C2’s review of First Time at Firelight Falls (Hellcat Canyon, Book 4) by Julie Anne Long
Contemporary Romance published by Avon 29 May 18
Here I am again, Faithful Reader! Don’t get too used to seeing me around, please…keep those expectations low. We’ve gathered here today to discuss Julie Anne Long’s latest contemporary release, The First Time at Firelight Falls. Interested in my thoughts?? Follow me!
This time around when we return to Hellcat Canyon, we follow Eden Harwood, local florist and single mom, on her way to a happily ever after. Eden never discusses who her daughter’s, Annelise, father is. Some may have their suspicions, but it never is brought up. And she and Annelise have a full, busy (sometimes too busy) life. So getting called to Principal Gabe Caldera’s office is not on Eden’s plan for the day. And finding out her daughter was in a fight with a fellow student because of comments about her mystery dad? Not cool.
Gabe Caldera – former SEAL, current elementary school principal – has a lot on his plate. Dealing with parents, school board members, budgets, the local veterans’ group and more keeps him plenty busy…but not too busy to notice Eden Harwood.
Although the path from SEAL to elementary principal seems unusual, Gabe seemed completely realistic. Not too perfect, not too over-the-top…just normal. And Eden also seemed like a believable single mom (but what do I know…I got no kids, TYSVM). And I say it’s nice to have a book populated by regular folk. Ms. Long proves characters can be interesting without being extreme. Yay! Regular people need romance too! I also appreciate that, although there is drama, it’s not DRAMA and the resolution is nicely done…not tied-up-in-a-bow neat but not something that makes you wonder if they will suffer the rest of their lives. You get me, right, Faithful Reader?
This is a lovely, quiet read – but don’t think I mean boring, please. Just nice…like a Hallmark movie (except with sex). Heh. It might be my favorite of the series so far. Huzzah!
Does this book stand alone? I’m gonna say you should read her sister’s book (Avalon), if you want some background on the family. Also, I should mention I am intrigued by the brothers! O sequel bait, how I love thee!
Grade: B
Summary:
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.
Read an excerpt.
Other books in the series:
