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Butterfly Girls #1

Kissing Drake

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Paige Owens’ bookshop is ready for another summer tourist season on quaint Butterfly Island. But after a lifetime of quiet beach living, Paige is feeling a little… lonely. When a late storm washes over the island and blows in a sexy, uptight businessman, she figures both of them could use a mini-vacation. Just one night is all she needs.

Ready for down-time

Successful venture capitalist Drake Dorsey has been living by the numbers for so long he’s forgotten what taking a break feels like, and Paige, with her free spirit and stacks of naughty beach reads, makes him want to feel everything. But he’s come to Butterfly Island with a secret agenda that will change her little world forever…

123 pages, Kindle Edition

First published April 15, 2014

2 people are currently reading
56 people want to read

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Jenna Dales

4 books17 followers

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Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
Profile Image for Ruthie Taylor.
3,723 reviews39 followers
April 9, 2014
"I received a free copy of this book to read and review for Wicked Reads."

I absolutely loved this book. It has made me smile, a lot. It is hot, quirky, intelligent and amusing. It is difficult to explain exactly why, without possibly revealing too much of the plot.

The two main characters are just a little bit different to usual; and how they meet and interact is refreshing and bold. The story is clever, the opportunity for more stories about islanders is obvious and there is a mysterious personage yet to be revealed.

I can see a lot of butterfly girls in my future - but Paige will remain a firm favourite, and how could she not, as she lives my dream of owning a bookshop !!

Wicked Reads Review Team
Profile Image for Jeannie Zelos.
2,852 reviews58 followers
April 18, 2014
Kissing Drake, Butterfly Girls, Jenna Dales
Review from Jeannie Zelos Book reviews.
New to me author = I'm never quite sure how I’m going to gel with the writing style. This was fun though, easy to read, well set out and with real feeling people in it. Its mainly focussed around Drake and Paige, though there are nods to other island inhabitants in the story. Paige sees Drake, knows he's here for just a short while, and decides that as he's looking at her like he wants her, a one night fling will be perfect. Give BOB a rest... She doesn't get opportunity often with there being so few people living on the island so its Carpe Diem!
They have some shuffling about before they both take the plunge, Drake is surprised by her forwardness. “I'm a sure thing” she tells him at one point :) Then there's fireworks, star-bursts and lots of hot, heavy erotic sex. That Drake may be staid on the outside but in bed he's something else :) In between bouts of sex they talk, though he's very closed about why he's there, and they both start to look at the lives they lead. Is staying on the island the rest of her life what Paige really wants? She's always thought so, lost her fiancé as she wouldn't move, but talking to Drake she wonders if maybe its just that she's settled, reading books about other people travelling, having adventures, finding romance, as a substitute for what she really wants to do but daren't take the plunge. She loves the island but maybe she could spread her wings a bit too. Then there's Drake, dragged himself up from very poor childhood to rich businessman, but on the way has he lost sight of what life means? Talking to Paige about his travels he realises that although he's been to many paradise places, all he's seen of them is the inside of a hotel room...They both need to do some inner searching. Things conspire to force Drake to stay longer on the island, and the purpose of his visit comes out. From then on its Islanders against Drake, and just when he and Paige were finding out how good they were together. Can they get past that when they are so diametrically opposed.
Its a shortish read at just 123 ( goodreads info) pages but its well put together and is a fun way to lose some time on a paradise island.
Stars: Four, enjoyable read but not one I’d re read.
ARC supplied by Netgalley










Profile Image for Jules The Book Junkie Reviews.
1,613 reviews96 followers
April 17, 2014
Kissing Drake by Jenna Dales is a short book that would be good for an afternoon at the beach/pool. The descriptions are perfect for giving the reader a clear picture of the small community on Quaylo Island. The main characters are developed, and in such a short book, I would not expect the secondary characters to be developed much, and they are only minimally developed.


The main characters spend much of the book engaged in graphic sex. I found the promiscuous bookstore owner who was looking for one-night stands from the summer tourists to be distasteful. Beyond the sex, the plot was fairly predictable. About half-way through the book, the main characters' view on what satisfies them in their lives seems to change, however, there is no obvious event that leads to this epiphany. A classic HEA ending.

Profile Image for Jeraca.
2,717 reviews31 followers
June 29, 2021
I received this free eARC novel from NetGalley. This is my honest review.

This was a quick novel. I wasn't able to connect with either of the characters, and I thought everything was rushed and awkward, to be honest. I liked that Paige went after what she wanted, but she was hiding even too herself her true wants. And Drake was pretty much a jerk through most of the book.

So this was an okay story for me, but I am glad I got the chance to read it.
Profile Image for Christina.
1,458 reviews101 followers
October 21, 2014
Complimentary copy provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

Paige is the owner of a quaint bookstore on Quaylo Island, a small island off the coast of Oregon. She lives alone, just a couple of years out from possibly reaching the status of spinster as it is just her and her cat Clyde. One blustery day though, Drake Dorsey blows into her life.

Drake Dorsey is a venture capitalist visiting the island, sizing it up for a client who may want to purchase it in order to develop it as a tourist destination. While there are a few tourist activities, the island remains largely untapped as a destination vacation. When Drake makes the acquaintance of the slightly mousy Paige, he begins to pick up on her not-so-subtle flirting. Paige has a habit of picking up on some of the male tourists that make their way into her shop. It helps to fulfill her needs, with no strings attached. She’s been burned with relationships before, with promises of returning, and she is unwilling to put her heart on the line.

When it turns out the storm is worse than anticipated and Drake has no way to leave the island, he ends up spending the night with Paige, and they finally get together. Needless to say, it is hot and steamy! However once Paige finds out the real reason Drake is on the island, things cool off quickly. Unfortunately in their time together they have an attraction to each other that goes beyond simply physical. When it is time for Drake to leave, will Paige be able to let go? Can she follow her dreams in some place away from Quaylo Island, the only home she has ever known?

Kissing Drake was a quick, light romance with just the right amount of heat. The relationship and sexual tension between Paige and Drake is palpable and the characters are well developed. The ending is a little predictable, but this was a fun read all around. This is a good solid four stars and I look forward to learning more about the Butterfly Girls of Quaylo Island, Paige’s friends, Opal and Amaya.

Profile Image for Elizabeth.
16 reviews
April 9, 2014
I liked it!! I really liked it!

This is the story of Drake, a stuck in the mud, single-minded male who doesn't know how to have fun. That is until he meets Paige. Paige is also a stuck in the mud, single-minded female who reads about romantic fantasies but has never live out one for herself.

Drake is mysterious about why he is on the island. Paige flirts with him outrageously. For some reason these opposites attract, quickly! She seduces him and he falls into her - no promises just for the night. Then in the morning Paige figures out why he is really on the island. At that point a silent war is declared by Paige.

Don't want to give any spoilers. What comes next is the seduction of Paige and Drake. Drake fights against his attraction but it doesn't work and Paige fights changing the status quo that has become her life. Will either one of them realize that they are losing the battle?

This is the first book of the Butterfly Girls. I am so intrigued about who is next and also who the mystery person is. I thought it was one person (no spoilers!) but it wasn't. So who is the next Butterfly Girl? I guess I have to wait for the next book to find out. I think Amaya. I am purposely writing this review before I click to the info on the next book. I love the surprise!

For the technical booky stuff. Ms. Dales weaves a great story about two lost souls who really don't know they are lost. When it starts out you might think things move too fast but this is a sensual short novel. We don't have 300 pages to see how this would all play out. I wish it could have been longer just because I loved the hero and heroine.

Although I was given a complimentary copy of this book for an honest review I would actually have paid to read this! Ms. Dales has a great future in romance!
Profile Image for Solmarie.
295 reviews7 followers
May 22, 2014
I received a copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

Paige Owens is a business owner on Quaylo Island, also known as Butterfly Island. It is a small quaint community where she runs her own bookstore. She was born and raised on the island and likes things just as they are. Paige lives her life day to day reading her books and letting her imagination run wild. When Drake Dorsey saves her sign during a rain storm she thinks she hit the jack pot. What's a one night stand with a handsome, sexy man she'll never see again?

Drake is a venture capitalist with an agenda. He is a numbers man. They make sense to him while most other things in life just make him feel stupid. He has a plan and lives by it minute to minute. He's not quite sure what to make of Paige when he first meets her but sees no reason why he shouldn't take her up on her offer.

The more these two get to know about each other the more there attraction heats up. Even if they still see each other as combatants where Quaylo Island is considered.

I liked Paige's quirkiness. She was sweet and caring but still had one heck of a backbone. She wasn't afraid to go after what she wanted. Drake was confusing. He seemed like an efficient businessman but as I learned more about him it seemed like he was still trying to find himself in other ways. He made numbers his entire life and forgot to actually live it.

I was happy to see this wasn't an instant love match. They really had to work at it. It was a sweet romance story.


Profile Image for Kate Dirty Girls' Good Books.
230 reviews8 followers
April 12, 2014
Kissing Drake (Butterfly Girls #1) by Jenna Dales
C-, inferno, mild kink, contemporary, 123 pages

Paige owns a small bookshop on an island. She's happy and content with her life, has no desire for things to change...except for maybe adding a man to spice things up. Enter Drake, dressed in a business suit and stranded by a storm.

Unfortunately I was never able to get to the point where I actually liked Paige. From page one she comes across as a horny book owner who is so hard up for sex that she will basically go after anything male. Her calculation in her approach with Drake left me with an icky feeling. It's definitely meant to be a one time only kind of deal, but we all know it very rarely works out that way (in romances anyway), but it still just felt a little gross for me.

In the second part of the book, Paige is a different person. A completely different person. One I found I could like much more, but it just felt like such a sudden change from horny and contented Paige to wistful and wanting-to-wander Paige.
One of the Paiges felt out of character, I'm just not sure which one.

Drake didn't impress me much, one way or the other. I can't decide if I wanted him to be more upfront and honest with his supposed-to-be-a-one-night-stand or if I just wanted him to be more sure of himself in general.

This one is probably worth checking out if you like small town romance with people working on their issues (alone, not really together). It just didn't work for me.
Profile Image for Sandy.
571 reviews
September 3, 2016
Paige Owens owns a bookstore on Quaylo Island, off the coast of Oregon. She has lived there her entire life, and has no desire to leave. Drake Dorsey is a venture capitalist, there to investigate and evaluate the island for an investment opportunity. He takes shelter in Paige's bookstore during a rain storm and they find ways to pass the time and get to know each other. It is supposed to be an hour long fling. That is all the time this focused and intent businessman has to devote to "play" time. That's fine with Paige. He is hot and available. What more could you ask for to pass some time during a storm? She has given up on relationships, and short flings are all she allows herself these days. Free spirited Paige is not like any of Drake's previous hook-ups. She is fun, relaxed and happy in her own skin. He finds himself drawn to her in ways he's not accustomed to. She's like a magnet, drawing him back to her. What does that mean?

The book explores the blossoming relationship of Drake and Paige. It was a fun read, and held my attention throughout. I loved passing an afternoon with these two characters. I can't wait to read more of Jenna Dales books. This is my second, and I have added her to my favorite authors list.

*ARC received from NetGALLEY and the publisher for an honest review.
4,173 reviews21 followers
April 21, 2014
Jenna Dales is a new author for me but I really liked Kissing Drake. I found her writing style quite well written with a character driven plot. Paige and Drake are two main characters that seem so very different. As they discover each other in their “fling”, they find they must rediscover themselves. This common theme of free spirit verses uptight business is somewhat predictable. However, the fact that it’s outcome is predictable really doesn’t matter since the author has written it in such an enjoyable way. I was absorbed with the ride along the way to the conclusion that was bound to happen. In fact, I would have been disappointed if it had ended any other way. Characters are authentic and likeable on beautiful Quaylo Island. I look forward to more stories from the island now. I’m wondering what Paige’s friends and neighbors will be up to.

Copy provided by NetGalley for an honest review.
Profile Image for Caroline F.
2,408 reviews52 followers
February 11, 2015
Forget sensual - this book was downright hot!

Paige is quirky, intelligent, passionate and caring. She lives on an island, runs a bookshop, owns a cat - she's just ticking over, hoping that one day her prince will come.

Drake is buttoned up, driven and focused on work more than play. He never has time for vacation or proper dating - he even has his PA sifting through his online dating possibilities! He's arrived on the island for a one-day trip to suss it out for a mystery client as a potential investment opportunity.

The two of them hook up for a 'one-hour stand', which turns into something more.

I really enjoyed this novel. The chemistry was great between the characters, dialogue was snappy, and even though it was pretty erotic, there was a splash of old-fashioned (mainly due to the island setting). I'll definitely be reading more in this series.
Profile Image for Heather andrews.
9,520 reviews162 followers
April 3, 2014
Paige doesn't like it when Drake doesn't move fast enough, "do I need to get a BOB? We'll see who's quicker: me popping in his batteries, or you popping me." Drake he's well the boy has no damn people skills, "she put her hands on her hips. "This isn't some strip joint where you pay for your meat and beat. Put it away." He paused, realizing he'd insulted her. Sh**. Not meeting her gaze, he shoved the money back into his wallet and stuck his wallet back into his pocket." I loved Paige and Drake and I loved their relationship, "oh, you're up." Her gaze wandered down past Clyde to the hard evidence of how up he was. "Oh," she said again. He waited for a reaction, but her expression stayed perfectly bland. "There's coffee, if you want it." I think this will be a series that I have to read.
Profile Image for Mariel Hoss.
689 reviews6 followers
May 5, 2014
***ARC from NetGalley in Exchange for an honest review***

I guess the beginning of this novella kind of put me off to start with and I never really recovered. The way Paige and Drake went at it with very minimal initial interaction (can you say serial killer?) made me cringe. And it felt like they made the jump from lust to love in such an abbreviated time frame that I did wander about their motives and motivation. I could not relate to either main character plus the rest of the cast felt very thrown in.
Profile Image for Phoenix.
545 reviews10 followers
April 24, 2014
Overall, I liked the main characters, but I didn't really get into the plot until about 70% into the book. The plot felt like it was dragging and the characters were so filled with self-doubt that it made it hard to concentrate on liking them together but towards the end I found myself relaxing and really feeling the connection between the characters once they seemed to find more equal footing.
Profile Image for Connie.
1,125 reviews28 followers
April 22, 2014
Received Arc courtesy of Netgalley for an honest review.

This was a fun, sexy read where polar opposites are attracted to each other & have a fling. The storyline was light & entertaining, the kind that puts a smile on your face. The storyline shows how the characters struggle internally & have self-discovery. Enjoyable book, would recommend.
Profile Image for Samantha.
2,696 reviews21 followers
July 1, 2014
I finally got around to reading this and I have to say it was a nice read. It wasn't a 5 star read to me but it was good. Drake is a single minded determined all about work guy.

Paige is a business owner and loves her island. Together they balance each other out. I did enjoy reading this book and can't wait for the others.
Profile Image for Stacy.
417 reviews7 followers
November 5, 2014
This book was a quick read. The story seemed very rushed and I would love to have more character development. The sex scenes were steamy but I am not sure the true plot was developed as well as most readers would like. I liked the female leads strength and willingness to go for what she wants; it just really seemed like the story went too fast.
Profile Image for Karen.
5,385 reviews74 followers
April 5, 2014
A very fun book with well developed characters on a small tourist island. It has lots of hot romance and the HEA for the two unlikely but loving people who meet in a storm. They need each other. Read the book.
Profile Image for Jessie.
1,123 reviews19 followers
May 25, 2014
Great book! I'm a big fan of Jessa Slade's work and I was thrilled that she is exploring a new genre under a new name. It has all her signature elements; great writing, developed characters and a full story!
Profile Image for Maria .
2,492 reviews23 followers
July 21, 2014
Too short. Drake is a business man who is all about the numbers and has forgotten how to live life. He goes to Butterfly Island and meets Paige who is a bookstore owner on the island. These opposites attract. Paige goes after what she wants and that is great. This was a good short read.
Profile Image for Delilah Marvelle.
Author 38 books522 followers
March 29, 2014
I got to read this before it officially hits shelves and feel so dang special because this was so much fun!!! Can't WAIT for the next Butterfly Girls book!!
Profile Image for Kylie C.
112 reviews
April 7, 2014
Rec'd ARC for review.

Paige owns a bookstore on quiet little island.

Drake, uptight businessman visiting town to possibly invest.

Storms hits and he is stranded overnight.....

Nice quick read.
Profile Image for Yvette89.
3,061 reviews45 followers
May 8, 2014
Just ok for me. The writing was good but the story didn't grab me. I didn't connect with either character. Received Arc courtesy of Netgalley. The Hot Rod series is a better read to me.
Profile Image for Joey Berube.
242 reviews3 followers
June 25, 2014
This was a fun, quick, and steamy read. I love the witty banter between Drake & Paige, the dialogue & innuendos were a lot of fun. I am very excited for the next book in the series.
Profile Image for Liz.
2,372 reviews46 followers
October 15, 2015
An uptight businessman visits a strange little island on business and meets an enchanting shop owner.
Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews

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