USA Today Bestselling author Claudia Burgoa brings you an emotional and inspirational story that will tug on your heartstrings. The first time I met Oliver Tanner he was five years old. I was four. That day he was entrusted to my keep.He was as large and loud as a church mouse. That day I taught him how fireflies were magic with the persistence of a person. That’s what I loved about them. No … person.
That’s what I loved about them.
No matter how far they strayed,
they remembered where they came from and who their family was.
After high school, he joined the army and left Knox Ridge.
Years later, the town had changed.
My dreams were shattered.
We had nothing left.
I had forgotten all about the magic of the fireflies.
Until he came back to town.
Everything about him was comforting.
He brought some light to my darkness,
But I knew the light could only last for so long.
Fireflies only stay for the summer.
He had outgrown our small town.
It was time for me to stop chasing fireflies.
Don’t miss out on this stunning, second-chance friends to lovers romance.
This full-length novel was originally published in the Cards of Love collection as a novella. It has been revised with additional scenes.
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Kaitlynn met Oliver when they was very young. Since his mom was a widower, she worked a lot and Kaitlynn’s family let him spend time with them. Over the years, Oliver became her best friend. They did everything together but one day he almost kissed her and that changed everything. They lose touch as adults but when they both come home can they have their second chance?
Kaitlynn has always taken care of others, putting aside her own wants & desires. Even as a child she protected her best friend Oliver from bullies. This story goes through their lives as children to adulthood, dealing with unexpected uncertainties, doubts, & hidden feelings. It’s an emotional read with two old friends trying to find the connection they once had. Ollie has to finally come to terms with his true feelings with his Kit Kat & to prove to her he’s not going to let her down again. Another great read from this author!
I loved reading Oliver and Kaitlynn’s story when it was published in the Cards of Love collection in the novella Knight of Wands, but in this full length story, we learn more of who they were before we met them, what happened to them, the years in between and so much more of their story once they meet again. Chasing Fireflies by Claudia Y. Burgoa was such a sweet and charming second chance romance with all the best feels.
When Oliver and Kaitlyn met, they became the bests of friends who were always their for each other. But as they grew, things began to change. Could they risk what they have for what might be? Now years later, Oliver and Kaitlynn are back home and struggling to find their new normal. This time around, Oliver was confident, strong and determined. Kaitlyn was struggling between what she wanted and could do. She was strong and smart, but life had not been easy.
I loved the additional letters between them we get and seeing how their relationship changed through the years. Their connection was undeniable, but the journey is not always an easy one. But learning to let others in may be just what you need! What a charming and sweet read!
Read and reviewed for Sultry Sirens Book Blog.
Happy reading!
Chasing Fireflies by Claudia Y. Burgoa was a pretty good story it has young love, young heartbreak and a family tragedy. This is a story of a friendship between Ollie and Kit Kat and how their lives will go thought many changes, some good, some not so good and some disappointing moments. I really enjoyed these characters, but they have some shortcomings that will have you saying what were they thinking. Overall a great story with some twists that will have you turning the pages to see what waits them around the next corner. I voluntarily reviewed an advance reader copy of this book.
I grew up in a small town, so this story resonates with me in so many ways. It brings back all of the feelings of my youth. Days and evenings spent playing outside catching bugs and hanging out with your best friends, riding bikes and having little picnics. These are all things that you really don’t appreciate in your youth, especially for those of us just wanting to get out of our small town and into the big world. That is what happened with Kaitlynn and Oliver. They met when they were little kids and Oliver and his mom moved in next door. It was from that point that the two were pretty much inseparable. Even though Oliver was a year older, Kaitlynn protected him fiercely from the school bullies who picked on him because he was a poor kid of a single parent. Kaitlynn and Oliver became aware that they were attracted to each other in high school, but they both kept it secret for fear that the other didn’t feel the same. Things kind of went down hill from there went they both went in different directions. They both tried to stay in touch over the years, but eventually lost touch. Fast forward twelve years or so, and both of them have returned to the tiny town of Knox Ridge for different reasons. The feelings are still there, but they are mixed with a lot of pain and disappointment. Can the two of them get past all of the heartache and misunderstanding of the past in order to recapture the magic of their youth and the fireflies? This story really touched my heart. It is magical and a little tragic. Definitely one of my favorites this year! Read it! You will love it!!!
I loved this story when it was first released as Knight of Wands, but I love it even more in this new extended version!
“Fireflies knew how to call each other back home.”
Oliver and Kaitlynn have been best friends since childhood, but Ollie became her sister’s boyfriend. When Ollie joined the army, they became pen-pals. They poured their hearts out to each other.
Twelve years later, there’s been radio silence between them for a number of years. Ollie has retired from the army and is back in town, and finds Kaitlynn there – running her late parents’ restaurant and not following her dreams.
“All my attention is hers, and I can’t tame the instant arousal. It’s like fire cascading through my body.”
Ollie is stunned by his visceral reaction to his best friend, his KitKat. Unfortunately, she’s overworked, disillusioned, and determined to keep him at arm’s length. However, there’s nowhere else he’d rather be.
“There’s this pull between us, this feeling. I can’t describe it, but we’ve been this way since we were kids.”
Kaitlynn poured her heart out to Ollie once, but to no avail. She can’t rely on anyone but herself, and she can’t trust anyone who doesn’t plan to stick around. Ollie’s got his work cut out for him convincing her otherwise.
I loved Ollie and Kit Kat’s story! Over the years, their history and true feelings are slowly revealed bit by bit through their letters. Ollie is gorgeous! He let his fear and his family legacy guide his actions when he was younger, but now that he’s seen something of the world, he realises that it’s always been missing one thing. He’s a real knight to Kaitlynn’s rescue. Unfortunately, her loneliness and burdens have him working hard for her love and trust. She’s had it tough for so many years that she finds it hard to trust in something that feels too good to be true. I found them two really deserving people and I was rooting for their HEA all the way.
This story was so beautiful. It was heartwarming, heartbreaking, and life-affirming! It had all the feels!!
Claudia Burgoa is making me fall in love a bit more with her words in each new story. Chasing Fireflies was a beautiful reading experience for me. My heart bleeds for the lovers and at the same time this story gave me a blissful state of heartwarming emotions. It is worthy of every single stars.
Oliver and Kaitlyn are one of those epic couples. Who will haunt you in your dreams and memories. Who will make you smile and shed tears each time you remember them with certain kind of fondness. Set in the small town of Knox Ridge, this story deals with every intense human emotion possible. And that too in a fantastic manner. Two kids who become best friends and then one breaks the heart of another and then they are separated by decades. And now Oliver is back in Knox Ridge after Military service where nothing changes. The people, the streets, the houses. Except his best friend Kaitlyn. Who is a shell of her former cheery, hopeful and bright self. She is broken, destroyed, exhausted, hopeless and lost all confidence along with her dream and loved ones. Will she let Oliver in? Can Oliver mend the bridge that he burnt ages back?
This is an extremely emotional story. I could literally feel Kaitlyn’s pain pulling me down in the hell. My heart was in so much distress to feel all her burden and negativity. And the evolution of the character was brilliant. The story spreads across years. So you can see the little Oliver with anger, guilt, shame and resentment getting transformed by the love of Kaitlyn’s family. Oh he can be a stupid alright. But when he decided he wants Kaitlyn and to protect her, that was just brilliant. His gestures, his attention to her needs, his stubbornness in face of her constant denial, his capacity to give back what he had- everything made him a great guy. The emotional connection was something else. So precious, so brittle, so vulnerable and so perfect. I could feel the tears running from my eyes or the smile of relief when they found their HEA.
Chasing Fireflies by Claudia Burgoa was a touching and inspiring story of love and friendship. The writing was incredible. Oliver and Kaitlyn won my heart instantly and I will have a difficult time letting them go. Ever. A must read if you want a meaningful, heartbreaking, swoonworthy and unforgettable love story.
Received ARC for Honest review
If you have been following my reviews you will know I am a fan of Claudia Burgoa’s, her writing has a way of pulling several different emotions out of me whether it’s tears or laughter or just a grunt of frustration, she definitely knows how to invoke a response, and this story had me all over the place.
The beginning of this story shows us how close Oliver and Kaitlynn were when they were kids. Oliver and his mother moved into the house next door when he was five and Kaitlynn was four, it was the cutest thing seeing them out in the backyard catching fireflies and then watching them grow closer over the years. Then when Oliver went into the military the story was told through a series of letters back and forth between the two of them and it let you into their world with the little snip-its of their lives at that time, Oliver’s while he was in Iraq and Kaitlynn’s while she was in college and then perusing her dreams afterwards…until they just stopped. The chemistry was spot on and honestly with heat like that I didn’t understand why Oliver was with Kelsey at all…she was her own brand of crazy that he didn’t deserve, he and Kaitlynn should have always been together.
I loved Oliver, he has returned home after serving his country for twelve years and is at a loss as to what to do next with his life so he is going to take time and fix up his mothers house while he figures things out. One thing he didn’t figure into his equation was running into his best friend Kaitlynn whom he hasn’t heard from in a few years.
This story is one of friendship, love, and survival, it is beautifully written and grabs you from the very beginning. Watching two young friends grow up and develop feelings for one another that finally comes to fruition is just wonderful, and the chemistry is so strong you can feel it before they do! This is an easy book to recommend to readers of romance.
Happy Reading!!!
Chasing Fireflies by Claudia Burgoa is one of my favorite books she has written. This coming of age romance spans over twenty years of family, friends, life, and love. It captures the complete untainted innocent hearts of children to the jaded, weary hearts after life has reared it’s ugly side. Through it all the the strength of family and friendship is the glue that holds Kaitlyn Blythe and Oliver Tanner together. Their story begins at the precious age of four and five, when popsicles on lazy summer days and chasing fireflies are the most important things to do in Knox Ridge, GA.
Small towns like Knox Ridge hold more than southern charm, they hold a history of generations of families and friends sharing their lives with one another. These towns hold their secrets close to heart but share their generous souls with generations. Knox Ridge is the heartbeat for generations of Blythes and Tanners.
Kaitlynn and Ollie have known each other all of their lives. They became friends when Ollie’s mother moved in next door to the Blythe family home. The moment they met they were destined to share their lives. From the childhood innocence to the angsty teenagers, both Kaitlynn and Ollie grew up depending on one another until Kaitlynn’s sister stepped in and changed it all. It sent them both in directions in life, away from Knox Ridge. It will take years for them both to find their way home and back to one another. Good things are worth waiting for and the magic in chasing fireflies is still there. Kaitlynn and Ollie both need that special magic to soother their weary souls. They need each other.
Without saying too much more about the content of the book I will say that this book was alsolutely magical. Ollie and Kaitlynn came to life and jumped off the pages. Their magical fireflies illuminated their story and made their lives special.
“Fireflies knew how to call each other back home”
Read Chasing Fireflies by Claudia Burgoa!
Kaitlyn and Oliver were best friends when they were children and over time Kaitlyn’s feelings became much deeper however he was interested in her sister. When he was 18 he decided to pursue a career in the military, but he looked forward to the letters he received from Kaitlyn until they stopped coming.
After the death of her parents Kaitlyn had to put her dreams on hold to manage the restaurant that her parent’s owned but she is struggling under the burden she is carrying with no support. Twelve years later Oliver returns home and when he reconnects with Kaitlynn he wants he realizes that she is all he ever wanted but will he be able to convince her?
I liked both these characters as Oliver is determined to show Kaitlyn that they belong together however after being hurt in the past she is cautious. Their connection goes far behind the physical however they will need to work for their second chance.
I fell in Love with Oliver and Kaitlynn when they first appeared in Knight of Wands, as part of the Cards of Love series. Their story was so beautiful and I am so, so happy that Burgoa gave us more of their heartfelt friends to lovers romance!
Oliver and Kaitlynn have been best friends from the moment Oliver and his mom moved in next door when he was 5 years old. They bonded over the magic of fireflies, laughter, and the desire to make each other happy. Oliver was young and made some foolish decisions but Kaitlynn stuck with him through it all, even when he joined the service. They tried to stay close, but time and miscommunication caused them to lose touch. Now Oliver is home and when he sees Kaitlynn, he can’t remember why he stayed away so long. Kaitlynn has suffered not only the loss of her parents but also her dreams. She is kind and selfless, but working so hard to keep her parents dream alive has made her tired and disenchanted. Oliver sees his chance to help her realize all her dreams, rebuild her trust in him, and to finally make her his. Now he just needs to convince her to give him a chance. Oliver was so charming, and kind, but his new found confidence and passion is so swoon worthy! I loved discovering the depth of their history and connection in the letters they wrote each other. It made me care even more for them and cheer for their HEA! I loved this beautiful, heartfelt, and sexy story that captured my imagination and my heart!
** spoiler alert **
This one didn’t jive with me. I think it has to do with my inability to forgive fictional characters.
I really didn’t believe that Oliver loved Kaitlynn. His actions and decisions never struck me as someone in love. In fact, the more I type here, the more annoyed I am with him. He broke Kaitlynn’s heart and he didn’t deserve her. SPOILER HERE, but how do you date the sister of the girl you’re in love with? Do you not realize how hurtful that would be? That’s not something that is easily forgotten.
And Kaitlynn? I’m mostly disappointed with her that she seemed unable to move forward. She seemed like a doormat – too passive to stand up for herself.
And that’s not the kind of characters I like. So not a winner for me.
Chasing Fireflies is such a beautiful and emotional friends to lovers/ small town/ military romance. It’s an extended version of Oliver and Kaitlynn’s story from the Cards Of Love: Knights Of Wands book and I was beyond thrilled that Ms. Burgoa went into more detail and gave us so much more of these wonderful characters.
Oliver and Kaitlynn’s love story gave me all the feels and of course, Ms. Burgoa just couldn’t write a story without some heartbreak and angst. However, it was well worth it as she always finds a way to make me whole again and warm my heart with a touching story. I thoroughly enjoyed reading how Oliver and Kaitlynn met as children and how their bond developed over the years. To me, that was very crucial and set the tone for their future relationship. I’m a sucker for characters who have deep and meaningful bonds with their parents and grandparents and I loved that about Oliver and Kaitlynn. Their journey certainly wasn’t an easy one as they suffered trials and tribulations throughout their lives and I shed a lot of tears for the both of them.
Chasing Fireflies managed to capture my soul with an amazing, flawless, hopeful and consistent storyline. It was filled with so much depth with sexy, tender moments and utterly swoon worthy characters. I found myself craving more and more of this book and I honestly didn’t want to let it go. It’s smooth perfection and I encourage readers to take a chance on it as you will not be disappointed.
This story was originally published as a novella in the Cards of Love: Knight of Wands. Now it has been enhanced into a full novel and it is wonderful! We get the full story of Ollie and Kaitlyn and their wonderful families and friends in the magical town of Knox Ridge.
Ollie and his mom Josey moved next door to Kaitlyn (his Kit Kat) when he was 5 and she was 4. They became best friends and practically family. They spent every free moment together, catching fireflies and playing under the hot Georgia sun with the cicadas serenading them.
Spending vacation every year on Tybee Island and working side by side at Blythe’s restaurant. She was his little firefly. They were inseparable until Ollie’s senior year of HS when he suddenly started dating the mean girl and practically ignored Kit Kat. After graduation he joined the Army and didn’t come home for 12 years.
When he returns home, he finds a very different Kaitlyn running her parent’s struggling restaurant. Her dreams are gone like the light in her eyes. He plans to just stop by, take care of business and leave, but the connection is still there. Strong as it was. Trouble is, his firefly doesn’t trust anymore and is so tired of struggling on her own. She is ready to give up. Can he teach her to believe in the magic of fireflies again?
This is a wonderful second chance romance that will melt your hearts. Claudia did an amazing job and I know you’re going to love it as much as I did!
I absolutely loved this book! It made me feel warm and cozy and a part of the Knox Ridge small-town community. This story wrapped its sweet, loving arms around me like a cozy blanket and made my heart glow. The friendship and loyalty that happens between Ollie and Kaitlynn are so genuine and charming. This book invites you to watch as they grow and mature together. I wish this book could be made into a movie. It would make the sweetest, heartbreaking love story. I would give this book ten stars. it was just perfect. I recommend any romantic at heart read this treasure.
Chasing Fireflies is a reworked story first published as Knight of Wands in the Cards of Love series. Scenes were added to include the childhood of the main characters and the evolution of their relationship. There are two main parts covering the main childhoods of the main characters and the time after Oliver’s discharge from the military. Each is evenly paced, making for a quick and enjoyable read.
The story is about Oliver Tanner and Kaitlyn Blythe and is a small town, second chance, friend to lovers mix with a touch of military thrown in there. Oliver returns to his hometown after 12 years of military service. He needs to figure out what he wants to do with his life but in the process, he finds his childhood best friend has lost her way and her family business is in trouble.
Can Oliver find his place in the civilian world and help Kaitlyn save herself and her family legacy? Can he earn back Kaitlyn’s trust? Will Kaitlyn sell out and chase freedom? Will she succumb to the perils of what I call Bitter Bitch Syndrome or will Kaitlyn find light at the end of her tunnel? Will Kelsey stop being a romance novel stereotype? Will Knox Ridge prove itself to be the town Kaitlyn felt it when she was a child? Like, I would tell you. Go read it!
***Dear Bookbub, why do you hate paragraph indention?
The cover was beautiful and really drew me in. The story begins when they are children and progresses as they grow up. The H and h were best friends. The h has a sister that is portrayed as a “mean girl”. I really hoped the book wasn’t going the way I thought but unfortunately it **Possible spoiler.** One of my biggest peeves in a romance is when the H has had a previous relationship with the h’s sister before they get together. In this case, they are actually still good friends when the H begins a year long relationship the sister (and he makes a conscious decision to CHOOSE the sister over her after almost kissing the h). Is the H so clueless he doesn’t think having a relationship with the sister is hurtful to the h? Really? If he truly cared for her as much as he claimed it’s not something he would even have considered. Pretty sure there were other girls in the town he could date instead. At 75% of the book, the main couple are still not together. The H has been off doing his own thing and the h has been basically existing, mostly sad and miserable. Wasn’t sure what to think when the H spent so much time with her family growing up, yet he never acknowledged her parents death? Although I felt an attachment between the H and h in the beginning of the book, by the end I didn’t feel any connection. I didn’t see how a guy who thought only about himself was suddenly thoughtful and felt passionate about the h. I wanted to like him, but he never grew on me.