Scan barcode
cassandra67b07's review against another edition
4.0
I'm not generally into the small town book, but this was charming and surprisingly moving. It's nice to see grownups dealing with grownup problems without the manufactured misunderstandings. I still like Long's historicals better but this was a good read.
kbranfield's review against another edition
4.0
The First Time at Firelight Falls by Julie Long is a sassy romance that is brimming with humor and playful verbal sparring. This fourth installment in the Hellcat Canyon series can easily be read as a standalone.
Principal Gabe Caldera has a huge crush on single mom Eden Harwood whose ten year daughter Anneliese's precocious antics are the reason they are currently meeting in his office. He has noticed the vibrant and lively woman on numerous occasions and he becomes more smitten with her at every encounter. Eden is not unaware of the smoldering, sexy former Navy SEAL but she does not have enough hours in her busy schedule to breathe let alone date. However, she is delighted and charmed by Gabe's flirtatious banter and both of them are soon going out of their way to cross paths with each other whenever possible. Their flirty repartee soon leads to passion filled romps but just as they are about to take their stolen moments to the next level, Eden's distant past crashes headlong into her present and Gabe is uncertain where he fits into her life.
When Eden's one night stand resulted in an unexpected pregnancy ten years earlier, she returned to Hellcat Canyon to make a life for herself and her unborn child. Her extended family is a huge help as she juggles the demands of motherhood and running her flower shop. Eden has completely and utterly devoted herself to making sure Anneliese has a safe, secure, and well-ordered life. Until meeting Gabe, she has not missed dating but their humor-filled discussions quickly wake her slumbering libido. Despite a few reservations, Eden is ready to see where their unexpected relationship might lead.
Gabe is insightful, clever and his astute observations serve him well in his much loved career as a principal. He adroitly balances his busy life but he has very little downtime. He has secretly admired Eden for quite some time and now actively seeking her out, Gabe engages her in provocative discussions that end with well designed cliffhangers to stimulate her curiosity.
With their interrupted conversations constantly on her mind, Eden eagerly anticipates seeing Gabe and their interactions soon lead to some very steamy make out sessions. Unable to resist their sizzling hot attraction for one another, they are soon stealing every spare minute they find to indulge in some very hot lovemaking. Gabe finally convinces Eden to give him a chance but a shocking complication quickly derails their budding romance since neither of them handle the unexpected situation well. When the dust finally settles, will Gabe and Eden find a way to get their relationship back on track?
The First Time at Firelight Falls is a sweet, sensual and giggle inducing small town romance. Eden and Gabe are a wonderful couple with plenty of sexual tension crackling between them. The conflict that arises between them is somewhat predictable but their issues are resolved fairly quickly. Old and new fans are sure to enjoy this fourth installment in Julie Long's delightfully charming Hellcat Canyon series.
Principal Gabe Caldera has a huge crush on single mom Eden Harwood whose ten year daughter Anneliese's precocious antics are the reason they are currently meeting in his office. He has noticed the vibrant and lively woman on numerous occasions and he becomes more smitten with her at every encounter. Eden is not unaware of the smoldering, sexy former Navy SEAL but she does not have enough hours in her busy schedule to breathe let alone date. However, she is delighted and charmed by Gabe's flirtatious banter and both of them are soon going out of their way to cross paths with each other whenever possible. Their flirty repartee soon leads to passion filled romps but just as they are about to take their stolen moments to the next level, Eden's distant past crashes headlong into her present and Gabe is uncertain where he fits into her life.
When Eden's one night stand resulted in an unexpected pregnancy ten years earlier, she returned to Hellcat Canyon to make a life for herself and her unborn child. Her extended family is a huge help as she juggles the demands of motherhood and running her flower shop. Eden has completely and utterly devoted herself to making sure Anneliese has a safe, secure, and well-ordered life. Until meeting Gabe, she has not missed dating but their humor-filled discussions quickly wake her slumbering libido. Despite a few reservations, Eden is ready to see where their unexpected relationship might lead.
Gabe is insightful, clever and his astute observations serve him well in his much loved career as a principal. He adroitly balances his busy life but he has very little downtime. He has secretly admired Eden for quite some time and now actively seeking her out, Gabe engages her in provocative discussions that end with well designed cliffhangers to stimulate her curiosity.
With their interrupted conversations constantly on her mind, Eden eagerly anticipates seeing Gabe and their interactions soon lead to some very steamy make out sessions. Unable to resist their sizzling hot attraction for one another, they are soon stealing every spare minute they find to indulge in some very hot lovemaking. Gabe finally convinces Eden to give him a chance but a shocking complication quickly derails their budding romance since neither of them handle the unexpected situation well. When the dust finally settles, will Gabe and Eden find a way to get their relationship back on track?
The First Time at Firelight Falls is a sweet, sensual and giggle inducing small town romance. Eden and Gabe are a wonderful couple with plenty of sexual tension crackling between them. The conflict that arises between them is somewhat predictable but their issues are resolved fairly quickly. Old and new fans are sure to enjoy this fourth installment in Julie Long's delightfully charming Hellcat Canyon series.
jcmbank's review against another edition
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
hijinx_abound's review against another edition
3.0
Single mom meets the new school principal/former navy seal and sparks fly.
I really liked how these two went for it. His anger over the secret of her ex was over the top but overall it was an easy read.
I really liked how these two went for it. His anger over the secret of her ex was over the top but overall it was an easy read.
megatza's review against another edition
emotional
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
A lot of things I crave in historicals - a starchy main character who's a little too perfect, a sweet romance - don't connect as much with me in contemporaries. I love JAL's writing style and character development so much, but this series is still full of tropes and character types that don't tend to be my favorites in contemporaries.
mcipher's review against another edition
4.0
I loved this one - funny and smart and sweet and full of interesting characters. A little racy at times, but not in that way that feels crammed into the story or takes away from the relationship, which seems to be the case for me with so many romance novels. I like that they were adult about their relationship, and I loved the courtship and how their stolen conversations played our. So adorable. Definitely reading more by this author and really glad I stumbled across this book.
bookishromance's review against another edition
3.0
Gabe was too cute and sexy! Though the book did get boring at times I enjoyed it overall. I loved the dynamics between the Mc and Leesy also Jasper.
taisie22's review against another edition
4.0
Having read all the previous books in this series, I've been waiting for Eden's story. An unmarried mother with a precocious daughter, Eden has kept the secret of Annaliese's father for ten years. She's too busy to date, but school principal and ex-Seal Gabe Caldera is determined to change her status.
This book is beautifully written. The romance is poignant, funny, and realistic about two busy people who are determined to investigate the spark struck in their lives. The reveal of the father was a bit predictable but also handled well, detailing the uncertainties both he and Annaliese find in this new relationship. I didn't quite get Gabe's blow-up, but it all works out to a HEA so it didn't matter. I always enjoy Ms. Long's books, and this one is excellent.
This book is beautifully written. The romance is poignant, funny, and realistic about two busy people who are determined to investigate the spark struck in their lives. The reveal of the father was a bit predictable but also handled well, detailing the uncertainties both he and Annaliese find in this new relationship. I didn't quite get Gabe's blow-up, but it all works out to a HEA so it didn't matter. I always enjoy Ms. Long's books, and this one is excellent.
lausol's review against another edition
1.0
I was bored and I couldn't connect with the characters and this gave me book seventh of Pennyroyal Green flashbacks. Also, the child was so annoying. I love children, but there's a certain amount in which they go from endearing to annoying.