else, was Just.So.Good. Funny, warm (and hot), clever, special. I’m still basking in a joyous afterglow a day afterwards.
January 31, 2025
GOD TIER grand gesture in this book, my friends. And the best kind of one, where it's not actually grand but profoundly meaningful and private. Really loved this series, wish there were more books.
June 25, 2019
So witty and funny! Gabe and Eden had excellent banter, with sweet moments. The whole ex-Navy SEAL hot principal thing floats my boat, even though I have yet to encounter anything close in real life.
I read this out of order, so I may have spoiled myself for Avalon’s (Eden’s sister) story. I don’t care; I’m still reading it. I really like Julie Long’s writing.
The anatomically correct Ken doll was hilarious. I laughed pretty hard while reading.
I read this out of order, so I may have spoiled myself for Avalon’s (Eden’s sister) story. I don’t care; I’m still reading it. I really like Julie Long’s writing.
The anatomically correct Ken doll was hilarious. I laughed pretty hard while reading.
June 7, 2018
Rating: 4.5 stars
Again, I have been surprised and delighted by a book. I mean, I was already on board for a book about a single mom and a principal – just think of the sexual fantasies wrapped up in that one – but I wasn’t expecting to love this as much as I did. If I ever become a single mom, I want to be Eden and have hot-as-sin relationship with the principal. Plus, then I'd have the coolest kid and some awesome family around me.
Because, honestly, Annelise was awesome. She’s 10, she’s clever, she’s polite, and she has an awesome relationship with her mom. They’re friends. And, you know what they say, kids say the darnedest things, which applies to Annelise 100%. I know, I know. A romance book shouldn’t be all about a kid, but 1 of my stars is genuinely because of what a great character Annelise is.
Three of those stars are all for Eden and Gabe. Their relationship develops in short bursts because adulting is hard and being a single mom and small business owner (you go, girl!) is busy work. I loved how they would be interrupted repeatedly mid sentence and then pick up right where they left off in their next interaction. Plus, both were genuinely such lovely people, both hardworking and caring and dedicated.
The first time they get naked together came as a surprise to me, but holy shit was it hot. AND there’s a scene where the dirty talk was all about having time. Time! Because that’s what Eden yearns for! And Gabe paints this picture while they’re going at it of having free time! It was great. But the chemistry was in general fantastic, hooking me in and making me giddy.
The final half-star goes to Eden’s family, who were warm and funny. Special mention to the surprise that comes along the way (though I honestly wasn’t all that surprised). It showed that families really are made up of lots of different parts and in many configurations. It was a nice message to see that biology wasn’t everything that made up a family.
Yup, I'm following Julie now. And I think I might go check out the previous books in this series if The First Time at Firelight Falls is anything to go by!
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Again, I have been surprised and delighted by a book. I mean, I was already on board for a book about a single mom and a principal – just think of the sexual fantasies wrapped up in that one – but I wasn’t expecting to love this as much as I did. If I ever become a single mom, I want to be Eden and have hot-as-sin relationship with the principal. Plus, then I'd have the coolest kid and some awesome family around me.
Because, honestly, Annelise was awesome. She’s 10, she’s clever, she’s polite, and she has an awesome relationship with her mom. They’re friends. And, you know what they say, kids say the darnedest things, which applies to Annelise 100%. I know, I know. A romance book shouldn’t be all about a kid, but 1 of my stars is genuinely because of what a great character Annelise is.
Three of those stars are all for Eden and Gabe. Their relationship develops in short bursts because adulting is hard and being a single mom and small business owner (you go, girl!) is busy work. I loved how they would be interrupted repeatedly mid sentence and then pick up right where they left off in their next interaction. Plus, both were genuinely such lovely people, both hardworking and caring and dedicated.
The first time they get naked together came as a surprise to me, but holy shit was it hot. AND there’s a scene where the dirty talk was all about having time. Time! Because that’s what Eden yearns for! And Gabe paints this picture while they’re going at it of having free time! It was great. But the chemistry was in general fantastic, hooking me in and making me giddy.
The final half-star goes to Eden’s family, who were warm and funny. Special mention to the surprise that comes along the way (though I honestly wasn’t all that surprised). It showed that families really are made up of lots of different parts and in many configurations. It was a nice message to see that biology wasn’t everything that made up a family.
Yup, I'm following Julie now. And I think I might go check out the previous books in this series if The First Time at Firelight Falls is anything to go by!
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
June 6, 2018
JAJ takes pages to lay out a conversation - any other author does this and I am screaming in aggravation. But how she describes body language, how she sets up the pauses and the banter - it's just SO FUN. When it works, I have the hugest grin on my face while reading, and what's better than that.
Gabe gave me some serious Adam from A Notorious Countess Confesses vibes - I clearly have a soft spot for The Pillar of The Community Comes Undone trope - and I loved that Eden had a backbone and was unafraid to stand up for herself and her family (again, shades of Evie from NCC).
I also really liked how JAJ describes the mundane joy of motherhood - that calendar fills up so fast, and it can feel pretty empty of adult affection.
Unfortunately, I didn't love the rage jealousy bs (that's not passion and love, that's assholery), and the CONSTANT references to his Navy SEALdom (so cheesy - I am no military expert but do SEALs really reference themselves like that? Why couldn't he just be the hot principal?). I will also never read the Glory book so please stop talking about her. But otherwise this was a really nice surprise, definitely my favorite of this uneven series. (And fine, the #4 bait with quotes from Dr. Jude totally worked. I am weak.)
Gabe gave me some serious Adam from A Notorious Countess Confesses vibes - I clearly have a soft spot for The Pillar of The Community Comes Undone trope - and I loved that Eden had a backbone and was unafraid to stand up for herself and her family (again, shades of Evie from NCC).
I also really liked how JAJ describes the mundane joy of motherhood - that calendar fills up so fast, and it can feel pretty empty of adult affection.
Unfortunately, I didn't love the rage jealousy bs (that's not passion and love, that's assholery), and the CONSTANT references to his Navy SEALdom (so cheesy - I am no military expert but do SEALs really reference themselves like that? Why couldn't he just be the hot principal?). I will also never read the Glory book so please stop talking about her. But otherwise this was a really nice surprise, definitely my favorite of this uneven series. (And fine, the #4 bait with quotes from Dr. Jude totally worked. I am weak.)
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February 6, 2018Review to come for AAR.
June 11, 2018
This was sweet and I am glad Eden got her story, but I think it's time to move on from Hellcat Canyon.
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