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Firefly Island: Southern Nights #2
Happy Trails & Honey Pots
They say life imitates art; in this case, it’s the other way around.
Zoe James’ life revolves around her son and work. She didn’t plan on being a single mom, but after her husband was killed in combat when she was only eighteen, Zoe had to grow up fast. She’s dedicated herself to her son, getting her education, and her career as a nurse, leaving no time for a personal life. Not that she wanted one. She had true love once and knows the pain of losing it.
When she learns a movie is going to be made about her late husband, she is not exactly on board. That is until the lead actor shows up on her doorstep, oozing more sex appeal than should be legal. Zoe wants to do the right thing by her late husband…but to do that, she might have to risk her heart once again.
Miles Ford's life has never been his own. From age five, he’s been a successful working actor, growing up in the spotlight. He’s lived under a microscope, being told where to go, where not to go, what to say, what not to say, what roles to take, and what roles not to take. But at twenty-six, he’s ready to take control of his own life. The first step is working on a project he believes in.
Fallen Hero is that project. The only problem is the widow of the soldier the movie is about doesn’t want it to be made. When Miles shows up on her doorstep to convince her that the project is a good idea and comes face to face with the green-eyed, brunette beauty, he knows that she holds more than just the key to the movie in her hands…she holds the key to his future.
Author’s Note: Happy Trails & Honey Pots is a single mom, leading man MC, nurse FMC, he falls first, found family, swoony, steamy, small-town romance complete with a rescue boxer/lab mix, the three best friends that anyone could have, a tell-it-like-it-is assistant, some laughs, and a hard-won heartfelt HEA.
Zoe James’ life revolves around her son and work. She didn’t plan on being a single mom, but after her husband was killed in combat when she was only eighteen, Zoe had to grow up fast. She’s dedicated herself to her son, getting her education, and her career as a nurse, leaving no time for a personal life. Not that she wanted one. She had true love once and knows the pain of losing it.
When she learns a movie is going to be made about her late husband, she is not exactly on board. That is until the lead actor shows up on her doorstep, oozing more sex appeal than should be legal. Zoe wants to do the right thing by her late husband…but to do that, she might have to risk her heart once again.
Miles Ford's life has never been his own. From age five, he’s been a successful working actor, growing up in the spotlight. He’s lived under a microscope, being told where to go, where not to go, what to say, what not to say, what roles to take, and what roles not to take. But at twenty-six, he’s ready to take control of his own life. The first step is working on a project he believes in.
Fallen Hero is that project. The only problem is the widow of the soldier the movie is about doesn’t want it to be made. When Miles shows up on her doorstep to convince her that the project is a good idea and comes face to face with the green-eyed, brunette beauty, he knows that she holds more than just the key to the movie in her hands…she holds the key to his future.
Author’s Note: Happy Trails & Honey Pots is a single mom, leading man MC, nurse FMC, he falls first, found family, swoony, steamy, small-town romance complete with a rescue boxer/lab mix, the three best friends that anyone could have, a tell-it-like-it-is assistant, some laughs, and a hard-won heartfelt HEA.
277 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 27, 2024
346 people are currently reading
222 people want to read
About the author
Melanie Shawn
134 books1,849 followersNEW YORK TIMES & USA TODAY bestselling author Melanie Shawn writes HEAs filled with sweet and sassy heroines, heroes who are cinnamon rolls in the streets alpho-holes in the sheets, casts of supportive *cough: meddling* friends and family who put the fun in funny, toe-curling combustible heat, and sugary sweet “aww” moments that will have your hearts and e-readers melting.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 61 reviews
November 10, 2024
This was probably one of the best books I have read all year. It was sweet but still had some really good naughty bits. It gave me all the feels the whole way through. The writing was great and has a way of just pulling you in the whole time. There is an aspect that makes it seem like these are real people versus fiction.
My heart breaks for Zoe throughout the story, but Miles helps me put it back together. Just a great story.
My heart breaks for Zoe throughout the story, but Miles helps me put it back together. Just a great story.
November 26, 2024
Absolutely beautiful story about Zoe and Miles. Sparks flew from the first meeting straight through the story. Great cast of characters and a great small town atmosphere. Gave me all the feels.
November 23, 2024
Firefly Island is a favorite place to go to!
You can read Happy Trails & Honey Pots as a stand alone even it is book #3 in the series. I love that there are little wisps of the previous characters in the story, but they act as supporting members only.
Miles has been in acting since he was young and always taken care of his mom financially. Even with the life he’s lived, he’s never lost his way and remained a caring individual without any motives for doing things. He comes across a story and he can feel the life of it. The only thing is it’s about a soldier, father, husband, and a hero, and the widow doesn’t want the movie made.
Zoe has lived a rough life but always had her supporters around her. Her husband and her married young due to them finding out she was pregnant. Her parents disowned her for keeping the baby. They moved in with his fantastic grandfather who was always there for them & her. When her husband enlists he feels like it’s the right thing to do and promises he’ll be back. He becomes a hero to his unit but unfortunately doesn’t come back.
Miles has bought the rights to the movie of his life and only agrees to proceed with Zoe’s approval. He goes to visit Zoe to see if he can convince her and there’s instant chemistry! Neither of them moves, speaks, or breathes.
Zoe originally doesn’t want the movie made because it brings up too many memories, but then after speaking to both her son & her husband’s grandfather gives in.
Could this movie bring her a second chance at love? You’ll need to read more yourself to find out!
You can read Happy Trails & Honey Pots as a stand alone even it is book #3 in the series. I love that there are little wisps of the previous characters in the story, but they act as supporting members only.
Miles has been in acting since he was young and always taken care of his mom financially. Even with the life he’s lived, he’s never lost his way and remained a caring individual without any motives for doing things. He comes across a story and he can feel the life of it. The only thing is it’s about a soldier, father, husband, and a hero, and the widow doesn’t want the movie made.
Zoe has lived a rough life but always had her supporters around her. Her husband and her married young due to them finding out she was pregnant. Her parents disowned her for keeping the baby. They moved in with his fantastic grandfather who was always there for them & her. When her husband enlists he feels like it’s the right thing to do and promises he’ll be back. He becomes a hero to his unit but unfortunately doesn’t come back.
Miles has bought the rights to the movie of his life and only agrees to proceed with Zoe’s approval. He goes to visit Zoe to see if he can convince her and there’s instant chemistry! Neither of them moves, speaks, or breathes.
Zoe originally doesn’t want the movie made because it brings up too many memories, but then after speaking to both her son & her husband’s grandfather gives in.
Could this movie bring her a second chance at love? You’ll need to read more yourself to find out!
October 25, 2024
It was heartbreaking that Zoe’s over zealous, religious mother kicked her out of the house when she was 16 and pregnant. I felt that it was even worse that her father didn’t say a thing and let her go. Luckily Zoe’s boyfriend Austin wanted to marry her. The two had a love story for all time. Austin’s grandfather Walter was such a kindhearted man and took them all in. Austin was so young when he went off to serve in the military. He promised that he would come back to Zoe. Since he was such a good man, he ended up saving some of his troops and civilians, but lost his life. I couldn’t help but be proud of Zoe how between her and Walter’s help she was able to finish high school and then get a nursing degree.
Miles was a super handsome actor that bought the rights to a movie about Austin’s life. Zoe was upset, but AJ and Walter wanted the movie made. Miles told her that if she didn’t want it made, he wouldn’t do it, but she decided to have it made. It was crazy how the two had such a strong connection when they met. It was so interesting watching how Zoe handled the memories and everything that went along with the making of the movie, especially Miles. The connection between Zoe and Miles was amazing. The book is so good and I strongly encourage you enough to read it.
Miles was a super handsome actor that bought the rights to a movie about Austin’s life. Zoe was upset, but AJ and Walter wanted the movie made. Miles told her that if she didn’t want it made, he wouldn’t do it, but she decided to have it made. It was crazy how the two had such a strong connection when they met. It was so interesting watching how Zoe handled the memories and everything that went along with the making of the movie, especially Miles. The connection between Zoe and Miles was amazing. The book is so good and I strongly encourage you enough to read it.
October 27, 2024
Miles is an actor who wants to branch out into the production side of the business and feels that the true story of Austin James, a military man who died while overseas is a great way to get there. He wants to know more about Austin especially after every time he spoke to anyone they were talking about how Zoe and AJ (his family) were his entire world.
Zoe got pregnant and married at 16 and by 18 was a widow. She didn't want a movie filmed about her husband's life because she felt that they would not do it justice. She just wanted to keep counting the days since her life changed so drastically and get through. It has been almost 10 years and she still feels no desire to move on with someone new...
This slow burn story was phenomenal. What turned from a read for 10-15 minutes before bed turned into a long single marathon where I couldn't put the story down. I laughed and cried and couldn't help but feel everything for these characters. These two were drawn to each other from the start and while they first attempted to stay away, eventually, they couldn't, no matter what the circumstances. These two were just so captivating I couldn't put the book down.
The set up for the next book also keep me intrigued.
Zoe got pregnant and married at 16 and by 18 was a widow. She didn't want a movie filmed about her husband's life because she felt that they would not do it justice. She just wanted to keep counting the days since her life changed so drastically and get through. It has been almost 10 years and she still feels no desire to move on with someone new...
This slow burn story was phenomenal. What turned from a read for 10-15 minutes before bed turned into a long single marathon where I couldn't put the story down. I laughed and cried and couldn't help but feel everything for these characters. These two were drawn to each other from the start and while they first attempted to stay away, eventually, they couldn't, no matter what the circumstances. These two were just so captivating I couldn't put the book down.
The set up for the next book also keep me intrigued.
November 10, 2024
Oh wow! This book really touched my heart. Right from the start I couldn’t put it down. Zoe’s back story with Austin was heartbreaking, I really empathised with her and AJ and Walter, I could see she was hurting and understand why she didn’t want to share her story with the world. Then in comes miles.
Miles is an amazing character and even before it was suggested in the book I was thinking that Austin had a hand in making sure Miles found Zoe and helped heal her heart, and to help Austin keep his promise of always loving her and not being left alone.
The chemistry was off the charts with Zoe and Miles and I loved how they had an instant attraction. Miles was respectful toward Zoe and really tried to give her all the time she needed, but still needed a helping hand to explain his feelings toward her. I loved that they both came to the conclusion that they wanted each other at the same time.
Brilliant from start to finish.
Miles is an amazing character and even before it was suggested in the book I was thinking that Austin had a hand in making sure Miles found Zoe and helped heal her heart, and to help Austin keep his promise of always loving her and not being left alone.
The chemistry was off the charts with Zoe and Miles and I loved how they had an instant attraction. Miles was respectful toward Zoe and really tried to give her all the time she needed, but still needed a helping hand to explain his feelings toward her. I loved that they both came to the conclusion that they wanted each other at the same time.
Brilliant from start to finish.
October 31, 2024
I loved Miles and Zoe in Happy Trails & Honey Pots by Melanie Shawn, book two in the Firefly Island: Southern Nights series; an intense, heartbreaking, yet heartwarming story that will emotionally wreck you. It is about family, or lack thereof, a young love that lasted a lifetime, dyslexia and friendships. It’s also a story about hope, new beginnings and second chances in life and love.
Single mother Zoe James is living day by day after losing her husband ten years ago. Handsome actor Miles Ford is producing the movie of her husband Austin's heroic life. What neither expected was the spark of attraction between the two of them upon their meeting; as the sparks are flying and the connection is instant. These two are on a roller coaster journey with many ups and downs; feelings, hope, disappointments, heartbreaks and unexpected heartwarming moments. This is an amazing story from start to finish and I can’t wait for the next story in this series.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.
Single mother Zoe James is living day by day after losing her husband ten years ago. Handsome actor Miles Ford is producing the movie of her husband Austin's heroic life. What neither expected was the spark of attraction between the two of them upon their meeting; as the sparks are flying and the connection is instant. These two are on a roller coaster journey with many ups and downs; feelings, hope, disappointments, heartbreaks and unexpected heartwarming moments. This is an amazing story from start to finish and I can’t wait for the next story in this series.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.
November 8, 2024
Happy Trails & Honey Pots is the second novel in the Firefly Island: Southern Nights series by Melanie Shawn. This story truly takes you through all the feels! Between an extreme loss, revisiting those feelings, feeling brand new feelings for someone new, and everything in between!
Zoe is a nurse and single-mom, and she truly just has the toughest exterior. Even with having a child in her teens and losing her husband in her teens as well, she still fought for everything she has and the small family that she has made.
Miles has been in the spotlight almost his whole life. He's at the point where it's time to start driving his own career. He's kind to a fault and sees the best in everyone, and coming to Firefly Island truly changes his life forever, in a number of different ways.
I really enjoyed this story. Zoe's feelings came across so well, and I'm loving this new group of Firefly friends! I cannot wait for the next novel in the series!
Zoe is a nurse and single-mom, and she truly just has the toughest exterior. Even with having a child in her teens and losing her husband in her teens as well, she still fought for everything she has and the small family that she has made.
Miles has been in the spotlight almost his whole life. He's at the point where it's time to start driving his own career. He's kind to a fault and sees the best in everyone, and coming to Firefly Island truly changes his life forever, in a number of different ways.
I really enjoyed this story. Zoe's feelings came across so well, and I'm loving this new group of Firefly friends! I cannot wait for the next novel in the series!
October 31, 2024
Zoe has been raising her son alone since her high school love was tragically killed in a military operation. She has the support of her grandfather in law but has otherwise been doing it alone after being thrown out by her mother when she became pregnant. She is still mourning her husband after 10 years and uninterested in romance.
Miles is a heartthrob actor who wants to make a film based on Zoe’s husband’s story. He comes to Firefly Island and is instantly enamored with Zoe. Zoe feels the spark too but is struggling with both moving on and believing a hot Hollywood star is interested in her. The movie leads to many encounters with Miles and continued sparks! An enjoyable well written second chance love story!
Miles is a heartthrob actor who wants to make a film based on Zoe’s husband’s story. He comes to Firefly Island and is instantly enamored with Zoe. Zoe feels the spark too but is struggling with both moving on and believing a hot Hollywood star is interested in her. The movie leads to many encounters with Miles and continued sparks! An enjoyable well written second chance love story!
October 31, 2024
Zoe got pregnant and married at 16, and was a widow by the time she turned 18. Despite that she finished her studies and became a nurse. We needed a special hero for such a strong heroine, and Miles was very much that person.
It was love at first sight for Miles, and he was all in. But Zoe was hesitant and understandably so. Their HEA journey is full of a multitude of feelings, hope one minute, disappointment the next, exhilarating one minute and heartbreaking the next. This emotional rollercoaster kept me glued, and had me crying happy tears in the end 💕.
A special mention of AJ and Walter, they are equally important and wonderful as Zoe and Miles in this story.
It was love at first sight for Miles, and he was all in. But Zoe was hesitant and understandably so. Their HEA journey is full of a multitude of feelings, hope one minute, disappointment the next, exhilarating one minute and heartbreaking the next. This emotional rollercoaster kept me glued, and had me crying happy tears in the end 💕.
A special mention of AJ and Walter, they are equally important and wonderful as Zoe and Miles in this story.
October 30, 2024
Loved Zoe and Miles! Zoe is a single mom doing her best. She met the love of her life when she was young and ended up pregnant, her family disowned her but she found a family with Austin. Walter took her and Austin in and supported them. When Austin gets deployed, he promises to come back. The thing is, he didn’t make it back. And now she has Miles at her door letting her know that they are making a movie about her husband who is a hero. Zoe is against the movie but can everyone help change her mind? Could she be catching the feels with a movie star?
October 27, 2024
A beautifully written story. I loved Miles and Zoe. Their story was a very emotional read. There was an instant connection between them. Their story was for sure a slow burn read. It will still have you turning page after page because you will be drawn into their story. Miles falls fast and first. The question is will Zoe take a chance ? Definitely a must read. I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
November 7, 2024
This one has all the emotions! Happy tears, sad tears, nervous butterflies in the stomach, and sizzling sparks. Zoe and Miles may have let their physical connection overshadow their emotional one, but in the end they have their happy ever after. Learning about Zoe’s early life brought with it so many emotions. Miles had his trials as well. Reading their story and how they handled or didn’t handle their past showed their venerability.
November 7, 2024
This return to Firefly Island was a love story inside another love story. Zoe and Austin had true young love that ended on earth when Austin was killed in combat. Years later, when a movie is to be made about Austin's life, it stirs up all the emotions in Zoe as she meets Miles, the actor playing her late husband. Their connection is just as real as her one with Austin and their love story plays out as the movie is made.....loved this book!
October 27, 2024
Miles and Zoe are a match made from perseverance and determination to be better than what they came from. Their chemistry is undeniable, but Zoe has a hard time believing it. Miles falls fast and hard!
November 2, 2024
heartbreakingly beautiful
Such a good read. Widower Zoe is just trying to get through the next day. Enter Miles, an actor trying to bring to life a movie about Zoe’s hero husband Austin something Zoe does not want to happen. This book brought the tears. Loved reading this book
Such a good read. Widower Zoe is just trying to get through the next day. Enter Miles, an actor trying to bring to life a movie about Zoe’s hero husband Austin something Zoe does not want to happen. This book brought the tears. Loved reading this book
November 2, 2024
tears for days
Happy tears of course! So much filled emotion, power, care, desire.. all of the goodness! Couldn’t put it down! Can’t wait for the next one!
Happy tears of course! So much filled emotion, power, care, desire.. all of the goodness! Couldn’t put it down! Can’t wait for the next one!
November 4, 2024
Zoe and Miles were amazing!
I truly loved this second chance at love for single mom Zoe who lost her husband when she was young and became a widow.
I loved the aspect that Miles was going to be in the movie about her late husband.
I loved that Miles took care of Zoe and helped her find herself again!
I love Firefly Island and its cute charm and amazing people.
This was a book I absolutely devoured and could not put down!
I truly loved this second chance at love for single mom Zoe who lost her husband when she was young and became a widow.
I loved the aspect that Miles was going to be in the movie about her late husband.
I loved that Miles took care of Zoe and helped her find herself again!
I love Firefly Island and its cute charm and amazing people.
This was a book I absolutely devoured and could not put down!
November 11, 2024
Another hit from Firefly Island
Melanie Shawn has given us another hit from Firefly Island. Zoe, nurse and widowed mother, doesn't want to be involved in the possible movie about her deceased husband, Austin. Miles Ford, actor, wants the movie to become a reality, so he heads to Firefly Island to try and convince Zoe to help with the movie. Insta sparks.
Awesome character development, great plot, all the feels. Really enjoyed this story. Can't wait for the next one to come out.
Melanie Shawn has given us another hit from Firefly Island. Zoe, nurse and widowed mother, doesn't want to be involved in the possible movie about her deceased husband, Austin. Miles Ford, actor, wants the movie to become a reality, so he heads to Firefly Island to try and convince Zoe to help with the movie. Insta sparks.
Awesome character development, great plot, all the feels. Really enjoyed this story. Can't wait for the next one to come out.
November 3, 2024
I really enjoyed the story of Miles and Zoe. Both experienced some tough childhoods but thanks to some caring people came through it very well. Love the characters that makeup this town. Looking forward to Ashley’s story. ❤️❤️
November 11, 2024
What a great read. Start to finish, hard to put down. This very talented author has done it again. I always have very high expectations for her tomes, and she always delivers. Thank you.
December 2, 2024
Great story you will really enjoy
This is another enjoyable read from Melanie & Shawn who write the stories together. Always buy a copy of their books they are always worth a second reading later on.
This is another enjoyable read from Melanie & Shawn who write the stories together. Always buy a copy of their books they are always worth a second reading later on.
November 25, 2024
So excited to return to Firefly Island! This installment focuses on Zoe, who we get to know in the previous book in the series as a single mother who is raising her child after getting pregnant as a teen and her husband getting killed in action in the armed forces. Because of his heroic acts, a book was written about him which is now being turned into a film, and through this Zoe ends up meeting Miles, who initially was marked to play her husband, but has now taken on the role of financing the film because of how strongly he feels about it. In the midst of getting to know Zoe and her son, Miles realizes he’s falling for her, and while Zoe struggles, she realizes the same thing. I loved that these two got such a great HEA, especially with Miles showing that he isn’t a typical actor and Zoe finally letting someone in and carrying the burden of everything that has happened in her life. Can’t wait to see who’s next!
I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.
December 19, 2024
Here we have the second book in the authors Southern Nights series, a spinoff of her Southern Comfort series. This book centers upon Zoe James a young widowed single mom of going on 12 year old A.J. whose late husband Austin was killed ten years ago saving many others while serving as a Marine Sergent in Afghanistan. Miles Ford is a Hollywood A-list actor who has purchased the movie rights to a book written about Austin and his heroic death by a soldier who had served with Austin. Because the memories are just too painful, because she doesn’t want to again become the target of unwanted sympathy and pity from the Firefly Island community, Zoe has wanted nothing to do with the movie from the start. But her son A.J. is all for it. Miles Ford is convinced that it is impossible to tell Austin’s story without starting with the great love he and Zoe shared from the time they met in middle school, Zoe became pregnant at 16, their subsequent marriage while she was still in high school and Austin’s death. What neither expected was the otherworldly attraction they would have for each other the moment they meet on Zoe’s front doorstep.
Most of this story is about Zoe dealing with her confusing, conflicting emotions for Miles. Like many people who have lost the person they considered their soulmate, Zoe feels extremely guilty for her feelings for Miles. She hasn’t been living the life of a nun since Austin’s death but the men she’s had sex with were just a means to scratch a physical itch with no real feelings involved. Miles makes her feel things she hasn’t felt since she lost Austin. The fact that Miles is playing her late husband in a movie causes her further confusion. Are her budding feelings really for Miles or is it some sort of transference because Miles is playing Austin in the movie? Then of course there’s the fact that while Zoe works as a nurse in a hospital in Georgia, Miles is an international superstar actor who lives in L.A. and dates hot Hollywood actresses and super models. How could he possibly be really interested in her? And because he’s an actor can she trust anything he says and does as more than just the words and actions of a talented actor used to getting what he wants?
There’s also the secondary story of Zoe’s difficult relationship with her cruel and mean mother who uses religion as a weapon and disowned Zoe when she became pregnant at sixteen. Zoe only remains in contact with her mother for A.J.’s sake since he wants to know his maternal grandparents. Another story is Mile’s desire to break away from Hollywood and its culture he’s been living in since he started his acting career as a child and his relationship with his alcoholic mother whom he’s basically supported since he began working as an actor at 5 years old..
I thought this was a very entertaining story packed with a lot of feels not only involving the romance between Zoe and Miles but also her relationships with Austin’s grandfather, her son her own parents and her closest friends as well as Austin his P.A. and his mother. The story could also serve as a primary for all the terminology used on a movie set. Oddly the 3rd book in this series Fireworks and Forehead Kisses was supposed to be available on 11/28 but I can’t find anything about it on Amazon?
Most of this story is about Zoe dealing with her confusing, conflicting emotions for Miles. Like many people who have lost the person they considered their soulmate, Zoe feels extremely guilty for her feelings for Miles. She hasn’t been living the life of a nun since Austin’s death but the men she’s had sex with were just a means to scratch a physical itch with no real feelings involved. Miles makes her feel things she hasn’t felt since she lost Austin. The fact that Miles is playing her late husband in a movie causes her further confusion. Are her budding feelings really for Miles or is it some sort of transference because Miles is playing Austin in the movie? Then of course there’s the fact that while Zoe works as a nurse in a hospital in Georgia, Miles is an international superstar actor who lives in L.A. and dates hot Hollywood actresses and super models. How could he possibly be really interested in her? And because he’s an actor can she trust anything he says and does as more than just the words and actions of a talented actor used to getting what he wants?
There’s also the secondary story of Zoe’s difficult relationship with her cruel and mean mother who uses religion as a weapon and disowned Zoe when she became pregnant at sixteen. Zoe only remains in contact with her mother for A.J.’s sake since he wants to know his maternal grandparents. Another story is Mile’s desire to break away from Hollywood and its culture he’s been living in since he started his acting career as a child and his relationship with his alcoholic mother whom he’s basically supported since he began working as an actor at 5 years old..
I thought this was a very entertaining story packed with a lot of feels not only involving the romance between Zoe and Miles but also her relationships with Austin’s grandfather, her son her own parents and her closest friends as well as Austin his P.A. and his mother. The story could also serve as a primary for all the terminology used on a movie set. Oddly the 3rd book in this series Fireworks and Forehead Kisses was supposed to be available on 11/28 but I can’t find anything about it on Amazon?
November 10, 2024
I was so looking forward to this book since the end of the previous one. I love all the characters especially Zoe, AJ, Walter, Miles and can I just say that Braxton is beyond amazing and I love how she is there for Miles as his friend first, his assistant second. I liked getting more of the story on Zoe’s past and I was sad for her especially since she lost her first true love when she was only 18 and had a baby to deal with as well. Knowing how Walter was there for her, when her mother wasn’t, and how he stepped up and made an offer to Zoe all those years ago that changed her life for the better and has set her up for the life she has now. At the end of the previous book, we find out that there may be a movie about her deceased husbands life. Now at the beginning of this book just as the three of them are sitting down to dinner, someone is at the door and it happens to be Miles Ford, an actor and come to find out the person who now owns the rights to the film being made about her deceased husband, Austin. There is definitely a spark between Miles and Zoe from their first meeting and handshake. Of course being Firefly Island, the next day everyone knew that Miles is in town and her friends are going crazy with the news and want more information. Zoe has a huge decision to make on whether to proceed with the movie being made, Miles won’t proceed until she makes that decision. She puts it to a family vote and Walter being Walter knows how to help Zoe make a hard decision. They start getting ready for filming and her son AJ decides he wants to try out for the part of his dad when he was younger, another hard time for Zoe to deal with. I really liked seeing Zoe and Miles getting closer but then she feels like she is being dishonest to her deceased husband and the possibility of something has ended. Filming has ended and Miles leaves and Zoe is left with her decision. I loved when Walter realizes something is wrong and has a come to Jesus meeting with Zoe and it is exactly what she needed and she realizes she made a huge mistake. Miles is also realizing he needs to take control of his life and makes some major changes. He heads back to see Zoe not knowing that she’s ready to see him as well. Totally loved when he showed up and Walter was right there cheering them on. The epilogue of the book with the premier back on Firefly Island was perfection and I so wish this was real life and there was actually a movie to see. I’ve mentioned this before but I would love to visit Firefly Island. Another beyond amazing book!
October 28, 2024
Whenever this reader thinks this talented author can’t outdo herself, she proves me wrong. Making this not a 5 stars story but rather worth 10 stars.
Zoe met Austin James when she was a young teenager and from that moment on , they were inseparable. When she gets pregnant at 16 she and is thrown out of her home. Austin marries her and gives her a home and an abundance of love.
What neither of them knew was that two years later, Marine Sergeant Austin James would be KIA.
Ten years have gone by and nowadays a well known actor wants to make the movie about Austin’s courage and dedication to his family and country. Old painful memories resurrect and mixed feelings about the movie intensifies.
Miles Ford is that actor.
What neither expected was the jolt of attraction between the two of them upon their meeting.
From that moment on, the author takes us on a rollercoaster ride of feelings, hope, disappointments, heartbreaks and unexpected heartwarming moments.
The story was engaging from the first page to the last. The main characters as well as the secondary ones were well developed.
This is a story about family, or lack thereof. It’s a story about young love that lasted a lifetime, dyslexia and friendships. It’s also a story about hope, new beginnings and second chances in life and love.
Definitely, another winner in the series.
I was entrusted a copy of this book. The opinions expressed are solely my own.
Zoe met Austin James when she was a young teenager and from that moment on , they were inseparable. When she gets pregnant at 16 she and is thrown out of her home. Austin marries her and gives her a home and an abundance of love.
What neither of them knew was that two years later, Marine Sergeant Austin James would be KIA.
Ten years have gone by and nowadays a well known actor wants to make the movie about Austin’s courage and dedication to his family and country. Old painful memories resurrect and mixed feelings about the movie intensifies.
Miles Ford is that actor.
What neither expected was the jolt of attraction between the two of them upon their meeting.
From that moment on, the author takes us on a rollercoaster ride of feelings, hope, disappointments, heartbreaks and unexpected heartwarming moments.
The story was engaging from the first page to the last. The main characters as well as the secondary ones were well developed.
This is a story about family, or lack thereof. It’s a story about young love that lasted a lifetime, dyslexia and friendships. It’s also a story about hope, new beginnings and second chances in life and love.
Definitely, another winner in the series.
I was entrusted a copy of this book. The opinions expressed are solely my own.
April 10, 2025
What I loved: the side characters, Zoe’s son AJ and Walter (grandfather). The chemistry between Zoe and Miles, and both of their backstories and how they affect their actions now. Their strength of character. The way dyslexia was portrayed and handled. Now for the missed opportunities. There was a fair amount of repetition, in that we’d get internal dialogue and then a page later that character would tell another character those same thoughts (made the story feel slow), while some important things were glossed over. For example, there’s mention at the end of Miles hanging out with Austin’s friends shooting pool… but never once did we see him doing that. I wanted to see Miles actually, you know, acting. I kept waiting for him to have this “I’m so confused; who am I, I’m in love with the character I’m acting with, who’s also the woman I’m in love with in real life” moment. It never came. But the biggest drawback (for me) was that Miles & Zoe didn’t do any talking during or immediately following the intimate scenes. There’s mention at the very end that they ‘talked’ during those times, but we as readers never saw that; consequently I didn’t feel that much of an emotional connection between these characters (only a physical one). Also: what did Austin do that made him a hero? We never find out (and I for one wanted to know).
April 4, 2025
3.75 STARS
I didn't read book 1 and wasn't lost, so a standalone story.
I loved the relationship between herself and her deceased husband's grandfather. It was sweet and caring and the love for each other came through.
I had a hard time getting into the h. She is a young widow, and the author does a great job in making you feel the love she and her husband had for each other. They'd been a couple since she was 12 and he 14. What shocked me was she had casual sex with several men. No mention how hard it was to sleep with someone other than her husband. She just did it to scratch an itch, as they say. She has guilt over her feelings for the H but none over having sex. Didn't ring true to me.
Miles was a great character, and he was solid and caring. No cheating, no cliffhanger, HEA, little on romance, lovemaking outside of marriage - heat level 5 out of 5. Some crude words used and at times was slow.
I did like the secondary characters and the relationship the h had with her son. His actions to everything were spot on.
I'd like to know how the movie did nationwide and not just in the town the H was from.
I can't improve on the blurb, just giving you extra tidbits to decide whether to purchase. (ljb)
I didn't read book 1 and wasn't lost, so a standalone story.
I loved the relationship between herself and her deceased husband's grandfather. It was sweet and caring and the love for each other came through.
I had a hard time getting into the h. She is a young widow, and the author does a great job in making you feel the love she and her husband had for each other. They'd been a couple since she was 12 and he 14. What shocked me was she had casual sex with several men. No mention how hard it was to sleep with someone other than her husband. She just did it to scratch an itch, as they say. She has guilt over her feelings for the H but none over having sex. Didn't ring true to me.
Miles was a great character, and he was solid and caring. No cheating, no cliffhanger, HEA, little on romance, lovemaking outside of marriage - heat level 5 out of 5. Some crude words used and at times was slow.
I did like the secondary characters and the relationship the h had with her son. His actions to everything were spot on.
I'd like to know how the movie did nationwide and not just in the town the H was from.
I can't improve on the blurb, just giving you extra tidbits to decide whether to purchase. (ljb)
November 15, 2024
Zoe James is a young single mom after her husband died in combat when she was only 18 and her son was 2. She counts the days since she lost him and lives on memories of their perfect love. Now over 10 years later Miles Ford, successful actor, wants to make a movie about the heroism of her husband on the day he died. Zoe has been vocal about her desire to have nothing to do with the movie and her desire to not have it made at all. It hurts too much. However, one night when she was sitting with her son and grandfather-in-law, Walter, Miles shows up at the house to meet Zoe and get her permission to make the movie. Miles isn’t who she thought he would be and the attraction between them is instantaneous. Zoe feels guilty for looking at another man but Miles quickly realizes Zoe is it for him. This is a great book and seeing Zoe fall in love again gives hope for a second love.
May 1, 2025
Wonderful novel
The story is a beautiful story. I loved the pace of the book, the rhythm of how the couple don't actually get to the place of accepting that they are each other's person. I appreciated that the emotional rollercoaster, self doubt, all the questions regarding what it was between them was a tug of war within them.
Something you only hear the woman go through. Often women think that men are always confident, but they go through many of the up and down emotions and warring thoughts about if they blew it, does she like me, I made a fool of myself, etc...
Very happy that there was a good editor too, I have found that it is becoming something rare.
The story is a beautiful story. I loved the pace of the book, the rhythm of how the couple don't actually get to the place of accepting that they are each other's person. I appreciated that the emotional rollercoaster, self doubt, all the questions regarding what it was between them was a tug of war within them.
Something you only hear the woman go through. Often women think that men are always confident, but they go through many of the up and down emotions and warring thoughts about if they blew it, does she like me, I made a fool of myself, etc...
Very happy that there was a good editor too, I have found that it is becoming something rare.
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